"The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you. There isn't any other test. If the machine produces tranquility, it's right. If it disturbs you, it's wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed." - Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values
Good luck in your pursuit, I find tranquility in the Honda F6B.
Riding a Goldwing is like opening a can of testosterone.
Go Green - Recycle Congress!!!!
Great pic Ed. that blue is a beautiful bike
If at all possible go for at least a Deluxe as it comes with the things that make a touring bike the best of the best, Center stand, self cancelling turn signals, cruise control, heated grips. My last bike didn't have these items and now I wouldn't buy a bike that didn't have them. The deluxe also comes with the backrest for the passenger. Like the others have stated the stock windshield is almost a joke on a touring bike so I had that change before I even took delivery on the bike. As far as foot position, I have no trouble with mine but I also added Rivco Aero Highway pegs to my deluxe and others have added Ergo 2 and ergo 3 pegs to theirs. Good luck on your purchase and don't be scared to go a little farther than normal to find your ride. The road home from the dealer will put a big smile on your face. My ride home was 130 miles and by the time I got there you couldn't have sold me any other motorcycle.
Thanks all, your comments make me feel like I'm definitely going in the right direction.
Hey Ed, weren't you on the Victory forum for a while? I'm next door in Bristol by Mountain View school and would really like to see your "B" and pick your brain about it vs. the XC. In fact what are you up to today?
btw: Is that pic taken at Barkhamsted Res?
Just my 2 cents. Like many others have stated I too came from riding Harley's for 35 years. Gave up riding 8 years ago because I was tired of the same ol Harley experience. A friend let me ride his B and all I could say was HOLY S*&T. This bike is amazing and I now own a 2016 standard. I didn't want another V twin so the flat 6 motor was a plus and has proved to be perfect. This bike has put the passion of motorcycling back into my life and I LIKE IT.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 CB 750
1976 Sportster
1978 Low Rider
1984 Superglide
1994 Road King
2000 Ultra Classic
2016 F6B
I came off two different Victory's, Kingpin Tour and a Vision Tour. Both nice bikes and the Vision was great on the highway...But, nothing like the F6B for all that is important to me. Smoother, faster, handles better, no heat off motor, and a much better price and deal for the money...The new Indians are also great bikes, but reports indicated the motor is hot and loud in traffic and some of the controls are a little "cheezy"..Plan to ride one this week-end at a local demo-days ride...So far there is nothing out there that I would favor in place of my current ride......Good luck and buy the Honda....
Also owned 2 Vics--- Kingpin and Cross Roads. It is a quality machine but the dealer support---or rather lack of dealer support is what ran me away. There are a number of differences.
The Victory is much roomier and expect to spend for a new windshield/seat and possibly risers to get the bike to fit. It took all three for me, but at 6'1" @ around 260 and 32" inseam I don't fit many bikes stock, but Victory was one of them. The B is much different. It rides and handles more like a sport bike than a big cruiser and you will not believe the powertrain. A lot of guys complain about the clunk going into 1st gear, but you are used to that by now I am sure.
I don't regret the trade at all.
"Life is hard. Harder when you are stupid"-- John Wayne[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I had a VTX1300R which I used to love, and traded in on the B. I've ridden more in the 2 months I've owned the B, than I did in 7 months on the VTX. Add the Rivco flip out hi way pegs, and it's extremely comfortable. Had the seat modded by Mean City Cycles & added heat, and LEDs all around.
It's a little heavy when stopped, but seems much more nimble when moving than my VTX, the Aero 750, and the Burgman 650. And the amount of throttle still left at 70mph is amazing
Love the Beast!
Just do it!