Would I buy another one?

[Trikerbri]

From way back in time I always wanted a Goldwing Trike and last year it finally happened, GL1500 arrived. Purchased in Nov'24 and slowly worked my way around it and soon learned getting to anything was a major job. Gave it full service plus new battery and rake kit and hit the road at every opportunity until it ground to a halt thankfully only yards from our house. The alternator stopped working and I discovered this is a common fault well documented on numerous GW Forums.

The alternator was replaced new by previous owner only 10 weeks before I bought it and with only 800mls done since that's hardly impressive even less so trying to source a decent replacement other than OEM which cost a fortune. A spinning alternator must produce a lot of heat so tucked behind the engine with no air flow and covered in plastic panels Honda engineered the problem so any replacement will eventually suffer the same fate.

Spent days trying to find a repair service for the alternator but because China has flooded the market with cheap versions it is not cost effective I'm told, my local Honda Dealer even suggested I buy 2 so I have a spare. Trying to avoid Chinese quality, or lack of it, I went for a Arrowhead which has mixed reviews but so have every other alternative. Nice to think I have this 'engineered' problem to look forward to for however long.

So, would I buy another GL1500 or 1800 for that matter which has had numerous recalls, I think not.

 

[Gorilla]

Thanks for the post

 

[pwhoever]

Please update with your experience after you've got the Arrowhead alternator installed and have had a chance to put some miles on it.

I agree that the GL1500's have had their share of mechanical problems. Besides the alternators, they have had among them, problems with fuel pumps and the bank angle sensor. I have to say the 01-17 GL1800's are pretty decent but are starting to suffer from parts supply too with some stuff. At least their alternators are a lot more reliable than the later GL1500 made in China ones.

The early (01-05) had serious frame problems which was addressed and are now having ECU issues but past 06, none of that exists. As far as recalls go, the frame issue was major but that seems to have been taken care of and the few after that have been very minor. Recalls just come with the territory with anything that has moving parts. I think it's very rare to find any vehicle that hasn't had some kind of recall especially the first ones after a design change.

Although I have to admit to to being a bit biased, I had an 07 for 10 years and would still be riding that now if it wasn't destroyed. I think my new to me 2012 is going to be with me at least 10 years and hopefully many more after that.

 

[trike lady]

It might be expensive but look into a Comp-U-Fire alternator.

Compu-Fire 58500 - 90 Amp Alternator for 89 and Up Honda GL1500

Compu-Fire 58500 - 90 Amp Alternator for 89 and Up Honda GL1500

pertronixbrands.com

 

[3W-lonerider]

i understand your pain with those alternators, they are a joke. the main problem with them is the windings are made from cheap material and they break the windings where they are soldered togather.
I had a valkyrie for 20 years and got ahold of a bad batch of alternators which ended in me having to replace 6 of them in a month.
I only wished i could have installed a compufire but those will not fit in a valkyrie because of the frame.
If it were me i would spend the extra money for a compufire and run it without the worries of when am i gonna be left sitting on the side of the road.
i installed a volt meter on mine. and if i caught it soon after failure i could unplug the head lights and everything else taking unnecessary power and i could make it 80 miles.

 

[Trikerbri]

It might be expensive but look into a Comp-U-Fire alternator.

Compu-Fire 58500 - 90 Amp Alternator for 89 and Up Honda GL1500

Compu-Fire 58500 - 90 Amp Alternator for 89 and Up Honda GL1500

pertronixbrands.com

Thanks for the link, there are expensive and could probably resolve all my concerns but after adding on delivery to UK and our Import Duty the costs are even greater but I will keep in mind

 

[Trikerbri]

I came across this company and did extensive reviews, all good. Ordered Alternator from the UK factory and delivery 2/3 days quoted.
Alt Co alternators are manufactured in Italy, the UK, China, and India. Mecc Alte, the company that produces Alt Co alternators, has manufacturing facilities in these locations. They also have sales offices and representation worldwide.

Specifically, Mecc Alte has production facilities in: Italy, United Kingdom, China, and India.

 

[tourman]

Please update with your experience after you've got the Arrowhead alternator installed and have had a chance to put some miles on it.

I agree that the GL1500's have had their share of mechanical problems. Besides the alternators, they have had among them, problems with fuel pumps and the bank angle sensor. I have to say the 01-17 GL1800's are pretty decent but are starting to suffer from parts supply too with some stuff. At least their alternators are a lot more reliable than the later GL1500 made in China ones.

The early (01-05) had serious frame problems which was addressed and are now having ECU issues but past 06, none of that exists. As far as recalls go, the frame issue was major but that seems to have been taken care of and the few after that have been very minor. Recalls just come with the territory with anything that has moving parts. I think it's very rare to find any vehicle that hasn't had some kind of recall especially the first ones after a design change.

Although I have to admit to to being a bit biased, I had an 07 for 10 years and would still be riding that now if it wasn't destroyed. I think my new to me 2012 is going to be with me at least 10 years and hopefully many more after that.

2005 Wing had no frame problems Just the 2001-2004 Bikes

 

[Trikerbri]

Cancelled the Arrowhead and ordered the ALT-Co Alternator, due here within 24hrs. While waiting I decided to do a little mod on the side panel, won't cure the problem but a little ventilation is better than none.

 

[Papa Zook]

Have you considered selling the GL1500? Maybe thin the herd and enjoy the GL1800.

 

[Trikerbri]

Have you considered selling the GL1500? Maybe thin the herd and enjoy the GL1800.

Having changed the Alternator today knowing exactly what to expect I might have agreed but nightmare over and running sweet so probably best to stick with what you know. If there is an easy job to do on a Goldwing I am yet to discover it.