2014 Goldwing Valkyrie 1st Ride

[Scott in Ok]

I heard that Shawnee Honda had their allotment of new Valkyrie's in this last week.  I had the day off today, so we decided to ride the hour over to Shawnee to have a look.  They had one of each color. The red one was outside the front door on display, the black one was in the "Winners Circle", and blue one was in hiding because of a scratched side cover.  I learned that the winners circle is where a bike goes when someone buys it.  Congrats to the new owner, whoever you are....

So here is the red one (or whatever color its called)





A few things of note.  The Fenders, front and back are indeed plastic.  The seats do not come off unless you unbolt them from underneath.  You access the battery from the left side cover.  Behind the right side cover, is a small locked storage box that holds the manual and tool kit (one allen wrench).  There is room there for a pair of gloves and some sunglasses.  Removing the covers seems a little dicey to me.  Plastic and the typical rubber grommets.  To open the fuel filler on top of the tank, you insert the key on the left side "Pod".  The fuel fill cover is plastic, and seemed pretty flimsly.  Under that cover is a round cap that unscrews to open the fuel tank.  Other than that, nothing else caught my eye in my short time checking it out.

A few pics of the above compartments.







And the money shot



After checking it over, and also a few F6B's I asked when they would have one available to ride.  I didn't expect them to let me ride this one since it had 0 miles on it, but they said "right now if you want".  I'm never one to turn down an offer like that so after signing the usual waver, I was off for a short ride.  They had a specific route, and the ride was limited to 5 miles but I did get to open it up.  I may or may not have went past the posted speed limit.....

My impressions.  It does not feel as cramped as I expected it to.  I'm 6' tall.  Reach to the bars was just about right, and my legs did not get anywhere close to hitting the radiator pods when riding.  It was actually quite comfortable to ride, though would probably not be for a long ride.

Handling was exceptional, and it feels down right small once you get rolling.  Low speed handling was excellent as well.  I did a few full lock turns in the parking lot with very little effort.  There are zero curves in this part of the country, so I have no idea how it would handle but I would expect it to be loads of fun.

The engine is fantastic.  Its smooth as butter, and accelerates like a rocketship. (Compared to my worn out ole Interstate)  It was a sweet ride, without a doubt.  For good reason, it feels like riding a Rune with a bit more git up and go.

For me, its a sweet looking motorcycle thats a ton of fun to ride.  I would however have to find a solution to wind protection, some sort of luggage/bags, highway pegs, backrest...etc.  Two up riding as it comes from the factory is not much of an option. 

F6B:  That thing is huge, and long.  I expected to like it much better than the new Valk, but did not today.  I guess I need to ride one, and didn't have time to do so today.
CTX1300:  What on earth is that thing?  I sorta like the riding position but man is it odd looking from certain angles. 

-Scott

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Mom taught me if I have nothing good to say, don't say anything.

Nice Shades Scott.

[..]

Thanks Scott.

It looks like a lesser Rune in your photos.

Wonder why they did the recessed "hidden" gas tank filler? Could've increased capacity???

Have to unbolt the seats from underneath. That's pretty darn dumb.

Oh well it sems to be getting sillier and sillier.

[hubcapsc]

Hey Scott...

What happens if you get gas in that void? What happens if you're clumsy like me
and fill that void up with gas... could that happen?



-Mike "did you get my return email?"

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Hey Scott...

What happens if you get gas in that void? What happens if you're clumsy like me
and fill that void up with gas... could that happen?



-Mike "did you get my return email?"

It probably has a drain and a tube running to the pavement.

My bike does and it is the same way.

[Serk]

Hey Scott...

What happens if you get gas in that void? What happens if you're clumsy like me
and fill that void up with gas... could that happen?


-Mike "did you get my return email?"

The spousal unit's ST1300 has this sort of arrangement as well (Although the outer cap on the plastic-fantastic ST1300 is metal... Hmmm... Not getting warm fuzzies about the amount of plastic where plastic shouldn't be on the new Valk). And I've spilled gas in there, it just drains out the sides I think. I know it didn't pool or anything...

[Rams]

My impressions.  It does not feel as cramped as I expected it to.  I'm 6' tall.  Reach to the bars was just about right, and my legs did not get anywhere close to hitting the radiator pods when riding.  It was actually quite comfortable to ride, though would probably not be for a long ride.

-Scott

Just based on this photo, your impressions surprise me.   The bike actually looks small with you on it..   I don't doubt your word, it just appears to be a lot smaller when compared with the other pics I've seen with a rider on it.    They must have used a pretty small rider for the advertisements.

[98valk]

thanks for the great review and pics. good to put a face with the name.
if I was going to add anything to the stable to keep my real original valkyrie bagger company it would be a victory bagger such as this one.

http://www.victorymotorcycles.com/en-us/bagger/cross-roads-8-ball/specifications

[fudgie]

Looks good! 

[Bugslayer]

Thanks for the report.

