Old vs. new Valkyrie

[dans2014]

  How could anybody like the old Valk compared to the new? I don't get it. The new one does everything better and looks like a Starwars edition. Honda made it better in all categories!!!

[mrtappan]

You know that 90+% of this forum idolizes the old one, 5% don't even own a Valkyrie (but owned a first generation at one time), and <5% (at best) of us own the new one.  

You're out gunned with your forward thinking and love of modern technology.  Don't you know that nothing can ever beat a first generation Valkyrie unless you replace it with a Harley?

[Bighead]

How could anybody like the old Valk compared to the new? I don't get it. The new one does everything better and looks like a Starwars edition. Honda made it better in all categories!!!

First I don't think anyone disputes the fact that the new one will out perform the old in any category except int the looks dept. the Star Wars edition as you call it is what turns many of us off. Ride what you want/like.

You know that 90+% of this forum idolizes the old one, 5% don't even own a Valkyrie (but owned a first generation at one time), and <5% (at best) of us own the new one. 

You're out gunned with your forward thinking and love of modern technology.  Don't you know that nothing can ever beat a first generation Valkyrie unless you replace it with a Harley?[\quote]

I don't think many here will agree with the replacing a VALK with a HD. Many of us here have and have had both but look what we are still riding. I have sat on the new Valk and would have to do so much to it to make it rideable for me I would just go with the F6B if I were in the market.

[mrtappan]

The F6B is a formidable choice.  I just couldn't deal with the nasty plastic Goldwing dash, small saddle bags, and funky handlebars.  So Valkyrie + bags was the best choice for me.  I absolutely hate the handlebar mounted windshield of the new Valkyries though

[rogueleader_92]

Dans, I love the new one for all the points you make, my wife hates it though. I got the blue/black, really not a fan of chrome, pain to keep shiny, causes bad reflections from the sun, my wife's first comment was "what are you gunna change to chrome, bikes don't look right without chrome." The older valk was much more cymfy for both of us too (corbin saddle...I know I know, as soon as I pay it off) plus storage space is limited right now due to stupid brackets and stays not being designed to accept normal bags. I figure that in a year or 2 once the after market starts working with this bike I'll get her to at least accept it.

[hubcapsc]

How could anybody like the old Valk compared to the new? I don't get it. The new one does everything better and looks like a Starwars edition. Honda made it better in all categories!!!

I can't tell if you ever had the old one. Mine was awesome before I got the new one, and it
is still awesome...



After much work, my new one is (almost) as comfortable as my old one...

-Mike

[_Sheffjs_]

Had two Valkyrie interstates one for home and one for the cottage, and had a Shadow 1100 Tourer that came with the same bags as the Valk. The tourer was my wife's but I rode it for short round town fun. Sold all three to buy the new, cash.  Thought the Valks as the best bike made until I passed my second mile on the new. As for looks, the new has grown on me but nothing will replace the stunning beauty of the 97.03s.  What I find on the old vs new is the old is a lump until you are past 30 mph the new is like driving a 496lb nighthawk, even when backing it up. Note I am 53, 248 big upper body so the old was not hard to maneuver or a problem, moreover the new is so different even though it is close to the same weight. I am very happy with the new Valk,  stock handlebars rock I love the stance!  Seat, well I am happy with the stock seat the passenger pototo chip for a seat is worthless. Bought Corbin, but they sent the wrong seat 
Sent me Honda fury so 10 weeks later still waiting for the correct seat.  But I was very happy with the stock seat on the old Valks also even having a Russell day long and a mustang, my favorite was the stock seat!   I realize I am beating a dead horse however I do not understand why Mother Honda can't make a retro Valk, and don't mess it up! Use the 97.03 looks exactly and stuff a chrome 1800 in that twin spar frame! Then call it a Valkyrie and let me have my Goldwing Sport as that is what I feel it should have been named seeing It has no looks in common with the the 97.03.   The 97.03 is cruiser where the new I feel is part street fighter part cruiser. Mike and Brian took that extra step and changed the h-bars and the street fighter part is now cruiser on their rides. So old vs new: I hope the old ones are well preserved (as there is a large group doing so) that way I can ride along side and gawk while having an ear to ear grin that can't be slapped away. 
If they called it Goldwing Sport instead of Goldwing Valkyrie would we be comparing the two bikes like this?????????????  Would the 97.03 Die Hard owners feel different if it was called Goldwing Sport??????
Aren't they two totally different bikes saving the grips???
 
