1986 Goldwing Interstate Owners Manual

The 1986 Honda Goldwing Interstate is a touring motorcycle featuring a 1182cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, shaft drive, comprehensive instrumentation, integrated fairing with audio system, hard saddlebags, adjustable suspension, and advanced touring amenities. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Controls and Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Fluid Requirements 7. Electrical System 8. Storage and Care 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1182cc flat-four engine, shaft final drive, full fairing with windshield, integrated audio system, hard saddlebags, comprehensive instrumentation.

FeatureDescription
Engine1182cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder
Transmission5-speed manual with electric reverse
Final DriveShaft drive
FairingFull fairing with integrated audio system
SuspensionAir-adjustable front and rear
BrakesDual front disc, single rear disc
Fuel Capacity6.3 gallons
Weight794 lbs (wet)
InstrumentationSpeedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge
Audio SystemAM/FM stereo cassette with intercom

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform pre-ride inspection before operating motorcycle.

  1. Check tire pressure and condition: Front 36 psi, Rear 41 psi (with passenger 42 psi)
  2. Verify fluid levels: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, final drive oil
  3. Test lights and signals: Headlight, brake light, turn signals
  4. Check brake operation: Front and rear brake lever/pedal travel
  5. Inspect chain and sprockets: Clean and lubricate as needed

WARNING! Failure to perform pre-ride inspection may result in accident or injury. Always wear proper protective gear.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before riding.

  1. Starting procedure: Turn key ON, set choke, pull clutch, press starter
  2. Shifting: Use clutch for all gear changes, including reverse
  3. Suspension adjustment: Use air valves to adjust ride height and comfort
  4. Audio system: AM/FM radio with cassette player and volume controls
  5. Fairing vents: Adjust for airflow control in different weather conditions

CAUTION! Practice in safe area before riding in traffic. Reverse gear is for low-speed maneuvering only.

Specifications

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

IntervalService Required
Every 600 milesCheck tire pressure, lights, fluid levels
Every 4,000 milesChange engine oil and filter
Every 8,000 milesChange final drive oil, check valve clearance
Every 12,000 milesReplace spark plugs, air filter
Every 16,000 milesChange coolant, brake fluid
Every 24,000 milesReplace timing belts

Note: More frequent maintenance may be required under severe conditions.

Fluid Requirements

Use only recommended fluids for optimal performance.

Fluid TypeSpecificationCapacity
Engine OilAPI SF or SG grade 10W-403.7 quarts
CoolantHigh-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze3.2 quarts
Brake FluidDOT 4As required
Final Drive OilAPI GL-5 hypoid gear oil 80W-906.8 oz
FuelUnleaded gasoline 86 octane or higher6.3 gallons

Electrical System

12-volt DC system with alternator and maintenance-free battery.

  1. Battery: 12V 20AH maintenance-free type
  2. Charging system: Three-phase AC generator
  3. Fuses: Main fuse 30A, accessory fuses in fuse box
  4. Lighting: 60/55W headlight, LED instrument illumination
  5. Audio system: 20W per channel with four speakers

WARNING! Disconnect battery before performing electrical work. Avoid short circuits.

Storage and Care

Proper storage prevents damage during periods of non-use.

  1. Clean motorcycle thoroughly before storage
  2. Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
  3. Change engine oil and filter
  4. Remove battery and store on trickle charger
  5. Inflate tires to maximum pressure and elevate off ground
  6. Cover with breathable motorcycle cover

CAUTION! Do not store near heat sources or in damp conditions.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery, fuel, sparkCheck battery charge, fuel level, spark plugs
Poor idleCarburetor sync, air filterSynchronize carburetors, clean/replace air filter
Electrical issuesBattery, fuses, connectionsTest battery voltage, check fuses, clean connections
Brake problemsFluid level, pads, air in linesCheck fluid, inspect pads, bleed brakes if needed
OverheatingCoolant level, thermostatCheck coolant, test thermostat operation

Service: Contact authorized Honda dealer for complex repairs.

Warranty Information

12-month unlimited mileage limited warranty. Coverage includes defects in materials and workmanship. Normal maintenance items, tires, and battery excluded. Keep maintenance records for warranty claims. For warranty service, contact authorized Honda dealership with proof of purchase.

1986 Goldwing Interstate Owners Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025