Road King vs. Goldwing F6B! Side by Side Comparison, Walk Around Review Honda vs. Harley Motorcycles

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Which would you choose? The Road King or Goldwing?

[@brandonbrowning8273]

Gold wing all the way

[@rulehardgarage9740]

Probably the gold wing. I've wanted one since they came out. I'd probably never actually own either though. I've ridden Harley's and Honda's...I've built both. I have a hard time getting over Harley's engineering failures. But that's the nerd in me.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

@@brandonbrowning8273 The goldwing is like the grandpa of the Honda shadow, only any faster and stronger... lol.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

@@rulehardgarage9740 yeah, honda has their stuff dialed!

[@RufusCapstick]

I like them both but Goldwing for me

[@danielodonnell6334]

Heck yeah that f6b is awesome the cobra pipes for them sound amazing

[@ababbit7461]

John, some times people buy a bike because of dealer networks. Harley has a lot of dealers and so does Honda. I wanted my Harley dealership to put new tires on my Road King. They said, "We can do it in a week from now and it will be $500." I went to my local Honda dealership and asked if they would put new tires on my Road King. They said, "Bring it down any morning and we will have it ready in 3 hours for $300." Guess where I went... I have a 2003 Road King CVO with the 103 cu in motor and a 2000 Goldwing 1500SE. The Road King has 12,000 miles and the Goldwing has 134,000 miles. I am now looking for a F6B.... I wonder why??? Good video and the only thing missed is the Goldwing F6B has a center stand which is great for loading the bikes and front tire removal.

[@ArtStamos]

Very rare to see a goldwing without cruise control

[@donkramer2579]

HONDA F6B ALL DAY!!!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I think the goldwing is in the lead so far. Regarding two up riding, I've only done a few short rides through the neighborhood with my wife on back. Based on those rides, I imagine it'd be plenty smooth long distance and at highway speeds.

[@christophersmith5116]

The Goldwing Baby!!! Nothing wrong with the Harley, it's really just personal choice for the Person. I got to ride my F6B today and that bike just continues to impress me more each time I ride her. I just love this bike so much. I know my wife and Son get tired of hearing it LOL. I got in from my ride today and just had a big Smile on my Face. Thanks.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha...that's great! Yeah, every time I take the f6b for a spin I'm like a kid in a candy store. Such a treat!

[@lewsoltis5142]

Nicely done comparison. Thank you!

[@dougbuswell2689]

I have a twin to your Road King, Mine is a 2000 with 510G S&S gear drive cams, 95 CU. Upgrade.. Great video man!!

[@adventurekevin9409]

Goldwing for me. I like the refinement and reliability that honda has mastered. I am biased though.....I already have a Goldwing and love it. Had a Harley.......once.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, I definitely lean towards the honda when it comes to these two.

[@bryanpatterson4171]

Went from a goldwing to a road glide.... it feels heavier and isnt nearly as fun in the corners. But for me and my bad back it's a much better ride to me. I live in an area with bad roads so it makes a huge difference

[@vulcanman64]

I’ve had 14 Japanese bikes and 2 harleys. The harleys were my favourites. I currently ride a 16 road king it’s been nothing but reliable. I put 32000 miles on it so far and have only changed fluids and tires. My last Japanese bike was a Kawasaki 1500 classic and the engine needed a rebuild at only 18000 miles. Never again.

[@JP1970]

Interesting video....my buddy is facing this decision and has been leaning towards the Goldwing. I just bought my first Harley and am very happy. That Honda is very nice. Liked and subbed!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, brotha! Yeah, I'd be happy on either one. I dig the harley for the style and the goldwing for the performance side of things.

[@gorillaninja78]

I’d take the Honda for reliability and comfort 👍🏻

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hard to go wrong with the Honda, that's for sure. Things starting to warm up in your neck of the woods?

[@carlosbeemon8807]

Good review, I just bought a 2016 F6B... I love it.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Nice! I haven't gotten my hands on the 2015+, but I think they made some much needed changes with some of the small things like unlocking the hard bags, etc. Thanks for checking the vid!

[@donkramer2579]

Very nice bike! How is it for 2 up riding?

[@DirtFishing]

How good does the fairing/windscreen on the GW block the air flow compared to the windshield on the harley.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Great question! The stock gw windshield is horrible. Everyone recommends a tallet aftermarket alternative (I've ridden with both and can attest). So, in their stock form, I'd say the rk takes the win. Thanks for checking the channel! Ride safe!

