Audio, Comfort Electronics, Cruise Control & Reverse¶
This file covers the "luxury electronics" that define the 2000 Honda GL1500 SE Gold Wing — the premium audio system (AM/FM/cassette with intercom), the optional/standard CB radio, the rider-passenger intercom, the vacuum-servo cruise control, and the starter-motor-driven electric reverse. The SE was Honda's top GL1500 trim, so on a year-2000 SE virtually all of these systems were fitted as standard equipment (the CB was standard on the SE; some lower trims treated it as an option). Wherever a value could not be confirmed against the Honda factory service manual it is flagged inline with ⚠️.
Scope note: This is the comfort/communications/cruise/reverse reference. For the wiring, fuses, relays, charging system and battery that feed all of these systems — and the starter motor as a starting device — see Electrical System, Wiring & Fuses and Charging System & Battery. Torque and intervals are cross-referenced to Torque Specifications and the Maintenance Schedule.
1. SE Premium Audio System¶
1.1 Head unit identity¶
The factory head unit on the GL1500 (1988–2000, all audio-equipped trims including the year-2000 SE) is the Panasonic RM-1500A integrated audio system — an AM/FM stereo radio with auto-reverse cassette deck, built-in intercom amplifier, and a multi-channel power amplifier. (Panasonic also produced related RM-30G / RM-40G variants for the GL1500.) It is sometimes loosely called "the Clarion/Panasonic" online, but the OEM unit is Panasonic-built.
| Item | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head unit model | Panasonic RM-1500A | Integrated radio / cassette / intercom / amp |
| Supply voltage | 12 V DC, negative ground only | Do not bench-test on positive-ground |
| Main amplifier output | 24 W per channel ⚠️ (commonly quoted "24 W/channel"; the RM-1500A service-manual rating reads "Main amplifier 24 W" — confirm whether per-channel or total against the service manual) | Forums variously cite "24 W/ch" and "25 W/side, ~50 W total" — corroborate |
| Headset (intercom) output | 1 W | Drives the headset speakers, separate from main amp |
| FM tuner range | 87.5 – 107.9 MHz | US band |
| AM tuner range | 530 – 1620 kHz | US band |
| FM S/N ratio | ~55 dB ⚠️ | Per RM-1500A service manual |
| FM stereo separation | ~35 dB @ 1 kHz ⚠️ | Per RM-1500A service manual |
| Cassette deck | Auto-reverse, 4-track / 2-channel stereo | Plays both directions automatically |
| Auto-volume (AVC) range | approx +8 to +16 dB ⚠️ | Amount the volume rises with road speed |
| Tone control range | approx +8 to −8 dB ⚠️ | Bass/treble tilt |
| Radio presets | 24 total: 8× FM1, 8× FM2, 8× AM ⚠️ (corroborate exact split) | Stored in memory |
| Unit weight | ≈ 2.56 kg (5 lb 7 oz) without bracket ⚠️ | |
| Unit dimensions | ≈ 258 × 87.5 × 315 mm (10.2 × 3.4 × 12.4 in) W×H×D ⚠️ |
1.2 Speakers and antenna¶
| Item | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front speakers | 4 in (≈100 mm), 3 Ω, ~10 W handling | Fairing-mounted |
| Rear speakers | 4 in (≈100 mm), 3 Ω, ~10 W handling | Trunk/passenger area — SE / audio-equipped trims |
| Speaker impedance | 3 Ω (NOT the usual 4 Ω automotive value) | ⚠️ Important when fitting aftermarket speakers — a 4 Ω replacement works but changes level/load; many owners fit 4 Ω with acceptable results |
| AM/FM antenna | Dedicated mast, tuned for broadcast band | Separate from the CB antenna |
| CB antenna | Dedicated mast, tuned to 27 MHz CB band | Must be SWR-tuned after install (see §3) |
DIY tip — speaker upgrade: The factory 3 Ω, paper-cone 4-inch speakers are the most common audio failure point (rotted foam surrounds, blown by the 24 W amp). Quality 4-inch coaxials are a popular drop-in. Because the amp expects 3 Ω, choose speakers rated for the power and accept a slight level/tone change. Keep speaker polarity consistent front-to-rear or the fader/imaging will be wrong.
