Valkyrie vs. Goldwing

[the bull]

I am in the process of deciding on what to buy.  I will be retiring in 3 years and will be doing a lot of traveling.  But for now I want a bigger and newer bike.  Not sure if I want a tourer or an interstate.  If I bought a tourer I would most likey keep it and also buy a wing.  Or maybe only buy an interstate and do all of my traveling with that.  Some input from anyone that has owned both would be helpful.  How they handle, ride and gas mileage for both would be helpful.

[CASABROKER]

Are you riding 2 up?  I have a tourer been on several multi state rides 2 with a trailer.  If you want a little more pizazz go tourer.  Either Valk is a great bike.  A good comfy seat is crucial.  Gas milage is another question depend on how you drive,weight etc.  2 up pulling a trailer 25-28  single 33-38.  Valk over Goldwing anyday.

[custom1]

WOW. A lot of variables there. What are you up-grading from? The only wing I ever owned was an 1983 1100. And that's not a fair comparison to the Valk. If you really only want one bike get the Interstate. Unless you have your heart set on a Wing, then what year Wing? I guess what I'm saying is ,it's really up to you and how much $$ you have. There are few nice I/S's in the classified right now.

[BradValk48237]

Goldwing is nice, but the new ones are like a BMW car.... smooth, powerfull, fast, handle great..... and almost boring to drive.....

I like my I/S because it looks and feels like a motorcycle....... and I have most of the comfort and "stuff" like a wing.....

And it always gets looks..  A new Wing is just a 2 wheeled car...... Dad has an '04 and I have ridden it several times....  but it has no "Soul".....  I had an 84 Wing for 17 years and even then I felt like something was always missing..

IMO  the Valk is the best of both worlds....... Powerful, Dependable, Useful, and more FUN.....

Just my 2 cents.......

Brad

[the bull]

I am riding a 1982 V45 sabre that I have owned sine 1985.  I will not be doing much 2 up riding since the wife does not like ti ride much.  But that is not to say that someone else might be filling that seat at times.

[Michvalk]

The only real difference between the tourer and interstate is the increased storage on the interstate. There are some mechanical differences on the interstate, but those differences can be added to a tourer. Both handle two-up touring very well. The interstate has some of the amenities standard. (Radio, Backrest for passenger, Better wind protection, Stock exhaust a little quieter,Ect) But the interstate is also a heavier bike, and will give a little smoother ride. I have an interstate, and use it for everything, I think it is the ideal bike for me. YMMV

[WamegoRob]

that is not to say that someone else might be filling that seat at times.

Brand new and you've already caught on that Valkyries attract purty girls =)

Enjoy whatever you ride, but I'd have to agree that Valk>Wing and the Interstate would meet your travelling needs.

[BonS]

I am riding a 1982 V45 sabre that I have owned sine 1985.  I will not be doing much 2 up riding since the wife does not like ti ride much.  But that is not to say that someone else might be filling that seat at times.

I came to my Valkyrie via a 1985 Yamaha V-Max so I know where you are. I loved my V-Max and still have it. It's a fun bike around town. I bought an Interstate in '99. I just couldn't get into the Goldwing. Instead the Valkyrie was more visceral and I like seeing the engine; And what an engine! Yes, the V-Max can blow the doors off of the Valkyrie but the power that the Valkyrie has is very, very satisfying. Over the years my passion for the Valkyrie has just continued to grow. I now have two. One is a supercharged tourer. If I'm going on a long trip then it's the Interstate. Around town it's the beast! I'm about to gift my V-Max to my son-in-law. If and when he's tired of it he promises to give it back. Good luck in you decision. You win either way. Ride Safe! 

[gordonv]

Which do you like better, the Valkyrie IS or the GW GL1500?

I like a cruiser, so I like the Valk IS better. I consider it a dressed down GW.

I can't think of a thing the GW has that the Valk doesn't, other than a CB, and you can do a lot of things to get one on a Valk. Also a reverse, but do we really need it?

