F6Bs not selling?

[saddlesore]

I was at the local dealer this AM.  I was told they wouldn't even get an F6B on the floor cause they just aren't selling.   He said the lack of  cruise control is keeping people from buying it.  There's no way of installing it built in.
He said the 2015s or 2016s may have some upgrades.
I never had cruise control on a cycle (just throttle lock types) is that really a deterrent to buying the bike?

[jimmytee]

I suppose it's one of those, when you've had it, you want it type things. I don't have cruise on my Valk and don't really miss not having it. Between the Kury throttle boss and my brake away throttle lock, I never have an issue. I use it all the time in a cage though. My knee starts complaining after prolonged time with foot on the accelerator.

[Rob A]

I could get by with a throttle lock.
The deal breaker for me is no anti lock brake option.
If I was going to shell out that much money on a bike it better have anti lock brakes.

My philosophy was to let someone else buy the new bike and accessorize it, then when they get tired of it I would buy it used and it would already have the accessories and be a little cheaper.

The F6B was the first bike I considered buying new BUT without anti lock brakes it's not gonna happen.

[hubcapsc]

I was at the local dealer this AM.  I was told they wouldn't even get an F6B on the floor cause they just aren't selling.   He said the lack of  cruise control is keeping people from buying it.  There's no way of installing it built in.
He said the 2015s or 2016s may have some upgrades.
I never had cruise control on a cycle (just throttle lock types) is that really a deterrent to buying the bike?

They let me ride the F6B at the Toccoa shop when it came in last year. I was
there today looking at the new Valkyrie... the "Goldwing riders" (what he called
them) wouldn't buy the F6B I rode because it didn't have zero miles on it.
Finally they sent it to another shop because someone was looking for a
red one and submitted to getting a "tainted" one...

-Mike "I'm glad my business isn't selling things..."

[Rams]

Personally, I'm not buying the lack of cruise control as the reason the F6B isn't selling.   That may be the reason for a few no sales but, I don't believe the F6B is a ride the majority of Goldwingers are going to go after.    It's a niche bike.   I'm not bad mouthing the F6B, it would appear it has limited appeal to motorcycle buyers.   

It's got too much plastic for me and I don't really like the styling but it's pretty obvious to me that the average Old Style Valkyrie owner is not who the F6B was designed to entice.    I think the same thing is true of the New Style Valkyrie.    I believe it was designed for the younger rider.    The problem is, they don't have the bucks to buy them.    Just my opinion.

I still think Mother Honda released these bikes to whittle down the inventory of 1800cc engines so they can come out with a bigger engine for the GW. 

[Big Al of Tennessee]

 

[sandy]

I have cruise on the wing and love it. Use it all the time. GOAZ in Scottsdale said the F6B isn't moving and most of the comments are a lack of cruise. A couple have sold but total sales expectations are way down.

[flcjr]

I was at my local dealer today too. He still has the one he got last year on the floor. I asked about the new valk and he said he didn't even order one.

[jimmytee]

I still think Mother Honda released these bikes to whittle down the inventory of 1800cc engines so they can come out with a bigger engine for the GW. 

I've heard this from time to time and to me it just doesn't make any sense. ??? Why would they have made so many more engines than bikes to be produced. Enough that they needed to bring two other bikes to market ,just to use up those engines. And mind you, this was said of the original Valkyries too. So that means Honda , in this ever competitive and struggling economy, made the same mistake again. I'm sorry, I don't buy it.

[8Track]

Honda have sold a sum total of 1 F6B in my capital city - to my mate. The local dealer has only sold 2 Goldwings in the last year. They just recently sent off their remaining Goldwings and F6Bs to another Honda dealer on the other side of town. They told me flat out there is no way they will be ordering in a Valkyrie.

