Sold the F6B, out of the motorcycle business for awhile

[Dave Ritsema]

I loved the F6B, I really did. The seating position was perfect after the risers and Ultimate seat, the power and handling was phenomenal. The problem was Andrea was just never comfortable on it after feeling all tucked in on the Valkyrie Interstate. This is something we enjoy doing together and if momma ain't happy........ well you know the rest. And I really DO want her to be happy.

Posted a few pictures on the F6B forum and a guy came in from Ohio and paid cash on the spot. Honestly I didn't really have any emotion watching it leave like I did my Valkyrie. Perhaps it was because we had spent so much time together, or that it was essentially irreplaceable. She was one fine example of a Valkyrie Interstate. The F6B could easily be replaced.

On to the future. Clearly I knew what my decision parameters were. I wanted something that handled well, was powerful and unique, with the reliability of a Honda. I reached the inevitable conclusion.



My awesome dealer was able to locate a 40th Anniversary Gold Wing with the special paint theme that I think looks amazing. It is a beautiful candy red and a gold accent stripe that has holograms of the 40th anniversary symbol discreetly hidden in it. To me it is a striking combination. He located it today and she is shipping from a Honda warehouse next week, still in the crate. It is the satellite radio/navigation model and should easily give me another 10 years like her Valkyrie sister did. I have a list of farkles the dealer is adding and she should be quite a looker.

DANG spring is a long way off!

[Michvalk]

I like!!!

[BCoy]

Very nice, congrats!   

[Jack B]

 Yes it does look like a windshield wiper.
Congratulations Dave I'm sure you're going to love your new Wing.
 Hopefully it won't have the paint tissues like you did on your F6.

[specialdose]

    Were I shopping for a Gold Wing that would appeal to me. Beautiful machine.

[Dave Ritsema]

Awesome, Congrats. 

is that a windshield wiper?  if it is u know that has to go. 

Good Eye! I did not catch that. Nope, no wiper!
Lets try another photo. 

[wiggydotcom]

Dave, I think you keep upping the bar. That's one beautiful Wing...but I'm kinda partial to that good looking B you had too....and the Interstate that preceded it.


My Interstate didn't look too much different than yours, nor did my F6b. I am NOT going to keep up with you and buy a 40th Anniversary Goldwing though!  Congrats!!

[Mr Whiskey]

Nice!!
Momma's gonna love you!
(but better make sure you like it cause once she rides it, you're stuck with it, trust me )

[~ Timbrwolf]

...Wow....gotta admit, I was surprised when I read the title to this
post, but God Damn thats a BEAUTIFUL Wing ! Love the color combo,
and they are indeed comfortable, especially on LD rides. Wanna thank
you once more for giving me the honor of taking your old F6b for a spin,
she was indeed sweet. Beautiful bike Dave, and new in the crate ?. ...Damn !


...Oh...one more thing in closing....Yeah...spring is a long friggin way off..  

[Dave Ritsema]

...Wow....gotta admit, I was surprised when I read the title to this
post, but God Damn thats a BEAUTIFUL Wing ! Love the color combo,
and they are indeed comfortable, especially on LD rides. Wanna thank
you once more for giving me the honor of taking your old F6b for a spin,
she was indeed sweet. Beautiful bike Dave, and new in the crate ?. ...Damn !


...Oh...one more thing in closing....Yeah...spring is a long friggin way off..  

Thanks Dave! I am thinking her maiden voyage will be up to your place next year for da Que!

[Dave Ritsema]

Dave, I think you keep upping the bar. That's one beautiful Wing...but I'm kinda partial to that good looking B you had too....and the Interstate that preceded it.


My Interstate didn't look too much different than yours, nor did my F6b. I am NOT going to keep up with you and buy a 40th Anniversary Goldwing though!  Congrats!!

Thanks Russ! And NEVER say Never. 

[vanavyman]

Real nice looking Wing Dave. My wife has always preferred a Goldwing over the Valkyrie Interstare or Tour. She rides the Interstate for 6-8 hours a day, but won't ride the Tour setup longer tha an hour. We can do 14-16 hour days on the Goldwing with the Diamond Custom seat. The color combo on your new Wing is outstanding.
Dan

[Misfit]

As you know Dave. She's worth it. Andrea is a very cool chick. Nice work. 

[hotglue #43]

Congrats!!!!!  If Momma ain't happy....  well you know....  LOL the Wings are Sweet!

[3fan4life]

I believe that is a windshield wiper in this pic.

I thought that it was photoshopped.

But it would seem that there is a company out there making windshield wipers for them:

http://www.roaddogwiper.com/

[cookiedough]

congrats on the quick sale, but you decked that f6b out very well to be sold ASAP. 

