Sales of the F6B

[Johncmendenhall]

I wonder how many f6b' have sold in the U.S. Or around the world for that natter.
I can only see sales trending up as more and more get out on the road.

[Darkknight]

About a month ago, I asked the dealer that sold me my F6B (in central ct) how many of these bikes has he sold. He said "two, both black deluxe". Mine was the first unit they had sold in early spring 2013.
They may be giving a bit of a discount now, but they weren't giving anything off when I bought mine.:nono: That may have something to do with them not selling them.
If I wasn't so impatient, I would have bought mine in one of the more southern states, flown down and rode it back. After airfare, I still would have saved a bunch of cash.:icon_doh: Not to mention I would have seen some beautiful scenery. Maybe next time.

[Scotrod]

Said to be very slow here as well. I believe Wild West still has the (1) same red deluxe on the floor it's always had,, :shrug:

That, and none of the Dealers around my area would/could compete with HOR on price.

[CheesyRider]

I have a feeling the F6B sales are stellar compared to the new Valkyrie. Has anyone here visited the Valkyrie version of this site (http://hondavalkyrie1800.com/forum.php)? That place is a ghost town.

[opas ride]

I don't know about total sales, but the dealer that I bought from still has two of the four he bought in early 2013 sitting on the floor.. I have had mine for 10 months now and have only seen one on the road in Michigan since then....Oh well that makes it unique I guess.....

[SmallPasture]

There was a red 13' on the floor when I ordered my Yellow 14' back in May. As of this weekend the red 13' is still there and they haven't sold any since mine. That said I haven't seen another one on the road as well in and around San Antonio. :shrug:

[Paul B Blues]

Honda only imported 40 into the UK last year. Right now there are 11 of them on eBay, 10 have Zero mileage, what a waste :shrug:

[motozeke]

I have a feeling the F6B sales are stellar compared to the new Valkyrie. Has anyone here visited the Valkyrie version of this site (http://hondavalkyrie1800.com/forum.php)? That place is a ghost town.

That bike just seems crazy expensive for what you get--essentially a F6B with no bags or fairing. Which seems like an answer to a question nobody was asking.

[motozeke]

There's no denying that the F6B is a pricey way to tour, compared to the FJRs and Concours of the world. We all may think it's the best bike ever created, but the truth is that it's kind of a niche-y bike. Not really a Goldwing, but heavy and big like one (just lighter than the original). Too big to really be compared to the other sport tourers, and thousands more.

That said, I don't regret a penny that I spent on it and I expect to rack the miles up on this bike for a long time.

[opas ride]

Some say the BMW R1200RT has the F6B beat hands down..More power, faster, much lighter, adjustable windshield, better handling, etc.,etc....Maybe so, but too tall for me and after I test rode one last year, I will keep my heavier, slower, crappy windshield, no cruise or ABS, Honda F6B as I really love the thing and after a few mods, seat, windshield, pipes, it works great for me and I am happy with my dealer and the motorcycle....So I don't care what others say!!! JMHO

[XKnight]

They are selling much better now that the 2013s are being blown out by many dealers. I bought the one and only fast red f6B that my local dealer had and they even slightly beat the price of HOR. I have only seen one other F6 on the road in my area of over 4 million people. I must have passed over 50 black Harleys just this past weekend. I actually like having a bike that isn't seen very often. Plus, Honda sells plenty of regular Goldwings so I don't feel bad for them. After Harleys, Goldwings are the most popular bike I see on the road.

[Jimmytee]

I hope they continue it. I know the deal I got on my new, Faster than black , red F6B is probaby where these should be selling in the first place.:beer3:

I do kinda think that if they added the cruise control back, they might sell more of them. It obviously wasn't a deterring factor for me, but that is one of the biggest complaints I hear about it over on the VRCC and from traditional Gold Wing buyers.

The places I looked reported they had been selling quite a few of them here lately though. The fact remains that there are still 13 models available. Good for me or I would've had to buy a slower black one.:icon_wink:

[RcBtx1999]

Yeah Chatanooga is the place to buy, 0% financing and 15,200.00 for the Black F6B.

