New purchase guidance

[Gennette]

Hello I'm new to the forum.
I've been riding for almost 30 years from dirt bikes to ducatis.
My current bike is a 2003 vtx 1300. I'm looking to get something new and different and the Valkyrie has got my attention. A dealer not to far has all three colors in non abs for $11900 for 2014 new stock.
I won't have the opportunity to test ride one so if anyone can give me some insight compared to my vtx or any other things that might sway me one way or the other I'd appreciate it.
I'm also concerned about Honda not making the valk anymore. The vtx has almost no resale value and that bothers me a bit even though I'm looking for a long term ride not selling it right away. Which is why I'm looking for All the info I can get first.
Thanks

[bscrive]

There really is no comparison between the two.  They are two totally different beasts. 

The Valk has a heck of a lot more hp, and torque than the VTX1300.  When you really twist the throttle of the Valk, hang on with all your strength, or you will be left behind...literally.  I am 6' and weight 245lbs, and it almost came out of my hands on the test ride.  I have driven wings before, but I was surprised on the power of this bike.

I have done a lot of changes to my Valk to suite me, most have left it stock.  Only you can decide if it is for you.  One thing though, you won't be disappointed in the Goldwing engine.  It is a smooth as silk.  The handling is fantastic as well.  I am not sure why this bike has not caught on more.  It has everything I wanted, and what was missing I added.  I love this bike, and the more I ride it the more I love it. 

[Gennette]

Looks good. Black was the color I liked best to. I thought I liked blue until I saw them both at the dealer and the black one spoke to me.
What have you done to you bike to make it better for you?  I know I'd need a windshield right away and I might miss the floorboards on the vtx.
Do you think the valk would handle better in the twistes than the vtx?

[Robert]

I agree there is no comparison, smoother, more powerful, better brakes heavier but better balanced and easy to put miles on. Move off on a ride and roll on the power and you will be smiling from ear to ear.

[Kidd]

what state are you in ??


I would buy used if I could
http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/5500598758.html

Here's a new one for under $11K
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcd/5481159870.html


Here's another http://rockford.craigslist.org/mcy/5488166000.html

[hubcapsc]

Like the handlebars, or get ready for some work...

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,75086.0.html

I was real glad I held on to my old bike, I think you have a good plan there...

-Mike

[_Sheffjs_]

Looks good. Black was the color I liked best to. I thought I liked blue until I saw them both at the dealer and the black one spoke to me.
What have you done to you bike to make it better for you?  I know I'd need a windshield right away and I might miss the floorboards on the vtx.
Do you think the valk would handle better in the twistes than the vtx?

Saying that, I too like the black the best but made a mistake buying the black over the blue. Let me explain. The blue model has the timing cover, front forks, valve covers and all plastic trim up top in black. All of these items I want black and I started with changing the top plastic trim pieces.  Now that I know this bike more from taking it a part I feel that is would be so much easier to buy the blue and get the tank, sail panels, and fenders painted black. Especially knowing that the OEM paint here is not so great.  

I am 100% happy with the bike.  I am 100% happy with the h-bars as it came (I am 6' tall) now that the Corbin in broke in I am also very happy with the Corbin seat.  I am now embarking on the custom install of Champion, patriot hard saddlebags.

I do like the blue also when I see pictures posted.

The bike is amazing in the twisties!

Your pegs and controls are a standard position not forward as you are used to.

I bought the Secdem windshield and very happy with it. It is From France.

It is a great well done machine,  Jerry.  

Florida board post on my saddlebags http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,85581.0.html

[hubcapsc]

I am now embarking on the custom install of Champion, patriot hard saddlebags.

I didn't look close enough at your pictures to realize those weren't old Valkyrie
bags... if your turn signal move works out as well as it seems it will, your bags
will be awesome.. make sure you mount your bags sturdily (that's what kind of
mount I was asking about  )... the Corbin bags are high quality, have very
sturdy well made mounts and bolt right on - but they are smaller than old Valkyrie
and Patriot bags... your extra work will be very much worth it... and someone
alluded to you getting a good deal on the Patriot bags... I scan eBay for them
occasionally just out of general interest... I saw a slightly scuffed up set for
$400 once, never any cheaper than that... your set looks brand new.



-Mike

[Gennette]

Great inside  info thanks guys I appreciate it

[AdrianR]

Bottom line it's a completely different ride...

More of a sport bike imo then a cruiser.

