Would You Buy a Used Valkyrie Today ?

[Jttingle]

ok here is my delema 5 years ago my neighbor had a stroke and wasn't expected to last long put his 03 standard in the local paper for sale 1 owner never down .4800 miles garage kept never had a passenger on it he was asking 8500.00 no takers a few months later I offered him five grand his wife made him take it I am diabetic problems with my feet keep my trips to just a few hundred miles a year .I wanted it to look flashy so started to look at all the bling that was for sale here and on ebay remember 3 years ago you could still order parts from rattlebars  keep in mind it was a hobby thing then 2 weeks ago I had 2 heart attacks im olny 56 and they want open heart surgery now my family wouldn't know how to sell my bike.or get a fair resale price out of it I kept a log of every part I bought and every part changed or removed was boxed up in case I wanted to go back to stock I don't think its been out of new jersey yes I know its a shame .I added my list up and all the parts besides the hard to find cobra light bar and other things like solo rack avon tires my total out of pocket parts list is over 10 grand mostly chrome and stainless parts chrome velocity stacks drive shaft snd bolt covers swingarm covers national cycle fly screen bag liners irridum spark plugs dyna beads in tires OEM exhaust tips bag liners pingla petcock die hard battery cobra radiator cap waynes world radiator cover with V in it spark plug valance kury shock covers battery tender billit plate frame12volt power point on bars jardine axle covers, tank spacer for stacks BIGBf  unit 12 volt batt guage from kuryakyn chrome side reflector covers
ultimate low rider seat with backrest factory 3 piece seats included speedo and tach visors  chrome fender extentions caliper covers stock pipes with triple tips and #38 slow jets kuryakyn sound of chrome stereo  with ipod ultimate seats national cycle bags and the new OEM shield with vent have no miles at all on them this year zombie levers lower engine cover fork fillers many many small chrome plugs and covers dyna tek 300 ignition unit  kury tranny covers engie hanger covers carb tube toppers carb end chrome covers showchrome tail light cover< cobra 3 piece triple tree covers new never installed yet >fork nut cover top of fork chrome covers plastic tank frame covers have been plated3 inch headlight extention chrome banjo and bleeder cover chrome rear caliper cover chrome by cobra chrome dip stick and oil filler cap coverchrome handle bar clamp and chrome risers Hondaline  4 guage carb sycc tool   neck covers brake cover kury grips throttle bosses stiletto shift tips and hand grips chrome switch housings kury mirrors double seat rail 11 inch progressive shocks drop the height nicely stock shocks seats an luggage rack included  and kury ergo pegs  with 2 different size extentions all the chrome small parts seat rail and tank gas cap cover from big bike things from new zeland chrome side covers and several waynes world stainless parts grab bar clear lens led tail light blinker stalks on rear rattlebars kickshifter with peg mod chrome bolt covers and allenhead plugs on every bolt on bike also several magazines with reviews over the years print ads from Honda all manuals made a 8 foot long cardboard bumblebee standee cutout that the dealers had on the showroom floor in 98 quite a large collection of misc parts that I have come acroos in the past 5 years also stayon bike jack adapter and harbor freight floor jack you can ask for more pics or come see it at the jersey shore if you would like to  the only thing a new owner would need is personal items like floor boards or cruise control bike has OEM hondaline all weather cover with Valkyrie printed on it   I now have 8800 miles on it mostly just driving to local car and bike shows so im out of pocket over 15 grand has over 600 led lights on it for night shows and we all know by following the market it would be a stretch to get a buyer to fork over at least 10 grand for a 03 standard black valk all paint is stock to regain some cash should I strip it back to stock and sell the bling hope to get 7500 for the bike and maybe 4000 for the parts chime in with your commets please and not to brag but I will I have 16 either best of show or first place trophys for my effort but I really would like to see how it would stand up with other Valkyries   all these parts added up to over 10 grand alone plus I payed five grand for the bike with 4800 miles on it as  5 years ago ,value should have been roughly 8000.00 at that time IN STOCK CONDITION. in 2003 original owner paid $13500.00 THEN I PUT JUST OVER $10 GRAND IN IT. from local Honda dealer runs perfect no issues at all has dual OEM  horns with cobra chrome covers im sure I missed something I had a rivco chrome center stand but sold it last week ask for pictures new sears die hard battery on tender.....mike murphy............ mmurffy01@hotmail.com




 

So, what I got out of all of that is...you took advantage of your neighbor and paid less than average for an 03. You put money in it yes but as we all know its a labor of love and you will not get the return on that money. If you were selling you better take the first 6 grand that comes along. If I were buying I'd offer 4500? Payback for your neighbor.

