More than one Valk in the garage?

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I know that more than a couple of you have more than one beast in the stable. I'm contemplating the same. I have a 2002 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 that is my "other" bike. When I ride it, I have a conflicting relationship going on in my brain. First, I've done some stuff to it since buying it that improve upon it's already hooligan-ish possibilities. I find myself riding a bit too aggressively more often than not, and I find that my mind also seems to miss the more laid-back feel that the Valkyrie has. The V-Strom sits pretty much like a tall standard. Not sportbike knee-tuck, thankfully. I'm contemplating throwing out a trade proposition to some people selling their Valkyrie to see if anyone is looking to jump on the adventure-touring ship. My standard is set up with a tourer windshield, Viking hard bags, a removable Viking trunk (take off the passenger backrest; install rack with trunk), and the Ultimate seat setup. I sometimes want to strip all the touring stuff off of it, but the other half of me wants a second Valk set up more like a lean(ish) custom. No bags or windshield, VTX style front fender, maybe a chopped rear fender. Just a bit more minimalist for local cruising; put the phat gurl on a diet, so to speak.

Probably the last thing I actually need, but that never seems to stop me. Those with a similar grouping; glad you did it or regret it?

[Serk]

Traded my ST1300 for a '99 Interstate, to compliment my '98 Standard almost 2 years ago, zero regrets at all... (Although my 17 year old daughter has kinda taken over my Standard, it's still mine)

Another nice thing in having multiple of the same bike is commonality of spare parts, knowledge, tools etc between both/all of your bikes, that's worth a lot IMHO.....

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have a Standard and an Interstate. To be honest I hardly ever ride the Standard anymore. I've thought about selling it, but never could bring myself to. I will probably take it to Alaska and leave it there to ride in the summers.

[Valkorado]

Oh hell don't think just do it!  I just got back from a ride on the Silver Bullet.  She's butt fast to the red line in all gears and quite flickable. 97 (the fastest year), rejetted, K&N filter and silver -- the fastest color.  Beach bars.  Unique.  A hott rod dripping Cobra chrome!

The tourists are back.  There was a Hardly dude and his ol' lady parked at the Dillon Pinnacles taking in the beauty.  I pulled into the lot and the gal looked my way, he wouldn't even glance over.  Saw a traffic free opportunity so I just pulled back onto the hiway pointed back east and redlined the first four gears.  85 in a jiffy b4 I hit 5th.  Traffic is visible for quite a few miles from the Pinnacles, and I could I'd feel his envious gaze upon me well past the big bridge.

Ruby my 01 Interstate is refined.  Smooth as silk.  Loves two up touring.  Ultimate Big Boy.  Baker wings. Stainless steel lines.  Mick-o-pegs.  Rack on the trunk, bring the kitchen sink.  Setup with and wired for trailer.  Hardwired bluetooth.  Upgraded speakers.  Really relaxing as hell, a La-Z-Boy on wheels.  Still handles amazing and is Valkyrie fast.  Love the 7 gallon tank.  She's a dignified touring beast.

Some things I love so much they're on both bikes.  LED lighting all the way around on both.  Progressive 444 HD 13".   Zeetex CT-1000 Darkside skin (LOVE).

Thing is, they're both awesome Valkyries.  Handling is so similar with suspension and tire there is no transitioning.

I think the V-Strom is a good bike.  I'm considering a KLR or something cheap.  Lots of dirt roads around here.  KLRs might be getting in my target range since Kawasaki is phasing them out.  Good cheap bike to get up into the hills.

That said, I sure don't regret two Valkyries.  I do "beat" the bullet more, so Ruby is usually at ready for two-ups.

[Willow]

... but the other half of me wants a second Valk set up more like a lean(ish) custom. No bags or windshield, VTX style front fender, maybe a chopped rear fender. Just a bit more minimalist for local cruising; put the phat gurl on a diet, so to speak.
...

Sounds like you're describing my third Valkyrie.



I hardly ever ride one of the others anymore.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Thanks for the input everyone. I've almost convinced myself already. I needed the push. My subconscious didn't let me post this on the Stromtroopers site; I knew I'd get different input.

Willow: Yeah; that's pretty much what I had in mind.