Maybe just me, but I LOVE the looks of that color combo 40th anniversary Wing.  I sat and looked one over at a dealer and although liked the color combo,  I felt cramped on it sitting on it and really feel the f6b and old VAlk I/S had a ton more wiggle room for us larger folks as well as for the passenger.  If your misses is smaller in stature,  that won't be an issue, but I think our old Valk I/S's have more room than the Wings do for both passenger and driver. 

I also didn't like on the Wing the cramped feeling of all that plastic mere inches away from your knees, if that even, and I am not over 6' tall. 

Does look VERY sharp though an sure hope it works all out for you and the misses.  If not,  you can always sell that new Wing and keep your eyes out for an old Valk I/S for 1/3rd of the price. 

[wiggydotcom]

congrats on the quick sale, but you decked that f6b out very well to be sold ASAP. 

Maybe just me, but I LOVE the looks of that color combo 40th anniversary Wing.  I sat and looked one over at a dealer and although liked the color combo,  I felt cramped on it sitting on it and really feel the f6b and old VAlk I/S had a ton more wiggle room for us larger folks as well as for the passenger.  If your misses is smaller in stature,  that won't be an issue, but I think our old Valk I/S's have more room than the Wings do for both passenger and driver. 

I also didn't like on the Wing the cramped feeling of all that plastic mere inches away from your knees, if that even, and I am not over 6' tall. 

Does look VERY sharp though an sure hope it works all out for you and the misses.  If not,  you can always sell that new Wing and keep your eyes out for an old Valk I/S for 1/3rd of the price. 

I can't speak for everyone but although I loved my Valkyries, I've NEVER heard any F6b rider or one who bought the new Valk to say that they just didn't like it and were going back to the OLD style Valk. Many have both, but of the one's who do, the F6bs get ridden more and the Valks usually sit idle.
Whether you like them or not, most of us who move on don't look back. The F6b is a better bike than my old Interstate hands down. Once you've ridden the 1832, there is no reason I know of to go back to a 1500 with carbs, petcock rebuids, rear spline/pinion cup checks, etc.. Just my 2 cents worth. The only thing that makes sense is to go to a Wing if the F6b or New Valk doesn't fit the plans, as in Andrea's case.

[solo1]

Whew!  For awhile I thought that you got out of the motorcycle business, Dave.

That is one beautiful GW and I'll bet that Andrea will be much happier and that's the main thing!

Wayne

[fudgie]

  to what solo1 said.

Congrats!  For a second there I also thght you were getting another I/S. 

[bassman]

You da MAN bro !!  Stepping up is the right thing to do and I'm sure you will both be extremely happy in this decision.
I've always enjoyed Wings in the past as well as my Tourer.  Sometimes going from Mustang to a Cadillac is not necessarily
a bad thing.  Our individual wants and needs are constantly changing which makes life so interesting and enjoyable.

Ride On and Safe Winds buddy.

[Alpha Dog]

This is just one cool looking bike and love the color scheme.  Best wishes for many miles of smiles and safe ridding and memories.
Chuck

[cookiedough]

congrats on the quick sale, but you decked that f6b out very well to be sold ASAP. 

Maybe just me, but I LOVE the looks of that color combo 40th anniversary Wing.  I sat and looked one over at a dealer and although liked the color combo,  I felt cramped on it sitting on it and really feel the f6b and old VAlk I/S had a ton more wiggle room for us larger folks as well as for the passenger.  If your misses is smaller in stature,  that won't be an issue, but I think our old Valk I/S's have more room than the Wings do for both passenger and driver. 

I also didn't like on the Wing the cramped feeling of all that plastic mere inches away from your knees, if that even, and I am not over 6' tall. 

Does look VERY sharp though an sure hope it works all out for you and the misses.  If not,  you can always sell that new Wing and keep your eyes out for an old Valk I/S for 1/3rd of the price. 

I can't speak for everyone but although I loved my Valkyries, I've NEVER heard any F6b rider or one who bought the new Valk to say that they just didn't like it and were going back to the OLD style Valk. Many have both, but of the one's who do, the F6bs get ridden more and the Valks usually sit idle.
Whether you like them or not, most of us who move on don't look back. The F6b is a better bike than my old Interstate hands down. Once you've ridden the 1832, there is no reason I know of to go back to a 1500 with carbs, petcock rebuids, rear spline/pinion cup checks, etc.. Just my 2 cents worth. The only thing that makes sense is to go to a Wing if the F6b or New Valk doesn't fit the plans, as in Andrea's case.