[Tal/IL]

I just bought a 2001 Interstate last weekend. I've put about 250 miles on it and I like it more with every mile.

[Colin]

In a heart beat. Looking for an unloved one cheap at the moment to do something a bit different with.

[indiandave]

YES, bought my 2nd 2001 I/S M/B on 3/26/13 55K off Ebay. Have put 1k on her (250 the 1st day took a Grayhound and a can of Seafoam to pick her up ) and still need to work out the carb's (there getting better).  But it looks like rain this weekend in Fl, no local Valkyrie ride posted for the eat&meet (always have one when I'm working) and I do not have to work this weekend, so the real cleaning/flarkles add on's begins.
 Lost/Wecked the 1st one 3 years ago same color bike M/B. I had hunted for 5 years before I could find that 2001 I/S M/B color and at my price of 7500$. That was when they where going for 1k more that any other I/S - about 10-11 k with under 25k on the clock. Had 23k and went to her rest place with 38k in 2 years. I had other bike too ride also or it wouild have been more.
 Have a ST1300 08 and love it too (replacement at the time for 1st Valkyrie), but GF missed the Fat Lady & so did I. I usally keep my bikes, still have my 74 Kaw 900 Z1A - that I have had since I was 16 year old . The St1300 has not seen the rode for 30 days but I got to kept her too.
 So I think I will always have a Vailkyrie in my House.

[olddog1946]

I'd buy one today and another one tomorrow..  If I had any money, lol.

[Lawdog]

Sold my VTX 1300 hunted for 15 mouths for my Valk that I just got Saturday. The VTX is good for around town not that great for road trips. So what type of riding do you do bar hopping or real riding.


Buy a Valk if you love riding. 

[Gryphon]

I wouldn't buy one today, ask me in a few weeks after I settle with my insurance adjuster.    Damn deer are hard on bikes and riders. 

[Willow]

I wouldn't buy one today, ask me in a few weeks after I settle with my insurance adjuster.    Damn deer are hard on bikes and riders. 

I'm sorry to hear that, Gryphon.

I sincerely hope that you're OK and the Valk is repairable.

[big d]

Would I ever buy another valk?.. In a heartbeat. Might be in the market for another one, making it five valks for the wife and I. Just cant seem to get enough of those big beautiful bikes. If it happens it will mean that my vtx 1800 will be gone. After all how many bikes do two people need or be able to ride. If the valk I am thinking about doesn't work  out I will gladly keep the 1800. The vtx is a different bike by nature being a v twin, but is a great bike for what she is. Will never be a valk but is enjoyable to ride with plenty of power and some nice lines. Handles well and gets pretty good fuel economy.   Good luck with your choice and decision.

[cantom]

I bought my bike with 8600 miles in great condition last year. They can be found with low miles still.

Bingo. I bought my 98 Tourer with 6000 miles on it 2 months ago. I love the thing. And I've been finding great parts availability, plus with a resource like this forum available, taking care of it is very viable.

A high miler with unknown maintenance history? Maybe less so.

[Flat6Valk]

simple answer............HELL YES!

[Jess from VA]

Would You Buy a Used Valkyrie Today?

It's the only kind of Valkyrie you can buy today.  And the answer is yes. 

[Apollo]

Absolutely,   the Valkyrie has a soul,  I have only found in custom bikes and high end Harleys.   Then there's the reliable and smooth flat 6 wrapped in chrome. You have to love that.

[.]

I bought my first one, a 2000 Standard with 43,000 miles last March, and if I run into another Valk and have the money I'll probably go for it.

[czuch]

No, No way. I want a davidson so I can look like a pirate and be an individual. Just like all the other cool Davidson riders. In fact, That way I'll only go on poker runs and sunny afternoon rides. When anyone asks where my bike is, I can say its in the shop and they wont blink an eye.
Valkyrie, having to answer all those questions,  having to pass all those slower traffic makers?
happy?

[Patrick]

No, why ? Already bought one 15 years ago. But, if I ever needed another one for some reason, then, yep.

[saab9k]

Yes bought a 1999 interstate with 50000 miles on the clock.

Will be a trike in a few month. Buying a Roadsmith kit.  Yes it is solid black. Will repaint the rest of bike too.

Will replace a trike with less than 6000 miles on it.

Will sell it in the spring.

[Otus]

Just bought my tourer a month and a half ago. Plan on treating it well and using it to travel with my wife. ( that doesn't mean it wont see triple digits, oops been there done that) but already have thoughts of a harley hunting standard.

