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Author Topic: Is there anyone in the Elkhart Indiana area that could give a report on a Valkyr  (Read 2571 times)
Liberty Bell
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French Lick, IN


« on: November 07, 2009, 04:41:05 PM »

Here is my story. I am on the down hill side of my second consecutive tour here in Afghanistan, due to rotate back to the world in the early spring.

Had an old 1982 Goldwing before I left that the wife sold, with my consent,  while I was over here. Unfortunately, I hadn't really got to ride any since the end of 2006. I want another bike for when I get back!!!!!!!

About 12 years ago I got my lower left leg crushed in a construction accident and it gave me some problems with the Goldwing. In a single season, I laid it down three times, largely as a result of the bad ankle. Fortunately, me nor the bike were hurt and the wife wasn't on the back at the time. To make a bad situation worse, shortly before I deployed, I got my back broke. While home on leave, I seat on a few tour bikes and a couple heavy crusiers and the wife and I agree that with my combination of injuries I really have no business on two wheels anymore. So, she has told me that I can get a trike.

At first, I had some mixed emotions about a trike as I am not THAT old, I just turned 46. I have pretty much got over the stigma of "the training wheels comments" etc. I have heard a couple of those from folks in my unit who ride. That is another long and interesting discussion. Of course most of them ride Harley's too so there has been a lot of , "If it ain't a Harley it ain't a motorcycle…." Yeah, whatever.

Ignoring peer pressure, I have basically decided that the point is what makes me and the spousal unit happy. Harleys are way to expensive up front and while better than they use to be, wrench to ride time is still a lot greater than I want to deal with.  Now, if I'd win one in a raffle or find a pissed off wife that caught the husband cheating and sells his bike for $500 or something like that, OK but I'm more likely to end up with a broken leg than have that happen…….. And, if I hit the lottery, I'l by an Indian as a show bike. There is also the expense of parts and the whole Harley image think that I REALLY don't what any part of.  I just want a nice bike to ride that is comfortable.

Having had a Goldwing, I have spent a lot of time looking at them. While on Leave, the Wife and I went to a trike shop and looked at the selection.  She made an excellent point about the Goldwings. Do we really NEED all that motorcycle. She flat says she does not see going on vacation for two weeks on that back of a motorcycle so do we need all the saddlebags and tour packs (Of course, I KNOW she packs more stuff for a weekend than I do for a six month deployment too). But, she is right in that the majority of riding will be local and the space and all the toys really not needed. And we both agree that Goldwings have become to plastic and Battle Star Galactica looking…..   Having said that, we are agreed that we want a bike that is large enough and comfortable enough to make a long trip, looks like a bike, without all the unneeded stuff.

 So, having taken a long way to get there I have pretty much decided  I want either a Valkyrie or VTX. After talking with a good friend who lives in DC and commutes almost daily on his Valkyrie, the first choice is a Valkyrie.

I have been reading a lot here on the board and feel like I have learned a great deal, thank you all. I have been watching E-bay and the other internet sites to try and get a feel for pricing and what not also. In my internet search, I have found a Valkyrie Trike located fairly close to home but as I am not home to go look for myself, I was wondering if there are any members here who live in the Elkhart Indiana area that can tell me anything about this unit I found on Craig's List:

 http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1450212981.html

At under 20K miles it seems like a REALLY Good deal especially when compared to prices on E-bay. [There is another Valkyrie trike listed In Indianapolis that has a "reconstructed title" they want $20 grand for… WAY to much in my opinion.]

In looking at Valkyries, I like the looks of the Interstate fairing  and the tour pack. I am SURE that the spousal unit will be interested in the tour pack and the back support and comfort it provides. How difficult will it be to find and change these pieces out?

Any advice, help, or opinions will be greatly appreciated. Hopefully, VERY shortly after I return home, I can join the ranks of Dragonn Drivers ;-) Thanks.
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MAD6Gun
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New Haven IN


« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2009, 04:51:35 PM »

I could possible do that for you Bell. I am in New Haven IN. I am about 100 miles or so from Elkhart. If there is someone  closer they could help you out but I could if no one else does...Let me Know....
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Ghost
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Connersville In. VRCC#7645


« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2009, 04:52:41 PM »

Its worth twice that much.
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Willow
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« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2009, 05:00:52 PM »

If you truly want the Interstate trike, don't get a tourer trike and assume the expense, time, and effort of trying to add on what you need.

Wait for an Interstate trike.  There are plenty out there.

