Strongly considering the F6B, have a few minor concerns

[Bryster]

I sold the lighter ST1300 and was ready to give up biking, back issues and other things made it too hard to thread the needle backwards out of the garage in the morning due to the high COG.
It's such an issue that there is a sub-forum on the ST site about drops.
This heavier bike feels at least 100 lbs lighter than the ST unpowered.
My dream brake setup would be like the one mentioned, unlinked at low speed with ABS, however; perfection is the enemy of good enough.
or:
"better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without" - Confucius

Heh...

My work bike is an ST1300, and yes, rolling that feels SO much heavier than the F6 to move. The F6 has reverse, but after moving the ST out, the blue beasts a doddle.

[Hornblower]

My concerns are the lack of ABS. I sort of made a pact with myself to get only ABS bikes in the future. I am surprised a bike like this doesn't have them, part of Honda's desire to cut weight off of the Gold Wing I suppose. Another concern is how low the bike is, i.e. seems like there would be lots of peg scraping if I ever find time to get to some twisty roads. Also, I've read some comments about paint issues, and have some concerns about this.

As others have mentioned, I believe you will find the brakes to be adequate without ABS. The peg scraping however (and other hard parts) would be the main drawback for a really aggressive rider. About all you can do is pump up the rear preload and go with it. To keep from wearing through the pegs, there are titanium "pucks" that can mount underneath and save them. That said, the bikes' great attributes more than makes up for this deficiency (IMO).

[114th COBRA]

I just completed and a single day 500 mile round trip up into the hills of Pennsylvania on my 2015 Deluxe yesterday, and this only complaint I have is cleaning the bugs off the bike this morning. This machine is awsome. Ran between 70-80 mph for the majority of the trip and it performed flawlessly. I'm sure once you make a long run on one, you're gonna love it. I know I do.

[Slammd]

The brakes on this touring machine are absolutely some of the best i've experienced. While I too wished for ABS on the F6B (for those unsuspected occurrences) you really won't need them. I do wish Honda would have employed a similar brake strategy as Harley…they utilize a linked ABS braking system that separates front from rear below 20mph - very nice for dragging the rear brake only for low speed maneuvers. In any case, there are so many other fantastic characteristics of this bike that I enjoy, I have completely gotten over the lack of ABS.

[shooter]

I've ridden a lot of different bikes over the years. I've had occasion to make a few dozen panic stops with the B. This bike has some of the best brakes on the planet. Having said that , it's the "GO" function I like the best. If the brakes are what you're worried about , don't worry.

[lowkee]

I've wanted this bike since it came out and just got one this past fall. Have been waiting for abs myself. I have an 09 C-14ABS and didn't want to be without ABS again. There were days I swore I would never be without ABS.
I accidently bought another Harley in 14 with ABS while I was waiting For f6b to get ABS. It stopped great but didn't go. I traded it in on my f6b
I'm not sorry.

I've got better than 16 hours riding in rain and tried to make the rear tire lock up in the rain numerous times without success. I'm not going to attempt on paint, gravel, or Leaves but my brain wont allow me to use ABS then either. My biggest fear was once I got used to ABS, would I be more careless without it. Its like riding a bike. Went back to my old ways.
Good Tire technology and linked brakes gives me some confidence. Just my opinion, Its not ABS but its some serious stopping ability.

I've heard taller people have issues with these bikes?! I'm 6ft only have 6k so far but I love it.

I love the way The F6B handles in corners. Its so stable it makes me laugh. I do scrape more often then I like. Working on cornering technics so I can corner a little faster without scraping.
(I have to add The C-14 has more cornering ability then I do)

For me its a relief to finally get this bike and not wait for the ABS anymore.
I let a Hardcore BMW guy ride MY C-14 a while back He came back with a huge smile on his face and said
"Its a little heavy in corners, But its fast. You can't have everything. Great bike!"
That always plays back in my head..."you can't have everything"

[STRaider]

Great responses by all. I appreciate them. I try not to buy bikes that often, attempting to research them out and stick with them once I purchase them. I do like this bike, and the responses on the ABS help. Once I sell my 1200GS (Hopefully this week), I will likely pull the trigger on a clean, used F6B. Loving this forum already, thanks again to all.

[DarkKnt]

Too bad you're not closer to our border.... our weak Canadian dollar and ABS equipped bikes would make you happy... as for cornering clearance, yes, you can drag the pegs, belly pan and even the engine guards. The beauty of it is the damn bike is so stable and confidence inspiring that you don't mind doing it! I'm using a bit more of a sport bike "hang off" style these days.

[airfreek]

I too have owned BMW Adventure bikes and others with ABS brakes. In 8 months of riding the 2015 F6B all I can say is that the brakes are great and after a couple of thousand miles of "getting used to riding a heavy bike again" I have no complaints or major worries. With that said, I have not had to make a high or low speed emergency stop on the F6b yet. The controlled braking system works well

I'm new to this wonderful site, and wanted to get some input from experienced F6B owners. I currently have a Honda ST1300 and a BMW R1200 GS. I really like both of these bikes. I bought the ST as a second bike, intending to put it in another location for when I am out there, allowing me to have a bike to ride, and keeping the GS at my home. A friend of mine purchased an F6B, and on a long ride he let me try it out.

The comfort was incredible. At 6'3", I didn't realize how "narrow" I felt I was sitting on the ST and the GS. Both are comfortable, upright riding postures, but that wide seat of the F6B and position of my legs just felt so comfortable, the position of the pegs felt great (not too far forward), and that engine...So smooth and strong. The balance was perfect, and I was shocked how easy the bike was to handle, even at low speeds. Honda nailed the COG with this one. I knew I liked the bike immediately, even though initially I didn't care for the looks of the bike. The looks have grown on me, I know I would need a taller shield, but that is an easy fix.

My concerns are the lack of ABS. I sort of made a pact with myself to get only ABS bikes in the future. I am surprised a bike like this doesn't have them, part of Honda's desire to cut weight off of the Gold Wing I suppose. Another concern is how low the bike is, i.e. seems like there would be lots of peg scraping if I ever find time to get to some twisty roads. Also, I've read some comments about paint issues, and have some concerns about this.

The two bikes I have narrowed down to getting if I did get one are the F6B and a BMW 1200RT, perhaps an 2010 or 2011. I'm concerned I will have the same issue with the 1200RT being "too narrow" on long trips, again, a problem I didn't realize I had until I rode the F6B. The biggest single concern with the F6B is the lack of ABS. Did anyone else have hesitation over this, and if so, what convinced you to move forward and how do you feel about the performance of the brakes since acquiring the bike? Thanks, and I look forward to your comments.

[VStarRider]

For the entire summer of 2015, the Victory Cross Country Tour was #1 on my list, mainly because of the ABS and cruise that the F6B did not have. I even found a 2014 leftover stock that the dealer was practically willing to give away ($3000 for my VStar, and old sled, rebate, hefty discount, etc). I couldn't wait to get it ... forget the dam F6B. Finally got the funds together and went to test drive the CC Tour.

It's April, and the F6B is in my garage.

Need I say more? Okay, I will. I cut the test ride short on the Vic and hit the Honda dealer on the way home. Had a deal worked out later that week for a leftover '13 Standard.

The smooth, reliable six, the power, the looks, etc. made up for the lack of ABS and CC, both high on my list of wants. I just grit my teeth and deal with not having the ABS, though I really wish I had it for the extra piece of mind. Instead, I bought a fluorescent safety vest.