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If I recall correctly, that windshield was a Windbender from Firecreek Accessories. I loved that setup, and got much good use out of the farkle shelf that I also purchased from Firecreek. It was the perfect place to mount accessories, in plain view, close to eye level.

socalmotogear.com/search.php?search_query=Goldwing+lenses

Likewise, Matt, great to see you, too! Too bad we had only a short time to catch up! Seems like a long time ago when I did that walk-around video. The bike is still essentially the same, but now has 62,000+ miles on it. And lots more to come, as we are leaving in a week for a ride to Nova Scotia and back. After the Fall riding is over, as winter sets in, I'm going to take the bike to Arkansas for a new custom paint job. The OEM silver matte finish is soft and easily damaged, and although I like the color, it's not very conspicuous. I found a BMW Sunset Orange that I really like!

You can find them at Amazon: www.amazon.com/Grip-Puppy-Comfort-Grips-Original/dp/B00CP9ADD8/ref=asc_df_B00CP9ADD8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309820151258&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1688512442139741342&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013117&hvtargid=pla-406164258433&th=1&psc=1 I will not be adding risers. Risers may be good for some people, but my experience has been that they move the center of gravity back ever so slightly and change the handling characteristics of the bike.

Merlin, go to www.gl1800riders.com and find the Darkside forum. There you should find info on how to order a decal. If you strike out, let me know, there is a small chance I may have an extra one somewhere in my garage.

@@odowdski Thank you!! I just registered for rhe website today!!!!!

No.

Re-watch the video. It is clearly explained. The lights mount to the front cowling in existing holes. They do NOT mount to the forks, they DO NOT move with the forks when you turn.

@@odowdski I was wondering because of the title "fork lights". Thank you

Thanks for your kind comments, Steve. Yes, if you ever get over this way...toward Franklin, TN...give me a heads-up. There are lots of nice local roads to savor in this area, and I would be happy to show you. Plus, I think I know every meat and three around here! We're heading to the Grand Canton next week, for a 15-day ride around New Mexico and Arizona.

@@odowdski Hey Jim , Great to hear from you . Sounds like you are on a great ride out west . I did the ride to the 4 Corners and then over to the Grand Canyon and then over to touch California then a hard left through southern Arizona. Back through El Paso . 40 out 20 back . Caught in 8 inches of snow just outside of El Paso . Great adventure. Late November ride in 2007 . On a bike I still have . 2002 Harley Softail deuce . Enjoy yourself! And I would love to ride those roads over by you . Talk later . Take care ! Steve

Switchback kit came from SoCalMotoGear.

@@odowdski thank you so much. Stay safe and keep up the informative videos.

Gerard, the shelf and windshield are available from Firecreek Accessories. The windshield is called a Wind Bender.

Range about 180 miles at 80 mph. Probably a little under 30 mpg. Again, that's at 80 mph, which is where I run on the interstate. Performance much better at slower speeds...

Hey Freddy, no, unfortunately I no longer have my beautiful F6B, having traded her in on the 2019 DCT. I do miss that bike, and think it was one of the best-looking and most comfortable rides I've had. Now, having put the first 30,000 miles on the 2019 DCT, I can tell you that I prefer riding it over the F6B. Why, you might ask? Well, the DCT is somewhat smaller in scale and more agile than the F6B. It weighs less by some 60-70 lbs. or so, and it's a tad bit narrower. And the DCT is to die for! I had no idea how much I would come to love the DCT! It's freaky fast and smooth...just twist the throttle and hang on! And the paddle shifters allow me to downshift into curves a little more aggressively if I want to. Not that you really need to that much...the Sport Mode provides much more aggressive shifting (up and down) and more sensitive throttle control. One thing I didn't do on the DCT is to move the seat and handlebars back. I decided to retain the stock seating position, although I did replace the OEM seat with an Ultimate seat. I have come to believe, rightly or wrongly, that messing with the seat position can adversely change the center of gravity. In other words, I feel (for me anyway) that the bike handles better when I don't move the seat back. My experience was that the free test ride was very helpful in making my final decision. All that said, I'm real happy with the 2019 and glad I upgraded. The only downsides I can think of are, smaller saddlebags and less storage space, and harder to hang accessories off the handlebars. Hope this helps! Jim O'Dowd (Big Cat)

@@odowdski thanks for the detailed response, BIG Cat. I hadn't realized you switched over to the dct....I went and saw your other videos on it....you gotta love that dct!!!! Enjoy the goldwing and ride safe!!!!

