Rider/Owner survey

[Momz]

The VRCC and the VOA have a pretty hard core entusiast base (although our demgraphics are getting older).
We are not like the BMWOA (Airheads, Oilheads, Brickers, etc.) or the typical HOG members, but do you believe that Honda has even listened to our inquireys and pleas? (Remember the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows are coming soon)

Would you also switch to another Brand if that company were to try and fullfill our needs?

[gabby]

Hi all.
     I firmly believe that the Valk is by far the ultimate bike due to it's remarkable beauty. She is beautiful, easy to handle, great people to help when advice is needed and to me has the best following of riders anywhere on the planet. I was amazed at the number of people who stop in their tracks to see-gawk-admire-wish-dream- that they had a Valk. They are that rare among the wannabe's. As for Honda listening---They put their future in the 1300 market--quit the cruiser market--depend on the 1800's to fill a niche--dropped the goldwing in USA.   I'll keep my Valk as long as I can ride and get  B L I N G for her.
Dan

[Kaiser]

I answered yes to the poll because they already do - it's called the Goldwing.  Without any proof whatsoever, I'd venture a guess that GW's have every bit as much of a loyal following as the Valk.

And to address your second question - heavens to Betsy yes I'd switch brands.  I fall into the "I don't care what you ride so long as you ride" camp.  While I truly enjoy my Valk and have no intentions of getting rid of it - I'd ride a Hyosung if they made a bike I like.  Honda made (and still makes) some great bikes.  But I don't owe them anything (loyalty).

Just my .02

[Smitty W.S.]

I answered yes to the poll because they already do - it's called the Goldwing.  Without any proof whatsoever, I'd venture a guess that GW's have every bit as much of a loyal following as the Valk.

While I agree the Goldwing has a solid following of loyal fans, I'd hardly call the Goldwing a cruiser which is the style of bike the poll refers to. 

I guess I have a different definition of what a constitutes a cruiser-style motorcycle.

[Spirited-6]

I answered yes to the poll because they already do - it's called the Goldwing.  Without any proof whatsoever, I'd venture a guess that GW's have every bit as much of a loyal following as the Valk.

While I agree the Goldwing has a solid following of loyal fans, I'd hardly call the Goldwing a cruiser which is the style of bike the poll refers to. 

I guess I have a different definition of what a constitutes a cruiser-style motorcycle.

I agree, most Wingers I know are NOT cruisers, but cross Country/ State Riders. I see Cruisers as riders that run 100/200 miles on a weekend. GW riders look at 5,000 miles PLUS as a nice ride.

[DIGGER]

For about 20 yrs I was a member of the BMWOA and the BMW club of Houston.    I rode airheads and K bikes for years till 1999 I got my first Valk.    I really like the Bmw Club of Huoston, Good People.  I like the way they travel, in small groups and they camp a lot.  They have a destination for the night and the small groups meet there.......never....never see them in a long line riding group riding where youhave to stay in your allotted space.     I find the Bmw people to be the most traveled motorcycle club also.   They travel a lot.   Another great attribute that I really felt comfortable with was that the BMWMOA national BMW group puts out a national directory for member emergencies.  For instance
my info in the emergency book showed that I lived in Tomball, Texas and that if called upon for help I would travel 100 miles with trailer and had a garage and tools to work with and a place to stay overnight.  You could put any info you wanted to.   The book doesn't give your address only your phone number.  That way you could do a drive by and ck the person out before giving help.   It was comforting to  to have that book in your possesion....even though I never used it.

[Willow]

I agree, most Wingers I know are NOT cruisers, but cross Country/ State Riders. I see Cruisers as riders that run 100/200 miles on a weekend. GW riders look at 5,000 miles PLUS as a nice ride.  

Generalizations are always wrong (including this one).  

I've a friend who rode with the local Goldwing group.  He showed me his trophy from one year for the high mileage award.  He rode 13,000 miles that year.  The next year he didn't put in his numbers so that his wife could win.

I smiled.  I couldn't remember when I had ridden my Valkyrie that little in a year.  The Valkyrie is a cruiser, right?  