1.3 Audio control layout and operation¶
The RM-1500A control panel knobs, left to right, are typically:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Radio (Off / On / Volume) | Master radio power + base volume |
| Intercom (Off / On / Volume) | Intercom power + intercom volume |
| IC MUTE | Sets how much the radio is muted (and at what voice threshold) when the intercom or CB becomes active |
| AVC (Auto Volume Control) | Sets how much the volume rises with road speed — this is a speed-sensitive volume system (Honda's equivalent of "SVC"), not a fader. Turn down for less speed-compensation, up for more. |
| Tone | Bass/treble tilt |
| Fader / rear-speaker balance | Front/rear balance (on units so equipped) |
Operational notes:
- AVC (speed-volume): The volume you set is the idle/stopped level; the amplifier raises output as road speed increases so wind/engine noise does not bury the audio. The AVC knob controls the amount of that rise. If the audio "gets too loud on the highway," reduce AVC, not the base volume.
- Source priority: Active intercom (VOX) or CB transmit/receive automatically ducks (mutes) the radio per the IC MUTE setting.
- Cassette care (year-2000 unit): Belts in the auto-reverse mechanism are 20+ years old; slow/erratic playback, "munching" tape, and no auto-reverse are classic age failures. Many owners abandon the cassette and feed audio in via an aux/Bluetooth adapter wired to the cassette head or to the head-unit inputs.
Common-failure notes (audio): - Crackly/intermittent volume = dirty internal volume potentiometers; the head unit can be opened and the pots cleaned (see goldwingdocs "Disassembling & Fixing GL1500 CD/Radio"). - Dead one channel = blown speaker, broken speaker lead in the fairing, or a cracked solder joint on the amp board. - No power at all = check the radio/ACC circuit fuse and the ignition ACC position before condemning the head unit (see the electrical sibling file).
2. Rider/Passenger Intercom¶
The intercom is built into the RM-1500A and is voice-activated (VOX) — there is no push-to-talk for rider-to-passenger intercom (PTT exists only for CB transmit, see §3). Speak and the VOX opens the intercom and ducks the radio; stop speaking and it closes.
2.1 Operation¶
- Turn the Intercom knob On and set volume (a starting point of roughly the "10 o'clock" position is commonly recommended).
- Set IC MUTE to control the voice threshold at which the VOX triggers and how hard the radio is muted. Too sensitive = wind noise keeps the intercom open and the radio stays muted; too insensitive = you must shout.
- The headset must be in the correct mode (headset vs. speaker) for intercom audio to route to the helmet headsets.
- A passenger volume controller (factory accessory on/around the SE) gives the passenger fine volume trim, a passenger mic on/off switch (to kill wind noise when the passenger isn't talking), and on the deluxe version a large CB PTT button for the passenger.
2.2 Headset 5-pin DIN connector pinout¶
GL1500 headsets use a 5-pin DIN connector. The widely corroborated GL1500 pinout is:
| Pin | Function | Typical wire color |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microphone input (mic hi) | White |
| 2 | Microphone ground (mic low) | Dull/matte black |
| 3 | Headset / speaker common ground | Glossy black |
| 4 | Headset RIGHT speaker | Yellow |
| 5 | Headset LEFT speaker | Red |
⚠️ Wire colors can vary between OEM and aftermarket cords; verify continuity with a meter before soldering. Pin numbering on a 5-pin (180°) DIN is not sequential around the arc — confirm against the connector's molded numbers.
Critical wiring caution (hearing safety): The microphone uses an isolated ground inside the head unit to keep it free of electrical noise. The mic ground (pin 2) and its braided shield must be kept electrically separate from the speaker/headset ground (pin 3) and the speaker shields. Crossing these grounds causes a loud feedback squeal in the headsets that can cause temporary hearing damage. When splicing a headset cord: - Heat-shrink each of the five splices individually so none can touch. - Keep the mic-ground braid isolated from the two speaker-ground shields. - Then over-wrap all five with tape to waterproof.
