Harley Riders! I probably blew it!

[BigAl]

That is Heritage Softtail Classic, I think you are trying to get across, maybe not.

But you were spot on for most of the Hardly Wannabeson.

When they say that they probably don't even own or ride.

You were not too hard on the guy.

[The Anvil]

The Valkyrie Genealogy board lists production figures of 29,390 Standards, 9,420 Tourers, 9,610 Interstates, and 3,940 Runes. So we’re looking at a total of 52,360 Valkyries ever built.
Some unknown number of those are no longer on the road due to crashes or extreme neglect. I'd guess there are less than 45,000 running Valks world wide. Possibly less.
That's why I'm surprised that the prices stay so relatively low on them. I would think rarity alone would have doubled what I'm seeing. Add in the fact that it is such an incredible machine from an engineering and ride-ability standpoint and the price should be triple or quadruple what it is.
What ever, I'm glad I've got mine.

The market is narrow which cancels out the rarity.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

 BTW, do you think there is that many Valkyries in the world now?? 

Oh, yes, and many, many more.  Come see us at InZane.

But I would guess you're looking at almost 2% of the Valkyries in the world on that video.    

Probably so, but I've had mine for 5 months and only seen 2 in transit in  my neck of the woods. One was yellow and the other was same color as mine, blue and pearl. I've been to events with 500-1000 bikes and guess what- I'm the only Valkyrie.  People just like to be around their own kind!! 

The most amazing thing for me about the VRCC was the first time I saw a parking lot full of Valkyries.

The first Valkrie I ever saw (or realized I saw) is the one I ride. For the wife and I both, it truly was a case of "love at first sight" when we saw Little Martha. Little did I know what a life changing event getting back into the world of street motorcycles would be. Both for Mel and I and for the family since I doubt my youngest son would own a Duc and a Valkyrie if I hadn't bought my Valk.

Seldom in life do we realize when we make a life changing turn till we look back on it. And the day we went to look at our Valk was one of those days. I wasn't even serious about buying another bike when we caged it 100 miles to see her. It was just a road trip and dinner out. On the way back home only one thing was on my mind, how many days till I put the money in his hand?

[fudgie]

I thoroughly enjoy my Valkyrie, but I made a buying decision on bike that was only in production for 7 years, with parts becoming more scarce with each year that passes.  Makes me question my intelligence, hell, maybe I will start wearing my hat sideways.

I dont think parts are scarce. I got parts for my 72 CB350 in the mid 90's. Harley hasnt made EVO's since late 1999. You can get parts for them still. So hang in there, you might not need parts. 

[hmt81]

My own slightly older relative owned his 1st new Honda, a '69 Mini-trail 50cc from brand new. When visiting a year or 2 ago, I saw he still had it. He said "watch this", turned the petcock and kick started it the first or second kick. I was amazed as I remember riding it as a kid and couldn't believe it still ran so well. He said "what do you expect, it's a Honda", then proceeded to show me his Harley Dyna Wide and new Street Glide. I said nice bikes. A few months later I emailed photos of my new to me '99 Valk, his response....."let me know when you get a real bike". Seems some just feel if you don't ride a Harley, you just don't ride. I just ignore it as I love my Valkyrie. At the recent Bike show in town, more folks stopped and took pics, marveled at the motor, oooh's & aawh's. One kid said to his dad wearing an H.D. shirt, "what kinda bike is that, he replied "that's one of them Japanese Vulcan's with 6 cylinders". I chuckled inside. My buddy parked next to me with his V-Rod said, "hey can ya move that "Vulcan", nobody is lookin' at my bike". That's what I love about the Fat Lady. She's a charmer even after all these years.

[3fan4life]

Here we go again.

I've owned Harleys. You know what? They were less maintenance intensive than these things are and what maintenance there is is easier to perform. No hydro-lock issues, no slow jet clogging issues, no valve adjustments, no splines to lube or fail, replacing a clutch is a minor job, no final drive (though you do have a primary), they're all FI now and the older ones that aren't have ONE carburetor, air cooling means no water pump, radiator, hoses or coolant to worry about and the engine can be out in a couple hours with one person.

That's why they're giving you that look. Because if your mechanical skills are lacking then you should get an H-D as you'd actually be better off. Just tell em that you prefer the Valk's smoothness and that it's a cruiser that's NOT trying to be a Harley clone. They'll appreciate that more and you won't sound uninformed or inexperienced.

If you are worried about that POS Valkyrie you're riding leaving you stranded on the side of the road, I'll be glad to ride up and haul that piece of junk away for you.

I thoroughly enjoy my Valkyrie, but I made a buying decision on bike that was only in production for 7 years, with parts becoming more scarce with each year that passes.  Makes me question my intelligence, hell, maybe I will start wearing my hat sideways.

Same offer, If you’d like I’ll be glad to come and haul it away for you.
After all it can’t be worth much with you not being able to get parts and all.

