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Printer Mike
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« on: July 28, 2009, 11:04:07 PM » |
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Hi folks! I joined this board several years ago, wanted a Valk, but never got the non-riding Misses to agree. So I gave up for a few years. But that yearning wouldn't go away, so I decided to press the issue. I can't sleep. I'm supposed to pick up a '98 16K Tourer tomorrow. Never even ridden a Valk. My present bike is a 65K '86 Suzuki VS Intruder that I plan to keep for short runs. Any suggestions? Looks like rain for the 10 mile ride back home... Did I mention I can't sleep? I'm just a little pumped...remember that feeling?  |
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Never give up!
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houstone
Member
Posts: 377
Can't get enough...
Santa Fe, TX
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« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2009, 01:31:43 AM » |
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Welcome aboard! You won't believe it! It is worth the wait...I sat on one the month they came out, and didn't get mine until a year ago. It is an obsession now...
10 miles is not enough. Plan an alternate, much longer, route home!
;-)
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TheValk
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« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2009, 03:12:04 AM » |
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While youre riding home, take a look down at that engine- if that doesn't bring a smile...
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EverOnwards
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V98
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« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2009, 03:15:30 AM » |
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Yes, if it's raining and this is your first experience on a valk, keep your happy hand in check. The throttle response on a Valk is exponentially greater than your Intruder. I know because I had an Intruder 1500 LC inbetween my two Valks. It always felt like a two second delay when I cranked the joy handle on that LC  . Enjoy your Valk, once you get your first taste you'll be worse than a crackhead needin a fix  . |
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Andy
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« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2009, 03:31:47 AM » |
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My present bike is a 65K '86 Suzuki VS Intruder that I plan to keep for short runs.
Any suggestions? Suggestions? Yes sell the Intruder it will only collect dust once you start riding the Valk. |
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Tundra
Member
Posts: 3882
2014 Valkyrie 1800
Seminole, Florida
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« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2009, 04:09:38 AM » |
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Congratulations Yes I remember that feeling, like a kid on Christmas. |
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If you can't be a good example: be a WARNING!!
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16779
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2009, 04:34:17 AM » |
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Any suggestions? Looks like rain for the 10 mile ride back home...
Depending on how tall you are and whether or not your tourer has an OEM windshield, you may find it hard to see in the rain - I couldn't see through my windshield in the rain, and had to sit uncomfortably erect with my neck craned out like a stork to see over it. I think some people use Pledge to make their windshields shed water, or have other solutions, but what did it for me was a shorter windshield that I can see over. I don't mind the rain now... 
-Mike |
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5492
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #7 on: July 29, 2009, 05:10:07 AM » |
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Congratulations! Any suggestions? Looks like rain for the 10 mile ride back home...
Twist the throttle and fly! |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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Spirited-6
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« Reply #8 on: July 29, 2009, 06:19:10 AM » |
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Congrats big time !! I had forgotten the joy I felt when I picked up my Tourer. Coming off a 1100 Spirit, the ride was so SMOOOOTH. I could not understand why I waited so long to ride the very best cruiser. |
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Spirited-6
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humshark
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« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2009, 06:28:08 AM » |
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YESSSS!!
I agree with taking the long way home. Either way the "perma-grin" will still be present on your face.
If it is wet for your ride, Hubcaps warnings and observations will likely be true. ( Based on your overall height ) I am 5' 7.5" and cut my windshield down as well and now have no problems seeing!
Watch your stopping on the wet pavement. Seeing as you have ridden already, you know the extra precautions we observe when the rain comes. The Valk with her weight will stop readily with BOTH brakes and in the rain gentle application will be key!
Glad to have you aboard!!
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99 Interstate
05 FJR
97 Vulcan '88' Hacked
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stude31
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« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2009, 11:44:52 AM » |
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Printer Mike, I too, remember my first ride. But, I bought my 99 Interstate as my very first street bike that was 3 years ago and I was so excited that I couldn't sleep. But, I hated the very first ride back to the house which was about 80 miles. It handled terrible and I was ready to sell it when I got home. My bike only had 18k miles on it and sat in a guys garage hardly being ridden. Bring a tire gauge with you and check the tire pressures. I rode home with only 20lbs of air in the rear wheel and it handled terrible. Aired them up and took her out for a second date and I loved her from that point on!! Like previous folks mentioned... Take the long way home and be careful in the rain. I rode mine in the rain for 3 hrs when I went to my cousins to have the dunflops removed for avon's. The side walls of my dunnies were hard plastic and it was spooky riding in the rain with them so just be careful... Can't wait to see some pictures of your new ride... |
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B
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« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2009, 06:41:38 PM » |
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Hi folks! I joined this board several years ago, wanted a Valk, but never got the non-riding Misses to agree. So I gave up for a few years. But that yearning wouldn't go away, so I decided to press the issue. I can't sleep. I'm supposed to pick up a '98 16K Tourer tomorrow. Never even ridden a Valk. My present bike is a 65K '86 Suzuki VS Intruder that I plan to keep for short runs. Any suggestions? Looks like rain for the 10 mile ride back home... Did I mention I can't sleep? I'm just a little pumped...remember that feeling? Easy on the throttle until you get used to it ... "she ain't no v-twin." ... it also may feel a little top heavy at first ... CONGRATS!!! |
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"if I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me." TLB-Ps.139:9-10
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f-Stop
Member
Posts: 1810
'98 Standard named Hildr
Driftwood, Texas
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« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2009, 08:20:32 PM » |
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Congrats on your new Valk! I baught my '98 Standard one year ago this Friday, but was unable to pick her up for a week due to work travel. Anyway, when I first rode away from the dealer I was freaking out about the big engine and weight, so I tooled around a neighborhood behind the dealership for a while before getting enough courage to face traffic on the way home. A few more awkward neighborhood runs and 7,000 miles later I can't imagine riding anything else... enjoy!  |
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  Had my blinker on across three states! |
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Printer Mike
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« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2009, 08:45:06 PM » |
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Thanks for the welcome and good wishes, everyone! I took her out today(no rain) for about 5 hours. Got full coverage insurance, a tag, and visited a few friends. Put over 100 miles on her...a lot of heavy traffic city riding, then, took off to the country roads that are less traveled. Got to open her up a few times...had to back off because I ran out of straight road. Also, got to kick back and put my feet on the (don't know what they're called) front foot rests. I really liked how I can slow down to around 25mph and accelerate back up to highway speed all in 5th gear. No herky jerky!!! Here's a pic, right before my first ride to pick up a tag.  |
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Never give up!
