2001 Honda Gl1800

The 2001 Honda GL1800 has 8 recalls, the most serious being a combined braking system defect where the rear brake can drag after the rider releases it, destabilizing the motorcycle and generating enough heat to start a fire.

The rear brake dragging issue appears across multiple filings and represents the central safety concern for this motorcycle. When the secondary master cylinder in the combined braking system fails to fully release pressure, the rear brake stays partially engaged even after the rider lets go, creating unpredictable deceleration that can upset handling and, if the ride continues, enough friction heat to ignite the rear brake assembly.

On the electrical side, two separate concerns can cut engine power without warning. The engine stop switch on certain trims can activate unintentionally and shut the engine off mid-ride. Separately, the crankshaft pulse rotor, a sensor that helps the engine management system track rotation, can fail and cause the engine to stall. Either condition leaves the rider without power at the wheel, which reduces speed and may affect stability, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic.

The frame also has a structural recall: welds on the frame can crack under the stress of rough roads or potholes. In the worst case, a cracked weld can progress to a full break, causing the rear suspension to collapse or a lower cross member to separate from the frame. Either outcome would make the motorcycle uncontrollable. Owners of this motorcycle should check their VIN against each of these recalls, as not all affected units necessarily fall within every campaign's production range.