Valkyrie value

[punkidd912]

Hello all,
      I bought an 04 vlx 600 last june for my 18th bday to learn to ride on and now is about time to step it up to a larger bike. There is a valkyrie at my local honda shop listed for $5999 (which im sure can be talked down, its been there a while). Its all black and chrome with cobra 6 into 6 exhaust, passenger backrest and 27223 miles on it, everything looks to be in great condition. I just wanted to get your thoughts on if this is a good price and if its worth it. Ive done a bit of research and it seems to be a fair price just not sure. What do you say?  ???

[Black Dog]

Well, the miles are low (hardly broken in  )...

The price seems fair enough, provided the dealer will stand behind it, say for 1 or 2 months, once you ride it out the door.  You say it's been there for a while...  That would be my only concern (was the gas stabilized?).  When were the fluids changed last? 

Will they let you take a test ride?  If so, take her out and give it a good run...  Check for smooth idle, and smooth through all gears, hit her hard, and do some puttin'.  If you like how she runs, welcome to this big ol' goofy club we call the VRCC 

Black Dog

[Mikey]

I paid just a touch over $7k for mine 2 summers ago with similar miles in Minnesota. I'd say it's a good price.

[olddog1946]

Seems like an excellent price from a "stealer", if they'll give you some kind of warranty and let you ride it first, give it a go..if you don't want it, let us know where it is,,,could be a sale here somewhere.

[punkidd912]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. When I go back this weekend I'll inquire about the fuel stabilizer, fluids, warranty and test ride. It'll be a while before I have the money, but I'm definitely interested and dont think its going anywhere. How many miles can I expect to get from this bike? ( barely broken in? lol)

[MP]

300,000 or more, seriously.

MP

[punkidd912]

DAMN!    thats great news to me, because I'm looking to buy a bike that I'll keep for longer than a year (like this vlx  ). and based on what I've heard and read, its one of the best for touring, which i definitely plan to take a good bit of 400 mile weekend trips in the near future, but in the immediate future, I'll be using it as main transportation to college, so compared to other bikes in this price range that i was considering before yesterday  , this seems like a winner

[Redline +]

400 mile weekend trips

400 miles isn't a weekend trip...after 400 miles you stop for lunch. 

Redline 

[MP]

400 mile weekend trips

400 miles isn't a weekend trip...after 400 miles you stop for lunch. 

Redline 

+1 on that.  I am going down to Hotglues BBQ in Houston TX from SW ND.  Just under 3200 miles for supper!  Meeting with hoser in KS, so the both of us will be riding 750 miles from there.  So, plan to put the miles on!   

MP

[punkidd912]

Damn thats hardcore. I guess itd be more like 800 miles because I'd be going there and back. Haven't gotten to experience those long rides yet, my little vlx barely handled the trip im talking about, almost rattled off my helmet lock   . Can't wait to see what itll feel like to be on a bike meant to handle it for those 6 hours. So I'd imagine this bike is fun and snappy around town too right? Just asking because I'd be riding 30 miles to school through traffic everyday too and I like to skip through it with the vlx.

[Serk]

I commuted 60 miles round trip through some of the craziest traffic Dallas has to offer for 10 years on my Valkyrie...

Granted, I'm not exactly petite myself, but yeah, she handled it quite well.

Once you get going, all that size of the Valk seems to just melt away. Yeah, she's not a CBR600RR, but she feels a lot more nimble than her size lets on.

Oh yeah, be careful, those long rides can be addictive. Iron Butt runs are FUN, I did my SS1000 (1000 miles in 24 hours (I did 1018 in around 18)) and wanted to keep going for the Bun Burner (1500 in 36 hours) but the spousal unit cut off the gas funds.

[punkidd912]

  i can tell already I'll get addicted! With no such thing as a spousal fuel fund  . Where can I find information about the Iron Butt and stuff? You still ride a Valk around Dallas? I plan to be up there a lot in the next few years, and move there once I have my degree.

[Serk]

i can tell already I'll get addicted! With no such thing as a spousal fuel fund  . Where can I find information about the Iron Butt and stuff? You still ride a Valk around Dallas? I plan to be up there a lot in the next few years, and move there once I have my degree.

