Wing Tips
March 2009... by Phillip Kozlowski
Good day to all members of GWRRA and I hope your last ride was smooth and enjoyable.
OK, are you ready to ride? Yea, I know what you're thinking, "I've ridden" but I'm not talking up to Helen to eat, hit the Biker Shops and back. This month the weather should be turning a bit and allowing us to crawl out of those 4 wheelers and actually RIDE!
Did you "Winterize" your WING back in November or early December? And she's currently covered and secure in the corner of your shop or garage, right? Let's wake her up and get ready for the 2009 riding season.
First: Clear the way!
What ended up leaned against, blocking and/or stacked on your bike during its stay undercover? Things get moved around as we look for stuff, make room to work on other things, since we weren't riding, or we needed a good place to hang a coat or something. I'm more then guilty of that myself. When I lived in Indiana, I spent a week looking for a jacket; I give up looking then found it when I uncovered my bike in the spring. Up there the snow may still be on the ground on April Fools Day.
Second: Bringing her into the light!
Let's get that cover off so we can roll her out. Doesn't matter what you used as a cover, start at one end and fold the cover as we move to the other end of the bike. If you just grab and pull, any "stuff" on the outside of the cover will end up on the bike. My problem was the result of woodworking dust. I'd "Shop Vac' my cover before I folded it off the bike.
Third: Let's take a look!
Look at the floor under the bike. See anything? Is there a wet spot anywhere? If so, then find out what's leaking; rear chunk, shift rod seal, oil filter? Get a good flashlight or shop light, lay on the floor and LOOK! Is there a drop hanging from anything? Does somewhere look different? Color or maybe dust sticking to it? Don't freak out yet. If your Wing has been sitting there and not touched since it was covered, you may end up with a little seepage around the seals. If there's a puddle that you can't cover with a quarter then something may be in need of repair. You will need to check the tire pressures if you can before bringing the Wing off the center stand. Disconnect your Battery Tender.
Fourth: Roll her out!
If at all possible, roll the bike out to an area where you have clearance to get around the bike and have ventilation for when you start the bike for the first time this season. Put it back on the center stand and check the fluid levels; brakes, engine oil, battery level, rear end. If all the fluid levels look good, turn the ignition key 1 click clockwise to the "ON" position. Did it come to life or is the battery DEAD? If no lights display check the battery connection first.
Fifth: Be gentle with her!
On center stand, fluids checked, no flat tires, battery is good. Open the garage door or turn on the vent fan to get some air flowing. Put the kill switch, right thumb, in the stop position. You don't want the engine to come to life before there is oil to protect those moving parts. Push the start button, right thumb, and watch for the oil pressure light to go out. This tells you that there is oil flowing through the engine and those moving parts are getting lubed. DO NOT hold the start switch till your battery won't turn it anymore. The starter has a Duty Cycle, how long you should hold the button down, and exceeding this may result in a fried starter or a smoking starter cable. You can release the start button once the oil pressure light goes out, or a second or two later and you should be fine. DO NOT HOLD MORE THEN 10 SECONDS.
Sixth: Wake her up!
Put the Kill Switch, right thumb, in the center detent, run position. If your Wing is anything but a GL1800, apply "CHOKE", left thumb. My GL1500A takes about ½ but yours may take full choke. Push the starter switch, right thumb. Your bike may fire off then die. Mine likes the throttle twisted a time or two for a prime but I'm running 2 large carbs, my GL1200 had 4 carbs and the GL1800's are computer controlled fuel injected. You know how to start your Wing but DO NOT REV the throttle once it fires up. Let the engine warm up a bit. If it will not idle increase "Choke" for you non-GL1800, but not enough to where it idles above 2000 RPM's.
Last: Making sure she's ready!
Run your checklist. You've checked all the fluid levels, tire pressures, etc. Every panel is in place and secure. Nothing loose or missing because we took care of all of that before we put the Wing to bed for the cold season. CHECK AGAIN! You may have missed something.
I hope everyone enjoys my article and finds any bit of it helpful. May great weather, friends and rides find you till next we ride together.
“The Wing Tips provided in these articles are provided for informational purposes only. If you feel that you have limited mechanical ability or proper tools, please consult a certified Gold Wing technician at a local motorcycle shop. Please consider safety first before attempting any repairs on your motorcycle.”