[bigbird]

I was going to buy a leftover '13, but after discovering that all 'Wing transmissions for 2014 had been updated with new 4th and 5th gear parts, I'll wait until this winter when the '14's will be discounted like the '13's are now.

[powercruzer13]

They are selling much better now that the 2013s are being blown out by many dealers. I bought the one and only fast red f6B that my local dealer had and they even slightly beat the price of HOR. I have only seen one other F6 on the road in my area of over 4 million people. I must have passed over 50 black Harleys just this past weekend. I actually like having a bike that isn't seen very often. Plus, Honda sells plenty of regular Goldwings so I don't feel bad for them. After Harleys, Goldwings are the most popular bike I see on the road.

That seems to be the case in this neck of the woods too.
We may soon be after one of the leftover red '13s once I sell the 2 remaining Valks & the Shadow. :icon_cool:

[Jimmytee]

I was going to buy a leftover '13, but after discovering that all 'Wing transmissions for 2014 had been updated with new 4th and 5th gear parts, I'll wait until this winter when the '14's will be discounted like the '13's are now.

Ok, I've read here today where someone posted about this. What's the deal here> Is this an issue supposedly with all Wing transmissions? Since when ? 2001?? or is this suppose to be just with 2013 models? I don't have any issues with mine, of course it's brand new. I've not heard of this before now.

[FlatSixBagger]

I think they will discontinue it is not selling and I have seen many for resale even considering selling mine. I do not like the "gearing" shifting pattern 1st and 2nd are way to close and down shifting is not much better plus the neutral shift, throw in the lack of cruise, I will mostly likely take my beating next year on trade.

[Kurare79]

Honda made an aim to sell 100 F6B's in Germany. I personally never have seen any other F6B than my own yet. My dealer didn't even had a F6B or Standard Gold Wing for test riding. I bought it blind, just knowing pictures from the internet and what people say in boards. I think it's hard to sell if you see the prices in germany: It has a listed price, starting at 24.945€ -> that's about 33.473$ (including Tax) for the standard version :yikes:

[CheesyRider]

Ok, I've read here today where someone posted about this. What's the deal here> Is this an issue supposedly with all Wing transmissions? Since when ? 2001?? or is this suppose to be just with 2013 models? I don't have any issues with mine, of course it's brand new. I've not heard of this before now.

From what I understand, the transmission in the 2013 F6B is same one the Goldwing 1800 has had all along. It seems it is pretty rare for folks with the 2013 and older bikes to have problems. But, Honda must have been losing enough money on warranty repairs to make the expense of changing the transmission worthwhile.

Try googling "BMW final drive failure", then google "Goldwing transmission problems". That should make those who have the 2013s feel a little better. I think even considering the small potential for transmission problems, the 2013s are still great bikes. That said, I'm still going to hold out for a '14.

[bigbird]

Ok, I've read here today where someone posted about this. What's the deal here> Is this an issue supposedly with all Wing transmissions? Since when ? 2001?? or is this suppose to be just with 2013 models? I don't have any issues with mine, of course it's brand new. I've not heard of this before now.

Read about ghost shifting here:

http://justwings.com/Cause.html

Apparently for model year 2014 the 4th and 5th gear shifting dogs of all 1800 transmissions were updated.

[SpeedyWho]

Ghost shifting is a Myth, plain and simple. There is nothing wrong with the GL1800 trans. Any issue with shifting is a rider error issue, like a short or fast incomplete shift or half shift. It can also be caused by heel/toe shifters(NOT recommended for use on the GL). Make sure you make a solid and complete shift and you will never have any worries and you trans will last you forever

[Robert]

My bike will jump out of 1st gear if I pin the throttle from a stop.

[RcBtx1999]

There was a red 13' on the floor when I ordered my Yellow 14' back in May. As of this weekend the red 13' is still there and they haven't sold any since mine. That said I haven't seen another one on the road as well in and around San Antonio. :shrug:

I'm out here on my Red. Loving it. I ride it to the gym on DeZavala and to Twin Peaks all the time, have not gone out to Bike night in st. Hedwig yet. There is one Escort Bike that is an F6B as well, a black one..........Do you happen to know a Harley Rider in Lavernia with a side car?, Terry Lowe????:stirthepot:

Tim Reilly
Boerne, TX

[jakec]

If ghost shifting is a myth, why did Honda spend the money to change transmissions on all 2014 1800 engines? I suppose anything that doesn't happen to you is a myth. You ought to give shifting classes.

