Looking for Valkyrie 1.8L - Questions

[GMAK]

This post was kind of a "spur of the moment" thing. I hope this "1800 Tech Board" is the correct place.

In Texas, I'm looking for a '14/'15 1800 Valkyrie. But, I'm seeing a lot with 2, 3, 4, 5 thousand miles.
Why do so many previously owned Valkyrie's have such few miles?

What anomalies/abnormalities should I be on the lookout for?

I guess I "feel" like I know the bike pretty well(although quite different), I had a 2000STD for eight
years.

What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like best?
What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like least?


Thank you, very much.

[Bill Havins]

Where are you in Texas?

Bill

[hubcapsc]

What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like best?

They're stripped down Goldwings  ...

What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like least?

They're uncomfortable with handlebars unsuited for
touring and the bars/risers are really hard to change.

But it can be done...



-Mike "some people don't seem to mind the bars... "

[GMAK]

Where are you in Texas?

Bill

Dallas !

[Thebrain]

This is a bike that likes to be ridden. It can do short and long distance. Pulls like a freight train from 0 til it tops out and will leave you smiling every time you ride it. A lot of folks buy them only to find out there isn’t much of an aftermarket for accessories and such. I just did 400 miles on mine today with a stock seat. I guess it’s all in what you like. I am from Louisiana, just east of Toledo Bend.

[Robert]

You asked the question everyone wonders.

We who own one and have ridden them for awhile love these bikes for the most part. They are reliable, quick and maneuverable.

What they are not is fat, they are not a Harley or a wanna be. They are unique and I guess not for everyone.

A couple of problems like bags also, I bought the Corbins for mine and would not go any other way but there really is no other choices, as with other mods there are limited choices. Some wing parts fit this bike but that is limited also. The front cowl lights are great but to wire in a extra stop light takes knowing what to do.

I personally before I bought this bike knew every limitation from the handle bars to the seats, not many after market parts suppliers and would not choose another bike. I researched BMW, other Hondas, Kawasaki, M109R and so many more and found this had the most potential, the most proven reliability and was the cheapest to repair when it was needed. It also has a 100 amp external alternator so electrical power is not a problem either.  

I did not want to put alot of time and money into a bike so this was perfect for me. Put a windshield, bags, and seat on the bike and you can pretty much ride it anywhere any time.

Sitting the garage for months and get the itch to take a long trip will be no problem for this bike. Something not so easily said for some bikes. I will say one last thing it takes bit to learn to have fun and get used to this bike on the road. You cannot flick it around without knowing what to do, and on this it takes time to learn. At least it did for me, but once learned its a trip to see a 800 pound bike do lane changes and turns so quick it can make your head spin.

When riding with others I look and kind of laugh, I like to be comfortable but dont want to lose speed, cornering, comfort, saftey, and maybe all of this and having a passenger. Heck I even did Christmas shopping on this bike. Something that cannot be said about most. Most every reviewer of these bikes gave a very positive reviews also.

Some of the best reactions is from the guys who ride crotch rockets. When you see them or hear them and they pass you and within a few seconds they are the ones having a hard time keeping up with you the surprise is great fun.

[GMAK]

This is a bike that likes to be ridden. It can do short and long distance. Pulls like a freight train from 0 til it tops out and will leave you smiling every time you ride it. A lot of folks buy them only to find out there isn’t much of an aftermarket for accessories and such. I just did 400 miles on mine today with a stock seat. I guess it’s all in what you like. I am from Louisiana, just east of Toledo Bend.

Thanks 'brain, All good points, and valuable information. As I age, simplicity has become an important factor ! But, I'm
not needing a Gold Wing, or a Harley. Mechanical endurance is another important factor.

[GMAK]

You asked the question everyone wonders.

We who own one and have ridden them for awhile love these bikes for the most part. They are reliable, quick and maneuverable.

What they are not is fat, they are not a Harley or a wanna be. They are unique and I guess not for everyone.

A couple of problems like bags also, I bought the Corbins for mine and would not go any other way but there really is no other choices, as with other mods there are limited choices. Some wing parts fit this bike but that is limited also. The front cowl lights are great but to wire in a extra stop light takes knowing what to do.

I personally before I bought this bike knew every limitation from the handle bars to the seats, not many after market parts suppliers and would not choose another bike. I researched BMW, other Hondas, Kawasaki, M109R and so many more and found this had the most potential, the most proven reliability and was the cheapest to repair when it was needed. It also has a 100 amp external alternator so electrical power is not a problem either. 

