Importing an F6B ABS from Canada

[Jabbasan]

Hi Everyone,
New to the forum and have a few newbie questions. I was disappointed that Honda did not release the 2014 F6B with ABS. I was wondering has anyone imported one from Canada ? Is this cost prohibitive ? Can you add ABS to a US bought bike.

Thanks
Jabbasan

[bobbyf6b]

Don't let the lack of ABS be a deal breaker. The linked brakes work great.

[unsub]

Hi Everyone,
New to the forum and have a few newbie questions. I was disappointed that Honda did not release the 2014 F6B with ABS. I was wondering has anyone imported one from Canada ? Is this cost prohibitive ? Can you add ABS to a US bought bike.

Thanks
Jabbasan

I'm sure someone here with 1st hand experience will be happy to provide their experience. In the meantime check out first steps at https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/218

[MichaelG]

Hi Everyone,
New to the forum and have a few newbie questions. I was disappointed that Honda did not release the 2014 F6B with ABS. I was wondering has anyone imported one from Canada ? Is this cost prohibitive ? Can you add ABS to a US bought bike.

Thanks
Jabbasan

I have exported several bikes from the USA to Canada, and the buyers had a lot of hoops to jump through, and costs, to make the deal go through for them. I have not imported one from Canada, but I have imported a Honda 700 Transalp from Australia.

I agree with Bobby, do not let the lack of ABS brakes stop you from buying a US version of this bike, as the combined brakes work very well. I have owned 2 previous versions of a full sized Wing, with ABS, and while I love ABS brakes...I am very happy with this F6B that does not have the ABS on it. My previous Wing, a 2006 model also dd not have ABS, and I got used to that.

Adding ABS brakes to this bike WOULD be cost prohibitive. Don't even think about doing that.

[opas ride]

As said on other posts, ABS brakes should not be a deal breaker on this great bike...Honda's linked braking system works as good as any other one out there IMHO...I have owned or ridden BMW, Harley, Victory, GW, etc. some with ABS others without and never noticed any real differences for my style riding..Been riding for over 50 years and I personally would not pay extra for ABS brakes on a bike..I know some will dis-agree and that is okay, but I am able to stop just fine with the linked-brakes on my F6B.....

[db24]

I'd go so far as to say that a rider with an average level of competence and confidence might be in better control of their bike equipped with the F6B linked brakes than he/ she might be if unfamiliar with how a bike with ABS handles in a panic situation. If I had the option to choose, I would pick the linked braking system over the ABS. Honda's version of linked brakes on the F6B is amazing.

[ths61]

"Front dual 296 mm discs with triple-piston calipers; rear 316 mm disc with triple-piston caliper. Dual-Combined Braking System with ABS"

It looks like the Canadian version has both ABS and linked brakes.

Why does Canada get the goodies and the US does not ???

http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/gold_wing_F6B/specifications

[bobbyf6b]

Why does Canada get the goodies and the US does not ???

It's probably the law up there.

[Scotrod]

I think the OP's question could easily be answered if he added just a little bit more info.

Jabbasan, how much extra $$$$ would you be willing to pay to see this through?

$100?

$500?

$1,000?

$2,000?

$5,000?

More????

The question becomes a moot point if it obviously 'ain't gonna happen' for the amount of $$$ you feel you'd pay to do all this, so,,, what's it worth TO YOU?

IMHO, if ABS was available as an added-cost option, I'd go without ABS.

I've had both linked and un-linked before as well and either one is fine with me.

[Pedro66]

Its all down to money I guess but if import is an issue just buy an F6B and an Airbag Wing strip the F6 down to frame, wheels and engine then strip all the electrics and ABS etc etc off the wing onto the F6B then rebuild the wing as a standard bike and sell it again

That way you will end up with an F6B with navigation and everything

[woody]

"Front dual 296 mm discs with triple-piston calipers; rear 316 mm disc with triple-piston caliper. Dual-Combined Braking System with ABS"

It looks like the Canadian version has both ABS and linked brakes.