Kevin, that was a great bike...sometimes I still miss it! But moving to the 2019 DCT was the right move for me. Lighter, more nimble, and the DCT is a gas! If you ever get an opportunity to test ride one, I would highly encourage it...but have your checkbook ready!

@@odowdski since you have owned both I would like to get your opinion on something. Based on the current market where I live I think I can find for a a clean F6B for $10-12k range. Do you think I should instead spend the extra to get a 18yr model or newer? I think could get an 18+ used for $17-18k? Thanks 😊

@@kevinsmith2747 yes, I think it's worth it to spend the extra bucks for the newer DCT bike...but understand, I'm prejudiced towards having the benefits of the newer bike. Here are just a few of the benefits I am experiencing with the 2019 DCT: Lighter weight, slightly less wide, more nimble, engine slightly more powerful and definitely more fuel efficient, Android Auto integration is something I now use all the time and getting to love it, the DCT is a dream to ride, it just makes the ride more comfortable to take all the shifting out of the equation. I assume you ride solo...if not, the larger Goldwing Tour model is for you. Only drawback of the newer bike is the slightly smaller panniers, but that doesn't bother me much, as I carry my clothes and stuff in a waterproof bag on long trips anyway. My advice would be to get a good test ride on both an F6B and a DCT and let me know your impressions. I loved my F6B and had no intentions of buying a DCT...until I rode one, and it was love at first sight. Hope this helps.

@@odowdski that was exactly the information I was looking for. I think I will hold out for the new DCT version. Sitting on the new goldwing I’m so impressed how light it feels between the legs. Thank you for your feedback sir. Much appreciated.

How to decode your Honda Motorcycle VIN Number in 5 steps: Locate the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) printed on the frame of your Honda motorcycle.This is often stamped onto the right side of the steering head, where the front fork is mounted on the frame.The VIN is also imprinted on a metal tag located on the left side of the frame above the motor. Locate the first character. This letter or numeral represents the country of manufacture. In this case, a "J" for Japan should be present. Locate the second character, "H." This represents the name of the manufacturer, Honda. Locate the third character. This letter or digit represents the vehicle type. Most Honda motorcycles use a "2," which refers to a motorcycle, although "A" or "1" may also be used. Locate the fourth through the eighth characters. These letters and digits are used by each individual manufacturer to identify the model or engine type of the motorcycle.

@@odowdski THANKS JIM! i hear its also on the left handle bar frame, guess ill need a flashlite, also some is on the rear beneath the quarter panel,plastic lid, by the suspension, on frame? hey, wat do you think of the progressive monotubes 350$, as an alternative to the spongey, failing forks on GWs, i heard bad and good things, do you know anybody that can vouch 4them?

@@mml1224 the Progressive suspension is an upgrade from the Honda OEM, however the Cadillac solution is the Traxxion full monty. It will cost a lot more, but it's the ultimate in Goldwing suspension systems. Honestly, though, unless you are riding "on the edge"...doing lots of curves at high speeds, etc...you might not need anything but the standard OEM. I have had both Progressive (good) and Traxxion (best) on past bikes...but the wishbone suspension on my 2019 can handle anything I can do.

@@odowdski thanks for prompt reply jim, thanks for the analysis, we how soon do the forks start to quit on f6b's for an avg rider, lets say 35k to 50k miles? you think, also, i wonder if the OEM Honda fork rebuilt package w/new seals,bushings,springs would cost more than progressive tubes?( which is a happy medium option4me)...

@@mml1224 Honestly I am not the guy to answer all these F6B questions. I suggest you go to the F6B forum, there are lots of guys with tons of experience who can answer detailed F6B questions.