I'm going to sell my GL1100 and VT1100T (w/ IS trunk), and buy a 88' GW GL1500 for the insurance (collector) and winter driving, and a Valkyrie IS again. Unless I end up enjoying that GW as much as I do the Valk, but I still like the looks of a "true" bike more.

The GL1800 like mentioned, is more like a luxury car. Smooth, nice, fuel injection, but VERY expensive.

As for fuel economy, they are close to the same if you ride the Valk nicely. The Valk IS will get you almost 200 miles to reserve. I think the GW had a little smaller tank, but someone who owns one would know better. The GW also has dual carbs and an electric fuel pump, so less problems.

[9Ball]

Consider if a reverse gear is something you might want in the future.  Strength and overall mobility may become an issue as we (gracefully) age.  It's also a big deal if you ever decide to convert to a trike in order to keep riding.

[Ricky-D]

You can't go wrong getting an 1800 Goldwing.

Fast and powerful and a great bike for touring.

Get a new one and you'll also get a good warranty.

It's said that a Valkyrie is a Goldwing on steroids but this refers to the 1500cc motor.

There is little to compare to a 1800 Goldwing, it's top of the class in Touring and power.

***

[Skinhead]

The only real difference between the tourer and interstate is the increased storage on the interstate. There are some mechanical differences on the interstate, but those differences can be added to a tourer. Both handle two-up touring very well. The interstate has some of the amenities standard. (Radio, Backrest for passenger, Better wind protection, Stock exhaust a little quieter,Ect) But the interstate is also a heavier bike, and will give a little smoother ride. I have an interstate, and use it for everything, I think it is the ideal bike for me. YMMV

The larger fuel tank on the IS is a plus unless you suffer from "girlie a$$" and have to stop every 125 miles.

[sutterhome]

had a wing got rid of it for my valk. Biggie for me was the GW sat 4in? taller.For my build 5'11 160 the Wing felt too top heavy for my around town type riding.Both great machines, but I would try both first if possible.

[art]

Goldwing is nice, but the new ones are like a BMW car.... smooth, powerfull, fast, handle great..... and almost boring to drive.....

I like my I/S because it looks and feels like a motorcycle....... and I have most of the comfort and "stuff" like a wing.....

And it always gets looks..  A new Wing is just a 2 wheeled car...... Dad has an '04 and I have ridden it several times....  but it has no "Soul".....  I had an 84 Wing for 17 years and even then I felt like something was always missing..

IMO  the Valk is the best of both worlds....... Powerful, Dependable, Useful, and more FUN.....

Just my 2 cents.......

Brad

[Biker Bill]

I own both: 2008 GL 1800 and 2000 Valk.  They are different rides, obviously.  If you want to go a long ways and have great power, comfort and almost sportbike-like handling then the 1800 Wing is a real strong contender.  I also had a 1500 and thought it was the best bike I could ever have...after about 65,000 miles I sold it and bought the 1800.  I definetly upgraded when I made the change.  The Valk is fun and powerful but mine is not the long distance touring bike that the Wing is.  As far as having "soul"...when when you twist the throttle at 65-70 and accelerate quickly without downshifting...then hit the twisties and find you really can negotiate the switchbacks with some speed and good control...you'll find the "soul".  The fastest bike to go thru the Tail of the Dragon is a GL 1800.

Now...if you are going to have a passenger for long rides...and her comfort is important to you...then the Wing is a good choice.  I admit I have never toured on an Interstate so I cannot give a comparison. 

Someone advised that you try the bikes out and make your own comparison....take your passenger along. That is the best way to get a feel for what works for you.

Oh, my 2008 wing still lists for what I paid for it ( unlike the Harley I also own).

[BF]

I am in the process of deciding on what to buy.  I will be retiring in 3 years and will be doing a lot of traveling.  But for now I want a bigger and newer bike.  Not sure if I want a tourer or an interstate.  If I bought a tourer I would most likey keep it and also buy a wing.  Or maybe only buy an interstate and do all of my traveling with that.  Some input from anyone that has owned both would be helpful.  How they handle, ride and gas mileage for both would be helpful.

