Anybody own an Interstate and a Tourer?

[Fatherof2]

I currently own a Tourer, but I found an Interstate in mint condition, original owner and low milage. It is the green and silver which is my favorite color.

I don't want to sell my Tourer as its getting close to being set up the way I want. And I love it!

I also have a Triumph Trophy for two up touring. We did a nice ride on it this weekend. I wasn't loving it. I wondered about replacing my touring bike (the triumph) and that's when I came across this Interstate. I was looking at the new Goldwing, but I can't spend that kind of money. Then I thought the Interstate would be so much less money, but is that too much overlap? The Trophy is a true sport touring bike for sure.

I dont know. Anybody have any good insights? I know we are all Valk fans here, but maybey I could get some input from someone that owns both right now. If so, what are your thoughts? Thanks all!

[Serk]

I've had a Tourer (Standard that I tourized really) since 2000. Horse traded for an Interstate few years ago, started riding it almost exclusively, riding my tourer mostly around town or letting my daughter ride it.

Got spoiled by the cushier ride, the trunk, and all that. Sold the Interstate (Actually went through two Interstates but that's a longer story) and got a Goldwing, so now have a GL1800 Goldwing and my 1998 Valkyrie...

[Jess from VA]

I have two Interstates.  But one is a permanent supervalk with no trunk or rear seat or pegs, so it's like a Tourer, with a fairing and big gas tank. 

I didn't really need two, but I wanted two (great bikes).  And, though pretty reliable, there are times when one is broke or in need of tires, so there's always a backup.

Add in that there is only one bike to learn to work on, and buy (and bank) the same wear parts for (or even cannibalize one for the other if you need to).   And seats can be swapped out (if different).

I'd really like to get an F6B (or some version of a trunkless 1800 fuelie; but not the newer Valkyrie with terrible handlebars), but I cannot justify three, and can't bring myself to throw away one of my interstates.

[Rams]

I'd really like to get an F6B (or some version of a trunkless 1800 fuelie; but not the newer Valkyrie with terrible handlebars), but I cannot justify three, and can't bring myself to throw away one of my interstates.

What's to justify?   If you can afford it and want it, go get one.    Limited parking places, put a ramp up your steps and park it in the living room.   Call it a conversation piece. 

Rams

[sandy]

I had a tourer and after a couple of years bought an IS to replace the tourer. I found the IS felt a bit top heavy so I resold the IS. Bought an ‘05 Wing and had both. Loved the wing and then got a ZX14 Concours. Had all three and loved them all. Bought another tourer with a color I wanted and for a month had all 4. Sold the old tourer with 155K. Now I’m 74 and have whittled down to the ‘97 tourer. You could get both and use one for around town and the IS for longer trips.

[Tazman11]

I have a Tourer and an Interstate. The Interstate is a trike so it’s is very different. I use it for local stuff and errands mostly. I also have a VTX 1100:that I have owned for 20 years. I will probably own all three when I die. No problem, get the bike.

[JimC]

I have both, the interstate is for 2 up, can't beat the ride and comfort. My tourer is set up as a solo bike, its a little more nimble, and quicker due to less weight up top.

Both are fun bikes, but if I could keep only one, it would be the interstate. I can change my interstate into a supervalk in less than 15 minutes.

Jim

[Hook#3287]

At present I have both a Tourer and Interstate.  Tourer is set up for solo and is my original bought in 99 and showing 125k.

Outside of progressive suspension and an Ultimate, she's mostly stock.

The I/S was pretty much a rescue, being mostly stock with a bunch of added chrome.

Both are excellent rides, with Valkyrie quality, but different.

I also acquired a 18 DCT Wing and I gotta admit, the tech in that bike pertaining to suspension, handling, transmission, comfort, etc, is amazing and I don't even use the gps or audio systems.

If you got the cash and room, go for it.

[cookiedough]

not much difference really in both.  I/S tad bit heavier to push around but once moving along, feel the same to me.  I think the I/S is a tad bit slower but not really noticeable to be honest.  The I/S gets about 2-3 more mpg.  I do like the bigger gas tank in the I/S though since the std/tourer has no fuel gauge while the I/S has a fuel gauge.  Extra top trunk storage which I use most of the time comes in handy for sure.  For 5-6K or so if feel the urge, go for it.  A used 2005 or so Goldwing will be more than that.  I test drove a few mid 2000's goldwings and prefer the seat/ergos off our old Valks better and I do not like nor need all the gadgets that come with the newer Goldwings.

[Fatherof2]

Great stuff!

Thanks guys!

[burple05]

I am fortunate enough to own both a 2001 standard, and 2001 interstate.  Standard is my  Hot Rod.  Black with silver racing stripe, Cobra pipes.  I've had it for 5 years or so.  Actually set it up for 2 up touring with my wife and have ridden many miles all over Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and pretty much every twistie road in my home state of Arkansas.  Bought the interstate with with our "free" government money about a year and a half ago.  Simular but very different.  Interstate is definitely heavier, seems to have softer suspension, factory exhaust, better gas mileage than the standard.  About 10 miles per gallon better.  It's way more comfy with driver boards, Mic o pegs, ultimate big boy, decent stereo.  As I said the standard is my Hot Rod but mostly in sound.  I really think the interstate is quicker, at least it feels that way.  If I had to make a choice between them I would keep the interstate and probably make it so it could be  (Supervalked quickly).  I like having both for reasons others listed.  One bike to learn how to work on, same parts mostly.  Buy it!!!

[Valkorado]

Like 'em both plenty.  As mentioned, the Tourer is my hot rod.  It's fast off the line, a bit less heavy front and rear and definitely more flickable.  I purchased the Interstate for two up riding and trailering, as it has the hitch and trailer.  Unfortunately, concerning health issues for both of us have gotten in our way.  Two up riding is probably behind us, and I have some concerns about being in the saddle again pending a diagnostic appointment this afternoon.  I may be selling one, maybe two bikes sooner than I had ever hoped.  

My main complaint with the Interstate model is the noisy rattling fairing, at least on some of the beat up Colorado roads I commonly ride.  I've taken it apart and made an attempt at muffling the noise a bit, making sure everything is tight and even applying some weatherstripping and adhesive soundproofing panels, but it still can be pretty obnoxious when riding on lousy roads.  I love the storage on the Interstate, the tunes and especially the bigger fuel tank.