Valkorado: The V-Strom is a very good bike. Finding the fire roads and easier-type trails around here isn't too easy, so I mostly use it as a road burner. I feel like I'm going to get arrested on it though. I've surprised a few sportbike riders by not only keeping up in the twisties, but leaving a few in the dust. I think it drives them a little more nuts when I have the Givi trunk and saddlebags on when I do it. It's very capable. I wish I had this bike back in 2002 when it was new... and I was 18 years younger.

Serk: I hadn't even thought about the parts interchange aspect. Very good help convincing myself. The practical aspect. That helps weigh against the purely emotional money throwing.

Meathead: That's sort of what I'm afraid of. I don't want either to sit. We all know that the gurls don't like to sit for too long.

[larue]

If you can set them up differently non of them will sit, you'll have a different feel and look each time.

[Jess from VA]

I have two Valk interstates, but one has no truck or back seat or pegs (with extra lights), and I ride it almost all the time.  The other (with trunk) is in nicer shape with lower miles, and the same year, make, model and year, but I like the other one much more.

My miles are decreasing with my age, and I suspect I cannot wear one out, let alone two.

That Vstrom is a nice bike and offers a nice difference from a Valk.  Be sure you don't want it before swapping it out.  If you think it causes or leads you to get in trouble with speed and hooligan behavior, that's a good valid reason to trade it though.

In my youth, I had some nice hot rods (396 Chevelle, 350 Grand Sport Buick, 383 Plymouth) and I loved them, but I got a lot of tickets (no arrests, though I deserved some).  So periodically I sold them and got a truck or plain car to lay off the hooligan behavior.  It worked... mostly. 

[Hook#3287]

I'll weigh in.

I'm down to four.

An Interstate for 2up, a Tourer set up for one up with rear seat and rear foot pegs removed, my original Tourer with rear seat removed, ready for 2 up if needed, and the Bobber.

I ride them all.  The Bobber sits the most, as the sky and roads have to be clear (no fenders).

The I/S and 1up Tourer are both double darkside, but the original Tourer is on M/T rubber.

If you can set them up differently non of them will sit, you'll have a different feel and look each time.

Truth spoken by Larue.

I can't believe I would ever regret owning any Valkyrie.

My favorite one, is the one I'm on. 

[cookiedough]

keep the vstrom 1000 and other valk, just get another valk.  have 3 cycles!   

[msb]

If Valkyries were as plentiful up here as they are in the US,  I would have another by now. On the rare occasion that one that appears to be well cared for does pop up for sale anywhere in BC or even AB, it's usually in the 6 k + range...but again it is very rare that I see one of those. More available in the NW states, but the 35% exchange rate can make what a good deal is down there, not such a good one for me.  I've been looking for about the last 5 years or so, and recently have begun thinking about something other than a second Valk to add. Ideally though, a well  cared for 97 or 98 Standard is my ultimate goal....so I always keep an eye out. Maybe when the border opens again, I'll start looking again in the more Southern states where nice available Valks seem to be everywhere...like ripe fruit just laying on the ground and waiting to be picked up and taken home.  In the meantime, I'm thankful that even after 19 years, I still get the same thrill as I've always had hopping on to my good old 99 R&B Interstate

[Valker]

If Valkyries were as plentiful up here as they are in the US,  I would have another by now. On the rare occasion that one that appears to be well cared for does pop up for sale anywhere in BC or even AB, it's usually in the 6 k + range...but again it is very rare that I see one of those. More available in the NW states, but the 35% exchange rate can make what a good deal is down there, not such a good one for me.  I've been looking for about the last 5 years or so, and recently have begun thinking about something other than a second Valk to add. Ideally though, a well  cared for 97 or 98 Standard is my ultimate goal....so I always keep an eye out. Maybe when the border opens again, I'll start looking again in the more Southern states where nice available Valks seem to be everywhere...like ripe fruit just laying on the ground and waiting to be picked up and taken home.  In the meantime, I'm thankful that even after 19 years, I still get the same thrill as I've always had hopping on to my good old 99 R&B Interstate

My third Valk is a red/black Tourer that haad been sitting for over five years. Faded paint, stuck exhaust Valve, gummed carbs, rotted tires, faded instruments......but for $800 I bought it. Got it back to really good shape running perfectly for about another $2600. I conside that a good deal.