Only reason is looks and price.    They don't give those 20K+ Wings away for free.  That is more than I spent on our new 2014 Hyundai Sonata GLS paying 17.7K out the door price that we can drive 24/7 vs. any cycle 8 months of the year is all.   If I could ride one all year long like down south,  would make more sense to spend the dough

I'm curious though on the misses not feeling comfortable (or ?)  on the F6B.  What didn't she like about it??  The smaller backrest or too open of a feel?  Just curious because maybe in a few years when the used price comes down a bit under 11K or so might be considering one.  I have driven one and liked the feel and power of the f6b, but was the deluxe model at around 17K in price I think.  Agree, the power and performance was second to none, darn near do I say too much?  The ergos for me was much better than the new Valk or Wing though. 

[TJ]

  Great choise Dave... Sure you BOTH will enjoy it....

[six2go #152]

Well Dadgummit nohow Dave. When I found out you had traded for the F6B, I went to Lake City to buy your IS. As you know, I ended up trading my '98 Standard AND my V-Strom for an F6B. I don't think I'm going to follow you on this latest move though since I like the "6" ok but I really miss the ADV style of the V-Strom. Like you, I haven't really "bonded" with the "6" yet so I'm not emotionally attached. Honda is bringing the VFR1200X to the states next year so I might see what Lake City will do for me in the Spring. That is if I can swing my leg over the tail section to get on   If that works out, I may be back on an ADV bike.
Might see ya in Warsaw one of these days.

http://powersports.honda.com/2016/vfr1200x.aspx

[Dave Ritsema]

congrats on the quick sale, but you decked that f6b out very well to be sold ASAP. 

Maybe just me, but I LOVE the looks of that color combo 40th anniversary Wing.  I sat and looked one over at a dealer and although liked the color combo,  I felt cramped on it sitting on it and really feel the f6b and old VAlk I/S had a ton more wiggle room for us larger folks as well as for the passenger.  If your misses is smaller in stature,  that won't be an issue, but I think our old Valk I/S's have more room than the Wings do for both passenger and driver. 

I also didn't like on the Wing the cramped feeling of all that plastic mere inches away from your knees, if that even, and I am not over 6' tall. 

Does look VERY sharp though an sure hope it works all out for you and the misses.  If not,  you can always sell that new Wing and keep your eyes out for an old Valk I/S for 1/3rd of the price. 

I can't speak for everyone but although I loved my Valkyries, I've NEVER heard any F6b rider or one who bought the new Valk to say that they just didn't like it and were going back to the OLD style Valk. Many have both, but of the one's who do, the F6bs get ridden more and the Valks usually sit idle.
Whether you like them or not, most of us who move on don't look back. The F6b is a better bike than my old Interstate hands down. Once you've ridden the 1832, there is no reason I know of to go back to a 1500 with carbs, petcock rebuids, rear spline/pinion cup checks, etc.. Just my 2 cents worth. The only thing that makes sense is to go to a Wing if the F6b or New Valk doesn't fit the plans, as in Andrea's case.

Only reason is looks and price.    They don't give those 20K+ Wings away for free.  That is more than I spent on our new 2014 Hyundai Sonata GLS paying 17.7K out the door price that we can drive 24/7 vs. any cycle 8 months of the year is all.   If I could ride one all year long like down south,  would make more sense to spend the dough

I'm curious though on the misses not feeling comfortable (or ?)  on the F6B.  What didn't she like about it??  The smaller backrest or too open of a feel?  Just curious because maybe in a few years when the used price comes down a bit under 11K or so might be considering one.  I have driven one and liked the feel and power of the f6b, but was the deluxe model at around 17K in price I think.  Agree, the power and performance was second to none, darn near do I say too much?  The ergos for me was much better than the new Valk or Wing though. 

Cookie, It was the latter. She felt "too open" and not as connected to the bike.   

[Jersey mike]

I have a question and I'm not trying to knock your new ride it's a great looking machine. 

How are the Anniversary Editions put into production? I've been looking at pre-owned Wings for a while now.

Here is a 50th Ann Goldwing but it's 1999;

http://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/Cycle-Warehouse-2853948/listing/1999-Honda-Gold-Wing-GL1500-SE-Touring-50th-An-115651774

and other images;

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+goldwing+50th+anniversary+edition&biw=1778&bih=800&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiP2dO-76zJAhUBfiYKHSatCsEQ_AUICCgC&dpr=0.9

and yours is a 40th Ann and is produced in 2015

http://powersports.honda.com/2015/gold-wing.aspx

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+goldwing+40th+anniversary+edition&biw=1778&bih=800&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwiL2Ijj7qzJAhXMOCYKHcMxA8EQ_AUIBygC&dpr=0.9

what am I missing??

