1986 Honda Goldwing Aspencade SEI Manual

The 1986 Honda Goldwing Aspencade SEI is a luxury touring motorcycle featuring a 1182cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, electronic fuel injection, shaft drive, anti-dive front suspension, air-adjustable rear suspension, integrated stereo system with CB radio, cruise control, onboard air compressor, and comprehensive instrumentation. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instrumentation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Audio System Operation 8. Suspension Adjustment 9. Storage & Care 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1182cc engine with electronic fuel injection, integrated fairing with stereo/CB system, air-adjustable suspension, cruise control, comprehensive dashboard.

FeatureDescription
Engine1182cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder
Fuel SystemElectronic fuel injection (PGM-FI)
Transmission5-speed manual with overdrive
Final DriveShaft drive
SuspensionAnti-dive front fork; air-adjustable rear shocks
Audio SystemAM/FM stereo with cassette player and CB radio
Cruise ControlElectronic speed maintenance system
BrakesDual disc front; single disc rear
InstrumentationSpeedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature, clock
ComfortAdjustable rider/passenger seating with backrests

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform safety check before riding.

  1. Check tire pressure and condition: Front 36 psi, Rear 41 psi (cold)
  2. Verify fluid levels: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, final drive oil
  3. Test lights and signals: Headlight, brake lights, turn signals
  4. Check brake operation: Front and rear brake lever/pedal function
  5. Inspect throttle: Smooth operation and return

WARNING! Never operate motorcycle without proper safety inspection. Wear appropriate protective gear.

Basic Operation

Starting procedure and basic riding controls.

  1. Ignition: Insert key, turn to ON position
  2. Starting: Pull clutch lever, press starter button
  3. Shifting: Use clutch lever and gear shift pedal (1 down, 4 up)
  4. Braking: Use front brake lever and rear brake pedal together
  5. Parking: Engage side stand, turn key to OFF

CAUTION! Allow engine to warm up before riding. Avoid high RPM during break-in period.

Specifications

Controls and Instrumentation

Left handlebar: Clutch lever, turn signals, horn, high/low beam, audio controls. Right handlebar: Front brake lever, starter button, engine kill switch, cruise control, throttle.

Dashboard: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, gear position indicator, clock, trip meter. Audio controls: Volume, station selection, CB channel selector.

Suspension: Air pressure adjustment controls for front and rear suspension. Cruise control: Set/Resume buttons on right handlebar.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

  1. Oil change: Every 4,000 miles or 6 months
  2. Oil filter: Replace with every oil change
  3. Air filter: Clean every 8,000 miles, replace every 16,000 miles
  4. Spark plugs: Replace every 8,000 miles
  5. Coolant: Replace every 2 years
  6. Brake fluid: Replace every 2 years
  7. Final drive oil: Change every 8,000 miles
  8. Tire inspection: Check pressure and wear before every ride

Tip: Keep detailed maintenance records for warranty and resale value.

Audio System Operation

Integrated AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CB radio.

  1. Power: Turn audio power knob clockwise
  2. Source selection: AM/FM/Cassette/CB buttons
  3. Volume: Rotate outer knob; balance with inner knob
  4. Station selection: Tuning buttons or manual dial
  5. CB operation: Select channel, press transmit button on left grip
  6. Intercom: Built-in rider-passenger communication system

WARNING! Adjust audio volume to maintain awareness of traffic conditions. Use CB radio responsibly.

Suspension Adjustment

Air-adjustable suspension for load and comfort customization.

  1. Locate air valves: Under left side cover
  2. Check pressure: Use accurate gauge (normal range 0-57 psi)
  3. Adjust front: Add/remove air to match load
  4. Adjust rear: Balance with front suspension
  5. Test ride: Verify handling and comfort

CAUTION! Do not exceed maximum pressure ratings. Check pressure when suspension is cold.

Storage & Care

Proper storage procedures for extended periods.

  1. Fuel stabilizer: Add to full tank before storage
  2. Battery: Disconnect or use maintenance charger
  3. Tires: Inflate to proper pressure, elevate if possible
  4. Cleaning: Wash and wax before storage
  5. Cover: Use breathable motorcycle cover

CAUTION! Store in dry, cool location. Avoid temperature extremes and moisture.

Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when operating motorcycle.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery/kill switchCheck battery charge; verify kill switch is in RUN position; check fuel level.
Poor performanceFuel/air filterCheck fuel quality; inspect air filter; verify spark plug condition.
Electrical issuesBattery/connectionsTest battery voltage; check fuse box; inspect wiring connections.
Brake problemsFluid/padsCheck brake fluid level; inspect pad wear; bleed brakes if spongy.
Suspension bottomingAir pressureCheck and adjust air pressure in front and rear suspension.

Service: Contact authorized Honda dealer for complex repairs. Keep all service records.

Parts: Genuine Honda parts recommended for optimal performance and safety.

1986 Honda Goldwing Aspencade SEI Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025