Intro and advice?

[SS Twin]

Hello to what seems a great group of Valk owners and fans. As a long time admirer of Honda and the flat 6 engine, I've been seduced several times by her allure and now feel really drawn to owning and enjoying my own Valkyrie Interstate.

I'm a life long rider and have owned several Honda's including 2 Interceptors (83 750 and 86 700) an earlier CB 450 4cyl, and a CBR 600RR.  All fantastic and fun.  Throughout that time I've also enjoyed riding a number of BMW's, Ducati's, and a really nice HD Road King.

My needed advice is that at my "age" (a young 65), and stature (5' 11", 170 lbs); is the Interstate too heavy, too big and unwieldy to park, maneuver, and just generally move around in tight places.  I handle the RK OK, but the Valk would be well over 100 lbs more.  I've ridden 2 Valks for short distances and liked them alot, but no difficult low speed maneuvers, or passenger/luggage on board.

I'm close to a decision, but my wife is very leary, not just for her, but for me.  She wants me to hold off, and I can appreciate that; any encouragement or experience would be very welcome.  Help me join you guys and gals!

Thanks,

Steve
NE Florida

[junior]

if the ladies here on the board that own and ride them i bet you can too.
and no i aint calling every one here on the board a bunch of girls but some of you guys could pass for one

[Stanley Steamer]

if the ladies here on the board that own and ride them i bet you can too.
and no i aint calling every one here on the board a bunch of girls but some of you guys could pass for one

Scooter like that!!..... ...

I think an Interstate weighs in around 860ish lbs wet??.....someone here will have the stats I'm sure

[Tropic traveler]

Welcome!
I think you will find that the Valkyrie's "heaviness" is a bit overblown. The weight of the Valk is carried low making it much easier to handle. A possibility for you is to maybe find a nice Tourer then add a fairing & a removable trunk. That may cut down on the highside weight. After riding many Vtwin powered big bikes I could not be happier with my choice of a Valkyrie. I think you will find the Valk to be much easier to deal with than first impressions may seem. My wife loves her Valk Tourer & she handles it quite well! She aint no dainty little thing at 5'9" and a little bit heavier than you. I'll say no more on that!

Get yourself A Valk, you won't regret it!



A woman & her Valkyrie.

[~ Timbrwolf]

.....first...welcome to the Club....lot of good people and knowledge floating around here....choose both wisely...


....as for the State...with your level of riding multiple bikes...I dont think handling a sleek machine like a Valk is a real issue....your age could or couldnt be an issue I guess....depending on your physical shape....but being the "young" 65 you say you are....that too seems like a non issue....I noticed you mentioned ...slow speed manuvering....as most seasoned bikers know ....most ...self induced bike accidents...are caused by rider inexperience or mistake....which are basically one in the same...at slow speeds...alot of the time in parking lots....Ive been riding for 35 years....came off a big ol 89 Wing that was my fathers last bike....the State actually seemed "small" to me compared to the big cumbersome Wing.....still....one of the first things that I began to practice again and again and.....again was....slow speed manuvering....when I park in town I like to walk out when Im leaving ...throw a leg over...and ride away....so I practiced going into the tightest turn I could handle....over and over...with my SO on the back...so my bike was always facing the street... until I do it without thinking......Im sure your RK was a sweet machine...but you may never ride another bike that is...so big...and handles so tight.....if it is being operated by a competent operator...as a Valkyrie....your problem ...I think...my friend is....you keep looking at those massive cylinder heads hanging out of both sides....and thinking....I may have met my match with this bike....its too mean...and Im too old....




............I think....neither are true..  

[f6john]

It's a fairly heavy bike but your not going to pick it up and carry it, your going to ride it. That being said, as mentioned above be particular in parking, it ain't no fun trying to back uphill! To me anything faster than a crawl and the handling is great.

[TheValk]

Just my 2 bob's worth, but I'm older than you and it's no problem at all to ride= just get it rolling, build up your confidence on it and you'll be amazed at how well it can handle for a heavy bike- just can't split those traffic lanes so well. Mind you, only time I ever fell off was in a car park trying to do an impossible tight. slow turn- it must have looked like slow motion!!!

