Cost of ownership - Honda Valkyrie

[NiteRiderF6]

Including the purchase price.... I was shocked and you may be too! I keep all of my receipts, so it was just a math exercise for me.... Think long and hard about all of the additions.... the "premium" price that you paid for some parts, etc....

I have just recently put a pencil to my expenditures for my bikes and was amazed.... WOW @ how much I have spent on updates, modifications, changes, along with parts and paint! I have spent over $20,000 on my Valkyrie alone, which doesn't even count my other bikes that I have owned in the past and since buying the Valk.

The next question is "Was it worth it?" - - - - -

The answer to that is an emphatic "YES!"

[Big IV]

Mine has been kept fairly stock. I bought it used, I'm the third owner. She only had 10,000 miles on her, so I still consider myself the first rider to use her. She's got 57,000 of my miles on her out of her 67,000 miles.
She has needed very little.
Some tires.
Some oil.
Some rear end parts because I messed up the tire mounting once and put the rear end out of cam. Almost all used at a good VRCC rate.
A new windshield. Used at a good VRCC rate.

Just the bike? not that much really. Could have been more.

[bsnicely]

a couple of sets of tires, various chrome bits, mustang seat, tsukayu hard bags (used), J&M CB/audio system, I would say I was in the $7,500 - $10,000 range midway or so........

[Tropic traveler]

$6,000 each Valkyrie.....Then untold thousands in tires, batteries, oil changes, seats, & most of all-CHROME goodies!
Best damn bikes ever made!

[Black Dog]

Well, she started out as a '97 Standard, but has evolved in to an 'Almost State' 

Original price, back in '99 for a stock Valk (2500 miles), with Honda Line Windshield, and Honda Line Leather Bags, was $9500.  As you can see, I've dumped a small bit of cash in to her, but I still have not met another bike I'd rather have.  I'm probably in the upper end of the poll.

65K miles, with our short Wisconsin riding seasons, and still going strong 



Black Dog

[F-106]

I keep good records since i bought her. she only had 1,200 miles on her from the first owner. she has 26,000 now. i got her in 04. so here it goes.

BIKE- $9,000
SEATS AND BAGS $2,500
CHROME GOODIES $500
CLEARVIEW WINDSHIELD $200
TIRES $800
OILS $325
TOTAL 13,325
PAID FOR : PRICELESS

[SgtBunny]

Bike - $13,000   -  yeah I know but I just had to have it.
Backrest upholstered - $250
Centerstand - $400
BigBF horns - $150 - stock horns not loud enough
Cobra baffles - $125 - too darn loud without them
Luggage rack - $65
Assorted chrome for engine - $300
Flame mirrors - $100
chrome controls - $100
Helmet and J&M setup - $550
Oil filter cover - $100
Valk emblems - $25

[Black Dog]

I keep good records since i bought her. she only had 1,200 miles on her from the first owner. she has 26,000 now. i got her in 04. so here it goes.

BIKE- $9,000
SEATS AND BAGS $2,500
CHROME GOODIES $500
CLEARVIEW WINDSHIELD $200
TIRES $800
OILS $325
TOTAL 13,325
PAID FOR : PRICELESS

Dat is one sweet bike...  Really like those bags  

Black Dog

[Wetrudgeon]

'99 Standard:$5500.  Various chrome bolt ons and custom saddle:$1000  Stormy blue mica paint w/white stripes:$1500.  The rush of the 1.5L flat six: Priceless.


We trudge on.
 

[R J]

Bike out the door with title license and 3 years extended warranty   
Oil/filters  48
tires - front (20) rear (23) darkside tires (3)
brake shoes (2) each end
rear end - splines dry, last time a dealer worked on the bike for me.
front calipers and EBC pads (2) both sides warped.

 
Bike                                                  $.00     
What are front tires now?  20 X $180 = $3,600
Rear tires                        23 X $218 = $5,014
Darkside tires                    2 X $139 = $278
Used rear end - Trike Conv                   $275
front calipers & pads.                          $380
Hitch                                                $00   Xmas present
Seats                                                $600
Front fender rail and saddle bag rails     $300
Filters                              48 X $2.85  $137
                     Aprox total $$$$$   10,584

241,000 + miles and $10,584, that figures out to about $.23 a mile for the big boy excluding gas. 