[Tropic traveler]

I used to get wound up when encountering the "Harley Attitude" but I guess I have since grown up. Don't get me wrong it still irks me when I hear the "can't you afford a real bike" or "Jap junk" comments made by the mental midget pirate dressed crowd. However I am secure in my knowledge that I have bought the finest cruiser/tourer motorcycle ever made for me.
I don't run down their rides as I'm sure they are proud of their bikes as well, but I will politely point out that the Valkyrie was made in the U.S. & has 100HP {& over 100K miles on my '97} right from the factory, no upgrades or rebuilds needed. Usually leaves 'em speechless if they have any sense at all! 

I ride a Honda Valkyrie out of choice as I certainly can afford anything Harley makes. But quite simply there is nothing HD makes that is good enough for me. If a Harley is good enough for them, well I'm happy for them. Kinda have a little part of me that feels sorry for the HD or nothing crowd. 

[RoadKill]

The Valkyrie Genealogy board lists production figures of 29,390 Standards, 9,420 Tourers, 9,610 Interstates, and 3,940 Runes. So we’re looking at a total of 52,360 Valkyries ever built.
Some unknown number of those are no longer on the road due to crashes or extreme neglect. I'd guess there are less than 45,000 running Valks world wide. Possibly less.
That's why I'm surprised that the prices stay so relatively low on them. I would think rarity alone would have doubled what I'm seeing. Add in the fact that it is such an incredible machine from an engineering and ride-ability standpoint and the price should be triple or quadruple what it is.
What ever, I'm glad I've got mine.

All of that is irrelevant.   There is only ONE

This is my Valkyrie,there are many like it but this one is mine,my Valk is my best friend. It is my life. I must master her as I must master my life.my Valkyrie, without me, is useless. Without my Valkyrie, I am useless.

[Dogg]

if I detect a slight bit of attitude in their question to me

I think Anvil missed that part. I do the same, if someone on a harley wants
to talk motersickles or go riding I'm all for it. BUT, if they start with the
attitude I'll let the harley jokes/bashing fly non-stop until they're out of
earshot. I've seen them get so mad they almost cry! My riding club has
2 harleys, a Screaming Eagle just purchased (haven't seen it yet) and a
1200 Sportster that is one of the best sounding harleys I've ever heard.
One of the two riders rides about 3-4 times as much as I do, the other one
might get 1000 miles a year.

No, I didn't miss it. I just don't see that it helps to respond that way. It's one thing if you want to pick on actual negatives to H-D, but claiming that it's because they require excessive maintenance or that they're unreliable just displays your lack of actual knowledge on the subject.

I have years of experience riding and working on these things. harleys have ALWAYS been high mait. as long as I remember. I still have my tool kit for an old flh i had. older ones were junk. i still fix enough of them to think that they will always be junk.
  The EVO II is the best thing they ever came out with(until i get a good look at the new 103) so far. the 88 was a piece of crap and when they went FI, it made it worse. over heating, head gaskets, base gaskets leaking because of excessive heat all because they leaned them out so much for epa standards. but actually it wasnt that. they ran lean to force the metrics to use cas. thats it. bad part was, it wasnt intentional until they realized teir junk went through even northeast emissions. problem- air temp sensor was placed in the hottest part of the motor, in the intake between 2 air cooled heads. stupid design. Ive repaired enough of them to say they are idiots. ive modded enough of them to say i fixed it but im not the only one. I told a friend of mine( works R&D for HD in pa until they canned him) about the problem and the fix. a week later, he calls me laughing and said that it is what it is. what will they do with 50,000 intkaes if they move the air temp sensor?? lol  it is true tho.
  the early 96ci motors had the same faults. the problem was never fixed but made worse for the screamin eagle motors. base gaskets blowing out, rear cylinder head gaskets blowing, and now on top of the heat issues, they have chain driven oil pump which are prone to failure between 18 and 23,000 miles. HD will not warranty because it a "wear item". whatever. most will say they never heard of it but that is because most will never see 23,000 miles. I can show you 10 friends with harleys. 4 ride with me. 6 are trophies. riders and owners are 2 different animals. I ignore the owners and ride with the riders. I own 2 valks, an indian, couple of sport bikes and a ridley. I ride with everyone no matter what they ride. I get asshats in oceancity that think their HD is superior to my valk....I humble them quickly. i just earned a 79 flh with a 107ci zipper motor and a baker 6 spd. beat him fair and square. no NOS. I refused to take his bike. it was just to show him what money can do and a $10,000 crate motor aint makin him any money. tho it was a drop dead beautiful bike.

