Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club

Is it possible to put some decent luggage,a rack,and a normal looking windshield on this new Valk ?
I rode the 1500 Tourer and Interstate for a number of years and I like this new motor.
The old bike had 35 liter hard bags and plenty of room for a big tank bag.
Is the tank on this new one metal ? I like magnetic tank bags.
The bags on the F6 are very small and so are the Corbin hard bags.

               thanks,
                          JJ

My main concern would be the stiff suspension .
The first gen Valk has a plush ride , not the new Valk.

I am having to spend  $1k   on a rear  spring  , I am the test subject  for the company supplying the  rear shock

I do not agree totally that the 1500 Valkyrie had a plusher ride. Sinc eI owned two of those as well. Like I have told you in private if you think just changing the shock is going to make a plush ride you are mistaken.

The forks and the shock of the bike work together. Changing one way help or hurt the overall performance of the suspension. If the dampening rates in the shock are changed but the same is not done to the front you will still end up with a harsh non compliant ride.

Are you there test mule for Valkyries (possibly). But suspension is not as easy as just saying I weight this much and want a plush ride. The downside to not going to the source to have the work done in person is that you will play tag back and forth.

Different scenario but sample principle would be when I had a base line suspension setup done at the track on my stock suspension. I went out on track and the bike was chattering on the brakes going into corners and exiting on the gas.

I go in an tell the guy the issue and his response was "oh you are one of those guys that likes soft suspension". I do not think I like soft suspension but know that there is more to suspension than just a shock and an adjustment.

Tires come into play. Michelins will perform better on a stiffer suspension since they flex more and act as a dampening force. Try to same settings on a Dunlop and you think you are riding on a hard tail.

I still have a 1500 and it gave me the idea to use 1500 type bags and soon I will try a 1500 tourer windshield modified.  My test windshield is shot so no 1500 parts will be hurt in the video.   Also look at Brian's pictures with 1500 bags, (bscrive)


Nope I am not going to put an interstate trunk on this. Wait :2funny:


(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag259/EBeybuzzard/image_zpsljkvypxa.jpeg)

The factory Honda accessory bags are 24L each, a mid-large-sized bag in the motorcycle world.  You can install larger bags on the factory Honda brackets, just buy bags with a 'blank' (non pre-drilled) backside.  The factory Honda bags are well proportioned for the bike, they fit the allotted area well and do not get in the way, which I can't guarantee if you go larger.

As I frequently mention, Gustafsson Plastics makes windshields in an entire range of sizes for our new Valk

https://bikescreen.com/collections/popular-items/products/honda-goldwing-valkyrie-f6c-2014-2016

Choose the height, mounting system and plastic color of your choice - a huge combination of options to find your preference.  

The tank is steel and holds 6.2 gallons, good for a continuous road cruise at a standard 65-70MPH solo rider range of about 220 miles before you need to seriously be concerned about finding fuel.  YMMV, of course, but minimum range cruise range (that is, relatively constant without playing animal on the throttle) is at least 190 miles.  I get from 40MPG to 45MPG on average over various road conditions.

Seat is the real distance killer on the Valk, the stock seat stinks.  Too square, too wide with not enough front taper and too hard.  For touring a new seat is an absolute requirement, once you get one that you are happy with then touring is easy.  Highway pegs IMHO are also pretty much a requirement on Gold Wings, as I've discovered, but I guess that is why there are so many styles available, you need them on long trips to give your knees some stretching-out space from the behind-the-engine location.  I'm using Mick-O-Peg DD's, they are great.

I do 1,000 a weekend on average, usually 6 to 11 hours a day, touring is very doable on this bike.  Get your seating straightened out and add a shield of your choice and away you'll go, the rest of the bike is very well sorted and absolutely, amazingly refined, makes distances go by easy.

You can always get an F6B.

I just installed some large viking bags, pics will be up later in another thread. I also have a large LeatherLyke trunk. All are lockable.

If only I could afford two.  I hear ya, a nakid 1800c is awesome.  I do feel lucky that I have a wife who will be on the back every time I ride, but that makes for bags and stuff.   But you are fortunate as well.

