Valk Today or Valk Later

[Fatboyman05]

I decided on a Valkyrie, in part because of the bike and in part because of the network of followers and promoters of the bike and the vast information source they have created. (That would be you all who are reading this)

I had decided to get another motorcycle after being 4 years without one. I spent a few months looking but not knowing what I was looking for exactly. I scanned the internet looking at all of the bikes I’d once been interested in or that made me look twice. The long and short was I didn’t want a Harley after owning two of them over about 5 years and putting 7000 miles between them. (I wasn’t in a position to ride them like I’d have preferred back then. I now could ride most weekends if I want to and am planning on some long distance trips in the next year)

I started looking back in October, mostly at Tourer’s and then expanding my search to include Interstates. With the nickname “Fat Lady” I did have concerns about the weight and because of this I borrowed a friend’s 750 Virago and Victory to ride them around a bit. I did fine on both of them but I know I used to be better if that makes sense.

I’ve looked at 6 or 7 Valks since November but I wasn’t in a position to buy a bike until January, and now that January is here I finally rode one the other day. I did like the acceleration and riding position. She was a graceful lady and I did fine on her too, but the weight has me concerned from an overall perspective.
 
I feel like I may be rushing it to buy a Valkyrie as my first bike after 4 years without riding. I am giving consideration to getting something else for a while, until I know it’s time to get a Valk.
Have any of you been out of riding for a while and come back to it with a Valkyrie as your returning bike?

Thoughts, comments, opinions?

PS: besides most cruisers with windshields I like the sytling of sport tourers like the Honda ST bikes, the concours...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Several lady VRCC members ride the Valkyrie.The only time you will feel the weight of the fat girl is when you drop it.I bought my first one 12 years ago and now own three...In those 12 years nothing coming to the dealerships would make me want to ride anything else.

[Jack B]

I'm not that big 200 lbs and 5'9" and I have on trouble with the size of the bike. And like Joe said there is nothing else that is worth buying well maybe another Valk.

[f6gal]

In all situations, except slow speed maneuvers, weight is an advantage, not a disadvantage.
I had a lighter bike, before the Valkyrie. Crosswinds beat the crap out of me and unavoidable roadkill was more challenging.  
Often, acceleration is the best way out of a bad situation... Valkyrie has that in spades.  

Go with the Valk and spend some time with her in a parking lot to get comfortable with slow speed stuff.
If ya don't, you'll be shopping again in a couple of months.

[sugerbear]

i went several years without a bike.
rode a valk I/S and then rest is history as they say.

[Grandpa Bigbuck]

If you like the Valkyrie and that is the bike you want.  Get it.  You will not be happy with anything else.

[Tropic traveler]

First off, congrats on your decision to step up to the Valkyrie, you will not regret it.
As far as the returning rider issue... How's 20 years sound. Last street bike I owned/rode before buying my Valk was a 1976 CB750 in 1986. Straight onto the Valk in 2006, no problemos!
Rode a bunch of 2 cylinder bikes, both American made/American based AND the American made/Japan based variety   . Found them missing a certain something, like 4 cylinders!! Then I found the Valkyrie. Done deal. Only problem is I'll have to ride the Valk forever as anything else is a step DOWN!


As far as the can you handle it question, I think you can. My wife loves her Valk & has no problem with it. She stepped up from a Spirit 750 & hasn't looked back!


BTW, check the weights of some of the other large cruiser/tourers available. I think you'll be surprised at the results. The Valk is not as heavy as you may think. What weight it does have is carried low, right where it should be. I think a Street Glide, a cruiser with hardbags & windshield, is heavier than a Tourer. All that "American steel" I guess.
 

[Magellon]

I too have not rode in a while, when I did it would be several years in between rides. I've had a Yamaha Maxim for several years and understand were your coming from. The Valk i have now was an "offer that I could not refuse". I was  a little intimidated by the size just looking at it but now, with only 850 miles under my butt I can see why all these VRCC members love the FAT LADY so much. I also think f6gal has a very good point.

[BradValk48237]

The Valk is not a heavy bike... Compared to others in its class and options...

2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited...... 857 lbs dry, 901 lbs wet

2000 Valk Interstate.....................771 lbs dry, wet??? add 50? (couldnt find wet weight)

2000 Honda Goldwing...................820 lbs dry....wet?

2010 Honda VTX Interstate..........................679 lbs dry

2010 Honda Goldwing...................895 to 928 lbs dry

2010 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager......886 lbs wet

BMW K 1600...............................846 lbs (384 kg) wet


Just some facts..... I think that once you get used to the weight distribution, you will have no trouble... Thats what Brakes, Throttle, Clutch and Practice are for...LOL.