If you can though, keep your VTX...As nice as the Valk is, it's not a V twin...  V twins have their own allure.  I wished I'd of kept my old bike...especially considering what I was able to get for it.  Two bikes is always better then one!

Kinda like guitars...I have many...now I need more bikes!

Time to go to work!

[WarrenH]

This is my 6th motorcycle. The first thing I noticed was that the engine has so much torque, that downshifting for turns isn't as necessary compared to v-twins. I like that.

The Valkyrie doesn't beat you up with vibrations or wind (I use the Honda shield, modified to lay flatter), so you can ride longer with less fatigue.

I can go about 215 miles before the fuel light comes on. I'm getting around 44 mpg on regular gas.

You won't outgrow the performance.

[bscrive]

What have you done to you bike to make it better for you? 

Here is what I have done to my bike so far:

Russel Daylong seat w/Utopia driver's backrest
custom passenger backrest
Custom made (by me) handlebars
generic windshield that I modified
Heel-toe shifter
mini floorboards
saddlebags
Rostra electronic cruise control
LED driving lights
powder coated timing cover
Shark stereo
USB power outlet
highway pegs
changed all the chrome covers to black

There may be other stuff, but this is all I can think of right now.  

Now, I just need nice weather to enjoy it all  :ticked off:  Another winter storm tomorrow.  up to 6" of snow, rain, and freezing rain.  Hopefully it will be gone by the weekend.

[Kidd]

Reasons you may not like the new Valkyrie

Rigid  rear   end  , stiff , you'll feel most all the bumps on the surface of the road

Handle bars are a little short  , could be longer for comfort

Very few accessories available

Oh yeah  , the seat is  awful  , unless you like a very hard seat , you'll want a custom  seat .

and the noise  from the motor , sometimes gets to me

[TallRider]

Noisy?  Must not have ridden a bike before.  All bikes are noisy. Some more than others. But to get the fit, like a good suit. May need to get it tailered. Robert, Jerry and I have done just that. Great bike but to each there own. I love mine. Best bike I've owned. Best of luck on your discussion.

[goldstar903]

Here is what I have done to my bike so far:

Russel Daylong seat w/Utopia driver's backrest
custom passenger backrest
Custom made (by me) handlebars
generic windshield that I modified
Heel-toe shifter
mini floorboards
saddlebags
Rostra electronic cruise control
LED driving lights
powder coated timing cover
Shark stereo
USB power outlet
highway pegs
changed all the chrome covers to black

There may be other stuff, but this is all I can think of right now.  Grin

Now, I just need nice weather to enjoy it all  :ticked off:  Another winter storm tomorrow.  up to 6" of snow, rain, and freezing rain.  Hopefully it will be gone by the weekend.

Sounds like you need to turn it into a snowmobile?! 

[goldstar903]

Archie Bunker Jr., sorry I meant Kidd, you complain an awful lot. You took forever to buy the Valkyrie and now you all you do is bitch about it!   

Rigid  rear   end  , stiff , you'll feel most all the bumps on the surface of the road

A turn of the spring preload knob will afford you the type of ride required. 

Handle bars are a little short  , could be longer for comfort

I'll admit the bar reach could be a problem for a 5 year old. 

and the noise  from the motor , sometimes gets to me

That motor purrs, maybe you need to ride your tricycle. You're not old enough to ride a real motorcycle!

    

[Gennette]

The noise will not be and issue. My vtwin has hard chrome pipes and they are Deafening. The valk will sound like a sewing machine in comparison I'm sure.
Until you actually put time on something you don't really know. By the sounds of it the bars would be the hardest fix so hopefully they fit for me.
The seat would be expensive but it wouldn't be the first time I've spent 6-700 on one.

[bscrive]

I am now embarking on the custom install of Champion, patriot hard saddlebags.

I didn't look close enough at your pictures to realize those weren't old Valkyrie
bags... if your turn signal move works out as well as it seems it will, your bags
will be awesome.. make sure you mount your bags sturdily (that's what kind of
mount I was asking about  )... the Corbin bags are high quality, have very
sturdy well made mounts and bolt right on - but they are smaller than old Valkyrie
and Patriot bags... your extra work will be very much worth it... and someone
alluded to you getting a good deal on the Patriot bags... I scan eBay for them
occasionally just out of general interest... I saw a slightly scuffed up set for
$400 once, never any cheaper than that... your set looks brand new.



