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Not sure where to post this. Canadian male with 35 years of riding many different brands. Currently have 2 Harleys and a BMW in the garage. Im a firm believer in multi bike ownership. Searching for a new 2 wheel experience. These F6B's have caught my eye. Familiar with Honda products. I'm sure to have some questions. Thx and ride safe. Flhfxd.
Welcome to the forum. I am sure you will fall in love with the F6B as most of us here have. I enjoy this forum tremendously. Great information and a good group of people.
.welcome20.'welcome gang'
Welcome to the forums!
While no bike is perfect for everything, most of us have found that the 'B' does a lot REALLY well.
The General Message, Garage, and Accessory sections contain a lot of information.
The Off Topic Section will give you more (perhaps unnecessary!) insight into a few of the regular characters.
As with any forum, the Search and Advanced Search functions are your friend.
We've recently performed a major server upgrade and our tech guy is still ironing a few issues with the old attachments.
Have fun, and again, welcome!
Cheers,
Steve
flstnf6b
Not sure about that reference. I don't think anybody has ever called me "regular"---although I have been referred to as a "character" many times but I am not sure if it was a compliment. HummmQuote:
Originally Posted by 53driver
So, what years are the HD's? That'll make a difference comparing them to the B.
Mike
Why, hello. I have been to and through your city many times. Beautiful, and much to offer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
As for the F6B...not sure what your questions are, but I will tell you three things I like about mine (9600 miles, 1.5 years ownership) and three things I don't like. I came off of a traditional cruiser, like your Harleys.
Here is the positive, in my opinion:
Handling. This was the biggest surprise for me. For a 900 lb pig, it handles really well. U-turns and figure 8s are easy to do on this machine. This actually makes me feel safer vs. riding my traditional, feet-forward cruisers.
Power. V-twins make a lot of nice, meaty torque below 4000 rpm, then peeter out. This flat six has the most linear power curve of any gasoline engine I have ever operated. Pulling away from a turn down a straightaway, in 4th gear, at 1000 rpm, is no problem. Rev it high, and it pulls hard but not 1400 cc sport-touring bike hard. This engine does not possess a flat spot. I have referred to it as turbine-like power or an electric motor with gears.
Vibration. It does not exist on this bike. This is a major factor in the lack of fatigue when riding long distances. You will not feel anything except grip in your hands and nothing on the pegs except rubber.
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Here is the negative, in my opinion:
No ABS. This is a major omission from a $20,000 bike. Almost every other bike in this price range has it. It almost cost them my purchase. Also missing from 2013 & 14 models is cruise control. Ridiculous.
Controls. The audio system dates back to 1999 and Honda has done little to update it. It's fine, but competitors have Bluetooth stereos, XM radio options, push button start, navigation, etc. An example of the dated audio controls: You can plug in your iPod or smartphone to stream music, but you have little control over playlists, songs, albums. The TUNE toggle switch on the handlebars doesn't take you through preset stations, but just manually tunes to each frequency (93.1, 93.3, 93.5, etc).
Storage. Honda screwed this up too, unnecessarily. You have to use a key to access any compartment, from the bags to the glovebox. That is a PITA. There are many options to resolve this issue on this site, rest assured. However, on a bike with a window sticker that can exceed $20,000, this is not well thought out. As for the bags themselves, while you CAN squeeze most helmets in them, it is not that easy. They open like a clamshell on its back, which is a design remnant from the big brother Gold Wing, which has a trunk above the bags making the only sensible way to design access to the bags through the top and side. Also, one cannot leave the saddlebags unlocked unless the spare key is left in the key slot.
I am sure others will chime in with their thoughts.
This forum is excellent. These guys helped me pick a windshield, taught me how to convert the locking glovebox to one that just requires the turn of a knob, best ways to hook up your iTunes and stream Sirius XM, the best fog light setups, etc, etc.
Know you will have lots of support here if make a move!
I agree with V star, clamshell bags suck. Anyone that thinks they don't, hasn't used a top loader bag. Leg space is cramped. Ground clearance could be improved as well. Those are my biggest complaints, otherwise, the B is a beast and handles very well for her size, she just touches down in corners before I get to the discomfort zone. Once the pegs grind, the discomfort zone is in full effect!
Mike
Excellent info folks and very much appreciated. As mentioned, I'm searching for something..."different". I've never ridden that flat 6 but I know a little better now what to expect. I think it's time to visit a showroom and check out ergonomics, storage, etc..
Thanks again.
One thing about this bike that is the proverbial 800-lb gorilla in the room...and its a good thing...it is a very simple motorcycle. The motor is a SOHC two-valve per cylinder basic design with port fuel injection. The rest of the bike is a Gold Wing, which in its current form, is an 18 year old platform. The bugs have lonnnggggg been worked out of it. It is very, very reliable. Go ahead and try to find a thread about mechanical failures or breakdowns on this forum...they are few and far between.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
They are very easy to do maintenance on, too. Oil/filter changes are a piece of cake, and the removing the rear tire is simple as well. The air cleaner...that's a different matter...but you won't have to do that often.