I have owned a 1999  and a 2001 Valk , 2 months ago I rode a 1998 Valk  

The ride on the 2014 is jarring , others have stated the  same thing here on this board

I do not disagree with you , Dragunslayer , Tuesday , my bike goes in to switch out springs in the hopes and we'll  see how it turns out .
When they replaced the shock the first time , I could tell a 10 to 15 % difference , it just took the edge off , less edgy , less sharp .
I may end up doing something with the front , too.

I will be interested in your findings Kidd.  I want to do something with my rear suspension as well.

Did you remember to change the rear preload to match your weight and load?  I found the bike's ride tight and a bit 'hard', but I was used to that from my Vulcan.  Then I turned down the preload by 2/3 turn, as mentioned by several here, and wow, what a difference, I rarely get bumped out of the seat now.

There are great deals on Cycletrader for leftover F6B's

http://www.cycletrader.com/search-results?type=Motorcycle%7C356953&radius=150&sort=price%3Aasc&modelkeyword=1&condition=N&page=1&make=Honda%7C2316874&model=f6b%7C764856945&trim=F6B%20DELUXE%7C4893& (http://www.cycletrader.com/search-results?type=Motorcycle%7C356953&radius=150&sort=price%3Aasc&modelkeyword=1&condition=N&page=1&make=Honda%7C2316874&model=f6b%7C764856945&trim=F6B%20DELUXE%7C4893&)

If you are looking for a certain level of equipment, by the time you buy a Valk and put on bags (factory bags are $850 including both sets of required brackets, and that's an eBay price) plus shield ($200+) plus a seat ($500+) and any other things you'd want, you'd end up at the same price as these leftover F6B's.  I really wanted an F6B but glad I bought the Valk as I have parking space problems and the F6B's additional size would have just caused me many, many problems.  But if you want the ability of an F6B then just buy what you need outright.

For me the F6B would need lots of options that will need some serious coin as well like taller windshield, new seat, pod lights, deluxe model, Rivco highway pegs, passenger seat back, rear carrier to name a few.  A great bike and the flat gray just does it for me!!!  I think Honda should have done one of our 1800c Valkyrie's in the flat gray with the rest all blacked out.  Umm.   :uglystupid2:

(http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag259/EBeybuzzard/IMG_0563_zpstancaltq.jpeg)

But the Valk would need the same additions you listed if they are needed on the F6B, plus on the Valk you'd still need to deal with luggage (plus the sound system, if so inclined).  The F6B's stock seat is miles ahead of the stock Valk seat, you may not need to change it at all in comparison to our Valks which beg for a seat change.

There are several red F6B's for sale on leftovers, and the pre-2015 red is very nice (why Honda switched to the brighter, but IMHO less classy, red on both the F6B and Valk I'll never know).  The new red is sportier but since when are these bikes "sporty"?  They are big cruisers / tourers / roadsters, not sportbikes.

Oh I know as I have champion hard bags a windshield and $$$ Corbin seat on the 1800c And my tunes are my Sena headset and the iPhone or iPod.  I'm with you, if I could afford it I would like a stripped 1800c with solo Corbin seat only, never two up. And the F6B for when two up.  If I come into some money I will have the F6B along side my 1500 F6C and 1800c.  

Yeah, for two-up I'd probably recommend just getting a F6B as it is sorted out from the factory that way.  Again, since I'm solo I glad I got the Valkyrie, especially for the price I paid, it works perfectly and its somewhat sportier flair works when riding single.

I met allhans4 (screen name who posted above) briefly once and he rolls in with the Valk without all the stuff and I remember the times mine was that way and miss it. His bike looked so good and it was the first time I saw a blue one in the sunlight  :cooldude:

I believe Honda designed it that way, to be nakid and the F6B to be touring capable.  Hats off to so many here that have really worked hard to adapt as it isn't a bolt on world for the most part.  

I dont know how anyone can say the 1500 has a better suspension than the 1800. I own both and hands down the 1800 soaks up the miles like the 1500 only dreamed of. Alot of it has to do with chassis stiffness and single side swing arm of the 1800 and the lack of it in some other bikes. I have the Progressive suspension the 1500 also that helped from the factory garbage. I watched the old Harley's go down the road and hit a bump and jump to the side a bit. Now that is one thing the 1500 doesn't do but the 1800 is much more solid on the road. I soak up more miles faster on my 1800 than the 1500 hands down. Not to mention the heat from the engine on the 1800 is really non exsistant compared to the 1500. Stuck in traffic or going down the road that heat is a problem that the 1800 doesn't have. Its also nice to have the extra power of the 1800 and have used it on occasion just to get out of a situation. The 1500 is not slow but the 1800 is just a bit quicker.