Had a riding buddy that SWORE his Electra glide was 100 lbs lighter than my Valk.... Afetr a couple of internet seaches, He lost a Benjamin on that one..... Said its was faster, after a couple of lights on Woodward Ave..... Tack on another Benjy......

I bought a few drinks that night....

Brad

[BradValk48237]

2011 Star Venture..........869 lbs wet!!!!!

[lakehunter]

Four years is not so long a lay off from riding. I sold a 84 V-65 and raised my daughter for 18 years without a bike. Started back on a GL1100 standard, bare Goldwing. No problems except it felt small real quick, rode it for a year while looking and shopping. Having had many brands in the past I decided to try a modern twin, a Vulcan 1500 Nomad. Nice bike but still a v-twin with all the things I rembered were not so fun. Took the plunge for a new GL1800 in 2008, after over 10,000 miles I traded down to a 1500 Valk, should have gotten one first and saved some money along the way. If the style and personality of the Valk is even remotely calling, try one for sure ... always someone waiting to take her off your hands if you change your mind ... not likely I bet !

[Fatboyman05]

The bike I rode was an Interstate.

Is there a big difference, riding perspective wise, between it and a tourer?

What does it cost in rough numbers to make an Interstate a Supervalk?

PS: the Style and Personality of the valk speak to me without a doubt.

[BradValk48237]

Cost to Super Valk???? 'Bout an hour or 2 of time and a good cutting wheel....... Used a dremel on mine....  Solo Seat?   $39 on ebay for a Valk standard riders seat.... but you can still use the regular Interstate seat.....

Overall cost???? what ever you want to spend...... $0 to  $$$$$$$$

Over all Value and looks from others as you ride????....

wait for it.............


PRICELESS!!!!

B

b

[Chrome]

Hey FatBoy I think you should follow your own thoughts

I feel like I may be rushing it to buy a Valkyrie as my first bike after 4 years without riding. I am giving consideration to getting something else for a while, until I know it’s time to get a Valk.

Come back when you know you want a Valk , not when you think you want one.
Adrian(Chrome)V

[bigdog99]

from all of those i see buy a smaller bike then move up, it is soon after they get it they are ready.
i say go with the valk, just start small with the rides. you will find yourself out there soon looking to ride the long hauls.

[highcountry]

I hadn't ridden in 30 yrs.  Last bike was a BMW R90/6.  

I took the MSF course, got my certification, and rode a Honda Sabre 1100 for a couple of months then moved up to a Yamaha FJR 1300a which is a HUGE jump in power.  Decided that I wanted a Valk also, so now I have both.  Even though the FJR is 100 lbs lighter, its center of gravity is higher than the Valk making it a little testy in the garage.  You should have no problem handling the Valk.  If haven't already done it, take a MSF refresher course.

Good luck with your decision!

[Stormrider65]

I'm happy for ya bro.  You will not be disappointed in the Valkyrie. I am 5'10 and right now 330 lbs.  I have been off bikes for over 10 years.  I test rode a few, only for a mile or two, but never could find what I really wanted.  I had the good fortune of riding a standard when they first came out.  I was hooked. I had an 83 V-65 Magna at the time.  Had her for 11 years.  I also had my own business at the time.  The rig broke down and I had already sold my Magna along with an XR600R and had to use the money to fix my rig.  Eventually ended up losing my business .  I have been doing research on this bike for a few years.  I finally got the money to get my first Valkyrie.  A 99 I/S with 55000 miles.  I know these bikes last a long time.  Some of the harder riders with our club have over 200,000 and even a lot more.  This Dragon is a handfull.  It handles like a dream.  Very balanced and has more than enough horses to do almost whatever you want.  I was actually a bit scared when I rode her home.  I wasn't sure of my skills and I knew they were rusty.  Wall-E (My Valk's name)made me feel is if I never got off a bike!!  If everything goes good for me, this WILL be my last bike.  I HAVE NOT found ANYTHING that is even close to my Valkyrie.  Enjoy the ride, be safe, and God bless.

