Stuart’s GoldWing Blog

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Autocom, manufacturers of high quality motorcycle headsets and intercom systems, hit a bad patch recently but they have been rescued and are now part of a larger Group of companies and they are trading normally – and they are releasing new products too.

Some Wingers prefer Autocom headsets to the the standard Honda/J&M types.  The are a number of differences between the two systems, one  being that Autocom use electret (i.e. powered, miniature-sized) microphones rather than the larger, self-powered (and arguably old-fashioned) dynamic mics on which Honda/J&M still rely – mainly because they are restrospectiovely compatible across all GoldWing models.

Autocom has many loyal biker followers, based on a reputation for excellent noise suppression as well as audio quality.  Bikers who migrate to a GoldWing (or should it be ascend to a GoldWing?) having used an Autocom system on a previous bike will often want to stick with it, not least because of their investment in the headsets.

Autocom headests are not directly compatible with a GoldWing’s intercom system but a simple adapter can be purchased which goes in series with the headset, to convert to a Honda 5 pin DIN connection.  This adapter allso provides the necesary power supply for the Autocom electret microphones.

So Autocom headsets can be used with the GoldWing’s normal (i.e. Honda) intercom system via this simple adaptor arrangement, but thius means buying extra parts, so some riders prefer to continue using their complete Autocom Intercom system with their Wing instead.  In this case the Autocom system, which is designed to accept and “talk to” a variety of other audio devices, does most of the work and it just “listens in” to the GoldWing’s intercom, in order to pick up and pass on to the rider’s headset things like Navi system voice instructions and such other audio output from the bike which the rider wants to make use of.  The bike’s FM radio and, if fitted, CD changer will also be relayed to the rider via the Autocon system in the same way.

Although on the face of it adding a full Autocom intercom system to a GoldWing is an unnecessary complication, it does open up one or two interconnection options which are otherwise more difficult to contrive on a UK -spec GoldWing.  For example CB radio and a Bluetooth interface for a mobile phone can be made more easily to an Autocom system than directly to a GoldWing’s own intercom.  An Autocom intercom system’s “brain” is designed to accept mixtures of audio input and output safely and easily and it’s often just a question of buying the appropriate additional connector lead.

For many Wingers, Autocom’s rescue from the brink of what might have been closure is therefore very welcome news indeed.  Their Website is active and can be viewed here.  Their new phone number is 01480 494444.

The Federation of UK GoldWing Clubs has announced a renewed and expanded sponsorship arrangement with Knutsford Honda, complementing their generous sponsorship of the 2009 Blackpool Light Parade.

The amount of money involved is not being released but it’s apparently enough to allow the Federation to cover the whole of its annual administration and IT costs and therefore underpins the services which it is developing for the UK GoldWing Community.

Instead of sucking money out of GoldWing clubs in the form of subscriptions, the Federation will be providing its services to GoldWing Clubs free of charge.  Even PLI cover is virtually free for a Club’s first year of affiliation.  The Federation also plans to make grants to clubs, especially new and newly affiliated clubs, to help them get going.  For further information about the Federation visit its Website.  (GWOCGB subscriptions are again being increased by about 10% for next year.)

For further information about Knutsford Honda (which incidentally has four GL1800s on special offer at present) please ring 01925 752600 or visit their Website.

Polishing Gary Stubbs''s immaculate GL1500 trike

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A new service for bikers, a really good, professional cleaning, is being launched by a Lancashire biker who is also a professional, full time vehicle valeter.

Shane Hutchinson, based in Garstang, North Lancashire has operated his own vehicle valeting business, Lancashire Valeting, for many years and he drives a purpose-fitted van containing a full range of kit and materials to provide an excellent mobile service.

Shane recognises that many bikers enjoy cleaning their own bikes but not everyone does and not everyone can, especially when it comes to achieving Shane’ s exceptionally high standards and thoroughness.

And his prices are very attractive, starting from continues………

Eric & Bridget, Owners of Knutsford Honda, have bought Pricedright too

Pricedright Ltd, which started only a couple of years ago but has become the UK’s premier mail order GoldWing Accessory business offering keen prices, stock  on the shelves all the time and a rapid dispatching service.  Now it has been bought by Knutsford Honda.

This is part of their strategy to become a full service GoldWing Specialist Official Honda Dealer.  They are based on the A50 just East of M6 Junction 20 at the site of the former GoldWings International.  The Showrooms have been extensively refurbished so it’s not just a case of GoldWings International being re-born, Knutsford Honda are taking things to a whole new level.

Pricedright’s extensive stock is to be transferred to the Knutsford Showroom as soon as practicable and specially converted accommodation is being built to house an expanded Clothing and Accessory Department.

The new Department will be completed and stocked up fairly soon but Knutsford Honda will also be taking a big chunk of their accessory stock to the Blackpool Light Parade (coming soon, it’s only the weekend after next) and so for the opening offers which there are sure to be, Blackpool is the place to go.

Sean Davis and his Team will be on site at Pontin’s from Friday lunchtime (September 4th) and over the weekend.  They are also bringing along their Chief Techician Paul, who will assist with fitting lighting and accessories on request.

Indoor accommodation is available at Pontin’s for fitting accessories and lights to your bike, so this opportunity to buy stuff at special offer prices and then fit it or have it fitted is going to be very useful.

If you wish to pre-order any accessories and maybe claim your place at the head of Paul’s queue for fitting at Pontin’s, ring Knutsford Honda on 01925 752600.

You can still place internet order using Pricedright’s website.  Knutsford Honda plan to continue the Premier Dealer status which Pricedright have enjoyed with Big Bike Parts and Add On, so they should be very competitive.  They will also be continuing to stock Pricedright’s range of heated clothing and Draggin jeans etc.

So save your pennies  – this year’s real GoldWing bargains are going to be at the Blackpool Light Parade!

Sean Davis - keen to buy GoldWings

Sean Davis, General Manager of Knutsford Honda, is very keen to buy GoldWings for cash as well as to part exchange them, as they try to build up their stock.

Distance is no object either and Sean will consider collecting your bike from anywhere in UK.  Absolutely any GoldWing will be considered, any model any age – even bikes which have been unused and in storage.  If you have a GoldWing you’re not using, this is your chance to turn it into cash.

If you have a GoldWing for sale Sean or his Salesman, Mike would be delighted to hear from you on 01925 752600. continues………

This Hesketh caught my eye

Near the display of GoldWings at Fleetwood Tram Sunday a Hesketh caught my eye.  It was being displayed by a recently established local motorcycle service and repairer business called StreetRod.

Rob Angel, who used to run the workshop for Raceway Motorcycles, a Dealer in Fleetwood, has decided to go it alone.  Rod will be buying and selling the odd motorcycle but his main aim is to provide specialist servicing and repair facilities, for example to plastic fairings and specially fabricated exhaust components. He was showing a  few examples of damaged fairings which had been repaired and were ready for filling and painting, a much cheaper option than replacing with new.

His services might therefore be useful to a Winger who is restoring continues………