Goldwing Bagger

[Bruce in OK]

Honda has announced a new Goldwing model for 2013. The FB6 was announced recently. It is a bagger model with no trunk and integral saddle bags.

The website isn't completely up and running. The pics and videos don't load yet. But, here is the link (which should still be good when it is up completely):

http://powersports.honda.com/touring/20 ... g-f6b.aspx

[Gator Mike]

Bruce I went to the site and it opened up with picutures, specs etc. All I can say is hmmm. It's intresting but for my part if I'm getting a road bike I want the tour pack and all the bells and whistles. The thing still weighs 842 pounds dry. Guess we'll have to wait and see how it sells..........Gator Mike

[David (N. Alabama)]

A flat six bagger (F6B). Still looks like a goldwing to me. Definitely looks like they took some cues from the Victory Vision.

Why didn't they just make the trunk removable on the wing? That is one thing Harely and Vision does well. You can buy a touring bike and in minutes make it a local hauler, and then a full tourer again.

[Bruce in OK]

It loaded correctly for me this evening. I'm not sure what I think of it. I'm more interested in the CB1100 that was also announced. Honda rounded things out with three different versions of the new CB500 and a new CBR600RR coming to a dealer near you.

http://powersports.honda.com/nextgen.aspx#/CB1100-01

[debron]

I think it's a nice looking bike but a touring bike with no trunk?? What were they thinking? Also, you need to spend another $1,000 for the "deluxe" model and only get a center stand, passenger backrest (very, very short) and self-cancelling turn signals. OK, and heated grips.

[David (N. Alabama)]

It loaded correctly for me this evening. I'm not sure what I think of it. I'm more interested in the CB1100 that was also announced. Honda rounded things out with three different versions of the new CB500 and a new CBR600RR coming to a dealer near you.

http://powersports.honda.com/nextgen.aspx#/CB1100-01

Motorcycle USA has already done a first ride report.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/117/14801 ... 1583490335

[Bruce in OK]

That's a good read. I really don't think I would like riding one for very long. I see it more as a muscle bike--like a boat in the curves, but really great on straights and quick twists of the throttle.

[David (N. Alabama)]

I've been drawn to the modern-retro bikes lately.

Thought I wanted a Steve Mcqueen triumph. Then looked at the Triumph Thruxton, and yesterday was drooling over a Moto Guzzi V7 Racer. I would buy a w800 in a minute if it came to the states.

None of those bikes are practical, have steller performance, or curve hugging ability. They just harken back to a simpler time. When motorcycle design wasn't inspired by classic cars, or entomology.

[Gator Mike]

I've got the same problem I have with all air cooled engines down here in Louisiana--they get really hot in the summer. With four cylinders I can imagine it would be a lot worse. Also when are they ever going to get away from chains? I think I spend more time on chain maintenance on my wifes 750ACE than she does on riding ......Gator Mike

[biggersm]

As a Goldwing rider I would imagine this would be even more fun to ride than the current GL 1800. Having a Flat 6 and fuel under the seat allows for a lower center of gravity and I can only imagine that without the high trunk (and associated weight) it would be real fun!

Having said that I will also say that it should not carry a Goldwing Badge. Neither the Valkarie nor the Rune are also known as Goldwings. On the Kawasaki side of the street we didn't call the Nomad a Voyager or a Vaquero a Voyager (although the Vulcan name is used). Voyager = Full dress (including top trunk) touring motorcycle. Goldwing = Full dress (including top trunk) touring motorcycle. For more verification just ask one of your non-motorcycing friends to describe a Goldwing.

Marcia and I would love to ride one however we would not want to own one (I lied just a little, Marcia like being able to lean into a backrest). We cross too many state lines to not be able to survive without a top trunk (or luggage rack, or cooler rack).

[David (N. Alabama)]

I've got the same problem I have with all air cooled engines down here in Louisiana--they get really hot in the summer. With four cylinders I can imagine it would be a lot worse. Also when are they ever going to get away from chains? I think I spend more time on chain maintenance on my wifes 750ACE than she does on riding ......Gator Mike

A lot of cruiser are shaft drive. You picked one of the few if only cruiser with a chain.

That is one thing that drew me to Moto Guzzi. All their bikes are driveshaft and have been.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Marcia and I would love to ride one however we would not want to own one (I lied just a little, Marcia like being able to lean into a backrest). We cross too many state lines to not be able to survive without a top trunk (or luggage rack, or cooler rack).

That flat six bagger could tow all the luggage you want behind you. Then when you get to your destination you leave the extra weight at the hotel/campsite and go have fun.

[Mr Jensee]

Blacked out baggers are not my cup of tea. It might sell, these days who knows?

[HMB Don]

I saw the bagger at the IMS last weekend in San Mateo. The thing is big, looks good, but the thing is big. For the price they will sell a boat load of F6B's. But not me, when I stood back my 1700 looks much better.
That flat 6 engine is sweet, smooth and has lots of power.

Don Medina
2012 Voyager 1700

[Bruce in OK]

The thing is big, looks good, but the thing is big.

That's what I'm thinking, Don. I got the same sensation sitting on the Vaquero. I thought it looked nice, really nice. But, I thought it would be a handfull in parking lots or doing slow speed situations in town.

[David (N. Alabama)]

The thing is big, looks good, but the thing is big.

That's what I'm thinking, Don. I got the same sensation sitting on the Vaquero. I thought it looked nice, really nice. But, I thought it would be a handfull in parking lots or doing slow speed situations in town.

Slow speed maneuvers on the Voyager are a piece of cake. As long as you are looking where you are going.

Clutch and throttle control are very nice on these bikes and the neutral sitting position makes it really easy to handle. Of course, like anything else in life, practice makes perfect.