Slow F6B sales in DFW Area

[gray rider]

I crossed paths recently with a group of BMW riders coming out of a small cafe. One of them sized me up as a Beemer rider because I was carrying my Schuberth (German) helmet. I told them I was ring my Goldwing F6B and one of them immediately said "a what"? One of the other guys instantly began describing my F6B as a downgraded Wing with a smaller detuned engine and a lighter chassis, you know a "beginners bike". I explained that it is indeed a Wing through and through. As we approached my bike the expert said "see, just like I said, it's not a Wing at all , not the same frame or engine. He said that if I mastered this bike I might be able to move up to a real Wing in the future but probably not because "Goldwings cost twice as much". He then proceeded to lecture me on my ignorance about my own machine and suggested that I read up on it so as not to embarrass myself in the future. They congratulated each other as they mounted their real motorcycles (clearly not for beginners) and blasted off into Beemer nirvana. My point is that Honda's marketing/advertising must be totally missing the mark if motorcyclists who should know better are so poorly informed. Does no one read anymore? I read multiple, thorough and favorable reviews before seeing the F6B on the show circuit last January.

The regional dealer is sitting with F6's languishing on their floor. I really don't care if they are a one year wonder as I own a Rune and a DN01 and one more dead end Honda suits me just fine.
The more exclusive the better. It's just the BIG picture of what is Honda thinking at the corporate level when they have a fine product that should be flying off the showroom floor and nobody seems to be informed or interested in it on any level.

[Steve 0080]

I would not put a lot of faith into what someone riding a BMW has to say... it has been my experience they are in a world of their own...short of that I do agree....

H.D. wrote the book on how to sell a lifestyle...many a company has tried to emulate them in that respect...does not get any better!!!

[TheShow]

Here's an article and video from Market Watch owned by the Wall Street Journal showing that BMW Drivers really are jerks! A US and UK study confirmed it!

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell...-studies-find/

[bobbyf6b]

Here's an article and video from Market Watch owned by the Wall Street Journal showing that BMW Drivers really are jerks! A US and UK study confirmed it!

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/thetell...-studies-find/

That's awesome, now we have proof!

[db24]

I live in the Milwaukee, WI area. The big H-D 110th reunion happens this coming weekend, and the highways are already getting crowded with Harleys. I have owned a couple myself. I stopped for gas on my F6B yesterday evening. I was already pulling up to the pump when I realized that there were 10-12 H-Ds parked alongside the building. Several were very nice; all had out-of-state plates. I filled up and and walked into the station. When I walked out two minutes later, all of the Harley riders were gathered around MY bike. They had a million questions. To a person they said they loved the looks of the F6B; a couple said they were thinking of getting one. No one had a negative comment. Overall Harley dependability was a frequent complaint voiced by this group; they believed the Goldwings never really needed more than oil changes and tires. Here's hoping they are right!

[ff73148]

You have to look at motorcycles based on geography. Those of us in high traffic areas like NJ will never get a chance to use cruise control. So an option like that means nothing. The last time I spoke to the Honda dealer I bought my F6B from, he had sold five. If I lived in a wide open area like Texas than cruise control would be important. I owned a BMW RT before this bike and I never used the cruise control once.

[FlyinF]

I've been riding for nearly 50 years and the first 45 was without cruise control. I live in Texas and a throttle lock is just fine. Don't get me wrong cruise on the Wing I had and traded for the F6 was nice but it just spoiled me.
Who knows how long the F6 will go, at least we can get stuff for it via the Wing. I've been following the new CB1100 and there is nothing for it "local" all aftermarket stuff comes from Japan or Australia and its all big bucks.........they ask the same question, how long will the CB1100 be around............and that is why not much local available, manufacturers don't want to invest on an unknown.

[Erock1800]

You have to look at motorcycles based on geography. Those of us in high traffic areas like NJ will never get a chance to use cruise control. So an option like that means nothing. The last time I spoke to the Honda dealer I bought my F6B from, he had sold five. If I lived in a wide open area like Texas than cruise control would be important. I owned a BMW RT before this bike and I never used the cruise control once.

I live in Brick and I bought my M109 from the dealer in TR. mike the salesman can't keep the F6B on the showroom floor long enough. I may by the F6B next year as an addition to the stable or sell my M109R to get the F6B. But I do live my 9. Two totally different bikes. Most of my friends have Harley's because they bought into the lifestyle. I have no issues with them or the bikes. As long as people ride I'm ok.

[MOODY]

I live in Snyder Texas, between Lubbock and Abilene, In West Texas, We had a rally here this past weekend w/ close to 6000 in attendance
and my F6 was the only one there and had several people ask what it was. One Harley guy was calling it a under-powered GW, He was leaving as my wife and I so I pulled up be side him on the street and he took off and I'm 350# (Not gonna say what my wife weighs, Not that stupid) He got the jump but w/in a block that under powered GW was pulling away from his big bad H-D w/ his big bad 110 CI motor, Got to love it, I also have a fast black 97 Valk and it has never seen the tail light on a H-D, Love my rice burners !!!!!!

[Lunatic Fringe]

I finally got to sit on a wing and a f6b today and I gotta say at 6 foot tall the wing felt kinda cramped for me, the seat really locked me in and my legs made contact with the fairing. The f6b felt much more open and comfortable, my legs didn't make contact with the fairing. Definately my money would go to the f6b if I we're in the market for a 20k bike. The problem is
I believe there are fewer riders these days that are willing to pay the entrance fee for a new toy.