I have a 2018 GL1800 Tour. I just recently had to have the bike towed after a ply separated in the OEM Dunlop rear tire during my vacation. I have seen this video before, so I was not concerned when the tow driver (a motorcyclist himself with 6 years experience towing motorcycles) tied it down by the handlebars. We even used the Canyon Dancer handlebar straps that I had with me for a good connection. He tied it down EXACTLY like you show in this video. Once we arrived at the shop and took it off the truck, the first thing I noticed is that the handlebars now wobbled up and down on both sides. Why? Because tying it down by the handlebars EXACTLY as you show damaged the steering crown/assembly underneath. Now I have to have that repaired in addition to a new rear tire installed. BTW, have you seen the notice on The Wrench (a newsletter for Honda technicians) dated May 2018? It says: (quote) "Do not attach any straps or tie downs to the handlebars as this can damage the heated grips and/or handlebar switch gear". I can send you a copy if you wish. Great video Max. Just bad advice. You really should remove this from the Internet, especially since you stated to Elliot Parsowith 3 months ago "We have since learned that there is ONE bike in the world you shouldn't tie down by the bars, and it is the 2018+ Goldwing." No one would see that unless they dug through all the comments. - Mike

I cannot believe this video is still up. Checkout Max's 2020 video where he documents a fatigue failure due to tying down a 2018+ Goldwing by the handlebars. Fast forward to 10:18 on this link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iriql8iQqtjdZaM.html

Really great review. Just for the advice on ratchet straps alone was A+ knowledge. The standing on the bars was the frosting. Great job!

Hello Max. I've owned two GW in my lifetime and a few occasions had to trailer. Last time was a return trip to Ga from Arkansas after finishing up a job contract there for a couple of years. Strapped and tied down very much like you're showing and have never had any problems. As for the new GW, I first laid eyes on one there at Traxxion. I imagine they will be like the GW of the past. Great machines but always room for improvements. Great vid. Entertaining as well as informative for anybody that 'doesn't get it'.

Excellent job, again. I was cracking up when you stood on the handlebars.

I just came across your page a couple weeks ago. Im liking everything I am seeing done on the new Goldwing. I have a 2014 Valkyrie and would love to see you guys do something with that.

Excellent demonstration, Max. Thanks!

Great info! I see others cranking their bikes down too far and not leaving any suspension travel.

KZfaq is a great source for information. I have seen many tie down scenarios. You make a lot of sense. Good observation on the double suspension.

Dispelling myths is great! Chafing where the strap rubs the seat is the only problem I've had trailering my bike in the past

Nice Balance!!! I have 2 140KTX Dirt bikes, I strap down with the handlebars on a trailer with only HD leaf springs. Would well, I've been doing that for years, no issues. I do not put the kickstand's down. I would have no problem tying my 2014 Valkyrie the same way. Some nice tips on the ratchet straps! Cheers!

I sure appreciate your in-site you always provide on your channel. I wish I was near you I would really like to get your suspension on my 2019. Thank you

Great thank you and where are the passenger grips for the 2018 you are fabricating?/

Dropping real world facts. In 23 years of riding and tying bikes down I've always used the handlebars in some fashion. I also always use cam straps. So many of my riding buddies comment on the dangers of cam strap failure and I can see where someone may have that fear but, I've never had an issue ever with a cam strap. Good advice sir and I'm glad to see you put it out there.

Max, one of your bright installers mentioned to me how easy it would be if the new steel spindles could have the upper internal hollow machined to accept a socket extension or large hex key to allow the spindle to be held.

Thank you for posting this. Just ordered a new GW and I’ve been worrying about how it’s going to be transported home (in England). I’ve read about this online especially on forums.

Thanks Max, great video

I have a 2018 Tour Model with only 6k miles. It has only be trailered one time when I bought it and trailered it home about 450 miles. Last fall, I noticed a bit of play in the handle bars, mostly when going over the RR tracks near my home. Upon inspection, I found my steering crown nut was loose in a big way. I was pretty shocked. I also had very little final drive gear oil when I changed it at around 5k miles. Pretty surprised coming from Honda. 🙊🙈

Great Thank you and transporting my 2018 and greatly appreciate your video 4 straps will do it? You guys are such great help. thank you.

Hello, Can you tell me what seat rest you have on your goldwing. Also is that seat rest adjustable?

This was helpful not only for trailering... but also for tie downs on Ferries across open water.... Recently travelled to Newfoundland and tied down the handle bars.... I wondered if this was safe. The only difference is that you are positioning the bike on the kick stand not the centre stand.... Thanks for the video....