[@gnrands50]

Fascinating comparison, Jon. I also own a Road King and a Goldwing (2006 FLHRI and 2018 GL1800 Tour DCT) and I'm not sure I could compare the two. They are so different and unique in their own special way. The King is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever created with a classic riding position and that Harley sound. The Wing is dramatically more comfortable and way too much fun to ride. The King doesn't care for corners, handles like a cement truck, and rides like a jack-hammer on the freeway. The Wing loves corners and delivers butter-smooth acceleration. Choice? The King for around town, light-to-light rumbling, but if I'm going to leave the city limits or go onto winding roads, the Goldwing is the only one for me.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Well said, my friend! Definitely two very different bikes, no doubt! I'd love to try out the new goldwing! I hear they're pretty awesome!

[@jam471975]

I agree with you that it's difficult to compare these two bikes especially one that is a fix Fairing and one is not... maybe comparing the Road Glide to the F6B would be a better comparison. But it's also difficult to compare a 12 year old motorcycle to a brand new motorcycle. The new touring Harleys are a much different bike then even though 13 and older. The new Goldwings definitely still handle corners better than Harleys but to say that they are uncomfortable, lumbering and, handle that terrible is completely untrue with the new Harley's. And depending on the person many people would argue that the new Harley Turing is a more comfortable bike to ride.

[@rondavis9918]

having said that, have you rode the new ones? The new heritage almost ride's like a metric, and I've tried the King and Road glide.. they are night and day from my 103 heritage....

[@moshealex]

I totally agree.

[@DireTribble]

Thanks for this. I was actually trying to decide between these two bikes after recently selling my Softail Heritage Classic 114. I always figured I'd end up with a Road King but am about to pull the trigger on a F6B.

[@chilipalmer2428]

I just purchased a 2013 F6B about 7 months ago. I've owned 2 RKs & 1 SGs in the past. I've taken (2) week-long trips and added the Mustang seat. Mine did have A Cobra exhaust, but due to the famous drone sound, I added the even more famous "Torq Loopz", which eliminated the cats and thus the drone sound. It sounds amazing, but alas, I may remove, sell used, and put the stock back on. At my old age (62) I really like shit quiet.

[@rondavis9918]

always been a metric man myself, bought my sons 12 heritage softail and love it. Puts a smile on my face that my honda's couldn't. Having said that, I really want that F6B...

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Lol. I know what you mean. There is something special about the harleys.

[@1961Humbucker1]

Your riding skills are amazing!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I looked at new 2020 Goldwings are was blown away! Wow! I never dreamed at 36 I would be smitten by a Goldwing 👍. I gotta have one

[@charliekiger]

I was just thinking about which one of these types of bike I would rather have as an interstate touring bike. Looks like the Road King won me over, I really didn't like the way the Goldwing sounded. Plus your "feels more like a sportbike" comment pushed me toward the Harley as well. I'm more of a cruiser guy. Plus it has foot boards instead of pegs! One question that was not covered that I was curious about is efficiency.

[@adityarifqi5286]

why you dont trying hd on this video? you should comparing with roadglide

[@jimwrenn5720]

Excellent video.

[@jlg6672]

Love your content Jon. I’m am considering these EXCACT two motorcycles. Ridden and love them both. Leaning heavily towards the F6B. I think the reason why is because my Harley friends and mechanics complain about Harley’s constantly needing repairs no matter how large or subtle. Never hearing that as much from GW owners. On the upside I think huge aftermarket for both brands. Curious about your thoughts. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Both great options for sure! I can't speak much to the longevity/mechanic side of things. Best bet would be trying to get your hands on each to see which you prefer. The f6b is a smooth riding rocket ship. The rk has style for miles and is like a sofa on wheels. Maybe get one of each? Hahaha!

[@senecamcmillian]

Great video bro!

[@jaclyno5224]

When are you going to do a review on that dope Sienna we see in the back??

[@JonsMotoGarage]

That's the girlfriend's ride! Hahaha.

[@Pabloman333]

I have not ridden an F6B, yet, only read and watched reviews. I heard reference to the overdrive, but not as 5 speed, plus overdrive. Many spec sites list 5 speed only. Please elaborate on the operation of the overdrive. Also, I noticed that you didn't do any cul-de-sac circles on the Harley ;-)

[@BikesBoatsBivouacs]

They're both nice. If I could only have one, I'm going with the v-twin.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

The v-twin definitely has that unique "motorcycle feel" hat you don't get with the goldwing spaceship. Lol.

