Wish list for next gen Gold Wing/F6B

These are my suggestions for upgrades, based on my desires. Others will be different, I am sure..

1. Bluetooth capability for audio/phone with upgraded screen with more information (compass, continuous air temp, more audio info, gear indicator)
2. Cruise control and ABS across the lineup
3. Fob-activated push button start (no key necessary, just a fob in pocket or nearby)
4. Electrically controlled (remotely thru fob) locking/unlocking of saddlebags
5. Capless fuel filler neck (just a remote access fuel door, like many cars now have)
6. LED fog lights standard or as a factory option
7. Satellite radio capability
8. Smaller, boxer-four engine option (a 1200cc four cylinder with 80 hp)
9. Smoother shifting gearbox with a 6th gear (perhaps electronically activated?!?)

#8 is a reach because designing and building an engine from scratch to fit ONE model and two model variations does not pass the cost-benefit analysis test...especially when the trajectory is MORE power, not less. I simply don't need all the power that the 1.8 flat-six offers. I would rather have a four that allows more legroom, better mpg (I bet we would be getting close to 50 mpg with this hypothetical engine), and still has plenty of power and smoothness on tap.

#9 - With nearly 5,000 miles on the clock, the shifting precision of the 5-speed box has gotten better for me but still needs to improve.

On the + side, I don't want Honda to mess with anything on the chassis...wow...what a fine balanced handling machine the F6B is. It is easy to tell they built it on a sport bike frame. For a 900 lb bike, I feel like a can throw it around like a rag doll - and I am not an aggressive rider! However, this bike encourages me to carve it up a bit and parking lots with heavy traffic are not worries. Just today I did a U-turn in a pinch on a two-lane highway at, I am guessing, 15 mph...piece of cake.

I did not mention traction control. One would think it would be necessary with 118 hp on tap, but I have never felt the need for it.

I'm with you on everything but #8. Maybe they could offer a smaller displacement model like they did with the VTX's, but down sizing the whole class would be a step backwards IMHO.

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Originally Posted by VStarRider

These are my suggestions for upgrades, based on my desires. Others will be different, I am sure..

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Just one change...
A quality paint job with a clear coat.

VSTAR I'm glad you're not designing my bike. If you want less power , buy a Harley. Me , I could use another 25 or 30 HP.

I would add, adjustable windshield.

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Originally Posted by shooter

VSTAR I'm glad you're not designing my bike. If you want less power , buy a Harley. Me , I could use another 25 or 30 HP.

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Attachment 4245or more:biggthumpup:

I'm trying to be realistic Larry. Yeah give me 200 HP. I'll never say , "that's just too much power , cut it back"!!! That's like that too much money and girl too pretty thing.

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Originally Posted by shooter

I'm trying to be realistic Larry. Yeah give me 200 HP. I'll never say , "that's just too much power , cut it back"!!! That's like that too much money and girl too pretty thing.

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http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/tyu.gif

- DCT transmission ? I know I'll probably get thrashed for even mentioning this , but I believe it's more than likely a done deal that the next gen Goldwing will have this available as an option. Currently I do not own a F6B , but hope to be a proud owner of a matte grey before the end of summer. My 2010 VFR 1200fd has the dual clutch , it's a very different riding experience. When I bought this bike five years ago wasn't really looking for a VFR but the technology , DCT , engine , brakes , chassis required me to do an extremely long term evaluation. Mine has the 1st gen DCT and it's been updated twice since. The newest variation can be found on the new Africa Twin and VFR 1200x . Works very well in a high horsepower-torque bike , not sure about the lower powered bikes Honda offers it with.

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Originally Posted by shooter

VSTAR I'm glad you're not designing my bike. If you want less power , buy a Harley. Me , I could use another 25 or 30 HP.

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Only as an option....but...highly unlikely considering everyone wants more power not less. They would be offering that engine to me and probably three other people.

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Originally Posted by soupbean

- DCT transmission ? I know I'll probably get thrashed for even mentioning this , but I believe it's more than likely a done deal that the next gen Goldwing will have this available as an option. Currently I do not own a F6B , but hope to be a proud owner of a matte grey before the end of summer. My 2010 VFR 1200fd has the dual clutch , it's a very different riding experience. When I bought this bike five years ago wasn't really looking for a VFR but the technology , DCT , engine , brakes , chassis required me to do an extremely long term evaluation. Mine has the 1st gen DCT and it's been updated twice since. The newest variation can be found on the new Africa Twin and VFR 1200x . Works very well in a high horsepower-torque bike , not sure about the lower powered bikes Honda offers it with.

