New guy about to take the plunge

Smitty W.S. · Sun 29, Aug 2010, 22:00:20

Hello all,

First off, thanks to the admins for making this message board available and allowing me to come aboard to benefit from the vast amount of information on the Valkyrie.

I'm in my mid-40's and decided it was time to look into getting back in the saddle having not owned a bike since 1987. No, I'm not going through a mid-life crisis. I'm just getting to the age, after raising kids and paying bills, that I can afford to get back into riding.

After looking at numerous makes and models, I happened to drive by a 2001 Honda Valkyrie Interstate sitting in front of a house with a "for sale" sign. Of course, that baby caught my eye! Not to mention blinding me with all the chrome. I decided to stop and check it out more closely.

After speaking with the owner I was thinking this could be the bike for me. After sitting on it I was in love and from that point on I knew this was the bike for me. The only problem was that I was thinking the price tag was a little steep. So I started to look around at the few Valkyries available in my part of the world.

After a few days of checking out other Valkyries I found myself still stuck on the one I first laid eyes on so I'm thinking I'll be taking the plunge and buying her. However, before I do, does $10,000 seem too high for 2001 Valkyrie Interstate with just over 70,000 kms (about 45,000 miles) to you folks? Cosmetically, I can find nothing wrong with it. It seems to run well and smooth but I have very little mechanical experience having been out of the motorcycle scene for so long. Is there anything I should be looking at in particular?

Thanks for any help I get. Now I'm off to drool over all the Valkyrie pics posted in the gallery.

big turkey · Sun 29, Aug 2010, 22:08:10

First off Where you from Sir?

Kilometers gave you away.

Just asking is all.

Not too much dinero spent if it was a Black One,

Don't fret you made a good bet.

Big AL

Smitty W.S. · Sun 29, Aug 2010, 22:49:59

Sorry, BigAl, I should have stated I'm in the London, Ontario, Canada area.

The bike is black with chrome racks on the bags and back trunk as well as chrome kick plates on the side bags.

It's a beauty, I tell ya.

To be clear, I haven't pulled the trigger on it yet. It's on hold for me until Wednesday of this week. Earlier last week I committed to viewing a 1999 Interstate (red/black) this Monday evening (tomorrow). It's a "one owner" bike with only 40,000 kms (25,000 miles). The guy is looking for $12,000 but I know that's too high for sure. Still, I want to take a look to cover my bases and because I told the guy I would.

If the guy would lower to around the 10 grand mark for the red/black 1999 I'd have to consider giving up a shot at a rarer 2001 albeit with twice the number of clicks on the speedometer. Of course, with the speedometers only going to 99,999, how can anyone be sure of how many clicks are on a bike?

Decisions, decisions......

Rio Wil · Sun 29, Aug 2010, 23:02:40

Just a small data point, the speedo's go to 999,999 on the interstates...... I am thinking about $9000 for either of them is about right. One lower mileage but 2 years older, other is newer but higher mileage (witch between us is no mileage to be concerned about). However, ask both if the rear splines have ever been lubed....and how often......every 10-15 K miles is the right answer.

B · Sun 29, Aug 2010, 23:23:46

$10K may be a little steep ... but if its "the one" then its THE ONE.

... love my Interstate ... there is nothing new or used on the market I'd rather be riding.

Oss · Sun 29, Aug 2010, 23:31:54

I thought my friend chrome bought ALL of the Valks in London Ontario

Go on the regional boards page and look up South West Ontario board

The nice folks there will steer you in the right direction for sure

It may seem high but to buy a US bike and bring it home I think you pay a customs or duty fee

Again the folks in your local Valkyrie chapter will be real happy to help you

Oss

Brad · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 00:45:35

Is that 10,000 Canadian....what is the current exchange rate....about 9500 US right now I think.

chrise2469 · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 02:07:41

Welcome to the site. In Canada around 10k is an ok price for an interstate with the mileage figures, 12k is a bit high for the other one.

As mentioned by Rio Will the spline question is a good one to ask.

If you are willing to wait and look, I would suggest looking state side and importing the bike into Canada. It's a fair bit cheaper and there are more bikes to be found. Importing is a piece of cake and I've done it a couple of times (bike and a trailer). Having said that, if the bike is calling you, grab it

Quicksilver · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 03:03:43

http://www.lespac.com
Lots of Valkyries at this site in Canada, will give you a sense of what they sell for.
$10000 ballpark for 2001 interstate is a reasonable price.

