Shadowfax-ST Blog

I'm a centerstand weakling. After 17 years hoiking my ST1300s on and off their centerstands easily, I just can't get Sherbert on their stand without injury. The weakest solution Max at Traxxion Dynamics says I'm a weakling. Chris the Cruiseman doesn't understand the issue for people under 3 meters tall and even Robert White, if more empathetic, doesn't really get the problem.  The problem is nothing to do with the "secret sauce" of planting both centerstand feet on the floor, although that is essential. It's not being able to hoik the beast up and over onto the centerstand, period. In case you've missed their combined athletics, here's the trio happily telling me I'm an idiot on YouTube. Robert White "Did you see how easy that was?" Chris Dickenson (Cruiseman) "I can even do it on these firm rubber tiles". Max McCallister "Truly, if you understand how to do it, it's really easy." Suspension preload Settin...

I love riding Sherbert and experience backache. As a sports-tourer, Shadowfax did the same. Fitting the Bike-Quip handlebar risers  eliminated most of my discomfort. It's natural to expect the same outcome from fitting handlebar risers to Sherbert. I chose the HeliBars Gen 2.0 handlebar risers against a field of cheaper alternatives and imitations. Everyone reviewing the Performance Handlebar Risers for 2018+ Gold Wing gave a positive outcome. They listed the following benefits, which matched my needs: Improved low-speed control Relaxed arms with improved reach Exceptional quality Proven manufacturer's record So, how did that turn out? Fitting the HeliBars Gen 2.0 handlebar risers The HeliBars arrived from WingStuff in a cardboard box containing labelled bags with the risers, the bolts, a pair of covers, and two small zip ties. An instruction booklet came with them. Preparation includes protecting the bike's surfaces. I used masking tape and blankets that survive from my...

We've wanted the Traxxion Dynamics belly pan since collecting Sherbert from Germany.  I know many owners have done thousands of miles and "never" had a problem with debris breaking the engine. I've covered some miles on STs and Sherbert and not had a problem with debris either. I also know countless eye witnesses on the news telling us they've "never" seen a tornado, earthquake, flood, or other disaster like it. Anyway, a good friend in the USA helped to save me a 50% price hike on postage. It's still way more expensive than I believe it needs to be at $315.97 and there's the market for you. Fitting is easy enough when you know to follow the instructions on the bolt packets and watch all the videos to prepare. Cruiseman's video is OK and after watching Max McCallister's hesitant voyage of instruction it was obvious that Chris made an error. Although correcting the error, I'd have edited it out. Anyway, it’s now fitted and ready to r...

It's a fair let down to discover the $235 Honda Goldwing Homelink kit isn't catered for in Europe.  Sure, the adverts claim we can fit Homelink as an option and how? There's no loom and no connection to the dashboard display. I discovered this after spending too long installing the Homelink transmitter and loom supplied in the kit. This takes some time feeding the cables down the back of the pannier and then accidentally pulling the grommet all the way through the purpose-made hole. The instructions are easy enough to follow in the Wingstuff video with Fred Harmon on YouTube. There was much cussing and silicone spray trying to reverse that situation and quiet elation when finally all done. Imagine my dismay when my extensive search for the on-bike loom turned fruitless. I messaged on Facebook and owners were helpful in directing me to where the connector should be.  I only found a boot concealing a 3-pin connection.  I found out the bad news from a French Goldwing owners ...

I installed the Vantrue Falcon 1 motorcycle dash cam on Sherbert the Goldwing 2023 today. It took a while longer than I expected, and when you consider my learning to strip a part or two, then that's OK. If you are an expert with the Goldwing's skins, then you can take much less time. This walk through will help too. Research Before running any cables I watched the following three YouTube videos from Chris Dickman, Robert White, and Larry Ryan. Chris Dickman (Cruiseman's Garage) Don't Buy A Motorcycle Dash Cam Until You Watch This | Vantrue F1 | Cruiseman's Reviews Chris highlighted the need to mount the camera off-center to avoid being struck by the front fender. Robert White VanTrue F1 Dash Cam, Install Robert installed the rear camera on the licence plate light cover. He drilled a hole for the cable off to the left of the cover and taped the cable to the rear fender. I didn't like that bit although he does give the best hint on "finding daylight" t...

To recap, we'd been awake and travelling to Offenburg, Germany since 2:30 am. Bikemoto's offer of a free coffee felt overwhelmingly generous while we waited for Sherbert's paperwork to be readied. There was a hire agreement to cover our ride back to Ireland, the ownership documentation, Certificate of Compliance, manuals, sales agreements, and more. It all took time. All the time I was taking stock of the enormity of the day and second-guessing the plan. Self doubt I'd not ridden for nearly 5 years since fixing Arod's speedometer sensor and finding his fork seals were leaking. COVID 19 and working from home were little motivation to set things right. Now I am about to ride a new-to-me model of bike I've not ridden before. Sherbert is heavier than an ST1300, a weightier insurance liability, and has a dual clutch transmission (DCT). He's extra expensive to buy and more-so to fix. I'm riding on the right side of the road in Europe and with my wife rid...

Offenburg is a couple of hours south of Frankfurt.  Initial plans were to fly to Frankfurt, catch a train to Offenburg, and then a taxi to the bike shop. Unfortunately, RyanAir fly to Frankfurt Hahn airport and don't hint at the fact Hahn is two hours west of Frankfurt. We discovered that gem after booking the flights. No plan survives first contact, right? So we adapted and hired a car to drive the 3 hours to Offenburg. Adapt or fail We learned that RyanAir will only allow helmets on spare seats–one helmet per seat by the read of it. Otherwise your life-saving equipment needs to go in the hold to be crushed, battered, and invisibly compromised by damage. Our new Shuberth C5s had arrived only a couple of days ahead of the flight in two smart boxes within a single purpose sized box. Mrs G called RyanAir and confirmed a 'suitcase' can be a box and what the maximum dimensions can be.  The box fitted the bill. Into Hahn Typically, the Friday flight out was at around 6am and w...