[NCGhostrider]

I see quite a few people older than you riding Goldwings.. they aren't light, just wrapped in plastic, so I personally don't see the difference in riding a Valk I/S.  Perhaps someone with a new Goldwing will enlighten me! 

Go for it, they are great bikes, and if it doesn't work out, I would bet you will get your money back!

see ya,

Craig
NCGhostrider
99 I/S

[raja]

I'm 66 ,bad right leg, 99 I/S 9000 miles this year so far, no problem.

[Thunderbolt]

go here http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_florida.cgi and monitor our Florida antics.  It has been too hot to enjoy riding much lately, but we ride to eat on weekends and some folks who are lucky enough to be retired also ride to eat breakfast during the week as well on occasion.
If you see something that you think you can make, just show up and introduce yourself.
We are 20 miles N. of Gainesville, little town named Worthington Springs.

[SS Twin]

Timberwolf and all; great encouragement, thanks!  I'm experienced and do pretty well in the slow stuff on my RK and a BMW R1200GS.  Guess I need to try a Valk for a bit more than I have.  Both Valks I've ridden have been other owner's bikes that are for sale and I sure didn't want to earn any battle scars on them. 

I haven't tried a search yet, so please excuse me for asking, but are there any threads about low speed handling drills, friction zones, etc. unique to the Valk/Wing.  Videos would be great.

I'm feeling the "pull" stronger than ever, so soon I hope, I'll be out there on my own Valk.  Thunderbolt, Ill definitely look you guys up when I have a Valk back here in FL, especially after the weather cools a bit.

Steve

[solo1]

I'm 81 years old and bought my Valk new in 1996.  This is the year for me to quit because of my knees.
As everyone has said,  don't let the size intimidate you.  The Valk handles extremely well.  I know, since I rode it for 13 years.   

[Michael K (Az.)]

Timberwolf and all; great encouragement, thanks!  I'm experienced and do pretty well in the slow stuff on my RK and a BMW R1200GS.  Guess I need to try a Valk for a bit more than I have.  Both Valks I've ridden have been other owner's bikes that are for sale and I sure didn't want to earn any battle scars on them. 

I haven't tried a search yet, so please excuse me for asking, but are there any threads about low speed handling drills, friction zones, etc. unique to the Valk/Wing.  Videos would be great.

I'm feeling the "pull" stronger than ever, so soon I hope, I'll be out there on my own Valk.  Thunderbolt, Ill definitely look you guys up when I have a Valk back here in FL, especially after the weather cools a bit

Here ya go! Listen to the Man!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDfyDRXapKg&feature=channel_page

Steve

[Super Santa]

I am going to be 68 next month.  I bought my Interstate 26 months ago.  I have put 47,000 miles on it in that time.  You will quickly adjust to the difference in feel.  Practice in a parking lot at slow speeds.  The initial awkward feeling will be quickly replaced with a feeling of confidence in what the 'phat lady' can do.  She is surprisingly nimble at slow speeds when you become familiar with her.  Just spend a little extra time initially with her at slow speeds.  It is not uncommon to do figure eights with the bars all the way to the right and the left (lock to lock) without having to put your feet down.  It seems uncommon for so big a bike but she is very capable.

Ride it like you stole it.  You will love it.

[Paul Carver]

The Interstate feels heavier during parking lot manuvers than on the road. I am 59 and do not have a problem at all. Good luck to you in your choice.

[Cruzen]

I haven't tried a search yet, so please excuse me for asking, but are there any threads about low speed handling drills, friction zones, etc. unique to the Valk/Wing.  Videos would be great.

Steve

If you are seriously interested in slow speed handling check out the "Ride Like a Pro" video's.  In one of these video's one of the instructors is riding an Interstate, in another they are riding Goldwings and one even shows a brief shot of a Rune.  I use a lot of the techniques demonstrated here and have no problem in slow speed handling of my 99 Interstate.  It does take a few rides to get used to the weight.  Smaller bikes will then feel light by comparison. 

