Question for SuperValk owners

[Slvrvalk1]

I am considering converting my Interstate into a SuperValk.  I am curious about whether the change makes the bike feel much lighter.  I have never taken the trunk off my bike.  I am thinking about taking a trip to Alaska where I may run into bad road segments and I think a lighter bike would be easier to handle. 

Thanks for any information that you can provide.

Dave

[f6gal]

When you take the trunk off, there's far less top weight.
Lower center of gravity = better handliing.

I rarely ride with the trunk on, but when I do, it's much more work at lower speeds.

[Momz]

+1 what Connie said

[BradValk48237]

Ditto on the handling..

 I also think there is less buffeting without the trunk.... seems like smoother airflow and less flappin around.....

Looks cooler too!!!!!!!!!

Brad

[MP]

I REALLY like the trunk on my IS.  Keep my wallet, glasses, etc. in it.  REAL easy to get to, vs the saddlebags.

MP

[Pete]

When you take the trunk off, there's far less top weight.
Lower center of gravity = better handliing.

I rarely ride with the trunk on, but when I do, it's much more work at lower speeds.

+1, except, I never put the trunk back on. The IS is a whole lot better bike without the trunk.
Easier to balance, easier to ride, etc.

The trunk and mounting hardware is heavier than you would think, so the difference is more than you would think.

Just do it! Is my recommendation.

I like it so well that I made mine permanent by using the standard rear struts and wiring harness, remounted the antenna on the rider backrest..

[dreamaker]

I have a dumb question. What is so super about taking off the trunk? How does it make the bike super?  I would think a Valk with a supercharger would be a Super Valk or am I missing the point. Sometimes thing go over my head. I have a standard and never drove an Interstate so I don't know.

[Slvrvalk1]

Dreamaker -

The first person that did the conversion many years ago tacked on the name "Supervalk" for an Interstate without the trunk.  I do not remember who that was, but someone else with a better memory may be able to tell you.

Dave

[dreamaker]

Thanks !! Just wondered.

[Ferris Leets]

I've pulled the trunk off a few times but never the mounting stuff.  I don't know about how much the handling would change.  I usually only carry a small amount of light stuff in it anyway.   But, The convenience of the trunk is worth some extra top weight to me.  If you are heading to Alaska the extra space is going to have some value.

[Bigun]

I dont know why Honda abandoned the trunk system off the GL 1100 turn a key pop it off for when you just want to cruise pop it back on when you need the space. Simple, effective and good looking.

[Willow]

Dreamaker -

The first person that did the conversion many years ago tacked on the name "Supervalk" for an Interstate without the trunk.  I do not remember who that was, but someone else with a better memory may be able to tell you.

Dave

Not exactly.  The thing that makes it super is the convertibility, the ability to change quickly for varied needs.  Think of Clark Kent going into the phone booth.

But, yes, the term was coined by the developer of the mod to remove or replace the trunk quickly. 

[John Schmidt]

I dont know why Honda abandoned the trunk system off the GL 1100 turn a key pop it off for when you just want to cruise pop it back on when you need the space. Simple, effective and good looking.

Bigun, you're a man after my own heart. I have a '98 Tourer with a HD fairing and last Fall I adapted an '82 Wing trunk and mounting rack to my Valk. I had to cut down the length of the mount because I wanted it to sit right over the rear fender...I ride solo all the time now. I repaired the trunk, had it painted black to match the bike, added some cables to keep the lid from slamming all the way forward. Then added the handle in back and the rack on top. Neither were needed but added to the looks. Then had my friend do the art work during Bike Week. As you said, a quick turn of the key and off it comes. And if I want to remove the entire thing, less than five minutes and the mount is off as well. I ended up buying a liner made specifically for that trunk. I only plan to use it for travel so it's stored with a wrap over it for now. I wanted the GL1100 trunk because it was the last one Honda made with a flat lid...no hump for the corider backrest. All turned out pretty good I think.

[MacDragon]

I dont know why Honda abandoned the trunk system off the GL 1100 turn a key pop it off for when you just want to cruise pop it back on when you need the space. Simple, effective and good looking.

Bigun, you're a man after my own heart. I have a '98 Tourer with a HD fairing and last Fall I adapted an '82 Wing trunk and mounting rack to my Valk. I had to cut down the length of the mount because I wanted it to sit right over the rear fender...I ride solo all the time now. I repaired the trunk, had it painted black to match the bike, added some cables to keep the lid from slamming all the way forward. Then added the handle in back and the rack on top. Neither were needed but added to the looks. Then had my friend do the art work during Bike Week. As you said, a quick turn of the key and off it comes. And if I want to remove the entire thing, less than five minutes and the mount is off as well. I ended up buying a liner made specifically for that trunk. I only plan to use it for travel so it's stored with a wrap over it for now. I wanted the GL1100 trunk because it was the last one Honda made with a flat lid...no hump for the corider backrest. All turned out pretty good I think.

I like the set-up ya got there took some thought and $$$ for all the leather tooling, brackets,  etc.  Great job.
 

[BradValk48237]

All,

 If you set it up right, removing and replacing the trunk is a 5-10 min job....

Fro long trips I pop it on, and if I am staying in the same place for more than a day, I will take it right off... did it for Inzane ( I was only there Thurs and Fri for an hourish  each- long story) just last week..... used it to haul stuff to destination (our place up near Grayling... unloaded it and took the trunk off  and dropped it inside and rode for the weekend with out it. When it was time to go home, popped it back on and loaded it up.

Its just a matter of removing the seat-- unhook 2 plugs for lights and speakers, unhook antenna and rehook to hidden antenna, undo 4 bolts, slip off trunk. tighten the 4 bolts and replace seat....... 5 mins and 45.5- lbs of trunks gone and sleek Super Valk! I keep a 12 mm ratcheting box wrench in the trunk just for doing this,

I actually have hooks and pulleys in the garage at home to haul the trunk up to the ceiling and can use it to drop it back on.......

Once you do the Mod, it works. Its worth the effort.

Brad