The 2002/03 Goldwing recall: Frame failure
Tim Kreitz
repairing the defective frame on the new Goldwing. Wow, what an
invasive procedure. This is a major deal. The bike has to be laid on
its side and TIG welded in a very precise way to ensure that frame
failure will not occur.
If you have a new Goldwing, don't dally in getting this recall taken
care of. The problem is so severe that Honda is forbidding dealers
from moving any unsold models before the problem is fixed on each
individual unit. I suppose this is S.O.P., but they make a particular
point of emphasizing the rule in the dealer bulletin attached below.
The TIG weld is ghastly when complete. It takes several entire welding
rods, along with a very specific grind procedure, to properly repair.
From American Honda:
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Frame weld safety recall notice
Affected units: 2002 model; Non ABS model: from VIN: 1HFSC470X2A111803
thru VIN: 1HFSC47082A113582 and ABS model: from VIN :
1HFSC47432A102394 thru VIN: 1HFSC47402A102823.
2003 model; Non ABS model: from VIN: 1HFSC47013A200001 thru VIN:
1HFSC47033A204860 and ABS model: from VIN : 1HFSC47483A200001 thru
VIN: 1HFSC47403A201126.
Dear Honda Dealer,
American Honda is conducting an important SAFETY RECALL on 2002 and
2003 GL1800/A Gold Wing motorcycles per the VIN ranges listed above.
The recall procedure will be to add additional TIG welding to the
frame where the lower cross member meets the side rails. Under certain
conditions, existing un-reinforced welds can crack or fail.
Effective immediately, YOU MUST NOT SELL any affected GL1800/A in your
inventory until the required repairs have been completed. Please make
sure ALL DEPARTMENTS in your dealership, Parts, Sales, and Service,
are made aware of this action.
The Service Bulletin for this recall will be mailed to your dealership
the week of September 29, 2003. The Bulletin will contain all
instructions necessary to complete the repair along with a copy of the
Customer Notification Letter that will be sent to all registered
owners of affected GL1800/A motorcycles.
The services of a competent and qualified welder to perform TIG
welding on aluminum will be required. Please confirm that you have
access to such a welder. If you need assistance locating a qualified
welder, contact either American Honda's Techline or your District
Service Manager. A kit containing required items that will assist the
welder in performing the additional welds for this recall will be
included with the Service Bulletin mailed to your dealership. If you
have recently sold a GL1800/A, please submit the warranty registration
information. This recall does not affect the 2004 model GL1800/A, or
2002/2003 GL1800/A's not included in the VIN range.
------------
I thought this might be of some value to GL riders. Stay safe and best
of luck.
Cheers,
Tim Kreitz
2003 ZX7R
2000 ZX6R
DoD #2184
http://www.timkreitz.com
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All I want is a fast sportbike and absolute power.
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Road Glidin' Don
>I had a chance to look through the service manual for technicians
>repairing the defective frame on the new Goldwing. Wow, what an
>invasive procedure. This is a major deal. The bike has to be laid on
>its side and TIG welded in a very precise way to ensure that frame
>failure will not occur.
>
>If you have a new Goldwing, don't dally in getting this recall taken
>care of. The problem is so severe that Honda is forbidding dealers
>from moving any unsold models before the problem is fixed on each
>individual unit. I suppose this is S.O.P., but they make a particular
>point of emphasizing the rule in the dealer bulletin attached below.
>The TIG weld is ghastly when complete. It takes several entire welding
>rods, along with a very specific grind procedure, to properly repair.
Yikes! Good information to pass along (to any prospective Goldwing
purchasers), Tim.
--
Instead of weaving, I should have been reloading
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Beardg
Beardg>>And while in for a tad of mig welding(before the rear wheel falls off)
have them get to that very nasty overheating re-call......Yes they screw with
the engine...it ain't just the fan.Very invasive, requiring removal of the
heads.Oh those never need a thing Hondas eh??
Beardg out.