            

 


Most beautiful bikes ever made IMO

[Fla. Jim]

Because a "Valkyrie" it aint! As usual Honda ignored the faithful's wishes and created an unwanted replacement with the same name but nothing else of the original. One that some of us have had a love affair with since 1997 and has withstood the test of time as a true classic in everyway. Plus while the performance stats are "Slightly" better, they are not really that much of an improvement over a 18 year old bike.

[mrtappan]

Ha.  I love the 1500 guys lurking in the 1800 forum.  Told you...

[Bighead]

Ha.  I love the 1500 guys lurking in the 1800 forum.  Told you...

Do you not read anything but this pat of the forum?

[_Sheffjs_]

Ha.  I love the 1500 guys lurking in the 1800 forum.  Told you...

Do you not read anything but this pat of the forum?

Just for fun,   I suppose after I say this I will have to run for cover.  Take a good last look at Jerry??? LOL




I enjoy going to all of the different parts of this forum however I no longer feel the need to visit the 1500 technical page.      


Just kidding

[_Sheffjs_]

Because a "Valkyrie" it aint! As usual Honda ignored the faithful's wishes and created an unwanted replacement with the same name but nothing else of the original. One that some of us have had a love affair with since 1997 and has withstood the test of time as a true classic in everyway. Plus while the performance stats are "Slightly" better, they are not really that much of an improvement over a 18 year old bike.

 The following is where I will disagree. Stats are meaningless to me personally and riding the new is light years ahead of the two interstates I owned.   But once again it's not the same bike.  It's a wing!  The improvement is massive!!

[Robert]

Everyone loves upgrades but that doesn't mean that the old is a dog. It will perform better than most bikes out there, more power, more style, more comfort. It will still go the miles to take you anywhere in the world. Plus still has one of the most trouble free miles records out there. The 01 I have is still the first production idea using the wing engine and other parts, it was almost a concept bike of the time. Kind of like father and son we cannot even say that the new Valkyrie would be here if the idea and devotion to the first run Valks were not there. I would also say that unless the first one had been made and this board had not been formed and so many loyal to the idea and modifying the Valk then would the new Valk have been made. What about the styling of the 01 Valk, it still turns heads and will beat most bikes out there in acceleration. If you like the classic look then the original Valk is the ticket, I can imagine just like the original Indians when you find a first run Valk in a garage you will go WOW in a few years from now. I had 13 years on my 01 Valk and I would still be tempted today to buy one if I had not already had my experiences on mine. Its not dead, its still a great bike, nothing still compares to it, unique in every way and still a bike that turns heads. I would still choose it today over any other bike out there that I have seen, so I dont quite understand the lack of respect and premature death of the first run Valkyrie.

When the new Mustangs came out everyone went gaga over them, but the price and desire for the original still went through the roof and is still to this day desirable. I think it will be the same with the Valkyrie it is and always has been ahead of its time, fun reliable and desirable I think it will be up to the new Valk to have a hard time living up to this reputation. One topic is personalization of the original that most dont get, I doubt if we will see the vast amount of hot rod mods on the new as the old.

[mrtappan]

I'd say 90% of my visits to this forum are to 1800 Tech section.  The other 10% is brief glances at the General forum.  The only other time I visit any other part of the forum is when I click the wrong thing. 

[Fla. Jim]

Because a "Valkyrie" it aint! As usual Honda ignored the faithful's wishes and created an unwanted replacement with the same name but nothing else of the original. One that some of us have had a love affair with since 1997 and has withstood the test of time as a true classic in everyway. Plus while the performance stats are "Slightly" better, they are not really that much of an improvement over a 18 year old bike.