Smitty W.S. · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 13:43:19

Thank you all for the responses and the help. You guys really are great! It's nice to know I'll have a place to go to get any information I'll ever need on the Valk.

Also, thanks for the advice with regards to the "Spline" question (Rio Wil and Chrise2469). I've never heard of such a thing but showing a little bit of knowledge may keep the seller honest and will certainly give me some idea as to how well they maintained their machine.

Brad: Yes, that's in Canuck Bucks.

Quicksilver: Nice! Thanks for the link.

I'll update when I finally get the beasty home.

X Ring · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 14:09:06

Welcome Brother.

Marty

Chattanooga Mark · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 18:42:33

A quick search on eBay and craigslist etc and you can see what an Interstate is really worth. Once you take into account the time and expense of getting it to you and what year and color you like all will become clear fairly quickly. The Interstate is only a 3 year bike so I'm not sure one year is worth much more; all things considered. More important is the condition, mileage, accessories added etc. If you really want the Hondaline CB and spot lights, expect to pay alot to get them unless you find an Interstate that already has those items. I have and love both of these items. Next would be oem versus aftermarket accessories, pinstripes, paint, seats and the like.

Personally, you can hardly go wrong with an Interstate. Pick a color you like, get it, make it your own and ride as much as you can. Please understand I'm biased towards the Interstate and as I'm on my second one. I first had a blue/silver 2000 and now have a green/silver 1999 that I bought a few months ago.

All the best,

Mark

big turkey · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 18:54:39

If you don't mind shipping costs, then look further south.

USA Interstates go from 5,000$ and up.

This is first hand knowledge,, not a here say story,,

Craig's list has a ton of Valkyries on it and it's summer so you could ride it home.

Asking price means they will move off it for the right price

Save yourself about 3 grand to 5 grand and visit us poor yanks down here, we need the stimulus besides.

At these prices you could buy two.

Big AL

Chattanooga Mark · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 19:42:18

Pretty sure the green/silver ones are the fastest.

Mark

Chrome · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 20:10:46

Hi WS I live in Westmount London and can be reached at swontvrcc@sympatico.ca Send an email and will send a phone number. Had a Valk for a couple of years and more than willing to help.
Happy Trails Adrian(Chrome)V Canadian Rep VRCC

Smitty W.S. · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 20:23:00

Hey, BigAl. Nobody up here is a bigger U.S.A booster than me. The U.S. is a great country and the best damn neighbors anybody could ever hope to have. I definitely hear where you're coming from with the economy and all and I really do hope for the best for both our countries.

That being said, I just feel more comfortable when I can meet the person I'm doing business with and get a vibe - good or bad. Also, I may get a better idea of the background on the bike that I could actually check up on if I felt so inclined. For that reason I've been limiting my search to within 60-90 minutes of my home.

Besides all that, I want to be on my new (used) Valk by this weekend -- no ifs, ands or buts about it. I'm an impatient man once I've made up my mind.

PS to X Ring: Thanks for the welcome, brother!

Smitty W.S. · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 20:38:55

Oh snap! Right after I think I've made up my mind one which bike to buy I see Chrome's message and now I'm all befuddled again.

As a matter of fact, the bike I viewed this evening is like brand new, 2Brothers exhaust with the original - never used exhaust included, less than 50k, one owner who has a complete history of every single oil change or what have you that he's ever done.

He isn't willing to move on the price, however, but he suggested this forum to me and said their are others there that may know someone that might have one for sale that's more in my price range. Then he mentioned a guy named Adrian that may have a line on a Valk or two and suggested that whoever I buy from that I should take it for service at a garage in Lambeth (a suburb of London). I wonder if Chrome is the same Adrian of whom he spoke so highly.

PS to Chicago Mark: I heard that the green/silver are the fastest too but I know the red/black are the ones that attract the women.

NCGhostrider · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 22:51:16

Welcome and good luck on making your purchase! It might be worth looking around a bit, but bottom line... spend the amount on the bike you like that makes you happy! Buying local has its advantages. There are lots of good bikes out there, and lots of help on this board to point you in a general direction.

BTW, I used to think black and chrome was fastest, I found out Red and Black might be a bit faster, and the women love them....

Dogg · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 22:58:29

chrome is adrian, bet its the same guy. he gets around....

if that first one had you and you still get all tngly about it, go get it. I still have my 01 standard. saw it drooled all over it so nobody would touch it till i got backfrom the bank. thats just me tho. and welcome to the boards.

