One Year on My F6B!

[F6Dave]

I bought my F6B a year ago today, and it passed 20,000 miles last week.  I love it -- what an amazing bike.  Here are some first birthday thoughts.

It runs circles around my two old Valkyries in every way, except for the Valk's great classic styling.  The 'B' still gets loads of compliments, though, even more than the Valks.  The 'B' is noticeably faster, especially at the lower end of the powerband, as you'd expect from a similar engine with 20% more displacement.  The handling is vastly better and feels more like a sport-tourer than a tourer.  The brakes have similar stopping power but the linked system makes stopping quickly much easier.

Comfort is similar.  As with most vehicles you notice the differences when you first take off, but quickly adapt.  The sound system is far better than that on my old Interstate.  It's so nice to have an integrated system to play digital music.  The only complaint is radio reception that suffers from the shorty antenna.  I've thought about trying a longer antenna.

Maintenance is generally easier, except for the air filter.  Oil and filter changes take only minutes, just like on the old Valkyrie.  The front tire change is about the same amount of work, but the rear is a real breeze.  That single sided swingarm not only makes the rear change simple, but it eliminates most of the driveline wear issues that afflict the old Valkyries.  I bought a brand new GL1800 rear wheel and tire (in black!) at a dealer that does a lot of trike conversions.  Now I can have mounted tire waiting in the garage for a quick swap whenever I need it.

The fuel injection is awesome, too.  Not only does it increase mileage by about 10 MPG, but it also eliminates carb syncs.  And it's comforting not to have to worry about the dreaded, destructive hydrolock!

I was worried about the paint, but with careful attention it has held up very well.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with this bike.  I hope Honda keeps building them, along with the new Valkyrie.  The 1800 platform is too good for just one vehicle.

[_Sheffjs_]

 

[wiggydotcom]

Nice report, Dave. I've only had my "B" for about 5 weeks but agree on most every point. You forgot to mention that even the horn sounds every bit as loud as a decent car horn and needs no upgrade, unlike the wimpy stock Valk horn.

I'm still learning how to take off different pieces of trim and Tupperware just to get to stuff. 

[F6Dave]

BTW, WingStuff.com sells assortments of replacement plastic rivets for the fairing and pockets.  I've read they're handy to have around in case you break one.  I just added them (along with a spare grommet assortment) to an order to get up to their 'free shipping' price point.

[_Sheffjs_]

BTW, WingStuff.com sells assortments of replacement plastic rivets for the fairing and pockets.  I've read they're handy to have around in case you break one.  I just added them (along with a spare grommet assortment) to an order to get up to their 'free shipping' price point.

And you will break many.   Ironically enough the local Honda shop had boxes of 10 that were extremely reasonably priced so I have my stock. Also hoping to get to know a few F6B riders with a ride coming up in October, that is somewhat merging two groups here in Central Florida. If I were only Jay Leno I have my 1800 Valkyrie for solo and F6B for two up, sounds good to me!

[jimmytee]

Y'all should come to Franklin,NC Sep. 3-7. F6B rally.

[F6Dave]

Y'all should come to Franklin,NC Sep. 3-7. F6B rally.

That sounds awesome.  This year won't work, but next year hopefully.

Jimmy, it was great talking with you at Inzane!

[jimmytee]

Y'all should come to Franklin,NC Sep. 3-7. F6B rally.

That sounds awesome.  This year won't work, but next year hopefully.

Jimmy, it was great talking with you at Inzane!

Likewise my friend. Had a great time.    I'm not sure if I'll go to next years Inzane or not. I have a great time at Inzane, but thinking of spreading out my vacation days across more extended weekends next year. I don't know , just a thought.