PROBABLY ANOTHER STUPID QUESTION

[BIG--T]

But what are the pros and cons of owning an Interstate? I know this is contraversial to those with and without an I/S.

I've heard they are extremely hot in the summer and they weigh about 75 lbs more than a Standard. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking an I/S but may be buying one in the next couple of days so I'm trying to do my homework!

So by weighing more is the mpg less than a Standard- or better because of aerodynamics? I've never understood why the I/S does not have near the features of a Ultra Classic or GW. From what I understand they just come with a radio, no CD player and a CB/IPOD connectors and no cruise control. I'm sure there's some that installed CD players and just wondering where to put it- trunk?

Anyway thanks in advance for all the help you can give !

[Big Rig]

X,

I have owned my 99IS for 11.5 years now. let me see if I can answer some of your concerns about the IS.

I have only felt the heat when riding in shorts (home from the gym in summer) I 99.9% of the time ride with jeans and boots, so for me the heat is not an issue. If you ride in the summer and it is hot you will be HOT.

Radio on the IS is awesome, a few mods and you can add anything you want. Ipod's are an easy connect (do a search on the tech board). I con not tell you about cruise control as I do not think it is necessary unless you plan to do multiple days riding on the super slab. The bike is just to much fun to stay at one speed all the time.

Also, you can take the trunk off and "Super Valk" your bike. Rides a little different and you have the option to add the trunk back if you want. It is all about options.

The weight, is again only an issue if you drop it...but when riding, you will not notice the weight at all.

The fairing and windshield block a lot of wind, not all of it (I am 6'4" tall) so I catch a lot over the top of the shield...I have not a single complaint...well maybe a slightly larger tank...and maybe a built in cooler!

So if you can, RUN over there and buy that IS...post pictures...then ride it like you stole it!

Best of luck

[KW]

I don’t think your question will start an argument, though the subject is highly opinionated.

IMO it boils down to simply what you want out of riding. My wife and I DON’T want a radio. We made that choice many years and several different bike brands ago. Some riding couples think that’s really bizarre, but we like to talk as we ride. It’s just our preference. Its also one of my MNAY reasons why I HATE loud pipes (another question, another time, eh?) I prefer a clear windshield over colored plastic. I also like the looks and clean lines (again, IMO) of a Standard far better than an Interstate. When my bride and I first starting riding I shunned ANY type of luggage, but that was during our Harley years and my head wasn’t right. I ended up putting LeatherLykes on mine, but if this was the year 2000 and I was buying the Valk all over again, I’d go with a Tourer. The hard shell Honda design bags are hard to beat. So, if you’re looking for luggage capabilities, then the answer is easy; the Interstate wins and the Tourer takes second place. 

As far as power, I think an Interstate slightly beats out the Standard and Tourer. If I recall right, the Interstate comes with a pony or 2 more? I think MPG is more about HOW you ride and not what, yes? I’d guess all three models are roughly the same. . .

I’m sure you get more qualified, knowledgeable people answering . .  . Good luck

[PAVALKER]

Hmmm, I love my IS and although I have never owned a Standard or Tourer, I was led to believe the IS had some advantages other than the fairing, radio (CB if equipped) and trunk, some engine specific (trigger wheel? or ignition advantage).  As for the "heat" aspect, I am also under the impression that the PODs direct radiator heat away (or towards) you depending on your preference, whereas the others do not.  If you don't want the trunk all the time on the IS, you can modify the IS to make it convertible (trunk removable) either for temporary setups or permanent.  

I have considered also getting a Tourer, but the more I think about it.... I could just get another IS and make the SuperValk Solo set up permanent on it.  Then everything would be interchangeable on either bike... and I would have some ready spares in the event I needed to cannibalize one to make the other one operational.

[BIG--T]

X,

I have owned my 99IS for 11.5 years now. let me see if I can answer some of your concerns about the IS.

I have only felt the heat when riding in shorts (home from the gym in summer) I 99.9% of the time ride with jeans and boots, so for me the heat is not an issue. If you ride in the summer and it is hot you will be HOT.

Radio on the IS is awesome, a few mods and you can add anything you want. Ipod's are an easy connect (do a search on the tech board). I con not tell you about cruise control as I do not think it is necessary unless you plan to do multiple days riding on the super slab. The bike is just to much fun to stay at one speed all the time.

Also, you can take the trunk off and "Super Valk" your bike. Rides a little different and you have the option to add the trunk back if you want. It is all about options.

The weight, is again only an issue if you drop it...but when riding, you will not notice the weight at all.