  I respect an bike that is being ridden. my best friend own an 06 electraglide classic. we ride about 10,000 miles a year together. I love his bike. but going to a shop to get a tire on LD (daily rider) the owner of the shop looked at the 2 bikes side by side and made the comment..." damn, its deceiving how big that valk is until you park it next to something like that(referring to the electraglide). how it dwarfs your bike is unbelievable( speaking of the electraglide.) 
  I ride a big bike because I want to and can. I own 2 because I cant ride one all the time. the other I can. Maybe its different for me since I really do have the fastest cruiser on delmarva(the peninsula where I live) and everyone knows me. maybe i dont get a bunch of the same crap from HD guys because I go to the HD dealers and hang out and aint scared of any of them. plus Im quick to put up or shut up.   during bike week here, i get the rounds of jap crap but most of the time, those idiots are humbled by my harley friends( yes, I do have alot of them) because its a respect kinda thing.

[RoadKill]

Sometimes when people ask why I don't own a Harley, if I detect a slight bit of attitude in their question to me, I will answer,   "I don't own a Harley because I'm just not that good of a mechanic" which usually takes them back a little.

Here we go again.

I've owned Harleys. You know what? They were less maintenance intensive than these things are and what maintenance there is is easier to perform. No hydro-lock issues, no slow jet clogging issues, no valve adjustments, no splines to lube or fail, replacing a clutch is a minor job, no final drive (though you do have a primary), they're all FI now and the older ones that aren't have ONE carburetor, air cooling means no water pump, radiator, hoses or coolant to worry about and the engine can be out in a couple hours with one person.

That's why they're giving you that look. Because if your mechanical skills are lacking then you should get an H-D as you'd actually be better off. Just tell em that you prefer the Valk's smoothness and that it's a cruiser that's NOT trying to be a Harley clone. They'll appreciate that more and you won't sound uninformed or inexperienced.

You own Harleys...I OWN some too. gave up riding the damn things. Put some miles on 'em and you will love your Valk even more. I spend more time fixing friends Harleys in a month than it took to put my valk back on the road after 9 days in a coma !   Every one can ride their own ride..JUST RIDE

[KW]

I don’t know you oZ so maybe I’m missing something here? Are you seriously asking the question or just joking around? I suspect joking because based on the posters response to you, there’s absolutely nothing in your reply offensive or mean spirited, just factual. I don’t see anything wrong with it at all. Of course I own & operate a Honda Valkyrie, the greatest motorcycle ever developed and produced. I also don’t think much of Harleys, but will leave it at that. Admittedly, my judgment could be ever so slightly prejudicial.   

Anyway, I’ve never seen that video so THANK YOU for posting it here (I’m sure it’s been here before, but I never saw it!) Its GREAT stuff my friend! WOW! 

Willow; this is the space where I deleted a long triad “brand bashing.” I deleted it in deference to your ‘Administrative guidance.’  (Please note the different color as well)

 

[The Anvil]

Put some miles on 'em and you will love your Valk even more. I spend more time fixing friends Harleys in a month than it took to put my valk back on the road after 9 days in a coma !   Every one can ride their own ride..JUST RIDE

If you're spending that much time fixing your friend's Harleys then they're doing something wrong. They are as reliable as Valkyries (provided you keep locktite handy). In fact, from all of the failures I hear about on this board and from all of the failures I've never had one my H-D's and from knowing how reliable my friend's H-D's are I'd say that from EVO on up, H-D is MORE reliable. I don't ride my Valk for reliability or ease of maintenance. I've had numerous bikes in the past that were both easier to work on and more reliable. I ride it for what it is.

As far as loving my Valk goes, I couldn't love it any more than I already do. Ever since I've owned it I've had this nagging pain in my shoulder that radiates to my spine after I've been on it for a couple hours. I've tried moving the stock bars position (helped, but didn't fix it), different bars, you name it. This past weekend I even contacted the PO about possibly selling it back to him (we've got a standing agreement that it stays within a group of three people) because it's been bugging me so bad. I was thinking about getting another sport standard like a Buell or ZRX. But as I was riding into my doctor's appointment on Wed morning I kept thinking to myself "you'll regret it just like you do with the Buell". But loving my Valk doesn't mean I have to put blinders on and pretend that it's something it's not and it's not a ride it and forget it machine.

[SANDMAN5]

They are as reliable as Valkyries (provided you keep locktite handy)

Even with the disclaimer about Loc-tite that's one of the funniest things I've
read here in a loooonnnngg time!
Sure, SOME of them hold up pretty well, but at those prices they ALL should.
I know 2 people in the last few years that bought brand new harleys. One
was in the shop 3 TIMES before it hit 2500 miles. He even missed out on a
weekend at Deals Gap (all expenses paid) because his $25,000 'bike' was
visiting the dealer. The other was only in once, but he traded it for a Big Dog
at around 1500 miles. Haven't seen either of them in a while.
 I ain't bashing, just relating first hand experience.
I've said several times...I wanted a harley til I rode one.

[hmt81]

I  rode my neighbors 2000 Electra Glide Classic as he is too old to hold it up anymore. I took it about 5 miles total to get gas and stretch it out. I rode it easy to the station, and a little hard on the way back. All I can say is I was very unimpressed. Got back on the Valk and my voice inside said "now that's what I'm talkin' about". Just an opinion with my limited experience of course.

