QUIKSPIN: Honda Goldwing F6B – Gold Rush

 

Refined; it’s a word we could use a lot when talking about this evolution of Honda’s flagship display of strength. Strongly based on the proven foundation of the Goldwing, Honda aims to cater for the rise in interest in baggers – a style of stripping back the excesses of the fully-laden sibling which toughens up the outlook and broadens the perception horizon. 

 

The frame is Goldwing same, but not the looks. The careful styling blend between aesthetic and functional works very well. Your eyes will sweep over components without snaggling on any ugly duckling oversights. The Magna red shows this better than Graphite black. From the reduced deflector-like screen, to the neat reminder of plush exhaust system poking under the faired-in luggage, something this big shouldn’t be able to carry off subtle-cool as well as it does. 

 

Undeniably it’s big. Honda shed 28kg from the Goldwing base in developing the F6B. This does not a ballet dancer make. And some toys have had the chop in the diet – reverse gear and cruise control are gone, and the super comfortable new seat lacks a heating system, but that’s enough first-world whining. Consolation via accessories awaits as you can put nearly all the toys the mighty H took off back on. 

 

There’s elements of luxury car in the F6B. The moment you start the 1832cc horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine, this arrives. It’s a propulsion gem and announces gentle power. Vulgar number talk is unnecessary. It matters not what gear you place the resolutely-won’t-be-hurried five-speed gearbox in, there’s a Rolls Royce-style sufficiency everywhere. 

 

The sensation of luxury extends to the chassis. Here the weight is a bonus as the unsprung element is a far lower percentage of the total, so disturbances through to rider don’t happen. The 385kg kerb weight is only a concern if you park on the rough and loose. The tiller-style bars need a firm controlling hand at times, but once rolling it balances beautifully. Unrealistic demands around the bends are countered by the hero knobs beneath the footrests – previously this chassis wore footboards – but all the way to this contemptible pace, things remain splendidly composed. 

 

Acronyms abound in the brake department. The fronts look the standard fare; the rear is one of the biggest, most powerful disks I have used. The 11mm-thick ventilated item with its three-piston caliper partially combines with the front brakes to ensure the plot will come to a prompt, dignified halt any time you wish. 

 

Honda saw a drop in Goldwing sales when the F6B was announced, and rightly there is high interest in the machine. It has every right to be a stand-alone model distinct from its heftier brother. 

 

It’s right on the money for the class, and with its stripped-back good looks, powerful engine and composed cornering ability, it’s a lot of class for the money.

 

PROS

Great engine

Cool bagger style

It handles!

 

CONS

Not much to complain about

Size for smaller riders

Less accessories

 

 

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