The GL1800 Gold Wing, produced from 2001 to 2005, represents a premium grand touring motorcycle renowned for its exceptional engineering quality and reliability. This model features a powerful 1832cc liquid-cooled, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine, delivering approximately 118 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque. Key innovations include a sophisticated fuel injection system, an integrated audio system, electronic cruise control, and a convenient electric reverse gear. Its design emphasizes rider comfort and long-distance capability, with luxurious touring amenities, an aerodynamic fairing for wind protection, and advanced rider comfort features like optional heated grips and seats. The GL1800's stable handling is further enhanced by its Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm and Pro-Link rear suspension, solidifying its position as a benchmark in the luxury touring segment.
This comprehensive Factory Service Repair Manual for the GL1800 Gold Wing (SC47, model code GL1800) covers the model years 2001 through 2005. It provides detailed, dealer-level diagnostics and repair procedures across all major systems, including the engine, fuel system, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust, suspension, brakes, cooling, bodywork, and electrics. The manual includes factory maintenance schedules, repair procedures, and fault-finding guidance. With high-resolution illustrations and diagrams, this manual is an indispensable resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the GL1800 Gold Wing, ensuring its optimal performance and longevity.
Positioning:
Premium Grand Touring Motorcycle
Competitors:
BMW K1200LT, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Yamaha Royal Star Venture
Features:
Opposed-flat six-cylinder engine, luxurious touring amenities, advanced rider comfort features, integrated audio system, reverse gear.
Years Covered:
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Pages:
High (typical for comprehensive dealer service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Complete Engine Service, Engine Firing Order, Timing Chain Service
Fuel System:
Fuel System Service
Transmission:
Gearbox Service, Removal and Installation, Transmission
Exhaust:
Exhaust System, Exhaust Service
Suspension:
Suspension, Front Suspension
Brakes:
Brake Servicing Procedures
Electrics:
Electrics, Wiring Diagrams
Maintenance:
Factory Maintenance Schedules
Repair:
Factory Repair Procedures, Clutch Removal and Installation
Troubleshooting:
Fault Finding
Depth:
Comprehensive (Dealer Level Diagnostics and Repair)
Quality:
High Resolution with Detailed Illustrations and Diagrams
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
1832cc Liquid-cooled, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder (Boxer-six)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 71.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 118 hp @ 5,500 rpm (Note: Specific figures may vary slightly by region/testing)
Torque:
Approx. 120 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (Note: Specific figures may vary slightly by region/testing)
Fuel Delivery:
PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) with Dual 37mm Throttle Bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher
Fuel Capacity:
6.7 gallons (25.5 L)
Ignition System:
Computer-controlled digital ignition with electronic advance
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Type:
5-speed manual with overdrive
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, wet multi-plate clutch
Reverse:
Electric, operated by motor (integrated into transmission)
Length:
101.3 inches (2570 mm)
Width:
37.6 inches (955 mm)
Height:
53.9 inches (1370 mm)
Wheelbase:
66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 787 lbs (357 kg)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 849 lbs (385 kg)
Weight Distribution:
Excellent for its class, emphasizing stability and balance.
Crash Safety:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings differ from automotive; focus on design and engineering for rider protection)
Brakes:
Linked Braking System (LBS) with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on select models/markets
Suspension:
Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm with Pro-Link single shock rear suspension, telescopic front forks for stable handling.
Fairing:
Aerodynamic full fairing for rider wind protection and comfort.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights and integrated turn signals.
Audio System:
Integrated AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (optional on some models), speaker system.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on certain trims/years.
Intercom:
Provision for passenger intercom system.
Heated Grips:
Available as an option or standard on some models.
Heated Seats:
Available as an option or standard on some models.
Oil Change:
Every 4,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact Honda recommendations)
Major Service:
Typically at 16,000 or 32,000 mile intervals, including valve clearance checks, spark plug replacement, and coolant service.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40, API Service Classification SG or higher (e.g., SJ, SL, SM)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US qt (4.5 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Honda 4-stroke Motorcycle Coolant (or equivalent high-quality antifreeze/coolant).
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80 hypoid gear oil (specific Honda recommendation is preferred)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80 hypoid gear oil (specific Honda recommendation is preferred)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, tires, clutch plates (depending on usage), suspension components (bushings, seals).
Electrical Components:
While generally reliable, occasional issues with starter solenoids or charging systems can occur with age. The manual would detail diagnostic procedures.
Bodywork Fasteners:
Proper torque and handling of fairing clips and fasteners are crucial to avoid damage during maintenance, as detailed in the manual.
Heritage:
Honda has a long-standing reputation for building reliable, technologically advanced, and comfortable motorcycles, particularly in the touring segment with the Gold Wing lineage dating back to 1975.
Evolution Gl1800:
The GL1800, introduced in 2001, represented a significant redesign from its predecessor (GL1500), featuring an all-new aluminum frame, a lighter and more powerful 1832cc boxer-six engine, fuel injection, and a more integrated and aerodynamic design.
Manufacturing Location:
Kumamoto, Japan
Industry Acclaim:
The GL1800 Gold Wing consistently received praise for its comfort, handling, engine performance, and long-distance touring capabilities, establishing it as a benchmark in the luxury touring motorcycle segment.