Torque Specifications (Master Table)¶
This is the master torque-specification reference for the 2000 Honda GL1500 SE Gold Wing (1520 cc liquid-cooled SOHC flat-six, carbureted, 5-speed + electric reverse, shaft final drive). Values below are transcribed from the Honda GL1500 factory shop-manual torque tables (which are identical across the 1988–2000 GL1500 run; the model-year-2000 SE uses the same engine, chassis, and fastener set), with the A & SE (Aspencade/Special Edition) anti-dive and air-suspension items called out where they differ from the I (Interstate) trim. Every value is given in N·m, kg·m, and ft·lb (or in·lb for very small fasteners). Honda's "Remarks" thread-prep notes (sealant, locking agent, moly grease, oil, staking, left-hand thread) are reproduced because they materially affect the torque and the joint — do not skip them.
How to read this file: "Thread dia" is the fastener's nominal thread diameter in mm (not the wrench/head size). Values marked with a NOTE require the thread-prep step listed in the Thread-Prep Notes key. Anything I could not fully corroborate is flagged inline with ⚠️.
Related files: see Engine Specifications, Wheels, Tires & Axles, Brakes (LBS/CBS), Final Drive, Clutch, Suspension & Steering, and Maintenance & Fluids (link targets are indicative; adjust to actual sibling filenames).
Critical / Most-Used Values (Quick Reference)¶
The fasteners owners touch most often. Full detail in the per-system tables below.
| Fastener | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil drain bolt (14 mm) | 35 | 3.5 | 25 | — |
| Oil filter cartridge (spin-on) | 10 | 1.0 | 7 | hand-snug + spec; oil the gasket |
| Spark plug (12 mm) | 15 | 1.6 | 11 | ⚠️ see note below |
| Final drive (rear gearcase) drain bolt (14 mm) | 20 | 2.0 | 14 | — |
| Front axle bolt (14 mm) | 90 | 9.0 | 65 | — |
| Front axle pinch bolt (8 mm) ×4 | 22 | 2.2 | 16 | — |
| Rear axle nut (18 mm) | 110 | 11.0 | 80 | — |
| Rear axle pinch bolt (8 mm) | 32 | 3.2 | 23 | — |
| Brake disc bolt (8 mm) ×18 | 40 | 4.0 | 29 | — |
| Brake hose (banjo) bolt (10 mm) | 35 | 3.5 | 25 | new sealing washers |
| Front pad pin (10 mm) | 18 | 1.8 | 13 | — |
| Clutch hose/pipe oil (banjo) bolt (10 mm) | 35 | 3.5 | 25 | — |
The spark-plug figure of 15 N·m (1.6 kg·m, 11 ft·lb) is from the GL1500 service-manual engine torque table. Honda owner's-manual spark-plug guidance for newer Gold Wings reads "tighten 1/8–1/4 turn past finger-tight" rather than a torque number, and some later Honda twins spec ~18–22 N·m for a 12 mm plug. ⚠️ Treat 15 N·m as the GL1500 figure but seat by feel (finger-tight, then ~1/4 turn on a new washer) and confirm against your factory manual.
Engine — Spark, Cooling, Carburetion & Reverse¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb / in·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plug | 6 | 12 | 15 | 1.6 | 11 ft·lb | ⚠️ see note above |
| Carburetor insulator band screw | 4 | 5 | 5 | 0.5 | 3.6 ft·lb (43 in·lb) | — |
| Intake manifold vacuum-tube joint | 4 | 5 | 2.8 | 0.28 | 2 ft·lb (25 in·lb) | — |
| Water hose clamp screw | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 0.2 | 1.4 ft·lb (18 in·lb) | — |
| Coolant temperature sensor | 1 | PT 1/8 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 ft·lb | NOTE 1 (sealant) |
| Thermostatic fan-motor switch | 1 | 16 | 18 | 1.8 | 13 ft·lb | — |
| Engine coolant temperature sensor | 1 | 12 | 28 | 2.8 | 20 ft·lb | — |
| Reverse switch | 1 | 10 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 ft·lb | — |
| Reverse shifter shaft bolt | 1 | 6 | 14 | 1.4 | 10 ft·lb | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
Lubrication (Oil System)¶
| Item | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil pressure switch | PT 1/8 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 | NOTE 1 (sealant) |
| Engine oil drain bolt | 14 | 35 | 3.5 | 25 | — |
| Engine oil filter cartridge (spin-on) | 20 (thread) | 10 | 1.0 | 7 | Oil the gasket; spin on then to spec |
| Engine oil filter boss (mount stud into case) | 20 | 17 | 1.7 | 12 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) ⚠️ |
⚠️ The PDF OCR rendered the filter-boss kg·m as "7.7," which is inconsistent with 17 N·m. 17 N·m = 1.7 kg·m = 12 ft·lb is the internally consistent value and is shown above. The filter boss is the threaded stud the spin-on cartridge mounts to — you only touch it if the boss backs out with the filter; routine filter changes use the 10 N·m / 7 ft·lb cartridge value (most owners just hand-tighten the cartridge 3/4 turn past gasket contact).
