Sounding like Adrian...

[OdentonValkyrie]

I'm in the middle of a 500 mile one day round trip ride from Annapolis MD to Fairmont WV to visit my son in college. Almost all interstate in the hills of western MD and WV. I also have a cammed 2011 Victory Vision and a 2010 Honda Stateline as reference points. The  Vision is pretty nice on the highway, but I have to say the Valk blows it away in terms of roll on power and handling. I cannot believe how quickly I can pass someone at 70mph, then look down and I'm suddenly doing 105mph. It seems to ignore the laws of gravity, as it makes no difference if I'm climbing a steep grade - it accelerates just as quickly as on flat ground.  (Now I understand why Adrian gets so excited!). I'm usually not a fast/aggressive rider, but this bike just makes you want to twist the throttle.  I'm also very impressed with the wind management at that speed with my National Cycle Deflector dx windshield.

The engine is unbelievably smooth at 100 mph. As many folks have mentioned, I used to think a 6th gear would be nice, but after today's ride, and getting used to the sound of the engine @3500-4000 rpm,I really don't think it's needed.

While I do miss the Vtwin sound, I must say this thing is incredible. The Vic will still get the duty for longer (week long) trips due to superior weather protection and storage capacity, but when I know the weather is clean for my shorter rides, the Valk will get the call!!

Just some happy ramblings from a satisfied customer!!

[Robert]

Its been raining here on and off lately and the showers come and go. I wanted to get out for a ride and was quite honestly happy it was overcast but really didn't want to get into riding in the rain.  I was just going to go grab something to eat for lunch and go home, so when I came out from lunch, I looked around and was like I dont want to go home yet. So rain or no rain I decided to go for a ride. I could see some rain in the distance and I did go through some light showers but with this bike its no big deal. It was beautiful since it was cool and just when it started to get hot again, the showers cooled me off. Since I keep the bike waxed the rain just beads and rolls off, so when the showers finish me and the bike are pretty dry. As go along I would look at the rain roll across the surface of the bike which was in itself interesting in the patterns and movements it would make. The rain hitting the windshield being pushed up by the air as I went along. Getting to the top and then blowing off around me. I was really the only vehicle on the road so there were not even other drivers to deal with.

When I stopped at the lake I was the only one there and it was quiet, the air was fresh smelling and the birds would occasionally make noises and you could hear the waves on the shore. Since it was cool and overcast it gave a different mood to this area than it usually has. Just think if I had not gone out today I would have missed it. The air and fields being wet the smell of the rain on the fields and grass there was a quietness that you could feel and you only heard the sound of the tires hitting a slightly wet road. Went to my favorite restaurant on my way home and had dinner, then ordered something to go for the wife and when I got home gave her dinner and washed the bike. It doesn't take long and she looked like new again, ready for the next adventure.

I really love this bike, I would not have done this with my other bike and missed a wonderful ride. It doesn't get much better than this.

[AdrianR]

Great post man..I hear ya...   Every time I ride this bike..I am always like WOW...what a machine!!

I will tell you what others have read a zillion times...maybe yourself as well...GET the Michelins if you really want to see what the bike can do.

[Moofner]

Great post man..I hear ya...   Every time I ride this bike..I am always like WOW...what a machine!!

I will tell you what others have read a zillion times...maybe yourself as well...GET the Michelins if you really want to see what the bike can do.

I'm waiting on a longevity report on the Michelins before I commit. Florida Panhandle has a lot of straight roads that don't impress me but do need a long life tire. If I was in a curvy neighborhood this wouldn't be a consideration for me. I also didn't notice any issue with rain grip on the Dunlops since I go into super safe riding mode when the weather goes beyond drizzle.

That all being said, my new Valk is my favorite bike ever. My wife likes our older Valk as she claims it has the proper bike look and feel. Although, she does enjoy the thrill of the new Valk's power and comfy ride. But like a lot of women, she thinks it is better to look good than feel good!

[Robert]

I'm waiting on a longevity report on the Michelins before I commit.

I got 8k so far out of my rear one and could possibly have extended it to 9 to 10k since when I replaced it there was still meat on it and the wear bars were just about ready to contact the road. I was not easy on the tires either and the front is not even a consideration to replace yet. This mileage is what I got out of my Avons on my 1500 in fact a bit better.

[ledany]

@moofner : I changed my Michelin PR4 after a year and 15,000 mls. I could have done 1,500 mls more but the middle of the tire was not that meaty as Robert would say ... and I was curious to try the new Metzeler Roadtec 01 (fall is coming and thus the rain too). 15,000 mls with a rear tire is my routine, thanks to the silk roads in Paris area and my wisdom with the throttle