 The following is where I will disagree. Stats are meaningless to me personally and riding the new is light years ahead of the two interstates I owned.   But once again it's not the same bike.  It's a wing!  The improvement is massive!!

Massive improvement? How do you qualify that? Kind of a personal Butt Dyno feeling? As you said it's a different bike entirely. Massively better than a full boat Goldwing ? That I could see as the stats and handling over the much heavier Goldwing would have to be better.

[Stryk]

The new ones are just goofy looking to me.  I am keeping what I have.

[_Sheffjs_]

Everyone loves upgrades but that doesn't mean that the old is a dog. It will perform better than most bikes out there, more power, more style, more comfort. It will still go the miles to take you anywhere in the world. Plus still has one of the most trouble free miles records out there. The 01 I have is still the first production idea using the wing engine and other parts, it was almost a concept bike of the time. Kind of like father and son we cannot even say that the new Valkyrie would be here if the idea and devotion to the first run Valks were not there. I would also say that unless the first one had been made and this board had not been formed and so many loyal to the idea and modifying the Valk then would the new Valk have been made. What about the styling of the 01 Valk, it still turns heads and will beat most bikes out there in acceleration. If you like the classic look then the original Valk is the ticket, I can imagine just like the original Indians when you find a first run Valk in a garage you will go WOW in a few years from now. I had 13 years on my 01 Valk and I would still be tempted today to buy one if I had not already had my experiences on mine. Its not dead, its still a great bike, nothing still compares to it, unique in every way and still a bike that turns heads. I would still choose it today over any other bike out there that I have seen, so I dont quite understand the lack of respect and premature death of the first run Valkyrie.

When the new Mustangs came out everyone went gaga over them, but the price and desire for the original still went through the roof and is still to this day desirable. I think it will be the same with the Valkyrie it is and always has been ahead of its time, fun reliable and desirable I think it will be up to the new Valk to have a hard time living up to this reputation. One topic is personalization of the original that most dont get, I doubt if we will see the vast amount of hot rod mods on the new as the old.

Agreed!   I'm confident that the GL 1000, 1100, 1200, 1500, 1800s platform will be running for decades.
 

[John Schmidt]

.......Don't you know that nothing can ever beat a first generation Valkyrie unless you replace it with a Harley?

A Hardly beat a first generation Valkyrie?     

I love a good joke. 

[_Sheffjs_]

Because a "Valkyrie" it aint! As usual Honda ignored the faithful's wishes and created an unwanted replacement with the same name but nothing else of the original. One that some of us have had a love affair with since 1997 and has withstood the test of time as a true classic in everyway. Plus while the performance stats are "Slightly" better, they are not really that much of an improvement over a 18 year old bike.

 The following is where I will disagree. Stats are meaningless to me personally and riding the new is light years ahead of the two interstates I owned.   But once again it's not the same bike.  It's a wing!  The improvement is massive!!

Massive improvement? How do you qualify that? Kind of a personal Butt Dyno feeling? As you said it's a different bike entirely. Massively better than a full boat Goldwing ? That I could see as the stats and handling over the much heavier Goldwing would have to be better.

Yes, butt dyno, PLEASE! Etch in stone I owned two Interstates and loved them dearly and still love them!!! I have been racing driving metrics of all favors for 42 years and the butt dyno says this is the most amazing bike I have twisted, NOT THE FASTEST I HAVE OWNED. I only offer opinions and clearly mark with " I feel"   "I  disagree with".  This are opinions. Opinions because a few have owned both the 1500 and 1800 and can offer a personal opinion comparison. I have had my hands on a newer full on GW 1800 and it has its place. My opinion is my new 1800 feels much better than the full on wing simply because it is 155 lbs lighter and stripped down with a different geometry. My new 1800 and the F6B seem to be more stretched out  then the full on wing.  "Seem"  

 
Answer the question please. Would you feel any different if it was named something else?     Isn't that the reason?      