[Dag]

When I hit my second mil I'm going to buy the prez a Road King Heritage.    

Careful what you promise Willow. Most people have started on their second million. Most people give up the first and start on the second.  

Me on a Road King, Houston 2007


One from the group shouted to me and asked if I was afraid of the Houston traffic. Why? I asked ... You are shaking so terribly....

[The Anvil]

They are as reliable as Valkyries (provided you keep locktite handy)

Even with the disclaimer about Loc-tite that's one of the funniest things I've
read here in a loooonnnngg time!
Sure, SOME of them hold up pretty well, but at those prices they ALL should.
I know 2 people in the last few years that bought brand new harleys. One
was in the shop 3 TIMES before it hit 2500 miles. He even missed out on a
weekend at Deals Gap (all expenses paid) because his $25,000 'bike' was
visiting the dealer. The other was only in once, but he traded it for a Big Dog
at around 1500 miles. Haven't seen either of them in a while.
 I ain't bashing, just relating first hand experience.
I've said several times...I wanted a harley til I rode one.

There are bad examples from every manufacturer. What about the Honda 919's that were knocking out passengers with exhaust gases or the GW's with cracked frame welds? How about the BMW R1200's with exploding final drives? I have several riding companions with H-D's well into the 50,000 mile territory and no major issues. I even know a couple (as in man and woman knocking boots) that own ex MA State Police Electra Glides that are regular as clockwork and those bikes lived a very hard life.

OTOH, I read about Valks hydro-locking, slow jets clogging, final drives busting, wheel bearings failing etc. I realize that these are rare ocurrences, but don't try and sell me on the idea that Valks are fire and forget, bulletproof bikes. They're not and they absolutely ARE more maintenance intensive that the equivalent H-D. A vehicles maintenance requirements are typically in direct proportion to it's complexity and while they're really not any more sophisticated than H-D engines (less in some ways actually) they ARE more complex just by nature of the design of an OHC flat six and shaft drive. These are all facts, not opinions.

In my own 20,000 miles or so on H-D products I've never had one single failure other than a dead speedo.

[Titan]

They are as reliable as Valkyries (provided you keep locktite handy)

Even with the disclaimer about Loc-tite that's one of the funniest things I've
read here in a loooonnnngg time!
Sure, SOME of them hold up pretty well, but at those prices they ALL should.
I know 2 people in the last few years that bought brand new harleys. One
was in the shop 3 TIMES before it hit 2500 miles. He even missed out on a
weekend at Deals Gap (all expenses paid) because his $25,000 'bike' was
visiting the dealer. The other was only in once, but he traded it for a Big Dog
at around 1500 miles. Haven't seen either of them in a while.
 I ain't bashing, just relating first hand experience.
I've said several times...I wanted a harley til I rode one.

There are bad examples from every manufacturer. What about the Honda 919's that were knocking out passengers with exhaust gases or the GW's with cracked frame welds? How about the BMW R1200's with exploding final drives? I have several riding companions with H-D's well into the 50,000 mile territory and no major issues. I even know a couple (as in man and woman knocking boots) that own ex MA State Police Electra Glides that are regular as clockwork and those bikes lived a very hard life.

OTOH, I read about Valks hydro-locking, slow jets clogging, final drives busting, wheel bearings failing etc. I realize that these are rare ocurrences, but don't try and sell me on the idea that Valks are fire and forget, bulletproof bikes. They're not and they absolutely ARE more maintenance intensive that the equivalent H-D. A vehicles maintenance requirements are typically in direct proportion to it's complexity and while they're really not any more sophisticated than H-D engines (less in some ways actually) they ARE more complex just by nature of the design of an OHC flat six and shaft drive. These are all facts, not opinions.

In my own 20,000 miles or so on H-D products I've never had one single failure other than a dead speedo.

OK. I realize that you think you're an expert on most everything, and like to show your superior intellect. But your anecdotal evidence in attempting to show that Harleys are more reliable than Valkyries is really stretching it. First of all, just because you have "several riding buddies" who just never, ever have a mechanical problem with their bikes is in no way any kind of representative sample of the hundreds of thousands of Harleys in the world and proves absolutely nothing more than your uneducated opinion.

And secondly, you're on a forum dedicated to the Valkyrie! It's where you would necessarily find a couple of hundred people discussing any issues they may have with their bikes. DUH! Of course you're reading about all these issues you seem to enjoy throwing out there in comparison to your "several riding buddies'" Harleys. And, to you, the problems reported here have convinced you that Harleys are more reliable than Valkyries.

How about if I throw out my own representative samples? My brother owns a Harley. The first time I rode with him, several years ago, his kick shift lever fell off as we pulled away from a traffic light. That proves that Harleys have a very high maintenance failure rate!

