My Valk for an Interstate...Am I nuts?

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Going to check out an Interstate possibly tomorrow.  I put a lot of work into my standard which I love but would also love the chance to own an Interstate.  No way to keep both.  Anything in particular different from the standard I should look for?  Guys that have both or have owned both, whats your opinion on the pluses and minuses of both.  After all is said and done, I could end up with the Interstate at about an even trade of what I think I could get out of my bike.   

[PAVALKER]

I have not had both, but have an Interstate and had a VTX1800R as well.  The VTX1800R is gone.   Only you can determine your wants and needs, and if an Interstate is for you or not.  I will tell you that if you can get a nice (nice being somewhat subjective) Interstate even trade (or close) for a standard.... you should DO IT.  The Interstate can always be modified by removing the trunk/bags easily enough in a number of configurations.... leaving just the fairing if that is what ya want.  The average price of an Interstate is much higher than a Standard (based on what I have seen in completed sales in general).

Tis easier to trim down an Interstate than add to a Standard.... IMO.

[GOOSE]

steelers.....KEEP THE BIKE YOU HAVE...i know all that you have done to it, and there is no way that you will get an I-S up to par with what you have.  get you a fairing...stick a m-p player in your ear, and forget the bad thoughts that are going around in your head. been there and done that.

[BonS]

Have both. Get a night job for a while to swing the deal. I have both and use my standard as my city bike. The I/S is great on the road. I once cut my piggies on the I/S but put them back on as this is what I really want when traveling over the road. My standard on the other hand is loud, low and agile. Just right for having in-town stoplight-to-stoplight fun. You will really miss your standard.

[DarkMeister]

No you're not. However, it also depends on whether you have a frequent passenger or not, and if so, their preferences. Everything else is doable without switching over (storage space, fairing, etc.).
Were it not for the old lady beloved wife, I'd be riding a Tourer or Standard. On the other hand, the IS carries off the 'dresser' look better than any other bike, in my biased opinion. 

[F6Dave]

I'd say it depends on how you use it.  I have an Interstate and a Tourer.  I like the looks of the Tourer much better, because I think a trunk makes the fat lady look really fat.  And on short trips I like the Tourer's lighter weight.  But on a trip and/or with a passenger, the Interstate is nearly Wing-like with the extra luggage space, sound system, bigger tank, and better passenger seat.

[eric in md]

depends on how your going to ride it .. long trips go for it .. well i have my interstate since new it only has 1oo k on it now i wouldnt trade it for nothin i love that bike more every day i ride it mean it . also just got me pipes on it o man love it even more now. use it for a truck around town love it on the road . good luck with your choice? love mine

[Paxton]

I love them all, but I ride Solo...
When I see a fellow Valk owner riding an I/S by himself, it evokes images of driving a huge Suburban with no passengers on board.

Personally, I love your bike. You've done so much with it. Very unique!

Yes you are nuts... but so am I.

Good luck on your decision.

[Mildew]

Thats a good looking standard.  I'd keep it and add some plastic if you want that interstate feel

[mario]

Thats a good looking standard.  I'd keep it and add some plastic if you want that interstate feel

+1 

[Disco]

Keep your Standard.  You've made it your bike.  Keep your eyes open for a mechanically good IS that needs cosmetic TLC and buy it cheap.  Then, treat it like another blank canvas. 

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

My brother went and checked out the IS for me today.  Said its beautiful.  Paint is about as perfect as can be.  Only turnoff is it has painted on designs on the bags, tank, fairing.  Not sure if they can be removed.  Guess it depends what type of paint was used.  Anyone have some knowledge of what is used to normally do striping of that type?  Bikes a black '99 with 20k miles on it.  Has a few add ons, no CB.  What would be a great price to get it for?
Im going to go and try to check it out tomorrow.  If I do end up with it, my plan is to lean it out.  Remove the trunk, quick release for the bags, etc.  I ride solo most of the time so I would change it up for moreof a solo setup. 

[GOOSE]

STEELERS....most of your hand pinstriping/lettering/murals are put on with enamel paint.  you can remove it with very little effort if it is done with this type of paint.  i still say that i would keep your standard if you buy the interstate.....the one you have now is beautiful.   maybe you can work it out so that you can have both of them, john

[gordonv]

I think your original question was more along the lines of what are the differance between the IS and the other models.

From what I have read, most of the differances are in items that have been improved on the IS. There is the carb springs, larger gas tank, and ICM. Not sure about other options.

I like the IS for the other things. Pods and fairing to better hid behind from the weather (cold/rain). Radio, trunk and bags, for traveling.

