Review of 2014 Valkyrie. Good Read.

[Dave Ritsema]

Interesting review for those that might be interested. It is growing on me and I bet if you looked past the styling for a minute and rode one it would be impressive.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2014/04/2014-honda-valkyrie-md-first-ride/

[Jack B]

It does look better in red.

[Chrisj CMA]

Amazing what color can do.  I really dont like it in the blue.  The Black is nicer and I REALLY like the red one.  That rear fender is still a choke point but the rest of the bike looks really good in red.  Maybe instead of traditional full size saddle bags.....maybe small throwovers and a low sissy bar and small cool trunk  hmmmmmmmmmm

[Dave Ritsema]

It does look better in red.

Jack, I thought the very same thing. Who knows? With some bags and a windshield it may be OK. Looks aside, I bet it is a very capable motorcycle.

[ChromeDome]

Never doubted the mechanical performance just don't like the looks.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Change is always met with resistance. This is change.

[..]

Change can be good. And the sooner they change the radiator pods the better.

[Gryphon Rider]

ABS is only available on black-coloured Valkyries?  That's just dumb!

[Gary]

ABS is only available on black-coloured Valkyries?  That's just dumb!

ABS on The Blacks only, this should finally put to rest all the nay sayers debating whether the Blacks are fastest...  

[BobB]

I too like it in red, but I have yet to see one for real.  I would also like to see pictures of one with touring accessories (bags and windshield). 

[Dave Ritsema]

I too like it in red, but I have yet to see one for real.  I would also like to see pictures of one with touring accessories (bags and windshield). 

Same here, may change the entire look of the bike?

[boss hoss bill]

Dave

Good article..Thanks for posting it.

Like a lot of us here, i can't wait to see what the accesories look like when they finally release them.

What the windshield and bags look when installed will be the determining factor for me. Until then it's just speculation.  

[tbone]

Thanks for the article. good read. i like the red also but I will stick with my black i/s.

[ChromeDome]

Change can be good. And the sooner they change the radiator pods the better.

+1

[Willow]

Some of us are missing Honda's intent.  

Waiting for the bags and shield and various add-ons doesn't really make a lot of sense.

Honda marketing came to a realization that their very successful Goldwing line could be aimed at a couple of other markets, those wanting a little less than the full Interstate touring version.  They followed the pattern they had established years before with the Valkyrie.  To market the bikes to the Standard (expected short ride) and Tourer (over the road but not interested in the full package) crowds they used the names Goldwing Valkyrie and F6B.  They own the names.  They really were not intending to resurrect the once not-so-marketing-successful Honda Valkyrie.

I do expect to see some accessories come available for the Valkyrie and F6B, but as they are they fill the niche they were intended to fill.

Joe Boyd is not with Honda anymore.  

[Rams]

A good read, thanks for posting the link.   I agree that the color change does improve it's looks.

I still don't like the side mounted radiators and don't understand how they are better.     But, I do have a question reference that engine.    Is that Valkyrie engine identical to the Gold Wing engine mechanically today?    I'm not a GW person.

[Reb]

I'll own it 

[Robert]

Like the bike in red and may even be in the market for one but without a windshield and bags its a no go. I may have another look at the f6b but I don't like accepting what is offered me regardless of what they want and how they feel their markets are. I didn't buy a wing because it was not what I was looking for. Actually the wing may even have cost less money than the old Valk or the new Valk because by the time I added all the extras it pretty much was a wash. The same can be said of the f6b really didn't want all the fairings and such even though in the long run it may be cheaper and its already setup for the most part but it Maybe to much like a wing for me. Good read thanks

[Dave Ritsema]

A good read, thanks for posting the link.   I agree that the color change does improve it's looks.

I still don't like the side mounted radiators and don't understand how they are better.     But, I do have a question reference that engine.    Is that Valkyrie engine identical to the Gold Wing engine mechanically today?    I'm not a GW person.

To the best of my knowledge it is the same engine as the Goldwing and F6B but I believe they should be picking up a little power with the reduced weight and perhaps some enhanced cornering capabilities from the different tire and suspension set up.

[HayHauler]

With the pegs 1.3 inches higher, it will be better in the corners than the Wing or F6B.  I suppose that depends on how you have the rear suspension set.  hmmm....

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Michvalk]

The way I read the Honda site, the bike is available in all colors with ABS, but with the deluxe package, witch has the blacked out forks and wheels. You can get the other options from the deluxe except for the ABS and put them on the standard. I like the bike, and am looking foreword to see what the aftermarket does with windshields and bags.

[Rams]

A good read, thanks for posting the link.   I agree that the color change does improve it's looks.

I still don't like the side mounted radiators and don't understand how they are better.     But, I do have a question reference that engine.    Is that Valkyrie engine identical to the Gold Wing engine mechanically today?    I'm not a GW person.

To the best of my knowledge it is the same engine as the Goldwing and F6B but I believe they should be picking up a little power with the reduced weight and perhaps some enhanced cornering capabilities from the different tire and suspension set up.

