In going over my previous post about Mounts for GL1800's I thought I should also draw your attention to a Known Frame Failure Point on the GL1800's Aluminum Frame and the need for Inspection.
For some time now a friend of mine has been tracking the Frame Faiures in a area not related to the GL1800 Frame Recalls. It involves all years of GL1800 and isn't yet a Recall Issue due to the broad range that would require a TOTAL Recall of ALL 1800's to Date. At this time Honda is replacing the Broken Frames as they are found HOWEVER It is up to you to find it on your own and do your own INSPECTION if you choose to do so.
For GL1800's that are used only in 2-Wheel Mode it isn't all that Critical, it's still important but not an imediate Must Fix. The area that is Cracking on the Edge of the Weld in the HAZ is kept under compression and will go unoticed for perhaps years if at all by most 2-Wheel riders. It involves the Rear Triangle Tubbing on either side of the frame where it meets the Main Casting just behind the Passenger Footrests.
The First Indication is normaly a very slight line in the Powder Coat on the edge of the weld at the Tubing. It will, over time, widden into a more noteable CRACK that is easier to see. The problem is that it is hard to get into the area involved to look over it and may invlolve removing Belly Pans & other DoDads. You can some times see the Cracks from under the bike but not always depending on where it is around the circumferance.
On a Sidecar RIG it may become more notable on the Right Joint especially if your Bottom Rear Mount is bolted to the Tubbing behind the problem joint at the "Crash Bar".
In our case I didn't notice the Fracture on the frame untill just before a planned 3K mile trip while doing some unrelated mtce.
IF I had removed the grey plastic trim over the problem joint earlier I could have avoided the long delay in getting the Frame Replaced.
In the case of a mount like the Champion uses loosing the lower attacment could also result in a catastrophic failure of the Top mount as well!
I would suggest that ALL GL-1800 Hack Rigs that have Bottom Rear Mounts bolted to the "Crash Bar" attacment points simply REMOVE that little Plastic Trim Cover above the Passenger Footrest and LEAVE IT OFF to enable easy Inspection of a CRITICAL Known Failure Point.
Jerry
Thank you...