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Put me down as an interested party in a DCT...

You hit all of the big ones. I would add:

- Internet radio driven from the console, with pause, skip, and vol on the bar.
- Better crash bars, the ones on the B will bend easy if pulled certain ways.
- Better learning capabilities based installed options, and driver behavior. The computer is pretty dumb now.
- Li-Ion or Li-Poly battery.
- Integrated TPM.
- Oil and other fluid monitoring (when you need to change).

One of the concepts that has circulated is a Hybrid Gold Wing with a flat 4 1200 cc engine augmented with electric motors. That could be interesting, but probably costly for sure. If I was dreaming, I'd like to see variable valve timing putinto the 1800 flt six. WOuld allow for the similar wide power band we all love but offer the increased horsepower many of us would willingly encourage.:icon_wink:

Jimmy tee nailed it. Variable valves and timing will serve both concerns. I'm up for 20 HP more and bumping the rev limit. Gadgets should be options.

Safety items, bright led lights front and rear should be standard. I can see a DCT for people that commute in the city or just want the simplicity of it.

I would like to see different levels of the F6B like the Goldwing has, also a removable trunk like Patch is currently working. The things I miss the most on my 2013 F6B is cruise control and a rockin sound system like my Harley had.

Honda seems to have lost its way, so I am hoping someday they pay attention to what A) The other manufacturers are doing, and B) They listen to the riders!

My F6B is a 2015, while I owned the new "re-designed" Japan built Goldwing, which was a 2012. I have a current total of 38 motorcycles owned, and plan on making that 50 before my riding days are over.

The GL1800 still has a following, but I know many dealers are losing sales to Indian, the BMW K1600Lt, and the Harley Ultra, because they feature newer technology such as bluetooth connectivity, and the Harley even has a touch-screen!

I have heard that the Goldwing is being evaluated for a redesign, and the 4 cylinder has a turbo to make the torque/horsepower that many 1800 owners like. When they "re-designed" the 2012 Goldwing, they took a survey and tried to keep as many good things the owners liked, such as the six cylinder, and the luggage capacity, etc.

However, Honda has been a dog in the marketplace for what they once dominated the big touring bikes. My question is - why can't they make a high technology bike...thought Honda built a freaking robot that could walk, yet they can't build a throttle by wire with precision digital cruise control?

Here is what I would like for a new 2017 Goldwing. First, an electronically adjustable windshield...like BMW has had since 1992! Digital cruise control with throttle by wire, bluetooth, and a touchscreen easily visible display like the Harley has. LED headlights, tail lights, etc. The turbo-4 opposed engine would be fine, make at least 100 lbs torque + 100 plus horsepower. More room to move behind the fairing, right! Please...give me a six speed like BMW, Harley, and Indian/Victory has! I like my engine to be in the sweet spot for 75 mph touring, nice lower rpm cadence. An electrical automatic adjustable suspension that senses load, and adjust the front and rear suspension based on sag once the big is started. ABS/Traction control STANDARD across the board for safety please!

I know...it all cost money and would raise the price of the GoldWing, but what has me scratching my head, is that the GoldWing price is very similar to the before mentioned brands...and since 1988, not much as really changed on the bike!

This one has a lot of what the OP is looking for in gadgets.

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Originally Posted by Brewdog

This one has a lot of what the OP is looking for in gadgets.

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That's an Indian touring bike, right?

I actually had the Vic CC Tour as my #1 choice most of last summer as I took my time researching, thinking, processing about a $20k bike purchase. It had several of the items on my wish list in my original post. I test drove one in Oct. 2015 and fell in love as soon I laid eyes on it. Then I rode it. The vibration through the seat and handlebars, lack of precision with instruments and controls, and the bathtub-like seating position caused me to cut the test drive short, making up my mind within a mile. I would imagine the Indian is similar - love the looks, but I have concerns about comfort, quality, etc. My #2 choice was the F6B and I ended up buying one later that October day.