[Dave Ritsema]

I have a question and I'm not trying to knock your new ride it's a great looking machine.  

How are the Anniversary Editions put into production? I've been looking at pre-owned Wings for a while now.

Here is a 50th Ann Goldwing but it's 1999;

http://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/Cycle-Warehouse-2853948/listing/1999-Honda-Gold-Wing-GL1500-SE-Touring-50th-An-115651774

and other images;

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+goldwing+50th+anniversary+edition&biw=1778&bih=800&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiP2dO-76zJAhUBfiYKHSatCsEQ_AUICCgC&dpr=0.9

and yours is a 40th Ann and is produced in 2015

http://powersports.honda.com/2015/gold-wing.aspx

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+goldwing+40th+anniversary+edition&biw=1778&bih=800&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwiL2Ijj7qzJAhXMOCYKHcMxA8EQ_AUIBygC&dpr=0.9

what am I missing??

No offense taken.

The first Gold Wing was introduced in 1975, hence the 2015 model year being the 40th year of gold wing production. I think the bikes in your links celebrated the 50th year of Honda being in business as a company.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Really makes a person feel old to know the Goldwing has been around for 40 years now. 

[fudgie]

Really makes a person feel old to know the Goldwing has been around for 40 years now. 

At least the wing is older then me. 

[Slyk Willy]

looks like a great find Dave. Congrats!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Really makes a person feel old to know the Goldwing has been around for 40 years now. 

At least the wing is older then me. 

Damn kids  Have a Happy Thanksgiving youngster 

[98valk]

[/quote]

No offense taken.

The first Gold Wing was introduced in 1975, hence the 2015 model year being the 40th year of gold wing production. I think the bikes in your links celebrated the 50th year of Honda being in business as a company.
[/quote]

interesting side note, there are actually a few less than 55, 1st yr goldwings with a production date of 1974 on the frame label.
http://www.ngwclub.com/index.php?module=pagesmith&uop=view_page&id=4

[Popeye]

Nice looking bike Dave.  It's always best to keep the little lady happy and if she will feel safer on the Wing, all the better.

Enjoy your new Wing.  Ride Safe.

Popeye

[LL]

I guess I felt the same way Dave only I had a like new 12 GW Airbag/Navi (-3K miles) at home. Never really could wrap my hands around either one so, I sold both of them and went a whole different direction. I bet you'll like your choice though, I thought I made a LLarge mistake at first......

[Rams]

Nice looking Wing.      Love the paint scheme, love the colors.   I definitely think you made a significant upgrade.    I have never hidden the fact that I'm not an F6B fan nor am I a Wing Man but, a Wing is a woefully different bike when compared to just about any other motorcycle and offers qualities and gizmos not offered on most other bikes.   I can easily see myself jumping to such a Wing some day.    While I admit my Valkyrie won't perform with a F6B, it still is the sexiest motorcycle ever made IMHO.   And, that matters.   My Humble Opinion is what says where I'm spending my humble money. 

Nice Up Grade.   Enjoy and Ride Safe.   

[cookiedough]

In the spring, for sure let us know you are enjoying your new ride. as compared to the decked out F6B.   ONLY 3+ more months to go before you can drive it probably?   

I still haven't cleaned up and changed oil on the bike yet, but should this weekend.  Too tired and ready for a nap after eating and eating and eating mid-day just now.

If it was NOT downpouring out now,  I'd be riding it today for sure being 50 degrees out not likely to be that high anytime soon.   

[jdp]

I guess we all will be on a wing one day

[Robert]

WOW you are really suffering with that new Wing    What a tough decision, I feel so bad for you Yes it would bother me no end to have to buy one of the nicest looking wings I have seen. But you could have just been a man and said you wanted one instead of blaming your wife.  

  Plus if you ever want to all you have to do is take off the trunk and you have your F6B again of course with all the amenities of the wing.

     Hope you  and the wife have many enjoyable and safe miles in the wind on your new Wing.  

[wingrider02]

Congrats on the new bike!  I do love my Wing!  In regards to your first picture, if I am not mistaken, all Japanese bikes built to stay in country have a windshield wiper...so perhaps that picture is of a in country bike.

[Dave Ritsema]

I guess I felt the same way Dave only I had a like new 12 GW Airbag/Navi (-3K miles) at home. Never really could wrap my hands around either one so, I sold both of them and went a whole different direction. I bet you'll like your choice though, I thought I made a LLarge mistake at first......

So, Fortuitous Larry... please share your latest direction? (Since you and I seem to have similar tastes in motorcycles I just want to see my next course change ahead of time.)