What the heck is wrong with our bikes?

[Adirondack Bill]

A recent post indicates you can by a new Valk for under 10 grand. I know this has been brought up before, but why didn't our bikes sell well and why don't they hold any value?  I have owned many bikes over the years- some a little faster, some a little more pleasing to the eye, but none of them felt so smooth and decivingly fast. When I first saw the new Valk in early 2014, I said to myself "boy that thing is ugly. " But it grew on me and after I took her for a spin, I was sold. I paid over 16k for mine, but I don't regret it.

[Pete]

It is not a performance or technology issue.

It is  looks issue, many folks are just not enamored with the looks and therefore will not spend the  big  bucks to buy one.

Retail pricing limited the market also.

I suspect that Honda misjudged the market.

[Bill Havins]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again - the radiator cowls (or "pods" as some call them) make it impossible to "style" the bike to your tastes if you want wind protection!

If you look around at other large displacement "naked" bikes and "cruisers," they are very easy to adapt for personal style and highway riding/wind protection.  It takes a HUGE effort to successfully adapt the GL1800 Valkyries.  Since few accessories are available, it is also a DIY effort.

That's my opinion, and it has very little value in the grand scheme of things.

Bill

[zackod]

I just counted 25 brand new Valks listed at $7999 on Cycletrader.com.   Ouch.   No issues if you don't plan to sell.

[ledany]

I never thought I would ever buy a GW. In 2014, I test rode a Valk because I am curious and I like to ride a new bike for an hour, for free.
I was astonished by the smooth ride, the driveability though the bike looks monstruous at first glance. I thought it over and went for a second ride a week later. Then I really understood that the massive appearance is only a naive feeling you have to forget.

[bscrive]

I think that it also the size of the engine.  Most bikes I see are V-twins or small displacement inline engines.  I think the size of the engine is a real turn off to most bikers.  Too wide and it scares them off.  Also, I have to agree with Bill.  The side pods are also a major issue.  They should have put a single radiator in front.

[Kidd]

I kinda agree with Bill's  statement .

There's little to like with this bike , in the beginning  ,only the flat 6 and being naked  appealed  to me.
Now , that appeal is over . The design makes it very difficult  to make your own , I mean , with improvements .

The forward leaning stance and , well  , too many things to list that I do not like   .  Maybe I am getting old and want more comfort , like my 2008 Lexus GX 470, wow ,  what a nice ride

The EVO-6   would of been a success , that least  with me .

I think I am off to a spyder  , I am afraid my luck  on 2 wheels will run out  after riding for 50 years

The amount of spyders on CL is endless  , looking for a 2014 or later  with the 1330cc motor

I've said this before, and I'll say it again - the radiator cowls (or "pods" as some call them) make it impossible to "style" the bike to your tastes if you want wind protection!

If you look around at other large displacement "naked" bikes and "cruisers," they are very easy to adapt for personal style and highway riding/wind protection.  It takes a HUGE effort to successfully adapt the GL1800 Valkyries.  Since few accessories are available, it is also a DIY effort.

That's my opinion, and it has very little value in the grand scheme of things.

Bill

[Frank4]

I believe the bikes are ugly and scared buyers.  I didn't buy my 2014 until 2016 as I got more used to the looks. 
I had an original Valkyrie and this Valk is better in my opinion.  I think the pods are a great idea in spite of the looks because they seem to keep the rider cooler in slow summer traffic than the original Valkyrie.

[Crabballs]

Gotta say, I am extremely content with the performance and looks of my Valk.  Being old school I love chrome, but to have a naked Goldwing brings back fond memories of my 80s 1100cc naked Goldwing.  Loved that bike!  The Valk is a perfect fit for me.  Since I got the garage built and drywall all done I will be spending time this fall customizing it to my needs/style.  Got many great ideas.

As for the Spyder, if all you're worried about is being in an accident, it ain't going to buy you anything.  When it's your turn it will happen no matter what you drive.  Just was in an accident with the truck and I must say the overabundance of stupid drivers is mind numbing.  Glad I had my dash-cam!   I'm keeping my Valk till the wheels fall off!!!!

I kinda agree with Bill's  statement .

