Valkyrie owners manual

[Robert]

I just thought that this was pretty interesting comparing my 01 owners manual to the 14 owners manual. The 01 is about twice as thick as the 14 manual and filled with all kinds of warnings and how to's that the 14 is not. I guess your not supposed to work on your own bike so they don't want to tell you so much. I also wonder what happened to the tools you are supposed to get. I know Im not the only one that did not get them but those are the original pliers that came with the bike.

[dinosnake]

Thanks for posting that, at least I now know what the manual looks like  (5 weeks waiting; if it doesn't arrive  in 2 more weeks I'm calling Honda direct and blasting the dealer).

In terms of tool kits: I bought the recommended set, the BikeMaster metric.  If I had to do it all over again...I wouldn't.  It's as big as a house and doesn't fit into the storage well below the seat; I bought a smaller pouch this week and will split the set into a smaller option that actually fits.  I think many tools are redundant as you won't need them on the road (how often do you pull spark plugs nowadays?) and it's amazing what you can do with 1 tool on this bike: the 5mm allen wrench.  So I'll be leaving some tools behind for the sake of space.

Look for a smaller kit, it will probably be all you need.

[hubcapsc]

I'm calling Honda direct and blasting the dealer

I've called Honda twice and got good help both times... be polite
to the guy who answers... he doesn't really want to get between
you and the dealer but keep politely after him until you think
you're getting something resolved... they keep a record of
you calling, based on the VIN which they'll want to know, so
don't burn your bridges...

-Mike

[rusty]

my 1520 came with a small tool kit, which i never used. 2014 came with 1 allen wrench. my first thought was , what a joke!... but i remembered that along with my decision to buy a valkyrie i also wanted a honda because they are very reliable bikes.  when and if i  ever need to do something, the time will most likely be picked by me and in my garage, with tools that i already have.
your manual is a drag,  i would be pretty unset by now. i did a quick search and found this,
 http://goldwingdocs.com/Manuals.asp 
looks like they have valkyrie (2014) for free. i did not download one.

[mrtappan]

If it's seriously that big of a deal you can have mine.  I almost threw it away last week.  I found it laying on the floor of my shop kicked up against the wall.  Not sure exactly what you need it for but you can have it.  Just PM your address.

[hubcapsc]

If it's seriously that big of a deal you can have mine.  I almost threw it away last week.  I found it laying on the floor of my shop kicked up against the wall.  Not sure exactly what you need it for but you can have it.  Just PM your address.

When you sell your bike next week, the new owner might want it  ...

-Mike

[mrtappan]

Ha, touche.  Well, I've been keeping up with everyone else and the only real thing that is catching my eye is a new VMAX.  I've never rode a new one but I had a first generation.  They're a little too sporty and not cruisery enough.  The wait continues...

[F6Dave]

Ha, touche.  Well, I've been keeping up with everyone else and the only real thing that is catching my eye is a new VMAX.  I've never rode a new one but I had a first generation.  They're a little too sporty and not cruisery enough.  The wait continues...

If they would put that new VMAX 1700cc engine in a bike like the old Royal Star Venture, I'd be very interested.  Those are pretty, well finished bikes IMO.  They would have to update the chassis as I've read that was a weak spot on those bikes.

[hubcapsc]

Ha, touche.  Well, I've been keeping up with everyone else and the only real thing that is catching my eye is a new VMAX.  I've never rode a new one but I had a first generation.  They're a little too sporty and not cruisery enough.  The wait continues...

I heard the new ones only get 80 or so miles on a tank... power sucks gas...

There's a lot of good motorcycles out there... the watercooled flat six just
does it for me 

-Mike

[dinosnake]

Ha, touche.  Well, I've been keeping up with everyone else and the only real thing that is catching my eye is a new VMAX.  I've never rode a new one but I had a first generation.  They're a little too sporty and not cruisery enough.  The wait continues...

IMHO there is more to a motorcycle than just that engine between your legs.  The moto rags want us to all wax rhapsodical about powerful engines even if the rest of the bike is a disaster for your individual purposes.

MrMax, even the newest one, are often referred to as one-trick ponies: if you do stoplight-to-stoplight in 70 mile stints, they are well regarded.  I've learned to take almost all reviewers' commentaries with large dashes of salt - they love the VMax so I'm steering clear 

[mrtappan]

Ha, they kind of did the "one trick pony" with the Valkyrie too.  Would you like your Goldwing with a trunk, without a trunk, or without anything?