One other point that probably contradicts my own statements: The simplicity of the flat six (SOHC, two valves per cylinder, cable throttle, etc) is what makes it so damn reliable. Same thing with the basic 5-speed tranny and shaft drive and the very rudimentary audio and electronics systems. Everything they add (including my list), adds complexity and potential gremlins. I would be happy with a balance of gadgets and upgrades,PREFERABLY with technology that Honda has already mastered in their automotive, marine, aircraft, etc divisions. I think the cruise and ABS are proven on the bigger Wing; the sixth gear is not a complexity; their cars have used VVT and DOHC engines successfully for decades ( I bet they could match the 118 hp using a more sophisticated flat four; for me, the biggest issue is giving more leg room to the rider, plus better mpg!).

The current Wing lineup is a very basic, out of date, but bulletproof reliable. The three year warranty period confirms that, IMO.

Before retirement I was involved in research and development for one of the big three auto manufacturers and I can tell you that from the design process thru the engineering process to the production process takes three to five years for new models. I don't expect the motorcycle industry to be any different. The bottom line, whatever mother Honda is rolling out for 2017 was decided a long time ago. Job 1 for new model production is usually in July, so in all likelihood, 2017 GL's are already rolling off the production line in Japan. How they keep these things away from the motorcycle media until their official "new model introduction" is a good question.

Transportation industry trends seem to be geared towards higher efficiency / lower displacement power plants. I believe that Honda may follow suit in motorcycle production as well, possibly offering a DCT into the GL family of bikes along with a lower displacement engine option. You can wish all you like for a lot of design improvements but Honda's marketing decisions are based in large part on federal laws / national standards in the various countries they marked their bikes in. For example, that's why you see the F6B in AUS with both reverse and ABS, while in Canada ABS only and here in the U.S., neither option. Personally, I'd like to have all the above but mother Honda had decided, for profitability reasons and no federal mandates, not to market this stuff in the U.S., but until something significantly better appears on the horizon, I'm staying with my six.

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Before retirement I was involved in research and development for one of the big three auto manufacturers and I can tell you that from the design process thru the engineering process to the production process takes three to five years for new models.

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Very true. Same thing with snowmobiles, another recreational industry that I have engaged in the marketplace of for nearly two decades.

Bear with me here...the Gold Wing market is very similar to the snowmobile market. The snowmobile industry only sells 150,000 units worldwide. They have to be very careful with their product development funds. Here is something that has changed in the last decade: investing millions into ONE sophisticated chassis that is conducive to multiple applications, rather than a separate chassis for different users. Ski Doo last fully re-designed their current XS chassis in 2008 (it was updated in 2015). You can find this chassis across their vast lineup of snowmobiles. Same thing with engine development. Ski Doo has over 100 different models/trim lines...but they have one chassis and five engines total.

Manufacturers are doing this more and more often. Invest heavily in a multi-faceted chassis that has many applications. But what is Honda to do with the Gold Wing? Honda is not going to invest heavily very often in a new platform because it is really an isolated model lineup with its own unique engine and technology. Sure, the GW has been out for 15 years...but...have they sold enough of them to pay off the design, engineering, and tooling required to build it in the first place? Especially with the transfer of production to Japan? That couldn't have been cheap.

This is the dilemma - Honda is a for-profit company who happens to make products you appreciate. However, the bottom line drives their mission and goals. However, they need your passion to sell bikes.

If they are going to re-design this bike, it is going to be expensive for them and without certainty that it will pay off. Seems as though the biggest market is Dual Sport and Adventure bikes right now, and the usual V-Twin cruiser crowd. Seems as though that's where they will invest. Again, the GW market is isolated and small, like the snowmobile market. That flat six cannot be used elsewhere. Same thing with sleds - there is very little overlap in snowmobile engine applications to other products, though Ski Doo found a home for their 90 hp four-stroke triple in their Sea Doo lineup. They made this bike for you guys and its gonna take awhile to pay off the investment to make it for you. I think they built the F6B and Valkyrie in an attempt to expand the platform and engineering into other markets to spread out its costs.

Also, like Yamaha, Honda is a giant Japanese company...and very conservative in their investments and product development. That's a huge factor.