There's little to like with this bike , in the beginning  ,only the flat 6 and being naked  appealed  to me.
Now , that appeal is over . The design makes it very difficult  to make your own , I mean , with improvements .

The forward leaning stance and , well  , too many things to list that I do not like   .  Maybe I am getting old and want more comfort , like my 2008 Lexus GX 470, wow ,  what a nice ride

The EVO-6   would of been a success , that least  with me .

I think I am off to a spyder  , I am afraid my luck  on 2 wheels will run out  after riding for 50 years

The amount of spyders on CL is endless  , looking for a 2014 or later  with the 1330cc motor

I've said this before, and I'll say it again - the radiator cowls (or "pods" as some call them) make it impossible to "style" the bike to your tastes if you want wind protection!

If you look around at other large displacement "naked" bikes and "cruisers," they are very easy to adapt for personal style and highway riding/wind protection.  It takes a HUGE effort to successfully adapt the GL1800 Valkyries.  Since few accessories are available, it is also a DIY effort.

That's my opinion, and it has very little value in the grand scheme of things.

Bill

[Kidd]

Yes , you're right , I am still exposed  to great danger  on a spyder .
Still , having 3 wheels  and  more vehicle  will  give me more protection  , a lot more over a   MC .
I'd feel a lot safer  on 3 wheels than 2 , I do feel a lot safer on 4 wheels  than 2 .

Really  , though , maybe all I really need is a coupe convertible  of some sort  to feel the rush of wind .
Like a Infiniti g37   

Gotta say, I am extremely content with the performance and looks of my Valk.  Being old school I love chrome, but to have a naked Goldwing brings back fond memories of my 80s 1100cc naked Goldwing.  Loved that bike!  The Valk is a perfect fit for me.  Since I got the garage built and drywall all done I will be spending time this fall customizing it to my needs/style.  Got many great ideas.

As for the Spyder, if all you're worried about is being in an accident, it ain't going to buy you anything.  When it's your turn it will happen no matter what you drive.  Just was in an accident with the truck and I must say the overabundance of stupid drivers is mind numbing.  Glad I had my dash-cam!   I'm keeping my Valk till the wheels fall off!!!!

I kinda agree with Bill's  statement .

There's little to like with this bike , in the beginning  ,only the flat 6 and being naked  appealed  to me.
Now , that appeal is over . The design makes it very difficult  to make your own , I mean , with improvements .

The forward leaning stance and , well  , too many things to list that I do not like   .  Maybe I am getting old and want more comfort , like my 2008 Lexus GX 470, wow ,  what a nice ride

The EVO-6   would of been a success , that least  with me .

I think I am off to a spyder  , I am afraid my luck  on 2 wheels will run out  after riding for 50 years

The amount of spyders on CL is endless  , looking for a 2014 or later  with the 1330cc motor

I've said this before, and I'll say it again - the radiator cowls (or "pods" as some call them) make it impossible to "style" the bike to your tastes if you want wind protection!

If you look around at other large displacement "naked" bikes and "cruisers," they are very easy to adapt for personal style and highway riding/wind protection.  It takes a HUGE effort to successfully adapt the GL1800 Valkyries.  Since few accessories are available, it is also a DIY effort.

That's my opinion, and it has very little value in the grand scheme of things.

Bill

[bgreat]

I must be in the minority. I love the styling and looks.

To each their own..

Enjoy!
Bill

[Shrubbo]

It doesn't attempt to look or sound like a Harley.

[Hot Rod]

I liked the bike OK from the beginning . The only thing I didn't like was the rear fender but hard bags will hide that. If one is around six foot tall the seating & handlebars will work quite well although the factory seat is crap after an hour,much better with a Corbin. I sat on about three or four since the bikes showed up on local dealer floors,but was amazed at the sticker price ! TOO much for a stripped gold wing ! All this changed with the huge price drop ! I still say this is the very best value in a big bike to come along in years. Plan to keep this one a while ! Coming off a 1300 VTX I have really nothing to complain about at almost twice the power & handling. The VTX was also a bear to get the right windshield to work so nothing new there..........

[LTD]

saw a new 2014 Valkyrie black $8,750 man that is a sweet deal. Im going to test ride one a used one at another dealer and if I like it I might just be joining yall with the newer Valkyrie. we shall see.