Walt

[bigfish_Oh]

I hadn't rode for 13 years and just got my '99 in October.
 I was riding the next best thing back then, 1982 CBX (675lb wet)

[art]

68 years old an 5-9 175 pounds an love the valk.Would not trade it for anything. 120000 miles an heading for 200000

[SANDMAN5]

I hadn't been on 2 wheels in almost 20 years until the day I
rode my brand new 03 home from the dealer. Totalled it in
07 and never really considered anything else but another Valk!

[GreenLantern57]

Did the same as others, sold a bike to raise kids in 82. Bought V65 Magna in 2001. She got trashed.
2 years ago, after 2 yrs looking, bought my Valk.    Very easy bike to ride. If you get an Intersate, you will not be disappointed. Mod it to fit you. You really don't need a re-learner bike. Just take your time, the feeling will come back and confidence will soar.

[longrider]

If you are able to ride where there is less traffic for a few runs you will get used to the bike.  I have owned both I/S and tourer.  the I/S feels a bit more top heavy.  Go with the tourer and enjoy

Warren
5054

[sheets]

"She" is very nimble on her feet. Anything over 5 mph is poetry in motion. She has a very low center of gravity. Parking lot maneuvers will get ya if she catches you not paying attention. If she starts to go over, you can catch her up to a point. You'll know when she's gone too far... and don't try to hold her up... ya can't do it... and you'll damage yourself in the process. She comes to rest on the engine guards with no damage. You can pick her up by your self if ya know the technique. Yrmv, 

[NiteRiderF6]

I, like you, was a little intimidated by the weight of this big cruiser when I first saw it. I knew I wanted one from the first time I saw the Valkyrie on the road. I found a nice one with the help of my brother and decided to go have a look. I knew the man who owned it, so he went ahead and let me ride it with the understanding that if I wrecked it, it was mine. I rode it after being out of riding for a very long time; still thought it was very heavy; but was convinced that this was the bike for me. I went ahead and bought it and it took me only a very few rides to get used to the weight. Now the weight is very normal to me and I wouldn't trade this bike for any other that I know about at this time. I'd get the bike I wanted, even if it did include an adjustment period.

A guy that I ride with a lot bought a little small Yamaha (new) something or another and four months later he was kicking himself because he didn't go bigger. He did trade it in for another after about a year, which cost him an additional $1,700.00. He's happy with the second bike he chose, but he also thinks that he could have saved the extra money if he had just gotten the bigger bike to start with and compensated for it. You will make the right decision for yourself because you are having the right thought processes, it seems. Good Luck & Ride Safely!

[Chattanooga Mark]

Only you know if you can or should be able to handle a Valkyrie. I'm partial to the Interstate model and am on my second one. I would strongly suggest you get a copy of Ride Like a Pro and watch it a few times. It teaches you how to handle a big bike like it's a middleweight. Practice the techniques in the video as much as you can and your confidence will improve greatly.

All the best,

Mark

[Bama Red]

I came back to a bike last year, after thirty-seven years of not riding. I bought a 2000 Honda Shadow ACE, just to make sure I still wanted to ride and to relearn the basics.After six months, when I decided I wanted a bigger, faster, more powerful ride, I found this site and that was all it took. A month later I had my Esmerelda.


1998 Tourer

[MarkT]

Totalled my Ducati 450 in 1970.  Didn't own a bike again until the Valkyrie in 97.   27 years.  I decided I could handle it if I just took it easy until I got used to it.  Took the MSF class to refresh skills, and learn new ones.  I was self-taught.  Never knew about counter-steer.  It took me a little while to get used to the size, especially at parking lot speeds.  I dropped it several times in parking lots the first couple years.  You just have to pay close attention below 10mph - took awhile for that to sink in.

On the weights - I recall my bike, a standard, was listed as 698.  I don't recall if that was wet or dry. My Wing (next paragraph) is listed as 899 wet.  Of course neither are that svelte now that I have been adding bling to them for years.

I also have a 1800 Gold Wing now - since '02.  It's 200 lbs heavier.  No problem.  The Valk was good training to handle such a big bike - I can throw it through the twisties almost as fast as the sport bike guys.

Order a copy of Ride Like a Pro and do the exercises - you'll be the best rider you know.  See http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

I have written several tech articles, when you start tinkering on your bike. See my tech tips page at http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/tech_tips.html

I also make a great exhaust system for the Valk, with lots of unique options, when you want to visit that mod.  It's on the same web site - or click my link when my banner appears above.

