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Can anyone tell me if the rear suspension on the 2019-19 Goldwing (F6B) version the same as our older F6B's? Getting over my spinal fusion I know I will need something suspension wise that will be easy on my spine. I am looking at these new wings(none tour) and have also heard that theIndians have great suspension . I would appreciate input from any of you that have knowledge about the new wing or the Indians. Thanks. F6Broy
Your not gonna find any bike that will be easy on your spine.
I had to quit riding for a year. After that all was good again.
I did ride some too soon after and caused a delay in the fusion taking hold.
I actually felt it brake loose after it healed a bit.
You might consider looking at the BMW K1600 B or Grand America. Electronic, semi-active suspension with over 5" of travel at both ends. The ride is pretty plush compared to my F6b. You will still take some big hits on any bike, but the BMW does a great job. Most of the comparison test reports give the suspension edge to the BMW over the new Wing. And then there is all that power …………! Even more important - give that fusion time to fully heal!
I have ridden both the Indian Chieftain and the BMW K1600 and they have great suspension on the rear compared to the F6B in my opinion..I had a 2011 Victory Vision Tour which rode like soft butter over bumps and was a great ride...I would assume the new Goldwing Tours with adjustable rear suspensions are good also, but I doubt the 2018/19 standard Goldwing is much better than the older ones...JMHO and heal first before you try to ride again....Regards
Opas ride, thanks for the information. This is what I was looking for. First hand information on these suspensions. I was sure several of our folks had knowledge about theses suspensions. Going to buy something in September. That will be 6 months post surgery. Trying to be patient. Thanks again. F6Broy
F6Broy - I hope you're recovering well. One of the key challenges with most cruiser style bikes (even the Wing) is the relatively short suspension travel. They are often a bit firm to keep from bottoming out.
Heading in the other direction on suspension travel, another bike to consider might be a BMW R1200GS. I have an 08GS Adventure as a second bike, and it has tons of travel, and rides super soft compared to my F6B. On the soft suspension setting, it's downright cushy. They're surprisingly cheap, too. Even though they start life as expensive as a Full Wing, units ~10-12 years old are shockingly cheap, and level off at that price...so even if you buy one and ride it or a year, you can usually sell it for pretty close to what you paid and go back to your trusty F6B when you are more ready for the firmer ride.
Since I'm no longer an F6B owner, I was refraining from posting. Since somebody else already mentioned the BMW, I'll chime in as well. I moved on from the F6B to a BMW r1200rt. The r1200rt by far has the best suspension I've tried on a motorcycle.
I miss the smooth F6B engine and I'd argue that the F6B is a little more stable on the freeway but believe the r1200rt wins all other categories easily. The center of gravity is fairly low, it weighs 200 lbs less, has good enough torque everywhere, handles awesomely, and has fantastic suspension. Truly the first bike that I think is great on the highway, on the twisties, and in the garage. I will soon own only one motorcycle for the first time in many years. I know i sound like a BMW fanboy but believe me, I was anti BMW anything until I owned this motorcycle.
If you're looking for better suspension or a lighter replacement for the gl1800 platform, give the r1200 platform a try. It may take a bit to get used to the ugly motor and ugly sounds but the performance is fantastic.
Rdbonds, thanks for the idea. I never considered a beemer gs .always thought they were ugly but he people that own them, love them. I may have to ride one to see if I get past the looks! Lol. Thanks. Roy
JGF6B, thanks for the feedback. Years ago I owned a R1100rt. It did everything well but just did not light my fire. However, I am in a different place now and the reduced weight and good suspension might win me over but I sure will miss the F6b engine! Age and damage are making me reconsider a lot of things. Roy
I hear you. I still struggle with the looks of the r1200rt. There is no way I would have owned one 10 or 20 years ago. I was looking for something between my f6b and ninja 1000, the r1200rt is it so far. 4k miles over 5 weekends of day rides and I'm still believing the r1200rt is the bike for me. The suspension is the best part. If you can get past the part where you're looking for the mower deck underneath, it truly is a fantastic ride. Yes, it sounds like a John Deere.
Hi Roy,
Great to see you back and looking to get on the bike again. I have two friends with bmw's, one an RT the other a GS. Maybe we can get together for breakfast or lunch and they can give you some first hand knowledge and their ideas on the bikes... Plus it would be good to see you again!
WEG (from Tradition)
F6BRoy - If you find yourself in NW Georgia anytime soon, reach out and let me know. I'll put you on mine for a ride so you can try it out. I don't think it'll ever replace my F6B, but it's a fun option for days when I want something different. :)
Wayne, great to hear from you. Would love to get together for breakfast or just to get together. Exploring new bike possibilities has helped me stop from going crazy during this recovery. I have company this weekend but maybe next? Let me know. Roy
Rdbonds, thanks for your generous offer. If I wind up visiting my friend in Blueridge I will let you know. Ride safe. Roy
Hi RoyQuote:
Originally Posted by F6Broy
I'm out of town visiting kids in San Diego then Boulder, returning August 1st. I'll drop a line when I'm back and we can make arrangements. Glad to see you are doing OK.
W
I have the Arnott Air ride on the rear of my F6B. I doubt you could get much smoother than that on a bike. I test rode the 18 GW Tour last year and remember it riding very smoothly. I just ordered a 19 DCT Tour. Have not decided whether I'll sell my F6B or not.
Have you ever tried the Honda VFR 1200X crosstourer....?
Ok here goes.Ii owned f6b 4 years and loved that bike you all know the ride on that.Then I traded on non tour 19 wing,very nice ride and some softer than the B.Then sold the 19 wing 6 weeks later.Then bought k1600b 3 weeks ago .The ride on this bike in cruise mode is very soft plush..If I had back surgery it would be on short list and would surmise the new tour wing would be good also.Hope that helps
Jimmytee, I appreciate the input. Just not into the full Goldwing Tour. I have heard good things about the ArnottAir ride. Thanks. Roy
BLK6bgg6, I agree the K1600 B is on the shortlist. The reverse gear is a plus also. Thanks. Roy
Soupbean, no I have not. Not even sure if I have seen a VFR1200x but I will see if I can find one to eyeball. Thanks. Roy