New Bike Review

[Tundra]

We are usually jazzed up when we buy a new bike, I don't think my views will change much over time.

The Valkyrie 1800 F6C is a great bike, proven Flat-6, fuel injected, easy peasy maintenance, single sided swingarm, "to me" extremely comfortable, but I'm coming off a Sport Tourer and threw all kinds of money at trying to make it comfortable (not). If you can like it for what it is, then it's perfect. Not an overnighter, not a touring bike, poor aftermarket support, not the do-all bike many claim. Really not even a two up bike. Yes, it's basically a Wing, but not the suspension. If you want more then consider the F6B or Goldwing.   It is probable the most fun bike I've ever ridden, very easy to ride, effortless. Handles great, gobs of torque across the range. Maintenance is easier than it's big brothers as well. The engine deserves an award. It pulls like a train. I can't believe they didn't toss another gear in there, that would be perfect. Sounds amazing stock, better than I thought. I cancelled my pipes and torque loop order and will run it stock.

  It is equally fun to ride, agile and quick. This combination for me pegs the fun meter. The modern instrumentation and raw acceleration is nice as well. I can live with the few shortcomings and feel it will be perfectly suited for my riding style. A nice simple hot rod, no key fobs to mess with, just a simple key, no TPMS nightmares, a simple fun motorcycle. The entire world already knows this, I'm a late learner.

[Tundra]

Two things I learned yesterday...

1. First gear is useless. Kind of reminds me of my 1969 Ford F-250 4x4 with manual transmission, good
   only for pulling stumps or at a boat ramp. That's ok, I can live with that.

2. The gas door lid is HUGE like a baseball glove. It opens right in your face and you have to work around
    it filling up. That's ok, I can live with that.

[hubcapsc]

It opens right in your face and you have to work around it filling up.

Are you one of those "fill it up without getting off the bike" guys?

-Mike

[Tundra]

Yes I am, I understand and respect all the reasons why not to do this. (still do)
  I do not take my eyes off the fuel neck while filling, prefer to top off upright.
  Credit Card rides in my jacket breast pocket, I'm in and out in no time. I'm never the guy riders are waiting for fumbling for their wallet dismounting/mounting etc...

[hubcapsc]

I wasn't giving you down the country for it, I just wondered how the lid
could get in the way, and I figured that must be it... I ride with guys
who fill that way...

-Mike "and at least one who probably never will again  "

[_Sheffjs_]

I wasn't giving you down the country for it, I just wondered how the lid
could get in the way, and I figured that must be it... I ride with guys
who fill that way...

-Mike "and at least one who probably never will again  "

Care to share?  Not The Who but the what. 

[hubcapsc]

I wasn't giving you down the country for it, I just wondered how the lid
could get in the way, and I figured that must be it... I ride with guys
who fill that way...

-Mike "and at least one who probably never will again  "

Care to share?  Not The Who but the what. 

Do any of y'all ever go on rides with Smokin' Joe? Get him to
tell you the story, so that you will get to laugh as hard as I did.

-Mike "Joe's not the who..."

[Hot Rod]

Have to admit I fill up the same way, sitting on bike. Never been bothered by the door. The only thing is the fist fill up after purchase I was shocked at how "car like" it was cap & all......That low first gear is OK for us hill country folk.... pulls out like an automatic on very steep hills ....

[Tundra]

What's a hill

[Robert]

I wish they had not put a lock on the fuel door, I dont get off the bike either and I also watch very carefully the filling. All you have to do is once get it to spill over the sides of the tank and you wont do that again.

congrats on the new bike glad you like it. 

Did to replace the seat yet?

[Tundra]

Robert,
No, I'm not a Corbin fan, they do not work for me.
So far I like the stock seat. I purchased a stock seat from eBay, to go to a local seat builder to be re-stuffed if needed.  I haven't done an 8-10 hour day yet so the jury is still out.
Thanks

[Robert]

Robert,
No, I'm not a Corbin fan, they do not work for me.
So far I like the stock seat. I purchased a stock seat from eBay, to go to a local seat builder to be re-stuffed if needed.  I haven't done an 8-10 hour day yet so the jury is still out.
Thanks

I dont know how you can stand it, I tried and my friend who bought a Valk tried he even cut his seat up and tried to modify it to no avail. On a longer ride they just hit you in all the wrong spots.

After you get the seat redone please take a pic and some comments on how you like it. 

[Crabballs]

I wish they had not put a lock on the fuel door, I dont get off the bike either and I also watch very carefully the filling. All you have to do is once get it to spill over the sides of the tank and you wont do that again.

congrats on the new bike glad you like it. 

