Newb

[Tbear]

Hi All,

Bought my new 2014 last week. Great experience with Christian at Owen's Motorsports in Charleston, IL.

Coming off a KTM 690 Duke.

So far have added a luggage rack, wanted to add a Shad 45 top case but it is just too big (the mount, really is the massive part for that tiny Honda rack).

This bike is smooth, powerful, and comfortable.

It's one of the extra-fast red ones. 

[Jambriwal]

Tbear, Congratulations on your new bike. I'm into my 3 rd season on mine and its been a great ride. Smooth fast, reliable just like i expected. First one i bought without a test ride. Read a great article about them and picked it up in December after riding 2 min in the parking lot then on the trailer. I live in the Northeast. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do.

[Robert]

Welcome you made a great choice.

 

[KUGO]

Hi All,

Bought my new 2014 last week. Great experience with Christian at Owen's Motorsports in Charleston, IL.

Coming off a KTM 690 Duke.

So far have added a luggage rack, wanted to add a Shad 45 top case but it is just too big (the mount, really is the massive part for that tiny Honda rack).

This bike is smooth, powerful, and comfortable.

It's one of the extra-fast red ones. 

Hi, Tbear!  Imagine my jaw dropping as I read your post!  I, too, am in Charleston, have used the Owen Honda/Indian/No-longer Victory dealership with mostly good results, although I bought mine from a Can-Am Spyder dealership in Woodstock, IL.  (2014 black Valkyrie.)  We seem to be living in No-Valk-land, as I have not seen a new Valk in the area for the two years I've had mine, other than a black trike, which was really sweet, but haven't even seen him since.  I'd have sent you a PM for phone number, etc., but there are some restrictions with new members of this Forum and didn't know if I could.  You'll be happy you found this site as a number of the regulars are very generously helpful.  I come from mostly HD riding and when looking for a newer one (tested a used 2009 batwing that Owen Powersports had advertised) I realized I was really ready and wanting something different.  Found it!  Absolutely no buyer's remorse.  And welcome!   

[allhans4]

   Blue is the fastest.   

[Tbear]

Aw Kugo  I hate to tell you I live in Indianapolis and just went to Owens for the good deal.
 
Funny story though: I was recently working at a Honda store where I looked at a red 2014 Valkyrie on the sales floor every day for over a year and wondered how I was ever going to get it sold.
When the price dropped to $13900 I was up all night trying to figure how to afford it. Couldn't, plus the owner wasn't interested in taking my Duke on trade.


Now I bought one for $5000 less and Owens took my Duke no problems.

Loving my half priced Valk.

[KUGO]

Aw Kugo  I hate to tell you I live in Indianapolis and just went to Owens for the good deal.

[/color]

Bummer!  I'd been keeping my eyes peeled for you when riding around the area this past week.  I guess it's back to accepting the fact that this is No-Valkland.      

The way I have mine "customized/personalized", it doesn't say Honda anywhere visible on the bike.  It doesn't even say "Valkyrie" very visibly.  (I blacked out the chrome aspect of the side cover "Valkyrie" scripts, so most don't notice it or don't know who makes it.)  Very few key in on and recognize the 'Wing-style motor and most have to ask what it is.  They've just never seen one around here.  Anyway, Tbear, let me know if you ever head back this way to see Owen again, though you'll probably have the place you work work on yours, if not yourself.  Have fun with your new ride!   

[Tbear]

Hey we are only a couple hours away I think we could meet up for a ride.

Thinking about "de-badging" mine as well...what did you do about the Honda on the back fender?

Not sure if it is under or on top of any clear coat.

[ledany]

I didn't de-badge, on the contrary ! 



And some people ask : Oh, is it the new BMW ?

[bscrive]

Ledany, that is sacrilege!!!!   

[ledany]

I know but I'm a natural born pirate ! 

I confess I love the BMWs because they are a fine piece of engineering. Ugly for many  but so pleasant to ride ! 