Cylinder Head & Valvetrain¶
The GL1500 uses a timing belt (two belts, one per bank) driving SOHC heads with hydraulic valve-lash adjusters — there is no manual valve-clearance adjustment. The "hydraulic valve adjuster stopper plug" below retains each hydraulic lash adjuster.
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder head bolt (9 mm bolt) | 16 | 9 | 45 | 4.5 | 33 | NOTE 3 (moly oil on threads + flange) |
| Timing belt driven-pulley bolt | 2 | 8 | 27 | 2.7 | 20 | — |
| Camshaft holder bolt | 16 | 8 | 20 | 2.0 | 14 | — |
| Hydraulic valve adjuster stopper plug | 12 | 14 | 30 | 3.0 | 22 | — |
| Cylinder head cover bolt (valve cover) | 12 | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 | — |
| Timing belt tensioner bolt | 4 | 8 | 26 | 2.6 | 19 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Cylinder head sealing bolt | 6 | 18 | 45 | 4.5 | 33 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Timing belt drive-pulley bolt (crank) | 1 | 12 | 75 | 7.5 | 54 | — |
Cylinder-head bolt procedure: tighten the 9 mm head bolts in 2–3 progressive passes in the factory crossing/spiral sequence up to the final 45 N·m (33 ft·lb), with molybdenum-disulfide oil on the threads and under the bolt flange (NOTE 3). ⚠️ The factory final figure is 45 N·m / 33 ft·lb. Some forum posts quote a "10 → 25 → 40 ft·lb in three passes" procedure; that does not match the GL1500 manual table (which is moly-lubed 33 ft·lb final) and likely conflates the standard 10 mm-bolt value or another GL generation. Use the manual sequence diagram and 33 ft·lb final for the GL1500.
Clutch (Hydraulic)¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch hose/pipe oil (banjo) bolt | 3 | 10 | 35 | 3.5 | 25 | New sealing washers |
| Clutch slave-cylinder bleed valve | 1 | 8 | 9 | 0.9 | 7 | — |
| Clutch bleed-pipe bolt | 1 | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Clutch center lock nut | 1 | 22 | 130 | 13.0 | 94 | Holding tool required |
| Clutch outer lock nut | 1 | 40 | 190 | 19.0 | 137 | NOTE 2 / NOTE 5 (locking agent + stake) |
The clutch center lock nut is 130 N·m (94 ft·lb) per the factory table; a few community posts round it to "~140 ft·lb," which is high — use 94 ft·lb. ⚠️ Both clutch lock nuts need the engine/shaft held with the proper holder tool; the outer nut is staked and gets a locking agent.
Alternator¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb / in·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front cover attaching screw | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0.2 | 1.4 ft·lb (18 in·lb) | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Coupler A mounting nut | 1 | 14 | 58 | 5.8 | 42 ft·lb | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Coupler B mounting nut | 1 | 14 | 58 | 5.8 | 42 ft·lb | — |
Rear Engine Case (Starter Clutch, Alternator Drive, Output)¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter one-way-clutch socket bolt | 6 | 6 | 16 | 1.6 | 12 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Starter clutch mounting bolt | 1 | 12 | 75 | 7.5 | 54 | — |
| Alternator drive-gear bolt | 6 | 8 | 27 | 2.7 | 20 | NOTE 6 (oil on threads + flange) |
| Final drive gear lock nut (in engine) | 1 | 22 | 190 | 19.0 | 137 | NOTE 2 / 4 / 5 (locking agent, LH thread, stake) |
| Output shaft lock nut | 1 | 30 | 190 | 19.0 | 137 | NOTE 5 (stake) |
| Oil pump driven-sprocket bolt | 1 | 6 | 18 | 1.8 | 13 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
The "final drive gear lock nut" here is the internal engine-side gear, left-hand threaded (NOTE 4) — do not muscle it the wrong way. It is distinct from the external final drive (shaft drive) gearcase fasteners under Final Drive (Shaft).