2.3 Intercom troubleshooting¶
- Squeal/feedback: Almost always a crossed/short ground (see caution above) or a damaged 5-pin connector. The DIN connectors are a known weak point and are repairable.
- Wind noise keeps the radio muted: Reduce IC MUTE sensitivity, or use the passenger mic on/off switch; foam mic muffs help.
- One side dead in the helmet: Broken pin-4 (right) or pin-5 (left) conductor in the coiled cord, or a cracked headset speaker.
- No intercom at all: Wrong head-unit mode (speaker vs. headset), intercom volume off, or VOX threshold set so high it never triggers.
3. CB Radio¶
The SE includes a 40-channel CB transceiver integrated with the audio system. Audio is routed to the headsets or the bike speakers; transmit is via a handlebar PTT button.
| Item | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 40-channel AM CB transceiver | Integrated with RM-1500A audio path |
| Channel range | Ch 1 = 26.965 MHz to Ch 40 = 27.405 MHz | US/legacy CB band |
| Channel spacing | 0.01 MHz (10 kHz) nominal between adjacent channels ⚠️ (note real CB spacing is 10 kHz but with skipped frequencies at 22/23/24/25; "0.01 MHz" is the common simplification) | |
| Channel selection | Up/Down switch on the handlebar only — no channel knob on the radio | |
| Radio-panel controls | Volume and Squelch only | |
| Transmit | PTT (push-to-talk) on left handlebar — transmits ONLY while held | Passenger PTT optional on deluxe passenger controller |
| Output routing | Headset mode or external-speaker mode — must match both the CB switch and the head-unit headset/speaker switch | |
| Antenna | Dedicated CB mast; must be SWR-tuned after installation |
3.1 CB operation¶
- Set the head-unit / CB to the desired audio mode (headset vs. speaker); the CB LCD shows a small "headset" or "speaker" indicator confirming the route.
- Squelch: Set the squelch knob just past the point where background hiss disappears (notch "slightly right of straight up" is a common starting point). Too far clockwise raises the threshold and effectively deafens the receiver to weak/distant stations; too far counter-clockwise lets static through.
- Transmit: Hold the handlebar PTT; release to receive.
- Change channels with the handlebar Up/Down switch.
3.2 CB troubleshooting¶
- Receives but won't transmit / poor range: Almost always antenna SWR — there is no "ready-to-go" CB antenna; each must be tuned to the installed coax/mounting with an SWR meter. High SWR also risks the transmitter finals.
- No audio from CB: Mode mismatch (CB set to speaker but head unit in headset mode, or vice-versa) or squelch set too tight.
- Dead CB but radio fine: Check the CB's own fuse/feed and the antenna coax connection at the radio.
4. Cruise Control¶
The GL1500 cruise control is a vacuum-servo (vacuum actuator) + electronic control system. A microprocessor control unit reads the handlebar switches, the speed signal, and the safety cancel switches, then meters engine vacuum to a diaphragm actuator/servo that pulls the throttle to hold a set speed. For the cruise circuit's place in the bike-wide vacuum routing (shared manifold source, storage canister, check valve) and cross-system leak diagnosis, see Vacuum System & Routing.
4.1 Components¶
| Component | Location / description |
|---|---|
| Master control unit (ECU) | Microprocessor; accepts switch + speed inputs, drives the vacuum control valves and the SET/CRUISE indicator lights |
| Handlebar switches | Master (CRUISE) switch, SET/DECEL, RESUME/ACCEL |
| Vacuum actuator/servo | Diaphragm unit that pulls the throttle. Accessible behind the left side cover, near the alternator; vacuum supply hose at the left-rear corner |
| Vacuum supply / storage | Engine vacuum feeds a tee → vacuum storage canister → control valve → actuator, with a check valve to hold reserve vacuum |
| Safety cancel switches | Clutch lever, front brake lever(s), rear brake pedal microswitch, and a throttle input — any of these cancels cruise |
⚠️ The rear-brake cruise-cancel switch is a separate microswitch from the rear brake-light switch (the light switch is the adjustable spring-loaded plunger; the cruise-cancel is a small microswitch above the master cylinder). Don't confuse the two when diagnosing.