All around the 1800 is upgrade over the 1500 in performance and handling and comfort, but the 1500 is still one of the sweetest bikes on the road and you cant beat the looks.

Had the chance to drive a 1500 wing and compared it to the 1500 Valk and alot of what I enjoy about the 1800 Valk was in the 1500 wing. The suspension and stiffness in the chassis and comfort was there which kind of showed me that the difference in the construction of the bike frame itself. Which is probably why Honda fought the construction of the 1500 Valkyrie since it goes a bit old school on the chassis and suspension design as compared to the wing. I can now understand the problem in Japanese thinking in making the 1500 Valk. As an engineering standpoint only, the 1500 Valk was inferior to the Wing with its chassis and suspension. They just didn't get the curb appeal of chrome, big engine and maybe not as good handling as the wing. But its like your parents when you wanted to buy a hot rod that they did not understand the appeal either.

We have come a long way in design of chassis stiffness and that contributing to handling and ride comfort. You might compare it to the new and old Dodge Viper or the AC Cobra over the new Dodge Charger. So much different and while one would wiggle and flex hitting bumps the other stays solid and sure. This is where chassis stiffness really comes into play. You cant have a great handling car or bike if the chassis flexes going over bumps.

Kidd you have had one problem after another with the 1800 Valk. From exhaust noise, to ride to a few other minor problems. Are you generally happy with it, I cant understand why you have these issues. I have not seen anyone else have the problems you described as serious. So whats up?

The F6B is a wing, buy the wing and get it over with, you'll pay a bit more but have every convenience offered and have all the luggage you want.

                                 i had a 1998 1500 Valkyrie, loved it but had to get a 2014 for the motor, now it has Honda bags, stock seat, home modified 18 in. high wind screen, hwy pegs, self installed less $ driving lites, viking hard trunk with self made mounts to put it right behind me, as on those long trips I only ride solo, and a self made rack, so if needed, I can take extra bag of stuff, there is plenty of room for all I need to carry.... been on 3- 4 or more day trips, from about 800 miles to over 2000, all works well for me....... and now that I have my 1975 GL1000 for day rides i'm all set to enjoy those short 200 mile or so day rides, and take the 1832 for those GO FAST or long distance trips......as I have said before each one has to get, or set up the bike to his, or her own likeings, each bike should be an expression of your own personality, and not be a cookie cutter stamped out duplicate of any other bike on the road........just my thoughts, I have had only 8 bikes in my 48 years of riding with a total of 200,000 plus miles, so i'm not a ride 800+ mile a day rider,I like to enjoy the sites as I ride, so keep it to like 400 miles per day......... ride safe LIFE is good...........

I just added my highway pegs and will be eyeing up a corbin after my vacation. I agree with others that a F6B would be better out of the box for touring, but I just don't like playing it the normal way.

This Valk still has a touring pedigree at its core. We just get to choose the adds and mods that slowly coax that touring mode out. I like that more than the entire bloated package.

Ha, you have a great memory!  It's still the way you remember it. I think it's perfect right out of the crate.  :cooldude:

Considering all the whining I do  , somehow , I have managed to rack up 12K miles  since April .
It's all subjective although you probably get tired of reading my complaints about the suspension , noise , forward leaning bars and  I forget what else I am whining about .
It's hard for me to keep track of all my complaints
BTW , others have  complained all that I have minus the muffler drone , that's all mine .

I actually took my first long ride yesterday , Sedona to Prescott Valley and back , that must of been a 120 mile trip  , part of that through twistes

Thank god I did not pay $18K for the Valk , I'd be really mad then .
And now I have spent an extra $3800  on after market  stuff and I am not done spending

I just didn't expect  the Valk to have less cruiser type qualities and more sport like qualities , as in the EVO 6

I agree, that's why I've kept mine in light-tour / "roadster bagger" mode, I don't want to overload her into something she's not.  Light tourer is what I wanted and I got exactly what I had hoped for; I loved the F6B but when I visited my local dealer to take another look at the model (have done so several times) it was shoved into a corner, surrounded by other bikes on all sides.  For the first time its size became very apparent, a burden if you don't have space to move it or simply if the size seems out of your range.  The Valk solves that dilemma with less size, lower weight and a sportier demeanor.