-Mike

Those Patriot bags are pretty expensive.  $1400 for a set of bags is out of my price range.  

At one time I was considering fiberglass Tsukayu hard saddlebages.  You can get them for $600 painted gloss black or unpainted for $521.  They also come in three different sizes.

http://www.tsukayu.com/JumboStrong.html

If you want American made then I would look at Calvary Saddlebags.  Too square-ish for me, but others may like them.  They tout them as being indestructible as well.

http://www.cavalryfiberglass.com/store/

I only paid $300 for mine, and they are ok, but now I am thinking of the Tsukayu bags.


Brian

[tx blue]

Gold star
You are so correct about Kidd took for ever and now only bitches about his purchase. I have had at least 75 bikes and believe me there are plenty worst like the constant buzz in the handle bars of all the BMW motorcycles I have owned.
Phil

[AdrianR]

The noise will not be and issue. My vtwin has hard chrome pipes and they are Deafening. The valk will sound like a sewing machine in comparison I'm sure.
Until you actually put time on something you don't really know. By the sounds of it the bars would be the hardest fix so hopefully they fit for me.
The seat would be expensive but it wouldn't be the first time I've spent 6-700 on one.

Actually what Kidd has been talking about, once you get used to them, is not nearly a detriment as I once thought they would be.  The seat softens...I have 4K on mine now, and it really doesn't bother me anymore up to like 150+ miles...I put some conditioner on it to soften it as well.  The bars have never been an issue for me, and the bike actually sounds good once the baffles loosen up somewhat.  Every bike takes some getting used to...and *most* require a tweak or two here and there to make it more desirable for you.  That bike is mostly all about the motor/drive train and brakes...Their outstanding.   You have to experiment somewhat with the rear suspension that is dialing in the right about of dampening based on your weight...and making sure the tire pressures are correct.  The bike really handles well once you get used to it and get those things as mentioned set right.

Of course everyone knows on here how much I liked the Michelin tire upgrade!  This transforms the bike into a real sport touring machine.

[havoc]

Bottom line it's a completely different ride...

More of a sport bike imo then a cruiser.

If you can though, keep your VTX...As nice as the Valk is, it's not a V twin...  V twins have their own allure.  I wished I'd of kept my old bike...especially considering what I was able to get for it.  Two bikes is always better then one!

Kinda like guitars...I have many...now I need more bikes!

Time to go to work!

Adrian... i've always known there was something ultra cool about you. 

[Robert]

The handle bar thing was something after getting off the 1500 I kind of thought, there's something different about these bars. When I realized that they were indeed narrower I was actually happy since the 1500 is so wide compared to the 1800. I really like them but a kind of funny thing was the grip itself was also smaller. I have wide hands and my hand was always to the end of the chrome on the grip. So I put on a pair of Avon grips that are wider and moved the switch box housings in by about 1/2 inch and its perfect for me. I have been getting into some pretty tight places with the bike that I couldn't with the 1500 and I love it. Like going on the side when waiting for all the cars to make a rt turn and your about 15 cars back. What a time saver and I am able to do this even when one stays a bit right almost to block your way. The bike is way maneuverable to allow you to go pretty much anywhere you want and powerful enough to get away from just about anything.

  Those who do commuting in traffic will much appreciate this bike being highly maneuverable powerful enough and narrower than most cruisers to be able to go around or through jams. I have done a little of this myself. Yet open road is like heaven on this bike you will think about the scenery instead of the bike or the miles. The pin heads that look at you as a target will be no problem since they wont really be able to stay next to you once you do a few maneuvers.

 As to the other mods, seat, windshield, bags, tires, grips were the necessary stuff. But I also added a couple of chrome things like brake levers, valve covers, and also a set of front lights for visibility. I ride at 5 am some days in going to the gym and can tell you its beautiful and quiet. I love that I can cruise anywhere and not wake everyone up. The air is cool not many people out and when I feel the wind it wakes me right up. Many times people look and expect noise and smile when it so quiet. I have had a few compliment me not only on the looks but the quietness of the bike. There are places I go I just don't want a lot of noise and so I feel more comfortable in going anywhere with this bike.

  With My 1500 the list of add ons  was seemingly endless including 2 seat changes and so much more chrome. So to me this bike is nothing to get the way you like it. I am pretty much done with mods unless  something interesting shows up. The Wing accessories fit well and there is no shortage of stuff to choose from. Some require mods some are bolt on. So there is no shortage of accessories you can put on this bike.