Did to replace the seat yet?

The lock don't bother me as I do get of the bike to put the bike on the center stand to fill.  Having the bike on the center stand allows me to top off the tank and get a lot more gas in there.  No splashing or spilling worries, just easy.

[hubcapsc]

Having the bike on the center stand allows me to top off the tank and get a lot more gas in there.

You're doing it and liking it, but the owner's manual specifies that you
shouldn't make an effort "overfill"... something about the difference
between a gravity feed tank like the 1500 and the pressurized fuel
pump tank on the 1800...

-Mike

[Skinhead]

I wasn't giving you down the country for it, I just wondered how the lid
could get in the way, and I figured that must be it... I ride with guys
who fill that way...

-Mike "and at least one who probably never will again  "

Care to share?  Not The Who but the what. 

Do any of y'all ever go on rides with Smokin' Joe? Get him to
tell you the story, so that you will get to laugh as hard as I did.

-Mike "Joe's not the who..."

Joe told me the story.  Would love to have seen him in big Al's rain suit.

[Tundra]

I wish they had not put a lock on the fuel door, I dont get off the bike either and I also watch very carefully the filling. All you have to do is once get it to spill over the sides of the tank and you wont do that again.

congrats on the new bike glad you like it.  

Did to replace the seat yet?

I made a spare key, cut it down and fit it inside a black radio knob with two part epoxy. This knob/key is permanently in the fuel key door slot. Looks factory.

Pics are the same knobs I used for another bike.

[/img]https://i.postimg.cc/hvxyp0nF/IMG-20190227-191406422.jpg [/img]

[Crabballs]

Having the bike on the center stand allows me to top off the tank and get a lot more gas in there.

You're doing it and liking it, but the owner's manual specifies that you
shouldn't make an effort "overfill"... something about the difference
between a gravity feed tank like the 1500 and the pressurized fuel
pump tank on the 1800...

-Mike

I've been doing it since day one as there's so much wasted space in there to store more fuel and haven't any issues.   

[Robert]

I made a spare key, cut it down and fit it inside a black radio knob with two part epoxy. This knob/key is permanently in the fuel key door slot. Looks factory.

Pics are the same knobs I used for another bike.

Good idea, that was what they did to the 1500 ignition key and you adapted it to the gas door and made it look cool.

What a smart boy you are for thinking of that.  

[hubcapsc]

Me: You're doing it and liking it

You: I've been doing it since day one

We're in agreement on that   ...

I was just mentioning what I read in the owner's manual in case you
hadn't also read it.

-Mike

[Robert]

The lock don't bother me as I do get of the bike to put the bike on the center stand to fill.  Having the bike on the center stand allows me to top off the tank and get a lot more gas in there.  No splashing or spilling worries, just easy.

Nice to have a center stand, I don't have one because I put an engine cover on the bottom of the bike to keep dirt and junk out.

The other thing is topping off the bike, and let me go into some information.

The reason for the space at top is when the bike sits and the possible expansion of gas would goe into the carbon canister and the tank vent system. This over time will foul this system up since its not meant to handle raw gas only fumes.

if you fill and drive I doubt there will be to much of a problem but dont know if i would fill it and let it sit. Maybe since it sits on the center stand there will be no problem.

[Tundra]

Couple items to add to my review.
Love the horn
Hate the mirrors
Still overall love the bike.

[..]

Who makes a luggage rack to fit the 1800?

Will the rack from the 1500 Valkyrie fit?

[Tundra]

Who makes a luggage rack to fit the 1800?

Will the rack from the 1500 Valkyrie fit?

Honda makes an OEM rack that can be mated with the Honda OEM sissy bar and pad for the 1800.
Not certain if you can make the 1500 rack work....they look entirely different. The 1800 is a solid steel tube/bar form fitted to mate with the inside holes on the passenger hand grab bars. It's an exact fit. hubcapsc has a slick mount that mates with a top box.

Here's a pic of the stock rack, sissy bar, pad and bags. (not mine)


I am currently running a tailbag which is working for now. I would really like all the OEM gear someday. Mine is the pic of the tailbag.

[..]

Who makes a luggage rack to fit the 1800?

Will the rack from the 1500 Valkyrie fit?

Honda makes an OEM rack that can be mated with the Honda OEM sissy bar and pad for the 1800.
Not certain if you can make the 1500 rack work....they look entirely different. The 1800 is a solid steel tube/bar form fitted to mate with the inside holes on the passenger hand grab bars. It's an exact fit. hubcapsc has a slick mount that mates with a top box.