[Christbiker]

YES!!!   Have bought and sold more than a few Valkyries.  No problem buying them with many miles on 'em if you know what to look for.  In fact, I'd rather buy one with 35000 miles on it than 13000.
Whatever is gonna go wrong (if any) probably already has.   Just sold a '97 Tourer with 68000 miles on her.  A soldier traveled from another state and paid well for her.

Usually have at least one for sale at all times.

Blessings,

Woody   


 

[RDAbull]

I picked up a '99 I/S that had been triked this summer.

It was barely broken in.  Only 105,000 on the clock. I sold my 99 I/S as my wife thinks three is maybe one or two too many.  It is sitting in the garage next to the VTX 1800 that I have had for several years. At 63, I'm pretty sure the trike will last longer than I do. The longer I have the trike, the more sure I am that the VTX is going on the market

[Willow]

Wow! What an old thread resurrection.  I already replied to this thread in May (before the world changed) and have since then bought two Valkyrie Interstates.  I guess that answers the question.   

[Oss]

Curious

Why are you getting rid of the R1200?   ABS brake issue or comfort (legs) issue

I like different bikes for different reasons,  its more utilitarian for me to commute down to the Bronx on the 1150rtp with the ABS its narrower (not that I have ever split a lane in traffic between trucks )
and gets 50mpg even beating on it really hard

For travelling there is Nothing like the Valk except maybe the 1600 bmw  IMHO

I would buy another Valk if I had the room, a red and white 97 just so I could let my friend Bonzo
ride it when he is recovered from his accident

[Rams]

Would You Buy a Valkyrie Today considering their age  ,
a 1998 is 15 years old  and parts  are slowing disappearing ?
I am right , they are becoming a little harder to get , the parts ??

I am obviously confused.   Asking a question like this on a Valkyrie board is kind of like asking if a Corvette is worth buying on a Corvette board.     If you have one you're wanting to sell and fishing for a response, I'd say you have your legal limit plus some.

But, to respond to the question, yes.   If I could afford another one, she'd be sitting in my garage while I ride the other one.

[art]

Nope ,no need to .I only have 155000 miles on my 02 stsndard.Just broken in.I figger it will out last me.I'm going on 71 the valk is only 12.Not even a teenager. Iwould buy a Triumph Bonney but never get rid if the valk

[jimmytee]

Pretty odd question on a Valkryie forum.  I doubt there would be more than 1% on this board that would question on buying another used Valkyrie.  Heck,  if I ever found a 1984-1986 honda V65 magna maroon red in good condition with under 30K at a reasonable price around $2500 I'd jump on it as well and that is a 25+ year old bike.  But, the wife would probably kill me first since last fall I bought a used scooter and as of this past weekend I bought a used 2008 Can Am MAX XT 500cc 2-up ATV.  I have to stop or the next purchase over 1 grand will be a dog pound for me to live in.   

 Put your money where your mouth is...lol
http://louisville.craigslist.org/mcy/4098516855.html

[DIGGER]

Would You Buy a Valkyrie Today considering their age  ,
a 1998 is 15 years old  and parts  are slowing disappearing ?
I am right , they are becoming a little harder to get , the parts ??

Parts????    70+ miles on my Valk and I aint needed no stinking parts.

[Romeo]

A better question would be: would you buy a used 98 HD?

are there used '98 H-D's still out there? I thought they had all slid away in there own oil slicks.
Oh, btw, I 'd buy a Valk in a heartbeat. I tend to be very visual, and in my opinion, its still the best looking bike out there, bar none. And now I have the added knowledge of just how good it is mechanically as well.

[cma1]

yep, but then i'd buy a bone stock 57 chevy too.

who was sitting in front of the border inn Monday with the 24 carat, fully illuminated, diamond encrusted 03 valk ???????????

bitchin ride dude ! is there any chrome or aftermarket shiny stuff you don't own ??

[cookiedough]

No I wouldn't since mine should last me the rest of my life no need for 2 of them. 

By the time I retire or left for dead, I may well hit the 100,000 mile club?

I think the main reason why Valks are so cheap vs. say a comparable same year HD ultra classic, is that the perception is it is old, not made anymore,  and therefore not reliable and cannot be trusted - WE ALL KNOW BETTER! 

[chip]

Sure would, its a lot easier to move those spare parts around the garage when thier on wheels.

