The REAL question about the new Valk. . .

[ValkISDan]

I think these owners for the most part won't care about being accepted by us. I'm guessing a younger crowd, mostly professionals that don't want to chat or talk about their bike with other bike owners online. The more I've thought about the design of this new bike I've realized I wasn't designed for me or most of "us". It was designed for the next generation. We should welcome them but I wouldn't expect too many to come our way and join us. Just my opinion of course.

[Tropic traveler]

I haven't seen too many new non-Harleys or their clones come out lately that didn't have the all too typical Japanese bug look to them. The Triumph R3 line comes the closest to classic styling without the V-twin penalty.
We have asked for a flat 6 powered cruiser & now we have one.
I'm sure in time the aftermarket and/or clever owners will supply us with ways to customize our GWValks. After I get mine I'll be looking for a front fender replacement & a rear fender replacement unless some nice looking hardbags cover up the weird ass lines of the rear fender. I'm also sure one of the first things offered will be a tag bracket mod to clean up the totally fugly stock set up.

Very interested to see the windshields & hardbags that are offered.  

As far as accepting the new Valk owners...... Yes.
There will be a lot of new/old combo owners here I'm sure!    

[jimmytee]

I'll be one keeping my Valk no matter what I do purchase. My current Valk is my second Valk and I was forced to sell my first one, divorce and all. I've got love in this girl and it's sentimental. Plus, I know I'll never see the money for her I think she's worth. So whether I buy a new  Valk or not, the 2000 stays.

[signart]

I'm sure new Gold Wing Valkyrie owners will be welcome, same as Gold wing owners would be. But they have nothing in common other than being a Honda or owners being motorcycle riders. I'm 100% sure they will have their own website every bit as successful as the new Gold Wing Valkyrie.

[Big Rig]

just a thought, how many here , who have Interstates, removed the "pods" because otherwise, there was too much plastic???

That is not why I removed it, but I do swap it out at times...great to have for 3 days, and great not to have for day to day...now if the have the 99 green paint available...with some chrome or not (takes a long to to clean), I will keep my 99 washed and sparkling and the new one would be rode hard and put away wet...

[Serk]

IMHO the REAL question isn't if we'll welcome them, the REAL question is, will "they" want to be associated with US???

[salty1]

IMHO the REAL question isn't if we'll welcome them, the REAL question is, will "they" want to be associated with US???

Exactly! From a tech stand point, there is not a lot the VRCC or the VOAI have to offer soon to be owners of the new 2014 Valk. There more likely to get the info they need from GW sites. FWIW 

[F6Dave]

I read that the average age of riders at Sturgis last year was 58!  That may be a good demographic statistic for a company selling powered wheelchairs, but it's terrible for a motorcycle company.

Just like in the '60s, Honda is trying to attract new and younger riders.  What choice do they have?  It's no wonder they've added so many good entry level bikes to their lineup.  And the F6B and Valkyrie are clearly aimed at someone younger than the typical Wing buyer.  Even H-D sees the writing on the wall, which has to be why they're adding a 500 and 750 to their lineup.

I hope the strategy works.  If it doesn't the industry may have a bleak future.

[Hooter]

I haven't seen too many new non-Harleys or their clones come out lately that didn't have the all too typical Japanese bug look to them. The Triumph R3 line comes the closest to classic styling without the V-twin penalty.
We have asked for a flat 6 powered cruiser & now we have one.
I'm sure in time the aftermarket and/or clever owners will supply us with ways to customize our GWValks. After I get mine I'll be looking for a front fender replacement & a rear fender replacement unless some nice looking hardbags cover up the weird ass lines of the rear fender. I'm also sure one of the first things offered will be a tag bracket mod to clean up the totally fugly stock set up.

Very interested to see the windshields & hardbags that are offered.  