Honda outboards and generators are the same way. The get the design correct, keep it simple, and keep running them down the assembly line the same way for decades. My 2001 Honda 30 hp outboard is exactly the same motor today as it was then, minus a decal update.
Get a center stand, even if you have to buy one after. Almost all maintenance done with it. I bought a standard model, then added that later. Best move I made. All I have aftermarket is a windshield and pegs. Over 24k in less than a year and a half with no complaints....my 2 cents.
All good. So I will need a center stand, footpeg relocation? (I'm joe average @ 5'10"), cruise control, rear storage (TBags are great), and a proper windscreen? Sound about right? Next question is: can you rent one of these for a decent rip
I have Rivco Aero pegs, the ones some are complaining about in another thread. I'm happy with mine. I barely use them. I'm slightly taller than you, and this bike fits me perfectly. I rode home from NC and never swung the pegs out. Cruise control....for me, just a way to stretch the wrists and air them out. Never use it for long periods, because, you very rarely get long periods, at least where I am. Windscreen is a crap shoot. So many....can't comment on a rental. That may be tricky.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
Welcome FNGQuote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
The F6B is a terrific bike, BUT Honda in many ways has a conservative philosophy. I think that's why some view the Goldwing technology as a bit long in the tooth. Personally I'd rather have a reliable setup that's a bit dated instead of state-of-the-art failures when I'm out on the road.
Design & Engineering
Engine/Transmission
Electronics
Chassis
Braking
Suspension
All get top marks in my book.
Everything else is subjective. Consider 500,000 +/- GW units sold over 40 years and the complaint department ain't exactly busy at the moment.
Now, the Costco return counter on a Saturday is another matter altogether! :icon_lol:
Happy trails
edit: Oh yeah, that horn and those mirrors!! Holy Sh_t!
I can relate, I own two Harley's (Sportster, Fatboy Lo) and love them both. I also have an F6B and love that too for different reasons. I really appreciate the personality the big twins offer, say what you will about the MoCo but they build bikes that look good and offer a distinctive ride (e.g. "personality").
The Honda is definitely the long haul bike in my stable, although many on the forum will attest to its relative nimbleness for an enormous bike. I won't argue, it does handle well for its size. But its my bike of choice if I'm racking up the miles or just intend to be out all day.
Fatigue will be minimal because vibration is non-existent. Gas mileage is so-so, but the tank is around 6 gallons so not a big deal. Ergonomics work for me, and I'm used to big bikes so size is not a concern. Its typical Honda: as close as it gets to mechanical perfection, so peace of mind is always there.
In my opinion you can't go wrong with the F6B if you are looking for a large cruiser/touring bike. Good luck with your decision.
It's an animal of a time machine. It's easy to do 500 mile days, and in hills/trees/curves! It's very seldom you have to downshift unless you want to run in sport mode, it's a semi truck with torque. It's simplicity electronics wise is another reason I like the bike. I have NO desire for any of that fancy smanshy HD or Indian electronics! Just another distraction and something to break. My knees get to aching after awhile, but a couple minute stretch on the highway pegs now and then cures that.
Is it the bike perfect? No. Do I have gripes? Yes. But, the pros FAR outweight the cons. I sold my FLTRU, no regrets. I still have my old iron that suits me to a T, but for long distance, high speed touring? The B is damn hard to beat!
Mike
I am not at all surprised to read all of your comments and to be honest, I think I knew way in advance that this would be the collective wisdom. As I said, I am familiar with the company and it's products. I feel as though I'm about to betray my brand.....! Now ain't that the silliest shyt you ever heard?
That is silly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
You can't betray what's in your garage....unless it just sits there month after a month while the other one gets all the attention.
I had 2 Harley's and 2 Hondas at one point.
Down to one and one.
EEO is alive and well in my garage.
They both get special attentions in their own way.
Saorla doesn't wish to go on long trips and prefers spirited, noisy, acceleration around town.
Isleen likes long hauls to twisty roads.
Different mistresses for different requirements....
Lol.
Cheers,
Steve
Brand loyalty is prevalent is motorized recreation and trucks, I have noticed. I have never been very good at brand loyalty - they are just corporations trying to make money. They don't care about you except what it takes to get your money.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
In my garage is a Honda motorcycle, previously a Suzuki and two Yamahas...a Chevy...a Kia...two Ski Doos...and a boat with a Force outboard engine.
Each one of those represent what I feel is the best value/features balance for what I use them for. For example, I like my Chevy for the MyLink system and OnStar, plus some other qualities the car has that others don't offer. However, the Mrs. has a Kia Sorento over a Chevy Equinox because the Kia is ranked higher in reliability and has that all-important four wheel drive locking feature in the AWD system. It won out, as a result.
