Seller's remorse!

[Chillerman]

I haven't sold the Fat Lady yet but I have it listed on Craigslist and someone came to look at it yesterday.  He is in the process of getting a loan and should have the cash next week.  He was shocked at the condition of the bike and the accessories that have been added.  Now I wish I would have listed it for $1000 higher than my asking price of $6500 for a standard.  Prices in the Denver metro area are higher than most of the rest of the country.

Now I don't really want to let her go!  I have a Yamaha FJR1300 that I ride regularly and the Valk doesn't get much love.  I really don't have need for two bikes but I am starting to panic about selling the Valk.  I'm kind of hoping he backs out  

Regardless, I will be lurking around here and sometimes making a snide remark about something  

[da prez]

That is a color combo I do not see often . I think it is great.  Go with your heart . If he backs out , then you know what to do.

                  da prez

[Hoser]

If it was me selling, I would back out.  I didn't, and I regret it.  Hoser 

[Jess from VA]

I've been there.  

The essential question is whether you will ride the bike enough to warrant keeping (maintaining, insuring, registering, taking up shelter space, and in VA paying taxes forever on) it.  And it's not just the expenses, there is really no good reason to keep barn queens that need to be ridden and used (even if you love them).  And while sitting, they just go down in value (and reliability).

I sold two bikes I really liked and enjoyed and spent a lot of time/money fixing them up for me.  But by then I had two Valks I wanted to ride every time I went out to ride.  I found myself going out and making myself take one of the others, just because it needed to be run.  That was the end of them.

Having said this, I am a firm believer in having two bikes. (for a variety of reasons)

[Jack B]

Great looking bike.
I have my Interstate listed here in Wisconsin for $6500 and so far no real calls. It's still a little cold for riding here. Should be better in a week or two.

[Chillerman]

I've been there.  

The essential question is whether you will ride the bike enough to warrant keeping (maintaining, insuring, registering, taking up shelter space, and in VA paying taxes forever on) it.  And it's not just the expenses, there is really no good reason to keep barn queens that need to be ridden and used (even if you love them).  And while sitting, they just go down in value (and reliability).

I sold two bikes I really liked and enjoyed and spent a lot of time/money fixing them up for me.  But by then I had two Valks I wanted to ride every time I went out to ride.  I found myself going out and making myself take one of the others, just because it needed to be run.  That was the end of them.

Having said this, I am a firm believer in having two bikes. (for a variety of reasons)

I agree with everyting you have said.  The Valk needs to be ridden.  I am tired of carburetors. I am tired of Seafoam, Techron, Stabil...what have you.  I like fuel injection and HP to weight ratio!  I like 130 something rear wheel HP with 600lbs! I enjoy the FJR's riding position better than the Valkyrie as well. Never thought I would say that!

[Chillerman]

Please don't take me wrong.  I love the Valkyrie.  This is my second one.  I have had it for 8 years, the first one for 2.  I think it is time to move on...it is just hard to do!

[..]

Bucket of $$$ in accessories on that bike.

Chrome side panels, trunk rails to name but 2.

[Chillerman]

Bucket of $$$ in accessories on that bike.

Chrome side panels, trunk rails to name but 2.

You are correct. There is probably $3000 in accessories on the bike and that doesn't include the Interstate hard bags (painted to match) and the Tourer windshield and mounts. That doesn't mean much when you go to sell.

[..]

Bucket of $$$ in accessories on that bike.

Chrome side panels, trunk rails to name but 2.

You are correct. There is probably $3000 in accessories on the bike and that doesn't include the Interstate hard bags (painted to match) and the Tourer windshield and mounts. That doesn't mean much when you go to sell.

It does if you strip the bike. Sell accessories and then sell bike!

More tires and gas foR the FJR 

[cookiedough]

Am sure once sold, you will wimper and get a little teary eyed over it seeing it gone.
You can always still back out ya know, NOT too late, but then again, if not riding much say under 2000 miles per year, is it really worth keeping, especially since you have a very nice bike already that is fuel injected, better mpg, and is also a touring bike although sportier that you enjoy riding just as much.  However,  wanna bet if you park both outside somewhere side by side, the yami will get overlooked 99% of the time.

It will get better with time just like a death of a loved one, but the memories will never depart.

6.5K seems on the high end, but is technically a decked out tourer and some very nice sparkles on it that the potential new owner will want am sure.  Accessories are great only if the new owner really wants them. 

