Looked at new bikes last week

[pooker]

Has anyone checked out the;
2013 Honda Gold Wing F6B

Looks like a nice machine!!

[ponch]

I am sure someone has. Only drawback is no ABS. What were they thinking?

[dank]

Originally Posted by ponch

I am sure someone has. Only drawback is no ABS. What were they thinking?

Also no cruise control. Add cruise, ABS, a taller windscreen and a top case and it could be a great touring bike! Wonder if Honda will think of it.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by dank

Also no cruise control. Add cruise, ABS, a taller windscreen and a top case and it could be a great touring bike! Wonder if Honda will think of it.

And add 60-70 lbs of dead weight. If I thought the K bike was more reliable or better put knew it was as it's new, I would say that's the bike. 200lbs lighter than a gold wing with more HP and torque. I will be interested to see what honda does with the ST. Seems honda is dragging their feet though with new stuff.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by dank

Also no cruise control. Add cruise, ABS, a taller windscreen and a top case and it could be a great touring bike! Wonder if Honda will think of it.

Seriously? No ABS or cruise control? That's a shame.

[ponch]

Yeah, for 20 large too

[dank]

Jim, I think Honda is in between a rock and a hard place with the ST. It doesn’t need more power or acceleration, but to garner attention at the new bike’s release it will have to have it. That is expensive. It will also probably lessen mpg, which will not be thought a plus. They need to add cruise and heated grips to keep up with the competition, but also need stay somewhat competitive with the FJR on price and to lessen weight, yet any major remodeling will likely carry with it the necessity to add a catalytic converter to the mufflers. They designed a great bike with few if any serious flaws, and I suspect it is hard to redesign it so that it continues to be excellent in all the current ways, adds new features like cruise control, heated grips, suspension that can be adjusted on the fly, etc., and at the same time stay in a competitive price position. Yet they will lose the market, in fact already are, by not updating it.

[blowndodge]

Jim one thing that a big guy like you would like is the ROOM! The ergo's are second to NO OTHER BIKE when it comes to room. You'd like that and the fact that they are easy as pie to work on!

[IntheWind]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Seriously? No ABS or cruise control? That's a shame.

...and no reverse. I like it though. I sat on one a month ago. Very comfortable. I could live without ABS, but no cruise control? What were they thinking?
__________
IntheWind
'08 Nomad

[dank]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

Jim one thing that a big guy like you would like is the ROOM! The ergo's are second to NO OTHER BIKE when it comes to room. You'd like that and the fact that they are easy as pie to work on!

And goodness Jim, don't forget the XCT saddle bags! They're big enough for Brad to pack his ego without adding a sidecar!!!

[dshelly]

I always thought the Goldwings were more like an open air car than a bike.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by dank

And goodness Jim, don't forget the XCT saddle bags! They're big enough for Brad to pack his ego without adding a sidecar!!!

My ego is nicely packed away in my rather large melon head Dan!

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by IntheWind

...and no reverse. I like it though. I sat on one a month ago. Very comfortable. I could live without ABS, but no cruise control? What were they thinking?
__________
IntheWind
'08 Nomad

I don't care so much about reverse but I won't have another bike without cruise. I don't like the riding position of the Wing, either. Too much for too little. Once you add all the stuff the regular Wing has (like cruise, ABS, etc), it'll cost MORE than a normal Wing.

[Kevinhyland]

I have a friend with a Gold Wing and I have ridden it and for such a big bike the riding position is very cramped, couldn't wait to get back on my Vaquero. I am a Honda fan, I rode a Shadow for 4 years and it was a great bike, but as previously stated Honda has been passed up by the competition for lack of innovation in recent years, especially in the Cruiser market which is the largest sales demographic at this time. The same friend has a BMW 1300 and that bike handles amazing and is very fast, it too has a fairly cramped riding position but better than the Gold Wing. He can't keep up with me in the twisties on the Gold Wing, but on the Beemer he right on my tail. The Honda STS 1300 is a sweet ride, have a friend who owns 5 bikes and the STS is his favorite.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

Jim one thing that a big guy like you would like is the ROOM! The ergo's are second to NO OTHER BIKE when it comes to room. You'd like that and the fact that they are easy as pie to work on!

I agree, but I can't get over the price. I am not ready to spend 23 large on a bike.