 On the highway its a dream come true and like others have said you don't feel like the road beat you up at the end. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the view instead of cutting it up on the highway.

 My friend had a 1500 wing and I had my 1500 Valk he was always cruising faster than me so I took his bike out one day and it felt like you were riding your couch. I didn't like it and that made even more convinced that a wing was not in my future. But getting on the 1800 you just want to keep going without the couch and the feel is more like a fine sports car.

Wind was another issue on the 1500 it comes under the windshield right up into the passenger area and its bothersome even with baker air wings and fork deflectors. But with the more aerodynamic design of the 1800 Valk the wind goes much more around you and the radiators are a big help in this. You ride much more in a rider bubble than most bikes. If you get a noisey car next to you it will be impossible to hear the Valk on the highway. When there are no cars next to me I love the hummmmmmm of the engine.

Ok so I live in Florida and the heat in summer is not fun especially when the heat of a 180 degree is hitting you. The 1500 was pretty good after doing some mods to keep it cool in summer. But the 1800 is waaaaayyyyy better. In fact its a trip when you hear the fans going and cant feel the air. I thought there was something wrong with my bike since I put my hand on the side of the radiator shrouds and there was minimal air. I thought WTH? , that was till I put my hand in front of the windshield and when the fan comes on it blows the air forward up till 20 mph when it cuts the fans off. There is alot of air by the way, NOW that is thinking about design and personal comfort.

I can go on about why I think this bike was designed for people who ride. It also reflects that the Honda engineers listened to this board since most every objection on the 1500 was addressed on this bike. Its quiet, quick the horn is loud as an air horn and since it sounds like a car horn people tend to look. I have gotten more than a couple of looks like WTH?
  
The last but main point is reliability, its a Goldwing at heart and that says so much to me since I want to ride rather than wrench. I don't mind elected maintenance done at my will in fact I need a bit of together time with the Valk but don't make me stop a cruise to have to do something. That just makes a real bad impression on me about any ride of mine. When I go out I like it clean no drips and consistently even smooth running that is what this bike is about. Take a bit of abuse in stride and still runs and look like a champ, especially when I pull up at church and get off in a good shirt and pants, we dont want to make a bad impression do we 
 
Sorry just rambling on.

[Kidd]

I did not state anything about not liking my Valk , I was just informing the gentleman what has already been  stated on this board many times over .
All those complaints are not mine  , some are .

I do have the rear shock adjusted all the way , as lite  as possible , did nothing as far as I can tell

[AdrianR]

The handle bar thing was something after getting off the 1500 I kind of thought, there's something different about these bars. When I realized that they were indeed narrower I was actually happy since the 1500 is so wide compared to the 1800. I really like them but a kind of funny thing was the grip itself was also smaller. I have wide hands and my hand was always to the end of the chrome on the grip. So I put on a pair of Avon grips that are wider and moved the switch box housings in by about 1/2 inch and its perfect for me. I have been getting into some pretty tight places with the bike that I couldn't with the 1500 and I love it. Like going on the side when waiting for all the cars to make a rt turn and your about 15 cars back. What a time saver and I am able to do this even when one stays a bit right almost to block your way. The bike is way maneuverable to allow you to go pretty much anywhere you want and powerful enough to get away from just about anything.

  Those who do commuting in traffic will much appreciate this bike being highly maneuverable powerful enough and narrower than most cruisers to be able to go around or through jams. I have done a little of this myself. Yet open road is like heaven on this bike you will think about the scenery instead of the bike or the miles. The pin heads that look at you as a target will be no problem since they wont really be able to stay next to you once you do a few maneuvers.

 As to the other mods, seat, windshield, bags, tires, grips were the necessary stuff. But I also added a couple of chrome things like brake levers, valve covers, and also a set of front lights for visibility. I ride at 5 am some days in going to the gym and can tell you its beautiful and quiet. I love that I can cruise anywhere and not wake everyone up. The air is cool not many people out and when I feel the wind it wakes me right up. Many times people look and expect noise and smile when it so quiet. I have had a few compliment me not only on the looks but the quietness of the bike. There are places I go I just don't want a lot of noise and so I feel more comfortable in going anywhere with this bike.