[Hook#3287]

To me, the yami is just transportation.  Two plastic covered wheels with bars.  I'm sure it's a excellent riding and running bike.

The Valk is a picture into your sole.

Look at the chrome on her and the hours someone spent tricking her out. 

She's beautiful.

I'd keep her and make time to ride her.

And that's definitely a biased opinion.

[Willow]

Nice looking Blue and Cream.  I'm sure the new owner will love it well.   

[Chillerman]

Am sure once sold, you will wimper and get a little teary eyed over it seeing it gone.
You can always still back out ya know, NOT too late, but then again, if not riding much say under 2000 miles per year, is it really worth keeping, especially since you have a very nice bike already that is fuel injected, better mpg, and is also a touring bike although sportier that you enjoy riding just as much.  However,  wanna bet if you park both outside somewhere side by side, the yami will get overlooked 99% of the time.

It will get better with time just like a death of a loved one, but the memories will never depart.

6.5K seems on the high end, but is technically a decked out tourer and some very nice sparkles on it that the potential new owner will want am sure.  Accessories are great only if the new owner really wants them. 

You are correct, the Valkyrie will always garner more attention than the FJR, which is just another touring bike. I am not into that anymore. I'm into performance touring as you state. I just don't ride the Valk much.

[Chillerman]

To me, the yami is just transportation.  Two plastic covered wheels with bars.  I'm sure it's a excellent riding and running bike.

The Valk is a picture into your sole.

Look at the chrome on her and the hours someone spent tricking her out. 

She's beautiful.

I'd keep her and make time to ride her.

And that's definitely a biased opinion.

Without a doubt the Valkyrie has more character. It is definitely a labor of love with everything I have put into it. What the Yami is lacking in soul it makes up in performance. I would love to keep both.

[cookiedough]

Glad it is the lack of use selling the Valk, can see your point.  Just don't let it be the wife asking you to sell the bike.  Had that in 1997 when I sold my 1984 Honda Magna all decked out and still sharp looking, although showing a little wear and tear.  Wife wanted me to sell it since was having our first kid in 1998.  Loved that bike and yes, I did wimper seeing it go down the road from my house in 1997.  Bought a used fishing boat instead, wife thought that was safer being a new Dad and all.

Once gone though, can't get it back most of the time.  Plus,  I sold it for 1500 bucks is all since needed new tires and to this day, still could fetch 1500 for it now some 16 years later if I still had it. I still laugh when the guy wanted me to take 200 less for it since needed new tires.  I told him it is valued easily at 1500 now with needing new tires, thus the reason for the decent asking price.  

I have said it before, but I really don't think our Valks will depreciate that much more in value, maybe 2 grand tops is all if kept in good shape.  Look at the Honda Magnas from the 80's.  In the late 90's they were fetching 1500-3.5K tops, and to this day, they still fetch that almost.  The depreciation is almost after some 13+ years gone entirely.  A Valk I/S valued at say 8K a few years ago will still be worth 6K some 10+ years down the road as long as kept looking nice and runs well.  

[Jack B]

Last summer I started with 2 Valkyrie's and a Honda ST1300. I sold one of the Valk's and then I found out I was only riding the ST1300 it was just more fun. And then with the big price drop on the F6B I traded the ST in on one. Still got he Valk I.S. Still trying to sell it.

[Chillerman]

Last summer I started with 2 Valkyrie's and a Honda ST1300. I sold one of the Valk's and then I found out I was only riding the ST1300 it was just more fun. And then with the big price drop on the F6B I traded the ST in on one. Still got he Valk I.S. Still trying to sell it.

There you have it. The FJR is just more fun to ride! I was trying to compare the two bikes where there really is no comparison. The Valk does what it does and the FJR does what IT does. It is a matter of opinion on what is more important to a rider.

[Chillerman]

Nice looking Blue and Cream.  I'm sure the new owner will love it well.   

I am sure he will ride it more than I have as well!

[Tailgate Tommy]

That truly is a beautiful Valkyrie!

[Tundra]

Very Nice Blue & Cream, lot's of extra's that I can see...
Ultimate King Big Boy and backrests
Factory Honda back rack
Interstate bags, painted
Bag rails
Truck stacks and tips
Chrome side covers
Kurry Tranny covers
Kurry spark plug valance
Kurry pegs
Kurry highway pegs
Kurry grips
Factory windshield and mounting hardware
Honda lower fork covers
Light bar
Tank bib
Radiator bar grill
Chrome oil filter cover
Baker air Wings
Chrome fender tips
Chet's tube toppers (rare)

  I'll bet you have closer to $4,000.00 in just the stuff I see, and I'm sure there's more.
Nice looking bike, someone's getting a deal if they new what all your goodies were worth.
 If I had your gorgeous FJR I would let my Valkyrie go in a skinny minute. You just don't know what your missing until you ride an FJR. Awesome machine.