[Jack]

I bought a Rocket III 3 1/2 yrs ago thinking it was a step up and it was in power but that is where it stopped.  My Valkyrie has been mine for 12 years and, this bike, I will not part with.  If some company comes out with something I like, of course, I will check it out.  Again, the Valk stays.

[Alaskamike]

I don't have as many miles on my Valk as some of you have (28K) but have at least 500K+ on a variety of Cruzers.   As far as Honda making another Valk, probably not.

The reason they quit making the Valkyrie as we know them, was business.  Sales dictate production... they are in the business to make money - lots of it.   The Rune was basically the replacement, and it did not do well in sales, so …

Those of us that love the Valk see it as one of the premier bikes in its class, many would argue it is the best in class;  but there were just too many people who saw the bike as too big, intimidating, with the huge engine, and passed her by - too bad for them.

Honda is a company that constantly changes to create market.  Unfortunately, the large majority of the cruzer potential buyers are looking for a Harley clone - a V-twin, just cheaper than the Harley - hence the 1300.   This combination led to the demise of our Fat Ladies.

Being unique has always been for the few - not the many.  I love the Valk for many reasons, and one of them is precisely because she is unique.  She does not try and imitate anything.  BMW riders experience a similar thing (how many endure the squinched up faces, and comments about the “ugly” boxer engines).    I for one, am just glad I can experience the Valk and all she has to offer.

An old adage-

   May those that love us, love us; and those that don’t may God turn their hearts; and if He can’t turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping.

 

[Spirited-6]

Generalizations are always wrong (including this one).    

Willow, what may I ask was wrong with my statement ? Gold Wingers normaly do not ride the back roads on any given day for 25 miles.   I ride the back roads of KENTUCKY and never see a WING, well allmost never, riding with me.   If I get on I75 North or South, that is another story.
My Son rides to Cal. and back and then wants to go to N.Y and any other place that he wants. 

[Willow]

Willow, what may I ask was wrong with my statement ? Gold Wingers normaly do not ride the back roads on any given day for 25 miles.  

You may.

My response was intended to be lighthearted.

Your post seemed to indicate that wingers are serious distance riders, while cruiser riders (Valk riders?) tend to ride short distances.  While that may be your experience, it simply isn't universal enough to be an accurate general description.

My experience with the Wing riders I've known is that a few are long distance riders, but most are "ride to dinner" types.  Isn't that the real definition of a cruiser?

Honestly, some on both ends of the spectrum are among Valkyrie riders as well.

That was the long answer.  The short answer is that any time you or I attempt to extrapolate our local experience into a generalization we stand a good chance of being inaccurate.  That was the lesson of the blind men who went to visit the elephant.

My short answers aren't so short are they?

We each ride for the reasons we each ride.  We tend, by nature, to find differences between us and others.  We want to identify with a particular group and so we say, "Valk riders are ________.  Wing riders are _________.  Harley riders are _______.  Al is just ________."

Almost all our generalizations are inaccurate (except this one).    

Incidentally, I didn't cast a vote in the poll associated with this thread.  It's a dead horse and when beaten it starts to stink.

[~ Timbrwolf]

. . .....my ol man was a...Wing Rider....sold his 1974 Moto Guzzi "Police Special" and bought one of the first ones...I gotta pic of it somewhere...loaded down with Wind Jammer Tupperware...hafta post it some time....he rode till he was 73 and started blowing through red lights....belonged to a Club  called...The Road Riders...still got his license plate with a Road Riders plate attached to it.. hanging on the wall in the garage...

