GL1800
Great bike but the suspension can use some work. The main issue with the GL1800 is the springs are way too soft. So much so that ground clearance on cornering is an issue. Most riders know this but especially with the front Anti-dive it’s also way harsher than it could be. If only the springs are replaced the action is even harsher!
Additional: The Remote Preload Adjuster line swells and limits the range of adjustment. We consistently get reports that the brakes are significantly improved when the suspension is reworked!.
Here are your options:
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Springs- Check the Spring Rate Calculator for recommendations. The springs are the essential, first step, you will want to take for a firmer ride and to help with the dive on the front end.
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Gold Valves- The Gold Valves give you custom valving for your individual requirements, and offer outstanding tuneability, improved control, and plushness while providing a controlled ride. Our Fork Gold Valve Kit includes a Compression and Rebound Gold Valve for the Cartridge Leg and an Emulator for the Damping Rod Leg.
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Shock preload adjuster line- We offer a Stainless Steel Preload Adjuster Hose that cures the swelling and range of adjustment issue. We can install one when doing the work on your shock.
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Shocks - We have two options:
- Gold Valve Revalve and Re-spring (including a rebuild and new hose on the preload adjuster) on the stock shock or a
- Complete Custom Shock
- Both these options offer custom setup and a Gold Valve however the Complete Shock also offers an external Rebound Adjuster with all new components.
- Core Charge – Both these options require sending in your stock shock (after you get your new one) as we will re-use and rebuild the stock Electric-Hydraulic Preload Adjuster. When we receive your stock shock we will refund your core charge.
We fully guarantee our work and our product is Made in the USA!
Remember- “The Best you’ve Ridden is the Best you Know!”
Dear Paul Thede,
Just wanted to let you know how happy I am with the RaceTech front and rear suspension upgrade you did on my 2001 GoldWing. WOW!! What a difference!!
The GoldWing is a totally different bike than the one I brought you. The level of comfort, handling and the overall feel has improved tenfold.
Just prior to bringing the bike to you, my wife and I did a two hundred mile ride. I had to set the suspension to twenty five to try to get rid of the mushy feel and get any comfort out of the ride, and even that wasn’t near as comfortable as a GoldWing should be.
As I left your shop with my new suspension I could immediately feel the difference, and the guys did a great job of getting the dampening just right. I aimed for every bump and irregularity I could find and glided over them as smoothly as if they weren’t there, and that was with the suspension set at “zero”. WOW, what a difference.
Now, I’m not a little fellow at 230 pounds, but with the suspension set at two or three I’m very comfortable. If I’m riding twisty’s I might push it up to five or six. And speaking of twisty’s, for a large bike, the handling of the GL1800 is second to none. Add in the RaceTech suspension and it makes it effortless to get around those corners and setup for the next. I can feel the bike so much better, the bike tracks truer and I feel more confident than I ever have. My slow speed handling is greatly improved too.
Soon after the RaceTech upgrade we loaded up the bike (including a trailer hitch rack) and set out on a 2000 mile ride. With the suspension set at nine, and everything but the kitchen sink we had a smooth ride and great handling through four states, on all kinds of roads and in all kinds of conditions.
Thank you for producing such a great product. I saw the effort put into the production and know I’ve now got the best GoldWing suspension in the industry.
All the best.
Jim Gorman