Had a talk with Honda

[Chrome]

Hi All Our new local "Honda Powerhouse" dealership had a charity ride yesterday. As chapter rep ,I was introduced to the regional Honda Rep. As he admired my 98 Tourer,he asked if something happened to my Valk,he asked what I would do.I said I would go home and get another one from the garage.I knew what he was leading to but wasn't playing.He asked the same thing and I replied that I would go back for another one. He gave up and asked me outright what in Honda's line would interest me. I gave a very honest answer and said "Nothing" You don't have a "Fat Bagger" that I would want.Don't care for the cost of a Wing and want hard bags. I said that Victory had two new models that really caught my eye. Then he went and told of Honda's new "Interstate" which he said would be based on the VTX1300.I told  him that I load up my I/S with gear,my wife and myself ,pull a trailer and hit the highways and travel at a good rate of speed and asked if a smaller V Twin could do the same? Didn't get a straight answer on that. We ended the conversation with me saying I would rather buy a 12 year old Valk than a new Honda motorcycle.
Adrian(Chrome)V

[stude31]

Very well put!

I was asked a similar question when I was at the coffee shop w/ some of those "other" riders.  I basically gave them a similar answer and told them I would never part w/ my I/S there is nothing out there that even comes close to it.   The I/S was my first street bike and as my cousin once told me, "You just jumped to the ride of rides you have nothing to upgrade to".   That is how I feel...  Everyone is entitled to their opinion and they can have their 20k dollar "new" bike I will keep my 10 yr old machine!!!

[Lil D]

I'd have to agree. Lots of things are out there. But, I have what I want.  It does what I need it to and looks good doing it!

Nice pic Chrome!

LilD

[Charlie McCready]

Well said Adrian......keep 'em thinking.

[Karen]

As always, impeccable logic, Adrian. If I had to, I'd replace my trike with another Valk & have it redone.

[Normandog]

Good try Adrian. 

[MP]

Perfect answer.  My feelings exactly.

MP

[Printer Mike]

I'm with y'all!

I waited 5 years to get the bike that i really wanted...my '98 Tourer. I could easily afford to make payments on a new $20K whatever, but my Valk does it for me! If something were to happen to it, I'd be looking for another Valk, no doubt!

[Mongo]

It's good to hear that Honda is at least thinking about a new Interstate type bike. I think a 1300 VTX interstate would be a great/smart bike for Honda to make. Bikes sales are down and I don't think they are going to increase for years. Honda can hold down costs by keeping it simple. If Honda can come out with a 1300 Interstate for under $12,000 they will be able to sell enough bikes to keep their factory lines rolling. I would love to see a new Valk and I think Honda could make some money but If they made a new Valk Interstate I don't think they could make it for under $19,000 and I think that would be out of the price range for 80% of the buyers. Two years ago everyone thought they needed a Hummer now they are buying the smaller SUVs

[fudgie]

Very well put!
I was asked a similar question when I was at the coffee shop w/ some of those "other" riders.  I basically gave them a similar answer and told them I would never part w/ my I/S there is nothing out there that even comes close to it.   The I/S was my first street bike and as my cousin once told me, "You just jumped to the ride of rides you have nothing to upgrade to".   That is how I feel...  Everyone is entitled to their opinion and they can have their 20k dollar "new" bike I will keep my 10 yr old machine!!!

I stopped at a local HD place yesterday. Salesman gave me a weird 'wtf' look. I went in and did my bussiness. When I came out he said' i'd like to have you trade the Valkyrie on a new HD'. 'I bet you would!' I said. Asked me what model I had. "Actually you can keep it and still get a new HD'. 'Nah!' 'Well how much you give me for this?' 'If I tell you i'd only make you mad!'.

[Oss]

well what I did when my 2000 interstate was totalled is I bought a 2001 interstate.

Of course there is nothing like having 2 spares like you and some others do.  Good for you Adrian.



You Don and Joe between you have enough to field a baseball team of them   Valkyrie baseball, now that might be fun to watch

[Rowdy]

  Good answer Chrome 

I've been keeping an eye out for 2nd Valk - of course I need to get back to work first 

[MNBill]

Wow, the Honda guy is really out there, I had a 1300 VTX and would not consider another one after having a Valk. My 1300 was great fun one up but I am over 235 and when the Mrs and I were both on the 1300 it was not enough bike to suit me. As a tourer with bags and on a trip? Really not enough bike. Any truth to the fact that now that they moved Mfg overseas the import tax on the bigger bike makes the too expensive for todays market?

[PAVALKER]

I'm keeping both of mine.... the VALK and VTX.... both discontinued by Honda. They are coming out with a 1300 Interstate and another model Saber or Sabre, both based on the VTX1300. Now, not sure if it will be like the VTX1300 Engine or the Fury 1300 engine (which is fuel injected.  Guess we shall wait and see what develops..... but I am keeping mine, and wouldn't mind getting a spare Valk too.