Gearshift Mechanism¶
| Item | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shift arm lock bolt | 8 | 25 | 2.5 | 18 | — |
| Shift drum center bolt | 8 | 28 | 2.8 | 20 | — |
| Shift drum lock-arm bolt | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Shift arm return-spring pin | 8 | 25 | 2.5 | 18 | — |
Engine Case / Crankshaft / Transmission¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine case bolt (10 mm) | 8 | 10 | 35 | 3.5 | 25 | NOTE 6 (oil threads + flange) |
| Engine case bolt (8 mm) | 4 | 8 | 26 | 2.6 | 19 | — |
| Engine case bolt (6 mm) | 10 | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 | — |
| Engine case sealing bolt (20 mm) | 4 | 20 | 45 | 4.5 | 33 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Engine case sealing bolt (18 mm) | 2 | 18 | 45 | 4.5 | 33 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Mainshaft lock nut | 1 | 22 | 190 | 19.0 | 137 | NOTE 4 / 5 (LH thread, stake) |
| Crankshaft main bearing cap bolt | 8 | 10 | 70 | 7.0 | 51 | NOTE 6 (oil threads + flange) |
| Connecting rod cap nut | 8 | 8 | 32 | 3.2 | 23 | NOTE 6 (oil threads + flange) |
| Timing belt drive-pulley bolt (crank) | 1 | 12 | 75 | 7.5 | 54 | (also listed under Cylinder Head) |
Crank/rod fasteners (NOTE 6, oiled threads & flanges) are engine-rebuild items — torque exactly, in sequence, with the manual's tightening pattern. Connecting-rod cap nuts at 32 N·m (23 ft·lb) are deceptively low; do not over-torque. ⚠️ For a full rebuild also confirm the rod-bolt stretch / re-use policy in the factory manual.
Frame / Engine Mount¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine mount nut | 7 | 10 | 40 | 4.0 | 29 | — |
| Engine bracket bolt | 4 | 8 | 25 | 2.5 | 18 | — |
| Subframe bolt (10 mm socket bolt) | 4 | 10 | 40 | 4.0 | 29 | — |
| Subframe bolt (10 mm flange bolt) | 1 | 10 | 40 | 4.0 | 29 | — |
| Subframe bolt (8 mm flange bolt) | 1 | 8 | 25 | 2.5 | 18 | — |
| Exhaust pipe joint nut | 12 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 | — |
| Side stand pivot | 1 | 10 | 22 | 2.2 | 16 | — |
| Center stand pivot | 1 | 8 | 18 | 1.8 | 13 | — |
| Chamber (muffler) protector bolt | 6 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 | — |
| Brake disc bolt | 18 | 8 | 40 | 4.0 | 29 | (also under Brakes) |
Handlebar / Master Cylinders¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handlebar upper holder bolt | 4 | 8 | 25 | 2.5 | 18 | NOTE 8 (grease threads + flange) |
| Front master-cylinder holder bolt | 2 | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 | — |
| Clutch master-cylinder holder bolt | 2 | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 | — |
Front Suspension / Fork / Steering¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front axle bolt | 1 | 14 | 90 | 9.0 | 65 | — |
| Front axle pinch bolt | 4 | 8 | 22 | 2.2 | 16 | — |
| Steering stem nut | 1 | 24 | 100 | 10.0 | 72 | — |
| Steering stem adjustment nut | 1 | 26 | 19 | 1.9 | 14 | See manual bearing-adjust procedure |
| Anti-dive case socket bolt (A & SE) | 8 | 6 | 8 | 0.8 | 6 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Anti-dive case socket bolt (I) | 4 | 6 | 8 | 0.8 | 6 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Fork bottom socket bolt | 2 | 8 | 20 | 2.0 | 14 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Fork bolt (top cap) | 2 | 37 | 23 | 2.3 | 17 | — |
| Fork leg upper pinch bolt | 2 | 8 | 22 | 2.2 | 16 | — |
| Fork leg lower pinch bolt | 4 | 10 | 55 | 5.5 | 40 | — |
The anti-dive assembly (TRAC) is fitted to Aspencade & SE (and is part of the linked-brake/anti-dive front end); the Interstate uses a different bracket count. The steering-stem adjustment nut (14 ft·lb) is a bearing-preload setting, not a final clamp — follow the manual's stem-bearing adjustment routine rather than just torquing it.