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Transportation industry trends seem to be geared towards higher efficiency / lower displacement power plants. I believe that Honda may follow suit in motorcycle production as well, possibly offering a DCT into the GL family of bikes along with a lower displacement engine option. You can wish all you like for a lot of design improvements but Honda's marketing decisions are based in large part on federal laws / national standards in the various countries they marked their bikes in. For example, that's why you see the F6B in AUS with both reverse and ABS, while in Canada ABS only and here in the U.S., neither option. Personally, I'd like to have all the above but mother Honda had decided, for profitability reasons and no federal mandates, not to market this stuff in the U.S., but until something significantly better appears on the horizon, I'm staying with my six.

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Agree 90%.

As mentioned in the previous post, I am not sure that Honda is willing to invest in a new engine for the limited GW market. Engine development, as you know, is the most expensive part of developing a vehicle. They could probably do a DCT but I bet they would stick with the flat-6...if they could make that work. I know I would be interested.

By adding ABS, reverse, air bags, etc. they would probably have to add $4000 to the price tag of the F6B. Now they are at nearly $25,000 in the cruiser market, probably a market as fiercely loyal to their brand (mostly H-D) as pickup truck drivers.

I would like to see a sportier version of the f6b with a upgrade to the suspension and more power. A convertible version of the Goldwing would be able to consolidate the line by using one model to cover both configurations

All the wants and desires on a new GW line up are nice to think about, but as said above, the 2017 models are all ready developed and most likely in production by now....So dream on and wish for, but Ma Honda has already made it's choices for the future....Nothing wrong with the current F6B for me, I don't need or care for all the "whistles and bells"..JMHO

What ever they do they need to keep the power and handling the way it is now. A few added options to make the bike current is all that is needed. This is still the best bike on the road today the way it is configured now.

Cruise Control
Modern Stereo
ABS
LED Lighting
Power windshield
removable tour pack

These added features should be easy to add without much additional redesign cost to Honda.

(we will have to pay for these added features) It will be worth the added cost to have these features custom designed specific for the F6B. Most of us already spend $3000 or more to add them the best we can now.

The bike could get much worse if redesigned. The engine, frame, and suspension is the heart of the bike and is what gives the F6B its soul and is why we all love it.
Steve

Back lit handle bar and dash controls. If you need something that handles better than a F6B, you may have chosen the wrong ride. The F6B is the most complicated motorcycle I've owned. I realized this the first time I pulled the seat. Actually when the parts guy handed me the Honda shop manual 😮💩.

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Originally Posted by stevenolts

What ever they do they need to keep the power and handling the way it is now. A few added options to make the bike current is all that is needed. This is still the best bike on the road today the way it is configured now.

Cruise Control
Modern Stereo
ABS
LED Lighting
Power windshield
removable tour pack

These added features should be easy to add without much additional redesign cost to Honda.

(we will have to pay for these added features) It will be worth the added cost to have these features custom designed specific for the F6B. Most of us already spend $3000 or more to add them the best we can now.

The bike could get much worse if redesigned. The engine, frame, and suspension is the heart of the bike and is what gives the F6B its soul and is why we all love it.
Steve

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This is similar to my opinion.

I'm extremely pleased with my stereo. Just sayn' :icon_wink:

Jimmy , you're all about the tunes. Me I like more power. Everyone has their thing. In order to satisfy the masses Honda should make this like a car. A large option list would suffice. Audiophile system , SS option , custom paint. I would wait 6 to 8 weeks for a custom order. Maybe a little longer. Then I could just order me one with the Jimmytee sound system and the Shooter performance package.

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Originally Posted by stevenolts

What ever they do they need to keep the power and handling the way it is now. A few added options to make the bike current is all that is needed. This is still the best bike on the road today the way it is configured now.

Cruise Control
Modern Stereo
ABS
LED Lighting
Power windshield
removable tour pack

These added features should be easy to add without much additional redesign cost to Honda.

(we will have to pay for these added features) It will be worth the added cost to have these features custom designed specific for the F6B. Most of us already spend $3000 or more to add them the best we can now.

The bike could get much worse if redesigned. The engine, frame, and suspension is the heart of the bike and is what gives the F6B its soul and is why we all love it.
Steve

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Steve,

I agree to a point, but what you're talking about is just adding "do-dads" to an old design. Product development over the years is more concerned with making things like frame geometry, steering systems, power systems, metallurgy, vehicle electrics, etc. better than the previous generations. This is how the "next generations" are born. Upgrading to newer technology is absolutely necessary if Honda is to remain competitive in a world market. I truly believe that the next generation GL series will be much better than current production. Imagine if Honda had just kept on perfecting the old 1500 series Gold Wings to the point where they were bullet proof and the 1800s had never been born. They'd be light years behind where they are today.