OEM clutch cruise switch part number: 35335-MG9-951 (fits GL1500/GL1800 and others) ⚠️ confirm fitment for year-2000 SE against a parts catalog.
4.2 Operating the cruise control¶
- Speed range: holds any speed between 48 and 130 km/h (30–80 mph). Anything above 130 km/h (80 mph) is memorized as 130 km/h (80 mph).
- Gears: operates only in 4th and OD (overdrive/5th).
- Set: Push the master CRUISE switch (indicator lights). Accelerate to desired speed, then press and release SET/DECEL; the speed at release is held and the SET indicator lights.
- Fine-tune: a quick tap on SET/DECEL lowers, a quick tap on RESUME/ACCEL raises, by about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) per tap.
- Change to a higher speed: hold RESUME/ACCEL until the new speed, then release (memory re-programs). Lower speed: hold SET/DECEL until the bike slows to the new speed, then release.
- Resume: after a cancel, if still above 48 km/h (30 mph), press RESUME to return to the last set speed.
- Cancel (automatic): applying either brake, operating the clutch lever, or moving the throttle cancels cruise. Dropping below ~48 km/h (30 mph) or shifting out of 4th/OD also disengages it.
- Cancel + erase memory: push the master CRUISE switch off (turning the master off erases the set-speed memory; a brake/clutch cancel does not erase memory, so RESUME still works).
Caution: Use cruise only on straight, uncongested highways. Do not use it in traffic, on winding roads, or in poor weather.
4.3 Cruise control troubleshooting¶
A useful first split: Does the SET indicator light come on when you press SET?
- SET light works but cruise never engages / no throttle hold → the problem is almost certainly in the vacuum/mechanical side:
- Pinched or cracked vacuum line — the single most common GL1500 fault. A frequent pinch point is where the line passes under the engine air-filter housing, near the bolt securing the housing bottom to the frame. The tee, storage canister, and control valve are also common pinch/leak spots.
- Ruptured check-valve diaphragm — apply vacuum with a hand pump to the actuator/line; seal the far end of the check valve with a finger; if vacuum won't hold, the check-valve diaphragm is torn — replace the valve.
- Actuator/servo leak — pinhole in the diaphragm. Hook a hand vacuum pump (e.g. Mity-Vac) to the actuator: it should move the throttle and hold vacuum. Outright actuator failure is comparatively rare; suspect lines/check-valve first.
- Note on delay: after repairs, cruise may take ~30 seconds to first engage while the system re-builds reserve vacuum, then works promptly.
- SET light does NOT come on → the problem is electrical/switch side:
- Cancel switches are the #1 cause. There are effectively four cancel inputs (clutch, front brake — which has two switches in its assembly, rear brake microswitch, and throttle). A single stuck/dirty/misadjusted switch makes the control unit think the brake or clutch is always applied, blocking SET. Test continuity of each; clean contacts; check worn lever bushings.
- Check the master switch, switch harness connectors, the speed signal, and the control-unit power/ground.
- The 2000 model-year electronic service manual breaks the cruise circuitry out separately and has step-by-step troubleshooting (≈14 pages in the ETM chapter 4) — use it for pin-level tests.
DIY tip: Before chasing vacuum, wiggle/clean the cancel switches and verify the master switch — it's free and fixes a large share of "dead cruise" cases. A vacuum-leak smoke test or hand-pump test isolates the mechanical side quickly.
5. Electric Reverse¶
The GL1500's electric reverse is one of its signature features. There is no separate reverse motor — reverse is driven by the starter/reverse motor (the same motor that cranks the engine) through a reduction gear case that, when the reverse lever is engaged, couples the motor to the drivetrain to push the bike backward at a slow walking pace. Because it draws heavy current, the running engine's alternator helps supply the power during reverse.
5.1 How it works¶
- The reverse lever, via a reverse cable, mechanically selects the reverse path in the reduction-gear case and operates a reverse switch (turning on the reverse indicator and turning off the neutral "N" indicator).
