Is the 2016 Honda GL1800 reliable?

The 2016 Honda GL1800 has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Honda GL1800?

Top problems: ENGINE (3 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (2 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Honda GL1800?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Honda GL1800?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Honda GL1800 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Honda GL1800

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Honda GL1800 has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 13. The most common issue is engine problems (43% of all complaints), specifically: i was just starting from my house and had some hesitation in first and second gear. i made a right turn about a 1/4 mile down the road and again i had hesitation in first and second gear. note, i do let the bike idle down before taken off. this 2016 with fuel injection this should not happen. hond. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

3 complaints

43%

• I WAS JUST STARTING FROM MY HOUSE AND HAD SOME HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. I MADE A RIGHT TURN ABOUT A 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN I HAD HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. NOTE, I DO LET THE BIKE IDLE DOWN BEFORE TAKEN OFF. THIS 2016 WITH FUEL INJECTION THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. HOND
• WITH BIKE IN GEAR, SIDE STAND DOWN, KILL SWITCH IN KILL POSITION, AND NO KEY IN IGNITION, WHILE REPLACING THE BATTERY THE ENGINE STARTED AND THE BIKE ENGINE ENGAGED AND ROLLED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO FALL ON TOP OF ME, AND DAMAGING THE SADDLE BAG WHICH WAS LEFT OPEN BECAUSE THE COVER TO THE BATTERY CO
• Motorcycle stumbles and hesitates during engine warmup. Problem creates a hazard situation if this happens in traffic. If you apply throttle before engine is at operating temperature while leaving a street light, stop sign or in traffic the motorcycle stumbles and hesitates. This situation can cause

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“I WAS JUST STARTING FROM MY HOUSE AND HAD SOME HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. I MADE A RIGHT TURN ABOUT A 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN I HAD HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. NOTE, I DO LET THE BIKE IDLE DOWN BEFORE TAKEN OFF. THIS 2016 WITH FUEL INJECTION THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. HOND”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE09/01/2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles. These motorcycles have air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag module that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ1.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Honda GL1800

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda GL1800 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2016 GL1800, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I WAS JUST STARTING FROM MY HOUSE AND HAD SOME HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. I MADE A RIGHT TURN ABOUT A 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN I HAD HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. NOTE, I DO LET THE BIKE IDLE DOWN BEFORE TAKEN OFF. THIS 2016 WITH FUEL INJECTION THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. HOND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA GOLD WING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, WHEN HE RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE BRAKES CEASED AND THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED BRAKING AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: I WAS JUST STARTING FROM MY HOUSE AND HAD SOME HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. I MADE A RIGHT TURN ABOUT A 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN I HAD HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. NOTE, I DO LET THE BIKE IDLE DOWN BEFORE TAKEN OFF. THIS 2016 WITH FUEL INJECTION THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. HOND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WITH BIKE IN GEAR, SIDE STAND DOWN, KILL SWITCH IN KILL POSITION, AND NO KEY IN IGNITION, WHILE REPLACING THE BATTERY THE ENGINE STARTED AND THE BIKE ENGINE ENGAGED AND ROLLED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO FALL ON TOP OF ME, AND DAMAGING THE SADDLE BAG WHICH WAS LEFT OPEN BECAUSE THE COVER TO THE BATTERY CO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)