1500 or new 1800?

[jimmyboy]

Like many Valk owners I've been agonising over whether its worth splashing out for a new 1800 Valkyrie. My passion is riding fast on twisty roads, so I want good handling from my bike, but I don't like the new styling much (way too much plastic, not enough chrome).  I have done a few test rides. The new Valkyrie defintely handles better and simply feels better overall than the 1500, and it definitely has more poke .........but ........ I am still strugglinfg with the style (or lack of).

Therefore I have been trying a few different ideas to improve the 1500 to see if it is possible to match the 1800 Valk in handling and feel.
I have found a number of small but effective modifications to the 1500 that brings the handling and feel closer IMO to the new 1800 if anyone is interested. Let me know what changes or modifications or aftermarket gear you've tried that you feel has improved the way your 1500 Valkyrie handles or goes.

[Tundra]

Progressive suspension, Good tires properly inflated, keep the carbs clean and ride it like you stole it

[hubcapsc]

Progressive suspension, Good tires properly inflated, keep the carbs clean and ride it like you stole it

I have both. I haven't been riding the new one, the bars don't fit me at all, I hate it, and
they are hard to change out.

Having them both, and riding the old one a lot, lets me know the old one is as awesome
as we've always thought it was. I've got progressive front and rear, Avons, an Ultimate seat
and everything works as it should. If your 1500 is in good shape, you might be missing
out on the adventure of getting and setting up a new bike, but you're not missing out
on having a good bike...

-Mike "and soon the bars on the 1800 will be right  "

[Firefighter]

I like my IS, like the look of big, bags and trunk. I want to travel and be comfortable. I have too much money in mine, could never sell and come out. My electronic cruise control is one of the best things I ever installed, I think second is the Ultimate seats and back rest. Expensive center stand, tank bib to knock out sun glare ( that was nice ), MP3 music, GPS, gauges so I know what is going on down there especially out in the middle of nowhere, risers, progressive 444 shocks, car tire, loud horns, Led driving lights. The list keeps going, not to mention all the pretty things added and preventive maintenance I do just to make sure all is good.
 The new Valk is cool but not for me, but I would love to test ride one and be happy to ride with anyone riding these. I think if I ever get another bike it would have to be a fully dressed Goldwing, probably 2010 and older, but still keep my old girl.  Firefighter  
.

[cookiedough]

Question:  How much riding do you do per year?

If your answer is say over 5,000 miles per year, more like 8,000 miles on up,  I say go for it and splurdge on new if you got the dough to spare.

That being said, nothing wrong with our old Valks 1520cc's they are still pretty quick and handle good as well, just not quite as good as the 1800's.  Plenty fast enough for me bone stock.  If you got the need for speed, buy a used Yamaha fjr1300 or Honda st1300 or kawi concourse sport cruiser they are faster or one of many crotch rockets available for less money used.

I for one will NEVER spend over 10 grand on any cycle ever since not worth it.  So many good used 1832cc 2001 thru 2005 goldwings with under 50,000 miles on the internet for that price or less.  Why buy new when a good used one will do?  Same theory for my atv's or scooters and other recreational vehicles.  I spent around 5 grand each for two 2008 Can Am MAX 2-up ATV's with very low mileage in past year or so each new being around 10 grand, so 1/2 priced.  I can easily keep them the next 5 years and not loose a dime, why buy new?  I sold my 2 prior older ATV's still in good shape had them both 7 years now and paid 3K for one, sold for 2600 and the other bought for 2600 sold for 2800.  Hard to go wrong with that. 

[jimmytee]

I enjoy my 2000 Valkyrie. That being said, my F6B is better. It's faster, feels more nimble in the corners and switch backs and with the addition of a Corbin seat, Kuryakyn Ergo IIIs highway pegs and the Helibars, it is now more comfortable. I had test rode the new Valk and couldn't get the smile off my face, but there were not hard bags for it at the time and I do like my stereo. The F6B just made sense, and got a great deal. I admit , I had a fever for buying a new bike. I looked at other contenders, and I could not pry my mind off the idea of riding anything without the great flat six motor I love.

[BF]

I didn't buy my Valkyrie for it's handling.  I bought it because of it's uniqueness and that hulking motor.  Then I gave it a remodel from a ho hum red & white standard to the bike that I wanted. 