Added:

Dang, I forgot about the crankshaft and the heads, the Viking pipes, and etc.

That puts it over $13,000, and on a zero $$$'s out the door on a trade........  MGM has been worth it however....  This is the most miles I have ever put on a bike.  Usually keep em for 3 years (35 to 45,000 miles) and they went off to another home.

[Whistler]

Well, she started out as a '97 Standard, but has evolved in to an 'Almost State' 

Original price, back in '99 for a stock Valk (2500 miles), with Honda Line Windshield, and Honda Line Leather Bags, was $9500.  As you can see, I've dumped a small bit of cash in to her, but I still have not met another bike I'd rather have.  I'm probably in the upper end of the poll.

65K miles, with our short Wisconsin riding seasons, and still going strong 



Black Dog

Black Dog doesn't that hanging basket get to flopping around when your in the wind!! LOL, sorry couldn't resist. Nice bike!! JDW

[Hoser]

Just know its well over the 15000 mark, don't really care.  Hoser

[Kingbee]

Last time I looked at my spreadsheet on amount invested, NOT including maintenance, it was nicely over $20,000.  That excluded the fairing, pods and Interstate tank, but did include the stereo, CB and cruise.

It started out as a new, black Tourer.

[Tundra]

1998 Standard, Converted to Tourer. Must be over $16000.00 I know i'm forgetting some things.
Purchased for $7500.00
Chrome:
Kuryakyn iso break pedal $30.00
Kuryakyn tranny covers $145.00
Kuyakyn iso shift peg cover $20.00
Kuryakyn wide brake/clutch levers $30.00
Kuryakyn intake cover $75.00
Kuryakyn sparkplug cover $35.00
Honda lower fork case covers $92.00
Honda drive shaft cover $50.00
Honda passenger grabrails $70.00
Oil filter cover $70.00
Ribbed valve stem covers $5.00
Side marker reflector trim $8.00
Chrome dipstick $25.00
Chrome oil filler cap $10.00
Oil temp/dipstick guage $67.00
Honda ribbed chrome handlebar clamp $35.00
Kuryakyn iso grips $50.00
Kuryakyn throttle boss $15.00
Kuryakyn iso pegs $50.00
Kuryakyn iso highway pegs with clamps $125.00
Kuryakyn resovoir covers $50.00
Kuryakyn control covers $60.00
Honda chrome swingarm pivot covers $35.00
Honda chrome tailight cover $37.00
Kuryakyn chrome tank accent kit $33.00
Honda chrome front fender clips $16.50
Rattlebars tube toppers $40.00
Honda chrome radiator hose with clamps (germany) $94.00
Rattlebars chrome "bar" grill $145.00
Big Bike parts chrome lightbar $286.00
Chrome airhorns $186.00
Custom made exhaust with 4" truck stacks $730.00
Cobra chrome sissybar backplate $72.00
Honda chrome "engine hangers" $85.00
Honda chrome "carb hangers" $80.00
Billet chrome mirrors $69.00
Kuryakyn banjo bolt covers $30.00
Kuryakyn calipers covers $50.00
Kuryakyn bleeder cover $20.00
Rattlebars turn stylers $40.00
Heal/toe shifter with floorboards $375.00
Carb. velocity stacks $180.00
Chrome 4" pullback risers $87.00
Cobra passenger floorboards $275.00
Honda chrome solo rack $45.00
National fender tips $115.00
Chrome Instrument visors $45.00
OTHER ACCESSORIES
Iron Horse tank panel $105.00
Hopnel tuxedo tail $20.00
Clear lenses front $15.00
Clear lenses rear $15.00
Clear lense/LED tailight $55.00
K&N High flow air filter $72.00
Ultimate seats, rider/passenger backrests $860.00
Honda windshield (used) $400.00
Tsukayu Strong bags $560.00
Synthetic rear end oil $20.00
New Honda radiator coolant $20.00
New Honda starter switch $80.00
New Honda ignition switch $86.00
New Honda front and rear brakes $73.00
Roll-a-wheel lift $60.00
Heavy duty cycle jack $180.00
Leather lever covers $11.00
New Avon tires, rear bearings, splines, 90 degree valve stems $380.00
Progressive 440 shocks $500.00
Progressive fork rebuild $320.00
Kruzer Kaddy chrome drink holder $49.85
Intake runner o-ring kit $13.73
Exhaust header studs/gaskets/nuts $45.00

Then long painfull/enjoyable hours of polishing wheels, engine and carb work...who really knows? Certainly much more than their now worth!