  With My 1500 the list of add ons  was seemingly endless including 2 seat changes and so much more chrome. So to me this bike is nothing to get the way you like it. I am pretty much done with mods unless  something interesting shows up. The Wing accessories fit well and there is no shortage of stuff to choose from. Some require mods some are bolt on. So there is no shortage of accessories you can put on this bike.

 On the highway its a dream come true and like others have said you don't feel like the road beat you up at the end. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the view instead of cutting it up on the highway.

 My friend had a 1500 wing and I had my 1500 Valk he was always cruising faster than me so I took his bike out one day and it felt like you were riding your couch. I didn't like it and that made even more convinced that a wing was not in my future. But getting on the 1800 you just want to keep going without the couch and the feel is more like a fine sports car.

Wind was another issue on the 1500 it comes under the windshield right up into the passenger area and its bothersome even with baker air wings and fork deflectors. But with the more aerodynamic design of the 1800 Valk the wind goes much more around you and the radiators are a big help in this. You ride much more in a rider bubble than most bikes. If you get a noisey car next to you it will be impossible to hear the Valk on the highway. When there are no cars next to me I love the hummmmmmm of the engine.

Ok so I live in Florida and the heat in summer is not fun especially when the heat of a 180 degree is hitting you. The 1500 was pretty good after doing some mods to keep it cool in summer. But the 1800 is waaaaayyyyy better. In fact its a trip when you hear the fans going and cant feel the air. I thought there was something wrong with my bike since I put my hand on the side of the radiator shrouds and there was minimal air. I thought WTH? , that was till I put my hand in front of the windshield and when the fan comes on it blows the air forward up till 20 mph when it cuts the fans off. There is alot of air by the way, NOW that is thinking about design and personal comfort.

I can go on about why I think this bike was designed for people who ride. It also reflects that the Honda engineers listened to this board since most every objection on the 1500 was addressed on this bike. Its quiet, quick the horn is loud as an air horn and since it sounds like a car horn people tend to look. I have gotten more than a couple of looks like WTH?
  
The last but main point is reliability, its a Goldwing at heart and that says so much to me since I want to ride rather than wrench. I don't mind elected maintenance done at my will in fact I need a bit of together time with the Valk but don't make me stop a cruise to have to do something. That just makes a real bad impression on me about any ride of mine. When I go out I like it clean no drips and consistently even smooth running that is what this bike is about. Take a bit of abuse in stride and still runs and look like a champ, especially when I pull up at church and get off in a good shirt and pants, we dont want to make a bad impression do we 
 
Sorry just rambling on.

This is a pretty accurate post.  Bravo dude!

[AdrianR]

I did not state anything about not liking my Valk , I was just informing the gentleman what has already been  stated on this board many times over .
All those complaints are not mine  , some are .

I do have the rear shock adjusted all the way , as lite  as possible , did nothing as far as I can tell

Very true Kidd...and it should be known that everyone has a right to their opinion.  However, man, it took you like over 6 mos. to finally buy the bike after repeated posts...trying to get it as cheap as possible, and then after finally getting it...we have to hear some negative posts about it...almost like a 'Walter' character..(Jeff Dunham's cranky old man doll).  Didn't I make some joke about 'Valkyrie disdain' not being tolerated here?  You're just gonna have to take certain posts about you in a comical manner...just like I have to about being a poster boy for Michelin tires!   It's all in good fun man...

[_Sheffjs_]

Kidd how much do you weigh?     Yes I'm heavy!


You know, I know a lot of us like to peruse eBad and CL and look at all kinds of bikes and when I do the mind does this, what could possibly replace a Flat 6 and now that I have it what could replace my 1800c?  I would love to get my hands on a CR1000R (only one up, short rides, insanity, I'm not young anymore)  but my answer unless Mother Honda out does this with another F6 the answer is.

     Nothing.    Jerry

[AdrianR]

Kidd how much do you weigh?     Yes I'm heavy!


You know, I know a lot of us like to peruse eBad and CL and look at all kinds of bikes and when I do the mind does this, what could possibly replace a Flat 6 and now that I have it what could replace my 1800c?  I would love to get my hands on a CR1000R (only one up, short rides, insanity, I'm not young anymore)  but my answer unless Mother Honda out does this with another F6 the answer is.

     Nothing.    Jerry

I was wooed by this bike man...and I do love...but I still love other bikes...I wish I had enough money to own more then just a few!  I have always had V-Twin cruisers so this is the first more sport like bike I have owned..and wow...I can now see myself getting more of a sport bike...I just love the way the Valk handles and goes...but man, compared to a decent sport bike...it still pales... My buddie's FJ-1300R is still quicker... Plus, I love the look of V-Twin bikes...and I also dig the looks of Triumphs!