On my short list prior to the F6B was the Victory CC Tour and VStar Deluxe. The ABS and cruise control and storage on the Vic almost got me to pull the trigger...but...a $22,000 MSRP for a bike with questionable build quality and parts was too much to swallow. I went to Honda dealer and bought the F6B.
Welcome to the forum and congrats! I've had nothing but sportbikes before the B. My wife wanted to ride and that pretty much cuts the choices down to a handful.
Try and find a Honda Demo Day, & take one for a spin. My first demo ride on an F6B, and I was turned off by the short stock windshield, and the quiet engine (HD lovers call it 'soul-less' - no noise). I was coming from a Suzuki big v-twin, and it was way quieter than I was sued to with my twin & stock pipes. But I wasn't happy with the Suzuki, wasn't satisfied with t as a distance tourer. I tried the Victory CC Tour, the Victory Vision, & the regular Goldwing. Eventually I came back to the F6b (with a Madstad windshield) and appreciated the quiet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
Oh, and because you are in Canada, we get ABS standard on our F6B's. Newer versions also have the regular cruise control, but I am installing a Breakaway cruise control before a trip to Vegas next month.
If you hit one of your local dealers, they prob have used GL1800 or two they will let you take out for a test ride. Then you will get to experience the freight train linear torque that people above have commented on. Then, imagine chopping 70 lbs off that regular Goldwing and the touring trunk, and figure that the stock seat on the F6B doesn't make you feel like you are being pushed up to a perch on the edge of the gas tank like the regular 'wing, and thats what I found was the main differences between the regular 'wing & the F6B.
Happy hunting!
C
I was a life long Harley guy (still have an FXD in case of emergency) but the F6B caught my eye a few years ago when touring in California. I didn't want to "betray my brand" either. Then I took one out on a Honda test day. The engine is amazing. The torque is always there. Like you I live in a big city, this bike can act like a city bike or eat huge miles on the highway or swoop through the twists. The bike is heavy. However you only notice the weight when it's stopped or I'm pushing it to park it. Once you're moving the weight disappears. For a heavy bike, it's fast. 200+Kms is easy to do and you get there quick. I'm no speed demon but you can get into loose your licence territory pretty quick with this bike. The quiet engine/exhaust is a bit off putting at first coming from a Harley. I will probably put torque loops and Rush exhaust on it after my first full year of riding it to make sure it's what I want. I can't say enough about this bike. It's not a Harley and isn't trying to be one unlike some other baggers. The switch gear and electronics look dated but if you're coming from a Harley that is more than two years old, it looks state of the art. Take one for a spin. You'll understand what everyone on this forum is talking about. There are a lot of low km 2013-2014 bikes around for under 13,000 CDN. Good luckQuote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
I am convinced. At this point it's more a matter of when, not if. I'll keep my Harleys cause that's the kind of guy I am but I look forward to parking one of these things in the garage. Got a couple of other bikes to sell first, then.......hunt!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigcityd
Is there any talk of a 6th gear trans for future model years? Or is 5th gear tall enough? Thx
No talk that I've seen, although many people wish for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
Actually both 4th & 5th are overdrive gears.
Honda knows that "Wingers" load their bikes up, head to the hills, and tow stuff so Honda didn't want to make the final drive too tall for hills and trailers.
My experience:
At 85 mph, I'm at 3500 RPM.
That seems a bit much.
Gas mileage goes south at 3150 RPM.
I'd like to see a 6th gear that would put me at 2750 RPM at 85 mph.
I don't tow and I don't have a passenger seat anymore.
Cheers,
Steve
That raises a good point: what is the fuel range of these bikes say, at 60 mph and then at 85 mph?Quote:
Originally Posted by 53driver
Thx, Flhfxd
Assuming smooth throttle control, etc, etc...Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
At 85 I get about 185-195 miles for 5.5 gallons (low Fuel light flickering to just steady ON - 1 gallon left)
At 60 I get 220-225 for that same 5.5 gallons.
87 octane.
6.6 gallon tank
YMMV.
(lol, I've always wanted to use that literally)
Cheers,
Steve
YMMV....??? Sorry, whats it mean? Your mileage may vary?Quote:
Originally Posted by 53driver
Exactly!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Flhfxd
Many people use it after they make a statement on how well something "may" work....
"Water your grass in the morning for best results. YMMV"
But, I got to use it literally!!!
If you are buying a Canadian model F6B, it comes with ABS. Score!Quote:
Originally Posted by VStarRider
I need to ride across the border and trade mine for a Canadian model!! After spending five seconds typing that, it actually seems like a good idea. The Niagara Falls crossing is less than two hours away.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jayrock