I did that two times and both times the handle bars loosening up, due to the wishbone front end. I found out the best way for me was to get the tie down brackets from Honda that mount lower to the frame and solid to the bike.

great video like all the rest of your presentations. Would have been cool to see how to strap the bike down using the tie down brackets under the front engine guards and the rear luggage guards.

Great video Max, very informative.

You learned me brother! Great video!

Wow, great demo and video!

I have tying my bikes like that for 30years plus. Never a problem what so ever 🙂👍

how is this still up? you have videos SHOWING damage to handbar's pivot

Great job Max going to pick up 2019 goldwing today.

Max; A+ Good one! Loved it.

Great video! Thanks for dispelling that myth.

And some chocks set the bike rock solid even without straps, but I strap any way. In this model of bike, there are strong frame holes right under the seat that accept most strap hooks, Its where Honda had the straps in the shipping crates. No need to remove the seat, but do remove the Tupperware side covers that just pull off when the bags are open,

LOL standing on the bars was a pretty funny.

Another good one!

Great video 👍🏼

A comment was made about when fairings interfere with straps. I saw a new way off strapping that was done at the bottom triple tree, which is much stronger than any handlebar. Won't work on this front suspension type, but on the majority of bikes it would.

You do it, I have seen a handlebar ripped out, but hey, you are the “pro”

My service manager said tying down at the handle bars could blow the fork seals if too tight.

excellent video

Max, another great presentation. It always amazes me how so many people have to be slapped in the face before they can understand the realities of life… hammer the obvious into their simple minds before they can comprehend the subject matter. And, those same people have an actual mother and an actual father somewhere; such “beings” were allowed to reproduce. Again, Max, thank you for having a wonderful analytical mind.

I would never...

Thanks Max, I think a key component here is that, on the front, you are not using the $14 cam-straps we see at Wally-world or Tractor Supply....they appear to be 2 inches wide? I have always used the wide ratchet-straps and about 50% of the shock travel because I did not trust the cams...obviously, I also did not think about performing the tests you just did... I'm definitely on the hunt for some new straps! The "rumor" in my neck of the woods is that if you bottom out the shocks with the straps, you'll blow out the fork seals...something else I have not yet done nor seen....

How about using the 2 holes in the frame below the seat for tie down points ? I've seen HDs with a brkt. On the front forks that makes a good tie down point . Would be nice on the 18 and newer GWs.

I used to be a Professional Tow Operator here in Australia . Also a Motorcyclist . Those are Definitely the Correct type of strap . Ratchet too much . I however would TRY to attach to Un-sprung Parts of the Bike and just PULL Hard on the Straps . Zero movement or Galling if done right .

Great demonstration. On bikes with a lot of plastic sometimes you have no choice. Have you ever seen anybody break a throttle tube?

When my '18 Wing was delivered to my home from 110 miles away, it was tied down to the trailer with a Condor chock and tie downs to the handlebar. No other straps. The delivery guy says that's how they do it all the time. Getting ready to trailer mine about 500 miles to a rally because thunderstorms all along the way and my wife's back isn't as young and pain free anymore.

So I see the back tie downs you hooked to the driver back rest. What if you do not have the back rest? Thanks Max.

I have the same bike...2018 dct tour What's the best way for the rear tie down points. I am using a stinger XL trailer and it seems a little awkward.

thanks Max

i have always tied down using the bars on my other bikes but my fear of using the bars on my 2018 gold wing is damage to the hand grip heaters which are not spoke of here. is it possible to damage them?

So Max, this is not true anymore is it? since this video, aired back in 2018 theres been cases where the steering stem has broken, leaving the rider unable to control or steer the bike, that's why you developed the safety pin, right?

Excellent! Now I hope I never need to know this!

Now That's Real There..

Indian Larry and now we have Indian Max....hahaha!!!

Not a bad demonstration but put that new Goldwing on a trailer without that front wheel chock tie it down the way you had it and web down the road on curves and some off-road or rough and bumpy roads let's see if that bike still standing been there done it. The front wheel chock makes the world tie-down golden. GeForce going down the road when you have to Swerve out of the way to prevent an accident going to move that bike more than you think without that front wheel chock and good tie down method. Record video. As for handle bar damage your so right. Honda needs to fix the nut so it does not come loose.

Educate em’ Max.

A future as a trick rider?

Why not just use the tiedown points that are already on the bike instead of all this nonsense

The seats are HORRIBLE you can NOT go for more than an hour on the bike without your ass hurting !!!!!

Lol. You are so lost.