Title: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 10, 2014, 07:59:38 PM Well, I've put 50 miles or so on my new ride today,
(http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-FfHsqkX/0/L/IMGP0957-L.jpg) I ordered the full windscreen and saddle bags as well, hopefully they come in before I leave for inzane. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Jack B on May 10, 2014, 08:07:22 PM We'll after 50 miles what do you think of your new Valk?
Looks good. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 10, 2014, 08:13:40 PM feels lighter and more nimble, and it pulls hard! If I can find a back rest I think the stock seat will be good. time will tell.
I'm going to take it to the Ren-fair tomorrow with my daughter two up, I'll have a much better idea after that. Today was just taking it home and over to a couple different friends to show it off. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Disco on May 10, 2014, 10:21:32 PM Congratulations, Les! :cooldude:
Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: BnB Tom on May 11, 2014, 05:04:40 AM Great lookin Mother's Day gift Les :roll: Can't wait to see it . . . especially after you get the rest of the stuff on it. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Christbiker on May 11, 2014, 05:39:04 AM Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: f-Stop on May 11, 2014, 06:53:23 AM Sweet! :cooldude:
Sure would like to see the bags and shield on one. Your gonna have to post some pics! :) Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: RainMaker on May 11, 2014, 07:38:13 AM It's the right color! Congrats, Les! I look forward to your reports. Especially want to know how the long distance riding works out on your trip to Inzane.
Not that I'll be changing my ride - I don't use all the horsepower I have now so even more would go wasted with a me on new Valk. RainMaker Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Wetrudgeon on May 11, 2014, 02:06:33 PM Les:
That is a nice ride. Congratulations. Please post up your ongoing impressions of the bike; and some photos of it decked out w/screen and bags and whatever. We trudge on. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 11, 2014, 04:10:56 PM So, I rode to the Renaissance fair in Waxahachie, my daughter rode on the back on the ride down. The wind really sucks with no windscreen. The bike handles amazingly well even though the wind was trying to blow me off the bike.
So the bike didn't really feel like it even noticed my daughter on the back, however my daughter decided that without a sissy bar/back rest the grab rails/passenger hand holds are mostly useless with the torque of the bike. :2funny: So the gas gauge is a 8 segment LED, the last segment is supposed to blink when it's down to 1.3 gallons left. When I got back to plano I was down to the last segment, but it was not blinking yet. I pulled into Costco at 171 miles on the first tank, it took 4.7 gallons, for 36.36 mpg. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Wetrudgeon on May 12, 2014, 02:57:40 AM Excellent info. Keep us updated.
We trudge on. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: godfire on May 12, 2014, 07:20:19 PM Too Cool!
Can't wait to see her with bags and a shield! :cooldude: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: HayHauler on May 12, 2014, 08:35:54 PM Congrats!! You got the fastest color too.
Hay 8) Jimmyt Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 14, 2014, 07:29:26 AM Congrats!! You got the fastest color too. Yes, the fastest color is awesome! Hay 8) Jimmyt I have a couple other riding insights after riding a few more days. 1. This is the most comfortable stock seat I've been on! I think it's memory foam, stiff but gives enough that it's not like sitting on a rock. Now all I need is a drivers back rest. 2. The seat suspension combo makes this the smoothest ride ever! Both of my other bikes (2002 valk standard & 2007 VTX 1300 c) would give me a jolt in my back when I went over hard bumps, with this ride I don't hardly notice any bumps in the road. 3. The clutch is very smooth. Starting from a stop it starts to pull almost as soon as you think about going. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: RainMaker on May 14, 2014, 10:21:20 AM Dibs on a ride Saturday!!!
Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 14, 2014, 10:37:57 AM Dibs on a ride Saturday!!! Haha, you're funny! :2funny:Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: BnB Tom on May 15, 2014, 05:06:30 AM Hey Les, either there's another new, blue Valk in Plano or you were out running around on yours yesterday?. :coolsmiley: Did you see the pics of the leather bags on the new valks? Looked pretty good. :cooldude: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 15, 2014, 05:16:58 AM Hey Les, either there's another new, blue Valk in Plano or you were out running around on yours yesterday?. :coolsmiley: Did you see the pics of the leather bags on the new valks? Looked pretty good. :cooldude: T Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: HayHauler on May 15, 2014, 06:58:11 AM Hey Les, either there's another new, blue Valk in Plano or you were out running around on yours yesterday?. :coolsmiley: Did you see the pics of the leather bags on the new valks? Looked pretty good. :cooldude: T Send me a link, I haven't been able to find any photos. I like to see the windshield too. Not a link to pictures, but here are the accessories including PDF installation instructions. http://cssportal.css-club.net/honda/MCA/ (http://cssportal.css-club.net/honda/MCA/) Click ACCEPT and HONDA USER, then NEXT. Select 751CC and up, then GL1800C/2014. Enjoy. Thanks to Dave Ritsema for the links, not me. Hay 8) Jimmyt Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 15, 2014, 08:08:32 AM Hey Les, either there's another new, blue Valk in Plano or you were out running around on yours yesterday?. :coolsmiley: Did you see the pics of the leather bags on the new valks? Looked pretty good. :cooldude: T Send me a link, I haven't been able to find any photos. I like to see the windshield too. Not a link to pictures, but here are the accessories including PDF installation instructions. [url]http://cssportal.css-club.net/honda/MCA/[/url] ([url]http://cssportal.css-club.net/honda/MCA/[/url]) Click ACCEPT and HONDA USER, then NEXT. Select 751CC and up, then GL1800C/2014. Enjoy. Thanks to Dave Ritsema for the links, not me. Hay 8) Jimmyt Thanks Jimmy, I found the post on the general board, Dave put some photos up too. So I was finally able to see what I bought. :cooldude: I can't wait for them to come in, but on a side note, My Abs are getting a good workout not having a windshield :laugh: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Paxton on May 15, 2014, 04:47:51 PM brew1brew;
After 50 miles can you tell that yours is the fastest color? :o Did you ride a Black one for comparison? :laugh: Kiddin' aside, she's beautiful! Congratulations! :cooldude: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 16, 2014, 05:47:27 PM brew1brew; After 50 miles can you tell that yours is the fastest color? :o Did you ride a Black one for comparison? :laugh: Kiddin' aside, she's beautiful! Congratulations! :cooldude: Everyone knows that Blue is that fastest, just ask Jimmy! Thanks Man! Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: HayHauler on May 17, 2014, 10:11:33 AM You got that right. Hehe
Hay 8) Jimmyt Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: keepinon on May 19, 2014, 06:40:34 PM Was at Lunsford's Saturday getting ordered parts for an X I'm rehabbing, they had the blue and maroon Valkyries there... none for test rides tho.
They had a nice display of the 'Wing, F6B, and Valk side x side. The Valk just looks fast sitting there, but no accessories yet. Man, that red F6B was sure pretty, and the same $ as the Valk. Glad I don't have to make a decision. ;D Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Wetrudgeon on May 23, 2014, 03:57:48 PM Les:
Went to RPM Cycle in Farmers Branch today. They recently expanded to include the Honda brand and they had two Valks on the floor. The sales rep had a new "tall" windscreen just received in stock, and we had a look at it (not mounted, but held up to the bike so we could get an idea what it will look like). It is tall; and looked pretty good. Did not yet have the short screen. We trudge on. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 25, 2014, 08:57:52 PM Les: Went to RPM Cycle in Farmers Branch today. They recently expanded to include the Honda brand and they had two Valks on the floor. The sales rep had a new "tall" windscreen just received in stock, and we had a look at it (not mounted, but held up to the bike so we could get an idea what it will look like). It is tall; and looked pretty good. Did not yet have the short screen. We trudge on. I got my windshield and saddlebags Friday, the windshield was mounted friday night. The saddlebags are waiting for the mount brackets, I should have them middle of next week. I'm glad to have the windshield, it makes a huge difference, it is tall but come up to my eye level when I sit straight up. I think it's just about right. It sure helps in the rain. We rode to Kerrville Saturday and home today. It was a very wet day, even had a light show around Hico! I have to say that the new Valk performs outstandingly well! it sticks to the road very well and handles very good. The only thing is you have to pay close attention when when in gears 1-3 if you touch the throttle too hard it will break the back tire loose! How ever it didn't wash out at all, just spun the tack up, the back end stayed true and straight. gave me time to back it down without issue. Now for the after market seat manufactures to come out with a great seat with a driver backrest! Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Wetrudgeon on May 26, 2014, 02:51:02 AM Would like to see photos when you can post some.