I Have a Rocket III Touring and if you want torque and power this bike will outdo most, and it is smooth. The Touring is a Cruiser at its best and has a bunch of comfort. IMHO it hangs with or surpasses most. 2300 CCs and 140 cubic motor is tough to beat. I'm 6'1" / 230 and it gives me plenty of room. This bike is no slouch but few are found around here.
The smoothest by far is still the Valk. I've owned every brand there is with the exception of BMW or an Indian and the Valk will outsmooth (not a word) most anything. In the spring the Indian will be in the garage but not after an extensive road trip to make sure its what I want.
I'm not big on a bunch of plastic, but that is just me. Every bike has an audience and the F6 will sell. Honda will evaluate sales after a couple of years unless it just bombs or takes away from an existing Honda. Then they will dump it too if it in someway alters or down grades Goldwing Sales.

As far as accepting the new Valk owners...... Yes.
There will be a lot of new/old combo owners here I'm sure!    

[Tropic traveler]

I haven't seen too many new non-Harleys or their clones come out lately that didn't have the all too typical Japanese bug look to them. The Triumph R3 line comes the closest to classic styling without the V-twin penalty.
We have asked for a flat 6 powered cruiser & now we have one.
I'm sure in time the aftermarket and/or clever owners will supply us with ways to customize our GWValks. After I get mine I'll be looking for a front fender replacement & a rear fender replacement unless some nice looking hardbags cover up the weird ass lines of the rear fender. I'm also sure one of the first things offered will be a tag bracket mod to clean up the totally fugly stock set up.

Very interested to see the windshields & hardbags that are offered.  


I Have a Rocket III Touring and if you want torque and power this bike will outdo most, and it is smooth. The Touring is a Cruiser at its best and has a bunch of comfort. IMHO it hangs with or surpasses most. 2300 CCs and 140 cubic motor is tough to beat. I'm 6'1" / 230 and it gives me plenty of room. This bike is no slouch but few are found around here.
The smoothest by far is still the Valk. I've owned every brand there is with the exception of BMW or an Indian and the Valk will outsmooth (not a word) most anything. In the spring the Indian will be in the garage but not after an extensive road trip to make sure its what I want.
I'm not big on a bunch of plastic, but that is just me. Every bike has an audience and the F6 will sell. Honda will evaluate sales after a couple of years unless it just bombs or takes away from an existing Honda. Then they will dump it too if it in someway alters or down grades Goldwing Sales.

As far as accepting the new Valk owners...... Yes.
There will be a lot of new/old combo owners here I'm sure!    

I had a Rocket 3 for a couple of years but ended up selling it to buy Kim's '98 Valk & pay off the car I bought my parents. I really enjoyed the R3 incredible power but ...... I guess the smoothness of the flat 6 has spoiled me for all others. The Rocket just didn't fit me as well & the 3 cylinder vibration was not pleasing to me on long trips. Had a lot of troubles with the R3 when I first got it but thankfully it had enough factory warranty left to get those problems solved.
My 2005 Rocket 3. Corbin beetle bags, all other accessories Triumph.
Made my own "Tourer". 



I have always liked the very well engineered GL1800 engine & platform, just not all the damn plastic cover ups. I have always wondered why Honda didn't pull a page from Harley's successful play book & offer umpteen variations based on one platform. Well it appears that someone at Honda has had similar thoughts.
While we still love our "classic" '97-'03 Valkyries sometimes I long for the convenience of FI & modern brakes, etc. The styling of both the F6B & the new GWValk leave me a little bit flat but.... there they are! Two NEW 1832cc flat 6 powered, less plastic-y & less adorned with useless gizmos motorcycles from Honda. 
Take 'em or leave 'em but I can assure you just as we all have modded our "classic" Valkyries to suit our individual tastes & needs the same will be happening with the two new F6 powered bikes.
Looking forward to seeing AND test riding the 2014 GWValkyrie. 

Whooda thunk it??????? Honda went & did it. A new Valkyrie!   
 

[Pappy!]

Why wouldn't we accept them???
That would be pretty snooty of us now wouldn't it!!!
We will always have a passion for the Gen 1 Valkyrie. Hopefully there will be a good following for the Gen II as well.
They are folks who like to ride and are independent enough to NOT have to be one of the crowd and ride a V-twin. Gotta' like that.