Mystery slowdown

[CyberVet65]

Specifics. A 2003 1800 Lehman Gold Wing with 50,000 miles.

Today I was riding at freeway speed (80mph) and I couldn't get the cruise control to "set". So I figured ok I will look at it when I got back. Then the bike lost power almost like the engine had been turned off. It would not accelerate with the clutch pulled in. There was no backfiring or indication that it wasn't getting fuel. I pulled over and the bike slowed to about 50 mph. I changed gears and it was like I turned on a switch. I rode it about 25 miles home with no problem at all.

The engine never stopped running. The alternator was putting out 13.5 volts. Fresh tank of gas. The battery stays on a tender in the garage.

Any tips or hints?

The battery is over three years old. Maybe?

Help

 

[Jack Klarich]

Clean and tighten all battery cables, load test the battery

 

[CyberVet65]

I will do that 1st thing Thanks

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Clean and tighten all battery cables, load test the battery

+1

 

[Gold Rush]

Also take a look at the kill switch. Over the years there have been some issues. My '06 was very sensitive to being bumped. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[CyberVet65]

Also take a look at the kill switch. Over the years there have been some issues. My '06 was very sensitive to being bumped. :xszpv: :xszpv:

My trike sits in the garage. But I do live in the high desert country. Lots of dirt and grit blowing around. I notice the cruise button does not want to "pop out". Same for a couple other switches. The kill switch is especially sensitive. How to clean? Wil contact cleaner work? Is disassembly of the switch assembly on the bars needed?

 

[trike lady]

There is a recall for the bank angle sensor mounting screws: http://www.gwrraiachapa.com/bulletins/1800SB12.pdf Look for the white dot on the right compartment lid, as shown in the diagram in the SB.

Use a contact cleaner that is safe on plastic, some will ruin plastic.

 

[mhgoldwing]

There is a recall for the bank angle sensor mounting screws: http://www.gwrraiachapa.com/bulletins/1800SB12.pdf Look for the white dot on the right compartment lid, as shown in the diagram in the SB.

Use a contact cleaner that is safe on plastic, some will ruin plastic.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the bank angle sensor would shut off the engine if tripped, requiring the key to be turned off and then back on to re-activate. According to OP, he simply downshifted and then bike was fine.

 

[trike lady]

You're right. But its worth checking to see if it was part of the recall.

Went back and reread it. The cruise control may have caused the hiccup momentarily, since it didn't want to set.

 

[Gorilla]

And when it slowed down and shift gears the cruise command was turned off. So it was not looking at the switch any longer. I think a sticky switch is the first place to look.