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Author Topic: Contemplating a Valkyrie purchase  (Read 2765 times)
Str8shooter
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Posts: 44

Loganville, Ga.


« on: May 12, 2009, 12:53:21 PM »

My current ride is an 07 Yamaha FJR1300 with lots of farkles. Have been looking at the Valkyrie for a little while and will probably get one when I can find the one that i like. What year would be the best to try to buy? Any issues or recalls I need to be aware of? Would love to find an Interstate. When I finally decide to pull the trigger the FJR will be sold, excellent ride but I just have this urge to get the Interstate. Had a Goldwing several years ago, then bought the FJR when I got back into the bike scene.
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Ghost
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Posts: 836


Connersville In. VRCC#7645


« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2009, 01:14:24 PM »

Don't do it, unless you are ready for a life changing event. The time you will spend looking for crome, the time riding, you will have this funny look on your face, A big smile. Greatest bike i ever bought.
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I just wanna Ride............Smiley  And hang out with all the cool Kids riding Motorcycles.
Oyeaa
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Posts: 124



WWW
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2009, 01:40:14 PM »

What year would be the best to try to buy?

Anything between 1997 and 2003 is a great year to own!

Any issues or recalls I need to be aware of?

No recalls that I have ever heard of, and the whiners in the group complain about having to feel bad about passing Harleys along side the road.

I  LOVE my Interstate and would not consider any other model.

A ton of good information here:

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/

and

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/Known%20Valkyrie%20Problems.htm


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Serk
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Posts: 21805


Rowlett, TX


« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2009, 01:49:33 PM »

Other than the carbs on the 1997 model, the only differences between the years were a few cosmetic changes and the colors available... (The carbs on the 1997's are slightly different, and arguing about which is better is just gonna stir up a holy war  Wink )

I love my Valk, but it's definitely not as nimble or quick as an FJR (I've got the FJR's sister, an ST1300 in my garage next to my Valk. It's technically my spousal unit's bike, but I get to ride it too), but IMHO the Valk is a LOT more comfortable in the long haul...

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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...



IBA# 22107 
VRCC# 7976
VRCCDS# 226

1998 Valkyrie Standard
2008 Gold Wing

Taxation is theft.

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Momz
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Posts: 5702


ABATE, AMA, & MRF rep.


« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2009, 02:40:58 PM »

If you want an I/S, then by all means don't buy a standard or Tourer. Remember though that an I/S is one heavy mothercycle, and if it has a Car Tire on the rear, insist on a test ride. I/S's  are a bit clumbsy at low speeds and moreso with a CT.

With that said, be prepaired for a long term love affair.
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ALWAYS QUESTION AUTHORITY! 

97 Valk bobber, 98 Valk Rat Rod, 2K SuperValk, plus several other classic bikes
woody
Member
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Posts: 90


Australia


« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2009, 02:57:32 PM »

I would really reconsider buying a Valk.....
There is never enough time to ride it, I want to all the time.
Its never shiny enough, but I cant waste time polishing it when I should be riding it.
Its always disheartening having to overtake all those tractors (oops sorry, Harleys)
Its very annoying having to stop riding just to get some fuel so I can keep riding.
And the acceleration is only just below the threshold necessary to achieve time travel, needs to be fixed.
And the chrome wears out from all the admiring glances of people drool over it, sometimes I have to push my way through the crowd just to get onto it.

Seriously though;
Its not a sports bike, but it handles extremly well.
Its not a scooter, so it does use a bit of fuel.
Its not a Harley, so it rarely needs anything but maintenance.
Its not a metric cruser so you will be quite comfortable, even on a long ride.
Its not a woman, so it cant have your children.
have fun

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Big IV
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Posts: 2845


Iron Station, NC 28080


« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2009, 04:47:39 PM »

by the time most people make it here, they are already hooked.
contemplating? you'll buy.
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"Ride Free Citizen!"
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f6gal
Administrator
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Posts: 6882


Surprise, AZ


« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2009, 06:33:15 PM »

'99 is the first production year for I/S.  The are a few performance differences between the I/S and the other models. 
These differences were primarily designed to compensate for the extra weight of the bike. 

I/S has 6.9 gallon gas tank (others are 5.1)
I/S Control Module has a more agressive timing curve (about 2 degrees advanced)
I/S Carb Springs are shorter with tighter coils (enhanced throttle response)

Welcome to our world... you'll like it here!
« Last Edit: May 12, 2009, 06:59:48 PM by f6gal » Logged



You can't do much about the length of your life, so focus on the width.
alph
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Posts: 5513


Eau Claire, WI.


« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2009, 07:35:12 PM »

If you’ve got a girl friend you’ll want to get rid of her also….  You’ll have problems trying to share the love, and she’ll get jealous.  The first thing she’ll cry about is how you’re spending so much more time with “IT” and why do you have to buy premium gas not to mention the $11 per quart Amsoil nag nag nag, all that chrome… wine wine wine…  that is, unless you have her pay for it, then she’ll like it better….

By the way, I’ve got a ’99 IS. Black/Red and I love it!!  No problems in 50k miles.
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Promote world peace, ban all religion.