[Chillerman]

Very Nice Blue & Cream, lot's of extra's that I can see...
Ultimate King Big Boy and backrests
Factory Honda back rack
Interstate bags, painted
Bag rails
Truck stacks and tips
Chrome side covers
Kurry Tranny covers
Kurry spark plug valance
Kurry pegs
Kurry highway pegs
Kurry grips
Factory windshield and mounting hardware
Honda lower fork covers
Light bar
Tank bib
Radiator bar grill
Chrome oil filter cover
Baker air Wings
Chrome fender tips
Chet's tube toppers (rare)

  I'll bet you have closer to $4,000.00 in just the stuff I see, and I'm sure there's more.
Nice looking bike, someone's getting a deal if they new what all your goodies were worth.

Damn! Now you are making me think I should have asked for $8000! 

[Serk]

It is funny how we all like different things (And that's good!)

I've got an ST1300 and a Valk side by side in my garage (TECHNICALLY the ST is the spousal unit's, but she hasn't ridden it in years.)

90% of the time when I'm heading out, the Valk is my choice. Yeah, the ST out-performs it in almost every single conceivable way but... numbers don't tell the whole story. I connect with the Valk better, if that makes sense.

If you've lost that connection, and are more in tune with a different bike, then so be it, time to move on and enjoy the newer bike.

I am glad that, for now at least, I don't have to make a choice and can have both.

[Chillerman]

It is funny how we all like different things (And that's good!)

I've got an ST1300 and a Valk side by side in my garage (TECHNICALLY the ST is the spousal unit's, but she hasn't ridden it in years.)

90% of the time when I'm heading out, the Valk is my choice. Yeah, the ST out-performs it in almost every single conceivable way but... numbers don't tell the whole story. I connect with the Valk better, if that makes sense.

If you've lost that connection, and are more in tune with a different bike, then so be it, time to move on and enjoy the newer bike.

I am glad that, for now at least, I don't have to make a choice and can have both.

I rented a Honda ST1300 while I was on a work trip in San Francisco. It is the reason I now have an FJR1300. The ST1300 was a blast up and down the coast and in the tight twisties of the mountain highways. When I got home I did some research and test rode the FJR. I was sold at that point. Much more fun than the ST1300 IMHO.

[Chillerman]

That truly is a beautiful Valkyrie!

Thank you. I hope I am still welcome in the Colorado rides!

[Rams]

From my perspective, having a Valkyrie and not riding it is just denying someone else the joy of a wonderful motorcycle, a piece of art.    If the fat lady isn't what turns your crank, let her go to someone else who will love, ride and take care of her the way she deserves to be.

It's kind of like keeping the ex-wife around while you enjoy the new one.    Just shouldn't be done.   I can't say I'll never sell my Valkyrie but, she's everything plus some in what I wanted and needed.

Yeah, it's a love affair.

[Popcorn]

I just sold my 01 Interstate that I've had since 02, been all over the US on it but when I bought a wing last year the valk just sat. Sold it to a friend of my 1st born son. He wrecked his tourer and was looking for a Interstate.  Road it 80 miles to take it to him as he broke his leg when he wrecked his tourer. It was time to move on as I had not ridden it but 3 times in the last year.

[Hooter]

Last summer I started with 2 Valkyrie's and a Honda ST1300. I sold one of the Valk's and then I found out I was only riding the ST1300 it was just more fun. And then with the big price drop on the F6B I traded the ST in on one. Still got he Valk I.S. Still trying to sell it.

Hey Jack,

    If you know of anyone looking for another teal and black let me know. My knee's are starting to take a dump and I am going to have to let my Valk go.

[cookiedough]

dang,  gonna have to start really looking around on this board and other places for all the used FJR1300's to test ride out there as well as all the Valks being sold recently.

Wife would kill me though plus absolutely NO room for storing 2 large bikes. 

[therapist]

For the past several years I have been looking at other bikes, wanting something smaller/lighter for my old age. I usually do this during the winter, while the Valk is in her house (trailer, which has never been on the road) out of sight. I even have sat on a bunch of bikes at various dealers. Nothing feels as comfortable, because I have made changes to the Valk where it is a custom fit to my body.

