Finally got a couple decent pictures of my bike with the new sport kit from MBL Innovations installed. (Maurice is a top notch guy to work with, and I'd highly recommend his setup to anyone looking to get the bagger look on a Goldwing.) I've always like the Goldwings, but didn't want to go back to a full-dress bike after my Venture. When the F6B was announced, I was instantly interested, and ready to trade. Until, that is, I found out everything that was left off, and not even an option - cruise, centerstand, heated seat, etc. So, with a little bit of effort (and a bit more $$$ than an F6B would have cost me ), I have the bike I wanted with the look I wanted. I'm loving it so far, and it was like show and tell at my local dealer. A couple of the salesmen and shop manager came out to take some pictures. Now to get my hitch wiring sorted out, and hopefully hit the road a bit this summer!
I like how you left the cover unpainted, that piece looks bad on their site when it's painted to match. How long does it take to put the trunk back on?
It's actually painted, but I used a textured, flat black paint that pretty much perfectly matches the lower half of the saddlebags and the engine covers. I couldn't say for sure, as I haven't done it yet. I would guess easily a couple hours. It isn't that it would be hard to do, just tedious. There's a lot of wiring that has to be re-routed, and quite a few trunk components to be screwed back together. It's definitely not something I plan to do unless the wife and I plan a week long trip somewhere. For weekend duty, the backrest will work just fine, as that's all my BMW ever had and it worked for her. I pull a trailer, so storage isn't an issue.
Oh ok, good match to the black Honda plastic!! 90% of my miles are solo, but we do two-up stuff on the weekend and my wife really likes the trunk...sounds like too much work for me to swap it on/off all the time. Thanks for the info and nice job on your bike. I don't think I could pull a trailer with a bike since the 55 mph speed limit here would drive me insane.
No problem. I definitely wouldn't want to be swapping it on a regular basis. My wife liked the trunk, but her theory was, she wasn't spoiled by it yet. The bike only has a little over 1,000 miles on it. She knew what look I was after, and that she was always comfortable with a simple backrest before, so if I was going to do it I should do it quick. Heh. I don't argue when she gives me permission to spend money.
From Cerviperus > "I don't argue when she gives me permission to spend money." I was going to comment, but I think I won't. On another topic, fine looking ride you have there!
That is indeed a gorgeous bike. You bought a new Wing and immediately modified it? Does sound expensive. As nice as that one looks, I'd still go for the base model FB6. The only thing it doesn't have that I would want is the centerstand, and I found out that it can be added. The more expensive model has it, and they have the same frame, complete with mounting points for it. Cruise control is nice in a car, when you just want to get somewhere with as little effort as possible, but I've never had any desire for it on a bike.
It's all good. In fairness to my wife, it's usually me that's the tight-ass. More often than not she tells me to "just do it" so I quit driving her up the wall with my debates and pro & con lists. As far as expense goes, I got a base model 2012, brand new, for about what a new F6B Deluxe would have cost me. And it came with all the options I wanted. I don't think I came out too bad. I'm also in the camp that can't live without cruise. I only have a 25 minute commute to work every day, and I use it all the way here, and all the way home. Hell, I'd ride my wife's Helix scooter more often if it had cruise! The conversion kit was under $800, and all of the labor was done by my dad and me in his garage.
Much, much better than the F6B. That just looks right. I'd resist the install of the back rest, especially any time I was solo, but I like it. A lot.
Taking the backrest off is as easy as removing a couple of screws. It's actually a Utopia backrest. If you didn't plan to use it at all, you don't have to order it with the kit. Would save a good chuck of change, and you wouldn't have to mess with installing the mounting bracket.
Don't care for Goldwings, don't like baggers at all, the idea of a motorcycle+ trailer gives me the heeby jeebies, but heck if I don't think your bike is beauty looking. You'll probably take some horrible offense at this (sincere apologies aforehand, none meant in any way shape or form ) but it's in the same strange place in my head where I dig the Yamaha Bolt bike thing, but can't abide bobbers, choppers, cruisers, hawgs, et al. Who knows what curious tweaks make for "awesome!" versus "ewww!" eh?
MBL Innovations - Call and talk to Maurice if you're interested. He's a super nice guy, and goes out of his way to answer any questions. Feel free to message me with any too, since I just put mine on I am familiar with the install. DISCLAIMER: I am in no way affiliated with Maurice or MBL Innovations. I'm just a very satisfied customer.
I appreciate someone making what they wanted, a loaded Goldwing w/o missing features for the sake of removing a trunk. But the way I see it.... It's a shame Honda didn't just build the wings with a removable tour pack to begin with. Heck, could have made it an option and made more money at it probably.
He offers a rear luggage rack, but you lose the spoiler. I never need storage on the rear since I pull a trailer (hence no worries in losing the trunk), thus I opted for the spoiler and added light to help visibility.
If I ever get a trailer I will have to swallow my words (if you need a trailer behind your bike you have TOO MUCH CRAP!) that I have said way too many times. Your bike looks awesome. Thanks for the write up.