Well, I'm quite certain Honda does have a patent on their design, and rightfully so. I know Givi makes an add-on trunk-pack that some guys have added to the F6B. But IMHO, if a guy really wants/needs a trunk, the best way to go is with the Goldwing Tour model. Some of the reasons I say this are, central locking, integrated wiring, integrated speakers, and probably a more comfortable backrest design. If it's $3,000 more it's well worth it. We're talking about a bike that's gonna last at least 10 years, so that's $300 a year, or a little less than a buck a day to have what you want. Cancel the weekly trips to Starbucks and you've paid for it!

Bad news Jim! i took your lead with the 11,500 offer, they came back 11,750, so it was a good deal coming but they had me waiting 2 hours to get the down payment refundable contract emailed/scanned, from dealer, they drag their feet on purpose i feel, and just called me to say , they sold it away (undisclosed price), just nonsense! I love private sellers,hate dealers games. i am bummed, thinkin I got a deal, and they found a higher buyer within the 2 hours of them drafting the contract, IMO. Man the GW, go fast, if it was an hour from me (isntead of 3.5hrs)i wldv moved faster, theres always tomorrow! but thanks 4hanging with me on this, SHUX.

Frame weld points on these bikes are normal. Beware of cracked frames on early model Goldwings, however. Google "Goldwing frame recall" to learn about that fiasco.

@@mml1224 sorry to hear that, sounds like they worked another buyer against you. I sell real estate, and we see this every day. Plus, with only 8k miles, they knew they had a hot commodity. You live and learn. But don't be worry...just like houses, there's another, better one just around the corner. Watch the F6B and GL1800riders forums and Cycle World. Good luck!

@@odowdski thanks Jim, I will do. did you say 'not' normal? what earlier years should i b concerned with, I am seeking only 15/16s F6B....did u happen to get my other reply that I lost the bike today, sent u the story, u shldv got the notification! im sik. thanks!

MML 1, in my opinion, this bike would be a steal at $10,000 and is probably worth the $12,000 at retail. This bike was somewhere around $20,000 to $22,000 new...and with only 8,000 miles, it is still essentially "new". The accessories alone will amount to probably $2,000. My logic is, the original price of the bike + the cost of the accessories / 2 = $12,000 +/-. With the most basic care, changing oil, etc., this bike should easily run 200,000. I have never heard about the GW being uncomfortable to big guys...on the contrary, I have seen lots of tall (and wide) guys and gals on GWs. The choice between a GW and F6B should be based on function and utility. If you don't want or need the trunk, go with the F6B. If you never ride two-up (as I do not), then you may not need the trunk. I find I can carry my clothes, etc. in a waterproof bag on the rear trunk carrier and that suits me just fine. But if your wife/GF/SO likes to ride with you, go with the GW and trunk. But expect to pay a couple thousand more...

@@odowdski cldnt agree more Jim, i thot same, its on the high end (also has some nicks, but a extended honda warranty which is worth it), 10k is a steal, lots of goodies.I keep hearing these types are hard 2find nowadays, so now i am feeling the pressure of FOMO! don't hav much time, got to make a decision. The dealer is very firm, which isn't cool, i 'd like 500$ or so, off, make s a big difference. Also, what do you ask to verify mileage (besides carfax),makes me feel better the ODO wasn't tampered?

@@mml1224 I don't know any way to verify the odo reading, but I'm a trusting soul...and it's not at all unusual to find these bikes with low mileage...plus it's a huge offense to tamper with an odometer, and I doubt any reputable dealer would do it. I'd be inclined to offer $11,000 knowing I'm willing to pay $11,500...that way, you have a target to negotiate back to.

@@odowdski thanks for the prompt reply! trying to close the deal today, however, there project rain today -3days, and i dont hav experience riding in the rain, esp.for 3 hours, and they don't want to hold. They know its a sellers market, and its a rare find, so i am my knees. they also supposedly got an auction to bid just under the purchase so there not gna take a penny less, expect the auction will get bit price reduction, will make 14500+plus on it, if i dont fast, thats y i like dealing w/private sellers, no games, no fees.....aaarrrggghhh

@@mml1224 don't let a little rain influence your deal!

