Honda F6C


The GoldWing F6C is Honda's latest contender in the large capacity naked category, motorcycling's most dynamic sector following the recent launch of outstanding unfaired models including BMW's S1000R and KTM's 1290 Super Duke R. However the F6C, whose initials stand for Flat Six Custom, has not been built to take on those stripped-down sports machines.

As its name suggests, the F6C was created by removing the bodywork from the GL1800 Gold Wing tourer. It's a softer, heavier, more laid-back take on the large-capacity naked bike theme; a rival for bruisers such as Harley Davidson's V-Rod Muscle and Triumph's giant three-cylinder Rocket.


This F6C follows the format of the original model of the same name, launched in 1996, combining the Gold Wing's flat-six engine with raised handlebars, an exposed riding position and a low, cruiser-style saddle.

Visually the new F6C is very different, gaining its muscular look via the use of bulbous plastic bodywork, in contrast to the old model's exposed engine and copious chrome. All but the cylinder heads of the sohc, liquid-cooled engine are hidden by side-mounted radiators.


The previous F6C's engine was tuned for extra power but this time Honda decided that the current Wing unit's performance was sufficient. Its only modifications, apart from shedding the tourer's reverse gear to save weight, are a new airbox and exhaust system. The maximum output of 114 bhp is unspectacular but the sohc, shaft-drive motor's strength has always been its broad spread of torque.

The F6C is intended to be imposing, and it feels that way even at a standstill. Although it's lighter than the Gold Wing by 80 kg, the weight of a typical pillion, it still weighs a substantial 341  kg. It's big, with a wide fuel tank and a seat that is as low as it is broad, helping low-speed control. Even the handlebar grips are much fatter than the norm.


This huge bike with its vast reserves of torque could have been a real handful. Being based on the elderly Wing, it lacks modern amenities such as multiple riding modes or traction control. But fortunately the fuelling is so sweet that the Honda is very easy to ride, pulling smoothly almost from idle and feeling very controllable.

And it certainly delivers some fun. Even with less than 2,000 rpm showing on its attractive, coloured digital instrument panel, the F6C charges forward like an angry rhino, providing effortless overtaking and very entertaining progress, with the bonus of a throaty exhaust note. Its exposed riding position means the Honda would soon become tiring at cruising speeds, but also that it's exciting even well short of its top speed.

The chassis is very good; improbably so, unless you've ridden a Gold Wing, whose twin-spar aluminium frame layout it shares, although Honda reduced its rigidity slightly to improve feel. Steering geometry is relaxed, but the wide handlebars help make the F6C agile for such a big machine.


Its suspension is simple, and supple enough for a smooth ride, but sufficiently well damped to allow enthusiastic cornering. The Honda also has a respectable amount of ground clearance, as well as powerful, ABS-equipped brakes.

For a naked bike the F6C is reasonably practical, despite its lack of features such as heated grips. Its large fuel tank gives a range of up to 200 miles. And the broad dual-seat, which incorporates solid pillion grab-handles, seems comfortable in conjunction with the roomy riding position.

The Honda's biggest drawback is that at £ 17,999 it costs far more than most naked rivals (though £ 7,000 less than the Gold Wing). At that price it won't add significantly to the current boom in powerful, unfaired machines.