Phat gurl alternative?

[Chippy01]

A little background first …
I bought my Standard in Jan of 2007, and have had 13 years of pleasurable ownership. Put up a more than a few thousand miles with my other half up on back, cruising all over Ireland. In fact it's very rare that the Valk goes anywhere without the two of us.

I also have an '88 750 Magna (aka SuperMagna), that is set up for solo riding for commuting in and out to work. It is also a hoot to ride, easily manageable, and with over 100,000 on the clock she still runs well.

Anyway, recent health issues have started to show that the Phat Gurl is getting to be quite a handful, and herself is worried that one day that handful might be just a tad to much.

So, I guess the question is - IF you were ever faced with the unthinkable decision to 'downgrade' from the Valk, what would you turn to?

Basic criteria would be preferably shaft drive (mavbe belt, but not chain), comfortable and strong enough to take two-up easily, cruiser styling, lower centre of gravity for easier handling etc, and maybe some storage either fixed or removable.

Trikes are out of the equation. They are just not for me.
As for us, I am 6'1'' and 220+ lbs, and herself is 5'6'' and around 200 lbs.



We are in total lockdown here at the moment due to CoVid19, and I won't be doing any serious looking around until this is all over, I would just like a few options that I (and herself) can research over the next few months or so.

[hubcapsc]

You'll have to go and ride some. I went and rode an Indian Springfield, it's
like a Tourer, hard bags and a windshield. It has a potato-potato motor,
but it handles great and feels light (it is not), everything about it seems
first class.

Ten years ago or so I saw some guys in the mountains having as much fun
as any Valkyrie rider I ever saw on Kawasaki Versys 650s like these:



-Mike "I think newer Versys' are fugly"

[Moonshot_1]

Know you said trikes aren't for you but I would suggest a Can-Am Spyder. Know folks who have made the jump from Harleys to the Can-Am and they love them. Given your gal rides with you the idea of this being a health concern or limitation I believe that the extra rider (your gal) would be a concern for a 2 wheeled vehicle going forward and not likely to significantly improve.

Currently my wife has her own bike. We do two up on occasion. It is not getting easier. Should we find ourselves in your situation, the Can-Am would be an option.

Or a kick ass convertible. That would work too.

[_Sheffjs_]

Newer, if 700cc works, I would say the Honda CTX 700 is an option (I realize it is chain but a nice bike)
 
Maybe  CTX 1300


Also an older option 1100 Honda Shadow (Tourer model) is like a mini valk    [url=https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L49559049]https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L49559049[/url]

[url=https://s1370.photobucket.com/user/EBeybuzzard/slideshow/Shadow%20Tourer]https://s1370.photobucket.com/user/EBeybuzzard/slideshow/Shadow%20Tourer[/url]

[scooperhsd]

Or for something a little more car-like  - a CanAm Slingshot .

[cookiedough]

not knowing your money situation, but what about a can am ryker with a 2-up seat?  Not sure how comfy they are for passenger with 2-up seat riding 2-up, but if go that route, are under 10K new and give it a year or two am sure some 900cc ones will be in that 7K range or so used.  I would not do the 600cc motor for 50 hp is adequate riding 1-up maybe, but not much more to get the 900cc engine with around 82 hp

can am spyders are o.k. but those slingshots are way too big and expensive for my tastes like an open car convertible with a 4 cylinder GM engine in them.  NOT a fan of any 4 cylinder GM engine ever. 

I sat in a slingshot once and could not get up and out of them...   

Am sure one day the VAlk at 800PLUS lbs. will be too heavy for me as well that time will come for most of us and will see about on 3 wheels at that time. 

I do have a used suzuki burgmann 650cc (actually 638cc) vtwin 54p scooter and that things is a blast to drive up to say 80 mph will keep up with anything offers best storage under seat by far,  best wind protection and comfort and ease of driving even though weighs 600lbs. feels like 350lbs. to me can rail it with the best of them and not slow either.  ONLY thing I can downfall is front suspension not the best vs. most real cycles but I air the front tires down to help absorb some of the bumps in the road.    Has a HUGE seat for both passenger and driver me 290lbs. and wife 160lbs. plenty of room and pretty comfy do not feel her on back at all purrs like a kitten.   Most used ones can be had for 2500-3K without breaking the bank and only yearly maintenance is changing oil every year is all, for the most part. 