If I wanted a more zippy handling bike, it sure wouldn't be an 18 year old motorcycle, it would be a new bike with new technology and new handling. 

I've said it more than several times that I'm sure the new Goldwing Valkyrie is a great handling machine and would run circles around my old Valkyrie, but if I was looking to buy a new bike with the 1800 motor in it,  I'd look to the F6B.  I think it would fit my needs and wants better.  Even though I'm 61, I'm not sure I'm old enough for a full blown Goldwing.   

[1500Rider]

There's no question that the new Valkyrie (I really hate calling it that!) is a better handling/performing machine, however, in the styling department, it comes up way short. Even adding the various accessories now available does nothing to improve it IMHO.

Having said that, the original is no slouch in the performance and handling department either. I have no trouble keeping up with bikes that are considered having better performance and better handling. For me, the original bike is the best looking and gives me all the performance I could want. Doesn't matter how well the new one handles, if you can't stand looking at it, what's the point?

[Fla. Jim]

There's no question that the new Valkyrie (I really hate calling it that!) is a better handling/performing machine, however, in the styling department, it comes up way short. Even adding the various accessories now available does nothing to improve it IMHO.

Having said that, the original is no slouch in the performance and handling department either. I have no trouble keeping up with bikes that are considered having better performance and better handling. For me, the original bike is the best looking and gives me all the performance I could want. Doesn't matter how well the new one handles, if you can't stand looking at it, what's the point?

I call the "Goldwing Valkyrie" That. It keeps them seperate and that's what Honda named it. It isn't a "New Valkyrie"

[hubcapsc]

and the Helibars, it is now more comfortable.

I never thought to ask you... did you have to reroute the cables and lines, or... ?

-Mike

[BF]

What are "Helibars"?

[jimmytee]

and the Helibars, it is now more comfortable.

I never thought to ask you... did you have to reroute the cables and lines, or... ?

-Mike

The lines are not really re routed , but during the process of installing the Helibars, the lines are massaged a little by loosening the clamps that hold the lines. The kit includes little  banjo adapters for the brake and clutch lines that allows the lines to be relaxed at a different angle. These adapters have bleeders built into them. The process is very painless.

[jimmytee]

What are "Helibars"?

https://www.helibars.com/product/honda-goldwing-gl1800f6b-luxury-sport-touring-horizon-bars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYrKznB0VQg

[F6Dave]

I agree with jimmytee.  I still own 2 old Valkyries, a '98 Tourer and '99 Interstate, and they're great bikes.  They have that wonderful retro styling and perform better than any cruiser from that era.

Since my 2 old Valks have over 260,000 combined miles I wanted something a bit newer for long trips.  I bought a 2013 F6B at the end of August for a great price.  Though I don't think it has the soul, styling-wise, of my old Valkyries, it actually gets more attention and compliments.  Surprisingly H-D owners seem to like it a lot.

When it comes to performance there's no contest -- the F6B smokes my Valkyries.  It feels more like a sport tourer than a cruiser.  The handling, braking, and acceleration are in a different class.  There are other improvements, like a better sound system (USB for MP3s!), single-sided swing arm (no misaligned drive splines!), and fuel injection (no hydrolock!).  It may not replace the old Valk in every way, but it comes pretty close.

[Kunkies]

I'll but a new Valk' or F6B when Honda brings the phantom 6th gear to life.

[jimmytee]

I'll but a new Valk' or F6B when Honda brings the phantom 6th gear to life.

These are not the 1500s. I honestly don't see the need for a 6th gear. The 5th gear is an overdrive, or soit's called. If my memory serves me right, I'm only running like 3K RPMs at 70-75 mph. I still have the exhaust stock, so I really can't hear the engine when I rolling. If I change exhaust, it will probably include the installation if torque loops. Right now, however, I'm not fully convinced I want it louder. My Valkyrie has 6 into 6 Cobras and sounds great and visceral, but I'm kinda enjoying the quiet on the F6B. Right now, my stereo on my Valkyrie( not an Interstate) will rock, but it's because of the Woody's fairing, 4 Kicker speakers and Kenwood amp and 2 Kickers in the bags. But you know, the F6Bs sound system,while stock, is quite satisfactory. In part,I'm sure, due to the quiet exhaust .That's not going to stop me from upgrading though. PLanning on adding subs to the bags ,changing out the speakers in the fairing and adding an amp.

