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[Crusty]

Just got back from Athens GA where I picked up the GL1800 for the test ride.  Left Athens and went to Helen, Blairsville, Clayton and back to Athens.  200 plus miles on two and four lane roads.  Some straight, some in the mountains.

I was most impressed by the speed and how well it handled.  A much quicker-lighter feel than the Ultra.  The main reason for the ride was to see if I would be good with the seat/foot position since I'm 6'1".  

The answer is NO!
 

I'm not sayin' I won't buy the FB6, but if I do it would have to be a weekend bike, not a two-three week tripper!

Sounds like I need two bikes!
 

200 mile test ride, NICE!! 

I don't find my SERG ergonomics to be that much better than my GL1800 was. I was capable of riding my GL1800 for 20 hours a day for 10 days straight and I'm 6'3". I still haven't found a seat that would allow me to do the same on my SERG. I put 10" mini--apes on my SERG to try and get a little more upright, but after a couple hundred miles on my SERG, my lower back starts tightening up. Hoping to get somewhere to have a custom seat made to try and adjust my seating position to something more comfortable. I had the stock seat on my wing for the nearly 100k miles I had it!

I actually liked the more agressive seating position on the wing, especially in the twisties or when riding heard. When just cruising, highway pegs make it a smooth ride.

[Robmay]

Tommy,

I think the seat on the FB6 is going to sit much different than the GL 1800. I had a GW in in 2006 and loved everything about it but the seating position. Even bought a complete Corbin seat for it with no help. Tailbone would start hurting after just 80 miles almost every ride.

I gave my name and number to the local dealer and they are are supposed to call me when one comes in so I can see it. They said the next few coming in are already sold but I could put a deposit down for one if I'd like. I told them no, I just want to see one first.

[donald p]

If I bought a Honda look at all the money I'd save on t-shirts and harley junk.

[Indenial]

Rob, don't you  have a BMW 1600 also? How do you like it after a few miles?

[guppytrash]

I was laughing at the Geico commercial where the guy made of money rides the Honda.  If he were on a CVO he would be naked or non existent.

[16HD117]

I was laughing at the Geico commercial where the guy made of money rides the Honda.  If he were on a CVO he would be naked or non existent.

LOL!
 

[Phantom309]

U guys might think I was crazy, but I traded my '05 SEEG in for an '07 GL 1800 & loved it. The guys at the dealer thought I was on dope or something, but my 05 was a major headache. My Gold Wing would've raped any 1 of the harley's I've owned over the years. It didn't have that awsome harley sound or style so I gave HD another chance buying my Road Glide & glad I did ... this bike has been great other than the front brakes.


It was really cool how the saddlebags opened on the Gold Wing plus that vent in the winshield was great on those hot days. I don't knock the japper scrappers since I had plenty of them before the Harleys. The only think I hated was the linked braking system .... hit the rear brake & 1 of the front rotors would come on, there r sometimes u don't want that front brake at all. I can say front rotors never warped like they did on my RG. The RG actually gets better gas mileage ... couldn't get more than 43 mpg from the Honda.

[Robmay]

Rob, don't you  have a BMW 1600 also? How do you like it after a few miles?

Only put 700 miles on it in 7 months. I loved it but mama got way too much wind on the back seat no matter how high I put the shield. Sold it to a buddy of mine who is an engineer by trade and he raves about it all the time. Rides it every chance he gets.

[RayG]

To bad the the BMW 1600 didn't work out for both of you.  I might be alone here but I was waiting for your long term report on the bike.  What's next? 

[Robmay]

To bad the the BMW 1600 didn't work out for both of you.  I might be alone here but I was waiting for your long term report on the bike.  What's next? 

The bike was a dream to ride. I've often read on this site how poorly our CVO's (Harley's in general) handle, especially in corners. I didn't really notice it until the BMW. After riding it for a bit then the Harley it was very noticeable.

I think the bike was great for longer rides too, just not for my wife. The passenger seat sits kinda high up. We did a test ride before ordering one but it was very windy that day and we chalked it up to that. Live and learn I guess.

I will look into one of these bikes if they call me when one comes in. If I get one it will be an addition and not a replacement though.

Hopefully Tommy will buy one first and I can learn from his experience!!

[RayG]

Do you think your height was an issue?  I'm 5'-7" & my wife is 5'- 2"  do you think we would face the same situation as you did?  I have an 08 SERK with 61,000 miles, we like riding every chance we get up in the Northeast.  We took a 10 day trip to Maggie Valley and the surrounding area last summer.  We went alone and drove their and back & @ 59 years old I have to say it did beat me up quite a bit.  I have the AK-20"s,13" Bitubo's and a True Track, aftermarket seat  and while the bike handled very well for what it is I think I would like to be spoiled by some of the rider comforts available on a pure touring machine.  I guess I will have to rent one this spring because the dealers don't let you spend that much time on it.  I'll keep the SERK only because the high mileage makes it difficult to get a decent price so the next one will be a Wing or the BMW for the longer trips.  Who knows?

[HD4CPA]

Looks nice to me.

[Ironhorse]

Passenger discomfort is a common complaint on those BMW 1600s. That and being a bit top heavy for slow speed maneuvering.

[MAT]

Pics from the show!

[MAT]

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