I think you and your friend with the cracked frames should notify NHTSA, there might be others out there with the same problem, If enough report it they will make the manufacturer do something about it. I have rode Honda Gold Wings motorcycles for about 26 years, In 2001 Honda came out with a totally new design, but the aluminum frame on a few started to crack, not a good thing when your traveling on the freeway at 70 MPH. At first Honda said it was not a defect and the owner must have been pulling a trailer or over loaded the bike, After several frame cracks were reported Honda had a recall and re-welded the frames in the areas in question. This started with he 01 and went all the way to 2005
Below is what it looks like with a cracked frame
Recall ID #84960 - STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Recall Date JAN 31, 2005
Component STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Motorcycle Affected GL1800A
Potential Motorcycles Affected 34919 Recall Details
Recall Date
JAN 31, 2005
Motorcycle Affected
2002 HONDA GL1800A
Summary
ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, CERTAIN FRAME WELDS DO NOT MEET MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH LOADS CREATED WHEN RIDING ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES OR THROUGH POTHOLES CAN CAUSE THE AFFECTED WELDS TO CRACK.
Consequence
THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE WELDS ON 2001-2002 MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. ON 2003-2004 MOTORCYCLES, THE UNITS WILL BE REPAIRED, NO INSPECTION WILL BE NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
Potential Motorcycles Affected
34919
Notes
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) P66
Read more:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/mo...#ixzz1OSgQlDt3