When I pull it out in the Spring, looking at it, I remember how beautiful it is and see all the added accessories I installed. It has never been back to the dealer, I have done all my own maintenance since I bought her new in 2001. It's the first bike that hasn't been serviced by anyone but me.

I have a history of becoming emotionally attached to all my bikes. I know not everyone is this way. I think it's the happy memories attached to, what should be, an inanimate object. For all of the above reasons, the Valk will probably be my last bike.

Oh...I call her Blue (how many people name their bikes?).

[G-Man]

The 1996 - 2003 Valkyrie is a very special motorcycle.  I'm proud to own one.

My Standard is the perfect canvass for my interpretation of what I liked in a bike over the last dozen years.  She's gone from a plain Jane, to a studded cruiser, to a full bagger and she's looked beautiful doing it the entire time.

Will never sell her, no matter how little I ride her. 

[Jack]

Why would anyone sell a Valk???

[old2soon]

Why would anyone sell a Valk???

      IF I do sell mine it will be cause the old(er) legs cain't quite get her off the side stand no mo and movin on to a trike. Or my eye sight has gotten too bad too SAFELY ride/drive anymore!  And as I have realized since her and I have gotten together-it IS a love affair!  RIDE SAFE.

[czuch]

Yes, I have a Valkyrie.
No, they dont make them any more.
Yes, I'll take you for a ride.
No, its not for sale.
I tell every one who asks what bike they should get, get a Valk. Dollar per smiles cant be beat.
Good luck with the selling, and the grief afterwards.
I sold a Jade and Cream Shadow ACE for the same reasons. Just a shame to let it sit.

[Titan]

I sold my '98 standard last summer. I listed it for $7,000.00. Sold it for $6,600.00.
I had stopped riding and it was just sitting in the garage. I had thought about selling it for about two years. I had just bought a new Dodge Challenger and it was getting all the love so I finally just gave up and let the bike go. Mine was well equipped with goodies but I didn't feel that it was worth all the effort of stripping and selling the stuff.
I'm sure the biggest reason that I haven't missed it is The Challenger.

[G-Man]

I sold my '98 standard last summer. I listed it for $7,000.00. Sold it for $6,600.00.
I had stopped riding and it was just sitting in the garage. I had thought about selling it for about two years. I had just bought a new Dodge Challenger and it was getting all the love so I finally just gave up and let the bike go. Mine was well equipped with goodies but I didn't feel that it was worth all the effort of stripping and selling the stuff.
I'm sure the biggest reason that I haven't missed it is The Challenger.

Will have both this year or next.  If next, I still hope they make the scatPack trim.  SRT engine in an R/T.

[cookiedough]

I'd sell my Valk, if the price was right, say 8 grand which is what I paid for it 5-6 years ago. 

Pretty sure I can get 7K for it now, but a newer 1832cc Wing will run me 10 grand or a tad more used so don't see the point at this moment unless it starts nickeling and diming me which highly doubt it will.  Just tires and fluids mainly routine maintenance on any vehicle. 

[bagelboy]

I have always hesitated before selling one of my bikes. Of course you put time, love and money into it, but at the end of the day, if you are not riding it, you have $6500 sitting in your garage doing nothing. I'm sure you put a lot of thought into selling it. Let it go. When you sell something you really like, you always feal like you could have gotten more. Also, the person buying it is obviously excited and happy. Bottom line, you have a bike you're not riding, you'll be $6500 richer, the other guy will be happy. All positive karma!

[Westernbiker]

I am getting close to putting mine up for sale also. I am taking most of the chrome goodies off but the little stuff I will leave on. I will sell the bike first then I am going to try and sell on ebay things like Cobra light bar, Rattlebars kick shifter, kurakyn highway pegs and sooooo much more stuff that was added through the years.

[Chillerman]

She will be gone Saturday.  I have the cash in hand.  It will be a sad day but I will get over it.  The buyer got a great deal with a whole lot of extras, but that is the way it goes.

I will still be hanging around because I like this community.  I am only 46, the FJR "speaks" to me as others have mentioned about the Valk.  I feel myself moving away from the "cruiser/tourer" bikes into the "sport/tourer" bikes and even to the the "adventure/tourer" bikes.  There may be a BMW, Triumph, or Yamaha dual purpose bike in my future.  They seem to fit my 6'3" frame better.

-Sean