MML to get back to you on a couple of your questions: As far as I know, you cannot mount a Honda trunk to an F6B...however, there are aftermarket trunks that don't look all that bad, that I have seen guys install. Check out the gl1800riders.com forum or the Honda F6B forum and search for trunk...you asked about mounting a car tire. My experience is yes, do it! There's no special modification required, just be sure you get the right size car tire. Again, these forums will guide you. I have run car tires on all my past Goldwings. It's a controversial subject only because some guys make it so. It's an undeniable fact that car tires yield more miles. How many more depends on your style of riding. If most of your riding is straight up slab riding, you'll get a lot more miles than the guy carving up the twisties. Lastly, you commented on the hi-beam modulator. I put that in for conspicuity, but seldom use it. My main use is to alert left-lane loafers to get over, and it works real good for that. But I don't leave it on all the time. Many do, and it's entirely legal in all 50 states...but I thinks it's pretty obnoxious to other drivers...which of course, is exactly how it's supposed to be!

@@odowdski hey jimmy, i did hear that about the trunk which is nuts b/c GW riders mite spend the $$ later w/honda and buy a rear trunk-shux. there has2b a compromise with the rear tire in MPGs i bet, no other reason not 2put a car tire, more traction/wear allowable-no brainer, esp. no modifications you confirmed. luv the 'leftlane loafers' nick name lmfao. question: does the modulator (kisana or other brands) only designed to work in HI BEAM on position? figure theres another button on there that can triggr it, so u can just hav your standard hi beam working w/o blinkin when u need2........also,surprised kisana wants about 165$ for it...thanks jim.

@@mml1224 the Kisan headlight modulator works only in the hi-beams...so you don't need a special switch to turn them on...just switch to hi-beams. The product comes with a separate light sensor to allow the modulator to function only in the daytime...as they are illegal at night. Back on the car tires...I encourage you to go to gl1800riders.com and search the Darkside forum. There are plenty of those who oppose car tires. My only comment, as one who has used both OEM and car tires, is that car tires definitely give more miles but they may sacrifice a bit of handling performance in the twisties.

@@odowdski thanks jim! it'd b great to have hi beams work in their original format and another trigger to have them blink when you want. yes,i did some research on the opposing darkside riders, they have a higher side wall to deal with. I just can't believe there is an exact tire size to fit the rim, did they take it off of a 'smart' car?geez....2 quickies4u: in ur opinion,what were the best model years all around for the F6B?i HEAR 15/16's?2ndly, as far as the rear brake modulator , don't they sell led bulbs you put in the rear that work just the same for $20 each? or am i missin somethin....thank you sir! www.amazon.com/Strobe-Flashing-Blinking-Safety-Warning/dp/B08YY4H7JP/ref=asc_df_B08YY4H7JP/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=508139080209&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4816625684325306173&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028249&hvtargid=pla-1363046542037&psc=1

@@mml1224 regarding the rear brake modulator, if they do have $20 bulbs to replace the OEM, I'd go ahead and do that. But I'm also a huge fan of the TIR-3 flasher, which affords even more conspicuity. I want those drivers behind me to see me and to know that I am stopped...so the more the better, IMHO. One benefit of the TIR-3 is that it can be flush-mounted above the license plate in place of the OEM reflector, without too much effort. A few minutes cutting out plastic with a Dremel tool is all you need. Best model year for F6B? Honestly I don't know. I had zero trouble with my 2015.

The seat is usually the first thing I replace when I buy a new Wing. The stock seats have a reputation for feeling good in the showroom but not providing good support on long trips. Since I use the Wing on long touring rides...we are going to Canada in September...I need a comfortable seat. That's why I go straight to Ultimate Seats. A new seat is going to run you around $1,500 with backrest and all. It's a lot of money, I suppose, but IMO well worth it in the long run. That being said, not everyone feels as I do. Some guys find the stock seat perfectly acceptable....so the prudent play would be for you to give the stock seat a thorough test on some long rides and see how your butt feels at the end of a long hot day!

@@odowdski great points jim, dealer, i doubt will not let me test drive it for 30mins2find out i bet. Showroom dealer prolly had custom gel sets 2sucker us in.lol. How many miles is that trip 2canada one way? also, quick questions4u sir: do you hav2replace the 'stator' on these bikes often (15/16's f6b), i would think that would be an insane job 1500$at dealer.....2nd. do you need a deluxe or basic model to install a hitch at the rear on the f6b? thank you jim!