[Dubsvalk]

A "Cruiser" is a style of bike as is the Valkyrie.  It has the cruiser style.  The GoldWing is a "Touring" bike.  A KLR650 is a "Dual Sport" bike.  This being said I find the Valkyrie as comfortable as a long distance tourer as the GoldWing.  Having owned a GoldWing, I prefer the Valk because it is more comfortable for my size.  Again, "Cruiser" refers to the style of the bike.  It can and is used for whatever purpose the owner wishes.  I use mine for crusing and touring.
Ride Safe-Home Safe!
Bernie

[Stude]

I would in a heart beat... But never would I give up the Valkyries I have 

[ValkFlyer]

The VRCC and the VOA have a pretty hard core entusiast base (although our demgraphics are getting older).
We are not like the BMWOA (Airheads, Oilheads, Brickers, etc.) or the typical HOG members, but do you believe that Honda has even listened to our inquireys and pleas? (Remember the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows are coming soon)

Would you also switch to another Brand if that company were to try and fullfill our needs?

Call me prejudice but there is no bike on the planet like a Valkyrie, it’s the motorcycle that bucks the trend, backs it up and looks good doing it. Those of us who own one really do own something very special and unique, but more than anything the most awesome motorcycle ever built.  

The following behind this motorcycle is fanatical and I believe will not be matched in the true since of the word fanatical.  

Does Honda listen to us….NO….Honda does what’s best for Honda.  What’s the phrase….show me the money!
 
I’m not loyal to Brand……I’m going with the bike that proves it’s worth.  The Valkyrie has won that honor with me.  I purchased my Valkyrie with 7K on it back in 2004 and I’ve enjoyed every minute of the additional 80K that I’ve put on it since.  God willing my Valk and I have many more years to go.

[alph]

  Al is just ________."

Almost all our generalizations are inaccurate (except this one).    

Incidentally, I didn't cast a vote in the poll associated with this thread.  It's a dead horse and when beaten it starts to stink.[/i]

ohhh BITE ME!!

al.

[fudgie]

I'll probaly stick with Honda. Grown up all the reliability. Been seeing to many problems with the TC88 the past year or to. Not sure about the 96"er yet. By the time the Valk wears out the Evo's will be to old. Way to young for a wing yet.  I'll keep buying Valks till their gone I guess.

[Willow]

  Al is just ________." [/i]

ohhh BITE ME!!

al.

lol!  Wrong Al, Alph.    

I guess I should have used an adjective.    

[alph]

  Al is just ________." [/i]

ohhh BITE ME!!

al.

lol!  Wrong Al, Alph.    

I guess I should have used an adjective.    

i forgot to put a smilie face after my coment, i do hope you realize it was all in fun!!  i knew you ment the other "AL"!!!   

[Squatchmo]

I belong to the local GWRRA chapter and ride with them one or two times a month, sometimes weekly in the nicer weather.  We do Saturday rides which usually end up being anywhere from 125 to 200 miles round trip, and we always take back roads to get to our destination.  We usually ride the shortest distance to get back home (sometimes interstates or 4-lanes).  The group definitely takes longer trips, sometimes thousands of miles, but on a weekly basis it's just these shorter rides.  P.S. it's kinda fun being the only Valk in the group.

[highcountry]

Never say never, BUT, Honda is certainly not moving in that direction now.  They seem to be standardizing on one V-Twin model (1300) then tweaking it for marketing purposes.  If the world economy turns around, maybe Honda will get more adventurous.  Or not.

[bigdog99]

i think they realized their mistake early on. there is not a cycle copmpany out there that would build a bike that lasts forever. i think they are waiting until all of ours gets the 200,000 miles, then they pray we buy Honda. my 2 cents. 

[Gangman036]

Can it hurt to make a suggestion to Honda? Even though it may fall on deaf ears, I GOTTA TRY.
You all have welcomed so many into the ranks of Valkyrie ownership and shared tips/tricks to one and all with the kindness of a true family asking for nothing in return except the right to take a few pokes at each others sore spots.
 Here is the address to send your request for them to consider making another run at a truly unique motorcycle experience.

Motorcycle Division

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

P.O. Box 2200

Torrance, CA 90509-2200 

[bigfish_Oh]

pretty simple...

sport-sport touring cult status  CBX   ICOA still going  (ICOA#1214)
cruisers cult status  Valkyrie

both, uncompareable to nothing

....next a V-6 factory blower?

[Chiefy]

Who knows what the future holds?  Honda could just as easily produce another cruiser with a loyal following as the next company.

