Honda response to paint issue

[opas ride]

I am not, I suppose, directly involved with the Honda paint issue as I had my bike custom painted a different color before taking delivery. I was not really aware of the magnitude of this problem as the dealer where I bought my bike, a very large reputable dealer in Michigan, had not heard of any paint issues at the time...I had mine painted, in all honesty, because I had heard of some complaints around the horn, and my wife, bless her heart, gave me the go ahead to paint mine a different color cause she did not like the black or red that was available, nor did I...Now my question...Do Goldwings have this problem with paint and other Honda bikes as well???..Or did it start when they moved back to Japan??...I have heard their cars have lousy paint also, but cannot comment one way or another...My last Honda was a 05 VTXF 1800 and the paint was outstanding,including the graphics....Just curious,,,,,Thanks

[MichaelG]

..Now my question...Do Goldwings have this problem with paint and other Honda bikes as well???..Or did it start when they moved back to Japan??...

Good question, and the answer is that the paint issue started with the bikes being produced in Japan. I have had three GL-1800s prior to this one, and all three were either the Platinum or Titanium paint, and with a combined 325K miles on those 3 bikes....I "never" once had to wax my bikes...ever. I washed them occassionally...I would use Honda Spray Polish cleaner on the windshield and headlights/taillights, etc, but I "never"...ever...waxed or polished the painted surfaces of any of those three bikes, all made and painted in Marysville, OH.

Previous to that, I also owned two GL-1500s, and both of those were all Black bikes. Same story as above....washed them...and never had a need to wax them.

Okay, I am more into riding my bikes than into washing them. And it does not bother me to have the dirtiest bike at an F6B rally or gathering. Because I know I rode a lot of miles to get there, and people accept that. But to know that the paint on these bikes is NOT covered with a clear coat, and that the paint scratches so easily, and leaves marks, and that the bugs that strike the front of the fairing are imbedded for a millenium, does not make me happy.

I could easily afford to have this entire bike repainted....the cost is not the issue. To me, it is a matter of disrespect on the part of Honda to refuse to take care of their customers that buy these bikes, and yet they have actually admitted to some of us that...yes...there is a paint issue. They have even suggested that we might want to buy a special kind of polish, and a special kind of buffer, and just keep polishing and buffing the bike, for as long as it takes. Problem is...some of us want to actually ride the bikes.

I personally know of a 1000 GL-1800 riders that had NO problems with the paint on their 2001-2010 model Wings. But the bikes from 2012-2013 are the ones with paint problems. And I know, or have heard of....hundreds of F6B riders that have bad paint.

Ultimately, if I have to deal with this myself, I will. I "never" planned or intended to have my bike re-painted in the first year. I would rather rub this in Hondas face, and see what they do about it. In the meantime, I can ride my bike, put miles on it, and after the first year...or two...after all accessories are completed, the bike is well broken in, and when there is not another NEED to take it all apart to install something else, or repair something...then come next Winter I may be in for a complete new paint job. I already have chosen the color scheme...the first week I owned the bike, so it is just a matter of timing, perseverence, and pushing Hondas buttons as far as I can, to see what they will or will not due.

In the long run...long run...Honda "will" pay for this. Either through bad press, or through a class action lawsuit, but it will cost Honda more in the long run than it would to simply take care of their loyal customers now.

[BIGLRY]

Good question, and the answer is that the paint issue started with the bikes being produced in Japan. I have had three GL-1800s prior to this one, and all three were either the Platinum or Titanium paint, and with a combined 325K miles on those 3 bikes....I "never" once had to wax my bikes...ever. I washed them occassionally...I would use Honda Spray Polish cleaner on the windshield and headlights/taillights, etc, but I "never"...ever...waxed or polished the painted surfaces of any of those three bikes,
Previous to that, I also owned two GL-1500s, and both of those were all Black bikes. Same story as above....washed them...and never had a need to wax them.
all made and painted in Marysville, OH.

Okay, I am more into riding my bikes than into washing them. And it does not bother me to have the dirtiest bike at an F6B rally or gathering. Because I know I rode a lot of miles to get there, and people accept that. But to know that the paint on these bikes is NOT covered with a clear coat, and that the paint scratches so easily, and leaves marks, and that the bugs that strike the front of the fairing are imbedded for a millenium, does not make me happy.

I could easily afford to have this entire bike repainted....the cost is not the issue. To me, it is a matter of disrespect on the part of Honda to refuse to take care of their customers that buy these bikes, and yet they have actually admitted to some of us that...yes...there is a paint issue. They have even suggested that we might want to buy a special kind of polish, and a special kind of buffer, and just keep polishing and buffing the bike, for as long as it takes. Problem is...some of us want to actually ride the bikes.

