Service Bulletin
Ame ric an H onda Moto r C o., Inc.

GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019

2018 GL1800/D/DA/B/BD - LOOSE HANDLEBAR REPAIR
BACKGROUND
If a customer complains of loose handlebars (up and down movement) on a 2018 GL1800, the
problem may be due to improper installation of the steering stem nut at the factory. If the steering
stem nut becomes loose, the handlebars can move up and down (Please note: front to rear handlebar movement is normal). A video providing instructions how to inspect the handlebars for looseness, inspect the steering stem (if needed), and replace the steering stem (if needed) can be found
under the Reference Material section in this service bulletin. Written instructions can be found
under the Inspection Procedure and Repair Procedure sections in this service bulletin.
AFFECTED UNITS
Only 2018 GL1800 model motorcycles with a confirmed loose handlebar are affected by this bulletin.
2018 GL1800/D/DA/B/BD

All

PARTS INFORMATION
Undamaged Stem Shaft
Part Description
Washer, Lock

Part Number
90506-425-830

Qty
1

Damaged Stem Shaft
Part Description
Shaft, Stem

Part Number
53235-MKC-A00

Qty
1

Dust Seal

53214-KA4-701

2

Adjuster Nut

53220-MW0-000

1

Lock Nut

90302-425-830

1

Washer, Lock

90506-425-830

1

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Normal warranty terms apply.
After completing the Service Bulletin Inspect or Replace procedure, submit one warranty claim per
unit with the appropriate template number:
Procedure

Claim Template

Flat Rate Time

Inspect

KJ9A

1.0 hours

Replace

KJ9B

1.5 hours

•
•
•
•

DEALER REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY
Repairs must be performed by a qualified technician.
Performing this repair exactly as shown in the Repair Procedure instructions is critical for the
remedy to be effective. Carefully follow all instructions.
Service Management should inspect and confirm the repair.
Dealer submission of a warranty claim affirms this repair was properly performed.
MTB 17012 (1901)1

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©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and training
to correctly and safely maintain your Honda. These procedures should not be attempted by "do-it-yourselfers,"and you should not assume this bulletin applies
to your Honda, or that your Honda has the condition described. To determine whether
this information applies, contact an authorized Honda dealer.

GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
DEALER SUPPORT
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
If you have any technical questions relating to
repair verification, repair procedure, or parts
information please contact:
Motorcycle TechLine Online
iN > Service > TechLine > TechLine Connect

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
HANDLEBAR MOVEMENT INSPECTION
Grab the handlebar end with one hand and try
to move the handlebar up and down (not forward or backward). There should be no movement or looseness when the handlebar is
moved up and down (as shown).

Or call (800) 421-1900, option 9.

No up/down movement

WARRANTY QUESTIONS
If you have any warranty administration questions relating to warranty claim templates,
and claim filing procedures, please contact:
Motorcycle Warranty Online:
iN > Service > Warranty & HondaCare >
Warranty Connect

Or call (800) 421-1900, option 7.

REFERENCE MATERIAL
Begin by viewing the linked video (below) in
its entirety, then use the information in this
video and the written instructions in this service bulletin to determine if an inspection and
possible replacement of the steering stem is
necessary.

Checkpoint:
• If the handlebar does not move up and
down, do not continue with this repair.
• If the handlebar moves up and down,
proceed with the Steering Stem Inspection in the linked video and/or the written
instructions provided under the Repair
Procedure section in this service bulletin.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTICE: The information contained within the
linked video and this service bulletin offers a
more efficient method than the service manual to perform many steps of this repair. It is
necessary to follow these instructions carefully, failure to do so could result in damage
to the customer’s vehicle.

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STEERING STEM INSPECTION
1. Protect the mating surface between the
center panel switch and lower top shelter
using protective tape (left and right sides).
NOTE: If it is difficult to insert the tape into the
gap (as shown), push the center panel switch
to the other side to widen the gap.

PROTECTIVE
TAPE - GAP

©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
2. Remove the trim clip (shown below) from
the front edge of the top shelter (left and
right sides, two clips total).