@@mml1224 MML, I would expect any legitimate dealer or private seller for that matter, to allow a reasonable test drive...and 30 minutes sounds reasonable enough. The trip to Canada (one-way) is about 2,450 miles. Regarding the alternator replacement, I have never had to replace one...I had well over 100,000 miles on my first Goldwing, then roughly 50,000 on the others I wrecked. The F6B had 45,000 on it when I traded in on the new 2019 DCT. These things are pretty much bullet proof. I have heard of alternator replacements, but it's not a common problem. I think you could install a good Rivco hitch on either a basic or deluxe F6B. Trying to remember the differences, they are minor, like heated grips and center stand on deluxe...shouldn't affect hitch installation.

@@odowdski thanks4feedbak on stator, that was a close on!...and if thats the only diff, i am fine with the non deluxe and save$, ican always put a center stand on, right, for a few bucks? Hey....wat do u think about the 330$ revco foot pegs, that snug in flush and can b pulled out while driving, amazing pegs, not sure if u show u have them on your, wat do u think, but dog gonit theyre exp! i can put an after rear trunk on the f6b for that much!

@@mml1224 MML, I have used the Rivco Aero Pegs on my last two bikes, I have them on my new bike now. I think they are the bomb. High quality, well-engineered, they look unobtrusive and are highly functional when you need to stretch out on long rides. You may also want to check out Mick-O-Pegs, which have almost a cult-like following. I used them previously, and they are the ultimate in comfort. Unfortunately (for me), they reduced my ground clearance some and may have played a role in a couple of crashes...but if you don't ride crazy fast, they are worth looking into.

Thanks for your comments! I have now had a new 2019 DCT Goldwing for the past two years. Although I love my new bike, there are things I miss about the F6B, mainly, the comfort, the look of the bike, the increased storage and easier access to accessories via the shelf I had attached to the Windbender windshield. IMO the F6B is still a great-looking bike, very comfortable and fun to ride, and one of the nicest bikes Honda has ever made. If I ever found it necessary to replace my 2019 DCT, I would go right back to the F6B. Hope this helps you! Check out Cycle Trader or find the Honda Powersports dealer closest to you...or check out www.gl1800riders.com and search for used bikes.

@@odowdski thanks jim, classy of you2reply....so if u dont mind me askin, wat did you sell your awesome upgraded fb6 for, the buyer got a steal i bet? lol...any reason you went with a 'shiftless dct' on the new GW? how can you say it was more comfortable than your new GW, same chasis/frame, shock system so i figure both comfortable? thanks for the link!

@@mml1224 I got $10,000 trade-in allowance for my 2015 F6B...I might have been able to get as much as $12,000 if I had sold it myself. Why did I buy an automatic? Well, I didn't set out to! I just happened to take one for a test ride and fell immediately in love with it. It's smooth and it's fast! The reasons I say the old bike was more comfortable are, the 2018+ bikes are definitely smaller. They weigh around 75 lbs. less, the gas tank is 1 gallon smaller, they are not as wide, the saddlebags are smaller, etc. There are lots of differences...the 2018+ is NOT the same bike as previous models. Interestingly, even though I have 1 gallon less gas, I get better range than before. The new motor is that much more fuel efficient.

@@odowdski geez only 10k$?you gave it away free, if ur selling your house this year, let me know im sure ull gve me a great deal!lol....so how many miles did ur fb6 have? i appreciate the descriptive reply on differences, those r great points!nvr knew that, the newer GW is a rip off compared to the extras you get w/the old fb6, no wonder they stopped makin them in 16', Honda wld go broke today.... well if your honda friends havea fb6 4sale, ,do your best 2 kindly reach out 2me and let me know, thanks.

