2005 Honda GL1800: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering; the 2004 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The front end shakes when the motorcycle is at speeds between 35 mph and 45 mph. I feel that honda should correct this issue at no cost to the consumer, (owner).”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 honda gl1800 motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle began to jerk and lunge. A dealer was called and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed but also stated that the failure could have been contributed to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 22,000. Updated 01/09/14*lj the consumer stated the motorcycle jerked after deceleration.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2012
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 honda gold wing motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle comes equipped with a california flight conversion cobra tric. He stated that the tric brake caliper, which was bolted to the suspension unit, shattered and detached from the brake line. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under warranty. The failure mileage was 16,000 and current mileage was 17,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Email re a defect on his 2005 honda goldwing gl 1800 motorcycle, the right foot peg broke off when he stood up to dismount the bike, feels there may be a casting defect. *kb”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2008
“Honda 2005 gl 1800 overheating. On two occasions I was riding with other gl 1800s in traffic, my gl 1800 temp gauge went up to red. Did not boil over. One time I was riding in a tunnel which was about 1/4 of a mile. Temp gauge went up to red again, speed was about 45 mph. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 honda gl1800. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle began to overheat and the temperature gauge increased into the hot zone. The vehicle continues to operate. The contact stated that the vehicle idles and then returns to its normal temperature. The current mileage was 30,000 and failure mileage was 29,000. Updated 09/11/07 *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2007
“1)- steering shakes and eventually (progressively) wobbles at speeds between 35 and 45 mph on a 2005 honda goldwing gl1800 motorcycle. There are currently no known procedures to correct this problem. I happens every time. As it gets worse, it can lead to possible loss of control leading to injury or death. This issue is a known issue with this motorcycle. 2)- brakes 'chatter' or rattle at times when applying pressure to stop. *nm”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at 45 mph, the front end of the bike vibrates badly, shaking the handle bars which interferes with the ability to control the bike. The vibration has been an issue since the bike was purchased. The service dealer stated the vibration was common and replacing the tires could help. The tires were replaced however the vibration continued. Another dealer stated the front handle bars needed to be torqued down. The manufacturer will be alerted.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2006
“All honda goldwing motorcycles manufactured since 2001 (new model - gl1800) have been manufactured with defective steering head bearings that result in a progressively worsening low speed (40 mph and below) front wheel wobble under deceleration. The problem can be, and is currently being, repaired with alternate tapered bearings, at a cost to owners of about $225.00, parts and labor. Honda refuses to issue a recall or repair this dangerous defect under warranty. The wobble problem is endemic, and is routinely discussed in the goldwing road riders association (gwrra) monthly magazine and elsewhere. *nm”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated the coolant recovery tank which does not have a protective shield, was leaking fluid onto the rear tire. The motorcycle was seen by a dealer and it was determined road debris cracked the coolant tank and the tank needed to be replaced.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A and 2013-2015 GL1800B motorcycles. The rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.
KURYAKYN IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MOUNTS, PART NUMBER 607005, SOLD AND INSTALLED FOR USE ON 2001-2012 HONDA GL 1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLES. THIS MOUNT WAS SOLD ON KURYAKYN 'TRANSFORMER' PASSENGER FLOORBOARD SETS, PART NUMBER 7005 FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, TO PRESENT. THE FLOORBOARD MOUNT MAY CRACK AND BREAK FREE FROM THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT SECURE THE MOUNT TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy: KURYAKYN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPLACEMENT MOUNT KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KURYAKYN AT 1-866-296-4728.
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
How other years compare
Check your exact GL1800 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Honda GL1800 reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Honda GL1800. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2005 Honda GL1800 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.