The answer is, no, it's not easy to add the tour pack and fairing to a tourer trike.
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f6gal
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Surprise, AZ


« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2009, 05:19:30 PM »

That is a very good price for a trike.  However, as Willow said, if you like the features on the I/S, you may want to keep looking.  The I/S also has a larger gas tank than the standard or tourer.
« Last Edit: November 07, 2009, 06:31:33 PM by f6gal » Logged



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fudgie
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« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2009, 05:58:20 PM »

I'll give a heads up to a friend that lives up there and see what he says. Weather here is good for a bit and might make it possible.
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Liberty Bell
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French Lick, IN


« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2009, 08:04:22 PM »

Thanks Guys!!

I got the Interstate and the tourer confused, newbie mistake I apologize.

I honestly did not expect to have a response so fast!!!!

There are a couple Interstates for sall on E-bay right now I have been watching.
one for $12K @ 34K miles and another that is just at $10-5 @25K miles....
Both of them are black and I'd kinda' like the color but at this point, I want a dragon in the garage.....

Sounds like I might be getting assigned down in Georgia when I get back so ther will be LOTS of riding weather.

Do the Valkire trikes come up for sale that often?

What are the things to look for specifically when buying a Valkyrie?
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Kidd
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Sedona


« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2009, 10:35:33 PM »

http://bham.craigslist.org/mcy/1447704273.html

Same one ,  watch out , could be a scam
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Liberty Bell
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French Lick, IN


« Reply #8 on: November 08, 2009, 12:33:11 AM »

Thanks Kidd,

Very interesting, very interesting in deed...

I have sent e-mails to BOTH adds and we will see what the response is......
I have a feeling that the you are right and they are scam adds that I will hear absolutely nothing back from......
Just my guess....... And I hate that too...
Of course I do have to admit, it seemed to good to be true based on the prices I have been seeing on E-bay.

I was getting kinda' psych'd to have the wife make a run and pick it up.......

I am sure that there will be other trikes come available. I just hope my new found friends here will keep me in mind if they see one come available.
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Life is not a journey to the grave with the expectation of arriving in one pretty, well preserved piece but, to be skidded into broadside at full speed, battered, bruised, and thoroughly used up, having poked the grim reaper in the eye shouting "GERONIMO"
stude31
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Topeka,ks


« Reply #9 on: November 08, 2009, 05:30:24 AM »

Liberty,

Thank you for your service.  Stay safe over there and give it some time on the search for a valkyrie interstate trike.  Send JimL a message he seems to be able to locate some great deals.  He assisted me in finding my tourer and Pharmboy's tourer.  Keep us posted on when you return home!!
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Dave Ritsema
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South Bend IN


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« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2009, 05:52:52 AM »

I work in Elkhart and may know a thing or two about Valkyrie's.  Wink
I sent an email to the craigslist ad requesting contact information. If he gets back with me I would be happy to take a look at it for you.
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VRCC 2879



Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Valley,Al


« Reply #11 on: November 08, 2009, 07:06:08 AM »

Bell, when you get back, if you go to Ft. Benning, you will get to ride all year , I live 45 miles north of Columbus,              <<<<<< THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE >>>>>         keep us posted as to when you are comming home            GOD BLESS             Bogator
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fudgie
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« Reply #12 on: November 08, 2009, 08:30:56 AM »

I work in Elkhart and may know a thing or two about Valkyrie's.  Wink
I sent an email to the craigslist ad requesting contact information. If he gets back with me I would be happy to take a look at it for you.

Sent john Peebles a e-mail this morning about it also.
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Liberty Bell
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Posts: 293


French Lick, IN


« Reply #13 on: November 09, 2009, 04:40:51 AM »

Well guys, first off...... THANKS for the warm reception here and all the advice. You have certainly made a stranger feel welcome here and part of the club without hazzing or initiation. If I had a doubt about getting a Valkyrie, it has been removed as a result of the warm reception I have received here. You are not posers or want a bees, you are honest, sincere people who share a common interest and thus the type of folks I want to be associated with and known as "One of THOSE folks".

It looks like this is probably a Scam as the same pictures were listed in Birmingham on the Third and Elkhart Indiana on the 5th......
It has been over 24 hours since I sent an email requesting more information and have heard NOTHING from either listing so I have a feeling that this one is just not meant to be.

Maybe not a bad thing anyway... I won't be home till April or May and I really don't want the wife to have to deal with getting a bike picked up and delivered and stored till I get back. With the kids and the house, she has enough..

I have been watching E-bay and there are a couple Triked Valkyrie trikes on there. I detect some dislike of E-bay on the board, can someone expand on this for me?

I would ask that if anyone comes across a Triked out Interstate to let me know. 

Again thanks for the warm welcome to the club......
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Wizzard
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Bald River Falls

Valparaiso IN


« Reply #14 on: November 09, 2009, 05:34:02 AM »

For my part I have both bought a truck, motorcyle and numerous other items on Ebay and have sold over 30 k in merchandise in the last 5 years on there and have never had a problem. Many great experiences. That is how I feel about ebay
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stormrider
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Kinsey, AL


« Reply #15 on: November 09, 2009, 06:31:40 AM »

Appreciate your service. Adventure Motorcycles is a local shop near me that trikes bikes. He's done several Valkyries and the ones I've seen look great. I'll check with the owner as to price and let you know.