[@RandysRides]

That goldwing is SWEET. Nice lines, quieter, and I'm guessing smoother ? Both nice bikes, but yup, that Honda for me. :)

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Definitely quieter and waaaaay smoother! But yes, both have their qualities. I'm a sucker for the classic look of the harley, but I'm already married so no need to impress the ladies anymore. Lol. The older I get, the more I lean toward the practical choice...aside from the harley I got for learning wheelies. Lol.

[@RandysRides]

@@JonsMotoGarage lol. I'll ride anything. Sport, scooter, cruiser, dirtbike, mountain bike.....all of 'em. I could imagine if I had more money and room....hahahahha

[@JonsMotoGarage]

@@RandysRides oooh, you had to mention the mountain bike! I've been trying to get back out on the mountain for months. My bike is collecting dust ad we speak. Lol.

[@RandysRides]

@@JonsMotoGarage hahaha...welcome to my hell....I still haven't serviced mine since last september !!!! My friggin legs are like a chicken's !!! I have a 5 pound racing road bike , too. It needs parts....( sigh )

[@heyitsjudy5249]

Both are awesome bikes..best of both worlds..i would ride both everywhere as long as road permits..doesn't care much about ergonomics,.its all about wind and the smile in your face..two wheels is two wheels!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Well said!

[@iwannaapple7190]

I see you live in the right spot for practice and it looks like you get lots of it!

[@chrisdowdy848]

As an owner of both bikes 05 Goldwing 30th anniversary edition and a 07 RK Classic. I appreciate this review and have to say when I want comfort its the goldwing all day. When I want to cruise, ride for style and get women, the Road King has classic style, and pulls more women initially.......until they ride the goldwing and sit in the chair. Winner: my Goldwing has the slight edge.

[@bobbrown1264]

Great video

[@jaclyno5224]

We just need a few sidecars and then we can take the Goldwing on a cross country trip. 🙌

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

I own a Roadking and a GL1800..the Roadking has gone on long trips I like the Style pretty bike it has Character. The Goldwing is very refined and will burn miles they are both great bikes. I will ride Wing to Blackhills Rally this summer@4000 mile round trip.

[@da72ma]

I love my F6B Deluxe... But the bigger windshield and a Bluetooth device for the plugin is a must... I got the '15 mod with cruise control... Now on that note: the Harley is easier to work on...

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Great points! Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@shotgunscott]

I never thought I'd see them compared head to head. That Honda makes the Harley look like an antique, but the Honda just doesn't have that same visceral feel.

[@mikeboldt3876]

Todays HD's are great bikes (much better than my old AMF FX 80" for sure), but I'd take the F6B over the Road King, Street or Road Glide, etc... if I were to get a newer ride. Effortless performance on the open road, a clear advantage in reliability & longevity, and a uniqueness in that it's not just like every other V-twin bagger down at bike night or at stops along the way when on a cross country ride. A set of Cobra pipes on the "B" gives that sweet flat 6 engine an awesome sound all its own as well. The F6B will be my next motorcycle...IF... I ever tire of throwing my leg over my 99 Valkyrie with 325,000 km that I've had for the past 22 years. Ride what you like...it's all about riding, period :-)

[@victorjohnson9672]

Great Video 👍🏿

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks for checking it out! I appreciate the support!

[@brettbenson4516]

Good video. Keep it it. I prefer the Honda too.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks! These vids aren't as fun to make (or watch. Lol.), but as a consumer I find them helpful when making my own purchases, so hopefully they're useful to someone. The honda definitely has my vote as well.

[@angelnegron503]

I like them both!

[@mml1224]

great job,i like'd it. hd has a pos abs system big frkn deal, the f6b has 3 huge rotors on the bike, wat else can u ask4......no comparison........junk the leaking faucet HD...asap

[@mikehawk4665]

You got some beautiful bikes man i am looking to get rid of my harleys until im older and get a f6b

[@CactusJack252]

I like both bikes but I would probably pick the F6B in this case.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I'm with you there!

[@Iron_Bagger]

Hard to beat the classic look of the Road King

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I agree. When it comes to classic styling - the road king holds up to its name.

[@roadglide]

A Ford Mustang GT vs Lexus 350F. Whatever makes you look back and smile as you’re walking away saying “man that looks great”. Never wishing you bought something else. Sometimes it’s not about what’s the most technologically designed or best bang for the buck, but what makes you feel the best.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Well said! The looking back and smiling has hit me a few times on different bikes. Always an awesome feeling! Also, I'm a big fan of your slogan: "lifes short, just buy the bike!" Hahaha! That's awesome! Ride safe, brotha!