On the other hand, I personally know 3 people who ride Valkyries, besides myself. I don't know of any single issue either of them have had in 10 years. That absolutely proves that the Valkyrie is completely reliable.

So, there ya go! My data is just as good as yours. Completely worthless.

[scoot]

OTOH, I read about Valks hydro-locking, slow jets clogging, final drives busting, wheel bearings failing etc. I realize that these are rare ocurrences, but don't try and sell me on the idea that Valks are fire and forget, bulletproof bikes. They're not and they absolutely ARE more maintenance intensive that the equivalent H-D. A vehicles maintenance requirements are typically in direct proportion to it's complexity and while they're really not any more sophisticated than H-D engines (less in some ways actually) they ARE more complex just by nature of the design of an OHC flat six and shaft drive. These are all facts, not opinions.

In my own 20,000 miles or so on H-D products I've never had one single failure other than a dead speedo.


[/quote]

You are not comparing apples to apples. The other thing is these bikes are by no means NEW. For the most part they can be as much as 14 years old. Show a Harley that as many miles as these have on them, and I will assure you it has had some extensive work done to it.

[Tropic traveler]

Quote from the anvil.....
"They're not and they absolutely ARE more maintenance intensive that the equivalent H-D."

There is NO equivalent H-D. 

[ValhallaIamComing]

I know any motorized vehicle with any amount of wheels is going to require maintenance and repair from time to time... but before buying my I/S I had consistently heard that the Goldwing and Valkyrie F6 engine was just about as reliable as any engine ever built for a bike.  That is why I bought the Valk!  I know many HD riders and many bike mechs who will freely say that the F6 deserves the "bulletproof" moniker.

Although, again, I opted for the I/S with far fewer miles... I was also looking at Wings and had been told by several bikers I trust that, unlike most any other ride, I could buy a well-maintained Wing with 100K miles and not worry one bit!

[The Anvil]

OK. I realize that you think you're an expert on most everything, and like to show your superior intellect. But your anecdotal evidence in attempting to show that Harleys are more reliable than Valkyries is really stretching it. First of all, just because you have "several riding buddies" who just never, ever have a mechanical problem with their bikes is in no way any kind of representative sample of the hundreds of thousands of Harleys in the world and proves absolutely nothing more than your uneducated opinion.

First of all I never said they "never, ever have a mechanical problem with their bikes". I myself said I once had a busted speedo. I know H-D riders who've had mechanical issues. In fact, don't know any owner of any brand who's "never, ever have a mechanical problem with their bikes". My argument is that Harleys are not unreliable while Valkyries are perfect. Either is subject to mechanical failure. But in my own experience H-D products have been as reliable as any other, including Honda Valkyries. Some of you people behave like cult members at times and frankly to those of us with actual experience in such matters it's a little off-putting.

Secondly, my opinion is as educated as anyone else's. In fact, it's quite likely that I'm more educated on the subject than most people here bashing H-D since I've actually owned both brands and ride with a lot of H-D owners. If it's not then I can only conclude that these people have some secondary ax to grind (like the inferiority complex that comes with being snubbed by H-D snobs). Because I know what I know.

Lastly, what I know I know. I do not and will not tiptoe in conversations where I am confident. There are a lot of subjects brought up here that I know nothing about and I never utter a peep. If arguing passionately about subjects I'm confident in makes me seem like I'm a know-it-all, well I don't really give a s**t. I feel the same way about people who talk crap about H-D when it's clear their experience extends to word-of-mouth.

And secondly, you're on a forum dedicated to the Valkyrie! It's where you would necessarily find a couple of hundred people discussing any issues they may have with their bikes. DUH! Of course you're reading about all these issues you seem to enjoy throwing out there in comparison to your "several riding buddies'" Harleys. And, to you, the problems reported here have convinced you that Harleys are more reliable than Valkyries.

And I said: "I realize that these are rare ocurrences". So I'm not sure what your point was here.

How about if I throw out my own representative samples? My brother owns a Harley. The first time I rode with him, several years ago, his kick shift lever fell off as we pulled away from a traffic light. That proves that Harleys have a very high maintenance failure rate!

On the other hand, I personally know 3 people who ride Valkyries, besides myself. I don't know of any single issue either of them have had in 10 years. That absolutely proves that the Valkyrie is completely reliable.

So, there ya go! My data is just as good as yours. Completely worthless.

So why are you getting so upset about it??? And if my data and your data are completely worthless then why are we having this discussion in the first place?

[Tropic traveler]

Qoute from the anvil.
"Some of you people behave like cult members at times and frankly to those of us with actual experience in such matters it's a little off-putting."

Brings up two thoughts.
How ironic that you think Valk riders are "the cult members". If so we sure enough are a small cult compared to the legions of other motorcycle brand devotees. Coming here touting the virtues of another brand bike is like wearing a "I Love Halliburton" T-shirt to the Democratic National Convention & expecting no blowback.