The fairing and windshield block a lot of wind, not all of it (I am 6'4" tall) so I catch a lot over the top of the shield...I have not a single complaint...well maybe a slightly larger tank...and maybe a built in cooler!

So if you can, RUN over there and buy that IS...post pictures...then ride it like you stole it!

Best of luck

Thanks BR now I know what "Super Valk" means I've heard so much about. I'm 6'3" and like to be able to see over the windshield and feel some air too. A built in cooler? You mean to keep you cool or for refreshments??

[x]

I have owned two Tourers and one I/S.  Each has its benefits and drawbacks.  The I/S has better wind protection, better hand protection, and while has the potential to run hotter to the rider, the pods do make a difference.  On the downside, the I/S seems to have more of a tendency to 'fall' into turns, ie, not so natural.  This may be subjective.  My brother, a Standard owner, did not like the response of my I/S over Red Mountain Pass... OTOH, on the way back down, I found nothing wrong... the I/S tracks as well as its less endowed brothers.
 
I will say that when I had a chance to buy another one, I bought a Tourer, not an I/S... personal preference... both are extremely rideable.

[Rowdy]

   Larger gas tank and more storage 

I took the radio and lowers off my IS - don't recall an issue with heat  ???

I do like the looks of the tourer better - however I like the turnk on the IS, I can store a lot of stuff for those long days on the road 

[Jess from VA]

For me, the IS wins because of music and legs (7 gal tank is 220 to reserve). I also like dressers and fairings. My permanent solo supervalk is close enough to a tourer in handling, and the best of both worlds IMHO.  I don't run a passenger, but the IS wins here too, except it is my understanding that XL passengers have more room on a tourer/std with sissy.  If you will be taking trips, the IS wins again, though a giant duffel will carry more than an IS trunk.... but the duffel doesn't lock.

The ultimate,of course, is one of each, splitting time between them, they will both outlast you (me). I don't believe I will ever have another bike.  Double the maintenance, plates and insurance thou.

[Bob E.]

If I had it to do over again, I'd buy the IS for the larger tank, trunk, hard bags fairing, and radio.  I've spent alot of effort and money adding hard bags, radio, and windshield to my STD. But that's just me.  I've never ridden an IS, though.  So I cannot comment on the handling/weight/heat differences.

[RainMaker]

I looked at both the Tourer and the I/S and picked the I/S because of the radio and fairing.  I had been riding an '81 gOldWing so I think that had more to do with it than anything else - already used to the trunk, fairing, etc.  My son's Tourer is also in my garage now as it was being neglected so I took it in and have been doing maintenance on it, including a few good 150-200 mile rides. I also rode it from Colorado to Texas when I bought it for his graduation gift.  I don't find that much difference in handling or in the weight aspect between the two.  The windshield on the Tourer does a good job of protecting me, as does the fairing on the I/S.  I do miss the radio and the CB. I like the larger I/S gas tank.  The wiring for lighting is better on the I/S, if I understand it correctly - it doesn't pass directly through the starter switch (someone correct me here if I'm wrong).  There are more lights on back to get driver's attention and twice the headlight power up front.  Heat wise, neither are great for slow summer riding.  Both are hard to get up on their center-stands, but the I/S is much harder than the Tourer for me. But I don't find one any worse than the other. 

If I were to buy again, it would still be the I/S.  But I have no issue with the Tourer.

[KW]

One other thing; It’s not talked about much, but the Interstate has a larger degree of rake. As a result of the raked out forks, the handling is different. Again, someone more qualified may answer, but I believe the rake difference was designed to compensate for the extra weight and bulk. There would be no other advantage that I’m aware of..

Now. . .  just to start an argument        Personally, I don’t like the ‘luxury’ feeling of the Interstate.  I prefer the muscle car feeling of the ORIGINAL designed bike. And, the Standard and Tourer out handles the Interstate ALL DAY LONG! Plus, Standard/Tourer owners are smarter and better looking. . .  Just a fact. Not sure why.

Jus kidding all you IS owners! I’ve NEVER met a Valkyrie I didn’t instantly fall in love with and if I had the extra money, I’d have an IS parked in the barn right now!

(Jess, you’re right brother! Having both is the answer, but I like the ‘extra’ maintenance of having another machine! So, that wouldn't be an issue for me! It’s just relaxing to stay out in the garage all day and piddle around, eh?)

[Challenger]

Just another comment about the I/S not having the equipment of a GW, That is exactly why it doesn't, The GW was the flagship, The Valk was a hotrod at inception and only upgraded later in life to an I/S. Keep in mind that the I/S's  are 10 to 12 years old. I have both and love them equaly, If I absolutely had to get rid of one It would be the STD. Just because the I/S gets better mileage and is more comfortable on long trips. YMMV

[Bob E.]