[BF]

I'll but a new Valk' or F6B when Honda brings the phantom 6th gear to life.

These are not the 1500s. I honestly don't see the need for a 6th gear. The 5th gear is an overdrive, or soit's called. If my memory serves me right, I'm only running like 3K RPMs at 70-75 mph. I still have the exhaust stock, so I really can't hear the engine when I rolling. If I change exhaust, it will probably include the installation if torque loops. Right now, however, I'm not fully convinced I want it louder. My Valkyrie has 6 into 6 Cobras and sounds great and visceral, but I'm kinda enjoying the quiet on the F6B. Right now, my stereo on my Valkyrie( not an Interstate) will rock, but it's because of the Woody's fairing, 4 Kicker speakers and Kenwood amp and 2 Kickers in the bags. But you know, the F6Bs sound system,while stock, is quite satisfactory. In part,I'm sure, due to the quiet exhaust .That's not going to stop me from upgrading though. PLanning on adding subs to the bags ,changing out the speakers in the fairing and adding an amp.

Weren't you looking for a trunk for your F6B.....did you ever find one and get it mounted?

[Firefighter]

Hey jimmytee, the subs you want to add, have you had that before? Where talking bass correct? I was told you can't hear much bass on a bike. How well do they work? Factory stereo? Amp? How do you set it up? Always wanted better bass, but never knew the best way, would be interested in any input.
  Thanks,  Firefighter

[BF]

What are "Helibars"?

https://www.helibars.com/product/honda-goldwing-gl1800f6b-luxury-sport-touring-horizon-bars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYrKznB0VQg#ws

That looks sweet.  I hate the oem bars on my buddy's Goldwing.  They're simply way too low and too far back for me.  If I was ever to buy a Wing, I'd have to get a set of those. 

[jimmytee]

I'll but a new Valk' or F6B when Honda brings the phantom 6th gear to life.

These are not the 1500s. I honestly don't see the need for a 6th gear. The 5th gear is an overdrive, or soit's called. If my memory serves me right, I'm only running like 3K RPMs at 70-75 mph. I still have the exhaust stock, so I really can't hear the engine when I rolling. If I change exhaust, it will probably include the installation if torque loops. Right now, however, I'm not fully convinced I want it louder. My Valkyrie has 6 into 6 Cobras and sounds great and visceral, but I'm kinda enjoying the quiet on the F6B. Right now, my stereo on my Valkyrie( not an Interstate) will rock, but it's because of the Woody's fairing, 4 Kicker speakers and Kenwood amp and 2 Kickers in the bags. But you know, the F6Bs sound system,while stock, is quite satisfactory. In part,I'm sure, due to the quiet exhaust .That's not going to stop me from upgrading though. PLanning on adding subs to the bags ,changing out the speakers in the fairing and adding an amp.

Weren't you looking for a trunk for your F6B.....did you ever find one and get it mounted?

Well sort of. I was toying with the idea and there are some great examples of others who have done it. I have not ruled it out. Anything I put on would be able to be removed and or attached quickly. Lately I'm more inclined to stick with soft luggage for the luggage rack. It works pretty good. I've been using the Bag I use on my Valkyrie, but have been casually shopping for a new one. I have not completely given up on getting a trunk, but here's the thing. If I make it look too good, then I might be inclined to leave it on the bike, then I'm thinking, that kinda takes away some of the style I bought the bike for. Catch 22 kinda I guess.  

[jimmytee]

What are "Helibars"?

https://www.helibars.com/product/honda-goldwing-gl1800f6b-luxury-sport-touring-horizon-bars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYrKznB0VQg#ws

That looks sweet.  I hate the oem bars on my buddy's Goldwing.  They're simply way too low and too far back for me.  If I was ever to buy a Wing, I'd have to get a set of those. 