[Kidd]

A man . I do not take any of this serious  as it seems others do , it's fun to see some here get upset at a post  and I enjoy smiling at them/their response  .

I have owned  a 1998 and a 2001 Valk , loved them both , that's why I had owned  2 of them, and now 3 .
I'll bet most here , as you stated , A man , takes some time to acclimate to the new ride .
As it will me , too , take some time . ,
 I am on my way to acclimating , in fact , I am gonna  acclimate on my Valk right now , going for a ride around Verde Valley

Sheffjs , I weigh  120

Just kidding , I weigh about 165 and I am trying to lose  at least 5 pounds more
The bike I sold just 3 weeks ago   was a 2010 BMW r1200r  and it was jarring at the rear , the Valk is better , but I still want  a more plush ride , I don't need the jarring  as I am 60 ( feel  30 )

I did not state anything about not liking my Valk , I was just informing the gentleman what has already been  stated on this board many times over .
All those complaints are not mine  , some are .

I do have the rear shock adjusted all the way , as lite  as possible , did nothing as far as I can tell

Very true Kidd...and it should be known that everyone has a right to their opinion.  However, man, it took you like over 6 mos. to finally buy the bike after repeated posts...trying to get it as cheap as possible, and then after finally getting it...we have to hear some negative posts about it...almost like a 'Walter' character..(Jeff Dunham's cranky old man doll).  Didn't I make some joke about 'Valkyrie disdain' not being tolerated here?  You're just gonna have to take certain posts about you in a comical manner...just like I have to about being a poster boy for Michelin tires!   It's all in good fun man...

[AdrianR]

A man . I do not take any of this serious  as it seems others do , it's fun to see some here get upset at a post  and I enjoy smiling at them/their response  .

I have owned  a 1998 and a 2001 Valk , loved them both , that's why I had owned  2 of them, and now 3 .
I'll bet most here , as you stated , A man , takes some time to acclimate to the new ride .
As it will me , too , take some time . ,
 I am on my way to acclimating , in fact , I am gonna  acclimate on my Valk right now , going for a ride around Verde Valley

Sheffjs , I weigh  120

Just kidding , I weigh about 165 and I am trying to lose  at least 5 pounds more
The bike I sold just 3 weeks ago   was a 2010 BMW r1200r  and it was jarring at the rear , the Valk is better , but I still want  a more plush ride , I don't need the jarring  as I am 60 ( feel  30 )

I did not state anything about not liking my Valk , I was just informing the gentleman what has already been  stated on this board many times over .
All those complaints are not mine  , some are .

I do have the rear shock adjusted all the way , as lite  as possible , did nothing as far as I can tell

Very true Kidd...and it should be known that everyone has a right to their opinion.  However, man, it took you like over 6 mos. to finally buy the bike after repeated posts...trying to get it as cheap as possible, and then after finally getting it...we have to hear some negative posts about it...almost like a 'Walter' character..(Jeff Dunham's cranky old man doll).  Didn't I make some joke about 'Valkyrie disdain' not being tolerated here?  You're just gonna have to take certain posts about you in a comical manner...just like I have to about being a poster boy for Michelin tires!   It's all in good fun man...

Cool Kidd..   Many people need to 'grow some bark' on em'...It's an art form that has somewhat been lost in our society.  How can life be any fun without engaging in it??!

[_Sheffjs_]

I was wooed by this bike man...and I do love...but I still love other bikes...I wish I had enough money to own more then just a few!  I have always had V-Twin cruisers so this is the first more sport like bike I have owned..and wow...I can now see myself getting more of a sport bike...I just love the way the Valk handles and goes...but man, compared to a decent sport bike...it still pales... My buddie's FJ-1300R is still quicker... Plus, I love the look of V-Twin bikes...and I also dig the looks of Triumphs!