Dave,
Thanks for the response.    The reason I asked is, I'm told that there is a difference between my 02 Valkyrie and an O2 GW.   I'm told the Valkyrie has six carbs versus the GW having two and that my Valkyrie had a more radical cam.    Not being a GW person, I really don't know but, if that were true previously, I'd hope there was something better on the new Valkyrie versus the new GW.

I'm still convinced Honda is just trying to deplete there backlog of the 1832cc engine for the next generation GW.  I guess we'll find out in a couple of years.    The new F6B and Valkyrie both offer some things I like but, I still think they are butt ugly.    I guess Honda isn't trying to market to me or my generation (whatever that is).

[98valk]

first paragraph they state this which is not true for the orginal
"It represents Honda’s return to the concept that created a cult-like following the first time (ed-cult following is true). Take a big powerful luxury tourer and strip it to the bone."
the org was a completely different bike compared to the GL1500

must be a paid by honda article.
its a stripped down overpriced GW with a valkyrie badge on it. 

[Rams]

its a stripped down overpriced GW with a valkyrie badge on it. 

Speaking as an un-informed enthusiast, that's my impression also.   While I agree that less weight and better suspension is good, that motor is the heart of our dragons and it needs to be a great one.

[LandElephant]

First the difference between the 02 Valk and 02 GW is the Valk has 6 carbs and the wing has fuel injectors. 332 cc more in engine, 20 plus hp, and a aluminum frame.

I keep thinking when people keep wanting bags and fairing they show look at the F6B. As far as the radiator pods, you'd have to stretch the frame to put the rads in front. Hey they work good now right where they are at.

Personally, I bought a frieght car (Ural) to be different. Didn't see many pictures of all the different valks from "The GOTFs".  But "The Hoopty" represented.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Dave Ritsema]

first paragraph they state this which is not true for the orginal
"It represents Honda’s return to the concept that created a cult-like following the first time (ed-cult following is true). Take a big powerful luxury tourer and strip it to the bone."
the org was a completely different bike compared to the GL1500

must be a paid by honda article.
its a stripped down overpriced GW with a valkyrie badge on it. 

I am not defending the new Valkyrie, but I will say that when the original one came out lots of die hard Wing guys said the very same thing about it.
I believe they are not targeting the duffers among our ranks, (of which I consider myself one) but rather younger blood and trying to get them started on GoldWings.

[Dave Ritsema]

First the difference between the 02 Valk and 02 GW is the Valk has 6 carbs and the wing has fuel injectors. 332 cc more in engine, 20 plus hp, and a aluminum frame.

I keep thinking when people keep wanting bags and fairing they show look at the F6B. As far as the radiator pods, you'd have to stretch the frame to put the rads in front. Hey they work good now right where they are at.

Personally, I bought a frieght car (Ural) to be different. Didn't see many pictures of all the different valks from "The GOTFs".  But "The Hoopty" represented.

I thought "The Hoopty" looked really cool in the photographs, congrats on a cool ride!

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Rams]

First the difference between the 02 Valk and 02 GW is the Valk has 6 carbs and the wing has fuel injectors. 332 cc more in engine, 20 plus hp, and a aluminum frame.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

Charlie,
So that I understand, you're telling me the 02 GW was fuel injected?

Reference the 332 cc, 02 GW?

[hubcapsc]

First the difference between the 02 Valk and 02 GW is the Valk has 6 carbs and the wing has fuel injectors. 332 cc more in engine, 20 plus hp, and a aluminum frame.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

Charlie,
So that I understand, you're telling me the 02 GW was fuel injected?

Reference the 332 cc, 02 GW?

The 1800 wings started in 2001...

-Mike

[cookiedough]

I tend to agree like said above the new Valkyrie is targeting the younger crowd hoping it will work.  We were once young ya know (or should I say younger) when the Valks came out in 1997-2003. 

Problem is I don't know too many young guys (say 33 and under) who have 18 grand or more laying around, let alone 1/2 of that to spend on a cycle really not needed and most of us older gents (45 and older giving most the benefit of the doubt saying 45) don't like all that tupperware since we all grew up with metal and chrome in the 70's and earlier. 

There will be HOnda and aftermarket accessories to hopefully spruce it up but if you do that, might as well get an F6B or Goldwing then?  My opinion, but the new Valkyrie is a stripped down version for the most part of the F6B.

I applaud Honda for trying, but NOT trying hard enough and do something different more in lines with what will sell.  I for one hope they don't sell too well and in 10 years when I am looking for my next cycle,  there are a ton of used Valks/F6B's with low mileage for 1/2 the price of new.  Highly doubt it will be a revolutionized cycle like the Rune and hold it's value so high such as the Rune is still today.

[jimmytee]

I'm 45 and I like it. Let's just see what bags and fairings or windscreens look like.

[Reb]

I tend to agree like said above the new Valkyrie is targeting the younger crowd hoping it will work.  We were once young ya know (or should I say younger) when the Valks came out in 1997-2003. 

