Dt: the contact owns a 2003 honda goldwing. When applying the back brake there was bad vibration which resulted in extended stopping distances. The contact stated if the brake were pressed harder, at that point, the motorcycle would come to a stop. The dealership recommended to bleed the brakes, and this should take care of the problem. The dealership bled the brakes, but this did not resolve the problem. The dealership contacted the manufacturer and suggested they could change the brake fluid, but that was about all that could be done about this. The contact had problems with the brakes for approximately a year, and the dealership kept telling him that he was overheating the brake fluid. They did suggest reading the owner's manual which recommended the use of both front and back brakes at the same time. The contact's concern was that if the motorcycle had a linked braking system which actuated the back and front brakes then why would one need to use both brakes at once. The dealership stated after replacing the fluid, if the problem was solved, the contact will have to cover the cost, but if it didn't remedy the problem, he would not have to pay for the replacement.
2003 Honda GL1800: engine overheating
13 of the 101 complaints about the 2003 Honda GL1800 describe engine overheating.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- recalls
- 0
Engine overheating by model year
What owners say
Recall notice on the frame weld of motorcycle. Dealership welded only about 45 percent of the frame instead of 100 percent. *la recall#03v350000 *sc the consumer also stated the dealer sold him the motorcycle knowing that it had an overheating problem and eventually a recall was issued.
Engine overheating at slow speeds.
After 15 minutes in stop and go traffic the cycle overheated (the temp gauge was in the red area). The consumer pulled to the side and the cooling fan could not be heard.
Both overheats in the red where at slow speeds between 15 and 20 MPH. Dt
Consumer states that when driving in first and second gear vehicle will overheat.
Engine will overheat during sustained low-speed operation, such as slow-moving traffic in a construction zone. Temperature guage needle will move all the way to the red mark, unless the motorcycle is either stopped or speeded up. Eventually, coolant is expelled onto the ground directly in front of the rear tire and onto the tire, due to the location of the coolant overflow tank and its overflow hose. Ts
Honda gl1800 goldwing. When driving between 10 to 20 MPH engine overheats and expends coolant directly in front of the rear tire causing a serious loss of traction which could lead to a crash. Additional driver distractions are created. Ts
Motorcycle has a tendency to overheat when driven slow, ie., in traffic or when going through a construction area. This is very dangerous, as it takes away my concentration to drive, since I have to keep a constant eye on the temp gauge. This happened to me twice so far, once in a traffic jam, and the other in a construction zone. There is also the very real possibilty of loosing coolant in this overheating situation, and getting it on the rear tire, which would result in loosing controi of the bike. If I am forced to pull over due to overheating, I run the risk of me and/or my passenger to be struck by a passing vehicle. Thank you for your time in reviewing this potentially dangerous problem.
Motorcycle overheats if ridden at slow speeds 100% of the time - could cause coolant overflow which would get on rear wheel causing an unsafe condition
Honda completely redesigned the gold wing motorcycle, including an entirely new engine, beginning with the 2001 model. Overheating has been a stubborn problem with the 2001, 2002, and now the 2003. Honda denies the problem and has told us to continue using the motorcycle regardless of reading of the gauge. Mine has gone beyond the redline, on occasion. I stopped and called dealer. Dealer says honda says not to worry, ignore the gauge. Many other owners have experienced coolant loss when this occurs. Some have had radiator temps measured with ir equipment during these conditions and found to be well above 240 deg. While no immediate damage has been apparent to me, I am concerned of long term effect and unrevealed damage to the engine. Further, the coolant overflow tank is located under and behind the engine, just in front of the rear tire. If coolant leaks, as some have experienced, it places a slick substance on the road just ahead of the rear tire leaving a high risk of loss of control to the driver and others who pass over the spot.
Engine overheats at low speeds, coolant spews onto roadway and rear tire slips in the coolant. Must pull to side of road to avoid engine damage, very hazardous. Radiator fans are running as designed during overheating situations, occurs at low speeds from 15 to 25 MPH.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Camshaft timing - gear noise after completing valve adjustment may be incorrect camshaft timing
- Proportional control valve (PCV) leakage recall reminder
- Properly bleeding the air from the cooling system after engine control module (ECM) replacement
- Engine control module replacement / cooling system product improvement campaign
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2003 Honda GL1800 overheating
Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2003 Honda GL1800?
13 of 101 owner complaints about the 2003 Honda GL1800 (13%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Honda GL1800?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
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