I did not want to put alot of time and money into a bike so this was perfect for me. Put a windshield, bags, and seat on the bike and you can pretty much ride it anywhere any time.

Sitting the garage for months and get the itch to take a long trip will be no problem for this bike. Something not so easily said for some bikes. I will say one last thing it takes bit to learn to have fun and get used to this bike on the road. You cannot flick it around without knowing what to do, and on this it takes time to learn. At least it did for me, but once learned its a trip to see a 800 pound bike do lane changes and turns so quick it can make your head spin.

When riding with others I look and kind of laugh, I like to be comfortable but dont want to lose speed, cornering, comfort, saftey, and maybe all of this and having a passenger. Heck I even did Christmas shopping on this bike. Something that cannot be said about most. Most every reviewer of these bikes gave a very positive reviews also.

I understand your replys. As I mentioned, I'd owned a 2000 STD for 8 years, and 58,000 miles. It was a lot like a bowling ball.
Nearly indestructable. But, it did have some shortcomings that I hope have been rectified with the 1.8L models.
At least with the 2000 bike, it was a few years before Honda' s discontinuance. These '14's & '15's 1.8L are already discontinued.

I always liked the 2000 bike, and I was assuming that these 1.8L models were similar, although somewhat different.  As has been
stated, they are bikes for a specific type of rider.

But, I believe if I'd purchased a new 1.8L Valk, I'd try to get acquainted with it before turning it loose with 4-5K miles.

Thanks.

[GMAK]

What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like best?

They're stripped down Goldwings  ...

What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like least?

They're uncomfortable with handlebars unsuited for
touring and the bars/risers are really hard to change.

But it can be done...



-Mike "some people don't seem to mind the bars... "

That's a pretty bike. Perhaps like others, it's taken awhile for the 1.8L Valk to grow on me. I was always something about those
radiator nacelles that I just couldn't get past. However, I'll bet those radiators can be accessed a lot quicker that other brands.

I'll bet I could even get used to the bars also. I can usually "put up" with quite a lot.

Thanks

[hubcapsc]

I'll bet those radiators can be accessed a lot quicker that other brands.

I can get to them, but they're in about three different layers of plastic with
numerous bolts and push-pins to remove.

When my bike spent all day at the Traxxion place, the mechanic said it was
harder to work on than a regular goldwing since there not much plastic to hide
the ugly stuff behind.

For sure getting the headlight off is like a Chinese puzzle...

-Mike

[_Sheffjs_]

It is an excellent bike! Yep, many do not like the looks of the bike. My take, not for two up starting with a big guy, but it is a excellent bike!    I now have the new wing and I noticed I don’t take many pictures of it. The looks of my 1998 Valk still get my camera’s attention, but doesn’t ride like the new wing or the 1800 Valkyrie.  I want to add unlike some who have gone to the new Valkyrie I loved the handlebars as they came I added a Corbin and it was perfect for a 450 mile day and could have gone further comfort wise.  I am 6’0.

[Tundra]

Jerry that certainly was one sharp photogenic Valkyrie. Did you trade it, or was that a private sale?  You ever miss it?

[_Sheffjs_]

Jerry that certainly was one sharp photogenic Valkyrie. Did you trade it, or was that a private sale?  You ever miss it?

Doug if someone was interested in trading me an 1800 valk and a first gen 1800 wing for my DCT I would jump on it.  The wing is amazing do not get me wrong at all. I am not a gizmo gadget guy and this bike is so electronic I opted for the extended warrantee.  I sold the 1800c to private Buyer after it was returned to total stock as no bites happened with the extras. I actually did well on the sale.  Yes I miss it as it is the best of the 1800s in handling and ride to me.  I want to see the road not a fairing or windshield.    The first Gen wing would be used very little as Sherry is well confident on the CTX 700 for most rides.   To me the CTX 700 is somewhat a mini 1800 valk in looks. 

[Tundra]

Kind of...minus the pods. But you can add them and really confuse people.

Honda should have stayed focused on refining the Valkyrie, some options, bars, risers, bag options. It's really a great bike and they could have been more successful with sales. Oh well another great Honda motorcycle discontinued.

[Crabballs]

It is an excellent bike! Yep, many do not like the looks of the bike. My take, not for two up starting with a big guy, but it is a excellent bike!    I now have the new wing and I noticed I don’t take many pictures of it. The looks of my 1998 Valk still get my camera’s attention, but doesn’t ride like the new wing or the 1800 Valkyrie.  I want to add unlike some who have gone to the new Valkyrie I loved the handlebars as they came I added a Corbin and it was perfect for a 450 mile day and could have gone further comfort wise.  I am 6’0.

