Don't understand people beefing on the Valk's design.

[14ValkyriePilot]

I love it. I loved it from the first teases of the new model. I loved it when I saw the first one sitting in my dealers showroom. It looks big and stretched out. Twin radiators cooling an 1832 horizontal 6 cylinder, fenders that offer some rider protection but don't look like rudders off of the Love Boat, covers on everything, led's everywhere, digital cluster w/tach and clock...

This was before I ever threw a leg over one... or launched out in 2nd gear like I was hooked to a cable... or ripped forward in 3rd... 4th. 5th, basically any serious twist of my wrist means something's about to change, quickly)

And the handling.. it didn't just make my VTX feel heavy, it made my wife's Rebel feel hesitant in corners... and nothing's wrong with either bike. They're both perfectly acceptable rides for people who are into that sort of thing.

The torque, the sounds, the feel of the whole machine...  that's all enough for me right there, but it doesn't stop there. Seems like anytime I stop, at a gas station or even stop lights, people are asking me about it, taking pictures of it, or craning their necks to get a better look at it.

And this one's mine... I get to ride it whenever I want. (weather and wife permitting, of course)

Love it.

[_Sheffjs_]

      Heck yea!!!      

[mrtappan]

I'm a "soldier of fortune" in the motorcycle world.  While I enjoy the new Valkyrie it wasnt exactly what I'd hoped for.  I'll keep it for now, until something better comes along.  I dont share the same mentality as a lot of the 1500 crew.  No bike is irreplaceable.  Someone will make something better and when it happens, I'm sure I'll own one of those.

[Robert]

I am loyal to an idea of a bike I want more so than to the bike. I had a set of wants or needs for a bike that have not really changed. What has changed is the package they came in. Once I find something I like I usually stay with it, change or new is not always better and keep the goals of what you want in mind. 

   A Wing is a great bike for cruising but its BIG and has alot of fairing but its basically bullet proof and fast. Some pluses some minuses but the one big thing was reliable, ride able you did not need to much service. I did not like the new Valk from the beginning the design took some time to sink in. But the bike was all that I wanted and expected in a motorcycle as far as performance and ride. If someone built me a bike with a current style yet with all my demands I would like then this would be it. I have to add the customary seat, bags, windshield and such but its pretty much there. The most important things the handling, power, comfort and reliability,  the bones of the bike were there. It took the bags, windshield and ride to get me liking and wanting this bike. I looked at alot of bikes including the new BMW 6 but not enough pluses to get me going. I have always liked and admired the engineering of the wing. Always thought if the fairings were gone it would be awesome. Some as the pic below tried to do it on their own and so many loved the idea but it never seemed to mesh. So when the New Valk came out the styling took awhile to sink in and once I looked beyond the shell I realized it was what I had wanted all along. So I made the jump and like the saying goes some things change, some things stay the same, I was treated to what I had always wanted.




Someone had the same idea years ago, they too are what might be called a visionary of motorcycles. Who knew years later Honda would pic up this idea and run with it and refine the it to the point of being the new Valk. Hats off to the bike builder in the pic he knew the next big thing. Maybe Honda did indeed listen to the VRCC and make a new bike that remained loyal to the idea of what a new Valk should be in form and idea. But with a new style so it would hopefully sell. Either way I am very happy with my purchase and thank Honda for making what I was dreaming of.

[TallRider]

Seems every new Valkyrie owner has had the same revelation for the most part. I hadn't been in a dealer since I bought my VTX in 05. Intended to buy a Valkyrie when I got my VTX found they quit making them, Saw what was a Polaris Slingshot in front of a dealer I drove by in Feb got me curious and decided to check out the contraption. Walked in to the dealer here in Ft Myers. Saw the Slingshot and went to walk over and went by what I thought were Goldwings looked over saw the Valkyrie name on three of them and a glaring tag that said marked down went over and sat on it. Pulled it up off the stand  Cupids arrow hit me square in the chest. This thing lifted off the stand what felt like 30-40 lbs less than my VTX. That was a Wed. Saturday noon I was on my way home with a new Maroon one. The rest is history. Don't get me wrong on the VTX. That is one sweet bike. Wish I could have kept it. Any one that road one ran like a tank on steroids. Great bike But I always wanted a Valkyrie. Road a 78 Gl1000 from 81 to 2005 24 yrs. Never realised why I kept it for so long but this Valkyrie is the reincarnation of that bike on steroids. Hens the love a fair continues.

[Michvalk]

I can answer your question:

        1. It's not a cruiser
        2. It's not a retro design


Some of us were hoping for a retro design cruiser, with modern appointments. Basically a Harley, with a six cylinder, with better brakes, cruise control, yada yada....Not what they got

[mrtappan]

I was really hoping for the "next generation" of the flat six to be in the Valkyrie.  Be it bigger displacement, cammed up, whatever it was.  That's my biggest complaint mechanically. 

Yay! New big...... same old engine. 

Cosmetically my biggest complaint is the stupid stupid stupid handlebar mount windshield and lack of options.  I could live with Honda's less than impressive OEM saddlebags, but that windshield is a travesty in my eyes.  I've never liked bar mounted windshields.

