Bad things about the F6B...

[darcym]

Sounds like a little bit of unrealistic expectations. Like you want the bike to handle like a sport bike, but be as comfortable as a road couch. The reason sport bikes do so well at maximum speeds in the twisties is because they are short, light, and put all of the rider's weight as compactly in the center of the bike as humanly possible. That makes for a bike that would put most human sized people in traction if they rode like that for more than 500 miles, much less 1400.

As mentioned, many of the comfort issues can be overcome with the aftermarket. I've had cramp busters on multiple bikes, and they can't beat cruise control but they are very nice for long rides.

As to the handling, I know a guy - I followed him for many miles on my much smaller bike - who absolutely rails it on a full size gold wing - with un modified suspension. Another also with stock suspension was super smooth and fast. I never believed a bike that big could handle so well, until I saw it in person.

Pretty much any length of time at 125 mph should be done on the track, not on public streets, or you're asking to get dead or kill someone else, my opinion.

[Steve 0080]

9 for and 7 against....almost thought you were going to sell the gurl..........

[Cool Hand Luke]

Darcym said it perfect. I agree it sucks to spend more money to make things right for you but that's the way it is for any motorcycle out there. I made mine fit me by doing the following:

I immediately put different windshield on (I use adjustable Baggershield dark tinted and for me it is great, I love the looks).

I put a different seat (I use Mustang but there are many other fine choices).

I put Throttlemeister cruise lock (I like it a lot, easy to use and I think it improves the looks of the handlebar from stock)

For suspension is fine, it feels much better than my previous 2007 GW or Road King. Only a few times in my life I tried going over 120mph just to see wthat that's like. It was in the straight, empty road and I rode BMW K1200LT then. Didn't really do much for me except scare me as I was thinking 'What if a dog happens to walk in front of me?' I only did it for a few seconds. I remember the trees seem to go by super fast. No time to react if anything happen up ahead. Also, my front tire on GW used to do cupping very bad and handlebar would shake at low speeds. F6B does not do that and I have about 16,000 miles on front tire so far and it still has life left!

I have no trouble keeping with most anybody in the twisties on the F6B. In the real world and not on the track one must account for many things such as gravel you can't see in the curve until you are right on it. There was a guy at Deals Gap on Yellow GW that would follow any bike thru the twisties and make a video of them, here is the youtube link of him riding:

http://youtu.be/VxHNnOHuikI


So, GW and therefore F6B are perfectly capable bikes especially for their size. But, you could change suspension too however the cost for that is not worth it IMHO. I also read about adding a front fork brace, I haven't yet myself, the reviews say it makes handling up front better and less flex.

I also added Rivco Aeropegs. I like them a lot, they work fine for me at 6' tall. I think they look great (mine are black) and I was asked many of times by GW owners to show them how they work.

So far have not even noticed kickstand location while riding but thanks for the tip, I will try not to hit it while riding. Also, not sure why shifting pattern is bad around town, it is the same as any other bike. I agree first gear seems too low, I start at lights in second gear very often and no problems as the bike has plenty of torque.

So, don't sweat the small stuff, improve the things you must and just enjoy riding one of the best bikes bever made!

[FlatSixBagger]

Do not get me wrong I rarely go over 100, but wanted to test capabilities, I am actually very happy with the motorcycle except for lack of cruise, I new Roadglide for 2015 has been release, I will look at but doubt it will be as good as the F6B but will need a solution to cruise I ride 15,000-30,000 and lack of cruise which I thought I could do without may have been in error.

[Darren]

I found a few things I didn't like about the bike.
1)Screen
2)Having to use the key to unlock the luggage and the fact that my FF helmet would not fit no matter how I twisted it.

My wife didn't like the pillion back rest far too low.

I solved these issues by ordering a new screen KW is on way and I removed the backrest and added a Shad 48lt topbox, with optional backrest, which resolved the other issues.

Those will likely be my only mods.

[Scotrod]

new Roadglide for 2015 has been release, .

Spy shots:

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...d-3355201429-o

[Cool Hand Luke]

Spy shots:

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...d-3355201429-o

I am waiting to see new Roadglide in person, too. The spy pictures don't appeal to me as the fairing seems angled forward and downwards somehow, it just looks wrong somehow to me:

Attachment 6591Attachment 6592

Also the fairing seems to be very far from the rider, which means less wind protection and more turbulence. But we'll see.

[hiflyer]

I am waiting to see new Roadglide in person, too. The spy pictures don't appeal to me as the fairing seems angled forward and downwards somehow, it just looks wrong somehow to me:

Attachment 6591Attachment 6592

Also the fairing seems to be very far from the rider, which means less wind protection and more turbulence. But we'll see.

So much for HD moving into the 21st century with a totally water cooled modern engine. This is just cosmetic with a fairing change and the new styled saddlebags. What a disappointment.

[53driver]

The "interesting bits:"
1. Get out of 1st gear as soon as possible.
2. Where's 6th? (Yes, I know....just like my '81 GL1100 Std)
3. How do I make the Tuner Lever roll through my Preset stations?
4. Why can I not pull the key out of the the trunk lock and leave the bags unlocked?
5. How much $$$ does 'Steve0080' have invested in "accessories?

The rest....
1. OH. MY. GOODNESS. The spirited acceleration, the looks, the agility, the nimbleness, the stares from co-workers, the "fire-up-right-now-let's-giddyup" from fuel injection, the responsive braking. Daayyum.
2. (Not required.)

This bike is amazing.
This forum is invaluable.
Thanks to all.
Cheers,
Steve

[XKnight]

Do not get me wrong I rarely go over 100, but wanted to test capabilities, I am actually very happy with the motorcycle except for lack of cruise, I new Roadglide for 2015 has been release, I will look at but doubt it will be as good as the F6B but will need a solution to cruise I ride 15,000-30,000 and lack of cruise which I thought I could do without may have been in error.

You do realize there are electronic cruise control options now available if that's what you want. Even spending a $1000+ on electronic cruise would be a lot cheaper than selling the bike and getting a new one. And as nice as the Road Glide is it still won't have the power, reliability, wind protection or smoothness and handling of the F6.