It's not a "bad" bike but lack of aftermarket support and bone stock Goldwing performance made me lose interest in it fast.  If someone were to make a set of pipes I like, build a fuel map for PCV, and make a decent looking windshield then I'd probably complain less.  I just feel depressed riding around on basically a stock bike.  I envy those of you who own a Valkyrie and feel like it's the last bike you'll ever need.

[dinosnake]

Ha, they kind of did the "one trick pony" with the Valkyrie too.  Would you like your Goldwing with a trunk, without a trunk, or without anything?

It's not a "bad" bike but lack of aftermarket support and bone stock Goldwing performance made me lose interest in it fast.  If someone were to make a set of pipes I like, build a fuel map for PCV, and make a decent looking windshield then I'd probably complain less.  I just feel depressed riding around on basically a stock bike.  I envy those of you who own a Valkyrie and feel like it's the last bike you'll ever need.

Then, with respect, maybe you need to ask yourself why you are dissatisfied with anything as it is.  The bike already does 3.4 second 0-60's, 0.40 seconds behind one of the fastest of the supersports, the S1000RR - and that's the 2012 S-RR, the Valk is only 0.3 seconds behind the 2010.  That's an eyeblink.  It's 0.50 seconds slower 0-60 than the Ducati Panigale S.  And it weighs twice as much, and is 5x more comfortable with more fuel range, while doing it.

So what's the problem?  That anything "stock" isn't "good enough"?  It must be modded in order to be adequate?

Have we become so jaded, so unable to be pleased, that everything must be the absolute highest possible before we give it any sort of respect?

[mrtappan]

Yes, I am dissatisfied with owning a bike with basically zero aftermarket support.  Especially since it's supposed to be their flagship power cruiser.  To the point where I'm flying to Atlanta just to listen to a set of pipes.  I'm glad you're supper happy with it.  Some people buy buy a bike off the show room floor and never want anything more from it.  I don't.  Saying I envy people who are satisfied with the stock Valkyrie wasn't being sarcastic or joking.  I really am.  There isn't anything else on the market right now I'm interested in and likely isn't going to be anytime soon.  So Valkyrie for now.

This is the only motorcycle I've ever owned where there is so little support.  I will admit it's frustrating for me.

[AdrianR]

Ha, they kind of did the "one trick pony" with the Valkyrie too.  Would you like your Goldwing with a trunk, without a trunk, or without anything?

It's not a "bad" bike but lack of aftermarket support and bone stock Goldwing performance made me lose interest in it fast.  If someone were to make a set of pipes I like, build a fuel map for PCV, and make a decent looking windshield then I'd probably complain less.  I just feel depressed riding around on basically a stock bike.  I envy those of you who own a Valkyrie and feel like it's the last bike you'll ever need.

Hey Dude....I don't want to come off like a prick..and I am not trying to start a war, but why do constantly try to be such a buzz kill?? If you don't like the bike.. sell it, go away, or quit posting negative comments that are, by my estimation anyway, so much in the minority...

[goldstar903]

Adrian, you should talk? Every other day you are complaining about something! 

[AdrianR]

Adrian, you should talk? Every other day you are complaining about something!  

What??  Tires man...and  'etholcrap'..What else??  lol..It's all groovy now...the Michelins are kick arse..TOTALLY different bike!

[Robert]

Yes, I am dissatisfied with owning a bike with basically zero aftermarket support.  Especially since it's supposed to be their flagship power cruiser.  To the point where I'm flying to Atlanta just to listen to a set of pipes.  I'm glad you're supper happy with it.  Some people buy buy a bike off the show room floor and never want anything more from it.  I don't.  Saying I envy people who are satisfied with the stock Valkyrie wasn't being sarcastic or joking.  I really am.  There isn't anything else on the market right now I'm interested in and likely isn't going to be anytime soon.  So Valkyrie for now.

This is the only motorcycle I've ever owned where there is so little support.  I will admit it's frustrating for me.

You do realize that a lot of the Goldwing stuff will fit regardless of what they say. I bought a belly pan that the seller said would not fit the Valkyrie and it fit just fine. I am one who is pretty happy with the bike just the way it is. The only mods were the lights, windshield, bags, seat. I cant imagine anything else to be done, what do you feel your missing?

[goldstar903]

It's not a "bad" bike but lack of aftermarket support and bone stock Goldwing performance made me lose interest in it fast.  If someone were to make a set of pipes I like, build a fuel map for PCV, and make a decent looking windshield then I'd probably complain less.  I just feel depressed riding around on basically a stock bike.  I envy those of you who own a Valkyrie and feel like it's the last bike you'll ever need.