Nice looking Honda shop. My local Honda dealership has more boats parked out front than motorcycles.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

-Scott

Thanks for the report Scott     I sure hope some nice looking ( fits the lines ) hard saddlebags become available for this machine. I also hope it makes it. I still feel this bike and the F6B is just a way for Honda to " get rid " of some over-stocked 1800 engines so they can come out with a bigger engine on the flagship the Goldwing.

[Tundra]

Scott,
Thanks for a taking the time, nice review and pics
Bike actually looks kind of small with you sitting on it ???

[Wetrudgeon]

Very good and useful information.  Thank you for the report and photos.

QUESTIONS: 
1. As a current Valk owner/rider you are accustomed to the analog speedo and tach.  On your ride, how did you find the digital displays?
2. Was their any discussion/information from the dealer regarding the availability of some sort of wind screen?

Again, thanks for the report.

We trudge on. 

[Dave Ritsema]

You look good on that bike brother! (Or is it the bike making YOU look good?) LOL

I like it. Yes, there is a bit more plastic then we are used to but I think that is where most of manufacturing is going these days in most vehicles for cost reasons. The sidecovers on my F6B are the same way, but I was nervous taking the sidecovers off of my Valkyrie for the last 5 years or so also. At least I can buy a new one at any dealer if I screw it up.

The key to these bikes is how well people will be able to add things to them and customize them to make them their own. I predict the aftermarket will step up soon and start providing lots of options. I have to tell you, its really nice to be able to order about anythng you want as far as extras go. (Something we haven't really been able to do for the last 5 years or so.) There are some advantages to considering a new bike that is currently in production.

If some members of the club embrace the new Valkyrie I can see some bigger vendor areas at InZane in our future. 

P.S. If you don't have time to ride an F6B before Inzane your welcome to take mine out in the twisties and play.

[Dave Ritsema]

Hey Scott...

What happens if you get gas in that void? What happens if you're clumsy like me
and fill that void up with gas... could that happen?



-Mike "did you get my return email?"

There is a drain in the well with a tube that goes to the pavement under the bike. My F6B has an arrangement that is almost the same as this.

[jimmytee]

Nice write up. I am one of the people here who has stated my approval of the new Valk. The gas cover being plastic instead of metal doesn't turn me on though. ??? I don't know if it's cost or weight, but if it's cost, it would seem the asking price would justify a chromed billet option.

[Serk]

1. As a current Valk owner/rider you are accustomed to the analog speedo and tach.  On your ride, how did you find the digital displays?

Ever since I put a GPS on my bike, I've ignored the (Honda Inaccurate) analog speedo and only look at the GPS' digital one. For me at least the transition was VERY easy, but I'm a geek, and grew up looking at digital outputs, they're far more natural to me than analog ones.

[fon1961]

Our bikes have speedometers??? 

[Scott in Ok]

Very good and useful information.  Thank you for the report and photos.

QUESTIONS: 
1. As a current Valk owner/rider you are accustomed to the analog speedo and tach.  On your ride, how did you find the digital displays?
2. Was their any discussion/information from the dealer regarding the availability of some sort of wind screen?

Again, thanks for the report.

We trudge on. 

1.  It was just different, nothing more or nothing less.  I don't mind digital gauges, so it didn't bother me.

2.  They talked like a few weeks from now they would have something to look at.  I believe that what they told me was sales speak to get me back in a few weeks for a second look at one of their bikes.  Especially since I said was not interested until I could see windscreen options.

-Scott

[Scott in Ok]

Hubcap:  Yes.  Been a hectic week....I'll get back to ya. (And I appreciate it!)

Dave:  Be careful what you offer. 

-Scott

[HayHauler]

My Goldwing has the same type plastic cover, but is painted to match the bike, not chrome.  The fuel tank is probably plastic also, so no rust.

Thanks for the personal review Scott.  I'm so jealous.   

Hay
Jimmyt

[Scott in Ok]

Just based on this photo, your impressions surprise me.   The bike actually looks small with you on it..   

Scott,

Bike actually looks kind of small with you sitting on it ???

What are you guys trying to tell me?!?!?  I'm starting to get a complex here.....  

I'm 6' tall, and carry in the neighborhood of 250 el-bees.

It doesn't feel small to sit on.  The radiator pods are as wide as the engine, so its basically that wide from top to bottom in front of you. (first thing you'll notice)  It does have a lower seat height to our Valkyries.  Most of the bikes I looked at yesterday have a lower seat height than they used to.  

-Scott

[hairyteeth]

Thanks for the ride report. Looks like a fun ride for day trips.
HT

[jimmytee]

Thanks for the ride report. Looks like a fun ride for day trips.
HT

bags, ultimate seat and windshield or fairing with some highway pegs and she'll be right as rain.

[fon1961]

My guess is that the new valk is a very solid bike, has very little unique appeal to me though, especially if it comes along with a hefty monthly payment. Maybe accessories will make a diff. What do I know tho, it usually takes me 3 or 4 years to start embracing the new pickup truck body styles.