I'm with you on that, love the Valk and would never get rid of it.  I kept mine when I got the new Tour DCT.  I don't know how you sold yours without having tears in your eyes?  The way I see it, the Valk is just pure raw fun that never tires and the Tour is just a way to get from point A to B.

[_Sheffjs_]

It is an excellent bike! Yep, many do not like the looks of the bike. My take, not for two up starting with a big guy, but it is a excellent bike!    I now have the new wing and I noticed I don’t take many pictures of it. The looks of my 1998 Valk still get my camera’s attention, but doesn’t ride like the new wing or the 1800 Valkyrie.  I want to add unlike some who have gone to the new Valkyrie I loved the handlebars as they came I added a Corbin and it was perfect for a 450 mile day and could have gone further comfort wise.  I am 6’0.

I'm with you on that, love the Valk and would never get rid of it.  I kept mine when I got the new Tour DCT.  I don't know how you sold yours without having tears in your eyes?  The way I see it, the Valk is just pure raw fun that never tires and the Tour is just a way to get from point A to B.

I sold the 1800 like three years ago, I went back into the 1500 Valks and some how ended up with three of them and a couple of Drifters, I guess I am not quite that attached to any one bike as some are.   I have one 1500 left.  I'm not right in the head 

[Tundra]

It is an excellent bike! Yep, many do not like the looks of the bike. My take, not for two up starting with a big guy, but it is a excellent bike!    I now have the new wing and I noticed I don’t take many pictures of it. The looks of my 1998 Valk still get my camera’s attention, but doesn’t ride like the new wing or the 1800 Valkyrie.  I want to add unlike some who have gone to the new Valkyrie I loved the handlebars as they came I added a Corbin and it was perfect for a 450 mile day and could have gone further comfort wise.  I am 6’0.

Jerry,
Curious why you say not a good two up bike? The drive train is the same as the Goldwing, correct? Is the suspension weak?

[hubcapsc]

why you say not a good two up bike?

Carolyn likes the 1500 way better than the 1800... we don't
have a good passenger seat for the 1800, but it is more than
that. It would be way hard for an 1800 passenger to get
as comfortable as on a Tourer with a good seat and armrests.
The zippyness of the 1800 makes her bonk her helmet on
mine more often too :-) ...

The suspension is kind of mooshy, but I don't think that's
what bothers the passenger...

-Mike

[_Sheffjs_]

The combined weight max on the c is 370 as the B has 420. This is what I remember from my research after the trouble we had on our Florida to Nashville trip with the Milton Boys a few years back.  I’m sorry we have to admit what Honda had in mind when they made this bike, one look at all the advertisements when it made its debut and there is the clear answer. Not one pic I remember with stuff all over it. Many of us worked extremely hard in converting this bike.  In my opinion the 1500 Valkyrie is excellent at two up all day in any condition you toss at it.  The new Valk is insanely awesome one up.   Now let’s set this correct- Sherry and I did lots of local two up no problem, the reason, we were not loaded down with hair dryers and umpteen sets of clothes.   

Go get one Doug if you are not completely satisfied then we work out a trade and you can give the new wing a home. 


Mike said Bonk!   

[_Sheffjs_]

It is an excellent bike! Yep, many do not like the looks of the bike. My take, not for two up starting with a big guy, but it is a excellent bike!    I now have the new wing and I noticed I don’t take many pictures of it. The looks of my 1998 Valk still get my camera’s attention, but doesn’t ride like the new wing or the 1800 Valkyrie.  I want to add unlike some who have gone to the new Valkyrie I loved the handlebars as they came I added a Corbin and it was perfect for a 450 mile day and could have gone further comfort wise.  I am 6’0.

I'm with you on that, love the Valk and would never get rid of it.  I kept mine when I got the new Tour DCT.  I don't know how you sold yours without having tears in your eyes?  The way I see it, the Valk is just pure raw fun that never tires and the Tour is just a way to get from point A to B.

I’m sure I will have one again.

[Tundra]

Thanks guys. The one I was looking at sold the same day. Looking at two more but these are 14's. One has all the accessories. Corbin bags, shields, highway pegs and pod lights. I really want the 2015 red. We'll see.

[hubcapsc]

Thanks guys. The one I was looking at sold the same day. Looking at two more but these are 14's. One has all the accessories. Corbin bags, shields, highway pegs and pod lights. I really want the 2015 red. We'll see.

The red one's rill nice  if you don't mind the sparkles.