I personally know of a 1000 GL-1800 riders that had NO problems with the paint on their 2001-2010 model Wings. But the bikes from 2012-2013 are the ones with paint problems. And I know, or have heard of....hundreds of F6B riders that have bad paint.

Ultimately, if I have to deal with this myself, I will. I "never" planned or intended to have my bike re-painted in the first year. I would rather rub this in Hondas face, and see what they do about it. In the meantime, I can ride my bike, put miles on it, and after the first year...or two...after all accessories are completed, the bike is well broken in, and when there is not another NEED to take it all apart to install something else, or repair something...then come next Winter I may be in for a complete new paint job. I already have chosen the color scheme...the first week I owned the bike, so it is just a matter of timing, perseverence, and pushing Hondas buttons as far as I can, to see what they will or will not due.

In the long run...long run...Honda "will" pay for this. Either through bad press, or through a class action lawsuit, but it will cost Honda more in the long run than it would to simply take care of their loyal customers now.

A well thought out plan Miles and one I concur 100%. Sad, but true Honda has dropped the ball on this one IMO.
My 2013 F6B is black and its paint is junk IMO, it is the newest Honda I own all the others are 02 to 05 all made and painted in Marysville with paint that is as good today as the day Honda painted them. I will take action as I see fit or join a class action if needed.

[MichaelG]

A well thought out plan Miles and one I concur 100%. Sad, but true Honda has dropped the ball on this one IMO.
My 2013 F6B is black and its paint is junk IMO, it is the newest Honda I own all the others are 02 to 05 all made and painted in Marysville with paint that is as good today as the day Honda painted them. I will take action as I see fit or join a class action if needed.

Larry, funny you should say that, because two of my wife's bikes are a 2002 and a 2005 Hondas, yet both were painted in Japan, and both are all Black bikes, and the paint on them looks 100 % better than this 2013 F6B. Hers' are a 2002 Magna 750, and a 2005 Helix. Japan must have changed their painting process over the years. Maybe that is why (joking) they no longer make the Magna or the Helix

[opas ride]

Thanks for the response Miles and I guess only time will tell what Honda will, or will not do, to address this paint issue...As a previous owner of a Victory Vision with the cracking and breaking lower front fender half (most considered very serious)..Victory did nothing more than replace the same defective fender part on those that "bitched"enough...Me, I traded for the F6B.....

[Limoles]

Good question, and the answer is that the paint issue started with the bikes being produced in Japan. I have had three GL-1800s prior to this one, and all three were either the Platinum or Titanium paint, and with a combined 325K miles on those 3 bikes....I "never" once had to wax my bikes...ever. I washed them occassionally...I would use Honda Spray Polish cleaner on the windshield and headlights/taillights, etc, but I "never"...ever...waxed or polished the painted surfaces of any of those three bikes, all made and painted in Marysville, OH.

Previous to that, I also owned two GL-1500s, and both of those were all Black bikes. Same story as above....washed them...and never had a need to wax them.

Okay, I am more into riding my bikes than into washing them. And it does not bother me to have the dirtiest bike at an F6B rally or gathering. Because I know I rode a lot of miles to get there, and people accept that. But to know that the paint on these bikes is NOT covered with a clear coat, and that the paint scratches so easily, and leaves marks, and that the bugs that strike the front of the fairing are imbedded for a millenium, does not make me happy.

I could easily afford to have this entire bike repainted....the cost is not the issue. To me, it is a matter of disrespect on the part of Honda to refuse to take care of their customers that buy these bikes, and yet they have actually admitted to some of us that...yes...there is a paint issue. They have even suggested that we might want to buy a special kind of polish, and a special kind of buffer, and just keep polishing and buffing the bike, for as long as it takes. Problem is...some of us want to actually ride the bikes.

I personally know of a 1000 GL-1800 riders that had NO problems with the paint on their 2001-2010 model Wings. But the bikes from 2012-2013 are the ones with paint problems. And I know, or have heard of....hundreds of F6B riders that have bad paint

Ultimately, if I have to deal with this myself, I will. I "never" planned or intended to have my bike re-painted in the first year. I would rather rub this in Hondas face, and see what they do about it. In the meantime, I can ride my bike, put miles on it, and after the first year...or two...after all accessories are completed, the bike is well broken in, and when there is not another NEED to take it all apart to install something else, or repair something...then come next Winter I may be in for a complete new paint job. I already have chosen the color scheme...the first week I owned the bike, so it is just a matter of timing, perseverence, and pushing Hondas buttons as far as I can, to see what they will or will not due.