Oh yeah, I'm over in Rowlett... There's a lot of us Texas folks, not that there's anything wrong with the national group, but come say howdy on the Texas forum - http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/board,3.0.html

You don't hafta go through the paperwork for an Iron Butt unless you want the certificate and stuff (I did it, just, well, 'cause it was fun...) but tons of info on their site - http://www.ironbutt.com

Just being nosey, but where are ya' going to school? And what part of the Dallas Metromess you have your eyes on?

[fudgie]

Congrats!  I went from a 94 VLX 600 to a 98 Tourer in 2000. I was only 23 at the time. Felt good to be young on a massive bike. 

Lucky you on the spouse thing. I was already married and fought all the time about ridding. Kicked her out and the miles really piled on. Since I got remarried they still rack up.

[RainMaker]

Damn thats hardcore. I guess itd be more like 800 miles because I'd be going there and back. Haven't gotten to experience those long rides yet, my little vlx barely handled the trip im talking about, almost rattled off my helmet lock   . Can't wait to see what itll feel like to be on a bike meant to handle it for those 6 hours. So I'd imagine this bike is fun and snappy around town too right? Just asking because I'd be riding 30 miles to school through traffic everyday too and I like to skip through it with the vlx.

There are a lot of good people in Louisiana that hang out on the General Board.  You might want to introduce yourself to Strider and the rest of the Cajuns.  They will take you under their wing and teach you all about the Fat Lady.

RainMaker

[old2soon]

Hello all,
      I bought an 04 vlx 600 last june for my 18th bday to learn to ride on and now is about time to step it up to a larger bike. There is a valkyrie at my local honda shop listed for $5999 (which im sure can be talked down, its been there a while). Its all black and chrome with cobra 6 into 6 exhaust, passenger backrest and 27223 miles on it, everything looks to be in great condition. I just wanted to get your thoughts on if this is a good price and if its worth it. Ive done a bit of research and it seems to be a fair price just not sure. What do you say?  ???

  April last year i had a 99 i/s take over my life. 36thou and change on the miles. I got er for $5800 cash. Kinda my retitrement present to my self. Like some one else said-welcome to the insanity. Good bunch of folks here. If it's valk related-most of em have been there and done that. As always RIDE SAFE.

[punkidd912]

I'm going to UL Lafayette, and looking to move to the Plano/Murphy area, hopefully. Next time I'm up there I'll have to let you know so we can go ride, show me some cool roads, because as of right now I only know of one, and its short.

I'll definitely check out that IronButt once I get the Valk.

I'm sure going to enjoy being young on such a large bike also, cant wait! 

And thanks for the warm welcome.

[sugerbear]

last june wife and i on our 2k I/S, and our friends on their 99 I/S went to key west from near st louis.

had a great ride.  yea 400 miles then lunch that the ticket.

welcome to the  club

[Slammer]

I'm leaving town tomorrow for east Texas but know a few Valk riders around Lafayette that would be happy to go check out the bike with you. Let me know as we've delt with both dealers alot over the years and know most of the salesmen.

Slammer

[punkidd912]

Its at Honda of Lafayette. I'm going back this weekend to get stuff done to my vlx and drool over the Valk again, but won't be ready to buy yet but I'm sure theyll start it for us and whatnot. Do you think theyd be willing to contact me and come with me this weekend?

[Ratdog]

400 mile weekend trips

400 miles isn't a weekend trip...after 400 miles you stop for lunch. 

Redline 

+1 dat.

[Daniel Meyer]

How many miles can I expect to get from this bike? ( barely broken in? lol)

[RainMaker]

Found the pictures on the Honda of Lafayette page.  It's already got some good chrome on it, especially those hard to find chrome side covers.  Looks pretty good in the pics.  Standard seat looks good, so this was probably garage kept. 






And the site address
http://www.hondaoflafayette.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=04491846X3K16K2011J9I41I02JAMQ2258R0&veh=1712707

I think it's a pretty good buy if it runs good.

[punkidd912]

I'll update on if it runs well hopefully this weekend if i can talk em into letting me test drive it. I had a question, what kind of maintenance am I looking at (and cost of)? is it just regular oil changes? no chain to keep lubed...so..

[RainMaker]

The dealership says they give only a 30 day powertrain warranty.  They did not service the bike before it was traded in so they have no service records.  I'm asking them now about what they've done to the bike since they got it in terms of service.  As for the price, I think cash will talk loudly.