As for the price, a basic std/tourer, should sell for $1-$2K less than a like IS. I've been looking at the IS's since my accident 1 yr ago, and would say the average price is $7-$8K. But I bought mine the year before for less, and see a lot that are $1-$2K more and less than that average price. You just have to know all the options, and decide if what you want (accessaries) for your new bike, is what you are getting. I want color and CB, the rest don't matter, and I would now pay a little more to get what I want.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

STEELERS....most of your hand pinstriping/lettering/murals are put on with enamel paint.  you can remove it with very little effort if it is done with this type of paint.  i still say that i would keep your standard if you buy the interstate.....the one you have now is beautiful.   maybe you can work it out so that you can have both of them, john

Hey Goose,
Thank you.  No way possible to keep both bikes though.  Wish I could.  What do you use to take the striping off if is enamel paint? 

[dallastar]

I would NOT give up my standard for any other model

[MP]

I like the IS for the other things. Pods and fairing to better hid behind from the weather (cold/rain). Radio, trunk and bags, for traveling.

I have both.  I have added bags and a trunk to my std.  With the windshield, Bakers airwings, and fork deflectors, I believe that I stay drier on my std. than on the IS.

MP

[rmrc51]

Steelers,

I've also followed all of the customizing you've done to your bike. Mark my words, you "will" regret selling that Standard, especially after all of your work. (Been there with other things I've had)

Your Standard is unique to say the least! Are you sure you can't keep both of them? I know I'd try like hell to find a way.

[NITRO]

I've had both and now only have an Interstate. Actually, the IS replaced a totaled Standard, so I never actually had both at the same time. The Standard is a little quicker and more nimble, but I would NEVER switch back now. My first impression of the IS was that is handles like my Standard did while riding with a passenger.

I think it all depends on the riding you do: If you like long-distance riding and comfort is a must (particularly for two-up), get the IS. If you go on mostly shorter rides and ride solo, the Standard is a better choice. That said, I would gladly buy another Standard as a second bike if I had the money and space for it. Actually, I would buy it as a third bike after a V-Strom...

[fudgie]

I only have a Tourer. Wanted a I/S but got the Tourer instead, with the work I did on mine, I dont want to mess with another bike to make it 'mine'.

What do you do when you ride? Do you travel alot or think you will travel?

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I dont do a lot of long distance, but just always wanted an IS.  I actually bought the IS, just too good of a deal to pass up.  Took it home and figured if I didnt like it enough I would just sell it.  Well Im keeping it.  I am going to strip it down though, no trunk and optional bag setup.  Lots of work to do. I will miss my standard though, just no way I can keep both.

[rmrc51]

Well then, the very best of luck to you with your new IS! Can't wait to see how you're going to customize her!! Ride safe!!

[DarkMeister]

Looking at prices, on-line and otherwise, selling the trunk and bags should bring back a good chunk of your investment. Though you might wish to store them in case you get older change your mind later. 

[Jabba]

You've said it over and over.... No way to keep both... Why not?  Not that it's MY business, but I am curious.

I had a STd for 8 years before I bought an IS.  I like the IS.  I have been riding it since the temps drop.  But I told my wife... if she wants me to sell the IS It's gone.  The Standard is STAYING. 

All about personal choices and priorities. 

Glad you got the IS You've been wanting. 

Jabba

[PAVALKER]

I dont do a lot of long distance, but just always wanted an IS.  I actually bought the IS, just too good of a deal to pass up.  Took it home and figured if I didnt like it enough I would just sell it.  Well Im keeping it.  I am going to strip it down though, no trunk and optional bag setup.  Lots of work to do. I will miss my standard though, just no way I can keep both.

Congrats.  Hope it all works out for you.  At least show us some before pics..... and when you get to the after, we would like to see them as well.

[dustytrader]

I've had both, currently have an I/S.  I love my I/S, much more comfortable for me and my passenger.  I love having music without the cords running to my ears, and love the extra storage for helmets and such.  For what I use my bike for, the I/S beats the heck out of my standard.  Plus, I have a 5 year old that like to ride and I feel much more comfortable with her on the I/S so she is more secured...along with the drivers backrest keeps her set in the saddle good.  To each their own, I think it all depends on individual uses and preferences.  I will admit though, I'm sick of the carbs and will be selling mine in a few years and getting a Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager with fuel injection...again it's all about preference. 

[BradValk48237]

An easy way to take off some pinstripe is Oven Cleaner.... I used it to take pinstripe off all over a Goldwing that I owned..... BUT.. depending on on the paint it might not work and there may be shadows depending on how long it was on there and exposure to the sun... Mine had faint "ghost' stripes that showed in the right light. Try it on an area thats not to visible and see... I just sprayed it on a rag and soaked the area..... wiped right off and the just polished once done.... Like I said you could only see the shadows in the right light. Over all it worked well and was easy to use....
 
Brad

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Thanks guys.  Will post some pics once I make some progress. 

[Fishstick]

Razor used Easy Off oven cleaner to remove the painted "theme" from an IS he reworked. It took off the added paint and never touched the stock paint. I was a doubter until I saw his results.