Ride Safe, Ride Often!!  cooldude
Big Rig
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Posts: 2507


Woolwich NJ


« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2009, 07:49:05 PM »

The best way I can explain it is....if you ride it, you will buy it...

Best bike I have ever owned...99 I/S and I am happier with it now then when it was brand spanking new...

If you want a strong bike that turns heads and will put smiles on your face...then you are looking at the right ride.

 cooldude

Good luck, welcome...and send pics of your new ride
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clintsdivco
Member
*****
Posts: 139


Independence, Mo


« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2009, 08:18:24 PM »

I can't add much to the other comments, they are all true.  I had a couple of Gold Wings when they first came out (a 1975 & 1978) but quit riding for 10+ years.  I got hooked on the Valk I/S back in 99 when my best friend bought one new, and have wanted one every since. 

I just retired on March 16 of this year and on March 17 I flew to El Paso, Tx from the Kansas City area and bought a 2000 Interstate and rode it home (1120 Miles).  When I got home I did not want to park it.  I have not  been able to stay off of it.  I have put 5000+ miles on it since March 17 and can't get it out of my system.

The Valk is an awesome bike and it definitely draws a crowd and lots of attention and comments.

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Retired, Own & Ride a Valkyrie, It doesn't get any better than this.

PAVALKER
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Posts: 4435


Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213

Pittsburgh, Pa


« Reply #11 on: May 12, 2009, 08:45:25 PM »

Yea, an Interstate.......  Just Do It.   cooldude

As has been said, it isn't a light bike, takes more to handle.   But boy is she great......



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John                           
Stick
Member
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Posts: 180


Sherbrooke Nova Scotia


« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2009, 08:49:48 AM »

Get the IS and and be done with it people spend so much after to make them into a IS might as well have it from the start..... taking the trunk off (quick Release Mod) makes a nice solo bagger as well.




My current ride is an 07 Yamaha FJR1300 with lots of farkles. Have been looking at the Valkyrie for a little while and will probably get one when I can find the one that i like. What year would be the best to try to buy? Any issues or recalls I need to be aware of? Would love to find an Interstate. When I finally decide to pull the trigger the FJR will be sold, excellent ride but I just have this urge to get the Interstate. Had a Goldwing several years ago, then bought the FJR when I got back into the bike scene.
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2001 Valkyrie Interstate Burgundy/Black*Sold*
2000 Valkyrie Interstate-Black*Sold*
2000 Valkyrie Supervalk-Blue/Silver*Sold*
2001 Valkyrie Interstate Burgundy/Black*Sold*
Blackduck KS
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Posts: 309


Atitude Is Everything

Wichita KS.


WWW
« Reply #13 on: May 13, 2009, 10:03:38 AM »

Any year is good, I bought mine and I want another one, mt brother just got one and loves it as much as I do. cooldude cooldude
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Dogg
Member
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Posts: 1216


Berlin Md


« Reply #14 on: May 13, 2009, 10:22:25 AM »

what ever you do, ride it. Dont be foolish like me, always spending money on it cuz I gotta have the only one....

I bought a standard first, now I am gonna get an IS as soon as the money is right. Dont wait, just do it.
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razor
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Posts: 162


What a RIDE!

Knoxville, Tn


« Reply #15 on: May 13, 2009, 11:01:11 AM »

I'd say it depends on which model you want.  I have three, 2 I/S and a tourer, and I love them all.  For 2 up riding the I/S is a great choice. Has a radio and intercom standard.  I believe they handle better than the 1500 GW's, and definitely have more power.  For a comfortable cruiser than a V-twin, the standards are great. For someting in between the tourer is a good choice.  It's lighter so it handles a little better than the I/S. It's still very comfortable for the long haul.  But it doesn't have the radio and intercom.  There are a lot of guys that don't ride 2 up, so the tourer is a very fine choice.

Standards were made from 97-2003. tourers made from 97-2000. I/S were made 99-2001.  Of course there are conversions like standards that were made into tourers and even interstates by adding the necessary pieces.

All in all, they're great bikes with minimal problems over many miles.  We have one fellow that has over 300k on his. 
 
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Razor/ Ray
Some of the best days of my life have been spent behind bars!
tbone
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*****
Posts: 188

Bradford, il


« Reply #16 on: May 18, 2009, 12:53:02 PM »

Doubt I can add much to what has been said but here it goes..  I bought my 99 I/S last fall. Put as many miles on it as I could without putting tire chains and a ski on it. Love it. I have been a Honda fan
since 1990. This is my third Honda and will be keeping it as long as I can.  TBone
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Charlie
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Posts: 322


It's not what you say you do that counts.....

Grand Rapids, MI


« Reply #17 on: May 18, 2009, 01:06:34 PM »

You heard all the good things about them!!! Now go buy one.  Here is one Interstates located in Michigan.  I have no affiliation with the seller, just saw it the other day.  I was at a Blessing of the Bikes rally on Sunday and saw one just like it for $7,800.  There are some great deals out there if you look.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/1170677863.html
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States I have visited on my motorcycles

Charlie #23695
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