Questions about the 2014 Valkyrie

[craigstjean]

Hello all,

I currently ride a Boulevard C50 but have been strongly considering trading in for the 2014 Valkyrie.  Can anyone comment on how the ride is for a passenger on the bike though?  Also, if anyone has a picture with the passenger back rest on I would really like to see how it looks.  Can anyone compare how it rides to the C50?

Thank you!

[jimmytee]

Can't comment on the passenger accommodations. There is another thread that shows Corbin has made a nice looking seat. I believe Ultimate is also working on a seat for it. Both of which should be a big improvement over stock like they are on most every other bike. I test rode a new valkyrie and was very impressed. Comparing it to your C50, well I can't imagine there is a lot of comparison there. Power and handling will be far and away better with the Valkyrie. Can you find a dealer that'll let you test ride? I chose to go with a F6B. Just made sense for the options I really wanted.

[craigstjean]

Jimmy,

There are a few dealers around me that should one it for me to test ride, sadly none around me to rent one though.  I figured I would ask if anyone can compare to the C50 for more of a heads up before I test ride one. My hope is that it is much better than the C50.

Hopefully someone can comment from a passenger point of view. I ride solo much more than with my wife but I do want to make sure it's at least acceptable for the occasion.

[hubcapsc]

Jimmy,

There are a few dealers around me that should one it for me to test ride, sadly none around me to rent one though.  I figured I would ask if anyone can compare to the C50 for more of a heads up before I test ride one. My hope is that it is much better than the C50.

Hopefully someone can comment from a passenger point of view. I ride solo much more than with my wife but I do want to make sure it's at least acceptable for the occasion.

It will be much different than a C50.

You'll both need backrests to keep from being flung off 



-Mike

[VALKYRIE1800]

the passenger seat is much like a sportbike, flat and thin. you will need a back rest. if we go two up, we tack the trusty old valky. interstate.

[BIG--T]

the passenger seat is much like a sportbike, flat and thin. you will need a back rest. if we go two up, we tack the trusty old valky. interstate.

That's good to know because I'm on the large side and sitting on the bike it doesn't feel like a lot of room for me, much less a passenger!

[Bagger]

Hello all,

I currently ride a Boulevard C50 but have been strongly considering trading in for the 2014 Valkyrie.  Can anyone comment on how the ride is for a passenger on the bike though?  Also, if anyone has a picture with the passenger back rest on I would really like to see how it looks.  Can anyone compare how it rides to the C50?

Thank you!

I have the '14 Valkyrie.  Nice bike to ride ... solo, IMO.

If you have substantial riding time with a passenger, I suggest you look closely at the F6B.  It has much better ergonomics for the passenger, plus storage capacity to carry rain gear, lip stick, hair drier, helmets, sunscreen, yada, yada. 

Just kidding ...

But, if you have a passenger and want the power of a Wing without all the Tupperware, the F6B is the bike for you. 

And, there is no comparison to your bike.  Period !

[The Dark Knight]

Here's a picture of my Valkyrie with the Honda backrest. My wife actually says it's more comfortable than my 2006 VTX 1300C.
The Valkyrie is a beast relative to my old VTX1300C. I would think it would be the same compared to the C50. Just look at the dyno numbers on the internet. The Valk is just fun to ride.

[BIG--T]

Cool! Where did you get the seat, backrest, saddlebags, windshield And the chrome side covers?  Sharp bike and love the color!

[welder]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

[BIG--T]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

You are probably right and would be more practical since I love the storage, radio, shield on my Interstate. Someone did tell me that rode both that the Valkyrie did handle better than the F6B. 

[jimmytee]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

You are probably right and would be more practical since I love the storage, radio, shield on my Interstate. Someone did tell me that rode both that the Valkyrie did handle better than the F6B.  

No freakin way dude. Someone was in denial. Oh, wait a minute, were you talking new Valk or old? My old Valkyrie, while beloved, feels like a hoss compared to my F6B.

[BIG--T]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

You are probably right and would be more practical since I love the storage, radio, shield on my Interstate. Someone did tell me that rode both that the Valkyrie did handle better than the F6B.  

No freakin way dude. Someone was in denial. Oh, wait a minute, were you talking new Valk or old? My old Valkyrie, while beloved, feels like a hoss compared to my F6B.

No I was talking the New Valk vs the F6B. A guy told me he rode both and decided on the New Valk because it handled a lot better. I know the suspensions are the same except for the fixed fairing and weight on the F6B.