[Smithim]

It had to be the styling. I read a lot of reviews around the time I bought my Valk and all of them would say "there is so much plastic! Nice bike though, except for plastic!". I think the style was too much too soon for 2014. Now there is the Yamaha Eluder, the BMW K1600, and the stripped down versions of the new Goldwing.


Everywhere I go I get stopped by people that want to know what it the Valk is, if it's a Honda Rune, or want to talk about a time they rode a newer Valkyrie and it was amazing.

[Kidd]

The 2014 Valk looks like something out of the 1950s

I mean that in a good way  

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1408&bih=669&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=pNuiW7bfLoe_0PEPgq6d6AY&q=1951+chevy&oq=1951+chevy&gs_l=img.12..0l5j0i67j0l4.11442.12358..14182...0.0..0.102.199.1j1......1....1..gws-wiz-img.......0i7i30._p7-qRavyRE

[Bighead]

If you look around at other large displacement "naked" bikes and "cruisers," they are very easy to adapt for personal style and highway riding/wind protection.  It takes a HUGE effort to successfully adapt the GL1800 Valkyries.  Since few accessories are available, it is also a DIY effort.
Bill

This is a huge reason.^^^^^^^^

[Jess from VA]

If you look around at other large displacement "naked" bikes and "cruisers," they are very easy to adapt for personal style and highway riding/wind protection.  It takes a HUGE effort to successfully adapt the GL1800 Valkyries.  Since few accessories are available, it is also a DIY effort.
Bill

This is a huge reason.^^^^^^^^

It is.  A bigger reason than the styling, by far.  I was not crazy about the looks, but I've always fancied myself a function over form guy.  I could get past the looks (for the performance), but I could not get past the fact I could not just add risers (and would have to make custom handlebars and/or cut and extend every single handlebar wire and hose (like Hubcap showed in excruciating detail), and hard bags (other than Corbin) could not be easily added with that big bulging rear fender, and windshields also turned out to be a chore to get right, and no radio.  I might like a new bike, but not a big series of projects in the bargain that would have to be accomplished to make it right.  Not for $17K, and not even for $9K. 

The only new Valkyrie I would buy would be Mike Marshall's (Hubcap), and he's probably not selling.

The F6B would be the better bike for me, in nearly every respect.  Except I really don't like the unitized Goldwing rear end.

In the end, I have two original Valks, all blinged out and upgraded, desmogged, risered, with good forks and shocks (for now), and I can find no excuse to sh!tcan them for something new.

Unlike what I just did to my low miles cage (because it pissed me off).  So I traded up to a new truck.     

[Kidd]

I risered up mine without  changing cables , Hubcap changed his bars , that's why he lengthened cables .

You're right  about the first gen 'Kerry   being the best  of the 2 ,  I should of bought a third first gen , sold my first 2  because I wnated something different

Looks like Honda had a lot of faith in the model to make so many , I mean , they keep coming to the market , it seems .

[Robert]

Our bikes fit a very small niche market really.

It does not do anything exceedingly well, except being a great bike. You can find bikes that are lighter, quicker, more comfortable, but not in one bike. Its not a kids bike because you dont want to abuse it and its not to trendy or the fastest or to be slung around. Its not the cruiser because it does not have all the bells and whistles feel like your living room couch or sport tourer like a BMW with all the farkles.

I bought mine after my 03 Valk because I wanted a bike I could get on and ride. Does not require much maintenance, does not need many accessories, dont have to worry about it. Can ride and repair without much down time and wanted a bike with a good history and proven engine and drive train so as to not have to deal with down time and reliability issues. Did not want to drive my living room couch and did not want a big command console to deal with.

But how do you sell these ideas, to a market that does not really do long distance riding. The bike design does not lend itself to easy adaptation of saddle bags or accessories either. You could say that its a great looking work horse. That idea does not sell to well either since bling, and speed sell along with image.

Like many of us we did not like the bike at first either as far as looks. It took time to see the beauty and appreciate all this bike had to offer. Bikes by nature dont really do long term ownership either and are impulse buys.

NO bike is perfect off the showroom floor, and without accessories you are forced to do your own. There are not many that either from ability, money, creative thought or will, will to do anything to the bike. So what you see is what you get. That is a pretty hard pill to swallow to most owners.

