How to Replace the Starter on a Honda Goldwing

A damaged or worn-out starter can put an end to a long motorcycle ride before it begins. Without a working starter motor, nothing short of an exhausting push start will bring a Honda Goldwing back to life. Unfortunately, accessing the starter motor is a fairly difficult task, as it is buried behind a labyrinth of bodywork and mechanical components. While the replacement can be completed with basic hand tools, it may be beyond the technical knowledge of some DIYers. Don't attempt to replace your starter unless you are very familiar with your Goldwing's makeup.

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle stand
• 5, 6 and 10 mm sockets
• Socket wrench
• 10 mm wrench
• Starter motor O-ring
• Starter motor

1. Place the motorcycle on a stand and remove the fuel tank's top cowl

Place the motorcycle on a stand and remove the fuel tank's top cowl. Open the fairing pockets and remove the trim clips, pressing in the center pin and pulling the clip out. Pull the pockets away from the fairing. Using a 5 and a 6 mm socket, remove the bolts that secure the top cowl to the fuel tank and lift the cowl upward. Disconnect all cables and set the cowl aside. Use a 10 mm socket to remove all four bolts that secure the fuel tank to the frame. Lift the right side of the fuel tank upward and disconnect all of the wiring connectors. Remove the fuel tank from the left side of the motorcycle.

2. Locate the rear brake master cylinder and remove both mounting bolts

Locate the rear brake master cylinder and remove both mounting bolts with a 10 mm socket. Move the rear brake master cylinder aside. Locate the two bolts that were behind the rear brake master cylinder. These bolts secure the battery's ground cable and the reverse shift cable holder. Remove the bolts and pull away the battery ground cable and reverse shift cable holder using a 10 mm socket.

3. Follow the reverse shift cable to the starter motor

Follow the reverse shift cable to the starter motor. Remove the reverse shift arm, using a 10 mm socket to remove the bolt in the center of the shift arm assembly attached to the reverse shift cable.

4. Pull the rubber dust boot off of the starter motor

Pull the rubber dust boot off of the starter motor's terminal. Using a 10 mm wrench, unscrew the terminal nut and pull the starter wire lead off of the terminal. Remove the starter motor from the motorcycle. Remove all three bolts that secure the starter to the motor using the 10 mm socket. Pull the starter motor away form the motorcycle.

5. Slip a new O-ring around the starter motor

Slip a new O-ring around the starter motor, placing it within the recessed channel on the motor side of the starter. Secure the starter to the motor, using a 10 mm socket to insert and tighten all three bolts. Insert the starter into the motor. Place the starter wire lead onto the starter's terminal and tighten the terminal nut with a 10 mm wrench.

6. Reinstall the reverse shift arm

Reinstall the reverse shift arm, fuel tank and top cowl following directions outlined in Steps 1, 2 and 3 in reverse.

Video showing How to Replace a Starter:

Comments on this video:

• Thanks a lot for this instructional video, I followed 100% beginning to the end. My starter needed to be replaced. I ordered on internet the starter “410”, bolts kits (replace all rounded bolts) gaskets (starter and fly wheel)waterproof grease , brake cleaner, and bushings) it took me 30 minutes to dissemble and another 30 to assemble!!! Estimated mechanical labor with parts $480 I spent $145. Definitely I recommend this video. Thanks again.
• Amazingly clear video and so helpful.. I am in the progress of rebuilding my '13 Husaberg TE300 top end and thought I'd give the ignition system a going over at the same time. Thank you for this, made it very simple to understand.