My wife owned a Shadow Tourer 1100 and I'm sure I rode it more than her, I actually really enjoyed that bike even though I was used to the 1500 Valk. It is a different experience and a fun bike.  Oh to be Jay Leno!!!   Ill have that and Ill have that 

[_Sheffjs_]

Sheffjs , I weigh  165




 I guess my suspension will never be stiff    

[AdrianR]

I was wooed by this bike man...and I do love...but I still love other bikes...I wish I had enough money to own more then just a few!  I have always had V-Twin cruisers so this is the first more sport like bike I have owned..and wow...I can now see myself getting more of a sport bike...I just love the way the Valk handles and goes...but man, compared to a decent sport bike...it still pales... My buddie's FJ-1300R is still quicker... Plus, I love the look of V-Twin bikes...and I also dig the looks of Triumphs!

My wife owned a Shadow Tourer 1100 and I'm sure I rode it more than her, I actually really enjoyed that bike even though I was used to the 1500 Valk. It is a different experience and a fun bike.  Oh to be Jay Leno!!!   Ill have that and Ill have that  

This is my old bike.   I loved that bike man.  I was the 'fast' Shadow.  The Sabre had the dual pin crank, different valve timing...and dual carbs.  It was also light...like 580 dry. Aside from it's superb paint job and high quality wheels...  it moved out.  I did the stage one kit with the K&N filter and corn free gas that thing would do a solid 120mph...and handled *decently* with the Metzler tires.  The dudes with the big, large displacement Harleys would always be amazed at how I could keep up with them...and of course I could smoke all the smaller displacement Harleys...  The Valk blows this bike away in many categories, but I still loved that bike.  I should have kept it!  This brings me back to my original post.  I live the VTX 1300...The 'C' model is good looking man...and with the right color...I would like to buy one yet!  Who cares if it is slower or doesn't handle as good...I am sure it is still fun to ride. 

[Robert]

This is my old bike.   I loved that bike man.  I was the 'fast' Shadow.  The Sabre had the dual pin crank, different valve timing...and dual carbs.  It was also light...like 580 dry. Aside from it's superb paint job and high quality wheels...  it moved out.  I did the stage one kit with the K&N filter and corn free gas that thing would do a solid 120mph...and handled *decently* with the Metzler tires.  The dudes with the big, large displacement Harleys would always be amazed at how I could keep up with them...and of course I could smoke all the smaller displacement Harleys...  The Valk blows this bike away in many categories, but I still loved that bike.  I should have kept it!  This brings me back to my original post.  I live the VTX 1300...The 'C' model is good looking man...and with the right color...I would like to buy one yet!  Who cares if it is slower or doesn't handle as good...I am sure it is still fun to ride. 

That is really a beautiful bike and it looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. I can see why you have fond memories of it.  Still  a heck of alot different than what you own now.

[AdrianR]

That is really a beautiful bike and it looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. I can see why you have fond memories of it.  Still  a heck of alot different than what you own now.
[/quote]

Thanks dude... I am like that with all of my bikes.  They actually look better when I get then home then from the showroom.  I detail the piss out of em'.

[Kidd]

A man , do you clean the black rims , too ??

Your old VTX looks like a show bike !

[hubcapsc]

A man , do you clean the black rims , too ??

They're awful if you don't clean them... hard to get to
the rear wheel, behind saddlebags... you have to get
the valvestem all the way to the bottom and check it
and air it up from the kickstand side cause the
rotor is in the way on the other side...

-Mike

[AdrianR]

A man , do you clean the black rims , too ??

They're awful if you don't clean them... hard to get to
the rear wheel, behind saddlebags... you have to get
the valvestem all the way to the bottom and check it
and air it up from the kickstand side cause the
rotor is in the way on the other side...

-Mike

Yeah, their a pain to clean for sure.  The black paint is cool and all, but man, they get dirty so fast..I'd actually just like them to be chrome, or a like a high gloss silver...that way the dirt wouldn't be all that easy to see.  Also, the paint job on this new Valk is good, but my old bike with the flame paint job...well they put TONS of clear coat over the flames as they were decals....as a result, was richer...and more durable.  You can see where Honda has betting cutting costs to save money.

[Kidd]

I think I would just take my bike to a car wash and power spray both rims

[Tundra]

Speaking of cleaning...I was obsessed with it previously.
I learned something, silver bike and clear coated silver wheels = less cleaning.
I cleaned this bike one time since I purchased it in November. Return from a ride and a quick 45 second wipe with Bike Spirits, done

[Kidd]

Nice ST1300 
I had a 2006 black , the smoothest  bike I experienced
The only bike I ever dropped and I did so twice , luckily , the tipover bar  prevented  anything else from hitting the ground

Excellent  job , Honda .

I just hope they did as good a job on our Valks