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Jim

Farmington Hills, MI, US, 48336

Alias:

Jim

About:

I have over 9,000 miles on the rear wheel car tire since installation. I really like the improved ride of my Goldwing. Now I also have GREAT road traction (dry or wet). I always had so-so traction in the rain from the stock Dunlop Elite 3. The treadlife is also outstanding (so far). I have had zero issues with the bike on curves. I can still drag my highway pegs while leaning over. I have never felt unsafe with this setup.

I'm running the 195/55/R16 Kumho Ecsta SPT XRP run flat tire on my rear wheel. I chose it for its high performance traction and run flat ability. This was a real mother to mount as the side walls are extremely stiff (to be expected on a run flat). I had to mount my own tires due to the fact that I didn't have a local shop willing to do it for me (without charging me $40). I bought my own tire mounter for $150 off of Ebay.

My speedometer is still off (high) by 2-3 miles/hour. I believe that if I had used the 205/55/R16 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus that the speeometer would then give a correct speed/mileage reading. I have read that some people have had to modify (tie up) the rear wheel well liner for the 205/55/R16 to fit without rubbing. I don't have personal experience with this issue.

If I had to make the choice again I would choose the 205/55/R16 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus to get my speedometer reading correct and the Michelin will have even greater treadlife. It should also be much easier to mount since it is not a run flat tire. Add the fact that the Michelin tire is made here in the USA while the Kumho is made in Japan. I do my best to support my working neighbors.

I'm running the Cobra tire on my front and have had zero issues with vibration and slippage.

Another GREAT choice was adding the Centramatic balancers to both my front and rear rims. I would also highly recommend this product.
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Member Since:

07.31.2008


Bike 1:

Pearl White 2008 Honda Goldwing GL1800

Bike 2:

- No Bike 2 -

Bike 3:

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Latest product reviews View All

Centramatic Stainless Wheel Balancers for GL1800
ITEM CODE: CTMGW100-102,   SKU: CTMGW100-102

05.19.2011
Jim
I installed these balancers on both front and rear rims. Installation on the front was fairly simple and I am very pleased with the smooth ride and steering. Installation on the rear tire was even simpler. The only issue that I had was with clearance when putting my tire back into the wheel well. I am running a car tire on my rear (Kumho Ecsta SPT XRP run flat: 195/55/R16) I had to put my tire up into the wheel well first and then slide the dynamic balancer onto the hub, and then mount the tire. GREAT RIDE!
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Avon Cobra Chrome Radial Tires for GL1800
ITEM CODE: PG23038

05.19.2011
Jim
To date I have had good results from switching to the Avon Cobra on my front rim. I also installed the centramatic balancers. Smooth ride! :o)
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Vertical Receiver Style Trailer Hitch for GL1800 1st Gen
ITEM CODE: AO451806,   SKU: AO451806

03.30.2011
Jim
This trailer hitch receiver is rock solid! I have a 2008 GL1800 with premium audio and I was able to install this product on my bike in just over an hour.

Throw out the directions in the package. Print out the online direction from here.

The holes for the H bracket will not line up easily. I put the two right side bolts in first, then used a drift pin between the H bracket and the support tube frame to get the left holes aligned. This worked out very well for me.
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ITEM: AO451838

03.30.2011
Jim
I love this rack. It is solid. Installation was fairly simple. The only problem was that the rack feet angles were off. Better factory quality control would be a wonderful thing here. I had to file the feet to match the angle of my trunk lid. I also used the star washers to help spread out the load on the trunk lid.
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K&N High Flow Lifetime Air Filter for GL1800, F6B
ITEM CODE: KNHA1801,   SKU: KNHA1801

03.30.2011
Jim
I have used K&N filters for years on my automobiles. I love the fact that I won't have to disassemble my cowl for another 25,000 miles! Installation was moderately easy. My 2008 GL1800 was different then the photos in my factory service manual. Take you time and be sure to put the bolts back into the exact hole that they come out of. Some of the bolts are a different length.
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ITEM: ME2158100

03.30.2011
Jim
I have a serious question for all people here. I am looking to purchase new tires for my 2008 GL1800. I was not impressed with the OEM Dunlop Elite 3's. Living in Ohio the Dunlop’s always seemed to slip a little on rain slicked roads (I'm not an aggressive rider). I like the Avon reviews here on wingstuff, but I have to ask a couple of questions ...

Question #1: Has anyone here had any experience with installing a "car" tire on the rear of their wing?

I have seen some mixed reviews and have zero personal experience with this concept.

Question #2: I will be moving to the Mesa, Arizona area next year. Will the excessive heat on the Arizona desert require a different tire consideration?

It’s almost riding weather here in Ohio! :o)
Was this helpful?

Avon Cobra Chrome Radial Tires for GL1800
ITEM CODE: PG23038

03.30.2011
Jim
I have a serious question for all people here. I am looking to purchase new tires for my 2008 GL1800. I was not impressed with the OEM Dunlop Elite 3's. Living in Ohio the Dunlop’s always seemed to slip a little on rain slicked roads (I'm not an aggressive rider). I like the Avon reviews here on wingstuff, but I have to ask a couple of questions ...

Question #1: Has anyone here had any experience with installing a "car" tire on the rear of their wing?

I have seen some mixed reviews and have zero personal experience with this concept.

Question #2: I will be moving to the Mesa, Arizona area next year. Will the excessive heat on the Arizona desert require a different tire consideration?

It’s almost riding weather here in Ohio! :o)
Was this helpful?

ITEM: AO451838

10.03.2009
Jim
This is a very sturdy rack and it looks good. With the new version I do not see the need to purchase the riser kit. Plenty of room to reach underneath and clean the trunk lid. Only down side to this product is that the manufacturer definitely has a problem getting the four mounting leg angles correct. Two of the four mounting leg angles were off. To properly fix this problem I had to mark and grind all 4 legs for correct height and angle (can't just grind the two legs that incorrect). I purchased the star washers and they are a nice addition. I purchased my rubber washers at Lowes. A good rack for the money, but the manufacturer needs to get there act together with quality control.
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