F6B Test Ride

[deadwood]

Rode my 2001 I/S to the dealer today and did a test ride of an F6B.
The F6B is a beautiful bike. More powerful and smoother than the Fat Gurl. It needs a bigger windshield (I can by one) and the seating position was a little cramped (yes I can get risers and different foot pegs.) The stereo wasn’t as good (the bigger windshield will help). But as I rode away it came to me.

It just didn’t have a soul.

Too sterile

Too antiseptic

It’s probably just because I am so used to the Fat Gurl. Like an old comfy pair of shoes. If the Valkyrie was stolen or wrecked today I would probably buy the F6B. But until I need to, I’m keeping the Valkyrie.

[jimmytee]

The stock stereo actually does sound pretty good once you have a better windshield. Even so , I couldn't leave it alone.  The soul comes when you ride through some twisties on them.  I kept my Valkyrie. Just rode it the other day. Deciding which one I want to take tomorrow for a good ride.

[six2go #152]

When the magazines were writing about the F6B road tests, everyone of them mentioned the weak sound system. When I took the demo ride I noticed the same thing, just couldn't get much volume out of those speakers. Well, I bought the 6 anyway because tunes just ain't that important to my ride. But wait, there's more; when I got home from the dealer I started going over every control I could touch and all of a sudden the radio let out a blast that darn near raised the roof from my garage. WTH? It seems as though my 6 was delivered to me with the "Mute" engaged. The owners' manual says that pressing the mute button it will cut off 85%(I think) of the volume. Now I have all the sound I need from the OEM system. Kinda makes me wonder if a lot of F6's are hitting the roads with the radio "muted"and the owners don't know it. I would have thought that the magazine road testers would have figured it out, but who knows?

[jimmytee]

Well, I do know that the F6B  stock stereo is hard to hear near 50 mph and over with the stock windshield. But with a little taller screen , the stereo became more than adequate and actually sounded pretty good. I wanted it to absolutely rock , so I added an amp, changed the speakers and added a sub.
 

[deadwood]

Maybe another reason I wasn't too enamored with it was when I got back the dealer had put a sheet together with all his numbers for the "Great deal" he promised me.
With tax, title, doc  fees, and my Valkyrie in trade he wanted  $18,800. 

[jimmytee]

Maybe another reason I wasn't too enamored with it was when I got back the dealer had put a sheet together with all his numbers for the "Great deal" he promised me.
With tax, title, doc  fees, and my Valkyrie in trade he wanted  $18,800.  

Was this for a 15?   I paid $15600 for my new 13 last July plus $1000 in free accessories. Plus I kept my Valkyrie. My out the door price was a little over $17 k for tax, title , plates etc... I've heard of 13s going for a thousand or more less now.

[deadwood]

It was for a fast black 2014 deluxe

[jimmytee]

It was for a fast black 2014 deluxe

Yeah, that is no deal. That price and he wanted your Valk to get there? He's smoking something.

[jimmytee]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Gold-Wing-NEW-2013-HONDA-GOLDWING-F6B-SALE-OUT-THE-DOOR-PRICE-GL1800-GOLD-WING-/141602361775?forcerrptr=true&hash=item20f82891af&item=141602361775&pt=US_motorcycles

[deadwood]

Yea, I saw a lot of nice out of state deals like that. (I'm in Albuquerque) Told him about them and he didn't seem to care.

[Pappy!]

When you get serious you can always do a fly and ride!

[six2go #152]

Well, I do know that the F6B  stock stereo is hard to hear near 50 mph and over with the stock windshield. But with a little taller screen , the stereo became more than adequate and actually sounded pretty good. I wanted it to absolutely rock , so I added an amp, changed the speakers and added a sub.
 

Agreed that the stock shield didn't do much. I have installed a Clearview Sport Tour on mine & the stereo is now ok for me. I did read your write up about the audio system you installed, sounds impressive for sure but I'm just not that much of an audiophile. If I can hear the radio(if I have it on), I'm satisfied.

[Beer van Huet]

During our meeting from 6 - 10 june 2013, 35 Valkyrie bikers tried a demo F6B that was provided to us by a local dealer. The F6B was used on paved roads in sunny, dry weather with 23 degrees C.
The average fuel consumption varied from 14.8 to 17 km per liter.
Everyone, without exception was very impressed with the performance, grip and handling of the F6B.  
The power and torque of the 1800 engine were very much appreciated, as were the brakes.
Despite its dimensions, the F6B was easy to handle in tight corners. Some Valkyrie bikers were not used to the front brakes operating in conjunction with the rear brake.  
The engine and bike are very quite. This fact, together with all the excessive power, resulted for most bikers in a more sporty and agressive ride than intended. The bike challenges you.
On the downside, the instrument and radio controls were outdated. Pity that the suspension could not be adjusted while riding.
The looks and appearance of the F6B is a matter of personal taste, of course.
The low screen seemed to have a cosmetic function only. Your head is constantly exposed to the wind. At least up to 80 mph. Beyond that speed, it could serve a purpose.
Despite the large looking hardbags, they will not accomodate a helmet.
Bikers missed some creativity and innovation with the body and panels of the F6B. No PZAZZZ.
With some striping and some more ass, the bike would look much better.