Interested thought on the Import Tax, and I would tend to think you are correct.....

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I totally agree, there is no replacement for the Valk right now. There are other Honda's with hardbags for sale. The ST1300 is not by any means a Valk but they are a fine sweet smooth as glass Honda that hauls butt.

I too wish I could buy a brand new updated Interstate as the Wing is not "It" for me. But the money was burning a hole in my pocket and the ST1300 under $12,000 brand new, shipping paid, Hondaline trunk added, taxed, titled, and highway tagged (expensive in Kansas on a new bike unfortunately). I'm not worried about the dollars because we got the big tax credit thing this year on new bike purchases.  Obama's probably gonna pay me in long run for buying a new bike. 

The ST will run 90 all day like a Valk will but it will get over 40-45 MPG doing it. Get you one while you wait on Honda to wake up and have some different fun for a while.

I know this a Valk board and I do still have two Valks so I'm just saying....Live life while you can if you can.

Raymond

[stormrider]

I occasionally go by Dothan Powersports, (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Victory dealer) to see what's new. Nothing. All the same old same old. Harley; always been overpriced, still nothing to compare to an 01 Interstate. Kawasaki of Dothan, nothing either. No BMW, Triumph or other dealers, although the Rocket 3 was of interest at one time but glad I decided on the Valk. Nope, nothing but a Valk for me and the Mrs.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Perfect answer.  My feelings exactly.

MP

+1

[Robert]

Raymond just curious did you happen to check out the Kawa Concours 14 ? I was also looking at the Honda but I think I like the 14 just a little better, I found the seating position better on the Honda. I would be interested to hear what you have to say if you checked it out. I was on 95 having some fun riding along and I had to pull in for gas and a phone call got the gas and went around back and was making a call and this guy pulls up and says I saw you on 95 and thats one bad ass bike. He just was there staring at the bike for a few minutes, It was like he was just frozen there. Eventually he pulled off and of course I thanked him but that didn't really matter. I dont know to many bikes that will inspire people to do those kind of things. Ill keep my Valk but maybe a stable mate is in order.

[BF]

I don't think I could do a 1300.  It's simply too small and.......dinky. 

That's why I bought the Valk in the first place.....it fit me.  It was either a Valk or a VTX 1800 with the Valk always being my first choice.  The Valk won. 

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Raymond just curious did you happen to check out the Kawa Concours 14 ? I was also looking at the Honda but I think I like the 14 just a little better, I found the seating position better on the Honda. I would be interested to hear what you have to say if you checked it out. I was on 95 having some fun riding along and I had to pull in for gas and a phone call got the gas and went around back and was making a call and this guy pulls up and says I saw you on 95 and thats one bad ass bike. He just was there staring at the bike for a few minutes, It was like he was just frozen there. Eventually he pulled off and of course I thanked him but that didn't really matter. I dont know to many bikes that will inspire people to do those kind of things. Ill keep my Valk but maybe a stable mate is in order.

Both are nice bikes but the ST felt better under me. I also don't like all the computers on a C14. I'd like to keep my bikes so I can work on them myself. I think the ST may outlast the C14 in mileage too. I hope to wear out a Valk and an ST now. 

Raymond

[Serk]

Since we've kinda managed to threadjack this thread into discussion of Valk riders riding ST1300's..... The perfect solution is to have (at least) one of each!

His and hers bikes...



Hers on the left, mine on the right... And when I'm in the mood to do some zip-splat style riding, I just take hers out for a bit...

Works out very nice...

(And hafta point out, that pic was taken yesterday, and in the background on the left you can see the spousal unit teaching the spawn unit how to ride one of those biological motorcycle things... )

[Robert]

Serk I did notice the one that has the personal plate on it though

[Serk]

Serk I did notice the one that has the personal plate on it though

  Definitely... The Valk is my main bike! Of course, the fact that I'm 6'7" 300 pounds has a lot to do with that as well... I love the ST1300, but there's no getting around the fact that me on it looks like the proverbial, er... Monkey attempting to have a romantic interlude with a football...

[TearlessTom]

Raymond just curious did you happen to check out the Kawa Concours 14 ? I was also looking at the Honda but I think I like the 14 just a little better, I found the seating position better on the Honda. I would be interested to hear what you have to say if you checked it out. I was on 95 having some fun riding along and I had to pull in for gas and a phone call got the gas and went around back and was making a call and this guy pulls up and says I saw you on 95 and thats one bad ass bike. He just was there staring at the bike for a few minutes, It was like he was just frozen there. Eventually he pulled off and of course I thanked him but that didn't really matter. I dont know to many bikes that will inspire people to do those kind of things. Ill keep my Valk but maybe a stable mate is in order.

Both are nice bikes but the ST felt better under me. I also don't like all the computers on a C14. I'd like to keep my bikes so I can work on them myself. I think the ST may outlast the C14 in mileage too. I hope to wear out a Valk and an ST now.  

