FNG - intro

[Jayrock]

Why, hello. I have been to and through your city many times. Beautiful, and much to offer.

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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!

If you are buying a Canadian model F6B, it comes with ABS. Score!

[VStarRider]

If you are buying a Canadian model F6B, it comes with ABS. Score!

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.

[unsub]

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 FNG

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!

Happy trails

edit: Oh yeah, that horn and those mirrors!! Holy Sh_t!

[Bill_C]

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.

[speedjunkie]

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

[Flhfxd]

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?

[53driver]

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.
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

[VStarRider]

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?

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.

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.

[Redlinez]

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.

[Bigcityd]

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?

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 luck