One other thing; It’s not talked about much, but the Interstate has a larger degree of rake.

Really?  I never heard of that before.  ???

[BIG--T]

KW, You just answered what I was going to ask: Which one handles better a Standard or an I/S? To be a cruiser, my standard has to handle better than all the cruisers I've ever owned! I live in the mountains so handling the twisties are important to me!

[BIG--T]

Just another comment about the I/S not having the equipment of a GW, That is exactly why it doesn't, The GW was the flagship, The Valk was a hotrod at inception and only upgraded later in life to an I/S. Keep in mind that the I/S's  are 10 to 12 years old. I have both and love them equaly, If I absolutely had to get rid of one It would be the STD. Just because the I/S gets better mileage and is more comfortable on long trips. YMMV

Well Challenger you are the very person I need to talk to!  Since you have both the Standard and the I/S you would know. So the I/S gets better mileage..how much more? My Standard gets 30-33mpg. I'm sure it's more comfortable on long trips which is exactly why I'm considering buying one. The wife and I love taking long trips.

My next question is which handles better in the twisties and is is true the I/S has more HP?

Thanks
 

[BradValk48237]

As A proud owner of a 2000 I/S, i might be biased, but here goes..

I rode a Wing for 14 years and When I first saw the Valk, I said that would be the next bike.

I tried naked bikes, but once you get used to having storage and comforts, it would be hard to go back and I like to do at least one long trip a year. I can use the I/S for daily chores because of the storage. I can always turn the radio off(which happens often) if I just want to hear the wind and the bike.

If you look around the site, you'll see a lot of talk about mods... adding saddlebags, windshields, trunks. radios, etc. With the I/S you already have those things. You'll also notice that alot of members often have multiple bikes, which is fine if you have the space and cash.. I don't and had to find a bike that would fit all my needs, hence the I/S, which just happened to have all the features of the 1985 Goldwing it replaced.

I have Super Valked mine and it makes a difference in handling and wind buffeting..... Its smoother in the saddle, wind wise and the removal of the trunk makes the bike a lot less top heavy...... And I get a lot of comments on the looks. The trunk is about 40 lbs, but I can pop it back on in about 5 min.....

So overall, it boils down to what you need in a bike, but IMO, its better to get all the things you want in one bike. If you ain't got it and want it ,yer gonna have to add it later....

B

[hubcapsc]

My next question is which handles better in the twisties and is is true the I/S has more HP?

They probably just feel different, the way my Tourer felt different after I put the fairing on it. Stanley Steamer and
a certain 9 & 1/2 fingered guy (plus a lot of other people) don't have any disadvantages in the curves...

It is probably more correct to say that the Interstate has different power characteristics rather than to say
that it has more horsepower... the Interstate has a different Ignition Control Module and different carburetor
springs, but the same crummy old flat six motor 

-Mike "don't have an Interstate..."

[BIG--T]

My next question is which handles better in the twisties and is is true the I/S has more HP?

They probably just feel different, the way my Tourer felt different after I put the fairing on it. Stanley Steamer and
a certain 9 & 1/2 fingered guy (plus a lot of other people) don't have any disadvantages in the curves...

It is probably more correct to say that the Interstate has different power characteristics rather than to say
that it has more horsepower... the Interstate has a different Ignition Control Module and different carburetor
springs, but the same crummy old flat six motor 

-Mike "don't have an Interstate..."

I'm forever learning and now know the I/S has a different ignition control module and springs. As far as the "crummy old flat six", I don't know about that cause I love it!

[Big Rig]

Cooler for drinks...when you are moving you can not feel the heat...and since we are talking Valks and not HD's...we are always moving! 

[BIG--T]

Well I know on an harley, especially a UC you will really burn up in traffic ..literally. I know of passengers that got bad burns on their legs! We got a fan and radiator helping us! 

[sugerbear]

i've had 2 I/S's one with the baker wind wings/one w/o.

as soon as the money lets me i'll buy bakers for this one.

they help a lot both hot and cold weather.

[Willow]

I have a Standard and an Interstate.  I've had and ridden two Standards and two Interstates.

Fuel mileage differs from bike to bike.  Both my Standards get better fuel mileage than my current Interstate.  My previous Interstate got fuel mileage comparable to my Standards.  Be careful drawing conclusions from a sampling of only a few.

The Interstate definitely puts more heat on the rider than does a Standard.  I should mention that one of my Standards is without a screen and the other has a minimal screen.

The Interstate has a larger tank.  That I wish the Standard had.