3. Pull up both sides of the top shelter near
the bottom of the center panel switch.

5. Lift the end of the top shelter, then remove
the trim clip on both sides of the center
panel switch (left and right sides, two clips
total).

6. Lift the ends of the top shelter just enough
to remove the socket bolts from the center
panel switch (left and right sides, two bolts
total).

4. Protect exterior parts by covering the
speedometer and top shelter with clean
shop towels in the areas shown below.
7. Wrap the rear part of the center panel
switch with a clean cloth.

©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
8. Push the center panel switch forward,
towards the meter panel, then lift the front
of it up to disengage from the front mount.
Disengage the clip at the front of the center panel switch (shown below).

10. Remove the cable clamp bolts and cable
clamps (left and right sides, two total).

NOTICE: Push the center panel switch fully
forward before lifting or damage can occur to
the center panel switch and the fairing frame.

11. Remove the left rear handlebar bolt and
washer [1].
CENTER PANEL
SWITCH CLIP

9. Remove the screws [1] from the top bridge
cover [2]. Disengage the cover by lifting
the rear of it then disengaging the front.
Rotate center panel switch backwards,
resting it on a clean towel. Note how
cables and hoses are routed in the cover
for re-assembly.
LEFT HANDLEBAR

12. Loosen the handlebar bolt [1], move the
handlebar forward enough to make the tie
rod nuts accessible for a socket, then retighten the handlebar bolt to hold the handlebar in its new temporary position.

[1]

CABLES/
HOSES

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©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 for the right side
handlebar.

17. Using the assembled tool (previous step),
hold the stem shaft from underneath.

14. Remove the left rear tie rod by inserting a
14 mm open end wrench between the
steering bridge and the tie rod to access
the rod shaft. While firmly holding the rod
shaft with the wrench, remove the self
locking nut and remove the tie rod from
the steering bridge.

NOTICE:

NOTICE:
• If the rod shaft is not supported with the
14 mm wrench, damage will occur to the
rubber bushing supporting the tie rod.
• Do not drop the tie rod washer.

15. Repeat the step 14 for the right side tie
rod.
16. Combine the following tools: 22 mm sixpoint socket, universal joint, extension bar,
and ratchet or breaker bar. Extension
should be around 20 inches in length.

• When holding the stem shaft, be careful
not to damage the front fender, radiator
or inner cowls.
• When holding the stem shaft with a tool,
the extension may touch the lower arm. If
so, protect the lower arm with a clean
cloth to prevent damage.
• Take care to route the extension and
socket so it will not damage hoses or
cables.

18. Turn the front suspension to full left lock
and remove the stem nut using a six-point
30 mm socket. Remove the washer as
well.
NOTICE: When removing the stem nut, be
careful the tool does not contact and damage
the windshield.

20 in

©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
19. Lift the top bridge and handlebars as an
assembly and rotate backwards while
moving it towards the meter assembly.
NOTICE: Do not damage the meter assembly.

20. Flatten the tabs of the lock washer and
remove the lock nut, the lock washer, and
adjuster nut.

Checkpoint: How to determine if the
stem shaft is damaged.

STEERING STEM REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the stem shaft from the steering
head. If difficult, try tilting the stem backwards to ease removal.

2. Clean the upper and lower bearing races
then apply the specified grease to each
steering bearing and dust seal lip.
Specified grease (use where required):
Honda Marine Grease P/N 08734-0003

3. Install the dust seal [1], lower inner race
[2], and lower steering bearing [3] onto the
stem shaft [4].

• While removing the lock nut, if you are
ABLE to remove it smoothly (by hand),
without any binding, the stem shaft
threads are not damaged. Skip to the
Reassembly section on page 7 to begin
reassembling the vehicle (DO NOT
REPLACE THE STEERING STEM).
• While removing the lock nut, if you are
UNABLE to remove it smoothly (by
hand), the stem shaft threads are damaged. Continue to the Steering Stem
Replacement section or follow the
instructions in the linked video to replace
the stem and related parts with new
ones.
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©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
4. Insert the stem shaft into the steering head
pipe then install the following parts while
holding the stem shaft from below:
• Upper steering bearing [5]
• Upper inner race [6]
• Dust seal [7]