I agree with what Willow said, if you want an Interstate, hold out for one. It may be you can find a deal on one and have it triked.

Where will you be stationed in GA? I'm less than 100 miles south of Ft. Benning.

check out www.oodle.com and put valkyrie trike in the search bar.

This is what I found.

http://www.oodle.com/vehicle/-/make_honda/model_valkyrie/?q=trike&oldq=valkyrie+trike&inbs=1&bsm=_2_sale%282%29

The Interstate at Brewton, AL is not too far from me. I would be willing to check it out for you. Sounds like a great deal and it's an Interstate.
« Last Edit: November 09, 2009, 06:37:24 AM by stormrider » Logged

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Dave Ritsema
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South Bend IN


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« Reply #16 on: November 09, 2009, 02:14:27 PM »

I have never heard a thing back as well, told them I lived 20 miles away and would like to look at it asap.
If I hear anything I will let you know. On a side note, if it DOES end up being a real ad and you like it I would be glad to store it for you until you can coordinate getting it picked up, whatever it takes.

Thanks for your service.

Dave
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f6gal
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Surprise, AZ


« Reply #17 on: November 09, 2009, 03:01:15 PM »


This is what I found.

http://www.oodle.com/vehicle/-/make_honda/model_valkyrie/?q=trike&oldq=valkyrie+trike&inbs=1&bsm=_2_sale%282%29

The Interstate at Brewton, AL is not too far from me. I would be willing to check it out for you. Sounds like a great deal and it's an Interstate.


The Alabama one is on e-bay "buy it now" for $12,000; ends on 11-11.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320444822373&ih=011&category=50011
I'd let stormrider check 'er out for you.  If it's in good shape, it's a pretty good deal.

BTW, don't let the location of a bike you find sway you in the least.  I guarantee the good folks here will help you get it to Georgia, even if you're still hanging out in that other country.
« Last Edit: November 09, 2009, 03:06:53 PM by f6gal » Logged



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Dag
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« Reply #18 on: November 09, 2009, 03:13:51 PM »

I detect some dislike of E-bay on the board, can someone expand on this for me?


Welcome to the club Liberty Bell  Smiley
A bunch of friendly people here!
There are different experiences with eBay. I have bought more than 130 items on eBay with only one bad experience.
One guy that sold some nozzles he didnt have  Roll Eyes  I got my money back from PayPal.
My first purchase on eBay was my -97 Bumblebee in 2005.

I have collected some informations of HONDA VALKYRIE TRIKE CONVERSIONS on my website http://www.valkyrienorway.com/trike.html

BTW, don't let the location of a bike you find sway you in the least.  I guarantee the good folks here will help you get it to Georgia, even if you're still hanging out in that other country.


I can confirm that!
I bought a Valkyrie last year from Dallas TX and a VTX 1800 from Allan TX this year. Two memberst from TX VRCC rode the bikes to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for me so I could get them shipped over to Norway. Wonderful people in this club  angel
« Last Edit: November 09, 2009, 03:29:07 PM by Dag » Logged

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stormrider
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Kinsey, AL


« Reply #19 on: November 09, 2009, 07:02:10 PM »

Liberty, my email is down for some reason so I'll post here. Talked to the owner just now. Sounds like a fine young man. Nothing wrong with the bike. Trying to get out from under the payments. Hates to sell but needs to for a growing family. I may can go tomorrow or Wed to check it out. About 150 miles from me. If you want it and it does not sell on ebay I think he will wait till I go check it out for you before he commits to anyone else.
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Freedom will ultimately cost more than we care to pay but will be worth every drop of blood to those who follow and cherrish it.
Liberty Bell
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French Lick, IN


« Reply #20 on: November 09, 2009, 07:18:44 PM »

Storm,

Please check it out at your convenience if you will.. I will make it up to you some how.

Have to talk to the wife and coordinate the money etc....... Will be most contingent on your report however.

Good news is that the wife passed her citizenship test today! I am very proud of her.

Thanks, Have to go to work now..... 
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Life is not a journey to the grave with the expectation of arriving in one pretty, well preserved piece but, to be skidded into broadside at full speed, battered, bruised, and thoroughly used up, having poked the grim reaper in the eye shouting "GERONIMO"
stormrider
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Kinsey, AL


« Reply #21 on: November 09, 2009, 07:28:22 PM »

Will do. All in a days work, nothing to repay at all. Will be my pleasure.
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Freedom will ultimately cost more than we care to pay but will be worth every drop of blood to those who follow and cherrish it.
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