Since your retiring in three years, I'd say find a nicely equiped Tourer, ride and enjoy it.......then when you retire, get the ultimate road bike....the Wing.....and then keep both, because by then, you'll be so attached to the Valk that you won't get rid of it.  

[sandy]

If you can afford both; buy a Valk Tourer now. Save your pennies and get a wing when you retire. I own a '98 Tourer with 126K on the ODO. In the summer of '08 I bought an '05 Wing. I've pulled my tent trailer with both bikes. The Valk struggled and the brakes were terrible, especially in the rain. The Wing doesn't know the trailer is back there and the brakes were good even when wet. Gas mileage is a big + for the Wing. At higher altitudes (one up) I get near 50 MPG and 40 MPG with the trailer. On the Valk, I had to keep it under 65 to get 25 MPG with the trailer.

[f6gal]

The larger fuel tank on the IS is a plus unless you suffer from "girlie a$$" and have to stop every 125 miles.

Oh no he didn't!!  

[SANDMAN5]

I can't say what's best for YOU, but if it was ME I'd get an Interstate.

[GotValk]

I have an Interstate and love it!, But if I could I'd get both. But If it was only one then It would be an Interstate hands down!

Good Luck!

Still looks good in a crowd of wings

[cookiedough]

I own a 2001 Valk Interstate.  Only bike I would trade up is a 2004-2007 used lower mileage Honda Goldwing but I'm not old enough yet to consider owning a Goldwing.  There are good used low mileage Goldwings to be had for 12-13K which isn't bad considering a used 1999-2001 Valkryie Interstate is around 8K or so, depending on amount of bling and mileage of course.  For the price, a good used Honda Valkyrie Interstate is very hard to beat.

[dghby]

i have owned a 1997 Goldwing SE, great ride and comfort to match. then sold that one for a new 2005 1800 Goldwing, Better ride, smoother and the comfort remained. sold that one this past fall and just bought a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate. I have about 100 miles ( just this weekend) and the Valk is a masterpiece. might have to purchase a russell day long seat to keep the wife happy, but the power is every bit what the 1800 is.

[Chattanooga Mark]

I fully admit to being very biased towards the Interstate. I owned a 1200 Wing many, many years ago and liked it a lot. It was a naked bike without any factory fairing or saddlebags. I rode a 1500 Wing last year and thought it was the worst motorcycle I've ever been on. I absolutely hated that one single 53 mile ride. It was a hot day and the oversized windshield gave me zero air. Compared to my Interstate the Wing had very poor acceleration, rubber feeling handling and made so little noise you couldn't tell if it was even running. I didn't even like the stock Wing seat.

I did say I'm very biased towards the Interstate and I am. I'm on my second Interstate and really enjoy them. The only things I'd want on a new Interstate if Honda were to make another go at them would be EFI, linked brakes, a 6th gear and cruise control. Otherwise, they did an awesome job on the Interstate.

All the best,

Mark

[KSDragonRider]

I came to the Valk from a 85 V65 Sabre.  If I was to compare them, my sabre was faster, alot faster, but right there is where the sabre stopped being better than the valk.  I have a 99 interstate, and ride 2  up around 50% of the time, and we are able to put on 300-500 miles on a day and had fun all day... about 1 hour on the old sabre, we had both pretty much had enough...

the Valk handles better, the power to weight ratio is still great, so these will flat move, and the comfort is only second to the wing.  I just like not having all that plastic hiding the fact that it is a motorcycle... I want it to look and feel like a bike, not a small car on 2 wheels with the ac going!

Just my thoughts...

[Valkahuna]

It's uncanny how much your thoughts parallel mine. I also had a V65 Sabre, and yes, it was fast, but...