Rear end service every 10K miles (putting moly paste on the spines). This usually coincides with the rear tire replacement, unless you take the next step and DarkSide.  Then the tire will go 30K miles but you still have to do the 10K service.  Change out hydraulic fluids when they start turning colors versus clear.  Wash it.  As with any other machine, fix what breaks.  But overall, it's a pretty inexpensive machine in terms of maintenance.  If you start attending wrench parties (which happen with frequency in the DFW area) your maintenance is really low as you'll learn how to do most everything yourself.

[punkidd912]

Ok thanks for inquiring, definitely appreciated because i wont be sure what exactly to ask. Would you say that the 30 day powertrain warranty would be enough? Yea I'd imagine cash would speak loudly, so your saying you think if i go in there and offer lower than listing price but in cash "TODAY"(when i have it  ) theyd be likely to take my offer? like a reasonable one. Also what exactly is DarkSide (i know, noob question)? Wrench parties sound cool, is it like an organized meeting where people attending are taught to DIY certain things? or just like a bunch of Valk riders getting together in general?

[Gear Jammer]

Ok thanks for inquiring, definitely appreciated because i wont be sure what exactly to ask. Would you say that the 30 day powertrain warranty would be enough? Yea I'd imagine cash would speak loudly, so your saying you think if i go in there and offer lower than listing price but in cash "TODAY"(when i have it  ) theyd be likely to take my offer? like a reasonable one. Also what exactly is DarkSide (i know, noob question)? Wrench parties sound cool, is it like an organized meeting where people attending are taught to DIY certain things? or just like a bunch of Valk riders getting together in general?

Darkside is putting a car tire on the rear wheel of the bike.   All the "cool" people have them !      wrench parties are planned get-togethers to work on bikes.  You can learn a great deal from most of these guys.  And they're a lot of fun to boot.  And some of them have food !!!
and while cash talks, don't forget you're not the only person willing to buy.  Don't put off too long, or she may disappear.

[Hoser]

It seems to be a 97 to 99, according to the seat, very nice bike, low miles,  I would not buy any bike without doing the maintenence called for in the service manual myself,  Just do or have done the servicing as if you knew it needed it, best to do it according to the maintenence manual.  I think it is a fair price.    hoser

[elraque]

You're gonna want a windshield... see if the seller will install it as part of the deal.

Last May I bought my thick chick -- 99, baby black, 27k miles, similar to "yours" from a private seller (obviously no warranty) for $5000 cash. I had to install the windshield. Worth every penny. I'd do it again. (Wouldn't we all?)

You don't buy a fat lady. The fat lady picks you, if you're worthy.

[old2soon]

You're gonna want a windshield... see if the seller will install it as part of the deal.

Last May I bought my thick chick -- 99, baby black, 27k miles, similar to "yours" from a private seller (obviously no warranty) for $5000 cash. I had to install the windshield. Worth every penny. I'd do it again. (Wouldn't we all?)

You don't buy a fat lady. The fat lady picks you, if you're worthy.

  When i threw my leg over her last april-maybe got 1/8 mile or less and she said-you belong to me now!! Ain't looked back or been sorry since she took me over. RIDE SAFE

[olddog1946]

When you go in to thoroughly check it,,be aware that you may drop a load when the bike fires up...It has aftermarket pipes (Cobra's, I believe) and at your age the sound will be enough to convince you to buy it....good luck..

[Willow]

You're gonna want a windshield... see if the seller will install it as part of the deal.

Last May I bought my thick chick -- 99, baby black, 27k miles, similar to "yours" from a private seller (obviously no warranty) for $5000 cash. I had to install the windshield. Worth every penny. I'd do it again. (Wouldn't we all?)

To ask a question and to answer one:

Why?  And, no.

[punkidd912]

Thanks for all the tips and info guys. BTW DarkSide definitely looks bad ass! I'll try to remember not to freak out over the sounds until after i buy  . I think for around town i wont use a windshield, but on trips i might consider one. All I'm needing to do now is look into getting a loan from my bank and posting my vlx for sale on campus, might wait until I have a job for sure squared away for the summer, but I'll definitely try to step it up a gear because with it posted on here, who knows, someone may go buy it tomorrow