[cagrote]

If you really want 2 wheels I like the Honda vtx as an option the 1300 has plenty of power for two up.  If you want bigger the 1800 is an option.  I ride the 1300 when not on the valk it's lighter lower to the ground and handles like a dream.

[NautiBrit]

After selling my Valk, I bounced around a few bikes and ended up with a BMW R1200R. It's light, handles like dream, has a low center of gravity and all the power you could want for 2-up riding. It can be expensive to service, but mostly it's DIY.  Mine is a 2017 with all the bells and whistles,  but they are available with less features at a reasonable price.

I also have a CanAm Spyder F3-L and it's a fun, practical experience.

[Chippy01]

Thanks for the answers so far guys.  

A few years back, I was browsing in a bike shop and came across a BMW K1200LT (I think that's what it was). Shafty, built in luggage, electric screen, electric centre stand, cruise, etc, etc, etc …. the list was endless to the spec of that there machine.
Took it for a quick run around the block, and said to herself that if there was ever a time the Valk got too much, this would be a perfect replacement.
That was, until I did some research on it. The myriad of problems that model had was almost as long as it's option list. Not only problematic, but cursed expensive to fix.
I also found out that most of the brand had expensive 'issues' as well. That put me off BMW for life. Remember, I'm used to Honda's reliability and 'reasonable-ish' parts pricing.

I've always looked down on the Shadow as a Harley wannabe, but that 1100 that was linked looked quite nice. Perhaps my eyes are opening in my old age …. lol

VTX's look OK. I remember when Honda had both the 1800 and the 1300 together at a show some years back, and I parked mine and hers arses on the seats. One was definitely more comfortable than the other, but the other was more practical (for want of a better word) than the one. I can't remember which was which, but each had an advantage over it's sibling.

CTX1300. Now isn't that a futuristic looking machine? It's like a smaller version of Honda's F6B.
The V4 configuration might just win the day (I'm well used to the V4 in my Magna) against a twin, BUT my options here are still wide open.

Besides the mentioning of the Can-Am (sorry guys, not my thing really. And herself said ''errrrm, no'' as well), it's nice to see all the options being with Honda. To be honest, I'd prefer to stay with Honda, but as I said - my options are very much open.

Didn't Yamaha bring out some 4 cylinder Star models as well as the twins?

Kawasaki's VN/Vulcan range is confusing to say the least.

What are Suzuki's Intruders like?

And herself has just sent me a link to a 1600 Thunderbird    https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/triumph-thunderbird-1600/24548277

Cue cat and pigeons ……………….

[_Sheffjs_]

Didn't Yamaha bring out some 4 cylinder Star models as well as the twins?

Kawasaki's VN/Vulcan range is confusing to say the least.

What are Suzuki's Intruders like?


Had Yam and Vulcans - stay on the Honda track.    My opinion.  

[Oldfishguy]

Indian.  Springfield maybe?

They got it right.  What you are looking for is low speed handling, parking lot stuff I think.  The Indian has the weight down low and balanced.  A low geared 1st gear as well.  But you have to go ride one.  They have the draw backs like a v twin does but they are nice machines.

Best of luck.  

[Alpha Dog]

I agree about the Indian Springfield, it is a heavy bike though.  The Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited will outperform most motorcycles.  Low to the ground, great perch for the wife, and a lot of tech.  The ergos can be set up to comfortably to fit every rider.  But you said not for you.  I would throw in the Yamaha V star 1300, tourer or deluxe model.  A lighter and thinner bike that will handle combined weight well.  Yamaha reliability. An ecu flash available from Ivan's performance products and air kit that will bring hp and tq close to 90. Belt drive and FI. It easily outperforms both Honda VTX 1300 and VT 1300 bikes.  Also fenders are metal.  And great prices on used bikes.
Best of luck on your search.

[h13man]

VT1100 Shadows are about 625 lb. or less though you're 3" taller and 40 lbs. more than myself, our lady's seem to be about same size. I wouldn't suggest the VT1100C/Spirit as it takes a bit more at low speed handling due to rake and them damn Buckhorn bars though there is a cheap alternative to replace them without any changes. The 1100 Ace Tourer & the Sabre might be better option.

If you like the"standard"/Valk riding position, I'd suggest the newer CB1100 FI as an option.

I rode a Indian Vintage weighing in at 800lbs.+ and it was by far the best handling MC I ever have ridden and bunches of smooooth torque. Love it!

https://cdn1.polaris.com/globalassets/indian/2020/model/model-pages/vintage/subpages/features/feature-left-lg.jpg?v=732ae3f1

[sheets]

Anybody have experience with the Kawasaki Vulcan?