[ugelstad]

Yes, I have tested others (Indian, Goldwing, BMW) and nothing I like a much as the Valk.  On the negative side, if you aren't going to work on it yourself or have a good mechanic to do the work, I might be reluctant.  Good dealers are hard to find and finding someone to work on carbs is getting harder.  I don't worry about parts, most of the parts that you need to replace routinely are off the self parts (O-rings, grease, tires and hoses).  The engine runs forever.  And yes, I did just buy one.  I bought a second  Valk, so I could have a choice.

[R J]

A better question would be: would you buy a used 98 HD?

Unless I had proof the cam issue had been taken care of up thru the 03s, NOPE!

There is a cam issue?  I've never heard of that. Have ridden my 99 over 100.000 miles, certainly would have heard of that, I would think.

Hey Hoser, I think he is referring to the HD having cam issues.

Ride safe my man.

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

I sure did... 2000 I/S just this July. Needed to turn a wrench or two on it already- Replaced petcock with Pingel (new air-filter while had tank off), new rear Avon (did rear-drive service while apart) and just recently replaced alternator. Way easier to work on than GL1800 I came off of & feels/looks more like a proper motorcycle-IMO.

Looking forward to a long lasting relationship with my Fat Girl! 

[Bigun]

 Looking forward to the day when my Valk is anything but a money pit. Every time I turn around something else is wrong. I replaced the motor this spring due to a hydrolock replaced the petcock with a pingle had carb work done now she isnt starting again, Pretty sure it's the starter this time. Going to tear into her this coming weekend until I find the problem. And of course while I'm at it replace the front brake lines with braided steel lines, put 18" long 4"stacks and grumpy's polished aluminum ends on for a bit more bling. Its a sickness I tell you. At least the fat girl is paid for. The buddies are starting to hint that I need a new bike but the couple of months she did run she ran flawlessly and I became addicted again.

[Willow]

Looking forward to the day when my Valk is anything but a money pit. Every time I turn around something else is wrong. I replaced the motor this spring due to a hydrolock replaced the petcock with a pingle had carb work done now she isnt starting again, Pretty sure it's the starter this time. Going to tear into her this coming weekend until I find the problem.

Your experience is certainly the exception.  My Standard has 172,000 miles and has never had a mechanical problem other than the few I've specifically induced.

What I'm seeing in this thread is a distinct separation between those who own a motorcycle for status and occasional display and those who are habitual riders.  There's certainly room for both here, but we don't think alike.

[Spirited-6]

If I was 60 again I would buy at least one Valk., There is no other bike that makes me proud to own.  My Jade Lady went to a good home in Apple Valley , Mn. I know she is being taken care of.
 

[cma1]

haven't had a bit of problem buying parts for either of my valks. actually parts from Honda are easier to get than aftermarket stuff.

remember your engine is a gold wing, plain and simple, and those were made for many years, so parts will always be around. your frame and front forks are like if not exactly like vtx1800's

[Bigun]

Looking forward to the day when my Valk is anything but a money pit. Every time I turn around something else is wrong. I replaced the motor this spring due to a hydrolock replaced the petcock with a pingle had carb work done now she isnt starting again, Pretty sure it's the starter this time. Going to tear into her this coming weekend until I find the problem.

Your experience is certainly the exception.  My Standard has 172,000 miles and has never had a mechanical problem other than the few I've specifically induced.

What I'm seeing in this thread is a distinct separation between those who own a motorcycle for status and occasional display and those who are habitual riders.  There's certainly room for both here, but we don't think alike.

Mine was loaded with aftermarket stuff before I bought it. What I have added to it is mostly comfort related seat, floor boards etc. I wanted a bit more of a growl without being obnoxious so I bought the 18"stacks, the steel braided brake lines are a safety measure as mine look to be starting to dry rot. The first 2 months I owned the Valk I put 5,000 miles on her and in the last 2 months before the last break down another 4,000. I am a rider that has been let down by his steed. I also want my bike to be good looking and have had numerous people compliment the condition when I tell it's age. I love the bike and have not given up on her just want to see some of the legendary reliability that the Valks are known for. I guess on the bright side I am learning the bike from the inside out and building up an impressive collection of spare parts.

[Xtracho]

Considering my last bike was a 1981 Wing the Valkyrie is a piece of cake to get parts for.

Same here. I bought my '84 Aspencade in 2008 and it was my daily ride until I bought my '98 Valk. I have yet to encounter any problems finding parts for either one of them.
Would I buy another Valk? Hell I just bought a 1947 Indian Chief.....does that answer your question?

[Mapper]

Old post... very old... but, YES.

I would still buy a used Valkyrie today. There's still many gems out there on the market, some with unbelievably low miles still.