Looking for Valkyrie, have questions

[JimC]

OK, I have been a lurkering here for a while but just recently registered because I have been bitten very hard by the Valkyrie Bug.

My question to you guys and gals is how close to the Kelly Blue book prices (retail) do the bikes sell?
Do you deduct money off of the retail prices for a private party to party sale?
If so, how much?
Do you try and split the pricing between Retail and Trade in?

To give you a sample, KBB shows a 97 standard with average miles (about 5K per year) to be worth about $6,000 and a tour model goes for about $6,500.
 
For a 2000 standard it says about $7,300, for the tour $8,000, with the interstate about $8,700.

I know that there are many variables like condition and what has been added to the bike. (I prefer mainly stock)  I am just wondering if those are legit numbers, or are they high or low. It would seem that with the economy the way it is there just may be some bargains pop up this year and I want to know one when I see one. I would buy a screaming deal now if I found one, but in order to keep peace at home I really should sell my two naked GL1000's first.

Any thoughts or help you can give would be appreciated.
Jim Callaghan
SE Wisconsin

[R J]

KBB and NADA books are just basically to let you know what they think a unit is worth.....     We use it as a base when we go to the Auction for vehicles......

So, it is basically a guide line for you to start at....  From there, it is how much or how bad you want a specific unit......

Dickering at an auction is not a thing going to happen, you tell em how much you want to go with the raise of a hand and presto, if it tops out on your bid, you are the new owner.

The last 3 auctions we went to we never came home with a car.  The sale was full of Mexicans with cash in hand and they went wild...........   Cars worth a $1,000 max, they were buying for $1,200 to $1,500.   We let em have em......

[SgtBunny]

I was like you and had been craving a Valk since I saw the first commercial over 10 years ago.  I was never in the position financially to own one until recently.

I too looked at prices everywhere and found that prices ranged back and forth.  What settled me on what I would pay was when I found a bike I could not live without.

I paid way over book for it but it was in great shape, low miles and the only problem was a little discoloring on the cobra exhaust.

I think that when it comes down to it, you are not buying it for the resale value but for the shear satisfaction of owning a great bike.  I looked at the bike first then price...but I was in a position to pay more than book at the time too.

[threevalks]

        The main thing I see off, is the price difference between models. A Tourer is worth a lot more than $700 over a standard. If you decide to upgrade later (and chances are you will), Bags will cost you a min. of $1000, a Honda windshield is $500. As for the Interstate, the $1400 they show different wont touch what you get when you buy an Interstate.
        As everyone said, it is just a guide, you will pay what you can for what you really want.

[Willow]

Throw out the Blue Book and NADA.  The only time they're useful is when you're trying to convince someone, such as an insurance company, to buy tour bike.

Watch the sales for which you can verify purchase price.  For me that's Ebay, you may have another means.

A Valkyrie is worth what you are willing to pay for it and will sell based upon how well matched are the owner's need to sell and the buyer's desire to own.

They don't make them anymore.  Different year models have little or no difference in features.  Miles used do not mean the same on a Valkyrie as they might on another bike.  These are some of the reasons why people who put together Blue Books and NADA books will never understand what a Valkyrie is or is not worth.

[Master Blaster]

Deals are out there, always have been.  You just need to keep an eye out and controll the urge to buy now.  Lots depends on the individual.  Are you mechanical or do you need everything done at a shop?  I would advise if possible look for a Tour or Interstste.  OEM Accessorys such as bags, trunks, etc are so high now that people are buying and parting out good bikes to make a buck.  Some times you can find a nice damaged Valk and pick it up for a song if you are mechanically inclined, and many times with a clean title.  Got my Interstate like that back in 2K.  My custom is a 97 and I bought it about 5 years ago with 4000 miles for 5 grand.  It was a police bike, and in very nice shape.  As mentioned a more realistic feel for prices would be to keep a check on Crags List and Ebay for a week or two.  These bikes are very easy to work on and maintain so dont worry too much about the year.  Good luck, you will not be sorry, they are a great bike.

[F-106]

If i were to but today i would look at my needs for the bike. Then i would decide on the model. A tourer is a good middle of the raod valk due to it had bags and windshield. If you are like most here you will tour on it because it does that well. If you are going to make a hotrod out of it then a standard is more for you. If you are going to do alot of interstate travel state to state. Then an interstate is the one. My point is once you get that figured out then look at that model. Find the BEST one you can. Miles is not a factor with this bike but low miles never hurts. You may pay more for a good exsample but it will be worth it in the end. Case in point. A good friend bought a valk. He got a 01. He looked at 2 03's as well.  bought the 01 due to it was a 1 owner and had records. Overall upkeep was much better than the 2 newer bikes. Had 5,000 more miles but it was a better buy. No matter witch one you get you will be happy. GOOD LUCK

[JimC]

Thanks guys for the replys,

F106 and Threevalks

I agree 100% on buying the model I really want to end up with, numerous times in the past I have bought something just to get by. I really want a tourer model so that is what I will be mainly looking for. I have two GL1000's because I felt that they would serve the adrenaline juices, (I was wrong) I should have waited to find a good Valk 2 years ago instead.

Masterblaster,

I have a similar thread going on another Valk board, and like I said there, I am too old (56) for the impulse buys. I am half heartedly looking now, checking prices ect. if a screaming deal comes along I would grab it, but I would rather sell some other toys so I have a place to live LOL.

SGTBUNNY,

Great looking bike! great paint job!

Jim Callaghan
SE Wisconsin

[SgtBunny]

Thanks Jim and welcome to the group.

Hope you find something that fits what you want at least 75%.  You will find you will always want something for it. 

[solo1]

Good advice on the posts.  I bought a new Valk standard in '96, still have it, won't part with it.
Mine is now essentially changed to a Tourer.  Best advice that has been said is get a converted standard or Tourer, or Interstate, any year, good maintenance is more important than miles.  Hondaline parts are lots of $$$$.  If you buy a bare bones Valk it'll cost you a fortune to upgrade for touring.

[Big IV]

I often hear/read what people are paying for Valks and think, "wow! I wouldn't pay that, must be nice to have money." Occasionally I realize that they're talking about the same money or less than I paid for mine a few years ago.  I find that as the economy is hitting home and I have less in my pocket, I think that bikes should start selling for less too. Perhaps they will at some point. The other reason that I wouldn't pay that much again for a Valk is because I already have one. I don't need for anything else.

Good luck shopping. It can be fun. When you find the right bike at the right time, you'll know.

I was talking to a used car salesman once that said, "as long as you're happy with the car and willing to pay that price, does it matter how much I make?" Perhaps not. If I'm satisfied then I'm satisfied.

[Tropic traveler]

Good advice from all. Willow was spot on about tossing out the "book" when it comes to such a personal choice like a motorcycle, especially concerning the Valkyrie. Miles are way less a factor with a Valk, condition & equipment are the main things to look for. In these times you may be able to snag a bargain! 
I bought my '97 Tourer with 57,000 miles in 2006 for $6,000. Condition & the fact that it was a Tourer is what made me buy it. The miles were a non-factor.
Stole the wife's '98 Tourer with 13,700 miles last October for the same price but we got a "family discount" because we bought it from her uncle. He could have gotten $7,500 easily for it if he wanted to advertise it more.
If you have already made the very wise decision to become a Valkyrie owner & rider just keep your eyes peeled & your wallet ready. The right one will come along singing the song you can't resist!
Good luck with your search!