GL1500 cruise control problem

First thing to check are the switches at the levers on the handlebars... Especially if the PO replaced the stock levers with after market ones... You should hear the clicks (2) of the micro switches as you pull in the levers...

When trying to set the cruise, try pushing forward on both the right front and left front lever and see if the cruise will set... If it does, you may have worn bushings on the levers or the after market levers are giving you issues... Some guys add a little shim at the end of the lever to actuate the switch when this happens...

It could also be a dirty or sticky "set" switch... You could also try spraying some contact cleaner into the "set" switch and see if that helps...

Les

I'm not sure if you mean the 'cruise set' light will not stay on or the 'cruise on' light. Cruise control is cancelled by the micro switches on both brakes and the clutch lever and quite often it's dirt in those switches that can cause problems. A spray with contact cleaner usually sorts it out.
Some members have reported problems with aftermarket brake and clutch levers not making proper contact with the microswitches.
I would also spray and clean the cruise switch itself as all switches on the handlebars suffer from dirt and need regular cleaning.
You don't mention speed but you probably know there is a speed range that you have to be within for the cruise to work.
Hope this helps, it's where I would start and I'm sure others will be along with some other tips.

Only works above 45 or so..

If all the switches check out fine then you may have a vacuum leak. But I would do what already has been mentioned it's all sound advice to follow.

http://www.goldwingworld.com/pages/cruisecontrol.htm

Use this resource to diagnose your exact problem

Thanks so much. I believe it's the switch as I notice it gets stuck on when I try to turn it off. Must be in need of cleaning of the inside so hence the contact cleaner to try first. To John J, I think it's the 'cruise set' light which is the first light before the 'cruise on'. It's the 2nd light, 'cruise on' but wouldn't come on & no cruising while in 4 or 5th gear. Also thx Redeye1620 for the website which I printed. Knklehd1 - thx about the possibility of vacuum so I'll see...

The cruise switch is quite easy to get at. You could first try just spraying contact cleaner down the sides of the switch while it's in place and work the switch in and out loads. If that fails then separate the 2 halves of the handlebar switch block (just 2 phillips screws from underneath) which will give you access to the cruise switch slider which can get gummed up.

I had the same problem on my 94 SE. I found that the micro-switch on the clutch was bad. It was easy to verify, pull the wires off the switch, and go for a ride. If your cruise control starts working, you need a new switch.

Ride Safe,
Rich