Sludge · Mon 30, Aug 2010, 23:06:00

Welcome to the boards WidowsSon! Good luck on finding the Valk thats right for you. Oh, and you wouldn't be a Mason would ya?

oZ · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 02:57:14

I have a 1999 Interstate, love it. Buy it, keep it, I may be wrong but the Interstate may just become more desirable as time goes on as they were just a 3 year build. I live in SoCal and when an Interstate hits a dealer around here the dealers really think they have something, prices at dealers are going up.

It is also my opinion that the Valkyrie started the whole Power Cruiser thing, Honda's idea and funny that they really don't have a Power Cruiser available now. (I believe Honda stopped building the VTX 1800).

Just my thoughts. Oh I'd so buy another if it weren't for husband abuse.

Smitty W.S. · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 06:24:45

NCGhostrider and Sludge: Thanks for the welcome. Sludge, are you clairvoyant?

Drooling Dogg: Now I know why you call yourself Dogg. I'm thinking you're right about this Adrian guy -- sounds like a good person to know if you're a Valk lover.

Oz: I plan on taking that advice! I hope my wife doesn't mind sharing our bed with the Valk. And I agree, the Valk is going to become more valuable as time goes on but I can't think of any circumstances where I'd ever one to part with one at this point. Hell, I don't even own one yet so what the hell am I talking about??!!

Sludge · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 06:27:54

Quote from: WidowsSon on Tue 31, Aug 2010, 06:24:45
NCGhostrider and Sludge: Thanks for the welcome. Sludge, are you clairvoyant?

LOL I wish... just paying attention. NC Traphill #483 here.

czuch · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 10:11:37

Well, WidowsSon, Your new love will help you search for that which is lost, FASTER.
What ever you pay will translate into an unequal amount of smiles.
Watch the "honk handle" at first. Things start comin atcha real fast.

Smitty W.S. · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 21:04:17

Quote from: czuch on Tue 31, Aug 2010, 10:11:37
Well, WidowsSon, Your new love will help you search for that which is lost, FASTER.

Watch the "honk handle" at first. Things start comin atcha real fast.

Wow, a lot of brothers around here, eh? While I get the "search for that which is lost" reference, I have to admit I don't know what a "honk handle" is. ???

Hoosier Valk · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 21:23:05

Below is from the VRCC classifieds, might be worth a look. No affilation here, just helpin - maybe.

For Sale
Posted on: 08/30/10
Item: 2000 Valkyrie Tourer
Price: $6900
Location: Lyndhurst, Ontario, CA
Email: d.nikolic@xplornet.ca
Link: http://s894.photobucket.com/albums/ac146/darkmeister/bikes/
Note: Link will open in new window.

Description
Fast Black with a lot of chrome and extras! Extras include Corbin seating, Hitch Doc trailer hitch, wind deflectors, Mustang tank bib,...and...did I mention chrome? Levers, switch housings, etc. Kury grips with Throtle-Boss. Has to be seen; awesome shape bike. Has 62k kms, or 38k miles. If you're in the US, this bike was built there and border will be a breeze.Remove excrement from email

Smitty W.S. · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 21:57:10

Thanks Hoosier Valk and others. I had my heart set on the Interstate only and I found the bike I'm planning to buy. Hopefully things will get finalized tomorrow.

RoadKill · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 22:25:40

Quote from: WidowsSon on Tue 31, Aug 2010, 21:04:17
Quote from: czuch on Tue 31, Aug 2010, 10:11:37
Well, WidowsSon, Your new love will help you search for that which is lost, FASTER.

Watch the "honk handle" at first. Things start comin atcha real fast.
Wow, a lot of brothers around here, eh? While I get the "search for that which is lost" reference, I have to admit I don't know what a "honk handle" is. ???

Yes,You have Many brothers here

Just be careful as you twist the right side of the handle bar...that is the location of an aggressive ,Dragon like, "honk handle" !

Smitty W.S. · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 22:38:33

Quote from: RoadKill on Tue 31, Aug 2010, 22:25:40
Yes,You have Many brothers here Just be careful as you twist the right side of the handle bar...that is the location of an aggressive ,Dragon like, "honk handle" !

Ah, of course. Like I said, it's been over 20 odd years since I rode. I wasn't up on the lingo then and I'm obviously not up on it now.

Grassy-ass, Roadkill.