Would you like it if the bike was not called Valkyrie?   I prefer GW Sport   Please answer these questions. 


 
 

[mrtappan]

Well that was a joke because (and I might be wrong) isn't there a few people here who sold their first generations and bought Harleys?  I'm not a fan of the first generation at all but I like them more than the lifestyle accessories Harley sells.

[Bighead]

Well that was a joke because (and I might be wrong) isn't there a few people here who sold their first generations and bought Harleys?  I'm not a fan of the first generation at all but I like them more than the lifestyle accessories Harley sells.

Ther are more than a few out there that sold all manners of cycles to buy an HD. Why are you not a fan of the VALKYRIE?

[Fla. Jim]

Answer the question please. Would you feel any different if it was named something else?     Isn't that the reason?      

Would you like it if the bike was not called Valkyrie?   I prefer GW Sport   Please answer these questions. 
 
Gold Wing Sport would be a great name !  But no it simply does not appeal to me. Also it looks like it would take to many dollars and to much time to get it anywhere close to what would be pleasing to my eye, and my and the wife's butt. As the stock bike sit's I would "imagine" a long day in the saddle at speed would wear me down too much to enjoy what little extra pleasure a few more ponies or lean angle would  contribute. Plus I don't want to give up the safety that having a wide car tire brings to the mix. As with the original Valk these new ones want to slide all over the place with stock tires under heavy braking from what I have read here. Perhaps in a few years when you guys do the R&D that Honda should have I might pick up one when you move on to the next and greatest, but I kind of doubt it.

[_Sheffjs_]

Answer the question please. Would you feel any different if it was named something else?     Isn't that the reason?      

Would you like it if the bike was not called Valkyrie?   I prefer GW Sport   Please answer these questions.  
 
Gold Wing Sport would be a great name !  But no it simply does not appeal to me. Also it looks like it would take to many dollars and to much time to get it anywhere close to what would be pleasing to my eye, and my and the wife's butt. As the stock bike sit's I would "imagine" a long day in the saddle at speed would wear me down too much to enjoy what little extra pleasure a few more ponies or lean angle would  contribute. Plus I don't want to give up the safety that having a wide car tire brings to the mix. As with the original Valk these new ones want to slide all over the place with stock tires under heavy braking from what I have read here. Perhaps in a few years when you guys do the R&D that Honda should have I might pick up one when you move on to the next and greatest, but I kind of doubt it.

I do miss the CT and agree hoping there will be CT that fits, I understand there are some possibilities.  
I do not expect anyone to like a look they just don't like and I also like the old look much better.  However I sure hope you can butt dyno this one day. Then let me know what you feel/think. And as for the name I feel the 97.03 peeps would not necessarily like the bike looks better moreover I feel it would not be hated and would be viewed with a more open mind.  The extra power is a very small part of the overall awesomeness of this bike for me 80% is the agility. I take care of my friends 03 and riding that after the new is where the rubber meets the road for me.  

[Bighead]

Answer the question please. Would you feel any different if it was named something else?     Isn't that the reason?      

Would you like it if the bike was not called Valkyrie?     Please answer these questions. 
 

Are you asking me this Question? If so the answer is NO has nothing to do with the name whether I like it or not. It has its place but not at my place
I love the Honda brand at one time I had two Honda cars ,three Honda MC's a mower and garden tiller along with a pressure washer. Still have two MC's ,mower and washer. I just feel they took the easy way out on this one. I was very excited when I heard the Valk was returning.........then..........I saw it as I have stated I am sure it is one very fine machine but the lack of Valkyrie inspired stuff on this one turned me off. Hell who knows one day I may own one but both my 1st gen Valks will have to die first

[_Sheffjs_]

So to the 97.03ers you like that they named this Valkyrie? And it does not bother you at all?

[_Sheffjs_]

I digress however holding to if it was announced in 2013 as a new stripped down version of the GW called the Goldwing Sport this discussion would not take place. I would have to frequent two separate forums to get my fix, and there would not have been such a huge let down to the 97.03rs. I also think there would be very little animosity and more of an open mind. Not to buy but at least see it as another Honda.   I sure hope you get the chance to fly one one day.   My opinion folks.

