DIYer...or used to be!

[HmanTJ]

I have a general question for all of you experienced Gold Wing owners. I recently purchased my first Gold Wing, which is also my first trike. I have owned, maintained and performed most of any work needed on my Harleys myself. I recently approached the 600 mile mark on my trike and decided I would inspect the items listed in the owner's manual, just to make sure things are as they are supposed to be. I then started to try to inspect the air filter. Big mistake! Never in my life have I experienced having to disassemble a large portion of the bike to simply take a look at, or change the air filter!

My question is: What do you owners do? I understand the importance of proper maintenance! I have looked online at How To videos and after looking at all the connectors securing the various panels in place, they don't appear to be designed to withstand disassembly every 4k, 8k or even 16k miles, depending on which item you are servicing. This being my first Gold Wing, I want to do it right without risking voiding the warranty, but I hate to think about being milked by a dealership at each service interval. I would greatly appreciate your input! I am obviously a Gold Wing newbie with much to learn! Thanks in advance!

 

[Panel Man]

Also my first trike but the filter is simple to get to
Just be gentle with the clips

 

[pwhoever]

If you are doing your own maintenance, I wouldn't even bother with air filter at 600 miles. It has barely had time to get dirty. Oil change I could see but in the 18+ DCT models, I believe that is also is a bit of a chore. I don't have one but seem to recall the oil needs to be drained from 3 different locations. Oil change at 600 miles though is probably a good idea.

As far as the oil filter, take a look at this video. Just wanted to give you a heads up just in case



Back to the air filter, doing it the first time is always the hardest especially if you have no experience with them. But it is good practice. The more times you do it, the "easier" it will become. The key is to take your time, don't force panels, and try to come up with a system so the all the bolts and fittings go back in the same place. Why Honda engineers designed the air filter positioning this way is a mystery. It's like they started with the air filter and designed the rest of the bike around it...

I forgot to mention, hopefully you have an OEM Factory Service Manual as there will be lots of different information that you will need.

 

[Trikerbri]

On a 1500SE (Depending on age) A simple job made difficult. Remove centre consul but be aware there are locking levers each side of petrol cap and disconnect the wiring to the radio, undo screws holding filter cover. Sounds so simple but having done a complete overall on my 'Wing' trike it can be a major chore getting to anything. Always here if you need any advice.

 

[cScjhb]

Since the 80s, I have had 7 different Wings. Never changed the air filter on any of them (myself). All of them were dealer maintained. Air filters were only changed when something else (in the area) needed attention. Never a problem and never felt air filter was under-serviced.

 

[trike lady]

Have on hand the Honda factory service manual. This will help you through whatever you are attempting to work on.

 

[Woody]

Ok a little different approach, I used a bore scope to look at my filter on my 2019. This will not be as good as holding it in your hands and looking at it but does do okay, the big thing that it will let you know is if a rat or squirrel or some other critter has made a home in there. I believe Traction Dynamics has a video on this.

 

[ISP-FL]

I haven't owned a metric bike for over 20 years, but I have always approached the maintenance on my motorcycles about the same way. General, routine maintenance that is relatively simple to perform I do myself. For example, on Harleys I do all my oil changes and air filter maintenance. Any brake replacements, fluid flushes, tire replacement, etc., I take it to the stealership.

Sounds like changing the filter on a Honda trike would be above my paygrade. But then again I never claimed to be a wrench turner. For many on here I'm guessing it wouldn't be a big deal.

I guess my thinking is that I'm saving $300 to $400 a year by doing some of the maintenance so paying for the rest is easier to swallow.

 

[Trikerbri]

Word of warning to all home mechanics, if you need to remove the bottom half of the air filter box for any reason (1500se)expect a world of pain. On the underside at RH corner is a inlet pipe for a fairly large vacuum pipe which barely reaches the inlet and once the bottom half is back in situ totally impossible to see anything especially the vacuum pipe. I was lucky as I had removed RH Cooling Fan to access another job so I could put my hand in and feel around for inlet pipe with one finger while trying to locate the vacuum on with same hand. Impossible to see what you are trying to do. The spring clip to hold the pipe needs pliers to open it up and that's just not going to happen. The vacuum disappears down under the engine on the opposite side somewhere so detaching it first and fitting it before replacing the filter box is an even bigger job.....the joy of home mechanics.

 

[Deplorable]

I am able to ride year round so I don't worry about putting it away for winter and mice or critters getting to the air filter. I also put screen over the air horns to keep them out. That being said, I just change the filter every 25,000 miles. I only ride on the road and the filter doesn't get very dirty. I could probably go longer but it's also a good time to really check things out under the seat. Take your time and as said before it gets easier every time you do it.

 

[Burnerboy]

My first filter change, blew me away!
It was loaded with M&M candies, what surprises me the most is that I have NO children, and I live no where near any kids play

 

[Notgrownup]

My first filter change, blew me away!
It was loaded with M&M candies, what surprises me the most is that I have NO children, and I live no where near any kids playView attachment 130063

That there is funny/not funny… Wow! I know you had to shake your head when you saw that.

 

[Panel Man]

My first filter change, blew me away!
It was loaded with M&M candies, what surprises me the most is that I have NO children, and I live no where near any kids playView attachment 130063

Time to check intake pipes for mouse nest

 

[Burnerboy]

Time to check intake pipes for mouse nest

Aaaaaaaaaaaaa Panel, thanks for the reminder, will, definitely, do that once it warm(s) up in my garage... it's now a balmy 12* degrees, in there......Way toooo cold, to be lay'nn on my back, under the TRIKE...

Ronnie
12/29/24

 

[ROAD DOG]

You must have picked up 9 miles to the gallon after that filter change. Is that the original factory air filter?

 

[Woody]

I believe my camera would have pick that up, like I said before it may not be great for just seeing the dirt but it will see bird and rat nest.