As far as the "off-putting" feelings you may be having..... Don't let the door hitcha on the way out.
It's obvious that you are too experienced & educated for us to appreciate.   

[The Anvil]

How ironic that you think Valk riders are "the cult members". If so we sure enough are a small cult compared to the legions of other motorcycle brand devotees.

There are enthusiasts and there are cults. The size of the cult is irrelevant. After hanging around here for the past month or two I think I feel gills growing on my neck.

Coming here touting the virtues of another brand bike is like wearing a "I Love Halliburton" T-shirt to the Democratic National Convention & expecting no blowback.

And this is exactly WHY it's like a cult here. It should not be that way. I don't need to crap on other brands to feel better about what I ride and I don't see why other people should either. This is the first bike forum I've ever been a part of where I've felt so much open hostility towards one other brand in particular.

[Tropic traveler]

Whatever......  Bye-Bye!
I'm happy with my Honda flavored Kool-Ade. I'm sure whatever flavor you enjoy will be better than mine & a result of your education & experience. 
You seem to know everything about us & jeez, we just aint worthy. 

You crack me up! 

[Valkahuna]

+1 

I find all of this bashing (on either side) boring and rather childish. 

I do not agree with Anvil that the Valk needs more maintenance. I do think many owners OVER maintain them. Both my H-D and Valk get the required maintenance, and if something breaks it gets fixed. 

I will agree that the H-D is generally easier to service. Example: I don't need to bolt on an adaptor to jack it up to effectively clean the wheels.

Bottom line, they are both great rides that are just different, and that is why I own one of each.

I have one of each........it's a coin toss which I will ride...... both are great bikes!!!!!

[Titan]

After hanging around here for the past month or two I think I feel gills growing on my neck.

This is the first bike forum I've ever been a part of...

Here's a quote from the forum administrator directed to you a few days ago...

"1. You requested registration to this forum.  We did not send you an invitation or appeal.  If you've found the community at large surprisingly distasteful to you, feel free to exit the forum as quickly as you entered."

And the link to his post in case you missed it.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,29809.msg271615.html#msg271615

[BIG--T]

Here we go again.

I've owned Harleys. You know what? They were less maintenance intensive than these things are and what maintenance there is is easier to perform. No hydro-lock issues, no slow jet clogging issues, no valve adjustments, no splines to lube or fail, replacing a clutch is a minor job, no final drive (though you do have a primary), they're all FI now and the older ones that aren't have ONE carburetor, air cooling means no water pump, radiator, hoses or coolant to worry about and the engine can be out in a couple hours with one person.

That's why they're giving you that look. Because if your mechanical skills are lacking then you should get an H-D as you'd actually be better off. Just tell em that you prefer the Valk's smoothness and that it's a cruiser that's NOT trying to be a Harley clone. They'll appreciate that more and you won't sound uninformed or inexperienced.

If you are worried about that POS Valkyrie you're riding leaving you stranded on the side of the road, I'll be glad to ride up and haul that piece of junk away for you.

I thoroughly enjoy my Valkyrie, but I made a buying decision on bike that was only in production for 7 years, with parts becoming more scarce with each year that passes.  Makes me question my intelligence, hell, maybe I will start wearing my hat sideways.

Same offer, If you’d like I’ll be glad to come and haul it away for you.
After all it can’t be worth much with you not being able to get parts and all.

These people made some good points and are entitled to their opinion like anyone else. If they're like me they love their Valk or wouldn't be here!  I see your bible verse in your sig and can't help but think CULT and I'm not talking religion. Listening to you is worse than what I heard on most HD forums. Man talking about a cult following! I love my Valkyrie and bought it for all the reasons the rest on the board has...and I always like to be different and not the status quota. No, I'm a motorcycle enthusiast and love a lot of brands including Indians and yes Harleys and might even buy a Roadglide Ultra or a Ultra Classic, or GW! And yes- I'm keeping my Valkyrie!

Every bike or anything has their strong and weak points...there are no perfect bikes or anything else.

[3fan4life]

Here we go again.

I've owned Harleys. You know what? They were less maintenance intensive than these things are and what maintenance there is is easier to perform. No hydro-lock issues, no slow jet clogging issues, no valve adjustments, no splines to lube or fail, replacing a clutch is a minor job, no final drive (though you do have a primary), they're all FI now and the older ones that aren't have ONE carburetor, air cooling means no water pump, radiator, hoses or coolant to worry about and the engine can be out in a couple hours with one person.

That's why they're giving you that look. Because if your mechanical skills are lacking then you should get an H-D as you'd actually be better off. Just tell em that you prefer the Valk's smoothness and that it's a cruiser that's NOT trying to be a Harley clone. They'll appreciate that more and you won't sound uninformed or inexperienced.

If you are worried about that POS Valkyrie you're riding leaving you stranded on the side of the road, I'll be glad to ride up and haul that piece of junk away for you.