  If you could have heard what I said when I first saw it in 2014 you would laugh.  Now......

[Bighead]

I digress however holding to if it was announced in 2013 as a new stripped down version of the GW called the Goldwing Sport this discussion would not take place. I would have to frequent two separate forums to get my fix, and there would not have been such a huge let down to the 97.03rs. I also think there would be very little animosity and more of an open mind. Not to buy but at least see it as another Honda.   I sure hope you get the chance to fly one one day.   My opinion folks.

  If you could have heard what I said when I first saw it in 2014 you would laugh.  Now......

I think we did hear it    To me as A Valkyrie rider it doesn't appeal to me is all I am saying no matter what it is called.

[Jess from VA]

Come on guys, we all like flat-6 Hondas, some models more than others.

Variety is the spice of life. 

We'd bore each other to death if we all thought the same on every issue, wouldn't we?

I wish the new Goldwing Valk was more like the original Valk, and had better bars and bags and shield.  So I don't want one.   But I'm glad some do, and I'm glad they like them.   

[Robert]

Valkyrie concept take a Goldwing strip it down and make a hotrod out of it. Old Valk  new Valk 

Taking the frame, engine, from the Goldwing was a win for a Honda from a design stand point. I cant imagine making a new bike with all that power and having to make a new frame when they already have one. One of the things that makes this new Valk so nice is the stiffness of the frame and the perfect suspension that absorbs shocks in the road yet is firm enough to be tossed a bit. Since they used this frame the design was pretty much dictated by this. I cannot imagine making a half a@@ Valk design when everything already proven and strong was right there. But to accommodate the chrome even with no carbs would have been a major undertaking that I for one am glad they did not do.

Had a guy walk up to me in the gas station looking at the bike and said "so that is the new Valkyrie" I remember that look with my 01.

The other story was coming up to the stop light a guy on a Kawi Concours sitting on it at the convenience store. I waved my usual wave and he waved but the guys head and eyes followed my bike till I turned and he could not see it anymore.

Most all the comments I have gotten about the bike were very favorable. Most just stare and you can see them thinking and looking at it and wondering. Its different not better not worse just different.

[AdrianR]

Cannot with any accuracy compare the two from a riding standpoint, all I can say is that although I always liked the Valkyrie...it wasn't until the new one came about that I actually bought one!

Personally I love the styling of the newer model...very unique..almost concept looking...

I get tons of compliments all the time...people in their cars literally slowing down to look at my bike... and the way it rides...WOW...everything, well almost everything, is just obstacles on the road...the bike simply wants to do over 70mph ALL THE TIME...the sweepers are amazing...and the roll on performance is just so much fun...the way the pipes sound...

Just waiting on better tires!!

Bad Ass!

[Bighead]

Yeah and I get the same from an 18 yr old

[_Sheffjs_]

[dans2014]

I knew I would get some wild action on this heading and not disappointed!!! I like the Goldwing Sport idea. That is a much better name for it. I love the Honda, tall windshield, mounts and all. I have the rear seat eliminator kit and Man oh Man does that fat rear fender look good!!! I've owned many bikes over the years, probably my favorite was a Kawasaki 900 Z-1 in 1973. It was my first big powerful bike and one of the first to come to Colorado. The Valk. would be my 2nd favorite for it's smooth,raw torq and the handeling and the low, HD looks. I placed this survey in the 1800 page so if anyone is offended, ah gee!!! Get over it!! Anyway long as you got something to ride, who cares!!! And lastly, I'll never pay a grand for Honda's soft saddlebags with no locks. What a rip!!! I just returned from a day ride to Moab,Utah with strap on soft bags and they worked fine. $125.00 to the door

[mrtappan]

I'm not a fan of 'all flat six" bikes.  I have absolutely zero desire or interest in owning a carburetated version. For the flat six.  The only reason I even own a valkyrie is because they finally fuel injected them.  Granted I would have probably bought the old 1500 series if it was fuel injected but they never did it before discontinuing it. 

