Contemplating F6B Purchase -- Advice Needed!
Hello forum members! I've been lurking on this forum for the past couple of weeks while I've been actively contemplating purchasing an F6B. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger, but wanted to solicit some advice from F6B owners...
Here's my story: I owned a 2003 GL1800 for 4 years and loved it dearly. However, I really couldn't get my wife to ride with me, so I sold the Goldwing last year to help finance a convertible car purchase (wife likes that much better). However, I've missed my GL1800 ever since I sold, and started looking for good deals on used Wings a while back to "get back into the game." I discovered the F6Bs and immediately fell in love with the more youthful styling and overall "vibe" of the bike. I also found that there are still quite a few leftover 2013 F6Bs around, with a going rate of around $14,995 with all the rebates and discounts (pretty amazing!).
From reading posts on this forum, I've discovered the weak paint problem, and from looking at a new black F6B at the local dealer, I was definitely able to detect lots of swirls and paint issues. So that is pushing me in the direction of a red F6B, which is also available at my local dealer as a brand new leftover 2013 for $14,995.
I was about to pull the trigger when I noticed the local dealer ALSO had leftover new 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie's for sale for an amazing price ($11,199!). This put me off the F6B track for a while, as I researched the Valkyries and tried to determine if I could make one of them work for me. I loved the blue color and the overall "mean" look of the "naked" Wing, but in the end, I've decided that by the time I added the tall windshield (which I'm not that crazy about, but would be necessary), the passenger backrest, and some saddlebags, I'd be pretty close to the price of the F6B (and I'd be missing a stereo and fairing).
So I was about to pull the trigger on the new 2013 Base model F6B (couldn't find any of the Deluxe models available in my area) when the dealer mentioned he had just taken a used red 2013 F6B Deluxe in on trade. He showed me the bike, which was immaculate, and I was happy to see the previous owner had added a Throttlemeister throttle lock and some nice highway pegs (both things I'd want to do anyway). The bike has 7K miles at this point, and has a little over a year left on the original factory warranty. The dealer has a great relationship with the previous owner, and said he was extremely meticulous with how he took care of his bikes (which confirmed how nice the bike looked). The dealer's first offer was to sell the used F6B for $14000, but I had a feeling there might be a bit more wiggle room in that deal.
My questions:
1. Would it make more sense to purchase the brand new (with 4-year warranty) F6B (non-Deluxe) and spend the money to add the passenger backrest ($350?), highway pegs ($250?), center stand, taller windshield, etc.? Total would probably come to around $16K with all the extras, but I'd be able to use the Honda 1.9% financing for 36 months, which would be nice.
2. Or should I just go for the used 2013 F6B Deluxe which is already set up pretty much how I'd like it (I'd probably just add a bit taller of a windshield)? If this route makes more sense, any advice on what a good price would be for me to offer the dealer on a used model? He realizes his main competition is the new leftover 2013s with the full warranty... Downside to this route is the slightly worn tires, less warranty remaining, and higher rate financing (probably around 4-5%).
3. Or are there any out there who think I should go the Valkyrie route at the amazing low price of $11,199 (this probably is the best actual "deal" to be found, but I'm just not sure I'd be happy with the bike).
Thanks for any advice anyone would like to offer!
Rick
Something to keep in the back of your mind
I'm pretty sure Honda dealers are the same as Harley in that the dealer is rated by the manufacturer on how many new models they sell, doesn't matter about the used bikes that are traded in. He's got to get that 2013 or 14 off that floor to make room for the 15's, especially with the added feature of cruise now. When I traded my 2013 Road Glide for the 2013 F6B the dealer wanted my bike and $1700. I got it for my bike and a $1000, so they will be super motivated to get that leftover 2013 or 2014 out and if you're going that far go a little further and get new, it only hurts a little more. Good luck.