I thoroughly enjoy my Valkyrie, but I made a buying decision on bike that was only in production for 7 years, with parts becoming more scarce with each year that passes.  Makes me question my intelligence, hell, maybe I will start wearing my hat sideways.

Same offer, If you’d like I’ll be glad to come and haul it away for you.
After all it can’t be worth much with you not being able to get parts and all.

These people made some good points and are entitled to their opinion like anyone else. If they're like me they love their Valk or wouldn't be here!  I see your bible verse in your sig and can't help but think CULT and I'm not talking religion. Listening to you is worse than what I heard on most HD forums. Man talking about a cult following! I love my Valkyrie and bought it for all the reasons the rest on the board has...and I always like to be different and not the status quota. No, I'm a motorcycle enthusiast and love a lot of brands including Indians and yes Harleys and might even buy a Roadglide Ultra or a Ultra Classic, or GW! And yes- I'm keeping my Valkyrie!

Every bike or anything has their strong and weak points...there are no perfect bikes or anything else.

I wasn't "Brand Bashing" at all so I'm rather confused by this part of your reply:

Listening to you is worse than what I heard on most HD forums. Man talking about a cult following!

I love all kinds of motorcycles as well, But I love my Valkyrie the most and while it isn't perfect it is in my oppinion the BEST motorcycle ever made.

This being a forum/community dedicated to that WONDERFUL motorcycle I take exception when "OTHERS" use it as a sounding board to "BASH" my beloved VALK.


If it DOES'T bother you that they are basically referring to that Valk that you profess to love as an inferior piece of JUNK................

Then MAYBE I need to offer to come and haul yours away for you as well.


Oh, and if the reference to the Bible verse bothers you................

Look it up,

It might even "loosely" apply here.

[oZ]

Oz, your becoming a Pussy in your old age. We will straighten your butt out when you get to Michigan.

Oh crap! I'm in it now!

[BIG--T]

Here we go again.

I've owned Harleys. You know what? They were less maintenance intensive than these things are and what maintenance there is is easier to perform. No hydro-lock issues, no slow jet clogging issues, no valve adjustments, no splines to lube or fail, replacing a clutch is a minor job, no final drive (though you do have a primary), they're all FI now and the older ones that aren't have ONE carburetor, air cooling means no water pump, radiator, hoses or coolant to worry about and the engine can be out in a couple hours with one person.

That's why they're giving you that look. Because if your mechanical skills are lacking then you should get an H-D as you'd actually be better off. Just tell em that you prefer the Valk's smoothness and that it's a cruiser that's NOT trying to be a Harley clone. They'll appreciate that more and you won't sound uninformed or inexperienced.

If you are worried about that POS Valkyrie you're riding leaving you stranded on the side of the road, I'll be glad to ride up and haul that piece of junk away for you.

I thoroughly enjoy my Valkyrie, but I made a buying decision on bike that was only in production for 7 years, with parts becoming more scarce with each year that passes.  Makes me question my intelligence, hell, maybe I will start wearing my hat sideways.

Same offer, If you’d like I’ll be glad to come and haul it away for you.
After all it can’t be worth much with you not being able to get parts and all.

These people made some good points and are entitled to their opinion like anyone else. If they're like me they love their Valk or wouldn't be here!  I see your bible verse in your sig and can't help but think CULT and I'm not talking religion. Listening to you is worse than what I heard on most HD forums. Man talking about a cult following! I love my Valkyrie and bought it for all the reasons the rest on the board has...and I always like to be different and not the status quota. No, I'm a motorcycle enthusiast and love a lot of brands including Indians and yes Harleys and might even buy a Roadglide Ultra or a Ultra Classic, Vic Cross Country or a GW! And yes- I'm keeping my Valkyrie!

Every bike or anything has their strong and weak points...there are no perfect bikes or anything else.

I wasn't "Brand Bashing" at all so I'm rather confused by this part of your reply:

Listening to you is worse than what I heard on most HD forums. Man talking about a cult following!

I love all kinds of motorcycles as well, But I love my Valkyrie the most and while it isn't perfect it is in my oppinion the BEST motorcycle ever made.

This being a forum/community dedicated to that WONDERFUL motorcycle I take exception when "OTHERS" use it as a sounding board to "BASH" my beloved VALK.


If it DOES'T bother you that they are basically referring to that Valk that you profess to love as an inferior piece of JUNK................

Then MAYBE I need to offer to come and haul yours away for you as well.


Oh, and if the reference to the Bible verse bothers you................

Look it up,

It might even "loosely" apply here.

Where did I accuse you of brand bashing?
Yes A Valkyrie is one ofd the BEST motorcycle made and will go down in history as such and is.
I love and paid a lot of money for my beautiful and WONDERFUL Valkyrie and I challenge you sir to show me where I ever bashed a Valk!!!
WHO bashes  and calls "your beloved Valk" inferior?? If they really feel that way, why are they even on this board?  Talk like that tells me they've never even owned one!
Yes, you can come and HAUL mine off...but you better bring a LOT OF GREEN with you!!!!!!!
Uh, it wasn't the bible verse, and I'm not claiming to be Jack Van Impe but knew it by heart. And no it does not apply in this foolishness. You could have had a picture or the word bible and I would have thought "cult". No the scripture had nothing to do with it.
I hope you have a blessed day! 

