What 7 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Honda Gl1800a

I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake but the bike continued moving forward pushing the front tire which left a skid mark on the pavement. I continued forward until the bike ran into the driver's door of a parked car. This was the second time the throttle stuck in this manner. The first time I was leaving my driveway when the bike acted in the same manner and caused me to run over some Christmas lights on the edge of my driveway. The first time I did not realize what happened therefore I did not file a complaint. I researched this on a motorcycle forum and found many instances of other GL 1800 owners experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11449495

At approximately 800 miles, the throttle became sticky. The return spring will close the throttle; however, there is excessive friction that developed while riding. Temperatures were approximately 85-95 degrees. The problem is that fine feathering of the throttle is not possible. By the time enough hand control pressure is released to ease off the throttle, the throttle closes aggressively and by the time I can stop the throttle closure, the engine and dual clutch transmission are downshifting--in Sport mode the downshifts are aggressive and vehicle speed decelerates more than desired. Worse, this condition occurred while riding US129 in Tennessee and North Carolina at inopportune time such as at the apex of a curve. This resulted in the motorcycle changing lean angle and straying from the intended arc through the curve. Other instances happened when encountering slow traffic and the throttle needs to be feathered to slow. The motorcycle engine and dual clutch transmission interpret this larger throttle closure as an intent to slow resulting in unintentional downshifts and excessive speed reduction. Not an ideal situation with traffic following closely because the brake lights are not activated leaving the drivers behind the motorcycle wondering what is happening. To continue riding with the throttle in this condition, the rider has to increase throttle twist force and counter twist force in an attempt to control. This technique doesn't really help and should not be required to ride a motorcycle. This condition has been brought to the attention of the selling dealership service department for which they contacted a Honda technical representative whom never heard of this condition. Therefore, no action was taken to date. This sticky throttle condition can be seen on new Goldwings sitting on the showroom floor; however, the friction/stickiness is not to the degree being experienced at 800.

NHTSA ODI 11432523

The throttle is sticking open at low speeds that makes for a dangerous situation dealer could not duplicate at time of visit the throttle is sticky will not operate smooth no accident has happened at this time

NHTSA ODI 11428738