- Pressing the start button with reverse engaged sends current through two relays — one supplies +12 V to the motor (relay "A") and the other supplies ground (relay "B"). Both must close for the motor to run. (This dual-side, polarity-controlled relay arrangement is specific to the GL1500 reverse system.)
- The motor, through the reduction gears, drives the bike rearward at about 2 mph (≈3 km/h) — a slow, controlled walking pace.
- An overload-protection circuit monitors motor current. If the motor is overloaded for more than ~3 seconds, a speed limiter and then an electrical motor brake engage, the reverse system switches OFF, and the reverse indicator goes out. To re-use reverse you must return the reverse lever to OFF and back to ON (a reset).
5.2 Operating reverse (correct sequence)¶
- Engine running.
- Transmission in NEUTRAL (confirm the green "N").
- Side stand up.
- Pull/lift the reverse lever to the ON/up position — the N light goes out and the reverse indicator lights. (If it won't fully seat, rock the bike slightly while moving the lever.)
- Hold the start button — the bike backs up at ~2 mph; release the button to stop.
Caution — do NOT park in reverse: Leaving the reverse lever/switch engaged can let the switch stick, after which the bike may refuse to start later. Always return the reverse lever to OFF after maneuvering.
5.3 Pre-troubleshooting checklist¶
Before tearing anything down, confirm:
- Transmission is in neutral, reverse lever fully in ON, and reverse cable properly adjusted.
- Side stand up (interlock).
- 5 A reverse fuse is good. ⚠️ confirm the exact rating/label for the year-2000 SE in the Electrical System sibling file / service manual.
- 65 A main fuse under the seat is good. ⚠️ confirm rating for year-2000 SE.
- Battery fully charged — a weak battery causes click-only / no-reverse and mimics relay/motor faults.
5.4 Reverse cable adjustment¶
| Adjustment point | Spec |
|---|---|
| Reverse cable free play (index mark B) | 2–3 mm (1/16–1/8 in) |
Procedure (per service manual):
- Set the index mark A position: loosen lock nut A, turn adjusting nut A until index mark A aligns with the reference mark.
- Set free play at index mark B: loosen lock nut B, turn adjusting nut B until index-mark-B free play is 2–3 mm (1/16–1/8 in), then tighten lock nut B.
- Shift into reverse several times, then re-check lever alignment and free play.
5.5 Common reverse faults & troubleshooting¶
- Lever won't fully engage / intermittent: Cable out of adjustment (most common DIY fix) or lever not locked into position — rock the bike while shifting; re-adjust per §5.4.
- Reverse cuts out after a couple seconds: Overload protection tripped (heavy load, incline, weak battery). Reset by returning the lever OFF→ON; verify battery and that the bike isn't bogging the motor.
- Click only / no reverse / no start: Weak battery, bad ground, or a relay fault — relay "A" (power) or relay "B" (ground) not closing, or a bad internal connection at relay "A." Verify battery first, then relays.
- Reverse switch stuck (from parking in reverse): Can prevent normal starting — free/replace the reverse switch.
- Slow/weak reverse: Worn starter clutch, weak battery, or partially failed motor; check charging system (alternator assists during reverse).
- No reverse, motor cranks engine fine: Mechanical — the reduction gears inside the starter/reverse motor may be stripped/broken. ⚠️ Honda generally does not list the reverse reduction mechanism as separate service parts, so repair often means the complete starter/reverse motor assembly — confirm current parts availability in a catalog (CMSNL/Partzilla) before ordering.
DIY tips: - Use reverse sparingly and only when needed (inclines, tight garages) — it stresses the starter, battery, and charging system. Heavy continuous use shortens motor/clutch life. - When removing the starter/reverse motor, loosen the mounting bolts ~1/2 in but leave them in to guide the motor straight back while you wiggle it out of the rear case (full removal/disassembly is covered in the service manual, roughly pages 466–477). - '88–'89 starters use a two-post terminal arrangement; '90-and-up (including the year-2000 SE) use a single battery-cable terminal — they are not freely interchangeable, so match the year when sourcing a replacement.