You probably don't do this anyway but never hold or use the front brake when negotiating a sharp, really slow speed turn.  The front end will settle down and the bike will roll.  Rear brake only, which is demonstrated in these video's.  This is one of the most common errors I observe in slow speed handling of large heavy bikes

The only problem I have ever had with the Valk is backing up especially on gravel.  The Goldwings have a back up gear which works off the starter motor.  The Valks do not. 

In my experience. the Valk will handle better at slow speed than a Goldwing of the same year.  I do not know how the new 1800 Goldwings handle but have compared my 99 Interstate to a 99 Goldwing and both me and the owner of the Goldwing agreed that the Valk handles better.  From your search engine type in 1999 Valkyrie Interstate review and you will see what a few of the magazines had to say about the handling.  You won't be disappointed.

[Michael K (Az.)]

Timberwolf and all; great encouragement, thanks!  I'm experienced and do pretty well in the slow stuff on my RK and a BMW R1200GS.  Guess I need to try a Valk for a bit more than I have.  Both Valks I've ridden have been other owner's bikes that are for sale and I sure didn't want to earn any battle scars on them. 

I haven't tried a search yet, so please excuse me for asking, but are there any threads about low speed handling drills, friction zones, etc. unique to the Valk/Wing.  Videos would be great.

I'm feeling the "pull" stronger than ever, so soon I hope, I'll be out there on my own Valk.  Thunderbolt, Ill definitely look you guys up when I have a Valk back here in FL, especially after the weather cools a bit

Here ya go! Listen to the Man!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDfyDRXapKg&feature=channel_page

Steve

Yep, what Cruzen said! I posted a vid of Jerrys stuff up a coupla posts.

[Dogg]

The valkyrie is the most perfectly balance musce cruiser ever made. The IS is a touring version of the same bike. Every detail was considered when this bike was designed. Your RK, tho a nice bike, is front end heavy and slow to react in slow speed turning and what not. The valkyire, on the other hand, even with it great big wheelbase and over sized engine, handles as well as any sport touring model above 15 mph. Once you climb on one, find your "happy space" with your valk, You will wonder why it took you so long to decide...

[HotRod]

 Go for it! The only thing I would recomend for your height is to get some 11 1/2 " shocks so you can touch the ground a little better, and if it does not have an Ultimate (lo rider) seat I would invest in one, you wont regret it.

[Wetrudgeon]

Twin:
At 5'7" and 150lbs (w/two pockets full of quarters) we are no bruiser, although a lifetime of weight training probably makes us a bit stronger than the average little guy.  While we can not use the word "nimble" in describing the handling, we find "Big Mama" is well behaved on the road and the bulk and width are not noticeable after a bit of riding time.  We do notice, however, that she is a bit of an extra chore to push around the garage.  We also have observed that after owning and riding the Valk for a period of time, virtually all other motorcycles seem small.

With the bars and placement of the pegs, it seems to us that the Valk is somewhat set up for a smaller (or at least shorter) rider. 

We doubt that any reasonably fit adult will have any difficulty whatsoever in handling a Valk.  Our $.02.


We trudge on.

[RP#62]

My wife rides one and she's just a little girl.  You'll have no problems.
-RP

[asfltdncr]

I don't know what BMW's you have ridden but I rode my friends LT a few times and it had such a high center of gravity and you needed a 34 inch inseam to touch the ground.That was heavy.A Valk does not carry it's weight high and probably much like the hardley doodleson, you are sitting in the bike-not on top of it.

[stormrider]

How's this for a young lady driving with 2 up for the first time.

Intersection Valklyrie Vgirl with Hubby Ride Like a Pro	powered by Aeva

[franco6]

it s a lot of difference with the valk , the power , the response for a large bike , you re going to enjoy it.
practice slow speed balance
travel is so easy it might trick you in forgetting you re tired (ask my left foot)

[F6Mark]

I regularly go to a deserted parking lot and practice making uturns & tight circles.  A little bit of practice and  you can run around in circles full lock no problem.
Also a good thing about the IS or Tourer is that when it does tip over, it doesn't go very far.  Except for the time I was negotiating out of a crowded driveway, and put my foot down but I stepped off the driveway down into a flower bed, and my Tourer would up practically upside down.
I had to get some help with that, I couldn't lift it up far enough because I was down below the driveway... Luckily a crowd didn't gather.