[Chrisj CMA]

Its really the price..........If it were less expensive those people wouldnt have had to come up with an excuse (a valid one) of no cruise.  For the money you can add a few dimes and get a new  full GW or a used one for the same or less. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I don't do payments if I don't have the money I do without. That's why my wife and I drive older cars and trucks I take care of them and repair as needed.... If I " DID " do payments a F6B would be in my garage right now along with a new 150 outboard Honda engine on my 24 foot Carolina Skiff . I rode Larry's ( Evil Twin Lisa ) better half's F6B that is one beautiful bike and the Cobra exhaust system sounds awesome on it.

[Jack B]

I still think Mother Honda released these bikes to whittle down the inventory of 1800cc engines so they can come out with a bigger engine for the GW.  

I've heard this from time to time and to me it just doesn't make any sense. ??? Why would they have made so many more engines than bikes to be produced. Enough that they needed to bring two other bikes to market ,just to use up those engines. And mind you, this was said of the original Valkyries too. So that means Honda , in this ever competitive and struggling economy, made the same mistake again. I'm sorry, I don't buy it.

I agree that Honda does not have a large inventory of 1800 cc engines. I'm sure they are very lean and only make what they need.

[tank_post142]

Invest $50-60 million in production facilities, assy lines, specialized machinery to produce a specific engine and see if you don't come up with as many platforms as possible to install that engine in.

[therapist]

I spoke with a bike dealer across state, that deals in multiple brands.  His lot was filled with all manner of little 4-wheel UTV's and such, said they are selling like hotcakes.  He said that bike sales have really cooled off the past couple years, so they are afraid to order more for the floor.  He had a bunch of left over 2012/2013 models in stock, but only a few new bikes.  Most of us older riders have seen the popularity of motorcycles ebb and flow over the years.  I think bikes are in a bigger slump right now than manufacturers like to admit.

[Dave Ritsema]

I really don't think it is cruise control either. While it would be nice to have it on my F6B it certainly wasn't a deal breaker. A throttle lock was sufficient on my Interstate. I also don't believe Honda made too many motors. Design two new bike platforms to use up an excess of motors? I doubt it. The cost of design, engineering and manufacturing of two new platforms far exceeds any savings they could realize if they had a boatload of "extra" motors they had to get rid of. I do believe however that the Goldwing is one of their most profitable bikes and they are trying to maximize the amount of bikes they can yield from it.

Many people also said the Valkyrie was a poor seller and I enjoyed a total of 16 years riding them. If my F6B goes the same way I am good with that, I have mine and I love it.  

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

I was at the local dealer this AM.  I was told they wouldn't even get an F6B on the floor cause they just aren't selling.   He said the lack of  cruise control is keeping people from buying it.  There's no way of installing it built in.
He said the 2015s or 2016s may have some upgrades.
I never had cruise control on a cycle (just throttle lock types) is that really a deterrent to buying the bike?

My '07 Wing was first m/c I've owned with electronic cruise. From my experience, once you have it you'll always want it. Financial hardship forced me to sell the Wing few years ago & now I ride a y2k I/S. I'll be looking to add a CC system to it in the near future.

With that being said, Honda is really dropping the ball by now offering CC on F6B, ST  & CTX 1300... These bikes are all pushing the $20k mark & not even offering it as an option is inexcusable-IMO. Oh yeah, no ABS offered for the F6B is also a fail by Ma Honda in my book, too! 

Cheers!
-Art

[Crazyhorse]

The cruise control is the reason I don't have one. Sold my Harley and looking to buy. I can live without the abs and reverse but won't buy another touring bike without crusie. May buy a goldwing an do the trunk modification.

[John Schmidt]

How difficult can it be to add cruise to the F6B? Granted, it's FI...but so are the majority of cars these days. I would think if you really wanted one, adding an electronic version wouldn't be all that difficult. Personally, I also don't buy the "no cruise control" deal breaker. I think it's more a matter of buying something that appears to be just short of a full Gold Wing, and priced quite high without any of the Wing extras.

