|
F6Dave
|
 |
« Reply #40 on: November 13, 2009, 04:38:12 PM » |
|
When Honda entered the U.S. market a half century ago they sold little bikes. It seems that they may be going in that direction again, with some exceptions like the Wing. Their cruisers tend to be smaller than the competition, which is building a lot of nearly 2 liter machines. I get the impression Honda has become very green, but they may have overestimated the extent of that sentiment in the MC community.
There are some rays of hope. The Wing is still an excellent bike, and I may even buy one some day. But the most interesting bike right now is that new VFR1200. 172 HP! A six speed auto/semi-auto tranny with paddle shifters! A very unique V4 layout (rear cylinders on the inside for a narrow profile)! This is the kind of innovation Honda used to unveil regularly. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
SteveL
Guest
|
|
« Reply #41 on: November 13, 2009, 04:53:53 PM » |
|
The Valk was not the first Interstate. We don't own the name. There was a Gold Wing Interstate model first. This "Interstate" however, appears to be a Tourer instead.
For all the "wrong time" comments about the Fury, several dealers I've spoken with say they've sold out as fast as they got them in. Which is fine with me, 'cause I don't want one either. Though my dealer does know that, should there ever be another Valkyrie, the first black one in stock is MINE!
Correct, here's the first Interstate.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Lyn-Del
|
|
« Reply #42 on: November 13, 2009, 05:09:05 PM » |
|
Correct, here's the first Interstate. Thanks. Nice bike. I have 2 Aspencades ('82, '84) 1 SE ('91) and an '06 with NAV. It's just not the same without the names, is it? |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
 If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed. ― Benjamin Franklin |
|
|
HotRod
Member
Posts: 909
2001 I/S First one was a 1999 I/S
Henderson, NV
|
|
« Reply #43 on: November 13, 2009, 05:17:59 PM » |
|
I did'nt see one, where is it ?  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
BF
|
|
« Reply #44 on: November 13, 2009, 06:37:12 PM » |
|
Honda is taking the low, and cheap road here. The 1300's sell. They've said so. Even the salesman at the local Honda Stealership told me so. They can't keep 'em in stock fast enough. I was in there a couple months ago and they had a whole row of 1800's just sitting there waiting to find new homes.
The 1300's....I think they had maybe two or three.
They've become just like WalMart and not much else matters except the bottom line. That's obvious by the products they're producing.
Whoever was in charge of innovation at Honda must've been fired, died or retired.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to  |
|
|
Tropic traveler
Member
Posts: 3117
Livin' the Valk, er, F6B life in Central Florida.
Silver Springs, Florida
|
|
« Reply #45 on: November 13, 2009, 07:14:32 PM » |
|
|
|
|
|
« Last Edit: November 13, 2009, 07:20:34 PM by Tropic traveler »
|
Logged
|
'13 F6B black-the real new Valkyrie Tourer
'13 F6B red for Kim
'97 Valkyrie Tourer r&w, OLDFRT's ride now!
'98 Valkyrie Tourer burgundy & cream traded for Kim's F6B
'05 SS 750 traded for Kim's F6B
'99 Valkyrie black & silver Tourer, traded in on my F6B
'05 Triumph R3 gone but not forgotten!
|
|
|
X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
|
|
« Reply #46 on: November 13, 2009, 07:27:51 PM » |
|
Correct, here's the first Interstate. Hey Everybody!!! LOOK!!! It's got hardbags AND a trunk. What a novel concept. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.  |
|
|
|
Demo
|
|
« Reply #47 on: November 13, 2009, 07:30:26 PM » |
|
What the hell has happened to Honda's passion for great bikes. I've had a lot of them over the years going back to a CB160 back in the mid 60's. Unless I decide I want a Wing or possibly the new VFR, I don't see myself ever buying another Honda; I'll be too old too ride by the time they come out with something I want. Probably headed back to Yamaha/Star when it's finally time to get rid of the Valk.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
BF
|
|
« Reply #48 on: November 13, 2009, 07:57:12 PM » |
|
Sales, that's what's happend to Honda.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to |
|
|
rainman
Member
Posts: 1837
Steve ( rainman) Eads
Bloomington Indiana
|
|
« Reply #49 on: November 13, 2009, 07:58:43 PM » |
|
I don't see anything on the bike that honda could call a I/S. It has already been said "failed" If I was to have to buy a new bike this is the one that I would buy. Yes it is a V-twin but I like V-Twins take a look and see what you think.  http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=28&id=419loaded with everthing is only around $18,500 |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Puffs Daddy
|
|
« Reply #50 on: November 14, 2009, 07:18:52 AM » |
|
Honda has clearly decided to abandon the CC Wars and to concentrate their focus on the 1300 cc platform in the cruiser market. Actually, they're not alone in this, just somewhat more extreme than their competitors. Note that Kawasaki's 2000 cc cruiser is not the platform for the new Vulcans. Instead, Kaw is concentrating on the 1700 cc engine and the two litre Kawasaki is an orphan. Likewise, Triumph has shifted toward the 1600/1700 cc Thunderbird platform and redesigned the Rocket III for a niche market, abandoning all but the "Roadster" configuration. Yamaha, too, is focusing their marketing efforts on the 1300 cc Vstar line with little attention paid to the Roadliner 1900 cc line.
When I bought my Valkyrie in 2002, it had been surpassed in engine capacity only shortly before by the VTX1800. Rode both. Decided that the "smaller" Valkyrie was a far better engine. It didn't take long before the overproduction of the VTX 1800 caught up with Honda. (Much to the displeasure of those who had paid $12K plus for a new bike.)
Honda didn't get to be Honda by ignoring market trends. They've obviously decided that bikes for fat old guys is a niche market, adequately served by the GW.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Hoser
Member
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
|
|
« Reply #51 on: November 14, 2009, 09:36:33 AM » |
|
Honda is taking the low, and cheap road here. The 1300's sell. They've said so. Even the salesman at the local Honda Stealership told me so. They can't keep 'em in stock fast enough. I was in there a couple months ago and they had a whole row of 1800's just sitting there waiting to find new homes.
The 1300's....I think they had maybe two or three.
They've become just like WalMart and not much else matters except the bottom line. That's obvious by the products they're producing.
Whoever was in charge of innovation at Honda must've been fired, died or retired.
He did die, It was Joe Boyd, killed in a bike test accident. The Father of the Valkyrie!  hoser |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/ |
|
|
|
Puffs Daddy
|
|
« Reply #52 on: November 14, 2009, 12:02:19 PM » |
|
Whoever was in charge of innovation at Honda must've been fired, died or retired.
Uh, no. It's just that they're not working on cruisers. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
alph
|
|
« Reply #53 on: November 14, 2009, 10:33:55 PM » |
|
Yeah, that’s a pretty common looking bike. Wouldn’t stand out in a deserted parking lot. I really love my cycle, and the quality that was the standard ten years ago. I said it before in another post, if I had to buy a new cycle, it’s be a BMW 1200LT. Sure it’s only got 4 cylinders, but they’re FLAT!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Promote world peace, ban all religion. Ride Safe, Ride Often!!  |
|
|
|
Lil D
|
|
« Reply #54 on: November 15, 2009, 05:16:55 AM » |
|
ugh.... does anyone at honda ride anymore??? they've lost their way.....  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
1997 Valkyrie - "Emanuel"
2001 valkyrie trike
I've never tried to block out the memories of the past, even though some are painful. I don't understand people who hide from their past. Everything you live through helps to make you the person you are now. ....Sophia Loren
|
|
|
|