[Jimmytee]

If ghost shifting is a myth, why did Honda spend the money to change transmissions on all 2014 1800 engines? I suppose anything that doesn't happen to you is a myth. You ought to give shifting classes.

Not picking or anything, just wondering . Is there documentation on the change from Honda? Where does the info come from that Honda changed anything in the transmission and why? Just curious.hiding.under.chair Because right now I just read about this here a couple of days ago. Now I haven't been on this forum that long, but I have been around Hondas and Gold Wings quite a lot and have been a long time Valkyrie rider on the VRCC where there are quite a few 1800 riders. Not to say it isn't factual, just saying, that right now it seems odd I had never heard of this before.

[jakec]

Jimmy, you can go to an online parts fiche and compare part numbers between the gears on a 2013 1800 and a 2014 1800. Also you can go on the GL1800 Riders site and do a search and you will find the pictures of the gears and the changes Honda made. Goldwing Greg from Just Wings posted the pictures. I rode up to Wing Ding just to meet him so he could show me the gears and explain what the problem was. If either my F6B or my 06 Wing has a transmission problem I will be taking it to him in Florida. If you really want to learn about the 1800 transmission, go to his site Just Wings.

[bigbird]

Ghost shifting is a Myth, plain and simple. There is nothing wrong with the GL1800 trans.

Being a current Honda owner, I sent a message to tech support at Honda Canada, asking if the trans had been updated in all Wings for the 2014 model year. I will post their reply when I get it.

As a quick addition, I checked part #'s for both a '13 and '14 trans, identical model bikes.
The 35 tooth 5th gear mainshaft, part # 16 on the fiche, has different part #'s for the '13 and '14 models.
For the '13 model, the part # is 23491-MCA-000
For the '14 model, the same part # is 23491-MJG-A00.

I hope this helps the disbelievers that there is something different between the '13 and '14 transmissions.

[olds34dude]

I think this was about sales, The dealer I bought from in Wesley Chapel, Fl. sold me mine and an 8k used '13 on the same day and a '13 demo just a few days later, I have seen a few on the roads in my area, I didn't think to ask them how many they had sold , but gather a few, right now they only have 2 on the floor, both in yeller, D

[MOODY]

Was in the dealership in Lubbock Texas where I bought my quicker than red Black F6B and they had 1 2014 on the floor, Mine is the only on sold in West Texas area, I've not seen any other in this area ( which I think is cool)
P.S F6 is not fast (125 MPH ) but they are QUICK

[Jimmytee]

Jimmy, you can go to an online parts fiche and compare part numbers between the gears on a 2013 1800 and a 2014 1800. Also you can go on the GL1800 Riders site and do a search and you will find the pictures of the gears and the changes Honda made. Goldwing Greg from Just Wings posted the pictures. I rode up to Wing Ding just to meet him so he could show me the gears and explain what the problem was. If either my F6B or my 06 Wing has a transmission problem I will be taking it to him in Florida. If you really want to learn about the 1800 transmission, go to his site Just Wings.

I checked out his site, thanks. Good info. Still would like to see an acknowledgement from Honda on the matter and reasoning for any changes.
So have you had any issues with either? My F6B is still brand spanking new, but it shifts beautifully. According to Just Wing site, it has happened to brand new machines right off the sales floor. I've got four years of warranty on my F6B, so if it ever does happen, hopefully it is within that timeline. Are there many here who have had the problem?

[Texas TC]

Ok, I've read here today where someone posted about this. What's the deal here> Is this an issue supposedly with all Wing transmissions? Since when ? 2001?? or is this suppose to be just with 2013 models? I don't have any issues with mine, of course it's brand new. I've not heard of this before now.

I had Ghost shifting on my '08 and '12 full Wings. It is no fun when it downhifts under power. I have not had a single issue on my '13 F6B with 20,600 miles, more miles than I put on either of my previous Wings. I don't think I shift any different but certainly am pleased the issue has not occurred on my latest ride.