[@Miriada234]

Creo que comparar estas motos no tiene sentido. Las dos motos nos hablan de dos percepciones distintas del mundo. En mi opinion la Harley se ajusta mas a la imagen que tengo de una moto, yes, I'm a old fart, mientras que a la Goldwing la percibo como un cohete por completar o un carro de dos ruedas; demasiado sofisticada para mi. Pero al mismo tiempo, la Goldwing es bella y eficientisima segun los entendidos en la materia. No niego que me gustaria tener una en un futuro, pero por el momento me quedo con mi Harley. Amo mi Harley. Y muchas gracias a Jon's Moto Garage por su aportacion en conocimientos a la comunidad motociclista. Ride safe!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Tienes razon - las dos son muy distintas y cada una tiene sus pros y sus contras. Gracias por mirar y commentar! 🤙

[@chrisneal3909]

F6b Goldwing all day everyday, a bigger smoother motor, comfort for coast to coast touring and pretty much maintenance free.

[@BZRK519]

I like them both, but I'd have to go with the road king.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

The Harley runs in your blood! Lol. The Road King has character, that's for sure.

[@alenfora1400]

Goldwing all day everyday and i like harleys too and i understand they have history and are cool

[@MrHarlemknight73]

that foot peg position looks uncomfortable. im only 6 feet and i dont think i would like that stock setup. i feel sorry for a tall guy. the bike looks nice but the foot position looks bad

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, at my height (5'8") it's a perfect fit, but I can see how taller riders would need the highway pegs. Thanks for watching! Is that the m109r in your profile pic? Now that's a monster of a motorcycle right there! Lol. Ride safe, brother!

[@gursevaksharma]

I am scared to look at that kick stand of Road king. :D I am sure I am missing something... :D

[@gwaddles]

Great video. I like them Both, but pass me the Harley...

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I hear ya, brotha! Thx for watching and commenting! Ride safe!

[@circleh5173]

Wish I could ride like that

[@JonsMotoGarage]

That's what I said a few months back when I watched Greg from MotoJitsu doing crazy stuff in parking lots. Lol. I highly recommend checking his channel (he puts me to shame! Lol). Next thing I new I was in my front yard messing around. I still have a TON to learn, but it's fun and useful for improving overall riding skills. Thanks for the comment! RIde safe!

[@Dragonchow56]

Apples to oranges. Much closer comparo would have been the previous generation Honda Valkyrie Tourer vs. Road King...but even that 22 year old Valk would have smoked the Harley in just about every category.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

For sure! I would love to get my hands on the old valkyrie. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Dragonchow56]

@@JonsMotoGarage Right now is a great time to grab one. There seems to be an abundance of these bad boys on the market - my guess is the aging riders not wanting to deal with a 800 lb beast - and a damn nice unit with reasonable miles (< 50k) can be had for $3k to $4k. Don't wait - they're destined to become a valued classic in the foreseeable future.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I've missed out on a few solid deals in the last few years. They go fast, but I'm always on the look out. Thanks!

[@dancallan5964]

I have riden both bikes, goldwing all day long without question, just too bad why it took Honda 45 years to finally put a 6 speed manual in the goldwing, but Japanese and Germany seem to be light years ahead in engineering

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, the goldwing is so smooth and comfortable - overall such a fun ride. Thanks for watching and commenting! Ride safe!

[@vulcanman64]

BMW is rated the most unreliable motorcycle you can buy. So much for technology.

[@DanDanai1]

@@vulcanman64Over the last years I have owned three BMWs. A R1200 RT, F800 GS, and a R1200GSA. I’ve had absolutely not a single issue with neither one of those bikes. I think it comes down to some of the fancy options on some of the BMWs... For example, if your Japanese sport or touring bike doesn’t have a tyre pressure sensor, well then it can’t brake... same with electronic suspension etc. This all goes into those statistics of “most unreliable motorbike”...

[@cherrylove3656]

the Harley is the better looking bike in my opinion but I like the Honda I have owned different models of the Honda never had any issues or problems

[@marksarovich5534]

Is the Road King water cooled??? SImply NO COMPARISON in engineering.....

[@mattbrewer9487]

I would prefer the Goldwing.

[@dougbuswell2689]

Roadglide is more comparative

[@JonsMotoGarage]

For sure! I wish o had a road glide at the time. Lol. Thanks, brotha!

