Got a glimpse of the new "Interstate" today

[f-Stop]

Stopped by my local Honda dealer today and they took me to the back to get a glimpse of a new Interstate and a new Stateline still in crates.  First, I must say that the Interstate is not the "Interstate"...not even close.  But, it does look a lot better in person than the pictures I've seen.  Big wide handle bars and an extended rake on the front end.  Still need to see the thing built and out of the crate before I make my final assessment.

Not sure where Honda is going with this 1300cc V-twin line.  They actually don't seem to be headed in any definite direction at all.  It's kind of like they're grasping or maybe flailing about hoping something inspired will come to them. ???

[Hoser]

There are only two Interstates in my world, they are called a Goldwing and a Valkyrie.  The new one?  BARF   hoser

[NITRO]

I sat on one at the Minneapolis Cycle World Show. It looked cheap, was really long, and definitely dind't look like it could be used for touring. What a joke.

[PAVALKER]

I sat on one at the Minneapolis Cycle World Show. It looked cheap, was really long, and definitely dind't look like it could be used for touring. What a joke.

I saw and sat on it at the Cleveland show and ..  you are right....  what a joke.  How it came to get the Interstate name is beyond me (and others so it seems).

[BuzzKill]

Hadnt even heard of the "new" interstate till now.  Googled it.  WTH?  Looks more like a Fury with saddle bags.  Rather have a VTX over that.

[X Ring]

Basically it is a Fury.  They're even bringing the Sabre back.  If you look at Honda's new cruisers, they are variants of the Fury.

[Wetrudgeon]

We looked at and sat on the Fury; and the new Sabre and Interstate at the International Motorcycle Show at the Dallas Convention Center in Nov.  To each his own, but we were somewhat underwhelmed.  To us, the Fury and Sabre were almost the same; and the only features that distinguished the Interstate were the bags and windshield.  We observed a number of cheap-ish parts and lots of plastic.  We don't prefer the looks or the ride of the raked out "chopper style" bikes.  We have not ridden a Honda 1300 v twin, but based on what we have heard we expect the power would be only adequate; and apparently no 1800 versions of these bikes are contemplated. OK bikes, but Honda can do (and has done) a good deal better.  Oh, for reincarnation of the Valk w/1.8 liter motor and six forward speeds.  Our $.02.

We trudge on. 

[ChromeDome]

It is starting to look like Honda has become just another follower and it is the V-Twin that is doing the leading. As for me, I am kinda partial to MY Interstate.





I think the plate says it all!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

 

Nice picture Thom    I'll be seeing you soon I've  not gave up on " The Run For The Sun " however it still looks doubtful in my world    I will see you on the mountain in Alabama for Cheaha if I can't swing the Key West ride   ....Ride safe my friend

[dreamaker]

Its my opinion and feelings that when it comes to engines and I have seen Honda's engines outside and inside and have been very impressed.  Just the components wear and longevity tells you they are hard to beat. But when it comes to style, design and layout of the bike I don't think they ever had an original though in there life, unless you consider the Honda Dream. Don't get me wrong I love my Valk., I'm assuming they were focused on the American market, they must think we are all 6'6" tall because if you are not around 6' it is tuff to handle the Valk. or a Wing.  There marketing Dept. seems to always try to capitalize on other makes designs and successes.  They try to copy other brands with hope of success in sales.  The first time in '97 I laid eyes on a Valk. my first impression was it was an Indian til I looked at the engine and I thought WOW.  I know people get wigged out about Harley's, but they have great lines and flow to their designs. They seem to accommodate everybody. Anybody looks good sitting on one and look natural and comfortable. And you don't have to be 6' to have your feet flat on the ground.  The first time I seen the Valk. Interstate I thought the back half looked good but I thought the fairing and pods were butt ugly, the lines seemed to me to be contrary to the flow of the style, but eventually it grew to acceptance.  The wiring harness on Honda's looks like the Trans Atlantic Cable.  But I still love my bike and I still don't understand why they stop making them, unless they are not risk taker and they utilize other brands risks and capitalize on it.  So now they have a new Interstate, it kind of reminds me back when Chrysler Corp. had the Valery and put a R/T sticker on it to assume it was some form of mussel car. What a joke !! Now the buzz word is Hemi, well the Valk. is a Hemi, to me a Hemi is a 426 beast. So I think that is Honda's mind set.  It's just my opinion.