Problem is I don't know too many young guys (say 33 and under) who have 18 grand or more laying around, let alone 1/2 of that to spend on a cycle really not needed and most of us older gents (45 and older giving most the benefit of the doubt saying 45) don't like all that tupperware since we all grew up with metal and chrome in the 70's and earlier. 

There will be HOnda and aftermarket accessories to hopefully spruce it up but if you do that, might as well get an F6B or Goldwing then?  My opinion, but the new Valkyrie is a stripped down version for the most part of the F6B.

I applaud Honda for trying, but NOT trying hard enough and do something different more in lines with what will sell.  I for one hope they don't sell too well and in 10 years when I am looking for my next cycle,  there are a ton of used Valks/F6B's with low mileage for 1/2 the price of new.  Highly doubt it will be a revolutionized cycle like the Rune and hold it's value so high such as the Rune is still today.

I'm 26, now I don't have 18 grand laying around, but I am debt free, have cash in the bank, and can afford to take a loan after college. It's my treat to 5 years of working for a college education. Remind you it was a free education thanks to the GI Bill and services to the greatest Navy in the world . It is definitely intended to appease the younger crowd. On campus, more bikes I see are without chrome and flat black, It's just that era I'm assuming. I like it for the performance aspect rather than the eye candy. I'm anxious to get it side ways with sparks scrapping. 

[8Track]

I think the new Valkyrie looks really good all the way from the front to the start of the rear guard. From there back, it looks like they just kinda shugged their shoulders and said anything will do.

[LandElephant]

Rams,
The last major update to the Goldwing came out in the 2001 model year. 1800 cc, I beliver 2 fuel injectors (1 for each side), aluminum frame (they had a recall for weld cracks), single swing arm (can change rear tire in about 10 minutes), side mounted radiators (over heat problem), and larger bags (side loading), and trunk. Supposedly listed at 124 bhp instead of 83 bhp and a better tuned suspension gear more towards the ST 1100. And of course the bugeye look.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[jimmytee]

There will be HOnda and aftermarket accessories to hopefully spruce it up but if you do that, might as well get an F6B or Goldwing then?  My opinion, but the new Valkyrie is a stripped down version for the most part of the F6B.

I understand the thought process here, but it neglects the fact that there are differences with the new Valkyrie, besides dropping the frame mounted fairing and bags from the F6B. The ergonomics are different for one thing. I read one impression that said the new Valkyrie feels roomier than the F6B or Gold Wing. This due to different seating, foot peg location, and handlebars. Plus the wheels and forks are different. These things change the bike and it's not fair to say that one should just buy a F6B if they want bags and a windshield.

[paul246]

Pretty sure I read somewhere that the new Valkyrie's frame was a slightly different geometry than that of the GW/F6B frame.

I'm an old, (nearing 60) ex-Valkyrie rider and I'm really liking this new rendition. I know the chassis and engine are superior to my old Valk's and I just happen to like the look of this new baby, especially in black.

If I wasn't taking the whole family to Europe next year I would be pulling the trigger on one now. Hopefully my turn will come.

[hubcapsc]

and it's not fair to say that one should just buy a F6B if they want bags and a windshield

It is never fair to tell others what they should do  ...

I rode a f6b, it was awesome. But I don't want those funny Britman handlebars, the
wrap-around dashboard, the "unitized" rear end. I do want a regular gas tank, "normal"
handlebars, a rear fender and "regular" saddlebags. We await the saddlebags and the
windshield, but I think the f6c is going to be awesome too...

-Mike

[Airedale]

I am 65 and that new red Valkyrie looks pretty darn good to me.

Al

[eric in md]

 

I tend to agree like said above the new Valkyrie is targeting the younger crowd hoping it will work.  We were once young ya know (or should I say younger) when the Valks came out in 1997-2003. 

Problem is I don't know too many young guys (say 33 and under) who have 18 grand or more laying around, let alone 1/2 of that to spend on a cycle really not needed and most of us older gents (45 and older giving most the benefit of the doubt saying 45) don't like all that tupperware since we all grew up with metal and chrome in the 70's and earlier. 

There will be HOnda and aftermarket accessories to hopefully spruce it up but if you do that, might as well get an F6B or Goldwing then?  My opinion, but the new Valkyrie is a stripped down version for the most part of the F6B.

I applaud Honda for trying, but NOT trying hard enough and do something different more in lines with what will sell.  I for one hope they don't sell too well and in 10 years when I am looking for my next cycle,  there are a ton of used Valks/F6B's with low mileage for 1/2 the price of new.  Highly doubt it will be a revolutionized cycle like the Rune and hold it's value so high such as the Rune is still today.

I'm 26, now I don't have 18 grand laying around, but I am debt free, have cash in the bank, and can afford to take a loan after college. It's my treat to 5 years of working for a college education. Remind you it was a free education thanks to the GI Bill and services to the greatest Navy in the world . It is definitely intended to appease the younger crowd. On campus, more bikes I see are without chrome and flat black, It's just that era I'm assuming. I like it for the performance aspect rather than the eye candy. I'm anxious to get it side ways with sparks scrapping. 

    HERBS GOINA GET YOU little boy