Rear Suspension / Swingarm / Air Suspension¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear axle nut | 1 | 18 | 110 | 11.0 | 80 | — |
| Rear axle pinch bolt | 1 | 8 | 32 | 3.2 | 23 | — |
| Rear wheel damper holder bolt | 5 | 6 | 20 | 2.0 | 14 | — |
| Left shock absorber mount bolt (upper) | 1 | 8 | 23 | 2.3 | 17 | — |
| Left shock absorber mount bolt (lower) | 1 | 18 | 70 | 7.0 | 51 | — |
| Right shock absorber mount bolt (upper) | 1 | 8 | 23 | 2.3 | 17 | — |
| Right shock absorber mount bolt (lower) | 1 | 8 | 23 | 2.3 | 17 | — |
| Swingarm right pivot bolt | 1 | 30 | 100 | 10.0 | 72 | — |
| Swingarm left pivot bolt | 1 | 30 | 19 | 1.9 | 14 | (pivot adjust/preload) |
| Swingarm left lock nut | 1 | 30 | 100 | 10.0 | 72 | NOTE 7 (torque read via special tool) |
| Air hose bolt (A & SE) | 3 | 8 | 6 | 0.6 | 4 | — |
| Air hose special bolt w/ seat (A & SE) | 1 | 10 | 15 | 1.5 | 11 | — |
| Outlet air hose joint (A & SE) | 2 | 8 | 6 | 0.6 | 4 | — |
| Air pressure sensor (A & SE) | 1 | 8 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 | — |
| Air distributor solenoid valve mounting screw (A & SE) | 4 | 5 | 3 | 0.3 | 2 (27 in·lb) | — |
The air-suspension plumbing (on-board compressor, air hoses, distributor solenoid, pressure sensor) is Aspencade & SE equipment. The swingarm left pivot bolt (14 ft·lb) and lock nut (72 ft·lb) are a preload-then-lock pair; NOTE 7 means the lock-nut reading is taken through a special crowfoot/adapter tool, so apply the manual's torque-wrench-scale correction if you use an adapter.
Final Drive (Shaft)¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinion bearing retainer | 1 | 70 | 150 | 15.0 | 108 | — |
| Pinion joint nut | 1 | 16 | 110 | 11.0 | 80 | — |
| Gear case cover bolt (10 mm) | 2 | 10 | 63 | 6.3 | 46 | NOTE 2 (locking agent) |
| Gear case cover bolt (8 mm) | 6 | 8 | 26 | 2.6 | 19 | — |
| Final drive gear case mounting nut | 4 | 10 | 65 | 6.5 | 47 | — |
| Final drive gear case drain bolt | 1 | 14 | 20 | 2.0 | 14 | — |
| Dust guard plate bolt | 1 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 | — |
| Retainer lock-washer bolt | 1 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 | — |
The gearcase drain bolt at 20 N·m (14 ft·lb) is the one owners use at every final-drive oil change — it has a magnetic tip/sealing washer on some units; check the washer and wipe the magnet. The four gearcase mounting nuts (47 ft·lb) secure the entire final-drive unit to the swingarm; the rear wheel itself rides on the axle (80 ft·lb axle nut + 23 ft·lb pinch bolt) — the GL1500 does not use automotive-style lug nuts.
Hydraulic Brakes (Linked / LBS-CBS)¶
The GL1500 SE uses Honda's linked braking with dual front discs + single rear disc. Caliper-bracket bolt specs differ between the A & SE front end and the I (Interstate) front end — both are listed.