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BudMan
Member
Posts: 625
"Two's in."
Tecumseh OK
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« Reply #14 on: July 29, 2009, 09:15:42 PM » |
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Congratulations and have a great time! Just remember this ol girl is a tad on the heavy side. Most studies show the accident rate to be frightening similar between a new rider and an experienced rider if the experienced rider is on an unfamiliar cycle. When I first got on my Valk, I felt so confident and comfortable that I was SURE it did not apply to me. After scaring the BeeGeepers out of myself a couple of times, I decided the study I saw was right. Give it about 50 hours of saddle time and then it really gets fun! Ride safe.  |
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Buddy
Tecumseh OK
MOOT# 263
VRCC # 30158
1948 EL Harley
2013 F6B Delux
"I rarely end up where I was intending to go, but often I end up somewhere that I needed to be,"
Dirk Gently; Holistic Detective
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NCGhostrider
Member
Posts: 592
A bad map and a long ride in Northern New Mexico!
Jacksboro, TX
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« Reply #15 on: July 29, 2009, 09:52:07 PM » |
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I remember the day I saw my first Valk... I was looking at bikes, hadn't ridden in several years, the kids were bigger and I needed a stress outlet. I had been to harley shop in Raleigh, NC. and was about to plink out the money (it was flowing back then). I decided to go down the Honda shop, when I walked in and saw that black Valk Interstate, all I could say was "What's that?" I sat on it, never said another word other than I'll take it and had it delivered to my home!
The first ride was unbelievable... I rode from my home north of Raleigh towards Rocky Mount, it was the beginning of a long love affair, that continues with another Interstate today.
ah memories!!!!!!
Have a great time with the Valkyrie, she is a great machine!!!
Craig
NCGhostrider
99 I/S
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#6674 99 I/S Why aren't we riding? Anyone? Anyone? |
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Willy
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« Reply #16 on: July 30, 2009, 12:17:31 AM » |
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Congrats Mike! Have you done the "Nickel Trick" yet? When I first got my Valkyrie I was showing everyone that I met. If your not familiar with the
"Nickel Trick" just go to YOUTUBE under Valkyrie nickel trick.
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« Last Edit: July 30, 2009, 12:23:05 AM by Willy »
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KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)
Member
Posts: 4146
Specimen #30838 DS #0233
Williamsburg, KY
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« Reply #17 on: July 30, 2009, 03:37:50 AM » |
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Congrats !! Have had mine for 3 weeks and still can't get the grin off my face. If this video works it's in the New York or Jersey area know as the Hawks Nest. Sorry it's a little shaky, but my ram mount is my left hand and arm.
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« Last Edit: July 30, 2009, 03:40:54 AM by Misunderstood »
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Cliff
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« Reply #18 on: July 30, 2009, 03:50:35 AM » |
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You'll not regret making the purchase, and welcome aboard as one of the newest Valk riders!
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« Last Edit: July 30, 2009, 03:55:07 AM by Cliff »
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VRCC # 29680
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #19 on: July 30, 2009, 06:24:12 AM » |
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Welcome to the family!!
I remember when I picked up my '98 Tourer... I traded in a nice Shadow Spirit 1100... and I like Spirited-6 says up above, it was so smooth, that instead of riding home tom my garage from the dealer... I rode about 200 miles home!!!
You'll love it... only 10 miles in the rain.... you'll be fine... like Daniel Meyers says... "Just twist the throttle and fly"
Enjoy
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #20 on: July 30, 2009, 10:50:28 AM » |
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I bought my first valk 7 yrs ago. It was a surprise set up by my wife and daughter. I had been riding a XT600 Yamaha and the valk was quite a step up in size and power. I purchased just off I-45 north in Houston. I hit the road for the 25 miles home sweating bullets as I headed up I-45 to beltway 8, traffic was tough and I was as nervous as a wh$#@ in church. I made ok and have never looked back, now we ride everywhere at almost anytime. Enjoy and grin every chance you get. |
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