VTX1800C vs. Valkyrie

[Sodbuster]

Sorry for adding fuel to the fire but if you were thinking of possibly getting a VTX the 1300 would prolly be a better choice.  They sold better than the 1800's (too heavy) and the 1300's (lighter) have a single crankpin (sound b*tchin with straight pipes).  You would also be able to sell a 1300 easier than a 1800 ??  I still defend the Valk thou 

[BIG--T]

Sorry for adding fuel to the fire but if you were thinking of possibly getting a VTX the 1300 would prolly be a better choice.  They sold better than the 1800's (too heavy) and the 1300's (lighter) have a single crankpin (sound b*tchin with straight pipes).  You would also be able to sell a 1300 easier than a 1800 ??  I still defend the Valk thou 



[/quote
You're not offending me but telling the truth!! The 1300 is much lighter, handle better, and sound better and you can buy them a little cheaper. The dual pin crank makes the 1800 smooth for a twin, but stinks at idle. I have Sideburners on mine and has that nascar sound.
You have to be pretty big and strong to man handle the 1800 cause she sure is top heavy! People that want a fast twin buy them and cheap now. And I defend the Valk too!

[bigfish_Oh]

a lot of factors being equal,
   how long do you want to look at any twin, pick one they're everywhere?

     A Valk ?

[BIG--T]

a lot of factors being equal,
   how long do you want to look at any twin, pick one they're everywhere?

     A Valk ?

Said that right! I LOVE my new Valkyrie! Yes it is the only 6 cyl MC that you can see the cylinders!
That has to be the best looking bike Honda ever made and is a shame they gave it the axe! Honda really put detail in that bike. I kinda compare th I/S with the Harley Ultra Classic..chrome showing and a full bagger..except on the cylinders

[bigfish_Oh]

a lot of factors being equal,
   how long do you want to look at any twin, pick one they're everywhere?

     A Valk ?

Said that right! I LOVE my new Valkyrie! Yes it is the only 6 cyl MC that you can see the cylinders!
That has to be the best looking bike Honda ever made and is a shame they gave it the axe! Honda really put detail in that bike. I kinda compare th I/S with the Harley Ultra Classic..chrome showing and a full bagger..except or the cylinders

I erased the second bike before I posted.. A CBX ?

[Tropic traveler]

Eddie i see you got rid of your Rocket, those were bad years for it but they got it right now!

Yep I did. Sold it & bought Kim her '98 Valk.
There may be another Rocket in my future if some good things happen  . I like the looks of the Rocket 3 Roadster with it's more "normal" peg & shifter position. I like my feet UNDER me when I ride not stuck out forward. That is the biggest reason I may never own a V-twink of any make, the "gyno exam" riding position that they all have.  

[hotrodjohn]

ive owned two VTX1800c's, liked them both.  Recently got a 97 Valk.  I sold my last VTX to a friend, i went over and we switched bikes.  I couldnt believe the VTX felt small after getting off the Valkyrie.  Both bikes are plenty fast, although my Valkyrie walked the VTX in a drag race.  This surprised me as I have read they are very similar in performance as their power to weight is near equal.  I will say this, the Valkyrie has some sort of exoticness to it that the VTX never will, the look of that flat six just draws attention and looks amazing IMO.   Also, Valkyries appear to be easy to sell for pretty good money, they will hold their value much better than a VTX.  I can attest to this after trying to sell a VTX and buy a Valkyrie.   You cannot go wrong with either of these bikes, they are great.

Your Valkyrie "walked the VTX"? I love my Valk and have a 1800R and there is no walking away on either side unless your VTX was sick- and some are from the factoy and the same with any car or motorcycle. I don't know how to post links but go to motorcyclecrusier.com and search for Valk vs VTX. They are both 12 sec. machines. It was so close it probably came down how much the rider ate! Can't remember the exact numbers, but something like VTV; 12.3....Valk 12.4

Yes the Vakyrie is unique and and smooth is the reason I bought mine. They are attention getters! People will come up to me and ignore the Harleys and other twins! I can't think of but 3 fast V twins zcruisers: Suzuki M109ci, Yamaha, and finally Honda VTX 110ci

   

[Kidd]

Here's what you need  , better than the 1800
Has 126 HP , too.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/2294549233.html

[ArmyValker]

Dave,
You are absolutely right about the HD being hotter. Don't know about the VTX though, since both Valk and VTX are liquid cooled.

My RoadGlide fries me in the summer. That's why its in CT not here in Florida. BTW, hows that new Baby? Congrats and all!

Pete

Thanks Pete.  Doing well - except the whole "sleeping-at-night" thing.   

Sleep is overrated... at least that's what my 4 month old seems to think

[punkidd912]

I like the M109R and did a lot of shopping for it...but i've read about it not being as reliable as a Honda, theyre usually a bit over my price range and there's never one close enough to go test drive (if it is close enough, its probably too expensive). Got my money together, just have to sell my bike, but I'm definitely going test drive this weekend! 