To me also, a "Motorcycle" is just that, and two wheeled "cycle" with a big honkin' motor. When it's all covered up my plastics, I lose some of the meaning of "Motorcycle". All three of my current bikes follow this: My '77 BMW, H-D Road Glide, and Valkyrie IS all have the same theme: two wheels, and a big motor as the centerpiece. I love my Valk the most of all of the three, even though all three have something that makes them special.

[PhredValk]

I have a 99 Valkyrie Interstate and love her. Question, do you do or plan to do your own maintenance and mods, electrical and such? I do mine, and find it bringss me closer to the big girl. If yes, the Goldwing is going to be a pain; getting around all that tupperware to do the simplest things. The Valk IS is a beautiful machine. Almost like the power and handling of the 1800 Wing, at a quarter the price, and more head turning because you don't see as many Valks as Wings out there.

My Goldwing group still tells me I have the nicest looking ride there, and I regularly do 10-15 hour rides on days off and vacations. Ride both, if you can; as well as a BMW or two, and maybe a Victory, and decide for yourself what works best.
Fred.

[hubcapsc]

You can't go wrong getting an 1800 Goldwing.

Fast and powerful and a great bike for touring.

Get a new one and you'll also get a good warranty.

It's said that a Valkyrie is a Goldwing on steroids but this refers to the 1500cc motor.

There is little to compare to a 1800 Goldwing, it's top of the class in Touring and power.

***

I have to guess (only rode a 1800 wing once) Ricky is right here. He's leaving out, though,
that a wing is NOT a Valkyrie... I don't care to change over, but there's not a lot of
objective reasons why. Look at Valkyries long enough to make sure you're not smitten by
them. With just slightly less of all the positive objective attributes that a wing has, an Interstate
can be the bomb. They'll certainly go down the highway, and my friends who would rather
have an Interstate than a Tourer happily ride their Interstates on all the twisty roads and
have a blast.

-Mike "objective = fast, new, comfortable, bells, whistles, etc, goldwing's got it"

[Michael K (Az.)]

I am in the process of deciding on what to buy.  I will be retiring in 3 years and will be doing a lot of traveling.  But for now I want a bigger and newer bike.  Not sure if I want a tourer or an interstate.  If I bought a tourer I would most likey keep it and also buy a wing.  Or maybe only buy an interstate and do all of my traveling with that.  Some input from anyone that has owned both would be helpful.  How they handle, ride and gas mileage for both would be helpful.

I think BF nailed it!!


Since your retiring in three years, I'd say find a nicely equiped Tourer, ride and enjoy it.......then when you retire, get the ultimate road bike....the Wing.....and then keep both, because by then, you'll be so attached to the Valk that you won't get rid of it.  

[Jess Tolbirt]

my situation was the 1500 wing was plenty for me but i wanted a smaller bike because the wife quit riding,, got a shadow 1100, that was to small for me so i got a 1500 nomad,,,that didnt do it either...now as far as the valks go ,, the tourer is the one i would get if i was to do it all over again,, with my tourer i could fill the t-bag and slip it over the backrest and Bev and I could go for a few days and ave everything we needed.. when i got the interstate i found the trunk to be to small and you couldnt take it in the motel room...so i say go with a tourer if you got to have a valk,,,Bev and I are real happy with our new harley tho,,

[Wewaman]

I have an 84 aspencade 1200 - 4 carbs rides great and good mileage also had a 2003 standard  for a year, and as far as I am concerned the Valk rides  better,  with stock seats on both.  My wife prefers the Valk also as a passenger.  If it was me and you are set on a wing get a 1500 at least.  they  have more storage than the 1200,  and more power of course.  You can go to Steve Saunders Goldwing site for info on ALL year goldwings.   Good luck to you.  I Choose the Valk...
Tony

[bscrive]

Two of my cousins had 1800 wings and they sold them and went off and bought other bikes.  Their 2 main complaints were, it didn't feel like a bike and the bike produced too much heat in the summer at slow speeds.  Mind you, I have been caught in stop and go traffic in Montreal and Toronto when it was close to 100 degrees out and my IS cooked me out.

[salty1]

GW's are great machines! It's like riding a "barcalounger". However, a Valk is real motorcycle that can be equipped for comfortable travel. 