[Dogg]

we had a guy come on saying how comfy the valk was but didnt buy one cuz he thought it turned too many rpms at 65 mph. thought 3000 was gonna hurt the engine and it wouldnt last more than a few years. so, He bought a newer HD that, at 65 mph was only turning 1800 rpms. needless to say he was happy overall but never said a word cuz he knows he made a mistake

[bigfish_Oh]

I had a '80 CBX before my '82. I borrowed a friends '80 1100 Suzuki to do some maint for him. I did not care for that mini-bike at all, the first S curves were clearly to be handled different on that light weight.
   I let my boss ride my Valk, he was gone awhile and I could tell he was kinda speechless. He has a VTX1300(he did buy a discounted leftover). I really don't care if I try his, it's hard for me pretend to have something nice to say.

[czuch]

Get it. You'll only regret not getting it.
I can take mine lock to lock figure eight without putting my foot down.
Granted sometimes it takes a few tries.
Last bike I'll ever buy.

[Kaiser]

1998 Tourer

Why is your backrest on backwards?

[Chillerman]

1998 Tourer

Why is your backrest on backwards?

Looks like a Utopia.  It flips over backwards sometimes and you just flip it back.  At least mine does!

[Bama Red]

That's what happened - it also will lay down on the driver's seat.

[BradValk48237]

ditto

[Six Guns]

After over 22 years in the military and my daughter just about ready to finish college, I decided to get my first bike. I did a lot of research and I kept coming back to the valkyrie. I bought a 98 Tourer back in 2002 and liked it so much that I bought a 99 Interstate last year. I now have the best motorcycle ever built in a Tourer model and an Interstate model. When I went to look at the Interstate, the gentleman said that he wanted to sell it last year but he never put it up for sale. He had it stuffed in the corner of his garage collecting dust while his 2 Harleys were sitting in the center of his large garage shining and clean as if he just got them off of the showroom floor. I finally asked him what it would take for me to take that poor neglected Honda Interstate off of his hands so that I could give it a good home and he told me $3000.00. I couldn't get the money out of my pocket fast enough to make the deal before he changed his mind. I had people telling me to buy a smaller bike and work my way up to a valkyrie, but I didn't listen to them. Those 2 valkyrie's will probably outlast me. Now go buy a valkyrie.       

[Mikey]

For all intents and purposes, the Valkyrie is my first real motorcycle. I owned a 78 Honda Hawk for a year, and didn't ride it much. One day I was looking at bikes and fell in love with a Fat Lady. Didn't even truly have my MC endorsement. Bought it, brought it home, and have never regretted it. The smooth power and massive torque make her very easy to ride. It's one of the few things that you'll go from wanting it to have to have it. I say go for it, you'll never be disappointed.

[FLAVALK]

After over 22 years in the military and my daughter just about ready to finish college, I decided to get my first bike. I did a lot of research and I kept coming back to the valkyrie. I bought a 98 Tourer back in 2002 and liked it so much that I bought a 99 Interstate last year. I now have the best motorcycle ever built in a Tourer model and an Interstate model. When I went to look at the Interstate, the gentleman said that he wanted to sell it last year but he never put it up for sale. He had it stuffed in the corner of his garage collecting dust while his 2 Harleys were sitting in the center of his large garage shining and clean as if he just got them off of the showroom floor. I finally asked him what it would take for me to take that poor neglected Honda Interstate off of his hands so that I could give it a good home and he told me $3000.00. I couldn't get the money out of my pocket fast enough to make the deal before he changed his mind. I had people telling me to buy a smaller bike and work my way up to a valkyrie, but I didn't listen to them. Those 2 valkyrie's will probably outlast me. Now go buy a valkyrie.       

You DID NOT buy an Interstate for $3000. No you did not 

[Hoghead]

I'm always surprised to see how many people graduated up from a V65. I took 25 yrs off of riding and bought a V65 3 yrs. ago to see if i enjoyed riding again. After about a yr. I knew I wanted a Valkyrie. Last July I bought my I/S. Everytime i get on it i know i made the right choice. It was alittle intimidating at first but with practice I feel comfortable now.  I get on my V65 now and it feels like a toy except when I open the throttle. the Valk is pretty peppy but the Magna never fails to put a grin on my face.

[Westsider]

then make it your own....

[Willow]

You DID NOT buy an Interstate for $3000. No you did not 

Please don't make him say it again.  It's painful every time he does.