That's all I am really saying is that to get the most you need to look at the forks as well. While everyone has there own opinion I actually take more issue with the front forks than I do the shock itself. Some of that may be my riding style, the rest may be because of my weight over the average Valkyrie rider.

I feel at 230 lbs. I fall into the middle ground of average. The other thing that falls into a riders opinion is the roads they spend most their time on. It's kinda like I NEVER get the mileage others get. I attribute that to most the roads I ride are country twisties which are chip and seal which do nothing for mileage.

What do I mean by that is that my opinion of the stock suspension could be based just on the fact that Missouri roads are not as bad as others.

My '14 tours well solo with the backrest and rack combo serving as an anchor point to secure a vertical tailbag, and usually two stacked river bags across the passenger seat. A small bungee net gives a lot of options too. Sometimes I'll use a magnetic tank bag for the convenience to get at small items while seated. The stock seat has served me well on a couple 1k weekenders so far.

I ride with the rear preload backed all the way off, even though I'm over 200 lbs the spring has more than enough rate for me and the machine. It's never bottomed out or felt too weak in fast riding. It seems to be well balanced to the fork under all conditions. I could see adding preload if I was adding an adult passenger.

Still running the short boulevard shield, but want to get one perhaps twice as tall.

I weigh 270 lbs and have my spring rate maxed out on the back. I don't find the suspension jarring at all. It doesn't even bottom out when my wife rides with me (I believe she is about 190, but I don't dare ask). I do find the front end to be light during heavy acceleration and braking, but these things do not bother me since I came off sport touring bandits as my primary ride. Stock 1200 Bandits are notorious for having mediocre to moderate stock suspensions that do not like the torque that sweet 4 banger could push. It all comes down to application of power and riding.

Aggressive, attack every corner, riders will find this suspension lacking while cruiser, straight laid back, riders will find it too stiff. I feel as if Honda struck a balance with our bike, reducing the weight and giving it a firmer attack for fun. As I said in an earlier post, you can coax out the touring pedigree with enough money and mods. It just depends on how bad you want it.

For me, the new valk is about making it my own.  Sure, I do a lot of stuff that the average person does not want, but I want it.  I looked at the F6B when I was buying this bike and I was just not that impressed.  The fairing was huge and the bags were small.  Now I have Interstate bags, which are the perfect size, and will soon have a smallish fairing.  I am intrigued to see how it will look.

My idea is to have a bike that no-one else has.  I don't want a cookie cutter bike just like the hundreds of OEM Valkyries out there.  I want something that sets itself apart from the rest.  I already get lots of looks and interest in the bike when I stop for gas or at a store.  People are always surprised to find out that it is a Valkyrie.

The Honda bags are too small. The F6 bags are too small. The Corbins are too expensive and too small.
I don't like all the "stuff" on the F6 although I do like the fairing.
The F6 costs a lot more. A LOT more.
I would like hard bags but would use soft ones if they were big enough & well made.
I've never seen a Grand Touring 20" Tall 25.5" Wide or a Max Tour 20" Tall 33" Wide    
They have hardware that mount them ?
It's so hard to guess the proper height of a windshield. If it's too short you're screwed and cutting a too tall one is hard to do perfectly.
I like the 1500 Valk bags. Tsukayu doesn't make bags for this bike but maybe they could be mounted.
The windshield & the bags are the most important items for me.
A great seat,passenger backrest & rack are also priorities.

                          JJ

Well, let's start with your height and where you want the wind flow to hit you (or not).  Shoulder-level, neck-level, mid-helmet level or above the head?  Warning that anything higher than the shoulder but lower than over the head usually just ends up noisy, buffeting or both.