Robert, he wrote above what he felt he was missing. :roll:I I feel his pain. Most of the people on here no longer have a stock bike. Do you? Why weren't you happy with the bike the way that it was? I love to mess with motors. I can't with this bike, but I'm OK with that. 

[dinosnake]

Yes, I am dissatisfied with owning a bike with basically zero aftermarket support.  Especially since it's supposed to be their flagship power cruiser.  To the point where I'm flying to Atlanta just to listen to a set of pipes.  I'm glad you're supper happy with it.  Some people buy buy a bike off the show room floor and never want anything more from it.  I don't.  Saying I envy people who are satisfied with the stock Valkyrie wasn't being sarcastic or joking.  I really am.  There isn't anything else on the market right now I'm interested in and likely isn't going to be anytime soon.  So Valkyrie for now.

This is the only motorcycle I've ever owned where there is so little support.  I will admit it's frustrating for me.

I understand    Overall it's not too bad I feel, as Goldwing parts fit the lower chassis and the bars are 1-inch, taking any standard parts there.  For luggage we have only one true hard option but that's better than a large number of other bikes (try to find any good luggage options for the 'customizable'  R Ninet beside small soft bag systems, I dare you) and once you mount the Honda brackets, it can actually fit any standard bag after that.  Shields now have 3 companies making dedicated models and universal options, as well.

So that leaves seating and miscellaneous accessories like license plate holders / rear accessories, etc.  Only one company has stepped up to the plate, Corbin, for seats and although I am looking for a solo option I'm wary of Corbin's customer service and getting the job done right if you make requests.  

So that leaves rear accessories, and performance parts.  Considering that even 'Wings themselves have few performance part options...can't say I'm surprised.  Bling and farkles are Goldwing specialties, engine mods less so.  I can understand as I pretty much stay away from engine mods myself - making broad generalizations, they hurt long term reliability and are often questionable for overall livability.  Yes, I've done Stage 1 and maybe that may be in the future for the new Valk, who knows.  Touring chassis are not commonly fiddled with, the owners want reliability and dependability above all (and I'm down with that!)

[AdrianR]

Yes, I am dissatisfied with owning a bike with basically zero aftermarket support.  Especially since it's supposed to be their flagship power cruiser.  To the point where I'm flying to Atlanta just to listen to a set of pipes.  I'm glad you're supper happy with it.  Some people buy buy a bike off the show room floor and never want anything more from it.  I don't.  Saying I envy people who are satisfied with the stock Valkyrie wasn't being sarcastic or joking.  I really am.  There isn't anything else on the market right now I'm interested in and likely isn't going to be anytime soon.  So Valkyrie for now.

This is the only motorcycle I've ever owned where there is so little support.  I will admit it's frustrating for me.

I understand    Overall it's not too bad I feel, as Goldwing parts fit the lower chassis and the bars are 1-inch, taking any standard parts there.  For luggage we have only one true hard option but that's better than a large number of other bikes (try to find any good luggage options for the 'customizable'  R Ninet beside small soft bag systems, I dare you) and once you mount the Honda brackets, it can actually fit any standard bag after that.  Shields now have 3 companies making dedicated models and universal options, as well.

So that leaves seating and miscellaneous accessories like license plate holders / rear accessories, etc.  Only one company has stepped up to the plate, Corbin, for seats and although I am looking for a solo option I'm wary of Corbin's customer service and getting the job done right if you make requests.  

So that leaves rear accessories, and performance parts.  Considering that even 'Wings themselves have few performance part options...can't say I'm surprised.  Bling and farkles are Goldwing specialties, engine mods less so.  I can understand as I pretty much stay away from engine mods myself - making broad generalizations, they hurt long term reliability and are often questionable for overall livability.  Yes, I've done Stage 1 and maybe that may be in the future for the new Valk, who knows.  Touring chassis are not commonly fiddled with, the owners want reliability and dependability above all (and I'm down with that!)

Geezz..I really don't know what the problem is...The bike imo is already fast enough..and a 'stage one' upgrade does not apply to this bike as it's fuel injected man...  Speed is just ONE caveat with respect to what one considers a decent bike.  There will ALWAYS be a faster bike...but who cares...  The only problems I see is SHITTY tires...and an uncomfortable seat...No bike is perfect and and the Valk is no exception...  Aftermarket support will come on later...but I doubt you will ever see as much as you do for far more prevalent machines...biz 101 stuff baby...  I phucking LOVE this bike man!

