Gold Wing Road Riders Association
Chapter AB-A Calgary, Alberta, Canada

GOLDWING BOOT PROBLEMS - 1998 to 2000 MODELS

 

A number of riders have reported that there is abnormal wear in the "boot" that covers the drive shaft. When I investigated on my Wing I found this problem. In order to see if you have the problem, remove the right side cover (over the battery) and chrome engine cover (the same one you remove to check the oil level). Look down and bit back from the front and check the boot. In this picture (which I've lightened up a lot), I am pointing to the 1" or so hole in my boot.


Picture of Boot with Worn hole


Riders have reported that this has been covered under warranty by their local dealer. Unfortunately the fix requires removal of the real wheel, shocks, some exhaust components and the swing-arm which is a time consuming process. Further, it has been reported that replacing this with the GoldWing boot is only a temporary solution and the new boot will just wear through like the original. So far the only solution seems to be to replace the boot with a Valkyrie boot as the Valkyrie boot is a bit larger. I don't know whether this is a permanent fix or not.

UPDATE

I contacted my dealer today who has talked to Honda Canada. This is indeed a warranty item. BUT, they will only replace it with another GoldWing Boot. If you want the Valkyrie Boot, you'll have to pay for that part on your own AND it won't be covered under warranty. If you have the boot replaced with a Honda GoldWing boot and it again wears through then they will again replace it under warranty.

As an short term solution, I've gone back and used duct tape and some rubber from an old bicycle inner tube (just taped the rubber (doubled over) on top of the worn through spot). The Valkyrie boot has been on back order so it may take some time to get the replace parts in. I'll report later whether the duct tape / inner tube rubber lasts for awhile or whether it just wears right through.

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