Had a Victory Cross Country for five years. When "Victory" folded I lost confidence in the brand. Gave the Vic to my kid. Still have the desire to get my knees in the breeze but want to keep the machine relatively simple in the purchase price and maintenance department, as compared to GW and or BMW.

[0leman]

I had a 1100 shadow spirit before Valk.   It was ok for one up riding.  But sucked for two up.   I was nearly 6'4" and 230 and  DW is/was 5'6" and 130 at time, the 1100 had plenty of power for the both of us, just not the room.  We were butting head a lot.   If I had to down size would go back to the 1100 or maybe the 1300 since my DW doesn't ride with me anymore (back problems).   On the 1100, first move would be to replace the seat. 

[_Sheffjs_]

Anybody have experience with the Kawasaki Vulcan?

Had a Victory Cross Country for five years. When "Victory" folded I lost confidence in the brand. Gave the Vic to my kid. Still have the desire to get my knees in the breeze but want to keep the machine relatively simple in the purchase price and maintenance department, as compared to GW and or BMW.

I built two Drifters one 800 and one 1500 both start as the Vulcan platform and nice but I enjoyed the Shadow 1100 better and also better than the Yamaha V star 1100. It just fit better and also I did fine as two up on the shadow tourer on short rides, NO it is not a Valkyrie and when the OP is asking this specific question and giving specific wants and specific no go’s it makes me look at the weight of the other bikes I am suggesting, from what I see the weight is not a huge amount less. For the OP more questions, is power, weight important in this? Are you willing to except the areas lacking for the more manageable bike?  With the questions we will all face at some point, will your rides still be long distance?  Do you think you can handle the new wing? It is definitely an astounding different ride, super flickable and reverse.  Please when the dust settles, give us a report.

[3fan4life]

For me it would be a new Goldwing.

The weight is still there but it's very well balanced.

If that were still too big I'd go with the  CTX 1300.

It has the same engine as my ST1300 and trust me you'll never want for more power.

[..]

If that were still too big I'd go with the  CTX 1300.

It has the same engine as my ST1300 and trust me you'll never want for more power.

But detuned to about 80h.p.

[Moonshot_1]

Slingshots were mentioned. I saw that they are not available in Europe. Totally different creature.

Can't say I'm a Can-am fan either. But, should I find that my health is going to limit me on my choice of rides, the Can-am would get a fair look and test ride before I'd count it out of the running. And as I said before, this comes from the reviews of people I actually know who have rode motorcycles and stepped up to the Can-am. A few who made the switch because of the very issues you are facing as well.

Most of them simply consider them a snow mobile on wheels. Which they pretty much are.

[Mr Whiskey]

Get ya'self a '14 or newer Wing
(they can be had pretty cheap these days & '14 up has the improved transmission)...
then "Tilt" it
https://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/bike/honda/
2¢ worth, best of both worlds!

[sheets]

For the sake of discussion, the reference to Vulcan was for the 1700 Vaquero or Voyager. the Vic with trunk was way top heavy. Thinking about go'n back to the style of the Valk Tourer; hard bags - sans trunk. For what we do, a T-bag or other soft luggage will work for us for two or three days on the road. Haven't looked at Gold Wings in a few years. From what I recall it was about two hours of clock time (mine, or shop$) to get to the air filter. The Vic had great engineering and perfect ergos for rider and passenger. Too bad they folded up their tent and gave up.  Thanks.

[Rams]

Just curious have you considered a Sidecar rig added to the Valkyrie?
I know a few that have gone that path and they love it.

Rams

[sheets]

No longer have a Valk. It went to the junk yard in summer of 2012 - 6 weeks after I retired (I walked away mostly unscathed). Oddly enough, as far as sidecar rigs go . . . I've been studying the Ural rig just for sh!ts and giggles. Small in comparison, but for 100 mile radius of base camp it would suffice. I don't really need all the latest electronic gadgetry with bells and whistles. Thanks,   

[h13man]

Anybody have experience with the Kawasaki Vulcan?

Had a Victory Cross Country for five years. When "Victory" folded I lost confidence in the brand. Gave the Vic to my kid. Still have the desire to get my knees in the breeze but want to keep the machine relatively simple in the purchase price and maintenance department, as compared to GW and or BMW.

Got a 1600 05' Nomad in the garage for two years now. Comfortable ride with all the bells and whistles but still a single pin vtwin motor with lots of torque. Vulcans are known for reliability and are FI.