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb / in·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliper bleed valve | 3 | 8 | 6 | 0.6 | 4 ft·lb (53 in·lb) | — |
| Front caliper bracket bolt (A & SE) | 2 | 8 | 23 | 2.3 | 17 ft·lb | — |
| Anti-dive piston bolt (A & SE) | 2 | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 ft·lb | — |
| Anti-dive piston bolt (I) | 1 | 6 | 12 | 1.2 | 9 ft·lb | — |
| Left front caliper bracket bolt (I) | 2 | 8 | 31 | 3.1 | 22 ft·lb | — |
| Right front caliper bracket bolt (I) | 1 | 8 | 23 | 2.3 | 17 ft·lb | — |
| Front pad pin plug | 4 | 10 | 2.5 | 0.25 | 1.8 ft·lb (22 in·lb) | — |
| Front pad pin | 4 | 10 | 18 | 1.8 | 13 ft·lb | — |
| Brake hose (banjo) bolt | 6 | 10 | 35 | 3.5 | 25 ft·lb | New sealing washers each side |
| Rear caliper retainer bolt | 1 | 6 | 11 | 1.1 | 8 ft·lb | — |
| Rear caliper bolt | 1 | 8 | 23 | 2.3 | 17 ft·lb | — |
| Rear caliper pin bolt | 1 | 12 | 28 | 2.8 | 20 ft·lb | — |
| Metal brake line (flare) nut | 4 | 10 | 17 | 1.7 | 12 ft·lb | — |
| Brake disc bolt | 18 | 8 | 40 | 4.0 | 29 ft·lb | — |
Always replace the copper/aluminum sealing washers on any banjo (brake-hose) bolt before torquing to 25 ft·lb. The pad-pin plug (1.8 ft·lb / 22 in·lb) is just a dust cap — do not crank it; the pad pin under it is the 13 ft·lb fastener that retains the pads.
Miscellaneous / Bodywork / Fairing (incl. SE-specific)¶
| Item | Qty | Thread dia (mm) | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb / in·lb | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side stand pivot bolt | 1 | 10 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 ft·lb | — |
| Side stand lock nut | 1 | 10 | 29 | 2.9 | 21 ft·lb | — |
| Side stand switch mounting bolt | 1 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 ft·lb | — |
| Center stand pivot bolt | 1 | 8 | 18 | 1.8 | 13 ft·lb | — |
| Exhaust pipe joint nut | 12 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 ft·lb | — |
| Tail spoiler mounting bolt (SE) | 4 | 6 | 6 | 0.6 | 4.3 ft·lb (52 in·lb) | — |
| Passenger footrest bracket bolt (SE) | 4 | 8 | 26 | 2.6 | 19 ft·lb | — |
| Passenger footrest cover bolt (I) | 2 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 ft·lb | — |
| Fairing inner cover bolt | 2 | 6 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 ft·lb | — |
| Air cleaner tube joint screw | 2 | 5 | 0.3 | 0.03 | 2.7 in·lb | — |
| Starter motor cable nut | 2 | — | 0.5 | 0.05 | 4.4 in·lb | ⚠️ very low; OCR-confirmed but verify |
| Antenna lock nut | 1 | 8 | 10 | 1.0 | 7 ft·lb | — |
The starter motor cable nut at 0.5 N·m (about 4 in·lb) looks implausibly low for a battery-cable terminal; this is the value printed in the manual table and may refer to a small signal/lead nut rather than the main cable. ⚠️ Verify against the wiring/starter section before relying on it for the main starter lug.