[F-106]

BLACKDOG THAT IS ONE SWEET BIKE YOU GOT THERE. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO SEE IT IN PERSON ONE DAY!!!!! :cooldude

[Dag]

2005   USD Ultimate Lowrider mark 2 seats   $890,00 Kury Akyn turn signal mirrors   $161,00 Custom Cam Covers   $60,00         2006    Dynatek Dyna 3000   $320,00 Viking Motorcycle Performance Exhaust System   $1 000,00 PERSONALIZED Radiator Grille Cover   $169,00 Chrome Rear Carrier   $113,00 Chrome switch housing   $76,00 National Cycle Windshield   $229,00 Big Bike Parts Radiator cap cover   $11,00 Big Bike Parts Chrome oil dip stick   $22,00     2007    Kewl Metal Reservoir Clock Mount   $97,00 Kuryakyn Ergo Dually ISO Pegs   $180,00 Transmission Side Covers   $144,00 MC Kool Kovers kit   $30,00 Rivco Front mount air horns   $175,00 Progressive Suspension 440 Series Rear Shocks   $529,00 Progressive Front Springs   $65,00 Kuryakyn ISO Grips   $63,00 Kuryakyn Extended ISO Throttle Boss   $27,00 Clear tail lights LED Tail-light with clear lens   $120,00 Dial-A-Jet Fuel Induction System   $100,00 Chrome Neck over   $22,00 Rytek Exhaust Tips   $25,00     2008    VTX 1800 Headlight   $300,00 Garmin Zumo 550 GPS   $1 000,00 Pull-Back Risers   $125,00 Chrome Intake Covers and Spark Plug Cover   $72,00 Deer Alert   $70,00 Chrome Front Axle Cap   $15,00 Big Bike Parts Solo fender rack   $59,00 Custom World rear Passenger Grab Rail   $90,00 Front Caliper Chrome Covers   $30,00 Motosens Gauges   $270,00 Valkyrie Side Cover Decal   $52,00 Sirius Fog Lights   $100,00 Kuryakyn Accessory Switch   $63,00 Kuryakyn The Sound of Chrome Speakers   $360,00 Kuryakyn Chrome levers   $33,00 Kuryakyn Four LED Accent Lights.   $25,00 Cobra chrome Drive Shaft Cover   $47,00 Cobra Billet Driveshaft Bolt Cover   $85,00 Hondaline Chrome Valkyrie Emblem on Transmission Covers   $30,00 High-Gloss polished fork legs   $1 400,00 Chrome Fork Nut Caps   $20,00 Electric Fuel Shut-Off valve   $25,00     2009    Kuryakyn Universal Handlebar Accessory Mount   $36,00 12V til 220V Converter   $116,00 Kuryakyn Grantour Bag   $162,00 Flag Pole   $45,00 Total:   $9 258,00 Freight to Norway    $462,90 Tax 25%   $2 314,50    $12 035,40     Bike 2005   $7 000,00 Freight   $700,00 Tax (Bike & Freight) 25%   $1 925,00 Tax (Horsepower and CCM)   $9 200,00    $18 825,00     Total cost:   $30 860,40

[f6john]

 

[oliverjb]

Heck my last ride Aug 2008 from coast to coast and back - 36  days only cost me $11,000. - add to that the last 8 yrs and I,m probably up to 40-50K. Best money I have ever spent

[f-Stop]

This is how I found her...

$7200 - Including TT&L

This is how she stands today...

Let's see, the major stuff...Including shipping:

Kuryakyn Highway Pegs - $180
Restore OEM Lights, Handle Bars, Sissy Bar etc. - $1000
OEM Windshield - $515
Valkyrie Saddle Bags, Supports & Luggage Rack - $560
Rivko Air Horns - $195
Mustang Seats (Bought through VRCC Classifieds!) - $350
Mustang Back Rest & Tank Bib - $155
Oil Filter Cover - $60

Total - $10,215

This does not include things like general maintenance, supplies, front tire and tools...or my labor! (Labor time could exceed ride time!)

