Sold the F6B, out of the motorcycle business for awhile

[deadwood]

Just bought the exact same bike one week ago. Love it.

[Dave Ritsema]

Just bought the exact same bike one week ago. Love it.

Congratulations!

I am a little concerned about the seating position. Do you find your getting used to it?

[Jopson]

Lookin good Dave! 

[deadwood]

Not a problem for me. I am 6' and 240 lbs. I am farther forward than on the Valk which actually was better. I didn't miss my backrest. Of course, like any new touring bike I am looking for highway pegs but I liked the seating position. In the Valk I always felt a little stretched out, even with 1 inch risers. I think it tells a lot that I rode it off the lot right into a 440 mile ride and was comfortable. Towards the end of the ride I found myself occasionally sticking my feet straight down with the backs of my ankles resting on the foot pegs, feet about an inch off the ground because my knees would stiffen up. Did that for 5 min and I was good to go for another 75 miles of so and then do it again. Of course I had both knees replaced a few months ago so they are still a little stiff. I think the highway pegs will fix all that (Mick-O-Pegs?)

Don't worry. You will enjoy it.

Just bought the exact same bike one week ago. Love it.

Congratulations!

I am a little concerned about the seating position. Do you find your getting used to it?

[Jabba]

You can't hide money!!

I bought an '08 Wing this past spring... I should have done it 10 years ago!

Congrats!!

Jabba

[Jabba]

Congratulations!

I am a little concerned about the seating position. Do you find your getting used to it?

Go Russell Day long Dave. I did 2400 miles in 3 days on the stock wing seat... it was OK. I'll be looking for a Russell this winter. Better get going huh?

Jabba

[wiggydotcom]

Congratulations!

I am a little concerned about the seating position. Do you find your getting used to it?

Go Russell Day long Dave. I did 2400 miles in 3 days on the stock wing seat... it was OK. I'll be looking for a Russell this winter. Better get going huh?

Jabba

+1  The Mercedes of seats.

[Rams]

Of course I had both knees replaced a few months ago so they are still a little stiff. I think the highway pegs will fix all that (Mick-O-Pegs?)

According to my doc, I'm overdue for a knee replacement.   I put Mick O Pegs on my Valkyrie about three years ago.   They are the reason I can still go the distance when I feel the need.   One of the best investments I have made to my motorcycle enjoyment.   I highly recommend them.   Was just scraping pegs (Mick O Pegs) yesterday with Punisher in Southern Mississippi.   Although I still have highway pegs on the Valkyrie, I never use them.   The Mick O Pegs are perfect for me and my riding style/comfort.

[cookiedough]

Next step up Dave:  http://madison.craigslist.org/mcd/5267052090.html

Can't hide money but over 40K - OUCH!!!!!

I sort of like the naked look but doubt it is street legal with the entire rear end removed?  Just add some turn signals and brake lights, good to go?

I too would be a tad bit worried the seating position is too far forward/upright unlike our old Valks or even the F6B with more wiggle room.    Although, I am 75% sure I would get used to it after awhile since I am shorter (but just as heavy am sure)  than most at 5'10" and others taller than me on this board like the Wing.    I would think you have test ridden a newer Wing and found out as well that the seating position is more upright and a tad forward more (or so it seems like it on a newer Wing).    

Am sure the misses will love it though being tucked in very tight and secure, especially if you add flip out armrests as well.  

If there is one thing long ago some 7+ years or so I figured out when looking at bikes,  I sat on a few at dealers and could tell right away whether the ergos were comfy.  When I found a used 'barn find' at my local dealer in the back all dusty and dirty not cleaned up yet,  I at first brushed if off as a NO since not cleaned up, but they let me test ride it as is needing some from I was hoping for minor attention.  One 3-4 mile jaunt on it after being off cycles for 10 years I knew I had to have it since ergos were right for me as a pretty much stock Valk I/S.  I told the dealer to clean it up and let me know and I will be back to ride it again and maybe put an offer on it.  1 week later, done deal, sold.  