Why does Canada get the goodies and the US does not ???

http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/gold_wing_F6B/specifications



Australia also gets ABS and Dual Combined Braking. I beleive Australia has some kind of law involving ABS and motorcycles over a certian capacity.

[Bob the bike]

We have the same situation in the UK. The F6B is only available with CBS/ABS in Europe. I think that this is due to a ruling in the European parliament.
However, I agree with what others have said here, do not let the absence of ABS put you off a fantastic motorcycle. If the F6B had been on sale in the UK without ABS, I would still have bought it. I have owned a 2009 GL1800 with satnav, airbag and ABS and In my opinion the F6B is a better bike for my needs. I do not miss any of the things they took off the Goldwing to create the F6B.

[Jabbasan]

I purchased an F6B Deluxe today. Thanks everyone for the advice and input.

Amazing bike !!!!!!!

[Big Jay]

Congrats on the new bike.

[Scotrod]

I purchased an F6B Deluxe today. Thanks everyone for the advice and input.

Amazing bike !!!!!!!

High Five!

:yes::yes::yes:

[DisneyBill]

What a coincidence, I got a black Deluxe F6B today too. :icon_biggrin: Congratulations! :cheers:

[Jabbasan]

What a coincidence, I got a black Deluxe F6B today too. :icon_biggrin: Congratulations! :cheers:

Congrats DisneyBill !!!!!! (we both bought an F6B at the same dealership yesterday)

[Alberta Beagle]

I'd go so far as to say that a rider with an average level of competence and confidence might be in better control of their bike equipped with the F6B linked brakes than he/ she might be if unfamiliar with how a bike with ABS handles in a panic situation. If I had the option to choose, I would pick the linked braking system over the ABS. Honda's version of linked brakes on the F6B is amazing.

Unfortunately you would be wrong.
There is no way on this earth that a rider can outride the ABS system. LInked braking is great but ABS makes it that much better.

[MichaelG]

Unfortunately you would be wrong.
There is no way on this earth that a rider can outride the ABS system. LInked braking is great but ABS makes it that much better.

The Beagle has spoken, and he is right.:yes:

[1951vbs]

Unfortunately you would be wrong.
There is no way on this earth that a rider can outride the ABS system. LInked braking is great but ABS makes it that much better.

Until your ABS pump needs to be replaced. IMO less is always more.

[MichaelG]

Until your ABS pump needs to be replaced. IMO less is always more.


Mike, when have you ever heard of an ABS pump failing on a Goldwing ?

[1951vbs]

Mike, when have you ever heard of an ABS pump failing on a Goldwing ?

I haven't. I am not even sure they have an ABS pump. I bought the F6B beacuse the Goldwing Platform is rock solid and reliable. That being said my point was the more bells and whistles the more potential for problems. I also really like the linked (non-ABS) brakes. I do finally accept fuel injection now as superior to carbs so there is hope for me. :icon_biggrin:

[Alberta Beagle]

Until your ABS pump needs to be replaced. IMO less is always more.

Less safety is better than more safety?
Warranty will take care of any issues on the bike. I never keep a bike more than 3 years anyway so not an issue for me.
Honda definitely made a mistake not making ABS at least available in the USA. It's a proven fact that bikes with ABS are safer regardless of the riders skill and ability. Every bike running in Moto GP has ABS and I would have to say those guys are a bit more skilled than the average rider.

[1951vbs]

Less safety is better than more safety?
Warranty will take care of any issues on the bike. I never keep a bike more than 3 years anyway so not an issue for me.
Honda definitely made a mistake not making ABS at least available in the USA. It's a proven fact that bikes with ABS are safer regardless of the riders skill and ability. Every bike running in Moto GP has ABS and I would have to say those guys are a bit more skilled than the average rider.

No arguement from me with ABS, it works great, but it doesn't bother me in the least the F6B does not have it.

[slather1]

I also would like ABS to be available but Honda does what they want so I will buy something else with ABS.