Month: January 2025

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Fooking cold

It’s getting pretty dang cold during the morning commute. At certain areas the temperature is dipping down to 24 degrees.

Even with upper body heated gear I can feel the cold bite in when my speeds are in the 60 mph range.

I’m having to wear my Tour Master over pants as jeans are not enough to keep my legs comfortable.

The morning I took this photo I was not wearing the over pants and by the time I arrived at work my legs were stinging and numb.

The temperature inside the Manetarium is even chilly. I don’t mess around too much in the shop because of the cold temperatures.

I’m digging the blue light theme that is really visible night riding. I may look into dimming it down just a tad so I don’t look like a giant Smurf at night.

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Oil leak! my bad

I went for a ride and noticed my sled leaking oil on the street. This at a steady 1 second drip intervals. Not good especially being 40 miles from home.

When I did the oil change I replaced the oil filter, oil, DCT filter but neglected to replace the DCT filter cover O-ring. This was a big mistake in my part.

I looked at the original O-ring and determined it was in good shape. I didn’t even remove it from the cover.

The problem wasn’t removing the cover it was reinstalling back in place.

When I reinstalled the cover with the new DCT filter the original ring must have gotten damaged during the insertion process.

I ordered the parts from WingStuff. That’s my go to online store. I would say anything you can possibly need for Goldwing maintenance will be available at their online store.

The O-ring I purchased has a different part number than that is listed on the Goldwing official service manual. In fact the part shipped from WingStuff is better than the original in my honest opinion.

The alternate O-ring part is slightly less in diameter size and seems to be thicker in material. These difference allows the part to seat around the DCT cover much better.

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Center Stand Install

I spent a good part of the afternoon installing the Honda OEM center stand. I also replaced both oil filters and oil.

The center stand kit is very basic and the instructions are minimal to say the least.

The center stand installation is not that difficult. The part that was most difficult was the tension spring that retracts the center stand from the down position to maximum height, tucked under below.

The spring used for retracting the center stand is is very stiff making the installation instructions call for a two person job. This precaution is mainly to prevent pulling the bike over to the right side while trying to install the spring.

Every bit helps trying to get the hook over the stub. I had to insert washers and coins in between the spring coils to expand the spring’s tension. This technique was needed in order for me to get the installation completed.

The main reason for me to get this upgrade done was to allow me to do an oil change on the ground. I also knew it would be needed when I replaced the rear tire.

If it wasn’t for the spring this would have been an easy upgrade. If I had a spotter it would it probably would have gone quicker too. I was hesitant pulling hard on the spring and toppling the bike over.

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Uber eats

Not really, I picked up some dinner grub on the way home. The Saddlemen luggage rack barrel bag is working out great.

I wasn’t too sure at first using the larger bag due to the aesthetics. After seeing how well it worked for a two meal order I’m sold on it. I think I’ll use the smaller T-Bag on occasions. I just haven’t figured out when that time will be.

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Bagger +1

I’m using a removable barrel bags for different scenarios. The original bag I got was a T-Bag setup with the large pack and a barrel bag that can placed on top. The main bag is too big to be used daily. I don’t lug any large during my commute. The barrel bag that comes with the rig is just the right size for my daily commute gear but is not large enough for the instances I stop and grab a food to go on the way home from work.

I researched and found a couple of other bags. I’ll post the various manufacturers and models I ended up getting and in one case will not use.

One thing I have found to be limiting is the side hard bag’s capacity. I get they needed to down size the non-touring models bag capacity but it is really small compared to what I am used to.

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First ride of the year 2025!

I took the Goldwing Bagger to work this morning. In the past I would go for a ride the first day of the year. The last few years I haven’t been able to carry on that tradition due to participating in an annual Lowrider event held at Sacramento California. It’s an all day event so there’s not a chance for me to ride when I get home, unload the CaDually.

Taking from down in the shop driveway.

It was a very nice ride home. I have all the gear to ride in most weather conditions I will encounter in during my short 110 mile daily commute.

Parked in front of the Manetarium before bringing it in the shop.

One of my favorite views coming home. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees located around the shop. I had to blow off the leaves daily for about a month. As nice as the leaves look on the ground it acts as a slippery surface when moist or wet. The sled doesn’t have any issues, it’s when I plant my foot down.