Raymond

I have to agree with Raymond.I have one of each, an 03 ST1300 and an 1997 Valk.  I've done 800+ mile days on the St and 500+ mile day with the wife on the back with no complaints.  The Connie is just a smidg faster but less MPG and smaller tank and to me once I got the seat in the correct position the ST is much more comfortable.

My Valk Ive done 500 mile days and never get tired.   I dont see myself getting rid of either bike.

Tom

[Willow]

... I have one of each, an 03 ST1300 and an 07 Valk.

Tom, how much do you want for the '07 Valk?  

[TearlessTom]

... I have one of each, an 03 ST1300 and an 07 Valk.

Tom, how much do you want for the '07 Valk?  

Well as I said I don't see myself getting rid or either bike.

I' just got my chrome racks and guardrails in for my Jumbo Strong Bags in today. I will take the bags in Friday to have them Coustom painted to match the bike .

Sooooo..... like everything else in life it could be bought but it ain't gonna be cheap!

It would have to be enough to buy another Valk with enough money left over to coustomize it again.

Oh I also have a Custom Hand made leather seat with the Valkyrie Maiden embossed and custom leatherwork.  It is AWSOME!

Tom

[HayHauler]

Willow!  You're just baaaaaaad. We all saw that little mistake, but chose to let it slide.  But, no, not you.  Hehe

Hay
Jimmyt

[TearlessTom]

Willow!  You're just baaaaaaad. We all saw that little mistake, but chose to let it slide.  But, no, not you.  Hehe

Hay
Jimmyt

Okay ...duh moment   I wouldn't have caught it if it weren't for this comment... its an: 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 19971997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997

[RP#62]

I totally agree, there is no replacement for the Valk right now. There are other Honda's with hardbags for sale. The ST1300 is not by any means a Valk but they are a fine sweet smooth as glass Honda that hauls butt.

I too wish I could buy a brand new updated Interstate as the Wing is not "It" for me. But the money was burning a hole in my pocket and the ST1300 under $12,000 brand new, shipping paid, Hondaline trunk added, taxed, titled, and highway tagged (expensive in Kansas on a new bike unfortunately). I'm not worried about the dollars because we got the big tax credit thing this year on new bike purchases.  Obama's probably gonna pay me in long run for buying a new bike. 

The ST will run 90 all day like a Valk will but it will get over 40-45 MPG doing it. Get you one while you wait on Honda to wake up and have some different fun for a while.

I know this a Valk board and I do still have two Valks so I'm just saying....Live life while you can if you can.

Raymond

Mexican Hat?
-RP

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Yes. Mexican hat.

Raymond

[stormrider]

Don't know if anyone cares but I talked to Honda in California today. The young man that answered, I think it was option 2 for road bikes, took notes, never heard of the VRCC, but said all comments are looked at by the higher ups. Didn't have any info on who I could talk to about buying them out of the Valkyrie manufacturing equipment. However, I would rather they retool and start it up again. Who knows? What's the old saying? The squeaky wheel gets the grease. If they got several hundred or thousand calls, ??????? And if we as a club could someway be their spokes persons. I would love to do it myself but I would have to have  all ya'll as sales persons to promote, promote, promote. And hey, at 55, I still have dreams, not the same as at 16 but dreams none the less.

Here's the number 866-784-1870 hours 8:30-4:30 Pacific. They will ask for a Vin number but I just went into a spin about having an 01 Valkyrie Interstate and that of the bikes out there and the ones I've ridden, I've found nothing to compare to it and with the V-Twin Harley hysteria wanning, it is time for Honda to re-visit the 97-03 Valkyrie, not the Rune. (Sorry Tim)

[SANDMAN5]

Me too also. In 07 I totalled my 03 Valk. Didn't really consider anything
else. Kinda halfway looked at new Wings and the RIII, but neither one
really twanged my buds. Both are nice, but not for an "only ride".
So I ended up with a 98. Love these motersickles!

[f-Stop]

Did a ride this summer for the "Sunshine Kids" organization that ended at the Harley dealership in Gruene, Texas.  There was a beautiful turquoise and white fully dressed Road King on the showroom floor that I was checking out when a salesman stopped by.  He asked what I was riding and then he replied that I could trade in "that old Honda" towards the Road King.  I started laughing and let him know that the "old Honda" was my #1 bike.  If I decided to get the Road King it would be second fiddle to the Valk...he just walked away...so did I.

FYI, our ride escourts - the Hays County Sheriff dept. - were each riding an ST1300.  

[big d]

my vtx 1800 get around  45 mpg while riding loaded down with two bags. after my brother decided to get back into riding he had me check out a mint black f6 tourer in my neck of the woods. this was my introduction to the valk. not only did i fall in love with the bike after one short test ride but so did the wife. was able to talk the wife into a valk toureer and was able to talk her into letting me gat an i/s and from there never looked back.                                           

[G-Man]

Hey Big D!!!!!!!!!   How you doin'?
How's Little D doin'?  Hope all is well.