Question about backing the F6B

[Hornblower]

I'm 58 years old/young, currently ride a Honda VTX1300R and have had a total left knee replacement. The knee is strong and I do not limp from the surgery or even feel it. I am strongly thinking about getting a F6B if I can have it painted prior to picking it up and my main question is, how hard is it to back up by pushing it with your legs? I know the Goldwing has reverse but I prefer the look of the F6b over the wing. Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi, neighbor! I've over here near Winston-Salem. I hope this works out for you to join our F6B group. Solid advice given so far on this thread, BTW. I have a 30" inseam and the only trouble I've had backing so far has been on inclines (no matter how small) and gravel surfaces. On level, paved surfaces, you should have no trouble at all. Like others have mentioned, you do need to be extra careful and think ahead when choosing a parking spot.

[JBnAZ]

I echo Hornblower - if there is any amount of incline or a small bump the bike shows it's weight and is hard to back up. I'm 5'11 32 inch inseam and a pretty strong guy. As others have mentioned, proper planning when parking makes this a non issue.

Or have the other riders that will be gathered around checking out your ride give you a hand! not that kind of hand.......

[Steve 0080]

The first thing you think off when pull into a parking is is how am i going to get out go here!!! The reason I installed reverse in my 03 Ultra !!! With that toy it does not matter…the bike will go backwards at 40 MPH….. now the F6B , for me is very easy to back up even when I have my trailer attached. Like every thing else a little planning goes a long way!!!


Welcome to the board !!!

[bobbyf6b]

Always park facing uphill. Then gravity will help you back up.

[Deer Slayer]

Park up hill, up hill.

[ff73148]

I'm 65, 5'10". I've owned a VTX1300R and like all V-Twin cruisers the weight is up high. With our flat six the weight is low. I find it easier to walk this bike than most cruisers and sport tourers I've owned.

[opas ride]

I am 74 years old, 5'9" with barely a 29"inseam and have no real issues backing up..Easier in my driveway as it is slanted downward. I put 1/2" higher soles/heels on my boots when I had my 900lb. Victory Vision, as it was a little tough to back up and move..The F6B is no problem for me so far and is much easier to backup/move than my other bike...Just be careful where you park and choose a spot that is not difficult to get out if possible.....No real pressure on the knees that I can see......

[Hook]

Always park facing uphill. Then gravity will help you back up.

After I got my F6B there where're and still are so many things I had to learn and parking was a big part. It makes it kind of hard (but not imposable) for me to do with one hand. So one of the things do I back in on the down hill side

[Bruce B]

I'll be 71 in a couple of months, have a 29-30 inch inseam, and have had three total knee replacements (there's a near fatal story there). I have no problem backing the F6B and find it to be easier to back than my Valkyrie was. As stated here by many others, some awareness and planning when parking will prevent any problems. I had always thought, with the Valkyrie, that the day would come when I'd have to move to a smaller, lighter bike. I find the F6B so manageable in parking, backing, etc., that now I may never have to go smaller.