The Honda brackets (you need 2 sets, one set attaches to the bike and the other set attaches to that in turn) create a very standard-style saddlebag stay 'loop' that can fit pretty much your choice of anything.  Like this

(http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/kacAAOSwAF5UZ68j/s-l225.jpg)

If you want or need larger bags go ahead and shop for some, just make sure that the backs are not pre-drilled so that you can adjust the height from the exhausts while mounting.  If you get larger bags they'll just have to stick up higher on the stays.  Several people have created their own stay systems for larger, or different bags.

Tsukayu has their Strong bags or the Jumbo strong bags.  I was looking at them, but decided that I want 1500 Interstate bags.

For the seat I put on a Russell Daylong and I love it.  Changing the seat for me was of utmost importance.  The OEM seat is just soooooo horrible.  I think a brick would be better.  :2funny:

Most everything on my bike is custom or semi-customized.  Unfortunately, that is what is needed since there is not much out there for this bike.  It is fine for me, but if you don't have the tools, skill, or someone close that can do this for you then you are pretty much out of luck.

My next project is to fit a batwing fairing on my bike.  Again, it will be a lot of custom work to get it to work, but I love doing this kinda stuff.  I have tried a few windshields and I am still not satisfied.  That is why I decided to go radical with the batwing.  If it works then it will be Nirvana.   :2funny: :2funny: :2funny:

For some big bags check out this post on the viking bags me and another member installed that are the biggest bags I have ever had and they are lockable.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,89382.0.html (http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,89382.0.html)

I had wide bags on my bike like that last year, but I found that they stuck out too far and I almost clipped them a few times.

The most practical way for carrying a passenger and using large luggage would be mounting a hardshell trunk onto the rear carrier, without the backrest sissy bar.

Saddlebags make the bike too wide, unless using the thin deep ones, but why bother?

Bscrive, viking has bags as thin as 6 inches.

Texrider, I actually have been using a LeatherLyke large trunk with built in backrest this year. It's been ok but a few times I really wished I had more space hence why I went with the big viking bags.

The Viking bags are 35 liter. Same size as the Honda & Champion hard ones. Not bad.
The large Tsukayu would work.
The worst place of all the places that you can carry things on a bike is where people put a trunk behind the passenger. Way high up and way far back. A very bad idea as far as handling goes.
I know you hear the saying "I forget it's there". I wouldn't.
The trouble with large bags on this bike is the width since all these bags don't hug the lines of the bike like my Stratoliner Corbins do.
Two 35 liter bags,a rack with a 25 - 35 liter bag and a tank bag would work.
I'd post a pic but there's no option.
My bags are 45 liters each on the Strato yet they stick out no further than these smaller bags.
http://corbin.com/yamaha/ylnrbag.shtml (http://corbin.com/yamaha/ylnrbag.shtml)

                        JJ

I couldn't believe that the Corbins for this Honda are the same price as my Strato ones and are HALF the size.
I didn't expect them to be half price but the SAME price is insane.

                    JJ

I wonder if a handy person (not me) could fabricate a way to mount my Strato bags onto this Valkyrie.
Those & a decent windshield/lowers/rack/seat/passenger backrest/highway pegs and I'm done.

                      JJ

Yes , you'll probably pay out the nose for the work , fabricatin' takes time and money .

If I were you , I'd man up and buy the Corbins  and use a duffel bag  for the extra stuff you need for a trip :roll:

Fabricating up some brackets for the Strato bags would not be a problem, but I don't think they would work because of the way they curve in on each side in the back.  The front may have to be out quite a ways. 

I don't live too far from you, so we could try something like this over the winter, but you would have to bring the bags here.  I can supply the bike for the R&D.  ;D

I had to make the brackets to put on my 1500 Interstate bags.

My local boys may be able to help. No hurry. My bikes are still runnin' great.
Can't beat that Honda Six.

