2021 Honda GL1800 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
7 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
22,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Vehicle Speed Control is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 7 complaints (42.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 57.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 14.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 14.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | 1 |
| Structure:Body | 1 |
Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Electrical System: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Engine: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Steering: 1; Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar: 1; Structure:Body: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2021: 3; 2022: 2; 2024: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Vehicle Speed Control leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11425731 · 2021-07-20 (July 20, 2021)
when just starting out using foot brake and handbrake , handbrake came in towards grip real far and throttle cut out but not off for a few seconds. Then abs and traction control lights came on along with mode selector lights until bike was shut down and restarted. Upon restarting all would be ok for a few miles or even the whole day or would just do it all over again. It did this from june until now where it is presently at the honda dealer while honda tries to figure it out. So far they have not.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11425731 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11432523 · 2021-09-10 (September 10, 2021)
At approximately 800 miles, the throttle became sticky. The return spring will close the throttle; however, there is excessive friction that developed while riding. Temperatures were approximately 85-95 degrees. The problem is that fine feathering of the throttle is not possible. By the time enough hand control pressure is released to ease off the throttle, the throttle closes aggressively and by the time I can stop the throttle closure, the engine and dual clutch transmission are downshifting--in Sport mode the downshifts are aggressive and …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11432523 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11667669 · 2025-06-18 (June 18, 2025)
The contact owns a 2021 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the handlebars had become loose and were wobbly. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the nut used to secure the handlebars was loose. The contact tightened the steering nut, but eventually the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not yet been contacted. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11667669 at NHTSA ↗