As someone mentioned, the F6B is a niche bike. It fits my riding needs petfectly but, as was also mentioned, the absence of cruise has been a big deterent to many who would otherwise jump on the oppertunity to own the F6B. I have not missed any of the features missing from my previous full Wings. I also have not missed Ghost Shifts and the dreaded Wing front end wobble. I am glad I bought the fast red version since it now is the fast red limited edition model!:icon_biggrin:

[imported_scottydi]

I work in an office with about 300 other people. There are now three of us with F6bs in the office. Two fast black 13s and one HOR 14 Signature series Red one. Sales may be slower in some areas, but they seem to be OK in Georgia. Just a heads up, I talk with the owner of the 2014 bike and he has had several ghost shift issues, his bike has less than 1000 miles on it (only had it a couple of weeks). Myself and the owner of the other 2013 Black bikes have not had the issue at all. Not trying to :stirthepot:, but Honda may not have gotten this correct on the 14s.

Scottydi

[Scotrod]

Just a heads up, I talk with the owner of the 2014 bike and he has had several ghost shift issues, his bike has less than 1000 miles on it (only had it a couple of weeks). Myself and the owner of the other 2013 Black bikes have not had the issue at all. Not trying to :stirthepot:, but Honda may not have gotten this correct on the 14s.

Scottydi

Maybe there's more to it than 'Honda',,,,

My bike would 'half shift' at times with my old work boots. Problem has disappeared since I went to a MC-specific ~sport~ shoe.

:shrug:

[Phantom]

I work in an office with about 300 other people. There are now three of us with F6bs in the office. Two fast black 13s and one HOR 14 Signature series Red one. Sales may be slower in some areas, but they seem to be OK in Georgia. Just a heads up, I talk with the owner of the 2014 bike and he has had several ghost shift issues, his bike has less than 1000 miles on it (only had it a couple of weeks). Myself and the owner of the other 2013 Black bikes have not had the issue at all. Not trying to :stirthepot:, but Honda may not have gotten this correct on the 14s.

Scottydi


If you are comfortable in doing so ….

TRADE bikes for a 2-3 hour ride and see if he has the same issue with your bike.
It could be the Rider but then again if you experience the ghost shifting on his bike, it could be Honda :shrug:

[SpeedyWho]

If ghost shifting is a myth, why did Honda spend the money to change transmissions on all 2014 1800 engines? I suppose anything that doesn't happen to you is a myth. You ought to give shifting classes.

I'm not looking to start any arguments, I enjoy the peaceful feeling on this site compared to other Goldwing sites.

My comment was made so people aren't scared away from any GL series bike made before '14. This is this is arguably the finest bike on the market, with many people traveling hundreds of thousands of trouble free miles. I believe proper shifting will help prevent any unwanted trans issues.

[Scotrod]

I believe proper shifting will help prevent any unwanted trans issues.

:cheers:

And 'proper' may not be the same way you've shifted other bikes,,,

[Phantom]

I enjoy the peaceful feeling on this site compared to other Goldwing sites.


Me TOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :beer3:

[fxdl2051]

I think this was about sales, The dealer I bought from in Wesley Chapel, Fl. sold me mine and an 8k used '13 on the same day and a '13 demo just a few days later, I have seen a few on the roads in my area, I didn't think to ask them how many they had sold , but gather a few, right now they only have 2 on the floor, both in yeller, D
Used to live out there, nice riding that way. Used to see a lot of triked Wings there about. So far, here in Seattle area, I'm the onlybn f6b I've seen on the road, though there are some other guys on this forum in WA state. People seem to like it, draws comments, even from the Harley guys.

[Johncmendenhall]

From Kenmore

[Marauderm]

I have had several Harley riders comment on my bike. Compared to the HD Glide, performance being arguably similar the $14k price difference really gets their attention. Give it time, Honda made the right move to appeal to the more sophisticated HD rider.