Standard (Default) Torque Values by Bolt Size¶
Honda's note on the table: "Torque specifications listed [in the system tables above] are for important fasteners. Others should be tightened to the standard torque values listed below." Use these for any GL1500 fastener that is not individually called out above. Match by the fastener type (plain bolt/nut vs. flange) and thread diameter, not by wrench size.
| Fastener type | Thread dia | N·m | kg·m | ft·lb / in·lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt and nut | 5 mm | 5 | 0.5 | 3.6 ft·lb (43 in·lb) |
| Bolt and nut | 6 mm | 10 | 1.0 | 7 ft·lb |
| Bolt and nut | 8 mm | 22 | 2.2 | 16 ft·lb |
| Bolt and nut | 10 mm | 35 | 3.5 | 25 ft·lb |
| Bolt and nut | 12 mm | 55 | 5.5 | 40 ft·lb |
| Screw | 5 mm | 4 | 0.4 | 3 ft·lb (35 in·lb) |
| Screw, and 6 mm flange bolt with 8 mm head (small) | 6 mm | 9 | 0.9 | 7 ft·lb |
| Flange bolt with 8 mm head (large) | 6 mm | 12 | 1.2 | 9 ft·lb |
| Flange bolt and nut | 6 mm | 12 | 1.2 | 9 ft·lb |
| Flange bolt and nut | 8 mm | 27 | 2.7 | 20 ft·lb |
| Flange bolt and nut | 10 mm | 39 | 4.0 | 29 ft·lb |
⚠️ OCR/transcription caveats on the standard chart. The 6 mm bolt-and-nut value was OCR-garbled in the source PDF as "19 (1.0, 7)"; the kg·m (1.0) and ft·lb (7) make the correct N·m value 10, which is the universal Honda standard and is shown above. The 10 mm flange-bolt row was partly cut off in the scan; 39 N·m / 4.0 kg·m / 29 ft·lb is filled in from Honda's standard-torque chart used across the GL line (and corroborated by the GL1800 manual). The 6 mm flange-bolt rows in Honda manuals distinguish a small (8 mm head) flange bolt and 6 mm screw at 9 N·m vs. a larger 6 mm flange bolt and nut at 12 N·m — match the head size to pick the right one. Confirm the exact GL1500 chart against a clean copy of the factory manual if you are torquing a critical unlisted fastener.
Thread-Prep Notes (Honda "Remarks" key)¶
These notes appear in the "Remarks" column of the factory tables and are mandatory where listed — they change the achieved clamp load and prevent loosening, leaks, or galling.
- NOTE 1 — Apply sealant to the threads (used on coolant/oil pressure senders in coolant or oil galleries).
- NOTE 2 — Apply locking agent to the threads (threadlocker, e.g. Honda Bond / Loctite-type).
- NOTE 3 — Apply molybdenum-disulfide oil to the threads and flange (under-head) surfaces (cylinder-head bolts).
- NOTE 4 — Left-hand thread — turn the opposite way to loosen/tighten (final-drive gear lock nut, mainshaft lock nut).
- NOTE 5 — Stake the nut in 2 places after final torque (lock nuts that must not back off).
- NOTE 6 — Apply oil to the threads and flange surfaces (crank, rod, case, and drive-gear bolts).
- NOTE 7 — Torque-wrench scale reading taken using a special tool (crowfoot/adapter); apply the wrench-extension torque correction.
- NOTE 8 — Apply grease to the threads and flange surfaces (handlebar upper holder bolt).
General DIY Cautions¶
- Use a calibrated torque wrench in the middle third of its range. Small fasteners (in·lb) need a separate small-range or inch-pound wrench — a 1/2" drive ft·lb wrench cannot accurately set 2–13 in·lb items like the carb band screws, air-cleaner tube screw, or pad-pin plugs.
- Many GL1500 fasteners thread into aluminum (cases, fork legs, calipers, carb bodies). Do not exceed spec; aluminum threads strip easily and many of these joints are not over-engineered.
- Where a NOTE calls for sealant / locking agent / moly / oil / grease, the listed torque assumes that prep. Dry-assembling a moly- or oil-spec joint, or threadlocking a "clean/dry" joint, gives the wrong clamp load.
- Crush/sealing washers (banjo bolts, drain bolts) should be renewed; reusing a flattened washer and "torquing harder" causes leaks.
- For staked nuts (NOTE 5) and left-hand threads (NOTE 4), follow the manual's removal/staking instructions — these are not casual roadside jobs.
- Convert with care if you must re-derive a value: 1 ft·lb ≈ 1.356 N·m, 1 N·m ≈ 0.738 ft·lb, 1 kg·m ≈ 9.807 N·m ≈ 7.233 ft·lb, 12 in·lb = 1 ft·lb.
