Couldn`t Resist

[OdentonValkyrie]

3 years ago at 49 years old, my mid life crisis and motorcycle sickness kicked in.  Knowing next to nothing about about bikes, and not having my license, I walked into a Honda dealer and puchased a new 2010 vt1300 CRA Stateline (ABS).  I absolutely love it - still have it.  While at the dealer, I glanced at the Goldwings and was intrigued by that engine, and thought maybe one day...

About 4 months into my sickness, I went for a ride with a buddy who has an Ultra Classic.  My wife rode on my buddy`s bike and really enjoyed it.  After she rode on that, there was no way she would be comfortable on the back of my Stateline....Glanced at the Goldwings again, but really liked the v-twin sound and thought the Goldwings just were too massive and kind of an old man bike...lol....but still couldn`t get the 6 cylinder engine out of my head.  After hearing some good things about the Victory Vision, I picked up a used 2011 Vision and got the cams, fuel cotroller, pipes, etc.  Bike now has 119 hp and 117 tq.  Really is a nice bike....incredible on the interstates at 70-90 mph and extremely comfortable.  it handles great in the twisties too, considering the size and weight of the beast...

Well, as part of the sickness, I can`t stay away from cycletrader.com.  I stumbled across a new 2014 Valkyrie for 10,500.....There it was, that incredilbe engine on a stripped down bike for what I thought was a crazy-low price.  Visited the dealer and made the deal for 10,922 out the door before taxes.  As I did with the other bikes, I didn`t even ride the bike before buying it...still haven`t.  It`s out of state so I need to make arrangemeents to pick it up.  So now I have three bikes...I`m certainly not rich - just stupid...and for some reason my wife supports my addiction....So i`ll get my vtwin fix with my Stateline and Vision, and get my thrills with the new Valk!  Can`t wait to finally get that incredible six cylinder.....

[blackvalk]

I found your post funny, entertaining and close to my story.

I was 55 in 2002 and got the bug to buy my first bike. So, I bought the biggest engine on the market at the time, a Honda VTX 1800. Loved the bike. Made lots of changes to make it faster, brighter, blah, blah blah. Why wouldn't you buy the biggest bike????????

I couldn't stay off the used bike websites and purchased a 1998 Valkyrie, then a ST1300. I then traded the VTX and the St 1300 for a Kawasaki Concours 14. Then, recently, I found a deal on a 2014 Valkyrie I couldn't pass up so I bought it.

I love the Concours 14 but this new Valkyrie is un-believable. I love the goldwing 6cyl, like you so this is right up my alley.

You are so on track to be delighted with your new purchase.

I now still own the '98 and 2014 valkyrie along with the Concours and my wife owns a 950 Star Yamaha.

I'm moving to Utah within a year so I think I have a selection of bikes that will serve me well, and yes, I still wonder what bike might be next.

The 2014 Valkyrie has slowed that process down because it will take a very expensive bike to impress me enough to buy it.

I wish you luck with your addiction and new Valkyrie. Keep us posted on how you like the new bike.

Bill

[OdentonValkyrie]

Bill - thanks for the encouragment! Wow, vtx 1800 as your first bike...and I thought I was stupid ...Can`t wait to pick it up...Im wrestling with what to do about the windshield....While I really like the stripped down look, from experience on my Stateline, I really thnik a windshield will be in order...

I plan on using the Vision for longer hauls, but still even a daily ride of 50-200 miles at any speed wil probably require some wind protection.

Do you have one?

Thanks! jeff

[blackvalk]

Yes, I have a Honda windshield that the dealer gave me a deal on because he had it on display.

I purchased my bike from a dealer 6 1/2 hours from my house so we both drove a little over 3 hours each and I trailered the bike home.

He told me what time to leave my house and what intersection to meet at and we were 9 minutes apart from arriving at the same time.

I handed them a check after they loaded the bike on my trailer and off we went.

I have a Honda windshield, cam-lock throttle lock, kuryakan highway pegs, kuryakan floor boards with heel/toe shifter, Honda luggage rack and Corbin hard bags.

The only thing that does not work well on this bike is, I can't use a Givi top case that is wider than the fender which makes it very narrow. The Corbin bags open up and slam into a wider Givi box that I already have. I take long cross country rides so this is not the best situation for me so I will have to use a soft bag on the passenger seat and extend it to the Honda luggage rack.

Obviously, I know what I need on a bike and just bought it all right from the start. I did just order fog lights as well.

I love this bike!

When do you pick the new bike up?

Bill

[OdentonValkyrie]

So the Valk gets the call for long hauls over the Concours? Are you sticking withe the stock seat?  Are you pleased with the windshield?

Not sure when I`m going to get it - it's about  4 hour ride...looking forwrd to the ride, but it's starting to get cold here in the east...

[blackvalk]

Not really, the Concours is pretty good for long distance as well.

I rode it to Colorado from Chicago and then to Utah where I left it and flew home. With new Michelin tires, it became a fantastic bike. I'm going back at the end of the month and will use it for transportation.

