New here, a few questions

[RLj]

After reading a lot of threads I see where ABS is a con for most, I've never had a bike with ABS but it seems that on a bike this big ABS would be a huge benefit. Has anyone regretted buying the F6B and not having ABS? Will ABS be offered as an option in 2014? Has anyone heard of any improvements in 2014 models?

I'll be looking to purchase sometime towards the end of the year, not sure if I want to wait for a 2014 model with possible kinks worked out or try and pick up a 2013 at a year end price, if the prices even come down. If the 2014 has ABS I think I'd definitely wait for the 2014.

Thanks,

RLJ

[Phantom]

:create.php:

I own and ride a couple of Hondas that do not have ABS, one being a Goldwing and the other weighing MORE than the Goldwing. Never had any issues stopping either bike.

2014 F6B with ABS, could be an option for the US market maybe????

ALL 2013 European and Canadian F6B's come equipped with ABS , I'm not sure about other parts of the world. Making a few US models with ABS is really no big deal for Honda, the parts are already there in the production line, they just have to export the ABS equipped bikes to the U.S.

[Scotrod]

I've never had ABS, so I don't know what I'm missing I guess.
I had linked brakes on the VTX and liked 'em. F6B has linked brakes, so when mine is ready to be picked up I'll have 'em again.
I believe full-on sports riders may prefer un-linked, but for my riding style, there are no drawbacks to linked.
ABS on a bike? Well, I suppose so, but If it was an added cost option, I'd probably decline.

[boocoodinkydow]

been riding a bmw k1200lt for 8 years & the only time abs activated was during an msf course. when i recently purchased my f6b, the absence of abs was of no consequence at all to me.

[bigdew]

I also have never owned a bike with ABS. I agree it might be worth it to someone that has had it help them, but I don't know what I am missing either way and probably would decline ABS if it was an option.

As for waiting for the 2014 model year waiting on changes. Nothing has been released yet and honestly only thing I could see them changing is color choices.

[MichaelG]

Well now..............I have owned and ridden many bikes that have ABS, and I love it. There have been many times where the ABS brakes have made the difference between life and death...period ! If the F6B sold in the USA had the option of ABS...I would have bought it in a heartbeat, no matter the added cost. I guess it depends on what you think your own life is worth.

I think that Honda is STUPID to not offer the bike with ABS, when we know our Canadian and Australian comrades have it on their bikes.

There are many things I can do without on a motorcycle, such as heated seats...Hondas' version of a Nav GPS...or an airbag. But to me, ABS should be an option that is at the first level of upgrading any motorcycle. Honda offered that choice in the 2001 to 2005 Goldwings...non-ABS...or with ABS...and after that decision was made, then you could add anything else you wanted to.

But in the 2006 and later model year Wings, Honda told the riders that if YOU wanted to have ABS on your bike...you had to become a pimp daddy, and have a heated seat and a very poor Navigation package first...then you could get the ABS.

Having ABS on a bike is not a license to ride stupid...it is a safety tool...so that when a deer jumps across the road, or a car turns left in front of you, or the rain slicked road becomes slippery when braking, that is when ABS comes into play.

[Coyote1998]

After reading a lot of threads I see where ABS is a con for most, I've never had a bike with ABS but it seems that on a bike this big ABS would be a huge benefit. Has anyone regretted buying the F6B and not having ABS? Will ABS be offered as an option in 2014? Has anyone heard of any improvements in 2014 models?

I'll be looking to purchase sometime towards the end of the year, not sure if I want to wait for a 2014 model with possible kinks worked out or try and pick up a 2013 at a year end price, if the prices even come down. If the 2014 has ABS I think I'd definitely wait for the 2014.

Thanks,

RLJ

I guess I will add my .02$ worth, you mentioned Canada gets ABS, that is true, we also only get the basic version, no Deluxe, only 2 models of Wing as well, Honda Canada decides what we ride up here??
Anyway, I have never had to use it, but I like the fact it is there, it is a technological improvement in braking and if I can stop 1 foot shorter with it, then that may be all it takes to avoid a collision.
I was hoping to make Franklin, but it looks like plans changed again. Maybe Laughlin in the spring for me.