[craigstjean]

Everyone,

Thank you VERY much for your responses!  As of today, I'm the proud owner of a new 2014 Valkyrie and thus far I love it!

The Dark Knight, your bike is pretty much exactly as I want mine.  I ordered my saddle bags (with mounting brackets), back rest, and wind shield today as well, but will have to wait for them to arrive.  I was surprised how much crap I could shove into the little compartment on the side under the panel -- all of my paperwork from the purchase and financing along with a few other things fit in.

Regarding the Valk vs the F6B, my wife only rides occasionally and not for long distances so I was just looking to make sure it would be acceptable.  The Valk is much more my style than the F6B, though I did check one out.  I think if I get a touring bike some day I'll just get a Gold Wing, but that's many years down the road.

[jimmytee]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

You are probably right and would be more practical since I love the storage, radio, shield on my Interstate. Someone did tell me that rode both that the Valkyrie did handle better than the F6B.  

No freakin way dude. Someone was in denial. Oh, wait a minute, were you talking new Valk or old? My old Valkyrie, while beloved, feels like a hoss compared to my F6B.

No I was talking the New Valk vs the F6B. A guy told me he rode both and decided on the New Valk because it handled a lot better. I know the suspensions are the same except for the fixed fairing and weight on the F6B.

I've rode both.. I don't know that my perception would be "it handled a lot better". It is lighter and the suspension being the same?? Not sure about that. The front wheel is a different size and the forks have a different rake, the rear frame is different. I don't remember if there actual changes to the dampening and rebound etc... It rides as you'd expect a lighter version to ride. It's very nice. My thoughts, though, I wanted hard luggage,fairing and stuff. As soon as you start adding stuff like that, the weight differences quickly diminish.

[hubcapsc]

I've ridden both, too. The F6B, deluxe though it was, didn't do it for me. The Valkyrie
did. It is hard to specifically point out what it was about the Valkyrie, I'd have to guess
it was more the obvious differences (stripped-down vs not-stripped-down) and
less that the Valkyrie handles better.

-Mike

[Ed Norton]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

You are probably right and would be more practical since I love the storage, radio, shield on my Interstate. Someone did tell me that rode both that the Valkyrie did handle better than the F6B. 

If you like the storage, radio shield on the Interstate you should look at a Wing 

[BIG--T]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

You are probably right and would be more practical since I love the storage, radio, shield on my Interstate. Someone did tell me that rode both that the Valkyrie did handle better than the F6B. 

If you like the storage, radio shield on the Interstate you should look at a Wing 

Ed you have a nice looking GW and I have looked at them. But I love the chrome on mine and storage & stereo are great. I am sure in time when parts are harder to find I'll probably move on but for now I've just got 17k on her and need to break her in! 

[BIG--T]

I've ridden both, too. The F6B, deluxe though it was, didn't do it for me. The Valkyrie
did. It is hard to specifically point out what it was about the Valkyrie, I'd have to guess
it was more the obvious differences (stripped-down vs not-stripped-down) and
less that the Valkyrie handles better.

-Mike

Mike, could it possibly be a mind thing since you had your Valkyrie so long?    I know you  miss your Tourer bags, have you bags for your new one?

[jimmytee]

You should really take a look at the F6B just bought one after totaling my 2001 interstate. It is a great bike and should say valkyrie on the side.

You are probably right and would be more practical since I love the storage, radio, shield on my Interstate. Someone did tell me that rode both that the Valkyrie did handle better than the F6B. 

If you like the storage, radio shield on the Interstate you should look at a Wing 

I pondered the full Goldwing experience it camedown to cool factor and seating ergonomics for me. I just like the way the seating is on the F6B better. Feels more stretched out. Sunday went for a decent ride and am still entertained by all the questions about what is that? Some don't believe it's a GoldWing. Definitely garners a lot of positive attention and comments everywhere I go. Even from Harley riders.

[hubcapsc]

I've ridden both, too. The F6B, deluxe though it was, didn't do it for me. The Valkyrie
did. It is hard to specifically point out what it was about the Valkyrie, I'd have to guess
it was more the obvious differences (stripped-down vs not-stripped-down) and
less that the Valkyrie handles better.

-Mike

Mike, could it possibly be a mind thing since you had your Valkyrie so long?    I know you  miss your Tourer bags, have you bags for your new one?

