what's to gain?

[firemedic309]

I have been eyeing that blue and silver i/s, I currently ride a 97 tourer with a Memphis shade bat wing and was wondering if its worth the up grade? What do I gain? It is 3 years newer but about the same mileage. What do you think?

[hubcapsc]

What do you think?

You'll gain a Valkyrie that's harder to work on and you'll have a trunk and more gas.

I have a Givi trunk (two of them of different sizes actually) that I can
throw on there real quick when I'm going far or Carolyn is going with me...



I'm set up solo mostly - even if you supervalk an Interstate you'll have the pods and the
complexity of the fairing to deal with when you're working on your bike...



-Mike "I like Tourers..."

[sixlow]

Just buy it.   .. I/S is faster, it has a gas guage, radio, dual headlight. Besides you only have one Valkyrie..  .
I love them both

[Jess from VA]

Will you trade one for the other, or have two?

As an IS (interstate) guy, I love the 7 gal tank (can be added to yours), the fairing (you have one, and I have no comparison experience on function, but you don't have two headlights), radio and 4 speakers, gas gauge (but trip meter is just as good), our start buttons don't fry with the IS relays, and we have an electronic speedo (not mechanical).  (I don't have or want a CB, or use an intercom, but you might.)

The IS is somewhat harder to lift off the kickstand.

I like my supervalk way more than my trunk bike, and can actually carry more, more easily, on my supervalk (but not locked, but that doesn't bother me because all my needs-to-be-locked stuff fits in the bags).  

I've never taken my fairing off (never had to).  What I have to take off is the bags and seat (so does everyone with bags and a seat).

Don't take passengers, but if you do, the IS might be better for that.  Though some of the larger passengers complain the IS backseat is confining compared to other Valks.  Passengers who like to sleep in back are probably a little safer on an IS.

I've been a black and chrome guy forever, but must say the blue and silver IS is a real beauty (though I don't know if I'd get one just for that).

I see you are in FL.  I bet heat is (at least a bit) lower on non-interstates, at least around town and cruising.  

The mysterious IS air scoops should have nothing to do with it.  

[_Sheffjs_]

Do you ever run with out a windshield?
Do you need a bigger tank?
Is a gas gauge important?
Do you need a trunk?
Do you like the looks of an IS?
Do you like the looks of a standard or Tourer?

I have had two IS and two Tourers  I like them all so I am no help.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have a Standard with a Memphis windshield . I have an Interstate also. I hardly ever ride my Standard anymore. Although, when I do I'm reminded how much less weight is up high. If you are concerned about extra weight, you should probably stick with your Tourer. One day we will all have to consider the extra weight and bulk. But for now, I really prefer my I/S. My wife prefers it also.

[firemedic309]

My biggest problem is my bucket head.... I'm 6'4'' and the wind beats my bead up after a long day riding... I don't know if the I/S would be any better

[Jess from VA]

I'm nearly certain the IS fairing is better than the Memphis fairing (more aerodynamic), and the various shields for IS fairings are much better than the flat ones of various heights for the Memphis fairing.

And most IS's come with fairing wings and fork wings which although mounted low, do a lot to control air coming up over the tank and maybe adding to buffeting.  

You should be able to get the right shield for an IS to stop all head buffeting (and still be able to look over it).

Clearview makes them wider (I have the 5" wider than stock, 2 1/2" per side), and taller (up to 21", stock is 15.5", so 5.5" taller than stock).  Though they will make you nearly anything you want.

https://www.clearviewshields.com/motorcycle-windshield/honda/valkyrie-interstate-shields/

And if you are wearing a bucket, please get a proper helmet.  This can only help with the buffeting.

PS; When getting a bike (like a new used interstate), you always want to make sure you have the seat you want, before you order any new windshield.  A lot of 6'4" guys probably prefer an Ultimate Big Boy seat, (or something) taller than stock, so their knees aren't so bent up on the foot controls.  And a taller seat usually means you want a bit taller shield too. I have different height Clearview shields on my interstates with Lowboy and Bigboy seats.  If you mix this up, you can end up with head buffeting... even with a new shield.

PSS:  Just curious, did you ever try to raise the Memphis Batwing on it's fork mounts?  Yes, it looks best with a tight fit to the headlight, but an inch or two (if the adjustment is there) could make a decent difference in buffeting. The headlight gap can be stuffed with black foam (or something) to stop wind and noise.  (And works better always beats looks better)

[_Sheffjs_]

Along with Jess on windshields the Clearview also makes taller and wider for the Valkyrie Tourer windshield hardware. I have the second to the tallest set up and you are welcome to get with me on a ride and swap bikes for a test.  The Black Teal bike is actually in town  (Palmghetto) I would just need to pick up the shield next time up. Tourus or Steve has the tallest one and it is unlike any other I have seen. I do not run with windshields any more unless Burt has a Party     Somehow the day of his party’s can be some of the coldest days of the year.   

[firemedic309]

On my Memphis shade I have the tallest long ride shield w/the flip, I have the wing adjusted up as high on the forks as it will go.
 I am in a Neotech helmet,  maybe not the lightest helmet but about the best I could afford.
I have a Corbin seat, dang thing is about the hardest thing Ive  ever sat on! So with that I am running a Airhawk (did i mention I am pretty cheap, I also ride a KLR)which dose set me higher. It's all a balance game trying to find the sweet spot.
I do ride often and was even, dare I say, considering switching to a Goldwing or maybe a Royal Star Venture. I will retire in 21/2 years and will ride even more. I want to be , able to hop on and wonder my way to Kentucky when ever the urge hits me.

[Thunderbolt]

Re the shield.  I had a Tulsa Tall windshield on the Interstate.  I went through the OEM, then a second that I can't remember the name of before I found the Tulsa Tall.  It kept the wind off of me and helped a lot for my wife's buffeting problem when she was a passenger.  Not sure if they still make them.  Maybe Clearview would have one.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

Just buy it.   .. I/S is faster, it has a gas guage, radio, dual headlight. Besides you only have one Valkyrie..  .
I love them both

 Buy It ,You Wont Regret It !
 The Interstate That I Own Is My Comfy Cadillac, That Hauls A$$ !
 Plus You Gain The Fairing, Tour Pack, And Stereo .

[firemedic309]

Ok so i rode this venture , it wasn't as nice as the owner thought it was... in fair shape but had a miss when running.... on to the i/s today.