Alas, the brand is nowadays so posh and snob, the reliability is not what it used to be and the maintenance costs are $$$tupidly high. My Valk is what a beemer should be : friendly, reliable, unexpensive etc.

I have this schadenfreude feeling when I consider the R1200 RT liquid cooled or the K16 which are really common in Paris : nice bikes, twice the price of my scooter but so banal ! 

But I reckon the K1600 B is awesome ! 

[KUGO]

AND hilarious!  Love it!  Keep 'em guessing!  Wonder how many people come up to your bike and act like they know that particular BMW model!! 

I've never posted photos before, Tbear, and don't suspect it's worth the hassle from what I've read.  Therefore, I'll try to describe rather than post a pic which would only result in mutual frustration.  I VERY carefully, using a professional heat gun on low, was able to peel off the HONDA on the back fender with very little paint damage, but there was some if you scrutinized.  I wasn't concerned about that as my plan was to replace it with a Nordic-style image of Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, that would cover up any damage.  Worked beautifully.  I put on Rivco highway pegs, which eliminated the the HONDA on both sides of the engine casings and gave me the sweetest looking "custom" result. (I would like to think I could've designed and customize and made them myself if I had had the knowledge and tools to CAD and 3D some out, but I don't and Rivco did exactly like how I would have, which justified their rather steep price, at least to me.)

I searched the 'Net and finally found the right size round Mjolnirs I was looking for in a permanent quality decal in the right color that covers the gas tank Honda wings.  Lastly, I found a round medallion of the Norse compass in silver with black demarcations that I epoxied over the little HONDA square emblem on the gas tank lid, which gives me a place to lift up on when I key the gas cap lock.  Love how people puzzle over the whole thing and come up with amazing guesses.  And yes, I'm of Nordic descent.  No, I'd rather the Bears beat the Vikings.  And Greenbay, while I'm making my wish-list.   

[enroute1]

To each their own... But why de-badge or re-badge at all?
BMW has one of the worst reliability records and poor dealer network in Motorcycling. Why down grade?
Honda arguably produces the worlds finest motors and most reliable motorcycles.  
Be proud of what you are lucky enough to be riding,,,

[Tbear]

First, Ledanye, that is funny and leads into my whole "de-badging" theory I learned from the late Sal Detillio SR "If they don't know what it is, ****'em". Your theory could be if they don't know what it is, fool them, I personally am weary of wasting time on fools.

One thing I learned that makes me loathe to mess with is the glassine Honda wing on the tank. That is the badge that Big Red puts on their proudest engineering accomplishments. Otherwise I would like to remove all references so "If they don't know what it is, ****'em."

So Kugo if I try to remove the tacky "Honda" from the rear fender I should be prepared to put something there to cover any boo-boos.

 And growing up in Michigan it has been a painful journey with the Lions. Never even BEEN to a SB. BAH

[Wayne Basso]

The new Indians have there logo on everything, tank, engine cover, footboards, saddlebag closures, etc.  I like asking the owner if that is the new Harley and wait for the response.

[KUGO]

"So Kugo if I try to remove the tacky "Honda" from the rear fender I should be prepared to put something there to cover any boo-boos." -Tbear

In my case yes, but if you are very careful and patient and have someone else hold the heat gun/hairdryer for you it is possible to do it cleanly.  I actually had been patient and had been successful.  But after more than ten minutes and only being halfway done, I started to speed up the procedure.  That was a mistake.  I'd still pick something out you like and order it, just in case.  Doesn't have to be large, either.  Besides, that way you'll be able to tell your Valkyrie apart from the hundreds of others at motorcycle events!  (There might be two!)   

[cgillikin]

Hey we are only a couple hours away I think we could meet up for a ride.

Thinking about "de-badging" mine as well...what did you do about the Honda on the back fender?

Not sure if it is under or on top of any clear coat.

I installed a 6 light LED strip over the Honda label and wired to a brake light modulator. Two birds....