I love my Valk, and I don't suspect I'm ever going to need more power.  But if parts start to become hard to come by, I may move on.  But I can't imagine ever going back to a V-twin again.  V-twins.....What's up with that??

[Dogg]

only reason I dont own a HD anymore is the fact that I hate working on my own bikes. anyone elses is ok but not my own. 96ers have a bad way of losing oil pump chains since they now use them instead of the geardrive like the evoII. 20k and its about done. easy 900$ fix no worries go another 20k...

  Honda of america was at freehold honda a few years back when I took the fat tire bike up for their open house.they climbed all over it, took pix, wrote down dimensions and measurements. One thing they said is that HONDA will never produce a F6 again other than what is offered in the GW and thats about the end of that. the introduction of the fury was about that time and they pushed it, I rode one, nice bike nice power. the new ones I do like. but opnly for around town jaunts. but, I got a bike to do that with more pizazz...so, the valk is it. I may end up with another SuperX or maybe an indian and def another sport/tourer to replace the bandit(unless I can get the bandit back) but the valk is it for me...

[f6rider]

Vtwins are also alot less tp produce.. Vtwins hav alot less moving parts
I think now is the time for a new valk. All of the Vtwin folks out there would be fired up for something new in a power cruiser. And the F6 would go over biggger now then it did then.

the Rune was was made only for a promotional piece. they never intended on selling may of them.
If they woulld transfer that Rune motor to a Vlak frame then we would have something.

I would love Honda to put out another Valk type bike. But woud hold my breath waiting.

[Ken Tarver]

from N MS rode to Moose Pass, AK for a halibut sandwich ~ on my wing ~ but I do enjoy my valk tourer a whole bunch too!

Ken

[Alaskamike]

Gotta love that Halibut!   If you ever get up this way again give me a call..

The one bike that would tempt me would be a new Valk (but they'd have to make a black one  ) with the 1800 engine,  EFI, same alternator as the wing, exposed engine without all the plastic around it, and very open to customizing like the current Valk.

Now THAT would be a bike! 

[fudgie]

Gotta love that Halibut!   If you ever get up this way again give me a call..

The one bike that would tempt me would be a new Valk (but they'd have to make a black one  ) with the 1800 engine,  EFI, same alternator as the wing, exposed engine without all the plastic around it, and very open to customizing like the current Valk.

Now THAT would be a bike! 

Come down to Indiana, there is one. It gets better everytime i see it.

[Ken Tarver]

Ditto Alaskamike ~ I do like the halibut, better than salmon. also ate at Humpy's in Anchorage, and at Nagley's Store in Talkeetna ( had the 4lb plus hamburger with the 1lb of fries ), we split it 4 ways though, gosh o mighty that is a good burger!

Ken

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Can it hurt to make a suggestion to Honda? Even though it may fall on deaf ears, I GOTTA TRY.
You all have welcomed so many into the ranks of Valkyrie ownership and shared tips/tricks to one and all with the kindness of a true family asking for nothing in return except the right to take a few pokes at each others sore spots.
 Here is the address to send your request for them to consider making another run at a truly unique motorcycle experience.

Motorcycle Division

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

P.O. Box 2200

Torrance, CA 90509-2200 

We loaded them down back around 2003 at one time the comments to Honda was saved on the VRCC....That was the " old " board " I don't know if they still have them somewhere on this board.

[Tropic traveler]

I doubt Honda ever will but I still hope!
Yes I would buy another brand of bike IF it was as good of a bike as the Valk. I had a Rocket 3 all decked out just the way I wanted it. Despite all of it's considerable charms it ended up not being good enough to replace the Valk.
I have ridden LOTS of other bikes, mostly V-twins {DUH as that seems to be all that's available } & they all fall way short. Must say of all of them {Harleys included} the VTX seems to be the best over all. Best in class I guess!
I'll probably keep at least my '97 forever as it is high miles & therefore not worth much to the non-Valk world but I am open to another bike. Whatever bike that may be it has some really BIG shoes to fill!!