[BIG--T]

I like the M109R and did a lot of shopping for it...but i've read about it not being as reliable as a Honda, theyre usually a bit over my price range and there's never one close enough to go test drive (if it is close enough, its probably too expensive). Got my money together, just have to sell my bike, but I'm definitely going test drive this weekend! 

THey are rated at 121hp. My X has 117hp. And no they are not dependable as a Honda. They have transmission problems too. I had a LC1500 Intruder that was and is a tough bike- so I would buy a C-90 which is an Intruder, just a different name if I were looking Suzuki. For the money, quality and power, you can't beat a Valkyrie or a VTX IMHO!

[punkidd912]

ok so my choices are good  then just gotta choose which one this weekend. its stupid that honda stealers dont let people test drive.

[Curley Wolf]

Of course, there have probably been many more VTX's built (?).  I'd buy the Valk.  If you decide later you don't like it for some reason, there'll always be hundreds of VTX's available for pretty cheap. IMHO

[Tropic traveler]

Of course, there have probably been many more VTX's built (?).  I'd buy the Valk.  If you decide later you don't like it for some reason, there'll always be hundreds of VTX's available for pretty cheap. IMHO

Agreed on that! Next to Harleys I think I see more nice low mile VTX's for sale than any other cruiser. That speaks to how many were sold, not that they are bad bikes.
Valkyries are VERY unique. They have earned their near legend status. 

[SteveL]

These guys all got it right. There are some nice Xs out there.. and if they're done right they can really go. But the Valkyrie is a fast bike too, much faster than any of us really "need".

All said and done the Valkyrie is a better "all around" motorcycle. Whatever you pay for your Valkyrie, you could pay double and it will still be worth it.

I've owned my 98 Standard since winter of 01 when I bought it is a new leftover. I can tell you I've ridden many other motorcycles since then but none of them stir my soul like the FatLady. I bought a 07 Harley Davidson Electraglide one day, and it's a great bike too, but the Valkyrie is superior.

Don't be afraid of the carbs, or anything else.. they just run. Get one thats been cared for and take someone with you that knows bikes.. they'll be able to tell.

Enjoy owning a limited edition motorcycle that is still the center of attention no matter where you park it. They are smooth, powerful, comfortable and very good looking.

8 feet long and F6 wide! Long Live the FatLady!

[ILcruiser]

The way I look at it, you can't go wrong either way.  One way or the other, in the near future, you'll have one big, pie eatin' grin on your face.  Sure, we're going to be biased toward the Valkyrie, but the X is a great bike too.  I'm active on the vtxoa board too, and can't recall ever reading a negative comment about Valkyries.  The two bikes, while similar in performance, are very different in their handling characteristics.  I was pleasantly surprised by how nimble the Valkyrie is.  Before riding one, I had thought they were kind of bulky and ponderous.  How wrong was that???? 

It is truly unfortunate that Honda dealers don't allow test rides.  Without riding a bike, you're basing your decision on looks and sound.  Important yes, but the right bike won't "speak" to you until you put it through its paces.  Good luck with the decision.

[Dogg]

I wish I could find the old magazine articles published about the best muscle cruisers of all time.

Valkyrie was #1 all around best muscle cruiser 6 years ina row. V-max was absolutely fastest tho. the v45 magna was included just because of its stature. only little bike to prove itself worthy of hangin with the big boys. yamaha  vmax was #2 just cuz it didnt handle as well nor near as comfortable.
#3-Harley Davidson V-rod
#4-Honda V45 magna
#5-kawi vulcan 1500 meanstreak
#6-Honda 1800r
#7suzuki inturder (cant remember displacement. sorry)
#8-yamaha vstar 1700



my best muscle cruisers. fook a V-twin!!!   

[BIG--T]

The way I look at it, you can't go wrong either way.  One way or the other, in the near future, you'll have one big, pie eatin' grin on your face.  Sure, we're going to be biased toward the Valkyrie, but the X is a great bike too.  I'm active on the vtxoa board too, and can't recall ever reading a negative comment about Valkyries.  The two bikes, while similar in performance, are very different in their handling characteristics.  I was pleasantly surprised by how nimble the Valkyrie is.  Before riding one, I had thought they were kind of bulky and ponderous.  How wrong was that???? 

It is truly unfortunate that Honda dealers don't allow test rides.  Without riding a bike, you're basing your decision on looks and sound.  Important yes, but the right bike won't "speak" to you until you put it through its paces.  Good luck with the decision.

I agree with everything you said! I love my Valk and never dreamed how great she handles. As you said I've never heard nothing but good on the VTXOA board about Valkyries and a lot of people own them like me (ironhorse110ci). They do love to bash harleys though!   What surprises me, when I started talking about my X, I was getting bashed like I was on an HD forum! As stated, they're both great dependable bikes and they ARE HONDAS!

