I rode the f6b today...

[Rossano]

I think the motor, frame etc will be first rate but Honda has not done enough to make the bike unique and they had a great opportunity in the bagger explosion. I sat on the bike at a recent show and was surprised at what Honda did away with. Example cruise control, someone who spends 20 K on a bike that will run over most other baggers will eventually want to add a taller shield and cruise down the Interstate on long trips - listening to tunes and riding with buddies they are going to miss cruise. (I'm assuming all those interested in milage want to run for some distance)

I doubt my 01 I/S would outrun the 1800 FI package but I find on the open highway few riders want to hold their bikes at over 100 MPH to follow my Valk, especially the V twins. It still out pulls most bikes off a light (to other riders surprise) even with a trunk so it is enough power and fun for me.

I'm disappoint is the design of the new F6, it has the bones to be a great bike but I think Honda has missed the mark and the first impression, the fairing screams wing, the ass end is a mystery and they have removed some bits that would have made sense on a high tech, high speed bagger. To me it is a low cost make over vs a "let's take this fantastic engine and build a special bagger"

I think the Valk maintains its place in bike history easly, mine remains a unique head turning, super fast ride some 12 years after production.

My fun last year came after a charity run, the chap behind me had a stunning anniversay edition Road Glide which had all the bells and whisles added- at a stop he admired the Valk and asked if the stories about the power where true..... once we reached the rally end point I had to head back and after  a gas stop pulled back on the devided 4 lane highway. As chance would have it I pull in behind the only other bike headed back to the city, the beautiful Road Glide and as I tucked in behind him we went from 120 Kms (Canada) to 130 to 140 and I thought "oh we are going to play!"

I flew by him at over 100 MPH and he was getting smaller in my mirrors when I pulled up - we road back to the city with his question answered. Two beautiful bikes on a Sunny Sunday afternoon - maybe he figured out why I call my bike "Buford"

[..]

I think the motor, frame etc will be first rate but Honda has not done enough to make the bike unique and they had a great opportunity in the bagger explosion.



I'm disappoint is the design of the new F6, it has the bones to be a great bike but I think Honda has missed the mark and the first impression, the fairing screams wing, the ass end is a mystery and they have removed some bits that would have made sense on a high tech, high speed bagger. To me it is a low cost make over vs a "let's take this fantastic engine and build a special bagger"

It's a Godwing with bits taken off!!!

Nothing more that's it.

The engien is the same (minus reverse).

The frame is the same.

The FI is the same.

The wheelbase is the same.

it's just a cosmetic make over. That's all.

[Jabba]

I love my Valks.  I really do.  

But I sure would like to have a comfortable, 1800 FI bike, that got decent gas mileage to ride sometimes too.

Jabba

[Duffy]

"Once, ten miles outside the territorial limits of the United States..."

Priceless! 

[fon1961]

I stopped by my local dealer and looked one over and sat on it. Nice bike. I wouldnt fault anyone for buying one. Everyone has pretty much touched on my thoughts. I think Honda could have done just a little bit to make this bike special (similar to the original release) vs the Goldwing.

1) implemented a few upgrades to give it slightly more horsepower than a wing even if it meant sacrificing a few mpg's
2) applied plenty of chrome to the engine, maybe I'm old school but I think that's an inherent Valk trait.

Just my thoughts, as it stands, if or when I switch bikes I would probably just look for a good used wing...