COFSTA

Yes, it did happen. I rode the black whale on back roads/Old 18 to meet Scott at the Gate. Then we scampered up 181 to lunch at the Mexican joint on 181. Then we hit the BRP down to NC80 and took that down the mtn and 126 around Lake James, pit stop at the Gate, then a romp down Old 18. Clouds trying to spit some raindrops on us but never amounted to anything. The black whale----I liked it. I really liked it.

The whole day was cooler than forecast. Should not have packed up my heated gear.


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So describe the Black Whale's handling...was it like a Goldwing? Not too bad, but heavy and short on ground clearance?

wheaton wrote:So describe the Black Whale's handling...was it like a Goldwing? Not too bad, but heavy and short on ground clearance?

Not at all like a Goldwing. It was the shock of my life. It actually handled better than my RT in the twisties, more stable and holds its line better. Did not feel heavy when rolling, ground clearance was very good. Suspension was very compliant, yet firm. The motor was intoxicating. It was the most fun I've had on 2 wheels in a long time. I want one. Think I'm off my rocker--go test ride one in the twisties.

I would compare it to an FJR in terms of weight/handling. But the ergos are totally bagger, which was great! Low to the ground, stable as hell.

Wow...if that bagger can handle like an FJR...that would be pretty awesome.

I just assumed low pegs and less suspension...but Kudos to those German boyz if they achieved that good a handling on a bagger.

You better buy one!

wheaton wrote:Wow...if that bagger can handle like an FJR...that would be pretty awesome.

I just assumed low pegs and less suspension...but Kudos to those German boyz if they achieved that good a handling on a bagger.

You better buy one!

Yeah, I dunno how they do it, probably the active suspension has a lot to do with it. I had a 06 FJR once and really liked the power & handling but the ergos just didn't fit me, or any inline 4 ST bike I ever rode for that matter. On the B you sit down in the bike with tons of ground-reach, and upright seating position. Fits me really well. Considering ordering one.

OMG... Bob has really drank the cool aid!!


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Brick wrote:OMG... Bob has really drank the cool aid!!

That was inevitable.

Of course you are open minded enough to test ride the NEW Goldwing.


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Bob wrote:

wheaton wrote:Wow...if that bagger can handle like an FJR...that would be pretty awesome.

I just assumed low pegs and less suspension...but Kudos to those German boyz if they achieved that good a handling on a bagger.

You better buy one!

Yeah, I dunno how they do it, probably the active suspension has a lot to do with it. I had a 06 FJR once and really liked the power & handling but the ergos just didn't fit me, or any inline 4 ST bike I ever rode for that matter. On the B you sit down in the bike with tons of ground-reach, and upright seating position. Fits me really well. Considering ordering one.

Would Jeff Ashe like it?

Buddhistbiker wrote:Of course you are open minded enough to test ride the NEW Goldwing.
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Actually that occurred to me, however the F6B weighs 100 lbs more, only gets 34mpg with a smaller gas tank than the BMW (which gets 39mpg), and I can't find the HP/torque numbers for it anywhere....? So far, no interest.

Edit:
OK, I found this-->>
2016 Honda F6B Horsepower: 118 HP @ 5,500 RPM (87 kW)
2016 Honda F6B Wing Torque: 123 ft/lb TQ @ 4,000 RPM (167 Nm)
2016 Honda F6B MPG: 34 Miles Per Gallon*

The BMW has 160HP and 175 NM of torque.

wheaton wrote: Would Jeff Ashe like it?

No idea. All depends on what you want. It made me smile big time but thats just me. If you're looking for something new/different, go ride one at Eurosport, Touringsport, or Charlotte. Charlotte has 7 in stock and 4 in transit so somebody must be buying these suckers.

Bob wrote:

Buddhistbiker wrote:Of course you are open minded enough to test ride the NEW Goldwing.
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Actually that occurred to me, however the F6B weighs 100 lbs more, only gets 34mpg with a smaller gas tank than the BMW (which gets 39mpg), and I can't find the HP/torque numbers for it anywhere....? So far, no interest.

Edit:
OK, I found this-->>
2016 Honda F6B Horsepower: 118 HP @ 5,500 RPM (87 kW)
2016 Honda F6B Wing Torque: 123 ft/lb TQ @ 4,000 RPM (167 Nm)
2016 Honda F6B MPG: 34 Miles Per Gallon*

The BMW has 160HP and 175 NM of torque.

Not the F6B... the new 2018 Gold Wing is a LOT different!


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F6B looks like the equivalent--it is listed as a Gold Wing. Full-blown new wings are way too much $$$$$. And too big.

Your not looking at the 2018... it lost 90 lbs and they have one without the trunk etc and it looks like the old F6B.


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OK I see that. Still don't see any HP/torque specs--not sure if the motor is any different...base price $23,500--yikes. Nice looking machine though--a definite improvement.

Base price plus a couple needed options and destination and its approx $24,500. The beemer is $21,985 for the same.

Yea, I hadn’t looked at the pricing... both are beyond me in size and price.

I hope you get the B I think it’s cool. Do they only come in black?


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The B only comes in black but the "Grand America" version is available in yellow which I don't like, and it has a huge ugly topcase built-in (think goldwing). The "B" is more minimalist if thats possible lol. Its really a physically smaller bike than a Wing and I like that--I can swing a leg over this one without doing pirouettes. The very low seat height makes you feel very connected to the bike. I esp like that part.