A stock Interstate does not deliver more HP than a stock Standard.  The Interstate ICM has a different power curve than does the Standard ICM.  With two stock Valkyries, the Interstate should pull a Standard through the low end.

The different carb springs on the Istate will  not improve power.  They should give you a more responsive throttle.

Obviously the Interstate has a fairing and trunk with all that those imply.

As to handling, the rider that put all others to shame in the slow speed games at InZane X was on an Interstate.  My personal belief is that given the same rider, the Standard will, however, handle better than the Interstate.

If you want comfort and luggage room, the Interstate is the way to go.  If you want even more, the Civic is your answer.  I want not just the best of both, but both.

You should never distinguish when talking Valkyrie models between the Standard and the Tourer.  The Tourer is simply a Standard with hard bags and a windshield.  If Honda had been honest about it they would have produced one model rather than two and made the bags and shield optional features.

  

[BF]

I say buy a Goldwing and keep your standard.  You can accessorize/turn your standard into any bike you ever wanted. 

[PAVALKER]

You should never distinguish when talking Valkyrie models between the Standard and the Tourer.  The Tourer is simply a Stanbdard with hard bags and a windshield.  If Honda had been honest about it they would have produced one model rather than two and made the bags and shield optional features.

   

I agree... and they pulled that stunt again with the VTX, after the VTX 1800R Retro being out for a few years already, Honda "introduces" a brand new and improved VTX model... the VTX 1800 T (Tourer) Retro (a VTX1800R with leather bags and shield).  I, and others had a Tourer before Honda even came out with them.  They have been struggling to come up with new ideas for awhile....

[BIG--T]

I say buy a Goldwing and keep your standard.  You can accessorize/turn your standard into any bike you ever wanted.  

This may shock some, but I'm not a fan of a GW because of all the tupperware (no offense) and why I love the look of the interstate although i wish it had all features as a wing or UC. Like the Ultra Classic, she shows all the chrome and still has a fairing, hard bags, and trunk. I do wish it at least had cruise! Yea, gps, heated seats, navi,cd, abs and on and on would be nice!

Again no offense to GW owners. After all beauty is in the eye of the beerholder

[Big Rig]

Oh Beholder...thought you said beer holder! 

[BIG--T]

Oh Beholder...thought you said beer holder! 

I DID!!

[Jabba]

I have both.

MY IS gets better mileage than, is slower than, is hotter than, and is better liked by the SO.  Actually, the IS is HERS.  I am simply it's pilot.

The standard gets less MPG, looks better (IMO) gets more comments at the gas station, and will flat out EAT my IS in a drag race.  I do have a Dyna 3000 on my std, and not on the IS.

I like my standard better, but when with the SO, out of town, or inclement weather, the IS gets the nod.  When I am commuting, or on shortish day rides, and when it's crazy hot, I take the STD.

Jabba

[BIG--T]

I have both.

MY IS gets better mileage than, is slower than, is hotter than, and is better liked by the SO.  Actually, the IS is HERS.  I am simply it's pilot.

The standard gets less MPG, looks better (IMO) gets more comments at the gas station, and will flat out EAT my IS in a drag race.  I do have a Dyna 3000 on my std, and not on the IS.

I like my standard better, but when with the SO, out of town, or inclement weather, the IS gets the nod.  When I am commuting, or on shortish day rides, and when it's crazy hot, I take the STD.

Jabba

JABBA WHAT IS "SO"? I GUESS YOU WOULD KNOW BY OWNING 2!  MOST SEEM TO AGREE , ESPECIALLY ABOUT THE HEAT AND MPG ALTHOUGHT THEY SAY A STOCK I/S IS FASTER. I'M NEW TO THE VALK SO WHAT IS A DYNA 3000 AND HOW MANY MORE PONIES?

AS MUCH AS I LOVE THE LOOKS OF HARDBAGS AND TRUNK, I DID FIND OUT LAST WEEKEND A GROUP OF US LEFT EARLY AND WE NEEDED THE LEATHERS IN THE MORNING, BUT HAD TO LOSE THEM LATER BECAUSE IT ACTUALLY GOT HOT! ME AND MY WIFE FIT ALL OUR STUFF IN THE LEATHER SADDLE BAGS- REALLY LOOKED PREGNANT BUT IT WORKED! LOL.  SOME WITH THE HARD BAGS COULDN'T FIT IT ALL IN!
ANYWAY I'VE GOT TO MAKE A DECISION TODAY WHETHER TO BUY THE I/S OR JUST KEEP MY STANDARD. THE I/S HAS EXTREMLY LOW MILES AND LOOKS NEW BUT CAN'T LOOK ANY NEWER THAN MINE BECAUSE SHE IS SHOWROOM. NOT BRAGGING -JUST FACT WITH ONLY 8K MILES ON HER WITH 6-6 COBRAS AND MANY MORE ACCESSORIES WHERE THE I/S IS STOCK.  IF I GET IT I'M EITHER GONNA HAVE TTO SELL MY STANDARD OR MY 1800 VTX WHICH I LOVE BOTH OF THEM BUT FOR FINANCIAL REASONS ONE'S GOT TO GO! CAN'T AFFORD THE MAINTENCE, TAXES, INSURANCE, ETC ON ALL OF THEM! 