As long as Corbin's still making the bags, you can get all that other stuff...

-Mike

[ledany]

What I like best ?

- Maintenance costs incredibly low for such a big bike (fluids, brake pads, spark plugs, tires, that's it) 
- supreme originality (200 hundred sold in France) - Have I seen more than 5 ?
- reliablity (80,770 mls on the clock, no problem whatsoever) 
- handling, even in Paris intra-muros
- the ergo (seat & handlebars are fine for me ; I'd like a backrest though)
- coolness
- no vibes, no heat
- the torque
- easy to ride in promenade mode
- still looks like new (2014)
- good girl

What I don't like ?

- poor brakes (not even sync' the way they on on the standard GW)
- cheap electronics
- no heated grips (only the aftermarket)
- it's difficult to install handlebar covers (for winter time)
- I can't find another bike I really would like to buy next 

[Tundra]

Ledany,
What shield are you using?

[_Sheffjs_]

[url=http://www.secdem.fr/en/catalogue-produit.php?reference=BH182PB]http://www.secdem.fr/en/catalogue-produit.php?reference=BH182PB[/url]

[Bill Havins]

GMAX,

Moto Guzzi was my bike of choice for over thirty years.  When I bought my Valkyrie I was debating between it and the Moto Guzzi California 1400.  The thing that really "made the decision for me" is the Valkyrie's low center of gravity.  The Moto Guzzi handles quicker than the Valkyrie, but. once you get used to the Honda, you can "flick it around" quite nimbly.  It is a great motorcycle (and will be the last one I own in my riding career).

Riding two-up?  with the right windshield, and with the suspension set correctly (pay attention to the rear shock!) it does several-hundred-mile touring days with ease.  My wife preferred the Valkyrie over all of our Moto Guzzis.  I did install a cruise control ( what a wrist-saver!).



Regarding windshields, I built my own.  (http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,92859.0.html)  At highway speeds (even over 80 MPH) my wife never experienced any turbulence/buffeting unless we were in a strong cross wind (nothing will help that).

Understand, my wife and I are not big people.  The two of use together weigh about 280 pounds, so, read the above with that in mind.

After riding for more than 40 years, and having put many thousand miles on my scooters, I can sincerely say there is not anything about my Valkyrie that I don't like (once I completed my add-ons).

I'm in Abilene, about three hours west of Dallas.  If you ever want to come over this direction to "talk Valkyries" just let me know.  I'll be glad to share what I know about this scooter.

Good luck to you!

Bill

[Forge]

It is an excellent bike! Yep, many do not like the looks of the bike. My take, not for two up starting with a big guy, but it is a excellent bike!    I now have the new wing and I noticed I don’t take many pictures of it. The looks of my 1998 Valk still get my camera’s attention, but doesn’t ride like the new wing or the 1800 Valkyrie.  I want to add unlike some who have gone to the new Valkyrie I loved the handlebars as they came I added a Corbin and it was perfect for a 450 mile day and could have gone further comfort wise.  I am 6’0.

What bags are those on your Black 1800? I’m a 1500 Valk Interstate guy, but the 1800’s have really been starting to grow on me!

[GMAK]

This post was kind of a "spur of the moment" thing. I hope this "1800 Tech Board" is the correct place.

In Texas, I'm looking for a '14/'15 1800 Valkyrie. But, I'm seeing a lot with 2, 3, 4, 5 thousand miles.
Why do so many previously owned Valkyrie's have such few miles?

What anomalies/abnormalities should I be on the lookout for?

I guess I "feel" like I know the bike pretty well(although quite different), I had a 2000STD for eight
years.

What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like best?
What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like least?


Thank you, very much.

I purchased a 2014 1.8L Valkyrie(blue) earlier this week.
I've been acclimating to it over the last few days.
It's much different than my 2000 GL1500, as I recall.
What search term would I use to locate those running lights positioned on the valve cover fronts?
Although owned for just days, I've not been able to click off a smooth/quiet shift yet. Hopefully, that will change.
I like the bike, but it seems much heavier/clumsier than my 2000 STD. Maybe I was just 20 years younger.
IMO, Just like my 2000 STD, this 1.8L Valkyrie needs a taller first gear.

Thanks.

GMAK

[ledany]

I start in second gear, rarely in first ! 

[GMAK]

I start in second gear, rarely in first ! 

I did that just a few days ago. As with most large displacement motorcycles, it's pretty easy to do. But, it felt like it was
being linda' hard on things like maybe the clutch. I mean there was no chatter or anything. It just felt wrong. I guess on
flat ground it's OK. But, I'd worry about being on a steep uphill incline, with a passenger. The manufacturers are probably
very good at assigning gear ratios. It just seems like there's not much roll in first, until second is needed.