[Robert]

Never looked back and never had a problem. Although I hear they are coming out with a new one. Also why not look at the the new wing. These are a little easier to handle stopped and going they maneuver much easier than the 1500 Valk.

[Avanti]

I have Yamaha V star 1100 in my shop right now.  Doing a complete maintenance on it.  
At the moment I do not like the way it handles. Hopefully it will be better after I finish the complete front end maintenance.

[Alpha Dog]

Never looked back and never had a problem. Although I hear they are coming out with a new one. Also why not look at the the new wing. These are a little easier to handle stopped and going they maneuver much easier than the 1500 Valk.

Where did you hear they are coming out with a new Valkyrie Robert?  Any pictures or anyone have an idea of what it may look like?

Now they are coming out with a Honda Rebel project 1100 I hear and may be at the shows late in the year.
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/honda-rebel-1100/

[Dave Ritsema]

Honda F6B.

Low speed handling much superior to the Valkyrie and feels much lighter. There are many low mileage examples out there to be found.

[3fan4life]

Where did you hear they are coming out with a new Valkyrie Robert?  Any pictures or anyone have an idea of what it may look like?

Now they are coming out with a Honda Rebel project 1100 I hear and may be at the shows late in the year.
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/honda-rebel-1100/

To each his own.....




IMHO That thing is FUGLY.

[Chippy01]

 For the OP more questions, is power, weight important in this? Are you willing to except the areas lacking for the more manageable bike?  With the questions we will all face at some point, will your rides still be long distance?  Do you think you can handle the new wing? It is definitely an astounding different ride, super flickable and reverse.  Please when the dust settles, give us a report.
[/quote]


Since first posting and getting some pointers, I've been doing what little looking I can online.

First off, a 'Wing, new or old, is off the table. Had one, and although well able and enjoyable, it wasn't for me/us. Trikes, the Can-Am, and sidecar units are also a no-no. Myself and herself are old skool two-wheeler types.

I found this site http://cycle-ergo.com/ that gives some indication of what rider and pillion positions might be like on various models, but it is only a rough guide. Sitting on an actual bike is the only way to tell for sure, but it's a start.

Of some of the bikes mentioned, checking various specs show that the weight of some of the larger cruisers are comparable to the Valk, BUT what the specs don't give is the height of the centre of gravity. A bike of the same weight, but lower CoG might 'feel' lighter and more manouvreable.

As for our rides. The long distances we used to do might be in the past now, but that is not to say that we won't someday take it into our heads to go a mite farther than we have done recently.
We used to run up to 500 miles a day. Now, it's closer to 150ish when we go out.
As for power, we just need enough to carry our sorry asses around, with a bit in reserve if we need it.
Coming from a Valk, I think anything is going to be a step down, but we will adapt.

Also, the bike market in Ireland is fairly small, and the range isn't as large as the U.S., so it might take a while for the right one to show up.

[BudMan]

F6-B.
Low Center of Gravity, lots of power, turns like a mini-bike and gets 40 MPG.

[gordonv]

I didn't read through everyone's replies, but I would go back to what brought me to the Valkyrie.

Excluding the GW GL1500, the Shadow ACE T VT1100T is the same bike as the Valk. If you can ride the Shadow, then you can the Valk, so I wouldn't go there. Except for the weight, but then I don't expect to drop either.

I forget which Yamaha I was looking at buying, but it was a 1100-1200cc, for touring with bags.

But I wanted the Suzuki Boulevard C50T (?), came with all I wanted, shaft drive, saddle bags, passenger backrest, windshield, and FI. I figured a low/no maintenance bike, something that would take me for years of riding.

But if I couldn't ride long distance, personally, I don't know if I would even continue riding a motorcycle. Maybe an old classic, like a Shadow 500, as a cafe' rider.

[Chippy01]

OK guys an' gals. I'm here to report that my Valk has moved on.

The bike market here in Ireland is a tad slim, to say the least. A lot of the models mentioned in this thread are just not available here.
Anyway, I put my baby up for sale locally, but after about 3 weeks I had gotten no calls of enquiries, so I started looking to see if I could trade her in.
And I know getting a decent value as a trade in is a bit of a lottery, but I spoke to a friend of mine who knows Valks and 'Wings inside out, and he gave my Valk the once over and said it's worth around 5k. (I had it advertised for 6k, so maybe that had put possible buyers off)

Fast forward a couple of weeks, and I saw a nice looking 1700 Roadstar Classic at a dealer not too far from me advertised. This was a Tuesday, so I contacted the seller to say I would be down on the Saturday to take a closer look.
Alas on the Friday afternoon, I got a call saying the Roadstar has just been sold. First up, best dressed - and all that.