I'm sure I "like" not having the fairing, wrap-around dash-board full of buttons and knobs,
or the unitized rear-end... I guess that's a mind thing.

I'm pretty sure there's not much, objectively speaking, that's better about
any of the three versions of Goldwing WRT handling or performance... they're
all good. If there's a best one, it is obviously the stripped down one  ...

I hope Corbin makes some good saddlebags. For now I await my "rear carrier" (that's
what Honda calls the fender rack), hopefully I can use it to mount my Givi trunk until
some decent saddlebags are available.

-Mike

[Ed Norton]

[/quote]

Ed you have a nice looking GW and I have looked at them. But I love the chrome on mine and storage & stereo are great. I am sure in time when parts are harder to find I'll probably move on but for now I've just got 17k on her and need to break her in! 
[/quote]

It's like new (17k) 

[BIG--T]

Ed you have a nice looking GW and I have looked at them. But I love the chrome on mine and storage & stereo are great. I am sure in time when parts are harder to find I'll probably move on but for now I've just got 17k on her and need to break her in! 
[/quote]

It's like new (17k) 
[/quote]

Thanks! I just noticed you have 2 2014's! So do you save the Goldwing for long trips and the Valkyrie for around town? Enquiring minds want to know!

[BIG--T]

I've ridden both, too. The F6B, deluxe though it was, didn't do it for me. The Valkyrie
did. It is hard to specifically point out what it was about the Valkyrie, I'd have to guess
it was more the obvious differences (stripped-down vs not-stripped-down) and
less that the Valkyrie handles better.

-Mike

Mike, could it possibly be a mind thing since you had your Valkyrie so long?    I know you  miss your Tourer bags, have you bags for your new one?

I'm sure I "like" not having the fairing, wrap-around dash-board full of buttons and knobs,
or the unitized rear-end... I guess that's a mind thing.

I'm pretty sure there's not much, objectively speaking, that's better about
any of the three versions of Goldwing WRT handling or performance... they're
all good. If there's a best one, it is obviously the stripped down one  ...

I hope Corbin makes some good saddlebags. For now I await my "rear carrier" (that's
what Honda calls the fender rack), hopefully I can use it to mount my Givi trunk until
some decent saddlebags are available.

-Mike

I'm sure there will be a lot of bags to choose from including hard bags as the popularity increases. In the meantime what ya think about a pair of throw over bags? Just sayin

[hubcapsc]

In the meantime what ya think about a pair of throw over bags? Just sayin

I already have the hideous, high-quality, high-volume, waterproof Givi top case,
I need to try to use it... I'll need it anyway, on long trips, even after there's saddlebags.

-Mike

[BIG--T]

In the meantime what ya think about a pair of throw over bags? Just sayin

I already have the hideous, high-quality, high-volume, waterproof Givi top case,
I need to try to use it... I'll need it anyway, on long trips, even after there's saddlebags.

-Mike

Haha, that'll work!   

[Ed Norton]

Ed you have a nice looking GW and I have looked at them. But I love the chrome on mine and storage & stereo are great. I am sure in time when parts are harder to find I'll probably move on but for now I've just got 17k on her and need to break her in!  

It's like new (17k)  
[/quote]

Thanks! I just noticed you have 2 2014's! So do you save the Goldwing for long trips and the Valkyrie for around town? Enquiring minds want to know!
[/quote]


 The Goldwing is for trips 2UP and the Valkyrie for me  

[imrubicon]

I test rode a F6B and a  week  later bought the Valkyrie as it just fit better
I think it handles the tight turn arounds a lot better also (could be the weight )
I feel I can sit back further from the triple tree and handle bars and dont feel cramped at all as in lots of room.
I do miss wind protection as the last 8 years everything I owned had a shield of some sort and now I get to feel that hiway wind straight on .
Great in summertime and I can dress warmer in winter but the wind can tire you out

[BIG--T]

Ed Norton, now two of them is the way to go!        


imrubicon, I just sat on the new Valk and loved the light feel (bicycle compared to my I/S) and it did have a lot of room for me but... My wife won't let me ride if she can't go!    So I'm waiting to see what Ultimate does and the availability of more aftermarket accessories. I've seen some pics on here with windshields. Yeah, I could handle going without bags for a while, but a windshield is almost a must! I remember back in the day you wouldn't catch me riding anything that had a windshield or Saddlebags (that was for Old people!) and if it had a front fender I'd take it off and wash my face with rain, rocks and whatever...hey but I was cool man!