Here's a pic of the stock rack, sissy bar, pad and bags. (not mine)


I am currently running a tailbag which is working for now. I would really like all the OEM gear someday. Mine is the pic of the tailbag.

Thanks

[Tundra]

  I know of two that have purchased 2014 Valkyries recently since I bought mine. Both blue, Both in Florida, both crazy low miles. One 2,400 miles and the other 1,800 miles. Both for great prices, one for $8,700 and the other for $8,400 bucks. Mine had under 800 miles on it. All three were garaged pampered as new. That's virtually a new Valkyrie for half the original retail price. I can't understand the low miles, why don't people ride them?

[hubcapsc]

why don't people ride them?

I thought mine sucked for the longest time. But I believed in it. Now it
has giant risers and 1500 Valkyrie bars and associated custom lines and
cables and longer wiring harnesses to the handlebar controls. And
Traxxion suspension. And a Russell seat with a Utopia backrest.
And Corbin bags.

Only a lunatic would go to all that trouble, it seems like most people just sell them.

-Mike

[Tundra]

why don't people ride them?

I thought mine sucked for the longest time. But I believed in it. Now it
has giant risers and 1500 Valkyrie bars and associated custom lines and
cables and longer wiring harnesses to the handlebar controls. And
Traxxion suspension. And a Russell seat with a Utopia backrest.
And Corbin bags.

Only a lunatic would go to all that trouble, it seems like most people just sell them.

-Mike

Well, like I said in my review..." If you can like it for what it is, then it's perfect". The motorcycle is magnificently simple, yet refined. Basically your paying for the awesome engine/driveline. Folks that get into trouble and spending gobs of money are trying to make this bike something it's not. If you can throw a leg over it and love it the way it is, then I believe it's for you.
It's a fun simple bike, not as versatile as the 1500, wing, F6b and I would not think an only bike, but still a great fun raw power in the wind fun bike. It certainly does not have the torque/HP of my Concours, although feels like more.
  I liken it to a smoother classier Rocket or VMax. Fun to ride for a day ride blast.

[hubcapsc]

Fun to ride for a day ride blast.

Now mine's good to sit on everyday for two and a half weeks straight...



A Valkyrie Tourer that's really a Goldwing... 

-Mike

[Tundra]

Looking sharp Mike

[Tundra]

I wish they had not put a lock on the fuel door, I dont get off the bike either and I also watch very carefully the filling. All you have to do is once get it to spill over the sides of the tank and you wont do that again.

congrats on the new bike glad you like it. 

Did to replace the seat yet?

Robert,
Revisiting the seat after two long days in the saddle (8 hour day and a 10 hour day) I really like the stock seat. I don't slide at all under heavy acceleration or braking. I like the shape and the raised rear portion that holds my but in just the right spot. I like the very low easy mount and dismount. I like the material which aids in non sliding. I also think it looks good on the bike, Honda designed it well for this bike. I'm 6' 240lbs. long arms and legs. I tried three seats on my Concours trying to attain comfort and never did (I settled for the best) which wasn't as good as this for me, and quite expensive. I've spent thousands on each bike either customizing or comfortizing. I like this bike just as it is. I will be adding bags, as there is zero storage. Believe it or not, I also like the bars which was a concern reading all the issues and efforts others have gone through. Position is perfect for me, slightly bent arms. I have absolutely zero comfort issues for the first time on any motorcycle.
This bike is a win/win (for me) I am more pleased than I had hoped.

[Jack B]

I wish they had not put a lock on the fuel door, I dont get off the bike either and I also watch very carefully the filling. All you have to do is once get it to spill over the sides of the tank and you wont do that again.

congrats on the new bike glad you like it. 

Did to replace the seat yet?

Robert,
Revisiting the seat after two long days in the saddle (8 hour day and a 10 hour day) I really like the stock seat. I don't slide at all under heavy acceleration or braking. I like the shape and the raised rear portion that holds my but in just the right spot. I like the very low easy mount and dismount. I like the material which aids in non sliding. I also think it looks good on the bike, Honda designed it well for this bike. I'm 6' 240lbs. long arms and legs. I tried three seats on my Concours trying to attain comfort and never did (I settled for the best) which wasn't as good as this for me, and quite expensive. I've spent thousands on each bike either customizing or comfortizing. I like this bike just as it is. I will be adding bags, as there is zero storage. Believe it or not, I also like the bars which was a concern reading all the issues and efforts others have gone through. Position is perfect for me, slightly bent arms. I have absolutely zero comfort issues for the first time on any motorcycle.
This bike is a win/win (for me) I am more pleased than I had hoped.

