The purpose of this page is to allow our members or any Gold Wing rider to vent, share, warn other riders of anything that they have experienced, etc.

Click Items Below to Expand
 

"Odyssey Battery " article in March Touring News
Submitted by Don Coons - April 2004

This information may save other members from making the same mistake I made. The March issue of Touring News has a great article describing the Odyssey Battery on page 10. Problem is that the article lists the PC545 as fitting both the 1500 and the 1800. It further states that the battery can be purchased for $95.00 +S/H. As a result of the article I went into E-Bay and ordered two PC545's for myself and a friend for $53.00 +S/H (beats $95.00) only to find that the article was wrong and that the factory recommends the PC680MJ for the 1500. The number's indicate the cold cranking amps and the MJ designates "Metal Jacket".

I was able to sell the two PC545's, at a loss, and then ordered the PC680MJ's for $61.95 +S/H (Still a better price than $95.00 listed in Touring News). If you just type "Odyssey Battery" in your search engine it will take you to the E-Bay listings and the above are "buy it now" prices. You may find two different dealers listing on E-Bay (one in Florida and Odyssey World in Riverside, Ca.). I chose Odyssey World who shipped the following day and because I guessed that the postage would be less from Riverside that from Florida.

One of our Chapter P club members called Touring News to ask about the number difference and was told that the number had been changed and that the "MJ" batteries were no longer available. That's not true. I've ordered and received three from the factory (Odyssey World) as of this date. I spoke to Odyssey World via E-mail and was told that the metal jacket helps protect the battery under adverse and hot conditions. Heat can cause the plastic casing to heat and soften which could allow the outer plates to expand and compromise the integrity of the battery. They further stated that the 545's would work in the 1500's but that's not what is recommended by the factory.

"Metzler Tire Troubles"
Submitted by Bill Johnson - April 2004

Thought I would share the story of what happened to my rear tire on the way home from Lancaster this past weekend. If you have Metzler, you may want to check them out. Seems I developed a separation in the rubber.

Well, Metzler was happy to replace my tire after the recent trip, and thanks to Don Allen of Wing Nut, I was back together within a couple hours. I thought I would share some photo's with you so you can all be aware of a potential problem.       Photos    1    2    3    4

These had a DOT date of 4002 which stands means they were manufactured the 40th week of 2002. Note there were some other numbers like EB 31, but it is the 4002 you need to check out. I would like to advise anyone that has this series tire on the GL 1800 to check them out very closely and contact Metzler if you need to. I have a phone number I can share if you like.

This is the 2nd rear tire in the Chapter to have this problem, with the only difference being Jerry Kougel's tire had the bubble on the outside. There also seems to be a cut around the upper edge all the way around, so take a close look at yours. I will be contacting them again for more details I can share, but doubt they talk much, so be careful. I do understand they corrected the problem in late 2002, so you may be ok.

Updated 11/19/2007