In the long run...long run...Honda "will" pay for this. Either through bad press, or through a class action lawsuit, but it will cost Honda more in the long run than it would to simply take care of their loyal customers now.

I found some signs of conspiracy among Honda Mother and her dealers . Since I also noticed swirls and paint imperfections on my black 13 B + reading all stated above comments , I decided to call Customer Dept. , asking for their response . Similarly to many silly answers , they "suggested" to refer the issues to the dealer , who "should make final decision". After presenting my issues to the local one , dealer got upset I've even mentioned , what in his opinion is my "only imagination followed by other Forum complainers". Riding 55 more miles to another Honda dealer to confirm my dissatisfaction , their service manager didn't even look or try to examine my bike . He only said : "We know that , but it is , what it is and you should live with it" .

I believe , we CAN NOT leave this issue to our own vast improvements / costly re-paintings , or dismayed acceptance of the problem . I suggest to provide official letter , signed by ALL OF US and eventually enforce Honda Company to satisfy our basic demands . Until warranty conditions and time are on our side , the only strong and collective determination should review their arrogant position .

Is anybody there , who posses some judicial knowledge and is able to create properly designed complain , which can start this process ? We need everybody's involvement , so should expect some real effects , benefitting our desires to be fully satisfied . Do I ask to much ?

[Steve 0080]

Hey Hoglaw !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[edgeman55]

I found some signs of conspiracy among Honda Mother and her dealers . Since I also noticed swirls and paint imperfections on my black 13 B + reading all stated above comments , I decided to call Customer Dept. , asking for their response . Similarly to many silly answers , they "suggested" to refer the issues to the dealer , who "should make final decision". After presenting my issues to the local one , dealer got upset I've even mentioned , what in his opinion is my "only imagination followed by other Forum complainers". Riding 55 more miles to another Honda dealer to confirm my dissatisfaction , their service manager didn't even look or try to examine my bike . He only said : "We know that , but it is , what it is and you should live with it" .

I believe , we CAN NOT leave this issue to our own vast improvements / costly re-paintings , or dismayed acceptance of the problem . I suggest to provide official letter , signed by ALL OF US and eventually enforce Honda Company to satisfy our basic demands . Until warranty conditions and time are on our side , the only strong and collective determination should review their arrogant position .

Is anybody there , who posses some judicial knowledge and is able to create properly designed complain , which can start this process ? We need everybody's involvement , so should expect some real effects , benefitting our desires to be fully satisfied . Do I ask to much ?

Good luck with all that.Short of getting some of those blood suckers-Lawyers who will cost $'s to even start a lawsuit what will Honda do-give us new panels with the crap paint process they are still using?Many of us have spent a lot of hours at our dealers and on the phone,written letters to Mother Honda with nothing done.They at the top along with there dealers feel there is no problem.So short of a custom repaint many use a product like Liquid Glass and it makes my Black look pretty decent.Plus the Tech Spec tank protectors helped with my legs rubbing against the top shelter.I for one have learned to live with it as I love everything else about the bike way too much to get rid of her over paint.Life's short go for a ride

[Old Ryder]

Let me stir the pot a little. I am not trying to downplay anybody's complaints, but this was all the rage on the Victory boards, too. The Vics have clear coat but it is very soft and shows every scuff mark each time it is bumped. Like Honda, Polaris would not budge. Many of the Cross Country Tour models were well in the mid 20's on price and along with the clunk in the tranny going into first, it was a serious sore spot with the owners. At the end of the day--or maybe better said would be "at the end of the ride", you look at the complete package. Other than the paint, what other true issues are there on the B? Are you really gonna trade or not buy a B simply because of the paint? What is your better option????? Star Roadliner??? Vulcan??? Triumph Rocket 3????? Take HD for example---best paint on the highway!!!! But what else do you give up to get the killer paint? See link below:

http://hondaf6b.com/showthread.php?5219-The-hard-way

Most Wing and B guys are not "Peacocks"---they buy the bike to ride. Now don't get me wrong-- I love to Peacock as much as the next guy--but I am tickled with my bike, sorry paint and all. What I really wanted was the House Of Russleville Stealth, but I can easily live with the slow red. At the end of the ride, I am still happy.

[Limoles]

Thank you for icing my head . So - it is not only Honda's way (?) . If another companies having similar attitudes , it looks to me , like a globally adjusted "system taking short cuts" to generate most money from the minimum investments .

No - this problem will not discourage me at all and I'm going to keep my B . If protective waxing , glassing will not make any difference , I'll trade her for signature-ized in Russellville bike , or simply re-paint locally.