I usually took the '98 Valkyrie but I would now choose the 2014 over it. The one nice thing about the '98 is I installed true cruise control, not just a throttle lock. I also love the look of the '98 as well but the new one does EVERYTHING better.

Yes I do like the windshield. I like a quiet ride without being blown all over the place and I have to have a throttle lock.

You also mentioned buying the VTX1800 as my first bike. I've seen so many people buy small bikes thinking they would be big enough but then realize they need something bigger.

I didn't want to make that mistake, and yes, I'm a little nuts. One day I will grow up......Not!

Your weather will get warmer soon. I think Chicago is supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow.

[blackvalk]

Jeff,

You asked me about the original seat.

I'm thinking about sending my seat to Kon Tour and having them re-do it. I do have an Air Hawk and a lambs skin but may want to try re-doing the original seat.

I know on long rides, it needs help..........

[idcrewdawg]

My first adult bike was a HD Sportster 1200 R. It was a good bike. Light and comfortable. Though the tank was too small for anything but getting around town. I lost her to a corner, and now I'm on the new Valk.

I gotta say, I love this bike! I started out with the basic bike, no accessories and probably paid too much, but it was a trade off of driving a day to save what I'd spend driving to save money.

I've now got the windshield installed, and am expecting a Corbin seat to arrive soon and I'm going to do a couple reviews of it once I got it on. The OEM seat is okay for daily driving, but for longer rides, say greater than 50 miles, the seat just doesn't do it for me. I do like having the windshield on over not having it on. At 80MPH it's like having a really large dude pressing against your chest and requires quite a bit of endurance for much of a ride, the windshield makes that problem disappear.

Once I do go through my tires, I'll look into getting the michelins, but I want to know how they compare to the OEM tires for rain, and for wear. Two things for me that the OEM tires so far are doing well at.

One thing I've noticed about this bike over my Sportster is cornering. On the Sportster I'd scrape the pegs in a decent corner. I've yet to touch the pegs on this thing, on the same corners. So lean angle is much greater on this bike giving it that sport bike type of ride capability that I didn't have with my Sporty.

[ledany]

Once I do go through my tires, I'll look into getting the michelins, but I want to know how they compare to the OEM tires for rain, and for wear. Two things for me that the OEM tires so far are doing well at.

Well I guess it won't take long before you run to the next shop and change the criminal OEM Dunlop tires for something decent like the french Michelin PR4. You won't bother for the wear, simply because with the OEM @&§%$ Dunlop tires, on wet roads, you're not sure to arrive by your own means, rather in an ambulance 

[idcrewdawg]

Once I do go through my tires, I'll look into getting the michelins, but I want to know how they compare to the OEM tires for rain, and for wear. Two things for me that the OEM tires so far are doing well at.

Well I guess it won't take long before you run to the next shop and change the criminal OEM Dunlop tires for something decent like the french Michelin PR4. You won't bother for the wear, simply because with the OEM @&§%$ Dunlop tires, on wet roads, you're not sure to arrive by your own means, rather in an ambulance 

Two simple responses to that Mr. Michelin salesman.

1. Ride for the conditions.
2. I've not had any stopping, cornering, hydroplaning issues while on wet roads with the OEM tires.

Will the Michelins do better than the OEM already do? Perhaps, but I'd really like a detailed review comparison rather than the sales pitch I've seen for them so far before I make my decision.

[goldstar903]

I also have no complaints with the OEM tires. I'm pissed that I have no recourse with the ($$$) front tire, except for going to a smaller width tire.   

[AdrianR]

Once I do go through my tires, I'll look into getting the michelins, but I want to know how they compare to the OEM tires for rain, and for wear. Two things for me that the OEM tires so far are doing well at.

Well I guess it won't take long before you run to the next shop and change the criminal OEM Dunlop tires for something decent like the french Michelin PR4. You won't bother for the wear, simply because with the OEM @&§%$ Dunlop tires, on wet roads, you're not sure to arrive by your own means, rather in an ambulance 

Two simple responses to that Mr. Michelin salesman.

1. Ride for the conditions.
2. I've not had any stopping, cornering, hydroplaning issues while on wet roads with the OEM tires.

Will the Michelins do better than the OEM already do? Perhaps, but I'd really like a detailed review comparison rather than the sales pitch I've seen for them so far before I make my decision.

I am not going to go into detail explaining why their better...as I just don't have the time...  All I can say is that after about 2K miles the stock tires went from 'fair' to horrible...  All I can say is that with the Michelins the bike is extremely better...almost a different bike.  It rolls better, sticks WAY better, rides more comfortably..AND allows the bike to handle like a true sport touring machine.

I'd bet a month's take home pay WITH overtime that ANY truly objective rider would say the same thing after experiencing the bike with the Michelins as depicted installed.

[idcrewdawg]

I am not going to go into detail explaining why their better...as I just don't have the time...  All I can say is that after about 2K miles the stock tires went from 'fair' to horrible...  All I can say is that with the Michelins the bike is extremely better...almost a different bike.  It rolls better, sticks WAY better, rides more comfortably..AND allows the bike to handle like a true sport touring machine.