[edgeman55]

Ghost shifting is a Myth, plain and simple. There is nothing wrong with the GL1800 trans. Any issue with shifting is a rider error issue, like a short or fast incomplete shift or half shift. It can also be caused by heel/toe shifters(NOT recommended for use on the GL). Make sure you make a solid and complete shift and you will never have any worries and you trans will last you forever

:yes:Could not of said it better myself.Can't pussy foot the shift on these bikes.

[JesseS]

My dealer had 3 when I bought mine, all are gone including the 3 replacements he got from HOA, and he now has 6 on hand and has sold 2 of those this week. I guess the 'recession' is over in my area.
As for the 'Ghost Shifting issue I agree that it is a rider error thing. I have a heel/toe and have not experienced it, but I also had a heel/toe on my last bike for 100,000+ miles without issue...... well, I did snap the linkage once speed shifting and had to ride home in 2nd gear, but then the VTX is bullet proof.

[JackB]

I just brought a 2013. It's the first one he sold. He was glad to get rid of it. He also say no one was has looked at the new Valkyrie. He sells a lot of Goldwings but he is a very small dealer in a city with 30,000 people. I didn't think he will get another one.

[ghostrider]

Me TOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :beer3:

Biggest arugment on this site is which color is fastest!! :catfight:

Red of course

[chipmaker]

I agree with the tranny, the only miss shifts I have experienced are when I have a big toe shoe on, or I'm really tired and try to lazy shift after a long night at work...

[shooter]

Biggest arugment on this site is which color is fastest!! :catfight:

Red of course

No doubt its Fastest Black. The name says it all. I agree with whoever said that ghost shifting is a myth. Our shifters are not the easiest to get your toe under and manipulate. And you can't pussy-foot that shift. You have to shift it like you mean it. I have an M109R also and although it has plenty of room for your foot you better better bang it when going from 1st to 2nd or you'll miss it.

[TnHeath]

Maybe there's more to it than 'Honda',,,,

My bike would 'half shift' at times with my old work boots. Problem has disappeared since I went to a MC-specific ~sport~ shoe.

:shrug:

This has been my experience as we'll...type of boots does make a difference...

[Scotrod]

This has been my experience as we'll...type of boots does make a difference...

I'm no expert on MC footwear. Never owned any until the 6. Wife and I both have the TCX X-Cubed Air shoes and like 'em a lot!

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-x-cube-air-boots

Granted, not as good as my old Timberlands for all day walking, (mostly due to thinner sole) but very well ventilated and comfy.

[XKnight]

A bit over 1500 miles so far on my F6 and I've never experienced ghost shifting which as I understand it is the transmission downshifting on its own with no input from the rider. If this ever happens to me I will be calling the dealer immediately to get it fixed under warranty since it can be a safety issue.

It sound like some folks are confusing ghost shifting with missing a shift from say 1st to 2nd and ending up in neutral. That seems like it would simply be rider error from not shifting with enough force and has happened a couple of times on the F6 as I get use to the way it shifts compared to my Harleys.

[BIGLRY]

I'm no expert on MC footwear. Never owned any until the 6. Wife and I both have the TCX X-Cubed Air shoes and like 'em a lot!

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-x-cube-air-boots

Granted, not as good as my old Timberlands for all day walking, (mostly due to thinner sole) but very well ventilated and comfy.
Nice boot,:yes: to bad they only come in sizes up to 15 (48 European). Not big enough for my man size 16 feet:yikes: and they are out of the size 15 any way.:icon_doh:

[Steve 0080]

IMHO...mis shifts or ghost shifts are Rider error...either lazy or poor shoe style... For me the only issues I have ever had was after the change of a shoe or daydreaming !!!

[Johncmendenhall]

I love it all,
The bike, the forum, the everything.
We went from sales of F6B to shoe fashions and shifting technique all in one thread.
I love where the conversation will take us, like cross country riding, it's hard to say where we'll end up.

[fxdl2051]

From Kenmore

Hi neighbor.

[Johncmendenhall]

Howdy neighbor,
How're liking the ride?
I do believe this one is gonna work out just fine.

[fxdl2051]

Howdy neighbor,
How're liking the ride?
I do believe this one is gonna work out just fine.