HayHauler · Tue 31, Aug 2010, 22:59:58

Adrian is the Valkyrie rep. up in Canada. Everyone in the lower 48 and a couple in Alaska know him well. He's a great guy and someone you can trust.
He can help you find the best deal on an Interstate up in the frozen tundra.

P.S. The Green/Silver ARE the fastest...

Welcome to the asylum, you're gonna fit right in.

Hay

Jimmyt

Smitty W.S. · Wed 01, Sep 2010, 07:43:08

Quote from: HayHauler on Tue 31, Aug 2010, 22:59:58
Adrian is the Valkyrie rep. up in Canada. Everyone in the lower 48 and a couple in Alaska know him well. He's a great guy and someone you can trust.
He can help you find the best deal on an Interstate up in the frozen tundra.

P.S. The Green/Silver ARE the fastest...

Welcome to the asylum, you're gonna fit right in.

Hay
Jimmyt

Adrian's reputation appears to be legendary in these parts as well because almost everyone I speak to regarding a Valk Interstate mentions his name as did the gentleman I'm already dealing with.

Hopefully today I'll be completing the purchase of a 1999 Interstate in mint condition with low kms from the original owner living only 20 minutes from my house. The guy I'm dealing with may not be as famous as our Chrome but he's an honest man as well and the one who brought me to this dance (if you get my meaning).

By the way, since it is a Red/Black Valk, there is no question that it's the fastest of them all!

czuch · Wed 01, Sep 2010, 10:47:05

You'll learn soon enough the true meaning of "Honk". Nothing at all to do with a horn.
For my money nothing compares with Green and Cream.
Go real easy at first.
I've ridden for 38 years and had em all. It took me a year to find the end-o-honk.

sugerbear · Wed 01, Sep 2010, 14:41:54

actually the blue/silver is the fsatest, we just don't brag about it

welcome

Smitty W.S. · Wed 01, Sep 2010, 16:34:00

Wow!!

Got her this afternoon and rode her home. UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!!! I love it! Whooohooo!!!

I'm going to be riding for a while today but I'll post a pic when I get the chance.

See you all on the road.

WS

HayHauler · Wed 01, Sep 2010, 17:20:42

Gonna be hard to wipe that smile off his face for a loooong while..!

I love it.... and I remember the day I rode mine home!

Like I said earlier, Welcome to the Asylum!

Hay

Jimmyt

NCGhostrider · Wed 01, Sep 2010, 18:52:12

I do remember that first ride! It compared to another first...now that I am older, I am not sure which one was better... baahhahah

Congrats!!!!!! get some riding in before cold weather.. it will help control the drool factor on cold days!

czuch · Thu 02, Sep 2010, 10:02:28

Well, youre in it now with both feet! Congradulations.
Any more questions about "honk"??
Clue; it aint a goose answer. HAHAHA.
Takes about 500 miles to close your mouth and just ride with a grin instead of a full blown smile.
Trust us, You'll get used to it.

Smitty W.S. · Thu 02, Sep 2010, 21:40:34

Quote from: czuch on Thu 02, Sep 2010, 10:02:28
Well, youre in it now with both feet! Congradulations.
Any more questions about "honk"??
Clue; it aint a goose answer. HAHAHA.
Takes about 500 miles to close your mouth and just ride with a grin instead of a full blown smile.
Trust us, You'll get used to it.

I put about 320 kms on it yesterday to just get the feel for the bike. Lesson number one: take it easy on the throttle or you'll end up eating the bumper of the car in front of you. No more "honk" lessons required, thank you. Lesson learned.

Unfortunately, today and tomorrow I'm working 12 hour shifts so not much time is left for riding by the time I get home around 8:40pm. I did, however, go for a quick ride around town and spent about 20 minutes in the empty Canadian Tire parking lot doing slow speed turns, figure 8's and a few "emergency stops". Of course a copper came by to see if I was stoned but waved me on after I explained myself.

Anyways, here are a few pictures of my new ride (minus the back carrier)!

NCGhostrider · Thu 02, Sep 2010, 22:52:12

Now that is a great looking bike.. I love the high speed, low drag colors too!!

Smitty W.S. · Fri 03, Sep 2010, 05:14:18

A little known fact: It has been scientifically proven that the colors red and black, when combined in the perfect ratio as utilized on the red/black Valkyrie, offer the very least wind resistance and thus allow the bike to move at a greater velocity and with greater ease than any other color combination.

Just saying. You know - FYI.

News:

New guy about to take the plunge

big turkey

big turkey