NEW MEMBER- NEED ADVICE

[B0SSH0GG216]

Greetings all. Heres my delima- Im a prerty big dude 6ft4in 320lbs. I was all set to buy a Goldwing1500-1800 this spring, but saw a Valkyrie Interstate & instantly fell in love. Most of the biguys in my bike club ride Gl's due to the suspensions. Is there any diff between the gld wing suspension& the valkyries? Any info will be appreciated.

[BF]

I don't know anything about the GL's, but there's certainly shock options for the Valk.  Lot's of big guys like yourself ride a Valk.  

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

http://www.worksperformance.com/index.html

Or your best bet IMHO would be to call Daryl at XF6 and order custom built to you Works Shocks.  

http://xf6-custom.com/partpages/valshock.html

[Bighead]

Well Boss as BF said I know nothing go GL shocks I however ride a 1997 standard Valk and a 1999 IS model with Stock shocks with no problem you got me by 2" in height and about 20# ie? I am 6'2" and 300. I feel you would have no problems of any kind on a Valkyrie standard-Tourer or Interstate

[BigBad1]

Greetings all. Heres my delima- Im a prerty big dude 6ft4in 320lbs. I was all set to buy a Goldwing1500-1800 this spring, but saw a Valkyrie Interstate & instantly fell in love. Most of the biguys in my bike club ride Gl's due to the suspensions. Is there any diff between the gld wing suspension& the valkyries? Any info will be appreciated.

As the other post, I know nothing about GW suspension. Valkyrie shocks are adjustable. The shocks on the I/S are "heavy duty" compared to the Standard and Tourer. I am a light weight and keep my shocks on the Tourer set at 2 (three when riding two up). On my Interstate, I keep them set at 1 (the softest setting). This setting is actually too stiff for solo but is perfect for two up. (Bear in mind that with two up, we are in your weight range.) Since you can adjust these shocks up to be much firmer, I can't imagine that you would have any problem (especially on the I/S).

[sandy]

At your height/weight you'll need custom rear shocks. The 1800 wing has a single shock/spring. It's adjusted by a hydraulic pump to raise the preload. Most wing owners replace the rear spring with a Progressive or one from Traxxion custom to your weight. If you get the Valk, keep the stock shock length (13") for the extra suspension travel.

[B0SSH0GG216]

  Thank you all for your valuable input

[Bighead]

At your height/weight you'll need custom rear shocks.

I have to disagree as I stated I am at just over 300 and ride two up on my IS and Standard with bags and trunk loaded no problems. No is doesn't bottom out.

[gordonv]

The GL1500 GW has one air shock and one spring shock. I do not bottom out ridding 2 up with a combined weight of approx. 435# and all the stuff in the bags/trunk/trailer rack. Bike over loaded.

The Valkyries have dual spring shocks. Again, same combined weight, and I just left the shocks at the max firmness and ride it that way one or 2 up.

Unless I hit a firm bump, speed bump fast, I never bottomed out.

I believe there is an old write up of someone adding GW shocks to there Valkyrie. Maybe try a search, and see if it can be found.

[B0SSH0GG216]

Thanks again. This forum has proven to be most helpful.

[Paxton]

Gold Wing suspension is noticeably superior than the I/S.' Gold Wing has Reverse gear; I/S does not.
I'd love to have a 6-speed transmission and reverse gear on my Valks.  Who wouldn't?
When it comes down to it, my clear choice is the I/S...  in essence, she's a pissed off Gold Wing!

RIDE SAFE

[Bighead]

I would agree with the six speed tranny for road trips but reverse NO.

[salty1]

Boss I have nothing to add other than Congrats on your "new" bike. Welcome to the asylum!      You found the right place to get information.   

[Momz]

The Valks front suspension is more like that of a modern sport bike (inverted forks), while Gold Wings have always used conventional telescopic forks.

[valkyriemc]

"As the other post, I know nothing about GW suspension. Valkyrie shocks are adjustable. The shocks on the I/S are "heavy duty" compared to the Standard and Tourer".

Yes sir. +1

[Hoser]

Gold Wing suspension is noticeably superior than the I/S.' Gold Wing has Reverse gear; I/S does not.
I'd love to have a 6-speed transmission and reverse gear on my Valks.  Who wouldn't?
When it comes down to it, my clear choice is the I/S...  in essence, she's a pissed off Gold Wing!

RIDE SAFE

I was not aware that Gold Wings have a 6 speed trans. If they do it must be the new ones. I've not ridden one of those.  I certainly would like one on my Valkyrie, but I can live without it. Hoser  ???

[1500Rider]

Owning both a GL1500 Goldwing and a '97 Valk, I can tell you the suspension is totally different. Both the GW and Valkyrie have adjustable suspension but they are not interchangeable. There are several options for the Valkyrie. Switched my stock Tourer shocks for Progressive 440 HD, as well as Progressive fork springs up front. Handling was noticeably improved. Did the same on the 'Wing years earlier and was very happy with the improvement.

As for the transmission on the Goldwings, no, there is no six-speed, even on the new ones. While many have stated they would like a six-speed, a five-speed keeps the engine right where it wants to be at normal highway cruising speeds. At higher speeds, a six-speed would probably be a little more economical but I think you'd find yourself doing an excessive amount of shifting when tearing up the twisties.