[Dave Ritsema]

How difficult can it be to add cruise to the F6B? Granted, it's FI...but so are the majority of cars these days. I would think if you really wanted one, adding an electronic version wouldn't be all that difficult. Personally, I also don't buy the "no cruise control" deal breaker. I think it's more a matter of buying something that appears to be just short of a full Gold Wing, and priced quite high without any of the Wing extras.

It's been done. There is a complete write up in it on the F6B forum with several options. Caution, it's a pretty long thread.

http://hondaf6b.com/showthread.php?308-Cruise-control&highlight=cruise+control

[Dave Ritsema]

Personally, I also don't buy the "no cruise control" deal breaker. I think it's more a matter of buying something that appears to be just short of a full Gold Wing, and priced quite high without any of the Wing extras.

In my case, it was roughly another $4000 to go with the full Goldwing. The cruise control, trunk , reverse and a few more geegaws that I didn't care about simply didn't justify the extra expense.  I think it's nice that we have several choices to make in the GL1800 platform.

[Tropic traveler]

I guess I'm the weirdo here concerning the F6B.
I do NOT want cruise control, do NOT want a radio, do NOT want reverse, do NOT want ABS. I could also do with a bit more plastic removed from the F6B especially off the front of the engine & the front part of the exhaust pipes.
The 1832cc engine & GW based platform are all I need, near perfection for a cruiser/touer bike. 

Oh, the center stand & the taller windshield are on the list of must haves! 

[jimmytee]

I guess I'm the weirdo here concerning the F6B.
I do NOT want cruise control, do NOT want a radio, do NOT want reverse, do NOT want ABS. I could also do with a bit more plastic removed from the F6B especially off the front of the engine & the front part of the exhaust pipes.
The 1832cc engine & GW based platform are all I need, near perfection for a cruiser/touer bike. 

Oh, the center stand & the taller windshield are on the list of must haves! 

you need a new Valk, pull the plastic off the headers,add some chrome, windshield and bags and your golden

[Tropic traveler]

I guess I'm the weirdo here concerning the F6B.
I do NOT want cruise control, do NOT want a radio, do NOT want reverse, do NOT want ABS. I could also do with a bit more plastic removed from the F6B especially off the front of the engine & the front part of the exhaust pipes.
The 1832cc engine & GW based platform are all I need, near perfection for a cruiser/touer bike. 

Oh, the center stand & the taller windshield are on the list of must haves! 

you need a new Valk, pull the plastic off the headers,add some chrome, windshield and bags and your golden

You are probably correct. 
I'm really waiting to see what kind of bags & w/s options come out.
Other than the fixed fairing & the "angry insect" look of the front of the F6B I like it. I guess I can get used to the fixed fairing & the insect look which is everywhere except on Harleys  but the new Valk is quite homely campared to the F6B. I am assuming the drivelines are the same on the F6B & the new Valk.  ???
After adding hard bags & a w/s to the Valk some of the weight advantage of the Valk will be negated so that points me towards the F6B.
Bottom line to me anyways, right now the new bike for me is the F6B. Still a ways off from purchase time so w'ell see. 

[jimmytee]

All the dreaming won't make Honda make it, but ,for me, if they'd take the new Valkyrie, put some nice looking and functional saddle bags on it, and put a nice fork mounted fairing with some polished or chrome accents on the front ,cruise, and a jamming audio system with at least some 6.5" drivers/speakers ,chrome some of the other areas, which I believe are available already to fit, and maybe tweak the horse power a bit higher,screw the mileage, I'd be in debt right now.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

I got a Cruise Control on my Harley.

It ain't worth spit having a cruise control riding in a group.

Twisty turns are a no cruise on deal.

Two lane roads rarely.

If you ride by yourself on the interstate, yes it works great.

But then I have trouble keeping my right hand busy.

Find myself scratching and picking my nose a lot more is all.

Cruise, well it is what it is.

[..]