I hope it all works out very well for you and the misses, but on the slight chance it does not,  let us all know for that color combo Wing you are getting is at the top of my USED list as well.  Just love that color combo and blacked out rims,etc. is truly unique making a normal tupperware loaded chromed out Wing seem wimpy (yet classy) since I think that blacked out looked makes that Wing look tough and unique.  

[cookiedough]

let's try that link again:  http://madison.craigslist.org/mcd/5267052090.html

[Slvrvalk1]

Dave -

I moved to a Gold Wing also.  I understand everything that you said. 

Dave

[Dave Ritsema]

Dave -

I moved to a Gold Wing also.  I understand everything that you said. 

Dave

Beautiful bike Dave!

[Dave Ritsema]

You can't hide money!!

I bought an '08 Wing this past spring... I should have done it 10 years ago!

Congrats!!

Jabba

Your right about hiding the money. None left after buying this bike. NEVER thought I would spend that much on a motorcycle but hey, life is short, just gotta live it sometimes. 

[Mr Whiskey]

I am a little concerned about the seating position.

OEM seat was the first thing that had to go on my '05, couldn't stand it!
Was gonna go "Daylong" but I wanted a ride-in for that, then I got a killer deal on a brand new Ultimate King from Des!
Mick O Peg was also awesome lettin' me trade in my pegs & mounts. It had the ones on the horizontal & I had to have the verts.
These for Sugar......(she loves 'em)!
http://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1800_adjustable_passenger_foot_pegs/111947/61433
Used Kury risers from someone on the Wing board (reversed right & left to give me wider bars for more counter steer).
Bought a set of sheepskins for those cold damp mornings,
& we been in the wind since
Make it yours, & enjoy it Bro!

[Dave Ritsema]

I am a little concerned about the seating position.

OEM seat was the first thing that had to go on my '05, couldn't stand it!
Was gonna go "Daylong" but I wanted a ride-in for that, then I got a killer deal on a brand new Ultimate King from Des!
Mick O Peg was also awesome lettin' me trade in my pegs & mounts. It had the ones on the horizontal & I had to have the verts.
These for Sugar......(she loves 'em)!
http://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1800_adjustable_passenger_foot_pegs/111947/61433
Used Kury risers from someone on the Wing board (reversed right & left to give me wider bars for more counter steer).
Bought a set of sheepskins for those cold damp mornings,
& we been in the wind since
Make it yours, & enjoy it Bro!

Thanks for all the helpful hints!

[Slvrvalk1]

Dave -

You may want to consider the Baker Built wind wings that fit under the mirrors (see my picture above).  They make a difference for both the rider and the passenger.

Dave

[Dave Ritsema]

Dave -

You may want to consider the Baker Built wind wings that fit under the mirrors (see my picture above).  They make a difference for both the rider and the passenger.

Dave

I had a set of those on the F6B, I pulled them off and they are in the garage waiting for their new home on the wing. 

[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......

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.) 

Sorry Dave been out of town, but to answer you question of taste in bikes........ Close one eye and cover the other. My path since 1997            AND NOW.....   Be careful out there....I can touch the ground flat footed now!!!!

[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.) 

Sorry Dave been out of town, but to answer you question of taste in bikes........ Close one eye and cover the other. My path since 1997            AND NOW.....   Be careful out there....I can touch the ground flat footed now!!!!

Is that where I am heading??? AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! 

[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......

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.) 

Sorry Dave been out of town, but to answer you question of taste in bikes........ Close one eye and cover the other. My path since 1997          AND NOW.....   Be careful out there....I can touch the ground flat footed now!!!!

Is that where I am heading??? AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! 

Can't say that's where YOU are headed, heck being a HONDA guy that I am, I can't believe I went there! But ya know, going from the out of the box power and smoothness of the Flat 6 is by no means comparable to Twin Cam 103 BUT...... I've put more miles on the Limited Low in the last two months than the 2012 GW AND the F6B in 18 months. There are definite differences in the 3 bikes that makes you appreciate all of them. They all have their quirks  and all have their smile factors too!  .  Hope Krys and I are still welcome to VRCC gatherings cause, we will still be there when we can. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I can't speak for the VRCC but I think if a guy riding an Indian with a mannequin on back is welcome I would think you guys with a sweet looking HD will be just fine 

[LL]

I can't speak for the VRCC but I think if a guy riding an Indian with a mannequin on back is welcome I would think you guys with a sweet looking HD will be just fine 

Excellent 

[wiggydotcom]

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.) 