We trudge on. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 26, 2014, 08:25:05 AM Would like to see photos when you can post some. We trudge on. I'll post some after she gets a Bath and the saddlebags are mounted, so probably late this week or next weekend. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Westsider on May 26, 2014, 11:31:50 AM Beauty of a machine, :cooldude: I have to take the V-rod stance as far as it being a Valk. :) ;).
You are going to probably really like the EFI ,I know I would. :cooldude: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: HayHauler on May 26, 2014, 05:52:57 PM Les: Went to RPM Cycle in Farmers Branch today. They recently expanded to include the Honda brand and they had two Valks on the floor. The sales rep had a new "tall" windscreen just received in stock, and we had a look at it (not mounted, but held up to the bike so we could get an idea what it will look like). It is tall; and looked pretty good. Did not yet have the short screen. We trudge on. I got my windshield and saddlebags Friday, the windshield was mounted friday night. The saddlebags are waiting for the mount brackets, I should have them middle of next week. I'm glad to have the windshield, it makes a huge difference, it is tall but come up to my eye level when I sit straight up. I think it's just about right. It sure helps in the rain. We rode to Kerrville Saturday and home today. It was a very wet day, even had a light show around Hico! I have to say that the new Valk performs outstandingly well! it sticks to the road very well and handles very good. The only thing is you have to pay close attention when when in gears 1-3 if you touch the throttle too hard it will break the back tire loose! How ever it didn't wash out at all, just spun the tack up, the back end stayed true and straight. gave me time to back it down without issue. Now for the after market seat manufactures to come out with a great seat with a driver backrest! Hay 8) Jimmyt Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 26, 2014, 07:08:34 PM Les: Went to RPM Cycle in Farmers Branch today. They recently expanded to include the Honda brand and they had two Valks on the floor. The sales rep had a new "tall" windscreen just received in stock, and we had a look at it (not mounted, but held up to the bike so we could get an idea what it will look like). It is tall; and looked pretty good. Did not yet have the short screen. We trudge on. I got my windshield and saddlebags Friday, the windshield was mounted friday night. The saddlebags are waiting for the mount brackets, I should have them middle of next week. I'm glad to have the windshield, it makes a huge difference, it is tall but come up to my eye level when I sit straight up. I think it's just about right. It sure helps in the rain. We rode to Kerrville Saturday and home today. It was a very wet day, even had a light show around Hico! I have to say that the new Valk performs outstandingly well! it sticks to the road very well and handles very good. The only thing is you have to pay close attention when when in gears 1-3 if you touch the throttle too hard it will break the back tire loose! How ever it didn't wash out at all, just spun the tack up, the back end stayed true and straight. gave me time to back it down without issue. Now for the after market seat manufactures to come out with a great seat with a driver backrest! Hay 8) Jimmyt Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Disco on May 26, 2014, 08:38:31 PM Hey Les,
How 'bout some pics of the unmounted bags? ;) Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 27, 2014, 05:43:17 AM Hey Les, How 'bout some pics of the unmounted bags? ;) sure, I'll shoot them tonight after work. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 27, 2014, 06:20:45 PM Hey Les, How 'bout some pics of the unmounted bags? ;) Unmounted bags? sure here you go :evil: (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-d4GVm3b/0/L/IMGP0971-L.jpg) HaHa, just kidding Here you go, Bags (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-QtKDSJd/0/L/IMGP0973-L.jpg) Bags & Stays (still waiting on the brackets that mount the stays to the grab rails) (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-K2MBfhJ/0/L/IMGP0974-L.jpg) Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 29, 2014, 08:10:12 PM Ok, Here we go, Brackets came it today, bags are on the bike, I wiped it down, so here you go.