[Fla. Jim]

I'm not a fan of 'all flat six" bikes.  I have absolutely zero desire or interest in owning a carburetated version. For the flat six.  The only reason I even own a valkyrie is because they finally fuel injected them.  Granted I would have probably bought the old 1500 series if it was fuel injected but they never did it before discontinuing it. 

Good, more left for the faithful.  And it is too bad it never was given injection.

[wiggydotcom]

You know that 90+% of this forum idolizes the old one, 5% don't even own a Valkyrie (but owned a first generation at one time), and <5% (at best) of us own the new one.  

You're out gunned with your forward thinking and love of modern technology.  Don't you know that nothing can ever beat a first generation Valkyrie unless you replace it with a Harley?

I can't speak for the new Valk but did buy a new F6b. I can honestly say that although I'd like to think I've made a lot of friends in here but I really don't care if any-or all hate my new bike. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for all the people who have shunned the new designs, we wouldn't have been able to buy a brand new version for 7 grand off. So I thank them all!

[Bighead]

I knew I would get some wild action on this heading and not disappointed!!! I like the Goldwing Sport idea. That is a much better name for it. I love the Honda, tall windshield, mounts and all. I have the rear seat eliminator kit and Man oh Man does that fat rear fender look good!!! I've owned many bikes over the years, probably my favorite was a Kawasaki 900 Z-1 in 1973. It was my first big powerful bike and one of the first to come to Colorado. The Valk. would be my 2nd favorite for it's smooth,raw torq and the handeling and the low, HD looks. I placed this survey in the 1800 page so if anyone is offended, ah gee!!! Get over it!! Anyway long as you got something to ride, who cares!!! And lastly, I'll never pay a grand for Honda's soft saddlebags with no locks. What a rip!!! I just returned from a day ride to Moab,Utah with strap on soft bags and they worked fine. $125.00 to the door

Dans what part of the Valkyrie do you think has HD looks not one single part as far as I can see.

[_Sheffjs_]

I see nothing HD in the 97.03. The full dresser HD has a box line look in the front fender and the bags. The head tube is very visible on the HDs and the geometry of the forks is obviously different and the Valks are very rounded in body showcasing a massive chrome lump of a motor that makes it self known commanding attention.  The thing I like is the header/exhaust  fully visible making it look like a tea bucket roadster with headers hang out all over the place.  If saddlebags and a Ponch and John  windshield is what associates the 97.03 to the HD then we will have to include Indian.  The 97.03 is in a class of its own in looks.   
 I don't want to bash the HD lovers however it is not for me. 

[_Sheffjs_]

You know that 90+% of this forum idolizes the old one, 5% don't even own a Valkyrie (but owned a first generation at one time), and <5% (at best) of us own the new one.  

You're out gunned with your forward thinking and love of modern technology.  Don't you know that nothing can ever beat a first generation Valkyrie unless you replace it with a Harley?

I can't speak for the new Valk but did buy a new F6b. I can honestly say that although I'd like to think I've made a lot of friends in here but I really don't care if any-or all hate my new bike. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for all the people who have shunned the new designs, we wouldn't have been able to buy a brand new version for 7 grand off. So I thank them all!

Same here on the most awesome bike I have ever twisted ever and to think for $10.998!!!!  Ha!!!
And I am hoping to add an f6b to my stable in 1-2 years. Starting to soften up the boss with this idea. Thankfully she loves to ride!    I love the F6B and glad Honda has such awesome bikes offered. 

If the "Faithful" ever have the opportunity to ride an F6B or GWV will they tell the truth with their experience?   It would be easy to tell. 

I see F6B clubs popping up 

[hubcapsc]

what part of the Valkyrie do you think has HD looks

They're identical...



It is the new Valkyrie that has bizarro modern nothing-else-like-it looks...
I'll probably never get used to the new Valkyrie's transformer headlight.

-Mike