Herself had been looking forward to the spin, so we went down anyway, just to see what else he had hiding in his garage.
The 1700 was still there (albeit with a sold sticker on it), so we tried it on for size just the same. It was ok for me, but just a teeny bit cramped for herself. He had a couple of VTX's as well (13's and 18's) but none of them really did anything for us.

Then the guy said "Why don't you try the Vulcan outside.  It only came in last night, and I haven't had time to advertise it yet"
So, we took it out for a spin. Much better seating position for me - much more relaxed with my feet much more forward than the Valk. Plenty of room for herself up back as well. Being a V-twin and belt drive, it certainly felt different, although it felt nimble enough in the corners, and slow speed was much more manageable with the seat height being about 3" lower than the Valk.
Back at the shop, I parked next to my Valk and tried picking each one up off it's stand. And I have to say, the Vulcan was easier to lift.

Next came negotiation time. Straight out of the traps he offered me 5k trade in on the Valk. Hey, it must have been fate, but eventually I took his offer and made the trade.
Went down the following weekend, finalised the deal and took the Vulcan home.

So, I hear you ask, which Vulcan did you get?

I obtained a 2008 VN2000 Vulcan Classic LT
Two weeks on, and I am getting used to it. It's an animal like the Valk, just a different type of animal.

[GRCTAMPA]

Congratulations! Enjoy her, that’s a great looking bike.   

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

 

[LTD]

nice

[Pappy!]

Hmmmm.......
Bikes are virtually the same weight!
With the Valk the CG is low. Cylinder heads, exhaust, etc is at ankle level or very close.
With the VN2000 the cylinders are high up. Heads at your knees, hot exhaust up there as well. CG would have to be higher.
But.....bottom dollar is that you like it and that's what it takes!
Congrats on your new to you bike.

[cookiedough]

I too would think the center of gravity on that monster vulcan 2000 be much higher as well and feel more top heavy but maybe with a lower seat height it helps, not sure?  What matters is it fits YOU and the misses very well.  

I hear those 2000cc vulcans are superior performers as well so you will not feel a need for more power either.    Hope it works out for you since it looks very sharp indeed, congrats!  

and here I thought you were going to take my advice and get a suzuki burgman 650 scooter?  
far superior storage, 2-up space, agile/maneuverability,  with adequate performance and ergos enough for 2-up riding getting 50 mpg with a little over 3 gallon gas tank.      PLUS,  belt drive no maintenance and can get a car tire put on the rear as well for longevity purposes to go darkside.   

[h13man]

The VTX 1300C my son1 and now son3 owns feels really good but everyone has different criteria for seeking a downsize. I know my time is coming to downsize for two up riding but by myself, I'm good with the Valk. Son2 owns the 1600 Nomad now. Sounds really nice with the new Cobras dual on it and saved a lot weight by chucking the catalytic converter.

The newer CB1100 Honda is something I like to try out for the down sizer with it being more a standard seating/riding position. Not a ground shaker in the hp dept. but worthy all the same.

 

[Chippy01]

Hmmmm.......
Bikes are virtually the same weight!
With the Valk the CG is low. Cylinder heads, exhaust, etc is at ankle level or very close.
With the VN2000 the cylinders are high up. Heads at your knees, hot exhaust up there as well. CG would have to be higher.
But.....bottom dollar is that you like it and that's what it takes!
Congrats on your new to you bike.

I was thinking the same as you Pappy re CoG, but I was surprised as to how easy she came up off the stand.
Also, we have a gravel drive and the Valk was a bitch to push around on it. The VN moves much easier on it (but we didn't know that until we got her home).

As a by-the-by, when I collected the VN a couple of weeks ago, the dealer had another one there. Just a standard version with no bags, screen, etc. And this one looked to sit lower on the stand. I tried to haul that one up, and it was virtually identical to the Valk. It certainly took a bit of heaving to get her up.

On getting home, I did some searching online and apparently the earlier 2000's did sit lower on the stand, but that was altered around 05/06.
The second VN the dealer had was a 04 model, while mine is a 08.

There is no doubt that I will miss the Valk (sellers/buyers remorse?), but I won't miss the cramping, etc, that she was starting to inflict on me.