Category: Talk Tech

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.

I’m gathering the bits and pieces for a Goldwing tour pack project. I’ve seen a few on the internet but all of the one I looked at are permanent solutions. I’m looking for a quick disconnect setup.

Part of the big appeal to having the non-touring Goldwing is the bagger look. I know baggers can have a tour pack but I’m talking about saddlebags only.

The mounting bracket is HD OEM that is configured to be used as the rear sissy bar mounting points. Since the tour packs will normally have a backrest, a sissy bar is not necessary.

The Klock Werk 18” tinted wind screen arrived today. This will replace the 2021 Goldwing Tour windshield I recently purchased.

The installation was very quick since I recently replaced the stock shorty shield with a tour model. Due to the adjustable height configuration, the wind screen is very simple to remove. It’s a matter of removing a couple screw covers held in with push pins and 4 hex screws.

I’ll update this post after I have put on some meaningful miles. As far as the cosmetic benefits, this wind shield in my opinion the best looking 3rd party option.

EDIT:

Update –

I’ve been using the Sena 20S communication system for about 5 years. I used this hardware in all weather conditions and not just the occasional rain or blistering heat. I’m talking about weeks at a time straight. I’m a super commuter on a bike.

When these systems are dialed in they work flawlessly. The only time I’ve had issues in the past was due to heavy onslaught of rain.

Today I replaced the stock wind screen that is fitted with the 2022 Goldwing Bagger model. The screen provides some level of protection but not what I’m used to with the 2015 Goldwing. This is real apparent at high speeds or riding in the rain.

I found a 2021 Goldwing Tour model wind screen for sell at the Facebook marketplace platform. The price was low enough to use as a temporary solution.

The size difference between the two Goldwing models can be seen one on top of the other.

The whole process of replacing the wind screen is straight forward and does not require any specialized tools. I would say it’s a 15-20 minute project, that’s taking your time.

As I mentioned previously, the larger wind screen is a temporary solution for next weeks predicted rain. I commute 110 miles a day and Thanksgiving week is supposed to be a wet one. The wind screen I plan on purchasing is the Klock Werks 18″ tinted model. I was hoping to see if any of the online sellers would be having a Black Friday sale. I haven’t seen any so far, the current price all over is $279.

From the rear view of the larger 20.25″ wind screen it looks tall and narrow. It definitely does not add cosmetic value to the over vibe of the bike. As long as it is able to keep some of the rain off me next week it will have served its purpose.

Installed the rear luggage rack this afternoon. Very simple process.

The fit and finish is spot on. There was no odd alignment issues.

I’ve seen several manufacturers for this particular part. I think most are knock offs of the original Honda OEM part.

One thing I noticed with the rear passenger backrest was the angle appeared to be less leaning towards the back. It is simply an illusion because adding the luggage rack had no changes made to the backrest.

I’m so used to having a back rest on my sleds it was a priority for me to install one as soon as I could. That meant researching the current manufactures products.

I opted for the Honda OEM model. This is the first time I haven’t purchased other 3rd party solutions. I’ve used Utopia, Kuryakyn, Ultimate and others.

The OEM Honda style cosmetically looks the best to me. As far as functionality I don’t think it is as versatile as the 3rd party offerings. Both the rider and passenger seat do not have a quick release. The backrest are always on the sled.

The other odd thing about the passenger seat is the inability to adjust the vertical position. It’s a static position that seems to have backward tilt that is bit too much.

The angle of the seat may be adjusted by using spacers and longer bolts on the brackets 3 hole mount.

Took the various screws off that secures the trunk inner lid. I’m going to need to find replacement screws that are a bit larger in diameter. EDIT: I picked up all the hardware I needed at the local ACE store. I made sure to locktite 8-32 bolts I used for the trunk lock hooks. I also used lock nuts, I learned from the past fails trying to fix the original problem.

The original lid had a lot of damage. I found it was missing other areas on the lid.

The lower corner section on both sides of the cover was completely gone.

One thing that was unexpected was having to reuse the rubber seal that goes around the lid. Mine was in good shape for reuse. I’ll probably use some sealant to keep in place, just a few tacks around lid to keep it in place.

The part came in sooner than I expected. I need to source the original screws. I don’t want to use a mashup of spare hardware.

I noticed the replacement part does not come with the rubber seal. I’ll remove the original piece and reuse. It’s not in terrible shape.