It's not fun to push around, especially when it's wet...
But you have those same issues with any bike.

[SS Twin]

Wow, some great advice and encouragement (as well as a few implied "challenges" to not be outridden by the fairer sex!).    Till I get some actual time in a variety of experiences, I won't know for sure, but I'm feeling real good that I'll be fine with low speed handling and some planning ahead before I park.

On the one comment about 11 1/2" rear shocks, that would be 1 1/2" lower than stock (13") for an IS, right?  Wouldn't that really compromise the load capacity and upset the front to rear weight balance.  Not to mention lean angle?

Been looking at a number of Valk's, mostly Interstates, which is what I really want.  I've missed out on a couple already, so I need to get it in gear!  If anyone has a lead on a nice bike, full maintenance history, with more tour/ride options vs "show" options (although both are cool), please let me know.  I've been looking here, CL, ebay, cycletrader; but sometimes word of mouth is the best source.

Again, thanks to all.  Hopefully we'll meet up sometime out on the road. 

Steve

[f6gal]

Go for it! The only thing I would recomend for your height is to get some 11 1/2 " shocks so you can touch the ground a little better, and if it does not have an Ultimate (lo rider) seat I would invest in one, you wont regret it.

11 1/2" shocks might be a bit too short with the trunk and riding 2-up.  
If I remember right, stock shocks are 13".  I think heavy duty Progressive 12 1/2" would be good enough.

[Willow]

On the one comment about 11 1/2" rear shocks, that would be 1 1/2" lower than stock (13") for an IS, right?  Wouldn't that really compromise the load capacity and upset the front to rear weight balance.  Not to mention lean angle?

I think when someone suggested shorter shocks and the lowboy seat, he failed to note your height.  Unless a rider is under 5'7" there is no need to attempt to lower the seat height.  

[JimC]

SOLO1 here on the board has his Tourer for sale, Actually I think it is up for adoption, you will probably go through a battery of questions so he knows that you are the right owner for his bike before he lets you buy it.
He is in Indiana and I have included a link to a picture for you, if interested, give him a private message on this board.
Jim

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,6913.0.html

[sheets]

The center of gravity is very low.  I'm a bit weak-kneed myself (cortisone shots this week).  As along as the fat lady is moving at 5 mph or more she is poetry in motion.  Once she is roll'n, go with it, and don't fight the feel'n.  The stand-still stuff is where you need to pay attention.  When you're at a stand-still (or grabbing brakes in a parking lot maneuver), anything more than a couple-few degrees over center . . . you may have a struggle on your hands.  If she starts to go, don't try to fight it.  Just step away and let her go.  You can back into the seat and lift with your legs to bring her back up where she belongs.  sheets (57 this weekend).

[Cruzen]

Wow, some great advice and encouragement (as well as a few implied "challenges" to not be outridden by the fairer sex!).    Till I get some actual time in a variety of experiences, I won't know for sure, but I'm feeling real good that I'll be fine with low speed handling and some planning ahead before I park.

On the one comment about 11 1/2" rear shocks, that would be 1 1/2" lower than stock (13") for an IS, right?  Wouldn't that really compromise the load capacity and upset the front to rear weight balance.  Not to mention lean angle?

Been looking at a number of Valk's, mostly Interstates, which is what I really want.  I've missed out on a couple already, so I need to get it in gear!  If anyone has a lead on a nice bike, full maintenance history, with more tour/ride options vs "show" options (although both are cool), please let me know.  I've been looking here, CL, ebay, cycletrader; but sometimes word of mouth is the best source.

Again, thanks to all.  Hopefully we'll meet up sometime out on the road. 

Steve

Be aware that there are a few differences between the Interstate and the other two Valks which may make the Interstate a better choice for you.  First is the seat height.  The Interstate seat is lower than the Standard or the Tourer.  Second is the gas tank which is 6.9 gallon and larger than the other two models.  The Valk gets thirsty at times (32-36mpg) so the extra capacity comes in handy.   I read in one of the original reports that the Interstate frame was beefed up a bit to handle the extra loads but I don't know what those differeces are.  I have heard that there are a few other small changes but these are the two I am familiar with.