7. Recheck the adjuster nut [1] tightness to
the specified torque below then recheck
that the steering stem moves smoothly
without play or binding.
Tool: Steering stem socket [2]
TORQUE: 8.0 N·m (0.8 kgf·m, 5.9 lbf·ft)

5. Apply the specified grease to the threads
of the adjustment nut. Hold the stem and
tighten the adjustment nut [1] to the
torque specified below.
Tool: Steering stem socket [2]
TORQUE: 8.0 N·m (0.8 kgf·m, 5.9 lbf·ft))

Reassembly
1. Install a new lock washer [1] by aligning its
tabs with the grooves in the adjuster nut.
Install the lock nut [2] by hand until it
touches the lock washer then further
tighten the lock nut until its grooves align
with the tabs of the lock washer (no more
than 90 degrees).
NOTICE: Do not over-tighten the lock nut. This
will flatten the lock washer.

6. Rotate the stem shaft [1] five times to seat
the bearings.

©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
2. Install the top bridge.

5. Install the right tie rod by first turning the
handlebar to the left then installing the following parts:
• Tie rod and washer (10x20x1.0 mm)
• Tie rod nut
NOTE: Do not confuse this washer with the
washer used for fastening the handlebar bolt.

3. Apply the specified grease to the steering
stem nut threads [1]. Install the steering
bridge [2], washer [3] then install and
tighten the stem nut [4] to the specified
torque below while holding the stem shaft.
NOTE: The torque specified below is different
than the service manual due to the application
of grease to the steering stem nut threads.
Follow this procedure.
TORQUE: 69 N·m (7.0 kgf·m, 51 lbf·ft)

NOTICE: Hold the tie rod shaft firmly with an
open end 14 mm wrench to prevent damage
to the rear tie rod bushing.
TORQUE: 36 N·m (3.7 kgf·m, 27 lbf·ft)
4. Wipe off any extra grease thoroughly after
tightening the stem nut. Make sure the
stem shaft moves smoothly without play
or binding.

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6. Install the left tie rod by first turning the
handlebars to the right then repeat step 5.

©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
7. To fasten the left handlebar, first loosen
the handlebar bolt and return the handlebar to its regular position. Install handlebar bolts and washers, then tighten to the
specified torque.

9. Install the cable clamps and cable clamp
bolts then tighten each bolt to the specified torque below (left and right sides, two
total).
TORQUE: 10 N·m (1.0 kgf·m, 7 lbf·ft)

TORQUE: 39 N·m (4.0 kgf·m, 29 lbf·ft)

NOTICE:
8. To fasten the right handlebar, repeat the
instructions in step 7.

• Do not pinch wires or cables.
• Be careful not to drop the cable clamp
bolts.
• Insert the positioning stay tab into a
proper hold and install the hose clamp at
the proper angle.

NOTE: Make sure that four handlebar bolts
are fastened.
POSITIONING STAY TAB

©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
10. Install the tapping screws [1] and top
bridge cover [2].
NOTE:

12. With the center panel switch moved forward, insert the clip at the front part of the
center panel switch. Slide the center panel
switch toward the rear of the motorcycle.

•

Align the cover tabs with the handle
cover grooves.
• Route the hose and wire properly.
CLIP

11. Lift the left and right ends of the top shelter to protect the center panel switch as
you slide it into position.

13. Lift the end of the top shelter and install
the socket bolts for the center panel switch
(left and right sides, two total).

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©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

GL1800 #1
ISSUED: February 2019
14. Lift the end of the top shelter. First, install
a trim clip at the front of the center panel
switch (left and right sides, two total).
Next, install a trim clip in the end of each
top shelter (left and right sides, two total).

FRONT

END

15. Push the end of the top shelter down until
it snaps into place. Verify the front tabs are
engaged in the slots of the speaker grill
before pressing the top shelter in place.
NOTE:
• Remove protection material from all
parts.
LEFT

RIGHT

16. Ensure the handlebars turn smoothly
without binding in both directions
throughout their full turning range.

©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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