6. Heated Grips & Other Comfort Features¶
| Feature | Status on 2000 SE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heated grips | Not factory standard ⚠️ | Commonly added as an aftermarket accessory; typically controlled by a dial rheostat/thermostat. Confirm whether any year-2000 SE shipped with factory grip heaters — generally they did not. |
| Speed-sensitive volume (AVC) | Standard (built into RM-1500A) | See §1.3 |
| Rider/passenger intercom | Standard | See §2 |
| CB radio | Standard on SE | See §3 |
| Cruise control | Standard | See §4 |
| Electric reverse | Standard | See §5 |
| Passenger audio/CB controller | Factory accessory; commonly fitted | Fine volume + passenger mic on/off + (deluxe) passenger CB PTT |
| Adjustable headlight beam | Standard | Beam-adjust knob; re-aim when load changes |
| Hazard flashers | Standard | Works in ON/ACC/P; all four signals blink |
Other SE comfort items (air-adjustable suspension with on-board compressor, two-tone paint, full fairing/trunk/saddlebags) are covered in their own sibling files: Rear Suspension & Air System, Front Suspension & Steering, and Frame, Chassis & Bodywork.
7. Quick Troubleshooting Index¶
| Symptom | Likely cause | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Radio dead | ACC/radio fuse, ignition not in ACC, head-unit power feed | §1.3 |
| One audio channel dead | Blown speaker / broken fairing lead / cold solder joint | §1.2 |
| Volume crackles | Dirty internal volume pots | §1.3 |
| Headset squeals | Crossed mic/speaker grounds, damaged 5-pin DIN | §2.3 |
| CB receives but won't transmit | Antenna SWR not tuned | §3.2 |
| No CB audio | Speaker/headset mode mismatch, squelch too tight | §3.2 |
| Cruise SET light on, no engage | Vacuum leak / pinched line / ruptured check valve / actuator | §4.3 |
| Cruise SET light won't light | Cancel switch (clutch/brake/throttle), master switch, harness | §4.3 |
| Reverse won't engage | Cable adjustment, lever not seated, neutral/side-stand interlock, fuse | §5.3–5.5 |
| Reverse quits after seconds | Overload protection tripped (reset lever OFF→ON), weak battery | §5.5 |
| Reverse clicks only / no start | Weak battery, relay A/B, stuck reverse switch | §5.5 |
Sources¶
- Honda GoldWing GL1500 Service Manual — Starter/Reverse troubleshooting (A & SE models), p.458 and surrounding sections (ManualsLib): https://www.manualslib.com/manual/817941/Honda-Goldwing-Gl1500.html?page=458
- Honda GOLDWING GL1500 Owner's Manual — Cruise Control operation, p.42 (ManualsLib): https://www.manualslib.com/manual/598692/Honda-Goldwing-Gl1500.html?page=42
- Honda GoldWing GL1500 2000 Owner's Manual — Cruise control switches / hazard / headlight, p.27 (ManualsLib): https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1325726/Honda-Goldwing-Gl1500-2000.html?page=27
- Honda GoldWing GL1500 SE Owner's Manual — Using the CB Radio / headset-speaker mode / squelch, p.5 (ManualsLib): https://www.manualslib.com/manual/677487/Honda-Goldwing-Gl1500-Se.html?page=5
- Panasonic RM-1500A integrated audio system service manual (Manualzz/Scribd/Elektrotanya listings): https://manualzz.com/doc/48988400/honda-goldwing-gl1500-panasonic-rm-1500a and https://www.scribd.com/document/529204912/Honda-Goldwing-GL1500-Panasonic-RM-1500A-Radio-Service-Manual-71A6B
- GWOC GB — Honda Gold Wing GL1500 4th Generation overview (24 W/ch AM/FM cassette, AVC, intercom): https://www.gwocgb.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=166
- autoevolution — Honda GL1500 Gold Wing SE (1999–2000) specs/features: https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/honda-gl1500-gold-wing-se-1999.html
- ultimatespecs — 2000 Honda GL1500 SE Gold Wing technical specs: https://www.ultimatespecs.com/motorcycles-specs/honda/honda-gl-1500-se-gold-wing-2000
- BikesWiki — Honda GL1500 Gold Wing (Interstate/Aspencade/SE) history & specs: https://bikeswiki.com/Honda_GL1500_Gold_Wing
- Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums — 5-pin DIN connector layout / headset pinout: https://www.goldwingfacts.com/threads/gl1500-5-pin-din-connector-layout.417714/
- Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums — How does GL1500 intercom operate (VOX, AVC, IC MUTE): https://www.goldwingfacts.com/threads/how-does-gl1500-intercom-operate.370199/
- Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums — Cruise control cancel switches / foot brake switch location: https://www.goldwingfacts.com/threads/gl1500-cruise-control-cancel-switches-foot-brake-switch-location.390685/
- Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums — Reverse mechanism on motor / starter compatibility / relay A & B: https://www.goldwingfacts.com/threads/gl1500-reverse-mechanism-on-motor-need-a-good-photo.386468/ , https://www.goldwingfacts.com/threads/gl1500-starter-compatibility.656658/
- goldwingdocs.com — Using reverse: https://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26723
- goldwingdocs.com — Replacing the starter on a 1500 with reverse: https://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37961
- goldwingdocs.com — GL1500 reverse problem / overload protection: https://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12004
- goldwingdocs.com — Reverse cable adjustment: https://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24556
- goldwingdocs.com — Cruise Control maintenance / vacuum leak diagnosis: https://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=50509
- JustAnswer — Troubleshooting Goldwing GL1500 SE cruise control (control unit, safety switches): https://www.justanswer.com/motorcycle/gpk53-ecu-cruise-control-goldwing-gl1500-se-no.html
- Cyclemax — OEM clutch cruise switch 35335-MG9-951: https://cyclemax.com/products/clutch-cruise-switch
- WingStuff / AddOnAccessories — Passenger volume controller w/ CB talk button for GL1500: https://wingstuff.com/products/3697-passenger-volume-control-w-cb-talk-button-for-gl1500 , https://addonaccessories.net/audio/pscr-gl1500-deluxe-headset-passenger-controller-for-all-hondar-gl1500.html
⚠️ Items to Verify¶
- Main amplifier rating: "24 W per channel" vs "24 W total" vs the forum "25 W/side ≈ 50 W total." The RM-1500A service manual states "Main amplifier 24 W" — confirm whether that is per-channel or total against the factory radio service manual.
- RM-1500A tuner/cassette fine specs (FM S/N ~55 dB, separation ~35 dB, AVC +8…+16 dB, tone +8…−8 dB, dimensions, weight, preset count 8/8/8): taken from secondary listings of the radio service manual; verify against the actual Panasonic RM-1500A service manual.
- Speaker impedance (3 Ω) and power handling (~10 W): corroborated across forums but confirm against the parts catalog/service manual before buying replacements; many owners successfully fit 4 Ω.
- 5-pin DIN wire colors: function-to-pin mapping is well corroborated, but wire colors vary by OEM vs. aftermarket cord — verify with a meter before soldering.
- CB channel spacing "0.01 MHz": real CB uses 10 kHz steps with skipped frequencies near channels 22–25; treat the simplified figure with care.
- Cruise clutch switch P/N 35335-MG9-951: confirm exact fitment for the year-2000 SE in a current parts catalog (Partzilla/CMSNL).
- Reverse fuse ratings (5 A reverse, 65 A main): confirm exact ratings/labels for the year-2000 SE in the Electrical System sibling file and the factory service manual.
- Cruise control vacuum test values / control-unit pin resistances: not captured here; the 2000 ETM (chapter 4) has the pin-level tests — confirm there.
- Reverse reduction-gear parts availability: Honda historically sold only the complete starter/reverse assembly, not the internal reduction gears — verify current availability before ordering.
- Heated grips: confirm definitively that no year-2000 GL1500 SE shipped with factory grip heaters (believed aftermarket-only).
- Sibling-file cross-links — reconciled to this folder's actual filenames (see the README index). Electrical/charging detail lives in
06-electrical-system-wiring-fuses.mdand05-charging-system-and-battery.md; brakes in14-brakes-and-hydraulics.md.