I love my bike, I get on everyday pretty much and it starts runs gets me to work and around I dont worry about it failing or not getting me there and dont worry about excessive maintenance either, I just ride it.

Tires and cleaning are the 2 things that I monitor on this bike, but thats about it. We have been through some pretty tight situations and it has gotten me through in flying colors. How do you sell a bike you get on and ride and just have dont think about? Its contrary to most bikes and how they sell them. Its not a dream bike like Easy Rider either and that would not be a dream bike if, the idea of touring and adventure had not sold the bike. Hell I could not have thought about a worse bike to ride than the one in Easy Rider either.

For those that talk about wind, really, I mean you are on a bike, right? That is the idea really, and although you dont want to be abused by the wind with a stock shield I have at most times felt protected.

The F6B is a good bike but its suspension for me leaves me flat. Its like a Cadillac really and thats not what I am looking for but many are.

Did I say I love my bike, but that came with many miles we bonded in a way a good pair of jeans feels like after so many times wearing them. Its just fits, I get on start and go. I dont really think to much about it like a good pair of jeans either. They may not look the best in certain situations but you make them work. That is this bike to me. Perfect no, but in life we rarely get perfect, but to me this is about as close as it gets.

[Verismo]

I agree with most of the posters here.  There's a lot right with the new Valk, too.  But even if Honda had adjusted for all the issues we've listed, that's not to say the market would've responded. The NM4 is an even more radical design than the Valk and I've watched it go UP in value over the last year, and it has a tiny little 600 cc twin or something in it.  Interesting.  Maybe the Valk is just a bit too much bike for the younger more design-adventurous crowd?

That being said, Honda should've made some adjustments. If It was going to carry the Valk name then they should've adjusted the ergos, or at the VERY least made them easy to adjust.  The original was SO comfortable to me, and most guys I know who own one have said the same. Honda also should've retooled the transmission in the 14/15's to adjust for the weight-loss.  1st gear STILL feels pretty short on my F6B and that's with the added lb's. My 14 Valk felt like it was damn near ready to climb the Cliffs of Dover every time I let out the clutch. 

Dream scenario would be Honda release a new special edition Valk, blacked out engine(or highly polished aluminum) with more carefully crafted visible components, optional DCT, new front suspension, lower middle frame to allow for a more dropped in seat, pullback bars, and modular everything--bags, trunk, light fairing, taller gears for a more cruiser-like ride and that gorgeous silky smooth flat six ...man-oh-man.  With a deeper seat, farther, back, and given the new engine is a bit forward, you'd have great leg room.  I'd be scraping the hell out of pegs, but that would be one slick ride. 

Jason

[Kidd]

 You can find bikes that are lighter, quicker, more comfortable, but not in one bike.

This is soo untrue , there are many bikes  that are lighter , faster  and more comfortable all in one .
Just my opinion

I have put 27k miles on mine and spent over $4k   customizing it , too.
I have never done that to any of my previous bikes

I just purchased a   Russel day long and already had a Rocky Meyer seat  , that's $2K in seats alone .

I want to move on to different flavor  of fun

Also , I am looking at a 1st gen Valk , too .

[Robert]

This is soo untrue , there are many bikes  that are lighter , faster  and more comfortable all in one .
Just my opinion

For a longer cruise, say 1000 miles? I don't know many if any bikes I would feel comfortable with that kind of mileage like I do on the Valk.

[ledany]

The R 1200 GS is by far lighter, faster and more comfortable even on long distances because the shock absorbers are better, no comparison (they say it's a flying carpet and it's true, though I've never been on a flying carpet  ). The wind protection, the heated grips and seats, synchronised brakes, the handling, the adjustable bags etc.

I truly loved my 2013 :



But the Valk is the coolest bike I know 

[Robert]

The R 1200 GS is by far lighter, faster and more comfortable even on long distances because the shock absorbers are better, no comparison (they say it's a flying carpet and it's true, though I've never been on a flying carpet  ). The wind protection, the heated grips and seats, synchronised brakes, the handling, the adjustable bags etc.

I truly loved my 2013 :

But the Valk is the coolest bike I know 

At 24k it better be good since a Wing can be had for that price. So at 2.5 times the price OK. 