Thanks, Mike, yeah, that was a beautiful bike, and Garfield got a ton of comments, mostly from the ladies! That was painted by Sue Hopper, who has to be one of the most talented artists I've ever seen. If you're wanting more bass from your 2018, you may be able to drill your mufflers like I did. I haven't tried it on the 2018+ so don't know if the tips are easy to remove, etc. Other than that, it's going to get into big $$ to change out the mufflers or go to the Torq-Loopz system, which is an elegant but expensive solution, and cuts out the catalytic converters. I did this on a previous bike, and the sound was terrific. I've gotten to where I like the stock growl of my 2019, and hear comments from others on how good it sounds.

@@odowdski thank you for your response. I finally got up the nerve (because i'm on the verge of changing it anyway) to drill into the back end of the muffler. On mine originally was two exhause pipes coming out about an inch apart (one on the left and one on the right of each pipe) and I took a small drill bit and drilled two holes top and bottom between the factory outlets and centered them as best I could then used a half inch bit and made them larger. I did this for both pipes and crossed my fingers. It didn't make the bike "louder" but did give it a nice bass sound and i can actually hear a growl going down the road. I may in the future change them out but for now i'm happy with this.

No...but if you need info on a specific item I'll be happy to help you.

@@odowdskithe port and heated gear switches, pc8 and the rear flashing light over the plate and the saddle bag organizers..i see you also have a centerstand..very nice. Love the colors on the goldwings more than on the touring models.

@@RanGer-498 here goes: Powerlet port for heated gear, PSO-007, $17, amazon.com; Whelen TIR-3 flasher, $60, strobesnmore.com; Hopnel saddlebag lid organizers, $72, wingstuff.com; Gerbing 12V wireless controller, $25, gerbing.com; PC-8 fuse block, $100, easternbeaver.com

@@odowdski many thanks

The Honda hand wings?

Thanks, Mark! Hope all is well in beautiful Eastland, Texas!

Yes, it is a runflat car tire. I ran them for years on account of the great mileage and smooth ride. I no longer own this bike, and don't yet have a car tire on my 2019 Goldwing. While the CT is a runflat and provides a real smooth ride...and has a larger traction area for stopping...in my opinion, it doesn't handle the curves as well as a motorcycle tire. But there are plenty who think otherwise, it's a very hot topic.

@@odowdski Thank you very much for your input. I’m planning on putting a CT on my bike this year after it gets back from the dealer. And I loved that colored seat you had on your yellow wing. But man they are expensive !!!

@@workharddieproud you are right, they are expensive! But the first thing I do with any new Goldwing is replace the stock seat with a new one from Ultimate Seats. While I no longer spend the extra $ for the "custom" color trim, etc., I have found that, for the type of riding I do, the Ultimate seat is worth every penny. I will routinely ride 600 miles a day to get to where I'm going, and having the right seat makes a huge difference to me.

@@odowdski I might replace mine this year but I actually like the stock seat, but it’s the only one I’ve sat on. My Road Star had a Corbin seat that I hated, HARD AS A ROCK !

Randy, what you are looking at is a 12V Powerlet socket, available from Amazon: Powerlet (PSO-007) Powerlet Socket - Low Profile Socket Kit Brand: Powerlet 4.2 out of 5 stars 18 ratings Price: $28.95 FREE One-Day & FREE Returns Unfortunately, you would have to install it by drilling a hole through the fairing plastic and connecting the wire either to your battery or preferably to an auxiliary fuseblock. The cap you refer to is an integral part of the assembly and is connected via a spring hinge to the socket. It's a little work to install it, but once it's done you can forget about it and it works great. I put one on every new bike I buy...

Dean, I sold that bike last October and have a new 2019 DCT model...same pegs, though. And I have never had my feet slide off of them. There is a raised edge at the end of the peg that keeps feet from sliding off. I still think these are great pegs and especially because they're up so high and won't drag when you lean way over.

Brandon, I don't know what size the Klockwerks Flare was. Here's the part number: 23120238. The Flare didn't last long on the bike. Although I love the Flare (looks and performance) I went to the Madstad Windbender so I could get a farkle shelf to house my GPS, radar detector, phone mount and Gerbings controller. That was a good decision. I don't have the F6B anymore...it was a great bike, but I decided to try a 2019 DCT (non-tour) and aside from not having any storage, it's the bomb!

Windbender windshield.

Sorry, I have sold the bike. I think it was called matte silver.