[KW]

Has my ORANGE color choice finally started a new fad?

[BIG--T]

Has my ORANGE color choice finally started a new fad?

Yeah KW, Now I just need to learn how to highlight with it!!

[Bobbo]

Has my ORANGE color choice finally started a new fad?

Maybe because it is Harley Orange?!   

[BIG--T]

Has my ORANGE color choice finally started a new fad?

Maybe because it is Harley Orange?!   

Yea I thought I recognized it- Sedona orange!!

[MCRIDER]

Posted by oZPrez
Nope, keep riding your Harley and you can keep your Gucci Purse and follow the herd. I don't care if you wear your Sunglasses at night, have logos plastered all over your body, wear your Baseball Cap sideways, Flaunt you Pinky Ring, or sport a Mullet haircut.
I understand your just part of the Fashion Parade and Harley's are really popular and the only bike to be "seen" on. It's all about impressing people, forget the ride the important thing is you made a fashion statement.

The popularity of the Harley-Davidson sure seems to bother your guys.  Yet, you dress like their riders, try to act like their riders, and even hang out at their events. 

Look at Harley websites and see if they have continuous threads about Hondas and Honda riders. 

[SANDMAN5]

The popularity of the Harley-Davidson sure seems to bother your guys.  Yet, you dress like their riders, try to act like their riders, and even hang out at their events. 
Look at Harley websites and see if they have continuous threads about Hondas and Honda riders.

As usual, you're wrong. I don't care whether harleys are popular or not, I'll not have one even
if it's free. Also, I've NEVER seen a Valk rider "dressed like" a harley rider.....unless you
consider chaps, gloves, boots etc a "harley thing". As for me, I've never been to a "harley
event" although I've been to several "motorcycle events". As far as the harley websites....
there's a joke about having a high enough I.Q. to operate a computer but I won't even bring
it up......nope, not me.

[The Anvil]

Also, I've NEVER seen a Valk rider "dressed like" a harley rider.....unless you
consider chaps, gloves, boots etc a "harley thing".

It kind of is a Harley thing.

[SANDMAN5]

Quote from: bashfulbob on Today at 05:32:45 AM
Also, I've NEVER seen a Valk rider "dressed like" a harley rider.....unless you
consider chaps, gloves, boots etc a "harley thing".
It kind of is a Harley thing. 

Not in my part of the world.....unless they all have "harley" splashed all over them.
I only wear chaps in cooler weather. Gloves and boots every time I ride. None of
them have a visible logo of any kind. YMMV.

[BIG--T]

The popularity of the Harley-Davidson sure seems to bother your guys.  Yet, you dress like their riders, try to act like their riders, and even hang out at their events. 
Look at Harley websites and see if they have continuous threads about Hondas and Honda riders.

As usual, you're wrong. I don't care whether harleys are popular or not, I'll not have one even
if it's free. Also, I've NEVER seen a Valk rider "dressed like" a harley rider.....unless you
consider chaps, gloves, boots etc a "harley thing". As for me, I've never been to a "harley
event" although I've been to several "motorcycle events". As far as the harley websites....
there's a joke about having a high enough I.Q. to operate a computer but I won't even bring
it up......nope, not me.

Yeah really! Boots +chaps= HD? I've never seen anybody riding a Valk, Honda or any other brand wear HD apparel and HD logos. Now I have seen a guy on a moped with a Harley doo rag, shades, and leathers with HD logos everywhere -I couldn't help but laugh out loud on that one!
Bob they're just jealous cause GW'S a lot of goodies they ain't got ....like ejection seats and air bags!

Wonder when chaps become popular? I've never owned a set until a couple years ago and still only wear them when it's really cold. But that's just me and I know it saves your hide if you go down.

[solo1]

I've read this thread again. I really don't know why there is so much talk about Harleys here.  I think that most of us are here for the Valk.  Heck, I'm still here for the Valk but more importantly, since I no longer own a Valk (too heavy for my knees) I'm here for the Valk riders, a good bunch.  I cannot understand why someone would come into this club and argue just for the sake of argument, against the Valkyrie in a VALKYRIE forum.  To me, trying to fit in here with the VRCC is more important than trying to win all arguments on line. 

To each his own. The most important thing is not what you ride but that you ride.  If you spend all your life arguing about WHAT you ride, you'll find, especially with this group, that you eventually will be arguing with yourself while the riders in the VRCC are out, guess what, riding.

It's not what you ride, it's that you ride.  It's not what you ride but that you ride, just can't say it enough!!!  As far as I know, that quote came from an old Harley rider, not a poseur.