[@scottlang7564]

that might be the only Goldwing that dont come with cruse Hell my 93 had factory cruse lol

[@kentb8621]

I must admit I’m biased towards the Harley’s strictly because of that look and sound of the American muscle, but today I’ve been taking a look at comparable touring bikes and I’m impressed with the gold wing. There’s a lot of bikes out there I didn’t even realize existed like the Vulcan vaquero. So many options I wish people didn’t get hung up on the name/country of origin. I’ve owned a Honda shadow 750 for about a year and whenever I ride it with my Harley friends they always give me a hard time when my bike is infinitely more reliable than theirs. Already has 60k+ miles and I imagine it’ll outlive me with proper care. Honda’s are great machines.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Definitely! Not to mention we've now got the challenger option as well. Lots of great bikes to choose from.

[@wretchedrider2157]

I've had my 2016 F6B from new since 2018 (new old stock). I love the bike but at the same time it's so... Dull? It's quicker than my 03 Road King was, sure, but the Harley had soul. I didn't have obnoxious pipes on the Harley or anything but it just gave you great vibes whenever and wherever you rode. The F6B is smoother, faster, bigger, more comfortable, probably more reliable in the long run... But... I'm on the fence about selling it and getting back into a Harley. Just like the ST1300, it's basically an appliance without much of a soul. Just being honest, having owned both! But at 6ft5in tall, I appreciate the extra room and dimensions of the F6B!

[@dco956]

Cross country.& rain bad weather...I'll take the f6b...for 4 hour rides..road king

[@curtis1951]

I've ridden both. I prefer the road king. The honda in a way is too good. It isolates you from everything. I don't ride a motorcycle to be isolated from everything. The road king is still comfortable and smooth enough but still feels like I'm operating a machine.

[@sll-tt6bj]

F6b for me

[@EricGT86]

Forever Goldwind!!!

[@paulnewstead9693]

F6B for me as long as it comes with an ash tray.

[@carlosarellano5251]

Goldwing all day!

[@jdleestirringthepot6421]

Im a huge Honda fan hav been for 40+yrs and not to start a argument but tht bike you have there is a 1800/F6B/VALKYRIE NOT the Goldwing and Valks are my type of bike ive owned 3 of them m y 1st one was a 1998 and in 98 VALKYRIE was called a hotrod right out of the box open link watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5qydpJpnNd3gbc

[@JonsMotoGarage]

First off, that valkyrie commercial is totally awesome! Like you said, "a complete hot rod right out of the box!" I watched it with the sound muted and could stil hear the roar of that motor - holy smokes! I've seen the valkyries but never had the pleasure of throwing a leg over. I double checked for good measure, and the f6b is considered a gold wing (at least per the kbb model guide as well as a few review sites I found). www.cycleworld.com/2012/11/12/2013-honda-gold-wing-f6b-first-look It's basically a stripped down version of your standard goldwing, and the valkyrie is an even more stripped down version (no bags, front fairing, etc). There's a valkyrie for sale about 2 hrs from here with only 6k miles. The guy wants $8900... very tempting. Lol. Thanks for watching/sharing your knowledge and that awesome vid! Ride safe!

[@vulcanman64]

I’ll take the king thanks

[@motocyklowywagabunda7038]

F6B is 5 speed not 6 speed

[@JonsMotoGarage]

You're right. Five speed with overdrive. Oops, my bad. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@motocyklowywagabunda7038]

small mistake, I was a Honda guy for a long time had 4 Goldwings, currently I have BMW K1600 and Harley Sportster 1200 but I am like you just love all bikes. Life is too short to stick to just one brand :)

[@JonsMotoGarage]

@@motocyklowywagabunda7038 You and I both roll on the same plane for sure. Lol. I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@alexquevedo831]

No comparison Honda’s legacy models are still superior to Harleys current models

[@clivechandler8817]

Golding every time.

[@armadilllo]

F6B looks like a giant scooter

[@scottalan6984]

LOL I thought the roadking was a 1976 it's that old looking and wow what's it got 76 horsepower and it's probably a stage 2 LOL

[@jimmymorales459]

Skip the music

[@laryangel4082]

9

[@stephenmustard8388]

Goldwings are too ugly for me personally.

[@wilsonmercado2287]

The goldwing wins buy 500 times more

[@RRo-up4pg]

Gay

[@xtreme4stringbass]

Not a fan of the curry burners, i.e. Harleys. Don't care for bikes made in India and Indonesia.