            JJ

I've bought my 2014 Black Valkyrie August 2016, brand new and still in the crate...I looked for several weeks on cycle trader...Finally found one in El Campo Texas, paid $9,999.00.......My buddy bought his 2014 Valkyrie new in 2014, he flew to Chattanooga Tn. and he paid $14,000.00...He races Pro Endurance, owns several bikes, buys older bikes, rebuilds them, rides them, then sells them..He's very talented and knowledgable on any bike..My wife loved his Valkyrie, she didn't like the GW, said it was an old mans bike, haaaaa, I'm 59 so I guess I'm not old enough..I took her on a 2 hour ride on his Valk in the southern Texas heat. He's changed the rear shock and reworked the front forks, so I never knew how the stock Valk rode...Riding 2 up on his Valk was very very smooth, never felt bumps, cornered like silk with 2 up..Once I bought my Valk, I could tell a big difference in the ride/suspension...I'm gonna buy the same rear shock and fork rebuild and let him install these..I also bought the OEM leather bags, luggage rack, sissy bar and tall Honda windshield, this OEM windshield works excellent and is a blessing deflecting the wind and road bugs..I added the Kuryakyn black Ergo II Cruise Mount Highway pegs and Kuryakyn Passenger Cruise Pegs for the wife.. The seat is ok for now, my buddy had a Corbin which was better than stock but I want to get the Russell Day seat, it looks very soft...
We both rode from Sugar Land Texas to Colorado, 11 day trip in July, I was on my Voyager and he on his Valkyrie...A V Twin isn't even close to the ride, comfort and effortless power like his Valkyrie...
I like the Cruiser type ride, no frills and I'm itching to go back but on the Valkyrie this time...

Thanks for the insight.  :cooldude:

            JJ

I  have allready replaced my rear  shock and spring , was still too stiff , tomorrow we are replacing the spring with a softer one in the hopes of less jarring ride

What company is your friend using for shock  replacement ??

I notice you stated he changed the shock and made changes to the forks. Sounds like he knows how to make a a great bike better. Changing one end or the other with a combined effort will most likely result in the same poor suspension.

I have to wonder if the 1800 Valk you rode had the shock adjusted to the stiffest position, The rear shock is adjustable.

I had a VTX 1300c and a 2002 Valk Standard 1500, my 2014 Valk ride is smoother and I feel less jarring bumps than I did on ether of my other two bikes. And I have a tumor in my lower back that is pushing on a nerve root. Believe me, I really notice hard jarring bumps and this bike is by far the best ride or the three I listed.

 

I have not found it jarring to ride to be honest but it just occurred to me that long ago I wound down the preload as far as it could go in an attempt to get some relief from that seat. I don't remember winding it back up.

It's a drag that every maker puts crappy seats on their bikes.
I've replaced the seat on most of my bikes although my V65 Sabre had a very good seat.

                    JJ

Thanks for the Gustaffson link as I have ordered the 10" with light smoke to go with the menacing black colour of my 2015 Valkyrie.  I purchased the bike for $14k with150km on it!  The bike came with the Honda boulevard screen (5") - which actually does a remarkable job on the highway breaking the wind from your chest.  I figured the 10" custom windshield would do a perfect job and blend nicely with the look of the bike.

My Valk has now 34,000 mls on the clock and today, in the only curves of our famous highway, the jarring began at 112 mph so I had to give up. Last year the bike had 16,000 mls and I could go faster without jarring. I'm 143 lbs, I thought the rear shock and front spring would last longer   :-[
From day one, I fixed the shock as stiff as possible.  8)

34K is a long time for motorcycle suspension, it is certainly time to service the forks with new oil and seals and service or replace the rear shock.  There is nothing wrong, you got good life out of them.

I have my forks serviced at around 24K, generally.

A long time for japanese suspension !  :2funny:
With my former BMW K1200 R and K1200 GT, the shocks were quite allright still, with twice the mileage. The curves I'm talking about are my landmark  ;D
But you are right : I have to change the oil fork (BMW telelever where are you ?  :'() , I'll let the dealer fix it and ask him about the sleeves.  ;)

Lawg Dog is referring to me.  The front shock has the AK20 Cartridges from Traxxion Dynamics.  The stock suspension is ok, but can be improved.  The AKs are awesome, but after doing the front I could definitely tell the rear shock could use some improvement.  So I had on road off road suspension in Austin, Texas get a Penske rear for me.  It is a little to stiff, so it needs a little tweaking.  I just havent had time to pay him a visit yet.

Yeah, but that's not really a fair comparison, the BMW's you mention are Telelever with "real" gas monotube shocks, not a valved atmospheric telescopic fork.  A tube shock will outlive any fork's service lifespan any day of any year. 

Servicing forks is just something that mortals need to do  ;)  I've got to get mine done, the roads here have beaten my front end to pulp.