[donaldcc]

  Great pic!   i like that color. 

[BIG--T]

I wish I could find the old magazine articles published about the best muscle cruisers of all time.

Valkyrie was #1 all around best muscle cruiser 6 years ina row. V-max was absolutely fastest tho. the v45 magna was included just because of its stature. only little bike to prove itself worthy of hangin with the big boys. yamaha  vmax was #2 just cuz it didnt handle as well nor near as comfortable.
#3-Harley Davidson V-rod
#4-Honda V45 magna
#5-kawi vulcan 1500 meanstreak
#6-Honda 1800r
#7suzuki inturder (cant remember displacement. sorry)
#8-yamaha vstar 1700



my best muscle cruisers. fook a V-twin!!!   

Dogg on #7 is C-90(1500cc) I don't believe you have the order  right, but check motorcyclecruiser.com and you'll find it

[OverdueBill]

I had my little (so to speak) VTX1300r when I got the Valk two years ago.  The X has a much more relaxed riding position than the valk.  I am a old man in a recliner type rider.  Doing some changes to the IS has helped and the ride and power is much better than the X.  I can't see giving either up.  Love my Hondas.  New to the stable is an '85 Sabre V65.  Now that I'm senile, going 0 to 60 in about 3 seconds seemed like a good idea.  The riding position.... not so great but hey, sometimes ya got that need for speed. 

[Dogg]

found it.
vmax dont count...not a real cruiser. 

1 of course Vmax
2 the valkyrie
3 HD v-rod
4 honda vf750c
5 honda vtx 1800c
6 yamaha warrior 1700
7 ok, the meanstreak 1500

[Dogg]

i was close...

[SteveL]

  Great pic!   i like that color. 

Just waiting to eat huge chunks of pavement in a single twist of the wick.

[BIG--T]

http://http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/musclebike_motorcycle_shootout/2002_honda_valkyrie.html]  
 This will make Valk owners proud. Check out their commentary on the 4th or  5th page. And look at the difference between the Valk & the X! They come in 4th and 5th

[BIG--T]

I had my little (so to speak) VTX1300r when I got the Valk two years ago.  The X has a much more relaxed riding position than the valk.  I am a old man in a recliner type rider.  Doing some changes to the IS has helped and the ride and power is much better than the X.  I can't see giving either up.  Love my Hondas.  New to the stable is an '85 Sabre V65.  Now that I'm senile, going 0 to 60 in about 3 seconds seemed like a good idea.  The riding position.... not so great but hey, sometimes ya got that need for speed. 

I used to have a V-65 and they will move! I thought I was the only old man that loved speed! Lol I'm thinking about getting the new V-Max with 200 HP!
Like you, I am so used to that laid back riding position from my Retro and other bikes, I am working on mine now. What have you done to yours? I just put on floorboards and now putting on a hee/toe shifter. I'm thinking of getting some riser bars but have to find out how far up I can go without changing cables and hoses. Mine measured 3 1/2 " to the center of the clamp....I assume that's factory. Good luck and keep the rubber side down!

[Trynt]

New to the stable is an '85 Sabre V65.  Now that I'm senile, going 0 to 60 in about 3 seconds seemed like a good idea.  The riding position.... not so great but hey, sometimes ya got that need for speed. 

Owned one of those some 20 years ago.  The only machine I ever owned that would go faster than I wanted too. If remember correctly it would do 120mph in 3rd gear at red line. I once had it to an indicated 150 before I ran out of nerve.  They were scary fast and it was unwise to twist your right wrist enthusiastically  before the bike was pointed in a straight line.

[westsidevalk]

had an x...take my valk hands down

[BIG--T]

When he test rides both, he'll know which one he likes. best. They are both first class bikes just 2 different animals

[punkidd912]

Horrible news....both Valks that were within an hour of here sold today  so I'm guessing ill end up with a vtx1800

[BIG--T]

Horrible news....both Valks that were within an hour of here sold today  so I'm guessing ill end up with a vtx1800

Have you rode the 1800 yet? Better hold on, it'll jerk your arns out of your sockets! I know you'll like it, if you don't you'll find a Valk. One thing for sure, there is an abundance of parts for the X and don;t have to worry about hydrolock cause it's FI

[punkidd912]

Well, i like power that'll rip my arms out, that sounds good. I'll be riding one tomorrow, they got a 2003 VTX1800C with custom...brown...? paint that they offered to let me test drive since they sold the bike I've been in contact about and asked about an engine the size of a valkyrie or larger.

[BIG--T]

Well, i like power that'll rip my arms out, that sounds good. I'll be riding one tomorrow, they got a 2003 VTX1800C with custom...brown...? paint that they offered to let me test drive since they sold the bike I've been in contact about and asked about an engine the size of a valkyrie or larger.