Your lucky the stock seat works for you I couldn't ride more then an hour on mine.

[Tundra]

I wish they had not put a lock on the fuel door, I dont get off the bike either and I also watch very carefully the filling. All you have to do is once get it to spill over the sides of the tank and you wont do that again.

congrats on the new bike glad you like it. 

Did to replace the seat yet?

Robert,
Revisiting the seat after two long days in the saddle (8 hour day and a 10 hour day) I really like the stock seat. I don't slide at all under heavy acceleration or braking. I like the shape and the raised rear portion that holds my but in just the right spot. I like the very low easy mount and dismount. I like the material which aids in non sliding. I also think it looks good on the bike, Honda designed it well for this bike. I'm 6' 240lbs. long arms and legs. I tried three seats on my Concours trying to attain comfort and never did (I settled for the best) which wasn't as good as this for me, and quite expensive. I've spent thousands on each bike either customizing or comfortizing. I like this bike just as it is. I will be adding bags, as there is zero storage. Believe it or not, I also like the bars which was a concern reading all the issues and efforts others have gone through. Position is perfect for me, slightly bent arms. I have absolutely zero comfort issues for the first time on any motorcycle.
This bike is a win/win (for me) I am more pleased than I had hoped.

Your lucky the stock seat works for you I couldn't ride more then an hour on mine.

Yes, I was concerned with comfort issues, after years of reading and on the fence with this bike. First bike I've been totally satisfied with. Pegs, riding position, seat, bars, exhaust all work beautifully for me. Honda did a great job.

[Tundra]

  I found another "like" this morning...
Discovered the fuel door has a holder inside it for the massive automobile fuel cap. It sure beats letting it dangle from it's tether on the paint.

[barney fife]

Gotta disagree with ya six shooter.  I am just short of 60,000 miles on mine and Ive owned about 60 bikes.  I think it is a great overnighter and tourer.  The gas lid does not bother me at all.  Course I improved on it a little.  MRA windscreen, Russell Day Long, AK20s and a Penske out back.  Just throw my saddlebags on and hit the road.  Just waiting to put henrys final drive on it when they become available again.

[st2sam]

First bike I've been totally satisfied with. Pegs, riding position, seat, bars, exhaust all work beautifully for me. Honda did a great job.

This ^^^

My only comfort mod would be beads on the stock seat.
Gotta give the "boys" some cool air,
"Look ma no Monkey Butt"... 

[MnM Valk 97]

I put beaded seat covers on this summer. YES! I don't care if it makes me look as old as I am.

They're off now so can take advantage of the heated Corbin seat.

I couldn't take the stock seat. I bought a Wild Ass cushion at Sturgis a couple years ago, which helped a lot, but still not right for me. But when I saw a used seat on CL I jumped on it. The guy was a lot more slender than me so he opted for the thinner cushion, which is pretty okay - far better than original - but if I ever need to recover it I'll get more padding added.

[Tundra]

10 hours in the saddle today. The more I ride it, the more I like it. Tons of useable torque in the range you need.  Fun easy to ride smooth power. Miles of smiles

[..]

I put beaded seat covers on this summer. YES! I don't care if it makes me look as old as I am.

They're off now so can take advantage of the heated Corbin seat.

I couldn't take the stock seat. I bought a Wild Ass cushion at Sturgis a couple years ago, which helped a lot, but still not right for me. But when I saw a used seat on CL I jumped on it. The guy was a lot more slender than me so he opted for the thinner cushion, which is pretty okay - far better than original - but if I ever need to recover it I'll get more padding added.

Do you have a link to the beaded seat cover you bought?

[Farther]

This is the beaded seat that I use.  The biggest advantage is riding in the heat.  The seat vinyl will never roast your ass after sitting out in the sun.  It's also nice when riding in the heavy rain so you are not sitting in a puddle.
https://beadrider.com/product/ultimate-beadrider-seat-front-seat-only/

[Bighead]

I wasn't giving you down the country for it, I just wondered how the lid
could get in the way, and I figured that must be it... I ride with guys
who fill that way...

-Mike "and at least one who probably never will again  "

Care to share?  Not The Who but the what. 

Do any of y'all ever go on rides with Smokin' Joe? Get him to
tell you the story, so that you will get to laugh as hard as I did.

-Mike "Joe's not the who..."

Yes that is a classic story right there. You better empty your bladder before you listen to that one