With windshield and bags, I'm ready to ride to Asheville! (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-nt84h99/0/L/IMGP0976-L.jpg) (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-cRJGN5q/0/L/IMGP0977-L.jpg) (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-XDkqjB5/0/L/IMGP0979-L.jpg) (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-4GhHd5x/0/L/IMGP0980-L.jpg) PS - No smart car jokes! And yes I like Blue! Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: BnB Tom on May 30, 2014, 04:18:40 AM The total package looks good! :cooldude: I think the bags 'tone' down the fat fender and wimpy turn signals a lot. Could use a 'dark side' for looks AND traction (from what you've indicated) :evil: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Six Guns on May 30, 2014, 07:44:15 AM Will everything fit in the bags that you are taking to Inzane or are you also taking a T-Bag as well? If you are taking a T-Bag, how will you strap it to the bike?
P.S. Nice looking bike by the way. :cooldude: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 30, 2014, 08:42:04 AM Will everything fit in the bags that you are taking to Inzane or are you also taking a T-Bag as well? If you are taking a T-Bag, how will you strap it to the bike? P.S. Nice looking bike by the way. :cooldude: I'll be using my Nelson-Riggs luggage. although I don't have a sissybar to strap it to, I will be able to strap it down to the grab-rails. The Nelson-Riggs has a set of straps that attach in the middle of the bag that will keep it from falling backwards, it will sit strait up on the back seat. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Ed Norton on May 30, 2014, 09:51:53 AM Les..was there mounting instructions with your windshield ?
Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 30, 2014, 06:18:59 PM Les..was there mounting instructions with your windshield ? No, none of the Honda line accessories have instruction included, they have a slip of paper that has a link to this web site (http://cssportal.css-club.net/honda/MCA/MAIN010.aspx) for international and the accessory web site for USA. I was not able to find the instructions on the USA site, but all of them are on the international web site. PDF format. The thing is that slip of paper only has URLs on it with flags, it does not tell you to go to one of the sites for the instructions. Sort of stupid! Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Ed Norton on May 31, 2014, 04:37:28 AM Yea..I went to the international web site.I thought it was stupid.
Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 31, 2014, 07:47:12 AM Yea..I went to the international web site.I thought it was stupid. What I think is stupid is that the slip of paper with the url's to the documents doesn't tell you that you will find the documents on line. I'm all about reduced wast. The instructions on my Nexus 7 table are very handy. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on May 31, 2014, 07:02:24 PM Ok, One last thing to share, On my 2002 Standard Valk I had put LED driving lights mounted on the top of the engine guards. They are Soundoff Signal ghost mini LED bars. I purchased a 2nd set of them before I bought the new Valk, for my VTX (well now my son-in-law's VTX). So I decided to mount them to the top of the pods that the Honda fog lights go in. The new Valk was pre-wired, all I needed was a $60 wire harness, basically the on/off switch and relay.
So here you go, tell me what you think (http://anthisphoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Misc/i-ZcLS2j4/0/L/IMGP0985-L.jpg) Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: BigTex on June 01, 2014, 12:25:56 AM WOW!
It looks great! I am impressed. Enjoy your ride, BigTex Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Wetrudgeon on June 01, 2014, 03:41:40 AM Looks good. They can better see you coming (if they bother to look).
We understand that one can also mount lights in the forward cut outs behind the crash bar in the manner of the 'Wing. Les, that is a very nice looking bike. We are wanting one. A red one. We trudge on Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: brew1brew on June 01, 2014, 01:34:58 PM Looks good. They can better see you coming (if they bother to look). We understand that one can also mount lights in the forward cut outs behind the crash bar in the manner of the 'Wing. Les, that is a very nice looking bike. We are wanting one. A red one. We trudge on Yes, they have Honda line LED fog lights that can go in the pod's, but they want $600 for them, I had these in my garage waiting to be used. Thanks Man, I'm loving it. But why would you want to slow it down with Red? :evil: Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Wetrudgeon on June 01, 2014, 01:47:49 PM $600. Wow. Well, its only money.
Bike looks good. Real good. We are strongly considering trading the Beast on one of these. Thanks for all the info you have provided. Ride the thing safe and keep us updated on how she behaves and any problems encountered. Expect that problems will be few, and minor (other than $600 light sets). PS: We think red will be plenty fast enough for us. We trudge on. Title: Re: traded 2002 standard for 2014 in blue Post by: Big Ed on June 08, 2014, 07:41:00 PM Lookinfg forward to seeing the new valk at Vane tomorrow.
Congrats...!!! |