[Robert]

It's not a "bad" bike but lack of aftermarket support and bone stock Goldwing performance made me lose interest in it fast.  If someone were to make a set of pipes I like, build a fuel map for PCV, and make a decent looking windshield then I'd probably complain less.  I just feel depressed riding around on basically a stock bike.  I envy those of you who own a Valkyrie and feel like it's the last bike you'll ever need.

Robert, he wrote above what he felt he was missing. :roll:I I feel his pain. Most of the people on here no longer have a stock bike. Do you? Why weren't you happy with the bike the way that it was? I love to mess with motors. I can't with this bike, but I'm OK with that.  

Thanks, I missed that,    but its not really true either. Its not bone stock Goldwing performance with the fairings off, better brakes, lighter weight, different frame geometry, different suspension tuning, different exhaust tuning, different wheels, its not a wing.

  I can remember the original Valkyrie why do you think there was so much aftermarket stuff available? Its because people saw a need and made something that was not offered. So much of what I have on my 01 is not even made today because all the small designers/vendors have pretty much moved on. bsarchive made bags for his bike along with windshield and handle bars or at least took something off the shelf and modified it to fit his needs and bike. My hats off to him and he did a good job.
  
 If you go back into the old board you will see that Hondas offerings were minimal at best for the 1500. Then Lamont and others came along and showed what could be done and then others got ideas. Thats how its done, start with a good base then do your own thing. There are those that modify to get what they want or pay others to modify to get what they want. Then there are those that never get what they want because they complain and change the bike thinking that the next bike is going to be the thing. Only to find the grass is not greener.

  I think flying to get an exhaust for the bike is great, that's how it starts, one not being satisfied makes something or finds something and offers it to the rest of us.
 
 This base bike is perfect for me, just what I wanted but a few small mods and I'm happy.

[hubcapsc]

I read an article about how the motorcycle aftermarket is hardly making
any new chrome or doodads for any new bikes... I sure am glad Corbin
jumped on this bike.

We have the guy with the cool looking exhaust...

Power Commander has a module...

There were basically no motor-mods for the 1500... I don't think these
flat sixes lend themselves to being souped up... Honda engineered the
snot out of them maybe? There's no motor-mods for the 1800 goldwing
at all, are there? It has been around since... 2001?

-Mike

[dinosnake]

I read an article about how the motorcycle aftermarket is hardly making
any new chrome or doodads for any new bikes...

To me, that makes sense: the powersports market is still recovering from the Great Recession and investing in design and production of parts is expensive.  As much as it royally burns my bum to say this , it seems easier to make a buck by making the 1,763rd version of a chrome Harley doodad than it is when you make it for an import bike.  Not many / enough manufacturers seem to want to take [even a small] risk by making something that is not for a (beloved) Harley.  Although Goldwings have plenty of silly chrome farkles 

I sure am glad Corbin jumped on this bike.

We have the guy with the cool looking exhaust...

Power Commander has a module...

There were basically no motor-mods for the 1500... I don't think these
flat sixes lend themselves to being souped up... Honda engineered the
snot out of them maybe? There's no motor-mods for the 1800 goldwing
at all, are there? It has been around since... 2001?

-Mike

Yeah, again, it seems like most touring riders don't want to mess with the drivetrain and stick to just optioning out the bike.  And I'm so OK with that personally - like I said, IMHO over 1/2 of the mods people do to engines are for the worst.  I hate loud pipes (you can't ride any real length of time with that noise droning in your head) and all too many "tuners" (people who rejet engines) don't know a damm thing about the idea of "tractability", the bikes may have more top end power but it's on/off lightswitch throttle response and no bottom end.  And, as said, 3.4 second 0-60 is quite fast enough IRL...especially, being a Goldwing, it'll still be doing that at 60,000 miles. 

[dinosnake]

My shiny new Owner's Manual appeared in the mail yesterday    Wow, it looks just like yours!  Who knew?! 

Now I finally get to read...all the dire warnings. 

[Jack B]

I have a F6B and in the owners manual for taking the wheels off it basically says go to your Honda dealer.

[idcrewdawg]

Just picked up my '14. The owners manual came with an Allen wrench and a helmet lock extender (cable wrapped in heat shrink).

[goldstar903]

You got the jumbo tool kit!

[ledany]

 

[hubcapsc]

You got the jumbo tool kit!

You can practically strip the bike with that allen wrench... the rest of it comes
apart by prying out plastic rivets and popping covers from their grommeted
prongs...

-Mike

[goldstar903]

True, but still funny!