Oh yeah, total agreement. Hope your loving the sun, our weather clock is ticking.

[Injun Joe]

No doubt its Fastest Black. The name says it all. I agree with whoever said that ghost shifting is a myth. Our shifters are not the easiest to get your toe under and manipulate. And you can't pussy-foot that shift. You have to shift it like you mean it. I have an M109R also and although it has plenty of room for your foot you better better bang it when going from 1st to 2nd or you'll miss it.

I remember that big clunk between 1st and 2nd fondly. What a fun monster!

[Injun Joe]

This has been my experience as we'll...type of boots does make a difference...

One thing to be noted is the big, clunky style boots do not work well with this bike. My V-Twin logger and engineer style boots will be on the shelf. Even though I have a pair of summer weight Sidis, I still can't transition that far stylistically. I'll be trying a pair of Gasolinas next. http://www.gasolinaboots.com/midnight_boots.html I think their style will match well and I hope the toe is small enough.

[motoman]

One thing to be noted is the big, clunky style boots do not work well with this bike. My V-Twin logger and engineer style boots will be on the shelf.

Kuryakyn Heel-Toe shifter.


Even though I have a pair of summer weight Sidis, I still can't transition that far stylistically.

.violin.

:icon_laugh: :icon_laugh: :icon_laugh:

[4bobo]

Nice boot,:yes: to bad they only come in sizes up to 15 (48 European). Not big enough for my man size 16 feet:yikes: and they are out of the size 15 any way.:icon_doh:

Does anyone know who sells larger sized boots? I am looking for 17s.

Thanks!

[TailGunner]

Saw this post from two years ago, So I thought it should be asked again.

[F6B1911]

Saw this post from two years ago, So I thought it should be asked again.

Yeah, I be curious to know how many are one the road now.
I see we are up to 3,875 members, and Steve080 just sold his, should be around 3,874 F6B's on this forum.

[VStarRider]

Reporting from Rochester NY metro area: I've seen two other F6Bs in the area, though it's possible it was the same rider. My dealer had two '13s (I bought one), a '14, and a '15 in stock as of last October.

8 of 10 bikes around here are Harleys or crotch rockets.

[terryboyle]

But I have seen a few. I would not have bought the regular Goldwing, just too much. I love that the Canadian F6B has ABS, I have no use for the radio or intercom, not a fan of the noisier pipes on the 2015 and 2016 models. The cruise control would be nice, I suppose, but not necessary. JMHO

[VStarRider]

But I have seen a few. I would not have bought the regular Goldwing, just too much. I love that the Canadian F6B has ABS, I have no use for the radio or intercom, not a fan of the noisier pipes on the 2015 and 2016 models. The cruise control would be nice, I suppose, but not necessary. JMHO

I spent a long time thinking about how much I would use cruise, since I had the choice between a leftover '13 without it and '15 with it for $3000 more. I decided to go with the '13 because of the riding I do - mostly county and state highways, lots of curves, towns, etc. I rarely am on an interstate and/or four-laner of any kind. I would use cruise very infrequently if I had it.

[Wing'n it]

Dealers around me still have leftover F6B"s in stock as well as regular Wing's. I love my F6 but my wife would have rather I bought the full blown Wing but out of the 6500+ miles I have on it already she has been on it less than 200 of those. The cruise I have used a could of times, I would rather have had the adjustable rear suspension for the few times she does ride.

[powercruzer13]

Well we did end up buying two F6Bs, his & hers.
Not long after we bought the wife's red F6B we went to a Saturday night bike event at the local Tilted Kilt. After we parked the bikes I had to go back to them to get something she forgot. A gentleman parking his HD next to them was looking them over. He asked me "what you got in it?" I told him $29,500. He gasped & said "that's more than I paid for my Harley!" I said that was for both of them.
He was a bit taken aback....:crackup::crackup:

[blackmetoc]

I've seen a few black ones down here. I see them from time to time. Not as much as I would have thought. Saw a guy on another site and he has a B and said it may have ruined him for other bikes. That is sort of my feeling too. I hope they don't discontinue them, I don't need a full dressed Goldwing. I'd rather go to another B after this one, once I ride this one to death.