Dan

[Jabba]

The new SRT-8 Dodges will EAT the old 426 "Beasts".  No offense meant there, but they flat out will.  And it does not take a lot of tinkering to make them 500 or 550 HP.  I LOVE old muscle, but I have seen the new muscle in action.

Now  back to valks.  I am 6'2" and I have a little trouble stretching out on my valk, and a Goldwing cramps me up.  I think it's designed for someone 5'8".  There are a lot of women piloting Valks successfully too.  There are a lot of thing you can do to change how a Valk "sits".

Me... I LOVE mine.  I'd like to trade my standard for an Interstate and a Rune... but I don't know anyone willing to make THAT trade...  LOL.

Jabba

[Willow]

... Don't get me wrong I love my Valk., I'm assuming they were focused on the American market, they must think we are all 6'6" tall because if you are not around 6' it is tuff to handle the Valk. or a Wing.

Now  back to valks.  I am 6'2" and I have a little trouble stretching out on my valk, and a Goldwing cramps me up.  I think it's designed for someone 5'8". 

I am 5' 8" and I have to strongly agree with Jabba.  I don't really understand where Dan's impression came from.   

[~ Timbrwolf]

....went to a motorcycle show down state Michigan around Christmas....chatted for a bit with the "Honda Rep"...about what an abysmal line up Honda has year after year....and what about that...1832 fuel injected "chopped down Wing"...supposedly being built as the...New Valkyrie ?


.....his exact quote was....when i come back from these shows to Honda Headquarters...I tell em...the question I am asked the...absolute most...at these bikes shows is.....when is Honda going to come out with a..new Valkyrie ?


....and management has the same answer...every time



......Honda is Never comming out with a ...new valkyrie..  

[ArmyValker]

Then I guess Honda is never gonna sell me a new bike.

[dreamaker]

... Don't get me wrong I love my Valk., I'm assuming they were focused on the American market, they must think we are all 6'6" tall because if you are not around 6' it is tuff to handle the Valk. or a Wing.

Now  back to valks.  I am 6'2" and I have a little trouble stretching out on my valk, and a Goldwing cramps me up.  I think it's designed for someone 5'8". 

I am 5' 8" and I have to strongly agree with Jabba.  I don't really understand where Dan's impression came from.   

I guess some of the impression comes from three people I know, one Valk. and two Wings couldn't handle the height and sold them and bought Harley's because they sat lower. They were Honda diehards. Myself I  don't have issues straddling the bike, but I think the center is to high.  Maybe its only me but  when I tip my bike side to side I can feel the weight. I sat on my friends Rocket III and it felt like I was tipping a dirt bike hardly anything. I'm not slamming the Valk. I just feel it could have been engineered better.

Dan

[Michvalk]

If I have to resort to a V-twin motorcycle it will be a Harley. I buy Hondas for their multi-cylinder bikes first, and style second. I got lucky with the Valk and found a bike I can love, so maybe I can keep it going long enough for Honda to come to their senses.By the way, I'm 6'2 and will not fit on a new Goldwing either. My knees are on the outside of the cutouts in the tank, hangin' in the breeze. Not comfortable at all!

[ChromeDome]

Nice picture Thom    I'll be seeing you soon I've  not gave up on " The Run For The Sun " however it still looks doubtful in my world    I will see you on the mountain in Alabama for Cheaha if I can't swing the Key West ride   ....Ride safe my friend

Hope you can make Key West but understand if you can't. I will see you on the mountain and I should have a couple of German VRCC brothers with me.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Nice picture Thom    I'll be seeing you soon I've  not gave up on " The Run For The Sun " however it still looks doubtful in my world    I will see you on the mountain in Alabama for Cheaha if I can't swing the Key West ride   ....Ride safe my friend

Hope you can make Key West but understand if you can't. I will see you on the mountain and I should have a couple of German VRCC brothers with me.

Awesome rain shoes Smokin'joe ...You Can't Hide Money 

[NEHI]

  When is the trip to the FL Keys taking place?

[ChromeDome]

So far 4 of us are leaving Atlanta, GA. around noon (maybe earlier, maybe later) on Saturday, April 24, 2010 and should arrive Key West on Monday, April 26, 2010. We already have rooms at The Days Inn in Key West.