Honda F6B Deluxe

[HwyRider]

I got to spend some time today with a guy that just purchased a Gold Wing F6B Deluxe. That is one nice bike. Has all the amenities except Nav. It had heated grips, AVC stereo, cruise control, self canceling signals, center stand, passenger backrest, and the side bags were huge. The guy said it was a 2015 and that he paid 17,500 for it. When it comes time for me to buy another bike I will take a serious ride on one to see how good it feels on the highway. I sat on this one and the seat appeared to be very comfortable. The seat height was a little closer to the ground than my 1700 Nomad. The bike itself felt lighter than the Nomad when I picked it up from the side stand. The only thing I didn't like about the bike was the diameter of the grips. They felt very narrow. The owner told me that he was looking for aftermarket grips that are wider.

[redjay]

Grip Puppies or Grip Buddies would help. Had them on my FJR.

[cnc]

A fella came to our New Hampshire rally with one last year. Very nice machine.

[HwyRider]

I just read that the reason it's easier to pick up than the Nomad is because part of the gas tank is under the seat giving it a lower center of gravity.

[cnc]

Originally Posted by HwyRider

I just read that the reason it's easier to pick up than the Nomad is because part of the gas tank is under the seat giving it a lower center of gravity.

It is a lot like a normal GW in that respect.

[Top Cat]

Did it have ABS?
If not, that would be a deal killer for me.

[cnc]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Did it have ABS?
If not, that would be a deal killer for me.

I don't know if Smileys had abs or not, or if you had the option to not have it.

[HwyRider]

The Deluxe has a dual combined ABS system.

[HwyRider]

The 2015 Deluxe also has the reverse gear.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by HwyRider

The Deluxe has a dual combined ABS system.

No ABS on American bikes. It's called the CBS or combined braking system. It's basically linked brakes, front to back and back to front. We've discussed this before. Canadian and European bikes get the ABS, but not the US. Even with the Gold Wing, to get ABS, the $27-28K trim level has to be purchased.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Did it have ABS?
If not, that would be a deal killer for me.

No it doesn't. In fact, the 2015 was the first year with cruise control.

They really need to update the Gold Wing. Have you seen the number of buttons it has to control the stereo? It's very 2001 engineering and design. Try a BMW or HD where everything can be controlled from the switchgear. The fact that HD has something more modern is amazing.

[HwyRider]

The twin-spar aluminium frame provides strength and delivers a great handling motorcycle, as do 45mm anti-dive telescopic forks and Pro-Link rear suspension. A Dual Combined ABS braking system ensures rapid and secure stopping power on a variety of road surfaces and conditions.

Here's the link

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motor...F6B-Deluxe.htm

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by ponch

No ABS on American bikes. It's called the CBS or combined braking system. It's basically linked brakes, front to back and back to front. We've discussed this before. Canadian and European bikes get the ABS, but not the US. Even with the Gold Wing, to get ABS, the $27-28K trim level has to be purchased.

Some of us don't retain what we read for very long (me)
Sooo, with this linked system available here, I can still lock up the tires in a panic situation, whereas with a true ABS system I can't, correct?

Anti-dive system minimizes front fork dive when braking. The system utilizes brake fluid pressure generated in the secondary Dual-Combined Braking System master cylinder mounted on the left fork leg and is activated by input from either the front brake lever or the rear brake pedal. This application of anti-dive and Dual-Combined Braking System produces enhanced stability when manoeuvring at both low speeds and highway speeds..

[ponch]

Originally Posted by HwyRider

The twin-spar aluminium frame provides strength and delivers a great handling motorcycle, as do 45mm anti-dive telescopic forks and Pro-Link rear suspension. A Dual Combined ABS braking system ensures rapid and secure stopping power on a variety of road surfaces and conditions.

Here's the link

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motor...F6B-Deluxe.htm

Not on US models as was proven in the last thread. Go to the US honda site and show me where it says it has ABS. It doesn't because it doesn't have it. My guess is that they want people to spend an extra 5-7k with a Gold Wing to get ABS or another way to look at it is that it would cut into GW sales.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Some of us don't retain what we read for very long (me)
Sooo, with this linked system available here, I can still lock up the tires in a panic situation, whereas with a true ABS system I can't, correct?

Without ABS, the chance of locking up the brakes is a lot higher, especially on surfaces that aren't clean. You should look at the LA Sheriffs motorcycle tests for 2015 and see the differences among the bikes even if all have ABS RE stopping on sand and wet roads. ABS makes a big difference in those conditions.