Sources¶
- Honda GL1500 factory shop-manual "Specifications — Torque Values" pages (Engine, Frame, Final Drive, Hydraulic Brake, Miscellaneous, and Standard Torque Values tables), mirrored as a PDF: https://tech.bareasschoppers.com/wp-content/downloads/Torque_Specs_94_Honda_Goldwing_GL1500.pdf (primary source for nearly every value above)
- Bareass Choppers motorcycle torque-spec index page: https://tech.bareasschoppers.com/resources/motorcycle-torque-specs/
- Honda GoldWing GL1500 Service Manual (ManualsLib), "Engine Torque Values" p.21 and manual landing page: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/817941/Honda-Goldwing-Gl1500.html
- Classic Gold Wings forum, "Torque Specs" thread (corroborating axle/brake/standard-chart values): https://classicgoldwings.com/threads/torque-specs.1816/
- Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums, "GL1500 Front axle bolt torque value" (front axle 90 N·m / 65 ft·lb corroboration): https://www.goldwingfacts.com/threads/gl1500-front-axle-bolt-torque-value.401170/
- GL1800Riders forum, "Torque specs GL 1500?" (axle/pinch/brake corroboration): https://www.gl1800riders.com/threads/torque-specs-gl-1500.107881/
- Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums, "1500 rear axle nut torque value" (rear axle 80 ft·lb / pinch 23 ft·lb corroboration): https://www.goldwingfacts.com/threads/1500-rear-axle-nut-torque-value.365276/
- Honda standard-torque-values chart (general Honda motorcycle / GL1800 cross-check for the by-bolt-size table): https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1142922/Honda-Gl1800.html?page=15
- Honda Gold Wing GL1500 owner's-manual reference (spark-plug seating guidance cross-check): https://www.scribd.com/document/509623677/GOLDWING-GL1500-Owners-Manual
⚠️ Items to Verify¶
- Spark plug torque (15 N·m / 11 ft·lb): taken from the GL1500 service-manual engine table, but Honda owner's-manual practice is "finger-tight + ~1/4 turn on a new washer." Confirm against your factory manual / the plug maker's spec; do not over-torque into the aluminum head.
- Cylinder-head bolt final value & sequence (45 N·m / 33 ft·lb, moly-lubed, in passes): factory table value, but it conflicts with the "10→25→40 ft·lb three-pass" figure some forums cite. Use the factory sequence diagram and 33 ft·lb final for the GL1500; verify the exact pass schedule in the manual before a head rebuild.
- Oil filter boss (17 N·m / 1.7 kg·m / 12 ft·lb): the source PDF OCR showed "7.7 kg·m," which is inconsistent; the corrected 1.7 kg·m / 12 ft·lb is shown. Verify if you ever remove the filter mounting boss/stud.
- Standard-chart 6 mm bolt-and-nut (10 N·m): the source OCR read "19" N·m; corrected to the standard Honda 10 N·m (1.0 kg·m, 7 ft·lb). Verify against a clean manual copy.
- Standard-chart 10 mm flange bolt (39 N·m / 29 ft·lb): row was partly cut off in the scanned source; filled from Honda's standard chart and the GL1800 manual. Confirm the GL1500's printed value.
- 6 mm flange-bolt rows (9 vs 12 N·m): the OCR jumbled the "small head / large head / flange-bolt-and-nut" distinctions. The split shown matches standard Honda charts; verify which variant your specific fastener is.
- Starter motor cable nut (0.5 N·m / ~4 in·lb): printed value seems far too low for a main battery-cable lug and may refer to a small signal lead. Verify against the wiring/starter section of the factory manual before applying to the main starter terminal.
- Clutch center lock nut (130 N·m / 94 ft·lb): factory value; some posts round to "~140 ft·lb." Use 94 ft·lb but confirm in your manual, and note the holder-tool requirement.
- Anti-dive (A & SE) and air-suspension (A & SE) items: confirmed as Aspencade/SE equipment vs. Interstate, but the exact bracket counts/quantities for an MY2000 SE should be checked against that year's parts catalog if you are ordering hardware.
- Connecting-rod / crankshaft / main-bearing fasteners: torque values are listed, but rebuild-specific details (bolt re-use/stretch policy, exact tightening pattern) must be taken from the factory engine-overhaul section.