I guess I'm the weirdo here concerning the F6B.
I do NOT want cruise control, do NOT want a radio, do NOT want reverse, do NOT want ABS. I could also do with a bit more plastic removed from the F6B especially off the front of the engine & the front part of the exhaust pipes.
The 1832cc engine & GW based platform are all I need, near perfection for a cruiser/touer bike. 

Oh, the center stand & the taller windshield are on the list of must haves! 

you need a new Valk, pull the plastic off the headers,add some chrome, windshield and bags and your golden

No center stand on the new Valyrie. Honda saving a few more bucks on it's stripped down Wing.

[saddlesore]

I don't need cruise, ABS, sound system etc.  When I first saw the Valkyrie I thought I'd never get anything THAT big.   
I changed my mind about the Valkyrie and have been making changes over the last 14 years.   
I've aged, the Valkyrie has changed.  My bike and I are a work in progress.
IF I ever get a new bike I'm sure I'll be making changes to that too.  I just don't want to spend $20,000  on a bike that I have to spend another couple thousand bucks to get what I want.

[98 T]

I also don't believe it's  the lack of cruise control... I don't know what it is... I stopped at my local dealer this weekend and they have a couple on the showroom floor - asking about $19,XXX for the black and about $20,000 for the red-black  one with heated seats -

They had a black demo out front and the salesman told me $18,xxx for that one with about 500 miles on it... so I did a  "Cycle Trader" check and there were over 10  F6-B's in a 50 mile radius from Milwaukee in the $14,900- $15,900  for  2013 model years... makes me think they're not selling either or they just want to blow out the 2013 models because maybe the '14's have some more bells and whistles, cruise control?

$15K is still high for me, but not really high in the big world of new bike purchases...it's a lot more affordable than $20K anyhow.

[GotValk]

I agree it's all about the price most people these days don't have $400.00 / month for a motorcycle.
I think if they were closer to $13k like our old Interstates were they might sell them.
Just my take, If I could the F6B would be in my garage.
After owning a Valkyrie how could you go backwards , The Goldwing is over the top, the new Valkryie is starting to grow on me, But some of there 2015 models just are awful.
 

[Jess from VA]

I don't think the F6b and Valk Goldwing result from excess engines, but I do think they result from having all the plant and equipment already in place to produce those engines.

I don't care spit for cruise control.  Probably could use it two or three times a year (and my throttle lock works fine for those occasions).  I think this is a geographic issue.  Flatlanders can use it, mountain riders don't.  Hardly ever use it in my car either.

What I want more than anything else is good 20 thousand mile (motorcycle front) tires. My Avon roadrider rear on front has worked pretty well, and surpassed mileage on all my 150 steelbelt Metzlers, but only by a few thousand miles.  Next up is a Michelin 140... probably. (No E3s need apply)

[F6Dave]

I like the F6B a lot.  While not as pretty as the Valk, it still looks nice and is a better bike in every way.  I rode one for 40 or 50 miles and was very impressed.

But it sure seems like it isn't selling well.  I think I've only seen 2 on the road.  For that matter I don't see that many of the new 2-tone Wings either.  It seems like there are far more new BMW K1600s out there than any new 1800 Honda.  Hopefully the new Valk will catch on and hook some new riders on the flat 6.

As for the excess inventory of engines, why would any company do that?  The Japanese were the earliest adopters of just-in-time manufacturing techniques.  The excess engine thing has to be a myth.

[Big Rig]

It  comes down to price...I paid 14.9k for my IS in 99...was 18.9 on the original sticker...

Market demand drives price...

I just saw the new add for a Vistory, doing a dirt powerslide, sound familiar? Then they throw the price at 18.9k for most models...it is a nice looking bike, v-twin but a solid bike and has a modern super valk look to it. To me that is what the f6b should be...would not take much, but right now if I was in the market, I think I would go Victory first then f6b...

[flatsixrider]

I want one but am not willing to part with the asking price.  Hope they sell well so the used market is healthy. 