[Hoser]

do ya ever change her configuration back and forth?  It's all bolt on, both versions are very cool.  nice color too.  Hoser

[Bagger John - #3785]

What the bike wants...the bike gets.

I have honestly lost track of the amount of mazoola I've spent on motorcycles in general (and Valkyries in particular) over the years but I'd willingly bet that a twin-engined Beechcraft or a Cigarette boat would have been cheaper.

Parts for the I/S shown below just came back from the painter, and I spent more $$$ online last evening picking up LED lights, lenses, a fairing for my Tourer and whatnot. So we're at almost $2K for the year and none of ours have so much as turned a tire out of the driveway... 

[Gear Jammer]

I paid $9500 +TTL etc. for my '03  two years ago.  I do not keep written records or receipts, as they are evidence, and evidenca can and will be used against you.  I take the 5th amendment with SugarPlum in matters regarding personal bike expenditures.  I respectfully decline to answer this question.  Or maybe I can use the Clinton defense,,,  " I don't recall"........   :>(

[f-Stop]

do ya ever change her configuration back and forth?  It's all bolt on, both versions are very cool.  nice color too.  Hoser



Hey Hoser,

I have kept all the parts, especially the Corbin seat.  I also have the original seats which came with the original purchase.  I had them recovered in simulated ostrich skin and they look pretty good, but not very comfortable.  I did not enter that amount into the total because when my wife found out I had recovered the seats without her knowledge, she made me buy a new dinning room set.  The total cost would skew the overall total!

Anyway,  I do have an idea of using the Corbin seat with one of those cruiser bars from Big Bike Parts.  Switching out the sissy bar and luggage rack would take about 2min.  The bags would take about 15min, but it may look pretty good with them on.  I probably won't switch back the handle bars, lights & mini-fairing.  The small bars and Corbin seat combo was a very uncomfortable riding position to me.  The lights would be a major re-do and the mini-fairing just never looked right to me.

So, I think I have a lot of options to play with without spending much more money!  (ordering the cruiser bar today) Oh...the paint color is factory for the '98 Standard.

[f-Stop]

do ya ever change her configuration back and forth?  It's all bolt on, both versions are very cool.  nice color too.  Hoser

just noticed our bikes are the same color!...d'oh...

[Willy]

WOW, every one of your bikes look just amazing! Now I feel guilty for not doing more for my bike. 

[Jean the Black Wolf]

I do not calculate any more , to transform my standard to IS was very expensive ,  parts price + port + custom + paint+ trailer+++++
aouhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! very expensive
but it's why I can say : because we love we do not calculate 




 

[Dag]

I have learned to live with it.
"Normal" price for a -97 / -98 Valk here is about $25K

[Skeeter (Va)]

Heck my last ride Aug 2008 from coast to coast and back - 36  days only cost me $11,000. - add to that the last 8 yrs and I,m probably up to 40-50K. Best money I have ever spent

   Gee.. I did an Iron Butt ride at 68 years old from Va Bch to Jax Fl then Jax to San Diego and back to Jax, then back to Va Beach for a 5000 miler within 5 days and a coast to coast to coast within 100 hrs (96: 30) and only cost me  apprx $600.00...I'm just having fun with you. ....I did this crazy stuff and other Butt Rides...The 1500 miles in 24 hrs was the toughest by far. Absolutely insane, but it was staring me in the face..I had the time and determination to go for it.....Happy trails, my fellow rider....Skeeter (VA)

[fhattix]

Just got mine last week. $7300 for a 2003 with 13k miles. She is one sweet machine! New rear tire next week and some saddlebags soon.

[motorman409]

Hey Blackdog, how do you get those nice planters to stay on the bike at speed?

I've got about $14500 CDN (about 11,200 US)

[Steven W.]

I like to think mine didn't cost a thing, it paid me, over and over again.  But, in U.S. dollars, for the 01 I/S when it was new and with paint and accessories, I had about $22,000 in it.