New member thinking about an F6B

[Eric R.]

Hi guys, I am currently trying to sell my 2010 Nomad which I bought new six years ago. I am debating replacing it with either an F6B or a Triumph Rocket three touring.
I am mainly a solo rider, but my wife may join me for short rides.
I had been determined to have ABS on my next bike, and I was very disappointed to learn the F6B does not offer them. The Rocket has ABS.
I know the F6B has the linked braking system, which is somewhat of an improvement.
I am not a gadget nut, which is one of the things about the Rocket that appeals to me. It's all business. But, I also like the extra weather protection that the Honda offers.
How do you guys feel about the lack of ABS? Obviously, you are all owners, but do you think this one issue should be a disqualifier? Am I making too big a deal over the brakes?
I've been reading about the paint issues on older models. Hopefully, this is not an issue any more.
If I had the Honda, I would only add front pegs and a taller shield. Same as the Rocket.
Thanks for any opinions, Eric

[lloydmoore1]

Good choices .
I too came from a nomad. had it 7 yrs and only replaced brakes, tires, oil and oh yes the neck bearing. The F6b will stop on a dime period so no worries about the brakes.
If you had the chance to test drive both bikes your choice would and will be the F6B.
good luck

[Ixol Phaane]

Welcome to the board, Eric R.

The F6B is really really hard to beat. I've had mine for 2 years and 46,000 miles. Some have called it the Best. Bike. Ever.

No, it doesn't have ABS... but that shouldn't be a deal breaker. I think the linked brakes are more than adequate when you gotta brake this beast down. Very solid. Braking is a non-issue for most of us here, I think.

As for the paint... it seems the '13s were the worst, and lots of owners were pretty vocal. I have no complaint about my '14. And the complaints seem to have died down. Just know that with the big painted panels on this bike, liquid waxes and sealants are your friend.

There are several folks on the forum who had or still have Rockets... but guess which bike gets most of their attention. And if your wife is gonna ride with you, it doesn't get better than a Gold Wing. There's no comparison.

[53driver]

...
How do you guys feel about the lack of ABS? Obviously, you are all owners, but do you think this one issue should be a disqualifier? Am I making too big a deal over the brakes?
......
Thanks for any opinions, Eric

Eric,
Welcome to the Forums - or the "B Hive" as some refer to it.
As an MSF instructor, I see lots of different bikes in the Level 2 Courses - some ABS, some not.
Having taken all the Level 2 classes on the 6, I will tell you that I can achieve threshold braking on the 6 and stop more effectively than many people I've seen with ABS bikes.
In fact, after a particularly quick stop with no skidding, the Rider Coach held me up and started looking for the ABS timing ring on my front tire!
When he didn't find it, he yelled "I thought all Gold Wings had ABS?!"
I responded "Not me!"
After the exercise was finished, he came over and said "No, really. No ABS? Because that was a helluva stop."
I smiled, and replied "No. Really. I'm just that good."

The key to stopping a bike is intimate familiarity and practice.
Definitely not a "deal breaker" unless you ride infrequently, have no desire to improve, and have sloppy braking habits.
Time for more coffee!

Cheers,
Steve

[Eric R.]

Good choices .
I too came from a nomad. had it 7 yrs and only replaced brakes, tires, oil and oh yes the neck bearing. The F6b will stop on a dime period so no worries about the brakes.
If you had the chance to test drive both bikes your choice would and will be the F6B.
good luck

Hi Lloyd, what makes you say that I would choose the F6B so readily over the Rocket touring?
From everything I've read, the r3t is a highly refined machine.
My Nomad has been trouble free. I'm getting older and am feeling cramped on it more.

[opas ride]

ABS brakes, or the lack thereof, would not be any deal breaker for me and it was not...Had them on my Victory Vision and the F6B stops just as good, if not better, in the riding situations I find my self in....The Trimuph Rocket is a nice bike, but very few dealers around here know much about them when it comes to service, etc...I would buy the F6B in a heartbeat over the III as it a great bike in most things that riders need..plus, better wind protection, smoother, and has plenty of power for two-up riding.....JMHO

[53driver]

Hi Lloyd, what makes you say that I would choose the F6B so readily over the Rocket touring?
From everything I've read, the r3t is a highly refined machine.
My Nomad has been trouble free. I'm getting older and am feeling cramped on it more.

I concur the Triumph is a nice machine....it was on my short list.
However, having ridden both, it's more of an apples and oranges comparison.
As you mentioned, the shelter of an F6B vs the R3T is superior - better for touring.
But the main difference in my experience was the center of gravity differences; the R3T has a much higher CG.
I usually travel solo at 220 lbs and the F6B ease of turns and handling was better than the Triumph's at slow speeds.
At fast speeds, depending upon if you lean the bike or move it underneath you, I felt the "heaviness" of the R3 in the lean.

I consider the R3 more of a street fighter and the F6B the heavy cruiser/bagger.

Ride both, see what YOU feel, because in the end, that's what matters!
Cheers,
Steve

[Ixol Phaane]

I found this out on the Interwebs...

TopSpeed Review - 2016 Triumph Rocket III - includes a slight comparison w our own F6B.

[wjduke]

Eric, I'm from Mass...you want to try my mine, I can make that happen. I just did 3,700 miles to Maggie Valley, NC and back last week, and I could go again today. Bought it last November, over 20,000 miles and I smile at it every mile. I came from an M109. I never rode a Triumph, can't compare. I don't see how you wouldn't like this bike. If you want smooth, quiet, and balls, this should do it.

I'm Wayne. Text me at 508-353-7748 if you want a test ride. Palmer is a hike, but I like hikes.

[lloydmoore1]

Hi Lloyd, what makes you say that I would choose the F6B so readily over the Rocket touring?
From everything I've read, the r3t is a highly refined machine.
My Nomad has been trouble free. I'm getting older and am feeling cramped on it more.

because the F6B rides so much lighter like a ten speed bicycle on steroids and the Rocket all though a great bike still rides like a mountain bike on steroids. After coming from the nomad you will recognize that and pick the B.