I'd bet a month's take home pay WITH overtime that ANY truly objective rider would say the same thing after experiencing the bike with the Michelins as depicted installed.

I've got 1500 miles on my bike now, and so in the next couple weeks I'll hit that 2K mark you've mentioned. If my tires get crappy shortly after that, I'll be sure to look at the Mich's as a replacement.

[OdentonValkyrie]

I finally picked up my new Valk today...A beautiful fall day.   Drove from Annapolis MD to State College, PA with my wife, then rode solo the roughly 250 miles back on the new bike, mostly interstates.
In a word, WOW....

I also have a Victory Vision which has been upgraded (Cams, pcv, etc) to 119hp/117tq, in addition to a Honda  vt1300 Stateline ABS...So those are my reference points.  I've only been riding for about three years, so I'm still a relative newb....But here are my observations..

- The engine is incredible...While my Vision has more hp/tq according to the dyno, in my mind, there is really no comparision as to which "has more power".  The Vision may have a higher peak power, but it's only available in a very narrow portion of the rpm range.  The Vision is about 100 pounds heavier, but Im sure that doesn't account for the majority of the difference.  The power on the Valk is always available, regardless of the gear/rpm.  I almost get the feeling I could start from a dead stop in 5th gear! I don't think this engine knows what lugging is...And boy is the engine smooth!  I had read alot about ths engine prior to today, but it actually exceeded my already VERY high expectations.

- I was also pleasantly surprised by the exhaust note.  Not quite the v-twin sound, but enough growl for me.

- It fealt extremely light.  I think it handles great.  That low center of gravity makes a huge difference.  At the same time, it was very stable.  While passing trucks at 70-80 mph I didn't feel like I was being blown around at all.

- The seat ...ouch.  Let's just say I was excited to stop and get gas.  I'm hoping it will "break in", but based on what I've read here, I'm asking for a miracle.  This will have to be addressed.

- The ergonomics are not as good as the Vision.  I don't like having my knees "locked" at 90 degress the whole time.  I'm hoping highway pegs can take care of this.  I do like the handlebar position.

- Maybe I just need to get used to it, but I really had a hard time "finding" the rear brake pedal.  I felt like I had to "reach" down for it...not good when quick braking is required.  I'm 5' 11", so size isn't the issue.  Anyone else feel this way?  To a lesser degree, "finding" the shift lever sometimes was an issue too.  I'm starting to think that I may have to look into getting some boots that aren't quite as big and rednecky.

- The travel on the throttle seemed very long.  i don't think I even came close to full throttle.... not that I even came close to needing it.  I have to regrip the throttle to get to full throttle....this may be a good thing.  My Vision has a 1/4 throttle ring mod which significantly shortens the travel, so I'm sure this made it feel even longer.

- Love all the LED's

- The transmission is incredibly smooth.  I could hardly hear it click between gears - quite a cotrast to the clunky Victory trans

Don't get me wrong, I really like my Vision - it is a great touring bike on the open road. The wind managment is awesome, especially with the adjustable windshield.  And I really do love the v-twin sound!  It will still get the call for the really long hauls....But for the shorter rides, I think the Valk is going to see most of the action!

[ledany]

I had to fix the rear brake pedal because it was too low. I thougt it would take 5 mn but it took a little longer (15 mn ?). Now the pedal is constantly under the foot and I feel more comfortable and secure though I've known bikes who brake far better than this one. 

I had to lower the led light too and now it's OK.
Concerning the EOM tires, I've said enough 

[blackvalk]

What a great report!

There are always things that need to be tweaked and always things on other bikes that are better when compared. Overall, this is a great bike.

I love the floor boards and heel toe shifter I installed on my bike, but I have small feet so I don't get trapped between the two.

You're right, highway pegs are a must if you like a second or more forward place to put your feet.

Compared to my '98 Valkyrie, this one does everything better, but I still love the old one. If I had to sell one, the '98 would be a casualty of war.

Good to hear you like it, I knew you would.

Bill

[woofred1832]

                                        Ya I know what you are talking about....... I had a VTX1300c and saw a valkyrie at stirgis in 2012... Knew I had to have one and I found one at a dealer in Oct 2012. made a good deal. road it the whoke next year loved every ride,,,,then at the motorcycle show saw the new 2014 Valkyrie and could not wait till spring to ride one.... and when I did..WOW LOVE THAT 1832 motor
sold my 1520 and the 1300 and got the 2014 Red 1832. All I did was add a windshield{not HONDAS} add bags YES HONDASadd back rest and pad,add DRIVING LITES,{NOT HONDAS}and hwy pegs..... road on 6 semi out of state trips,and several day or 2 trips totalling now 11,800 miles and cant wait till next year to go alot more.... the riding season here in northern Ill is coming to a close, will get a part time job for the winter, and all the money I make will be put aside to go,go,go next year.All the minor complants I have read and seen about the bike is just BLA_BLA_BLA if you didnt like something you should not have bought it.... the rest of us that love the bike and THAT motor will carry on,and on and on.
                                   RIDE ON LIFE IS GOOD