[LL]

Lets see....
I came from a 97 Tourer to a 01 I/S and then on to a 08 GL1800, they all had their pros and cons and from a 5'6" fella I say this. (forget about power cause they all have plenty)
The 97 RED and WHITE Tourer after coming off a 86 V65 was a monster compared to size and I figured I would still ride both. The V65 began to just sit so...................I uneasily sold it and enjoyed the 97 for the next 10 years.
The 01 Cheyenne Red I/S I stumbled across looked perfect to remove the trunk (it was already SuperValked) and paint it to match my 97 and sell the I/S BUT.......I kept riding the I/S and liking the upgrades and conviences it offered so much...I sadly sold the 97.
Then I eyed a Metallic RED 08 GL1800 at the Honda shop one weekend and thought "I sure would like to have that!" knowing "meh..it's a Goldwing". The following weekend found me out on the I/S on a road trip and between the cracks in the road bucking me all over and getting caught a few times having to get off the bike to back it up I thought if I ever get back home, this bike is gone, I shoulda kept the RED and WHITE 97 until................
I test rode the GL1800............ The owner of the Honda shop (long time friend) let me ride it for  a couple weeks and now..........I bought the 1800 and never look back after selling the I/S EXCEPT when I see a perfect  "10" RED and WHITE....

[HayHauler]

I am in the process of deciding on what to buy.  I will be retiring in 3 years and will be doing a lot of traveling.  But for now I want a bigger and newer bike.  Not sure if I want a tourer or an interstate.  If I bought a tourer I would most likey keep it and also buy a wing.  Or maybe only buy an interstate and do all of my traveling with that.  Some input from anyone that has owned both would be helpful.  How they handle, ride and gas mileage for both would be helpful.

Since your retiring in three years, I'd say find a nicely equiped Tourer, ride and enjoy it.......then when you retire, get the ultimate road bike....the Wing.....and then keep both, because by then, you'll be so attached to the Valk that you won't get rid of it. 

I have a 1999 Interstate AND a 2007 Goldwing.  I bought the Goldwing while my Valk was getting repaired/painted from a rear-ender. 

They are 2 very different bikes.  The Wing is quiet, fast and had heated grips/seats.  I think of it as a Cadillac STS-V. 

The Valk is louder, almost as fast, and a lot more fun to ride. (lots of Soul).  I think of it as my Hot Rod.  It is just so cool.

Both bikes have CBs, GPS, intercom, and pretty good radios.  The Zumo on the Wing has Satellite radio.

I say buy a Valkyrie now, ride it, fall in love with it, don't worry, you will. 

Then retire, buy the Wing and ride both.

I ride the Wing when the temps are under 40 or raining.  It has heated equipment and is easier to clean.

I ride the Valk ANY other time.



Hay 
Jimmyt

[RainMaker]

Had an '81 Goldwing that was running fine but replaced it with the Valkyrie Interstate, mostly because I liked the '81GW and the Valkyrie was more like it than the new Goldwing.  

The 1800 Goldwing is a very capable motorcycle and would be the best choice for long distance riding, imho.  For overall riding, something that would work short or long distance, I think the Valkyrie Interstate is a better choice.  If I only was going to have one bike, the Valk I/S is it. It covers both areas well but would not be the best in either.  I've added cruise control, GPS, mp3 and CB to the Interstate, so you have to consider that when reading my answer.

I do have both a Valk Tourer and an I/S, but the Tourer mostly sits and gums up the carbs.  Even for a short ride, I take the Interstate.  The Tourer will be given to my older son (again) once he has a proper place to keep it.

If you bought a Tourer now and an 1800 GW later, then that would be a good choice.  But if you only have one, I'd recommend only the Valkyrie Interstate.

RainMaker

[LandElephant]

Fi rst I'd like to say that both bikes are good to have and will accomplish what you want.  It's obvious that you are asking a biased crowd about the comparison between the Valkyrie and the Goldwing.