[Hooter]

   I really don't think this is anymore than an excuse. IF you are going to produce something I am of the opinion that you should do some homework first to see what the people involved that area like. Then build your product around some of the more important suggestions that come from people who ride or whatever.
   Do you guys think the GW would have lived if the Valkyrie we ride would have still been made today with upgrades relative to the times?   

[Willow]

   Do you guys think the GW would have lived if the Valkyrie we ride would have still been made today with upgrades relative to the times? 

Oh, yes.  Keep in mind that as much as we love the Valkyrie and as fine a motorcycle as it is, it was not a marketing success for Honda.  Why would we think they would be motivated to market a motorcycle meeting our approval?

[..]

   I really don't think this is anymore than an excuse. IF you are going to produce something I am of the opinion that you should do some homework first to see what the people involved that area like. Then build your product around some of the more important suggestions that come from people who ride or whatever.
   Do you guys think the GW would have lived if the Valkyrie we ride would have still been made today with upgrades relative to the times?   

What upgrades?

Please don't give the usual litany cause that was never going to happen.

Why would Honda upgrade the Valkyrie to rival what had been a very steady seller for Honda since the GW's introduction in 1974.

The US is Honda's BIGGEST market for GW's.

It's the same argument some ST1300 riders use. No cruise nor this nor that. If you want a Honda with all that guess what it's called a GW!

[LL]

What bikes are really being bought now anyway? Especially from the Valkyrie group. I mainly see people talking about picking up used Valkyries and restoring them. I myself would love to have a 97 Red and White Tourer like I started out with new in 98 but I wanted a more modern up to date bike with FI, 1800cc flat six, windshield and hard bags. Yeah we all wanted a 6th gear, single sided drive shaft, an integrated stereo, electronic cruise and trunks back then and that took me closer when I got my 01 I/S. It still lacked what we all wanted but it was closer. Then came (get ready) the Goldwing..............I would NEVER EVER NEVER EVER have dreamed of owning one but HAY, it fit the ticket....for a while anyway.
So now what? Going to the Valkyrie gatherings I still had the wants for what I had in the Tourer but there I was on the 08 GW, all the bells and whistles a guy could want but it was, it was, a little too conservative.
I saw the pictures of the 14 Valkyrie and it just didn't look or even resemble the big chrome behemoth we grew to hope Honda would build so............. Enter the F6B.

It's working for me so far. I did not get red this time but I'm liking it. Oh sure I miss reverse, electronic cruise, adjustable air suspension and so on that I had on the GW, it's no land yacht but it  
is fitting the ticket.

Then last Saturday I rode the first 2014 Valkyrie DFW Honda just got in. Trust me, that is one sweet bike and I had hoped I did not make a mistake buying the F6B a few weeks ago. I don't think I did even though I could flat foot with both feet while sitting on the stock seat. There is a lot of potential for this bike once you get over the hugh amount of plastic on the front end. Heck it even has the threaded space to bolt up a factory centerstand if you want one. (rotate the pic 45 degrees).......With all the imagination that made the original Valks what they still are today, this bike could be there too someday and not like the Rune. That bike was one of it's own.

[solo1]

Thiels Wheels Upper Sandusky Ohio has a USED F6B in black.  Saw it today (No ,i wasn't buying any thing, )

[Dave Ritsema]

My dealer has sold two F6B's in the last three weeks so I guess they are selling a bit around here.
For me it was the logical next step from my Interstate and it had the features I had been wanting for years such as a larger engine, fuel injection, self cancelling turn signals, fixed fairing and center stand. I also feel it has some attitude in it's bagger profile that I find appealing. The full blown Wing was just a little more  "mature" than I was ready for........for now.

I love my new F6B, but that being said I am still in the group of folks that like the new Valkyrie. There willl be plenty of chrome to satisfy those that want it, and I am sure Honda designed it in such a way that bags and a windshield will be possible. One of the reasons I purchased my first Valkyrie was because it was unique and different and I see the new Valkyrie that way as well. I am betting if you ride one, you will love it. I look forward to seeing what creative owners will do with this new blank canvas.