Just joined the forum and have questions

[oldman]

I'm brand new to the forum, but not new to motorcycling. I've been riding for over 30 years, and I guess in many ways I am an "old timer" since I am 72 as well. But riding makes me feel 32 again, and I'm sure many on the forum know what I mean. I currently have a Triumph Thunderbird but I'm seriously interested in getting the F6b, or possibly a Goldwing. I had the chance just to sit on a new F6b at the dealer and it just felt right. It was the Deluxe version, and since that includes a passenger back rest (a must have in my opinion) and cruise control (at the time of my list for what I wish my current bike had), I really got excited. I wish I could have taken a demo ride right then, but that will have to wait. Some of the questions I have, to which I will greatly appreciate your answers, are:
-- why an F6b and not a Goldwing?
-- my current bike is 750 pounds, am I likely to really notice the higher weight of the F6b?
-- other than a better windscreen, are there any mods or extras that you feel are truly critical right from the start?
-- if you came to the F6b from a Goldwing, how much do you miss the reverse gear?

Looking forward to hearing from those in the know about this bike. Thanks in advance.

[Cobraguy]

Oldman, first welcome. I have an 02 Goldwing and a 15 F6B. Our 2015 F6B Deluxe is the wifes. You will notice the weight when you have to back it up. Pulling upright off the side stand takes less effort than my 650 Vstrom. Once your rolling the F6B feels light and nimble, granted there is a sense of large mass but the effort to control it is light. For anything over 100 miles I'll take my Goldwing over anything but thats me. Our F6B has been modded to fit my wife. Bars are moved up, back, and in, and the bike is lowered 1.75", also has Kury mini boards. My knees end up too bent for a comfortable long ride. She absolutely loves the bike. Her previuos bike was a 13 Honda CTX700 which has become my commuter.

[bob109]

I'm brand new to the forum, but not new to motorcycling. I've been riding for over 30 years, and I guess in many ways I am an "old timer" since I am 72 as well. But riding makes me feel 32 again, and I'm sure many on the forum know what I mean. I currently have a Triumph Thunderbird but I'm seriously interested in getting the F6b, or possibly a Goldwing. I had the chance just to sit on a new F6b at the dealer and it just felt right. It was the Deluxe version, and since that includes a passenger back rest (a must have in my opinion) and cruise control (at the time of my list for what I wish my current bike had), I really got excited. I wish I could have taken a demo ride right then, but that will have to wait. Some of the questions I have, to which I will greatly appreciate your answers, are:
-- why an F6b and not a Goldwing?
-- my current bike is 750 pounds, am I likely to really notice the higher weight of the F6b?
-- other than a better windscreen, are there any mods or extras that you feel are truly critical right from the start?
-- if you came to the F6b from a Goldwing, how much do you miss the reverse gear?

Looking forward to hearing from those in the know about this bike. Thanks in advance.

I'm 66 years old and not new to riding! 30 months ago I purchased my F6B and after three months of owner ship I penned the attached observations of the 6!

http://hondaf6b.com/showthread.php?5...s-Into-The-F6B

Nothing has changed in that time and with just over 40K miles on the clock I'm still amazed at how nimble and well mannered the 840 lb F6B is. Its low center of gravity is remarkable compared to other "heavy cruisers" I've owned. There is not a doubt in my mind that I'll have the 6 for some time. IMHO its hard to improve on near perfection

[opas ride]

I am an old guy myself, 76 in a couple of months, and truly enjoy the F6B..Having ridden both a Goldwing and owned a Victory Vision Tour, I personally preferred the Vic..Lower seat, better wind protection, cool long floorboards, not as top heavy, although some would argue this point, and handled better overall.....But, neither is a match for the F6B for me now...The 6 is lighter, seems more nimble, with an after-market windshield has better wind protection,( Baggershield), smooth, fast, fits me, with the Mustang lower seat, just fine and is a joy to ride..I no longer ride two-up so extra bag/trunk space is not needed and I really never used all the "farkles and extra bells and whistles on the GW or Vision....I think you will be very happy with the F6B, unless you ride two-up a lot and need to keep your passenger happier....Ride safe

[nonseven]

I think it comes down to - if you need the extra space in the trunk and the fancy passenger seat.

If you don't, you'll be rewarded with a bike with better low speed handling than the full GW. If you were going to take a Gold Wing and lower its center of gravity, you'd chop off weight high up which is exactly what they did by taking off the trunk.

[shooter]

Oldman , I would say that at stock height if you have a 32 inch inseam and decent leg strength you should be OK. The bike handles 200 lbs lighter than it is. However it is a heavy bike and you don't want to be up on your toes at a red light. Some do but its not the ideal condition. But like everyone says she handles like a dream under power. Light and nimble through the curves. Good luck on your decision.

[Old Ryder]

Another 60 year old coot here and I agree with everybody else. I have absolutely no interest in a full Wing, but the F6B flips my light switch to full voltage. I have the comfort of a full tour bike while it certainly does not ride or handle like one. I owned an older Valkyrie Interstate and Ultra classic and ----this may sound silly to some---I got tired of trying to throw my size 12 boot 20 feet in the air with my gut on the tank just to clear the trunk and I really hated pulling my knee into my chest to get the heel over the saddle. Add that to the fact that the B does not handle at all like it looks with a very low center of gravity and just about the same power as a sub compact automobile. In other words, it looks big, bulky and heavy until you get moving and find out that it is not. Could not say the same for the Valkyrie or Ultra. Don't know about the full Wing.

[Battoo]

I have been on a wing now for a little more than a year and a half , Love it , Just got the wife a F6B she seems to love it , we had it lowered at the dealer Expensive , but we had a 300 mile ride home and I wanted her to feel comfortable , we have added, a klockwerks 14 tinted flare windshield . kuryakin grips and Ergo 3 hiway pegs had the seat modded , narrower and lower , Also just got a set of Cobra 6 two 6 pipes waiting to install She has allready said this will be the last bike

[cosborn]

I've had a number of very nice bikes since the late 60s, but i love my F6B

Chris

Oh by the way oldman (sic) welcome to the forum



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[Texas TC]

Welcome. I am 67 and have been riding over 50 years. The F6B is the best, most fun to ride, motorcycle I have ever owned. I had two full Gold Wings after a long series of 10 Harleys prior to this bike. The full Wings always felt cramped in riding position and top heavy. The F6B takes care of both of those issues. I have almost 32000 miles on mine and enjoy it more every time I ride it. The windshield change is a must. I have had the Honda tall and now F4 Custom. I also prefer the Mustang seat with dropped pegs from the mini board setup. Hghway pegs are nice on longer highway adventures. In my opinion, the Deluxe package is a bargain. I use all the included accessories all the time. I really believe you will love the F6B when you ride it. It feels much lighter than it actually weighs and handles like a sport bike ( for old guys).