[Jess Tolbirt]

SO is significant other, girl friend, wife, or master!!!

[old2soon]

xguy-for a nominal fee-the one you don't want-i just might have room in my garage-only if my dragon likes the one you get rid of. course if she don't like it-well lets just say my olds is still pouty since the valk took over the garage.

[hubcapsc]

WHAT IS A DYNA 3000

computer chip ignition doohickey...

-Mike "hard-to-get/can't-get for Valkyrie anymore..."

[RainMaker]

SO is significant other, girl friend, wife, or master!!!

Slight typo in your reply - the word "or" should be "and".

[Jess from VA]

IF I GET IT I'M EITHER GONNA HAVE TO SELL MY STANDARD OR MY 1800 VTX WHICH I LOVE BOTH OF THEM BUT FOR FINANCIAL REASONS ONE'S GOT TO GO! CAN'T AFFORD THE MAINTENCE, TAXES, INSURANCE, ETC ON ALL OF THEM!

I might suggest that the std valk and vtx are similar cruisers... for their purpose.  The IS is different, as has been noted.  You might have said so above, but have you had a chance to ride the (or any) IS?  Seems to me that might be the deciding factor. 

Since you got the std, which of your two have you enjoyed riding better (VTX or std)?   I can tell you I had up to 4 bikes at one time (and the wife's for five), and the truth was, after the valks, I rode the others less and less.... so I sold them, reluctantly (both v-twins).  She stopped riding hers, so I sold it too. 

[BIG--T]

xguy-for a nominal fee-the one you don't want-i just might have room in my garage-only if my dragon likes the one you get rid of. course if she don't like it-well lets just say my olds is still pouty since the valk took over the garage.

Now that's really nice of you!!! 

[Kaiser]

A huge difference between the STD and the I/S is getting the Fat Lady up off her kickstand.  I've parked on a slight incline before and it has taken darn near everything I've got to get my I/S off her stand.

I haven't ridden a STD, but when I sat on one, I darn near threw the bike over on the left side cause I gave it a good heave (like I do with my I/S) and I thought I was going over.

[BIG--T]

SO is significant other, girl friend, wife, or master!!!

Got ya, thanks!

[ILcruiser]

Lovin' Spoonful - Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind? (Original Stereo)	powered by Aeva

[BIG--T]

IF I GET IT I'M EITHER GONNA HAVE TO SELL MY STANDARD OR MY 1800 VTX WHICH I LOVE BOTH OF THEM BUT FOR FINANCIAL REASONS ONE'S GOT TO GO! CAN'T AFFORD THE MAINTENCE, TAXES, INSURANCE, ETC ON ALL OF THEM!

I might suggest that the std valk and vtx are similar cruisers... for their purpose.  The IS is different, as has been noted.  You might have said so above, but have you had a chance to ride the (or any) IS?  Seems to me that might be the deciding factor. 

Since you got the std, which of your two have you enjoyed riding better (VTX or std)?   I can tell you I had up to 4 bikes at one time (and the wife's for five), and the truth was, after the valks, I rode the others less and less.... so I sold them, reluctantly (both v-twins).  She stopped riding hers, so I sold it too. 

Jess there's no one that I know with an Interstate and not many Valks I've seen in my area. I know of only 3 and they are Tourers and that includes Hubcapsc! So I've got to travel 10hrs round trip to test drive one and maybe buy.

Now your 2nd question is a tough one. It's almost like asking  a mother which child to give up! Lol They are similar cruisers but two different animals. The 1800 has more power but doesn't handle nothing like the Valkyrie and there is NO comparisionin the ride. I've owned a lot of bikes 2-4 cylinders and nothing compares to the smoothness of that 6 cylinder, powerful cruiser When i test rode it, the smoooothness is what did it!!

[BIG--T]

WHAT IS A DYNA 3000

computer chip ignition doohickey...

-Mike "hard-to-get/can't-get for Valkyrie anymore..."

Mike that leds me to wonder when parts will become obsolete. I've already found some accessories discontinued.