Considering an F6B or???

[av8rdave]

Cost and dealer network were big issues for me (the nearest dealer is nearly 70 miles away).

FWIW, the windshield isn't a huge issue. Nearly everyone seems to replace it. There are many choices, and they're just not that expensive. With a taller windshield, mine is a great mix of comfort and handling.

I'm sure you'd be happy with either choice.

[Texas TC]

Only you can make the decision on the motorcycle that fits your needs best. I have owned both BMW and Honda, along with Haley's and several other brands. I think the F6B is the best, most fun to ride motorcycle I have had in my 50 years of riding. But, as I said, only you can decide.

[royr]

JJ, another option MBL Innovations Sport Kit.

[Steve 0080]

I have an Ultra and have owned a Valk...I now also have the F6B...they are all the same and all different. Each bike I have ever owned did one or several things real well. The Ultra has everything and is very comfortable, I have never owned or ridden a BMW, my issue with them alone is dealers are far and wide apart. If you are trying to compare two motorcycles then the best comparison would be between the Valk and the F6B...and the F6B is 10 years newer with today's technology, with more power as well. Keep the Ultra and have a " we " bike and you can still take your bride on the F6B...

[boocoodinkydow]

i bought a new LT in 05 & can't imagine ever parting with it. with the addition of a russell seat, i couldn't ask for a more comfortable touring bike. despite it's hefty size, the agility rivals that of a sport bike when carving these beautiful east tenn twisties. and from what i understand, these qualities are only enhanced in the new GT & GTL series. while the feel of pure european quality has been unsurpassed by any bike i've ever owned, reliabilty is actually a shortcoming of bmw's. in 56 years of riding experience, this is the only bike that has ever failed to get me back home. as mentioned earlier, don't expect to get a bargain on a new one. dealerships are few & far between. and when you do find one & carry it in for service you'll find that BMW stands for "Bring More Wallets"!! one scheduled maintenance for me soared past $700. when i finally accepted the fact i had "outgrown" my K1200GT, i opted for the f6b over a new bmw for several reasons; a $3000 discount, never far from a dealer, & absolutely bullet proof. i've had many hondas & can never remember a maintenance issue of any kind. bought the new bike 5 weeks ago & have only put 15 miles on it so i can't really attest to it's accolades yet but i have no doubt it's going to be a great addition to the riding stable.

[Jerryleejr]

i bought a new LT in 05 & can't imagine ever parting with it. with the addition of a russell seat, i couldn't ask for a more comfortable touring bike. despite it's hefty size, the agility rivals that of a sport bike when carving these beautiful east tenn twisties. and from what i understand, these qualities are only enhanced in the new GT & GTL series. while the feel of pure european quality has been unsurpassed by any bike i've ever owned, reliabilty is actually a shortcoming of bmw's. in 56 years of riding experience, this is the only bike that has ever failed to get me back home. as mentioned earlier, don't expect to get a bargain on a new one. dealerships are few & far between. and when you do find one & carry it in for service you'll find that BMW stands for "Bring More Wallets"!! one scheduled maintenance for me soared past $700. when i finally accepted the fact i had "outgrown" my K1200GT, i opted for the f6b over a new bmw for several reasons; a $3000 discount, never far from a dealer, & absolutely bullet proof. i've had many hondas & can never remember a maintenance issue of any kind. bought the new bike 5 weeks ago & have only put 15 miles on it so i can't really attest to it's accolades yet but i have no doubt it's going to be a great addition to the riding stable.

This really sums it up, I followed the LT boards for years and opted for the Valkyrie to tied me over instead. Then rumors of the k1600 started floating around and I figured the ultra would fill the gap until enough bmw's were out there to make a reasonable decision. And now low and behold the F6B is released and I'm immediately taken back to my Valkyrie which is still a favorite of mine. So test rides are in order and I'm sure either bike will fit me just fine but maintenance and dealer network might be the deciding factor.

JJ

[Gumby]

I had my k100 in college and couldn't really afford the maintenance and upkeep. Every time it or my R80/7 before that died I went in the shed and fired up the CB550. I finally came to the realization that BMW reliability was overrated and Hondas was not. If you can afford to keep either the bikes or the cars they are very nice, but so are Hondas for less money up front and down the road.