[bassplayer88]

Hello All,

I'm getting ready to trade in 1 of my ST1300's ( yes I have 2) on a new 2012 Goldwing GL1800 Lev 3. I have several questions about Honda accessories, and factory equipment. Coming from the ST1300 world and the never ending addition of farkles, I'm trying to compile a list of accessories to get all at 1 time. Looking to see from the forum advantages of using the factory accessories versus aftermarket in functionality or vice versa.
I'll be installing them myself, no stranger to removing plastics. I not into all the blink , but do want accessories for functionality. Basically, if it all it does is look shiny, I'm not interested.

Accessories looking to add at purchase:
1) Honda 40 Channel CB , with pillion push to talk switch:
I really want to have some sort of connectivity that my Iphone can connect as well as having CB functionality using the Honda Head sets. Can this be done, or is there a better solution for this in the aftermarket world.

2) LED running lights:
Are the LED bottom fairing lights worth it ? Are they just a additional visibility feature or do they actually project light? Are the Halogen version a better option?

3) The factory Nav and XM:
Are they worth it versus a GPS and XM radio. Do they work well, upgradable (software versions)

4) Factory trunk light:
Worth it or is there a better aftermarket version

There are more Honda accessories but they are straight forward IE brake light spoiler, trunk rack and such.

Non Honda accessories adding:
1) Pillion arm rests & driver back rest:
Have looked at several versions for both, Leaning towards Utopia backrest but open to comments and suggestions for both the backrest and pillion armrests.

2) Belly pan & Fender extender:
Have seen the stainless steal ones. I live way back in the boonies and have a about a 3/4 mile gravel/chirt road to deal with coming and going. Any comments or suggestions on models being used .


Thanks to all for looking and even more so for your comments,

Stephen

 

[DaveO430]

1; On the CB and i phone, I don't know

2; Neither the LED or halogen lights put out enough light to be noticeable from your prospective but with the way they ruined the headlights on the '12 you need the visibility.

3; Get the aftermarket GPS (garmin etc.) you have to buy the updates from Honda for the factory NAV.

4; get the Honda trunk light.

Definitely get a belly pan.
fender extension would be good if you can get one that's not chrome. I am like you, don't want anything that is just bling, if it doesn't have a function I don't want it.

 

[miles.from.nowhere]

Consider the Rivco pillion armrests. They don't interfere with opening the trunk. http://www.rivcoproducts.com/products/product.php?productid=656

 

[bassplayer88]

Thanks for the reply's . Since I really want the ABS option, the Nav and XM are a mute point.

Thanks again.

 

[fireshine]

the bottom led fairing lights do add a great deal of light to the outside area of your view. you can really see the difference when u switch them off and on.

 

[snowmoer]

I too moved from a ST 1300 to a 2012 level 3 wing.

CB, Make sure you get one for the 2012-15. The hookups are different from the 01-10 units. Someone has come up with adapters if you have an older unit.

I phone- You can hook it up in the trunk to the USB port with and adapter. I do not have an I phone, but I do not think you can make phone calls, just play music. I have a thumb drive loaded with music on mine.

I have LED lights. They are more like fog lights and are used to be seen vs. more light to see with. There are LED driving lights out there also.

Factory Nav/XM. I do not have any problems with the factory nav. I use the software that came with my Garmin Zumo to make and download custom routes. Maps can be updated, but Honda is not real quick with it like Garmin is. As of now, there are still no map updates from the ones that came with the bike in 2012. There are flash updates out there. Yes, it is a little more of a pain to enter an address. The Nav does not have a touch screen like a normal GPS does.

I also have XM hooked up. From time to time it will cut out when there is nothing around. For me, it does not happen that often, so not a big deal for me. You pay extra for traffic and weather. The traffic I will not renew this year. To many false alerts. The weather is great if you use the bike for long trips.

Trunk light. I have one from Electrical Connection. Works fine.

I do not have arm rests. I have the utopia backrest. Like it a lot.

I put on a belly pan. Glad I did. Lots of crap gets kicked up and have only had it on for 10,000 miles. I went with the Show Chrome stainless model.

Do not have a fender extender. Some have had problems with fender cracking, others have not. If I do, I will get one of the black Fender Extender brand. Had good luck with it on my ST.

I also put on the spoiler with brake light. I do not like the looks of the rack for the 1800, so will not be putting one on. A few people have had problems with lid cracking with a top rack.

I loved the ST, but love the wing even more. It just fits me better than I could get the ST to.

Have Fun and enjoy the new ride!

 

[Rueda Grande]

How did the ST1300 handle in strong side winds? I find that my 2012 wing acts like wind sail, very un-nerving at times.


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[fireshine]

a very strong gust will push you but otherwise i don't notice any abnormal riding

 

[fireshine]

i do have very poor radio reception when compared to a car not sure if there's something aftermarket that will bring in the stations better

 

[snowmoer]

How did the ST1300 handle in strong side winds? I find that my 2012 wing acts like wind sail, very un-nerving at times.


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I got beat to death with side winds on the ST. The wing is rock solid. Any side wind will blow you around some. It just did it more on the ST. I deal with A LOT of side winds here in the So Cal desert.

 

[crazzyrman]

I know you can get the Honda cb kit from some of the internet sites (Honda direct line, cyclemax for examples) $200-300 cheaper than ordering through the dealer.
I have seen an aftermarket interface kit for hooking up cell phones, radar detectors & GPSs so you can hear them & talk on your phone through the helmet headset.
I would buy an aftermarket GPS (it will be cheaper & you can move it between vehicles).
I would buy an MP3 player & the mp3s I like instead of a Sirius/xm radio & subscription. The Sirius factory radio in my dodge ram always had reception issues if there was even 1 cloud in the sky or 1 tree branch over me & they wanted about $20/month after my free trial ran out.
I have & like the utopia backrests on all of my bikes.
As for trunk light I just use a cheap/free led flashlight hanging in one of those trunk organizers that mounts on the underside of the lid & its portable if needed elsewear.
I have the electrical connections 10watt led driving/fog lights & they project down the road & out to the sides pretty well & are only a little more $ than the halogen light kits that you'll probably be changing the bulbs on constantly. The 1 watt led Honda fog light kit doesn't show on the road much & is overpriced.
I have a home made diamond plate belly pan on my gl1800 that a member on gl1800riders was making & selling a couple years ago, but neither of my gl1500s have pans. I know I scrape the belly pan on stuff I didn't touch without it.