[Jess Tolbirt]

did you notice on the one side picture of the helmet holder in it? just like our old ones!!!

[Rams]

did you notice on the one side picture of the helmet holder in it? just like our old ones!!!

Hmm, well I haven't seen Scott in a couple of years but, his head doesn't look any different to me. 

[Rams]

Just based on this photo, your impressions surprise me.   The bike actually looks small with you on it..  

Scott,

Bike actually looks kind of small with you sitting on it ???

What are you guys trying to tell me?!?!?  I'm starting to get a complex here.....  

I'm 6' tall, and carry in the neighborhood of 250 el-bees.

It doesn't feel small to sit on.  The radiator pods are as wide as the engine, so its basically that wide from top to bottom in front of you. (first thing you'll notice)  It does have a lower seat height to our Valkyries.  Most of the bikes I looked at yesterday have a lower seat height than they used to.  

-Scott

Scott,
My comment was not intended as a jab or a joke.    Sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound like that.   I have seen video and pics of this machine in ads on the internet, all I'm saying is they must have used small riders in those ads.  

Sharing my 1st Impressions:
                 

The bike looks smaller in this pic of Tom also.

[hubcapsc]

I think my Valkyrie looks small... after seeing this picture, I can't believe
how comfortable I am on it, even on ten day long rides...



-Mike

[signart]

Great report, that makes me just LOVE my Valkyrie, as it goes up in value.

[Dave Ritsema]

Hubcap:  Yes.  Been a hectic week....I'll get back to ya. (And I appreciate it!)

Dave:  Be careful what you offer. 

-Scott

No worries, I know you have good insurance and Honda can always build me another one. 

[indybobm]

Saw the new Valkyrie at Dreyer Honda in whiteland Indiana today. Same color as the one you test rode. I was amazed aty how small the bike looks. Very much smaller than the Goldwing. Maybe the term Baby Goldwing actually means something now. I still do not like the styling on the new Valk, seems like it is carried over to many other Honda models too.

I did look at the CTX. I kind of like that one.

[98valk]

Saw the new Valkyrie at Dreyer Honda in whiteland Indiana today. Same color as the one you test rode. I was amazed aty how small the bike looks. Very much smaller than the Goldwing. Maybe the term Baby Goldwing actually means something now. I still do not like the styling on the new Valk, seems like it is carried over to many other Honda models too.

I did look at the CTX. I kind of like that one.

the small or large CTX?

[LL]

I found it a bit of a windy ride, very stable and responsive. I kinda liked it but never trade my F6B for it. I did notice the frame has quite the likeness of the F6B. It even had a place for the center stand to bolt up to. It does have potential. That horn switch needs to be swapped with the blinkers

[indybobm]

Saw the new Valkyrie at Dreyer Honda in whiteland Indiana today. Same color as the one you test rode. I was amazed aty how small the bike looks. Very much smaller than the Goldwing. Maybe the term Baby Goldwing actually means something now. I still do not like the styling on the new Valk, seems like it is carried over to many other Honda models too.

I did look at the CTX. I kind of like that one.

the small or large CTX?

CTX1300. I think it looks better than the new Valk. I like the bags, tank, seat and instruments a lot better. I like the V4, I had a VFR750 back in the 90's. GREAT BIKE!! Riding that bike was like putting on coveralls, You became one with the bike.

[Willow]

P.S. If you don't have time to ride an F6B before Inzane your welcome to take mine out in the twisties and play.

Talkin' to Scott, right?   

[sandy]

Thanks Scott.

It looks like a lesser Rune in your photos.

Wonder why they did the recessed "hidden" gas tank filler? Could've increased capacity???

Have to unbolt the seats from underneath. That's pretty darn dumb.

Oh well it sems to be getting sillier and sillier.

Remember this bike is made from a wing frame. The tank is under the seat and the filler has a short tube down to the tank. The wing seat bolts on but the battery is on the left side for access. I have an '05 wing as well as a tourer. Both are great bikes. The wing handles better because of the lower CG.

[hubcapsc]

The tank is under the seat and the filler has a short tube down to the tank

Even after looking at it closely today it never occurred to me that the "tank" on
this bike isn't the tank. Even though it is metal and looks like a tank, are you
thinking it is a faux-tank, and the real tank is in the normal goldwing place?

-Mike

[Donut]

Was told by an OKC dealer.....soft bags =$599.95........saddlebag kit +149.95....tall wind screen = 229.95

[Dave Ritsema]

The tank is under the seat and the filler has a short tube down to the tank

Even after looking at it closely today it never occurred to me that the "tank" on
this bike isn't the tank. Even though it is metal and looks like a tank, are you
thinking it is a faux-tank, and the real tank is in the normal goldwing place?

-Mike

It appears quite like my F6B. What we in the Valkyrie world consider the fuel tank in the Goldwing world is the "shelter". The fuel tank is pretty much under the seat, which also lowers the center of gravity and presumably enhances handling to some degree.