Years ago, Danny DeVito made a movie called "Other Peoples Money" in which he described that once upon a time there must have been numerous companies in this country making buggy whips. So good in fact that (along with a dwindling market) they put all other buggy whip manufacturers out of business. He went on to say that if you had owned stock in that company you would have eventually lost your ass because technology was moving past the point of even needing buggy whips anymore - a perfect example of not keeping up with technology. The current GL series Hondas were given a facelift for the 2012 model year but still basically used the same frame, drivetrain, suspension, etc. since 2001 I believe. When I view the products being offered by other manufacturers like BMW or Kawasaki for example, it makes me wonder why Honda has waited so long to develop new technologies in a technology driven market place. Marketing a carry-over design for fifteen years is absurd and makes me wonder have they've even survived.

So, I for one am anxiously awaiting the 2017 models to see what Honda has actually done, if anything, and if by chance an entirely new model is unveiled, I'd wait until the third model year to even think about buying one however. Any engineering issues that appear during the first production year won't be resolved until late second year or possibly third year production. Like I said in a previous post, until they come up with something better than my 2015 six, I'm sticking with it.

I would love to see a better F6B as long as it has better power and handling while maintaining similar riding position, comfort, and wind protection. I think it is all about the ergonomics of the F6B that I love. No other bike feels so good!!!
Steve

Lots of good suggestion. Personally, I'd like to see an "opt out" option for the radio system. I never use it, seems a waste paying for it, as I don't use it. Or, other people could purchase the 6 without a radio, and buy sound system they want, instead of the Honda system.

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Originally Posted by shooter

Jimmy , you're all about the tunes. Me I like more power. Everyone has their thing. In order to satisfy the masses Honda should make this like a car. A large option list would suffice. Audiophile system , SS option , custom paint. I would wait 6 to 8 weeks for a custom order. Maybe a little longer. Then I could just order me one with the Jimmytee sound system and the Shooter performance package.

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Where do you get the idea that I'm all about the tunes?:shrug:

If I had the $8 K needed , I'd already have the Turbo Kit on my bike and then a nother what 3-4K for the Full Traxxion suspension upgrade.:icon_cool:

The comment of one feller was wishing his F6B had the sound system of his Harley. That can be achieved and surpassed fairly easily. The power thing can be as well, but at a much higher ccost.:icon_cool:

I would like to see a better front and rear suspension-If you have had the chance to ride a full monty Traxion Goldwing you would know why I know it can be made better.Better paint and a power windscreen.Otherwise I love my 13 F6B and being a type that will hold on to a ride for many years that flat six under me is going to give me those years no problem.Did I say I love this engine:yes:

Vstarrider,
The photo was bad. When I up load to the website using my iPad the photo size gets whacked and so goes the quality. Yes, this is the Indian Chieftain. Here's what it comes with as standard.

111 cubic inch engine
Power windshield
Bluetooth stereo
Cruise control
Remote locking saddlebags

Here's a couple better pics. My point here is that it's time for Honda to step up their game a little. They make a great bike, but it wouldn't take a whole lot to make it totally outstanding ! The bottom pic is my B at the HD dealer store during Roar on the Shore.

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Originally Posted by Brewdog

Vstarrider,
The photo was bad. When I up load to the website using my iPad the photo size gets whacked and so goes the quality. Yes, this is the Indian Chieftain. Here's what it comes with as standard.

111 cubic inch engine
Power windshield
Bluetooth stereo
Cruise control
Remote locking saddlebags

Here's a couple better pics. My point here is that it's time for Honda to step up their game a little. They make a great bike, but it wouldn't take a whole lot to make it totally outstanding ! The bottom pic is my B at the HD dealer store during Roar on the Shore.

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Are you using the Honda OEM cargo carrier (the one that comes with the Deluxe model) to house that add-on bag in the pic?

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Originally Posted by VStarRider

Are you using the Honda OEM cargo carrier (the one that comes with the Deluxe model) to house that add-on bag in the pic?

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Vstarrider,

No, I bought the BikeMP3 carrier. The carrier is okay, the powder coat paint chips to easily. If I was doing it again, I would buy a smoke chrome carrier.
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