[Kidd]

Oh , geez I wish you would not post such things , makes me want one .
Is this all the GS  1200   or certain ones   because there's a lot of used ones on Craig's List ???

Temps have cooled  down here , went t for 2 rides today  , early morning and late afternoon , thoroughly enjoyed   them both 

Maybe before I switch to a Spyder , I'll give the GS a try   ,    hope is different than the R1200R

The R 1200 GS is by far lighter, faster and more comfortable even on long distances because the shock absorbers are better, no comparison (they say it's a flying carpet and it's true, though I've never been on a flying carpet  ). The wind protection, the heated grips and seats, synchronised brakes, the handling, the adjustable bags etc.

I truly loved my 2013 :



But the Valk is the coolest bike I know 

[allhans4]

This is a specialty bike.  We're special.

[_Sheffjs_]

The bike is amazing, smoooooooth, power.   The first ride home from the dealer blew me away!  If I was always solo.................  and I like it as it came. 

[dans2014]

Low center of gravity makes these bikes very easy to handle. Basically ruined me on any other bike

[DaFoo]

Loved my 2001 GoldWing...Needed something less tamed, and ya gotta love the 6 banger!

Not many of those in the motorcycle world!

Check out this youtube video of them, yep Vak is towards the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94caobWBErU&t=75s

[crusher]

I've owned two GL1500 Gold Wings and three original Valkyries, wish I'd kept all three. For me the Valkyrie was the best bike ever made. I was excited when the new Valkyrie came out, it's ugly but all about the engine. However I could not stomach the price. This Sept. I bought a used 14 with 5000 miles, it had  3k of accessories. I paid too much (10k) but wanted to stay with my dealer for service and the good trade he gave me for my Strat-deluxe. First thing I did was remove the Corbin seat, hated it, too big and hard, put the factory seat back on. Every time I ride I smile uncontrollably. 

[dans2014]

Those BMW saddlebags are SO ugly. Valk is so much better looking than the BMW. I'll keep mine for the looks and easy ride compared to the high center, tall bikes. Just can't beat the ease of gravity. I have a new Suzuki Bandit 1250 for a fast, sporty ride

[_Sheffjs_]

I noticed the Honda web pages still sells both 2014 and 15s I would kill to know how many left.

[Jack B]

I noticed the Honda web pages still sells both 2014 and 15s I would kill to know how many left.

In July when I bought my 2015 my local dealer who didn't have any could only order black or dark red 2014's.
So I when to a dealer that have one n the floor.

[barney fife]

Nothing is wrong with it.  The suggested retail was too high to start.  I now have 42k on mine and the last trip was 7,500 miles.  The bike just keeps growing on me.  I've had about 60 bikes in my life time and the only bike that came close to it on the highway was an FJ1200.  People do not know what they are missing.

[st2sam]

IMO the only thing wrong with our 1832cc Valks is,
a lack of 6th gear for highway (Interstate) riding.

I average 40mpg if riding under 70 mph (about 3,000rpm), any speeds above that and mileage drops like a rock. (down to low 30's mpg.)

Other than that, it's pretty much damn near perfect. 

[Robert]

I average 40mpg if riding under 70 mph (about 3,000rpm), any speeds above that and mileage drops like a rock. (down to low 30's mpg.)

Other than that, it's pretty much damn near perfect.  

OH that must be the reason I only get about 35 mpg  


Did I say I love my Valk?

[ledany]

Coming late and slowly from work this evening (I teach yoga) on the highway, 63,200 mls on the clock, cool 87 mls/h, light rain but who cares  , 55,4 F, maybe full moon, I know that some bikes are better (2019, faster, more powerful, lighter, more expen$$$$ive - you all know I'm talking about the new R 1250 RT) but : the Valk is so easy, cool, reliable, unique, almost friendly ! 

[Kidd]

I wnat one of these  R 1250 RT

[98valk]

I wnat one of these  R 1250 RT

https://ridermagazine.com/2018/09/17/2019-bmw-r-1250-gs-and-r-1250-rt-first-look-review/

the comments tell it all. stay away from bmw
and as always to grease the crankshaft splines into the transmission or replace a clutch, the back half of the bike has to be removed to allow removal of the transmission.