[_Sheffjs_]

What bags are those on your Black 1800? I’m a 1500 Valk Interstate guy, but the 1800’s have really been starting to grow on me!

Champion, model is Patriot. Same basic shape as 1500 Valk interstate.

[Barnstormer]

Need to change out the seat.  Other than that I see no reason to get rid of a 1.8 valkyrie.  I am looking at Can Am spiders and see the same thing, many low mileage ones on the market.  They have the most comfortable seat I have ever found on a bike. 

[GMAK]

This post was kind of a "spur of the moment" thing. I hope this "1800 Tech Board" is the correct place.

In Texas, I'm looking for a '14/'15 1800 Valkyrie. But, I'm seeing a lot with 2, 3, 4, 5 thousand miles.
Why do so many previously owned Valkyrie's have such few miles?

What anomalies/abnormalities should I be on the lookout for?

I guess I "feel" like I know the bike pretty well(although quite different), I had a 2000STD for eight
years.

What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like best?
What, about the 1.8L Valk do you like least?


Thank you, very much.

I purchased a 2014 1.8L Valkyrie(blue) earlier this week.
I've been acclimating to it over the last few days.
It's much different than my 2000 GL1500, as I recall.
What search term would I use to locate those running lights positioned on the valve cover fronts?
Although owned for just days, I've not been able to click off a smooth/quiet shift yet. Hopefully, that will change.
I like the bike, but it seems much heavier/clumsier than my 2000 STD. Maybe I was just 20 years younger.
IMO, Just like my 2000 STD, this 1.8L Valkyrie needs a taller first gear.

Thanks.

GMAK

As the OP of these posts, I wanted to provide an update:

The '14 Valkyrie purchase was 07/06/2020. I drove a rental car to Houston(south Texas), and rode the Valkyrie back to Dallas.
Almost 100 miles on the Valkyrie, coming home, was in the most torrential rain storm I've ever experienced.
But, except for butt breaks, pee breaks, cola breaks, smoke breaks, or just relaxation breaks, I kept moving.
The 1.8 Valkyrie is quite a different animal from my 2000 1.5 Valkyrie. Although the weight is very similar, the 1.8 seems larger.
I guess it's the protrusion of those radiator nacells that never fade away.
And, it had been since 2008 since I'd been on that 2000 1.5 Valkyrie. I'd spent the last ~10 years on an FJR. Quite a change.
I've logged ~1,550 miles since the 07/06 purchase. And I've spent many a late evening out trying to familiarize myself with this bike.
But without regard to how much I try, I cannot seem to get consistent clean smooth shifts out of this 1.8 Valkyrie.
Of course, I've reasoned that one problem may be that the bike only had ~925 miles upon my purchase.
But my 1.5 Valkyrie was purchased new, and I don't recall this shifting dilemma back then.
Erratically, I can get smooth shifts from the 1.8 Valkyrie, but I have to devote extreme concentration to do so.
This is concentration that is sometimes interrupted to wiggle out of a potentional haxzard. An interruption well spent.
I've been reading here about all the oil change banter, concerning best, worst, certifications, MC vs. Auto, etc.
So, at 2,478 miles I changed my oil 08/23 to Valvoline full synthetic, 5w-40. Bad idea. You probably shouldn't try that.
So today, 08/25, I started over, did the full drain, began with a full complement of supplies, and Rotella full synthethic T6.
I don't understand. I'd run this Valvoline variant of synthethic blend in the FJR with outstanding results.
But I re-did the change on this 08/25 afternoon, with the Rotella T6, and all seems well now.
I can't tell a monumental difference, but the shifting is better. But, I still have to maintain a smaller concentration.
Thinking that the 1.8 Valkyrie was scheduled to accept 4.1 quarts of T6, I purchased a 1 gallon jug, and additional 1 quart.
I discovered that my 1.8 Valkyrie is pushed to the limit just to hold 1 gallon. IOW, my Valkyrie is minimally overfilled having just 1 gallon.
I made every effort to drain every milliliter of oil from this Valkyrie. I stood the bike upright, performed lateral/longitudinal rocking to
    shake out as much oil as possible. Not to mention letting the bike drain for ~3.5 hours.

But, despite these findings, all seems good now, and the bike does seem a little more responsive. So, I'm happy to stay with this until
    my next change @ 5K miles.


Thanks.

GMAK