Question about the Wing

[jbim]

What is the first model year of Wing with ABS brakes? I'm thinking a getting a used Wing to try out, specially ride two-up with my wife. I would like to have ABS brakes for sure. Thanks

[Stermp66]

Model year 2001 was the first year 'wing to introduce abs brakes

[Mellow]

I had an '01 ABS Wing and put 50,000 miles on it before trading with a guy from Nebraska in '03. A year later he stated it was still running fine with no problems.

Heck, my current '05 isn't much different at all.

I think your only concern is to make sure any recalls were done as well as frame inspections, not sure if they impacted the '01s or not.

[2dogs]

The Safety recall for frame weld inspection; 2001-2002GL1800A affected all units
2001 GL1800 (nonABS)
VIN #s 1HFSC470*1A000010 thru 1HFSC470*1A006709

All 2001 GL1800(ABS) 1HFSC474*1A000034 thru 1HFSC474*1A002553

2002GL1800 (non ABS) 1HFSC470*2A100001 thru 1HFSC470*2A111802
2002(ABS)1HFSC474*2A100001 thru 1HFSC474*2A102393

(*) denotes check digit.
Once the inspection and or repair has been completed the dealer put a small punch mark in the lower right hand corner of the VIN plate.

Now I have a dumb question ...
1). How do I know if the bike I"m looking at has ABS???
I looked at a used GW today and when I started 'er up the red light on the right of the dash was lit up ABS and stayed lit until I put it in gear and road down the drive and back. the first time I touched the breaks the light went out and didn't come back on.
2). Do I have a problem here?

[2dogs]

Sorry I was reading several posts and ran these questions and answers together....:confused:

:06biker:

[Mellow]

Same as on an ST, the right side of the brake rotor will have a ring w/teeth:

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8659&d=1144533060

[2dogs]

Thanks Joe,
But there were big chrome covers over the discs . In fact there was chrome everywhere and lights . . .
I don't recall hearing any angels singing but I did have the urge to get it out on the road just to run it and see how it felt. lol
Answering my own question I guess there wouldn't have been an ABS light on the dash if it wasn't an ABS model?

[wrk101]

Also note that there is an ABS badge on the chrome side fender cover, also a sensor ring and detector on the rear wheel. Front wheel sensor ring is the easiest to spot of course. And it has a small detector that is adjacent to the brake caliper (right side) that is very easy to spot.

ABS light should go out as soon as you start moving. If it stays on, then you have a problem.

There are several wing forums out there for more info. www.gl1800riders.com is a good one.

ABS models are relatively rare, chrome is much more common.... I would guess around 5% of the GL1800s out there are ABS (it might be higher than that).. And the 2006 and newer models, to get ABS, you had to get a lot of other stuff, driving the cost much higher. Very little difference between 2001 and all the way to 2008. So find a good deal and go for it.

bill kramer
waynesville, nc
02 GL1800ABS
04 ST1300ABS
02 F650 Dakar ABS

[Mellow]

Also note that there is an ABS badge on the chrome side fender cover, also a sensor ring and detector on the rear wheel. Front wheel sensor ring is the easiest to spot of course. And it has a small detector that is adjacent to the brake caliper (right side) that is very easy to spot.

ABS light should go out as soon as you start moving. If it stays on, then you have a problem.

There are several wing forums out there for more info. www.gl1800riders.com is a good one.

ABS models are relatively rare, chrome is much more common.... I would guess around 5% of the GL1800s out there are ABS (it might be higher than that).. And the 2006 and newer models, to get ABS, you had to get a lot of other stuff, driving the cost much higher. Very little difference between 2001 and all the way to 2008. So find a good deal and go for it.

bill kramer
waynesville, nc
02 GL1800ABS
04 ST1300ABS
02 F650 Dakar ABS

Doh!... Yeah, Bill's right.. there is a small Gold w/black lettering badge on both sides of the chrome part of the fender, sides of the fender... that will say 'ABS'.. I also assume the light wouldn't be there if the ABS wasn't active. There is a different dash panel for non-abs bikes that doesn't even have the ABS on it.

I'll take a pic of the fender for you when I get home today.

[RaYzerman]

Doh!... Yeah, Bill's right.. there is a small Gold w/black lettering badge on both sides of the chrome part of the fender, sides of the fender... that will say 'ABS'.. I also assume the light wouldn't be there if the ABS wasn't active. There is a different dash panel for non-abs bikes that doesn't even have the ABS on it.

I'll take a pic of the fender for you when I get home today.

All Wings 2001 thru 2006 had ABS. 2007 was the first one available without it (in Canada).... we technically don't have a 2008 yet.

[2dogs]

Hey thanks guys,
Ray, how many of the Canadian bikes did you ever hear of that had problems with the frame welds cracking? ('01 &'02s).

[sam7]

The frame weld recall was not restricted to 2001-2002 models. My 2003 was inspected, found to have a bad weld on one side, and rewelded under warranty. You should be able to use the VIN to see what recalls were done on any bike you may be interested in buying. Good luck with your search.

[2dogs]

I've been told by my dealer that if the bike was of U.S. origin that Honda U.S. would stand behind it and do the inspection and repair if needed . But because it's a Canadian bike I would have to take it back to a Canadian dealer and go thru Honda Canada to see about any inspection or repair.
To many US bikes available to have to deal with that. Even if it is a good deal. Oh, well.