I don't know quite what it was about the stock bars. It started that I wanted to raise them and pull them back a little, so I got a set of Kury risers. Well, after about 150- 200 miles, I'd start to feel it. After 250 -300 miles my upper back between my shoulders would just ache. It would sometimes last days after a long ride. I didn't particularly feel uncomfortable getting on the bike and riding a while, but never the less, after awhile I would feel the aching start. The Helibars are not cheap by any means, but no more aches. Not in the least. Worth EVERY penny to me. I think it had more to do with the angle of the grips,which the Helibars allow you to adjust to your desire. That tweak makes all the difference.

[jimmytee]

Hey jimmytee, the subs you want to add, have you had that before? Where talking bass correct? I was told you can't hear much bass on a bike. How well do they work? Factory stereo? Amp? How do you set it up? Always wanted better bass, but never knew the best way, would be interested in any input.
  Thanks,  Firefighter

I have not, but I've got pics of it having been done on a GL1800. They used some 8" JL Audio Subs . One in each bag facing the rear wheel. Some fiberglass work was done to make a baffle mounting surface for the subs. I've heard some subs in some custom bike audio and you'd be blown away. I'm in the research phase right now. I'm still deciding which way I want to go. I'm kinda leaning towards 2) 6.75 " low profile subs from Kicker . They could be installed , I believe, without the fiberglass work . I just will fab up a baffle/ reinforcing plate to mount the drivers to the inside of each saddlebag. At present, I think the inside surface area of the bags towards the wheel, will be perforated with several small holes/vents to allow for the movement of the air. Using the 6.75" subs won't be as effective as the JL Audio, but I'm betting the compromise won't be that great for the rewards of minimizing the space to lose in the bag. The low profile speakers will take up little space, plus at that size, they also fit into the proposed mounting location pretty nicely with minimum amount of work. Like I said, I'm still deciding. I believe I've settled on the speakers for up front. I think I'm going to go with a set of Polk Audio MM series component speakers. I was thinking of some more expensive one's but their frequency response and sensitivity ratings are very good plus they have got a lot of glowing reviews.
I have my Valkyrie set up with 6.5" Kickers in the lids of the saddle bags on my Valkyrie, and I can hear the difference in the bass output from those while riding. ANd that's with Cobra pipes.

[Firefighter]

Interested to know how it works out for you, like I said, I always wanted to build a better system. Hope you post more when you do this project. Let us know!  Firefighter

[Cracker Jack]

I'll but a new Valk' or F6B when Honda brings the phantom 6th gear to life.

These are not the 1500s. I honestly don't see the need for a 6th gear. The 5th gear is an overdrive, or soit's called. If my memory serves me right, I'm only running like 3K RPMs at 70-75 mph. I still have the exhaust stock, so I really can't hear the engine when I rolling. If I change exhaust, it will probably include the installation if torque loops. Right now, however, I'm not fully convinced I want it louder. My Valkyrie has 6 into 6 Cobras and sounds great and visceral, but I'm kinda enjoying the quiet on the F6B. Right now, my stereo on my Valkyrie( not an Interstate) will rock, but it's because of the Woody's fairing, 4 Kicker speakers and Kenwood amp and 2 Kickers in the bags. But you know, the F6Bs sound system,while stock, is quite satisfactory. In part,I'm sure, due to the quiet exhaust .That's not going to stop me from upgrading though. PLanning on adding subs to the bags ,changing out the speakers in the fairing and adding an amp.

Weren't you looking for a trunk for your F6B.....did you ever find one and get it mounted?

What are "torque loops"??

[BigM]

I debated on the same. I love my I/S have over 100K on it now and loaded. I do and wife likes the F6 wing. So i lucked up and found a good deal on a 2012 wing. I flat blacked out all the silver. (is red). Got the smoked frt. signal lights, C/T. Frt black bra. And it now looks like a F6 with a trunk. My wife was def. against getting it til I did this. She now likes it. I have had the 1200 and 1500 Wing and was never satisfied with the old man look. But tell ya now. The wing is one comfort and faster than my Valk ride. (wouldnt tell other wingers that) 1800 fuel inject, man that would have been good on my 01 Valk.

[hubcapsc]

What are "torque loops"??

Google sez they replace the catalytic converter and crossovers
in the OEM mufflers... exhaust hop-up parts...

-Mike