Having owned a 2012 Honda GoldWing premium audio, and a 2015 Honda F6B, the two are very similar, but very different.
The adjustable windshield isn't a big deal, since you have to manually set it on the Goldwing and once you have it set where it works, you tend to not have to move it. The F6B has a little more room if you are taller, and the reverse gear is missing, but it really comes down to doing some thinking when you stop the bike IE back it in if the parking is sloping downward, etc.
The F6B definitely feels more sporty, the small weight reduction doesn't seem like it would be that much, but in reality the top box is high centered, so the bike is much easier to hop on and off of, taking the weight off the sidestand is where you feel it the most. I also had an ST 1300 and trying to compare the F6B to that bike is sort of a unique angle, since the F6B is sort of a sport touring bike in some ways.
As my title says - the F6B is what sounds like you need. It has a more stylish look to the hot "bagger" market going on, and if you aren't doing the long distance touring with a passenger, I think you will like the feel and custom look of the F6B.
If no pillion, F6B !!!
There is one for Sale in Sanford, financing is available, 2013, Black...Call Johnnie, Sales Manager, say Steve gave you the number 407-670-9800 .
" Truth is often deemed rude, blunt and to the point which is why so few make their friend " Freddy Hayler ..352-267-1553 Sanford, FLA Gutterman6000@Gmail.com
I'm thinking since I had the ST1300 as my last bike, I've already dealt with no cruise, no reverse and the like, so perhaps I wont miss those. I did LOVE the electric windshield on the ST and used it often (rode with it low most of the time around town, but up and down on the highway to keep cool down here in FL).
I do like riding up to the mountains and the Goldwing made that ride a breeze. Will I notice a big difference with the F6B on a 9 hour ride? The ST was fine for that ride (though noticeably less comfortable than the Wing was).
Many folks here needed to replace the seat for long rides like you mention. Windshield is other most frequent upgrade, as the OEM shorty provides no protection. I bought Ultimate King seat and Madstad windshield. You'll see a gazillion threads here about upgrades like seats and windshields among many others. Good luck, but I'd get the F6B.
Hmm, well I think what you will find is that the F6B is right in between the comfort you found on the GoldWing, and the St 1300. As you know. the Goldwing wears it's weight very well, and the F6B just sheds that weight even more. For me, the GoldWing was too much bike for what I needed, so I went to a BMW R1200Rt. I feel that the F6B is very close in the feel and comfort, but you can't beat the Goldwing seat for comfort and long distance touring.
You may need to change the seat, other than that, you can put thousand mile days without any problem once you get the windshield you are looking for. The F6B is all about the cruiser look with the "crown jewel of motorcycle engines", so the styling is what you are gaining in a lot of ways. If you like that low rear end look such as a Harley Street Glide, but want a bike that gets up and goes, HERE IS YOUR BIKE
My story was I rode to Oshkosh WI on my 2014 Honda CTX 1300. A group of bikes comes walking into the campground to setup their site, and I looked out and saw a Harley jacket rider getting on a blue F6B. I talked to him for about 25 minutes, he was a wealthy guy who owned tons of bikes, and his story was that once people figure out the F6B, THIS WOULD BE THE HOTTEST BIKE OUT THERE! He swore by all the bikes he owned, that this was the cats meow, and that once people take a ride on them, there is nothing else out there with the cool look, performance, and comfort to tour. He had the Kuryakn highway pegs and swore by them, and since he was a taller rider, told me that the legroom was a huge difference from a Goldwing...which he swore he would never own.
Go figure.
That's my sentiment too. I think the reason Honda still manufactures the B is because sales inertia is growing enough globally to substantiate production. The B will definitely go into the Honda Archives as a milestone of the GL family.
Of course one might argue there's a substantial surplus of GL 1800 Wing parts as the other reason for continued production.
Having had three previous Goldwings, I find the F6B a better choice for my solo riding...if my wife still rode with me, it would be a different matter, but she doesn't, and it is what it is. BTW, you can solve the windshield adjustability issue by installing a Windbender windshield. Just remember to always park uphill and the lack of reverse won't be a problem.
2015 F6B deluxe matte silver
2012 GL1800 level 3 pearl white
2010 GL1800 level 1 hot rod yellow
2001 GL1800 level 1 hot rod yellow
VTX 1800
VTX 1300
Tennessee Traveler #2
IBA member #48367
SS 1,000 9/5/11
BBG 1,500 3/16/13
SS 2,000 3/16/13
CC50 3/16/13
Darkside #975
Michelin Primacy Alpin RF 195/55R/16, 32#
front Bridgestone G709, 36#
I always thought I'd go back to the full wing because I liked it so much but the F6B is so enticing I'm really leaning toward it now. Does anyone know what the deal is with the warranties on these? I'm wondering if I should expect to get some factory warranty (on a 2013?) when buying used. Also, I know with my goldwing I had an extended Honda warranty with it (though I never needed to use it). Would they do the same for these F6Bs? (I think as long as I signed up prior to expiration of the original factory warranty, I could buy their extended coverage).