So, first to the comment concerning the "soul" of the motorcycle.  I believe it's the rider that makes the soul of a motorcycle.  Yes the Valk catches the eye of a lot of people, but..

Second, for comfort both do just fine.  The 1800 has a more upright position and in my humble worthless oppinion highway pegs on a 1800 is like riding the grion o colgist table.

Yes the 1800 cooks off heat in the summer, but don't let anyone one fool you, so does the Valk.  If you keep moving then no problem.  The 1800 gives you more wind protection than the I/S or tourer.

One person pointed out maintenance.  Keep in mind that Honda doesn't make the Valk anymore and it does have it's quirks for maintenance.  Greasing the rear drive splines.  Rear bearings going "Sprong" on the highway.  U-joints (hard to get). And you have to remove the rear axisle, caliper and shock to put a replacement tire on the back.

With the 1800, I can replace my rear tire in 15 minutes or less.  Yes a lot of Tupperware, but once you learn it's not that hard.  And a whole lot less maintenance.

I've owned 4 Goldwings and a 2001 I/S.  Had over 120K on the Valk before I got my 2006 Wing. I've got 110K right now and the only repairs that I have had to do was replace the Kill Switch housing and normal maintenance.  With my I/S, I had to replace my rear splines, U-joint, Right side engine head.

As far a using my wing as a commuter, it can do it all.  If your afraid of your machine then ...  As far as ride, many on this board know that I can stay up with most and hammer out incredible mileage when I want too.  The wing has more storage space.

So look at them both and make up your own mind.

OBTW, don't forget folks that without the Goldwing thee wouldn't be a Valk.  That's a lot of soul and tradition.  Valkyrie made from 1997 to 2003.  Goldwing made from 1979 to 2010 in USA, 1975 - 1978 and 2012 and beyond Japan.

Land Elephant

1975 GL 1000 - 178K miles
1978 GL 1000 - 197K
1981 GL 1100 - 275K
2001 Valk I/S - 120K
2006 GL 1800 - 110K and counting

[HayHauler]

Come on Charlie, don't be scared to lean that big machine over on the right side to change out the tire!    I swapped to the darkside in about 5 minutes.  The longest part of the job was the 5 lug nuts.



And YES, the Valkyrie Interstate will cook you when sitting in traffic down here in South Texas in the summer time.  I think no matter what you ride, that happens though.

Hope to see you at Inzane this year!

Hay 
Jimmyt

[LandElephant]

Hayhauler,
Got no problem with laying mine down and changing the tire. You are right it does only take five minutes but, everytime I do that I have to spend ten minutes explaining it to all the residence of the campground. Most walk away POO POOINg me for not respecting my wing.

I'll be at Inzane this year unless I get transfered to some outlying area. I'll be the one with the dirty dark red wing with disgusting wheels unless Joe gets a hold of it first.

Land Elephant

[Steven W.]

I had the 01 I/S and the 06 wing, just my .02 but I'd take the Valk almost everytime.  Can't beat the wing if you get a flat rear tire, 5 lug nuts is surely the best system yet on a bike!

[..]

I am in the process of deciding on what to buy.  I will be retiring in 3 years and will be doing a lot of traveling.  But for now I want a bigger and newer bike.  Not sure if I want a tourer or an interstate.  If I bought a tourer I would most likey keep it and also buy a wing.  Or maybe only buy an interstate and do all of my traveling with that.  Some input from anyone that has owned both would be helpful.  How they handle, ride and gas mileage for both would be helpful.

Those comparing the GL1800 to other size/years of Goldwing may never have ridden the 1800.

It aint yer Grandpas Wing. It wears many hats from eating highway miles to zipping through the twisties.

With comparable riders the 1800 will out perform a Valkyrie. Flame suit on. Just trying to inform the OP.

Don't get me wrong I loved my Valkyrie and would have another if the money and garage space were available.

Yellow Wolf on his GL1800 at The Tail of the Dragon from Deals Gap.wmv	powered by Aeva