Sorry Dave been out of town, but to answer you question of taste in bikes........ Close one eye and cover the other. My path since 1997            AND NOW.....   Be careful out there....I can touch the ground flat footed now!!!!

Larry, I really, really, like the Interstate and the F6b colors...That F6b paint job is sweeeet! How many of these bikes do you currently own, or do you just have the Harley?

[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......

[/quote]

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.) 
[/quote]

Sorry Dave been out of town, but to answer you question of taste in bikes........ Close one eye and cover the other.

Larry, I really, really, like the Interstate and the F6b colors...That F6b paint job is sweeeet! How many of these bikes do you currently own, or do you just have the Harley?
[/quote]

Thanks W.com

I'm down to just the Harley (yep, I'm scooter trash) but sometimes I bet just like Dave, wished I still had Red October (97 Tourer) as he thinks about his beautiful I/S he used to have sitting in the garage. 

[shortleg]

   Dave
    since it is because of you that I have my F6B I can understand
what you felt about your passenger .
  I learned real quick that this bike , even though it is large
it is really made for one.
   I have ridden a bike just like your about to get.
It is one of the best bikes on the road, and all the gizmos
are just the best.
   The only thing you will find is you will have to adjust
the tension on the cable for the cruise control or it will have a
lag in it. You will see what I mean. Everything else is just flawless
and you will never look back!!!!!
   Best of luck my brother, OH and to the lady behind you.
  You two will be together for many, many miles.
       shortleg[Dave]

[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.) 
[/quote]

Sorry Dave been out of town, but to answer you question of taste in bikes........ Close one eye and cover the other.

Larry, I really, really, like the Interstate and the F6b colors...That F6b paint job is sweeeet! How many of these bikes do you currently own, or do you just have the Harley?
[/quote]

Thanks W.com

I'm down to just the Harley (yep, I'm scooter trash) but sometimes I bet just like Dave, wished I still had Red October (97 Tourer) as he thinks about his beautiful I/S he used to have sitting in the garage. 
[/quote]

She was a beauty... 

[Dave Ritsema]

   Dave
    since it is because of you that I have my F6B I can understand
what you felt about your passenger .
  I learned real quick that this bike , even though it is large
it is really made for one.
   I have ridden a bike just like your about to get.
It is one of the best bikes on the road, and all the gizmos
are just the best.
   The only thing you will find is you will have to adjust
the tension on the cable for the cruise control or it will have a
lag in it. You will see what I mean. Everything else is just flawless
and you will never look back!!!!!
   Best of luck my brother, OH and to the lady behind you.
  You two will be together for many, many miles.
       shortleg[Dave]

Thanks Dave! Hope to see you at InZane in 2016.

[cookiedough]

Wigglydotcom:  One thing for sure,  you have excellent taste in color and bike selection since 1997, even the current HD looks fine!  I still like the first 2 the best though in terms of the looks dept.  Do not see many maroon/black Valk I/S's and that one is sharp!!!

Different strokes for different folks.   I drive my 250cc kymco scooter locally around almost as much as my Valk I/S during the summer if 20 mile jaunts or less.  Furthest I've gone one way is 60 miles on my scooter.  Then, I'd prefer the Valk no doubt.  

Don't care what others think of what I 'look' like on any bike, it is what YOU think and will enjoy that matters.  

[Mr Whiskey]

   The only thing you will find is you will have to adjust
the tension on the cable for the cruise control or it will have a
lag in it.

If you find this to be the case I know a simple "cheat" for that.
DON'T let the dealer take all the plastics off (cause they will!) totally unnecessary!

[wiggydotcom]

Wigglydotcom:  One thing for sure,  you have excellent taste in color and bike selection since 1997, even the current HD looks fine!  I still like the first 2 the best though in terms of the looks dept.  Do not see many maroon/black Valk I/S's and that one is sharp!!!

cookiedough, thanks, but to be clear, these weren't my bikes. I was only commenting on Larry's bikes.