Slow F6B sales in DFW Area

[Texas TC]

I was at Dallas Honda where I bought my F6B today and was talking to the sales guy who worked on my purchase. He told me that sales were pretty slow on the F6B. They are probably the largest exclusive Honda dealer in the Dallas/Fort worth area. They had probably 12 or more units scattered around the showroom. They even still have the special painted white model they prepared several months ago.

I was surprised sales are going slow since we all know how great these machines are. I do know I have only seen 2-3 on the road around here since I bought mine in February.

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[KGREEN]

Maxim Honda in Allen, TX and Paris Honda/Harley in Paris, TX are the same way slow sales on the F6B. Both are saying the same thing, everyone wants cruise control and they cannot sell them due to that fact Honda chose not to add cruise.

[bobbyf6b]

Maxim Honda in Allen, TX and Paris Honda/Harley in Paris, TX are the same way slow sales on the F6B. Both are saying the same thing, everyone wants cruise control and they cannot sell them due to that fact Honda chose not to add cruise.

I can agree with that if they are expecting to attract previous GW riders, but I think this bike is for a totally different demographic. I've never had a bike with cruise control and this is my first GW. I think they are drawing in people like me who normally wouldn't buy a GW but will jump on it now that it's stripped down and less expensive.

[Cleaver1]

Are the priced at what the going price elsewhere is? Maybe everyone is going to Arkansas.

[Steve 0080]

There is no doubt that cruise is nice to have..... but for us older guys whose first bike never had cruise, ( before it was invented ) it is no big deal. Not having cruise was a non issue for me. Not sure this would be classified as a touring bike , and in reality how often do you really need cruise? The paint is a non issue, although there are several of the boards bad mouthing the paint. Funny how non of the bike mags have said a word? Maybe the economy is not in as good of shape as the government would like you to think it is. I am sure there are plenty of people still hurting and laying out $20K is not in the cards at the moment...

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

What Steve said! No need to quote the entire posting....I agree with every word.

[SpeedyWho]

There is no doubt that cruise is nice to have..... but for us older guys whose first bike never had cruise, ( before it was invented ) it is no big deal. Not having cruise was a non issue for me. Not sure this would be classified as a touring bike , and in reality how often do you really need cruise? The paint is a non issue, although there are several of the boards bad mouthing the paint. Funny how non of the bike mags have said a word? Maybe the economy is not in as good of shape as the government would like you to think it is. I am sure there are plenty of people still hurting and laying out $20K is not in the cards at the moment...

I agree with your comment, but not about the paint. The paint is terrible and Honda is at fault for that one. The only good thing about the paint is it gives me an excuse to get it painted, I wanted a blue bike anyway so I'll end up getting one

[chevytr1]

There is no doubt that cruise is nice to have..... but for us older guys whose first bike never had cruise, ( before it was invented ) it is no big deal. Not having cruise was a non issue for me. Not sure this would be classified as a touring bike , and in reality how often do you really need cruise? The paint is a non issue, although there are several of the boards bad mouthing the paint. Funny how non of the bike mags have said a word? Maybe the economy is not in as good of shape as the government would like you to think it is. I am sure there are plenty of people still hurting and laying out $20K is not in the cards at the moment...

Well I guess I'm a older guy that would never own another bike without cruise.lol. Once you've have had it you realize its the best thing on a bike if you stretch it out a lot on the highway. All my buddies have it and there is no going back. I am holding off buying the f6b for now and want to see what the 2014 looks like. Time will tell and if i end up with the GW, so be it. Hopefully the paint issue will be resolved....

[Scotrod]

I can agree with that if they are expecting to attract previous GW riders, but I think this bike is for a totally different demographic. I've never had a bike with cruise control and this is my first GW. I think they are drawing in people like me who normally wouldn't buy a GW but will jump on it now that it's stripped down and less expensive.

I agree, I've never had cruise, and never would consider owning a Wing before the F6B.

I have had a couple throttle locks on my prior rides and they were only for a wrist break every now and then. I've got cruise in my truck, and rarely use it either due to traffic. Cruise on a bike, to me, wouldn't get much use)

Went to a local Honda dealer, He's sold at least 3 or more. Took a closer look at the paint on the bikes that are still on the floor. Couldn't see any issues.
Economy? Certain areas of the Country are still hurting.

In other news,,,, Went to the local HD dealer. ZERO 2013 Street Glides on the floor. (4) 2014 Street Glides there. Constant swarm of onlookers. Not sure how many, if any, were sold, but night and day difference in 'activity' between Honda and HD.

(FWIW, there were several things I DID like about the 2014 HD changes. Not really any that I didn't like. If I had to pick 1 item as 'best improvement' it would be the new bags.)

[Texas TC]

Steve 0080 wrote: Maybe the economy is not in as good of shape as the government would like you to think it is. I am sure there are plenty of people still hurting and laying out $20K is not in the cards at the moment...

I would agree. However. I was at North Texas Harley Davidson the same day and it was packed with customers and the larger than Honda sales staff members all were working deals on showroom bikes or ordering the 2014 Electra Glides with water cooled engine, linked braking system, and bluetooth voice actuated radio. Almost every Harley is at or above our price point. So, I don't think it is the economy. Not in North Texas anyway.

I just think it is, like BMW, a niche bike. Like us forum members, there will be a small group of riders that like or want to buy and ride this motorcycle. It may just be more of an exclusive club than we or Honda expected. It makes me wonder about the future of this concept. Makes no difference to me, I really like the F6B and would not trade it for anything else on the market.