I'n not sure what you are saying about engine size. The Valk is 1520cc, VTX,1795cc.
Here's my Retro.

http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_32669/S6300895.JPG

[RainMaker]

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/musclebike_motorcycle_shootout/2002_honda_valkyrie.html

[SteveL]

>>> they got a 2003 VTX1800C with custom...brown...? paint

Please post pics.

PS, you got the whole USA to buy a Valk from, why limit yourself to the 2 in your neighborhood? Just sayin.. this is a bike that will last you a couple decades if you want. They don't make them this good anymore. Really. Find one in primo condition.. and give it even more love.

[punkidd912]

I would post pics if I had some, or links if they put pics up but they haven't. and I meant I told them to watch out for a bike like 1500cc or more and call me if they got it. I rode the brown one this morning, crazy fast, still disappointed the valk sold though, I'll look around for some close, I just dont have the time to travel far for one, thats why I was looking for one in my neighborhood.

[SteveL]

I would post pics if I had some, or links if they put pics up but they haven't. and I meant I told them to watch out for a bike like 1500cc or more and call me if they got it. I rode the brown one this morning, crazy fast, still disappointed the valk sold though, I'll look around for some close, I just dont have the time to travel far for one, thats why I was looking for one in my neighborhood.

Well, I hear ya, but buying something as important as your motorcycle, should be done with care and patience and lots of upfront research and investigation. That's my learned opinion.

Being in a hurry and seeing something shiny that looks okay can be a costly mistake that causes you heartache down the road.

Best advice I'd give is bring someone else with you that really knows motorcycles, that isn't emotionally involved in the deal. They'll see the warts that you might not see.

...and keep asking guys like the ones here, and even over on the VTX board and others. They'll share their experience with you and smart people learn from others.

Good luck!

[BIG--T]

Steve, I agree with everything you said and was going to post that before I read your post.

Punkkid, As Steve said -research, research and research, and take your time!! I know some might not like to hear this, but Yamaha makes good bikes too, Strat, Warrior, V-Star, and other brands as well. Just RESEARCH! Remember EVERY bike has their weakness. I am a Honda guy myself, but have owned some fast dependable Yamahas.

I always love to have something different and the Valkyrie is it for me. There are some that will either love or hate it, as I found out yesterday, but buy what YOU want to please yourself , not others- it is YOUR money!

As Steve said, go to vtxoa.com and you'll find all the information on the VTX you'll ever want to know and them some! There is a wealth of knowledge, friendly folks as on this board, and over 44,000 members. Lots that have and love Valks too!

[SteveL]

Steve, I agree with everything you said and was going to post that before I read your post.

Punkkid, As Steve said -research, research and research, and take your time!! I know some might not like to hear this, but Yamaha makes good bikes too, Strat, Warrior, V-Star, and other brands as well. Just RESEARCH! Remember EVERY bike has their weakness. I am a Honda guy myself, but have owned some fast dependable Yamahas.

I always love to have something different and the Valkyrie is it for me. There are some that will either love or hate it, as I found out yesterday, but buy what YOU want to please yourself , not others- it is YOUR money!

As Steve said, go to vtxoa.com and you'll find all the information on the VTX you'll ever want to know and them some! There is a wealth of knowledge, friendly folks as on this board, and over 44,000 members. Lots that have and love Valks too!

Love the blue and cream, is that a 98?

Just gorgeous. You don't see to many of the blue ones and they are so sweet.

[BIG--T]

Steve, I agree with everything you said and was going to post that before I read your post.

Punkkid, As Steve said -research, research and research, and take your time!! I know some might not like to hear this, but Yamaha makes good bikes too, Strat, Warrior, V-Star, and other brands as well. Just RESEARCH! Remember EVERY bike has their weakness. I am a Honda guy myself, but have owned some fast dependable Yamahas.

I always love to have something different and the Valkyrie is it for me. There are some that will either love or hate it, as I found out yesterday, but buy what YOU want to please yourself , not others- it is YOUR money!

As Steve said, go to vtxoa.com and you'll find all the information on the VTX you'll ever want to know and them some! There is a wealth of knowledge, friendly folks as on this board, and over 44,000 members. Lots that have and love Valks too!

Love the blue and cream, is that a 98?

Just gorgeous. You don't see to many of the blue ones and they are so sweet.

Thanks for the compliment Steve. Yes it is a 98 blue and cream that only had 8k miles when I bought it less than 2 monthes ago. The older gentleman I bought it from took excellent care of it, so much so that I even took pictures when I changed the oil because the casing and underneath could pass as showroom condition..as well as the entire bike! I got a lot of compliments on her yesterday mostly from HD riders believe it or not- they sure didn't believe it was a 98!