[8Track]

This is just my perspective but the design wasn't what I was expecting. Honda has a long history of making cruiser styled variants of their road bikes and through the '90s on they has a solid line-up of cruisers ranging in sizes from 250cc to 1800cc.

Knowing how popular these models have been over the years, and how much effort that went into the first Valkyrie, I was exepcting Honda to stick with traditional cruiser styling but give it a modern twist for the new Valkyrie. Perhaps something like a cross between a Rune, and a Victory with a dash of the future thrown in.

However the new Valkyrie eschews traditional styling completely and looks very future focused. Again, in my opinion, the bike looks pretty good from the front wheel back to the swingarm mount, but the whole rear fender section looks like it was designed by someone else, and in a hurry. Sitting on the bike, it looks very odd. The radiator covers sweep forward like a giant pair of crab claws and I am not used to seeing so much of the forks/triple tree from the riding position.

When I look at the new Valkyrie my mind's eye keeps throwing up images of those highly stylised art deco trains. There is something more in the current design that needs to be teased out.

Thats just my opinion. I realise beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I have no doubt at all about what an awesome piece of machinery it is. So please don't think I'm beefing on your bike - its just my own personal set of expectations and likes that make it hard for me to really get with the looks of the design.

Mark

[Bighead]

I have two complaints with the look. Not ragging on anyone's ride here,ride what you like.
1. Those God awful radiator pods (why not use one Radiator in front instead of having to hang that on the bike and hide so much else?)
2. Not enough engine showing and not enough Chrome.

As was stated above I have zero doubt in the bikes abilities and would probably be fun to ride,but I will keep riding my Dinasour's

[Fla. Jim]

I have two complaints with the look. Not ragging on anyone's ride here,ride what you like.
1. Those God awful radiator pods (why not use one Radiator in front instead of having to hang that on the bike and hide so much else?)
2. Not enough engine showing and not enough Chrome.

As was stated above I have zero doubt in the bikes abilities and would probably be fun to ride,but I will keep riding my Dinasour's

"Ditto" Don't think their looking too bad for a 18 yr old design.

[AdrianR]

I would say the bike's looks are definitely unique with just a Eurotouch feel here or there..

A paradigm shift for sure when it comes to recognizable cruiser styling..

But lets face it guyz..just about every other cruiser out there albeit a few, are Harley wannabes... The styling Harley created is timeless..a classic.  My old 1100 Sabre Shadow was a damn good bike...and with it's modern twin pin crankshaft, dual carbs, 3 valve heads..light weight, and with just a main jet tweak and K&N air filter would outrun many larger Vtwin cruisers...and keep right up with the 1800 VTX...due to it's light weight  (580lbs)..but it sounded like crap and it was trying to look like a Harely Fatboy....I also don't like the way any of the Honda Vtwins sound...

The new Valkyrie is all original...unlike the older one that in a way ALSO copied Harley styling...

While I love the looks of the new Valk..there are some things I think that would make it better looking....

No bike imo is perfect...and what the new Valk lacks in cosmetics to some..it makes up for in sheer performance....It's a total BLAST to ride!

And I love the looks it gets....I cannot tell you how many times other bikers have tried catching up to me to catch a glimpse and I leave MOST in the dust...with the exception of two really good riders...one on a new 1200 BMW sport bike, and the other on a Honda ST1300..  and if my old lady wasn't on the back...I KNOW I could have rode with them no problem with this new amazing machine...The new Valk is really almost more of a sport/touring machine then it is a cruiser...one ride will convince many of this premise.

[hubcapsc]

Those God awful radiator pods (why not use one Radiator in front instead of having to hang that on the bike and hide so much else?)

That's where they go on a goldwing. Doesn't look like there's much choice...



EDIT: I was looking at that picture and remembering taking the tank off and
also replacing the chrome band on the "valve covers" with a set of Rivco pegs...

There's a whole lot of crap and wires and air cleaners and stuff behind the radiators,
there's nothing back there you could showcase, like six cool carburetors...
and the "valve covers" are two pieces, just shells really, that cover a bunch
of spark plugs and wires and other stuff...

-Mike

[mrtappan]

I have two complaints with the look. Not ragging on anyone's ride here,ride what you like.
1. Those God awful radiator pods (why not use one Radiator in front instead of having to hang that on the bike and hide so much else?)
2. Not enough engine showing and not enough Chrome.

As was stated above I have zero doubt in the bikes abilities and would probably be fun to ride,but I will keep riding my Dinasour's

Yeah, side mounted radiators are leftover from the laziness of basically stripping the Goldwing instead of designing a new chassis. 

Chrome...   well all I can say about that is it isn't for me.  It does nothing but add weight and get you one step closer to owning a bike that looks more "show than go" to me.

No disagreement about the dinosaur part though.  Although I'm the opposite, modern technology all the way. 

[_Sheffjs_]

I will state for the record - I feel that the Valkyrie Tourer is and will be the best looking bike ever made period. Sorry to say that I doubt any one will ever spend money to top this masterpiece with something new (note that I owned two interstates). I tried to buy 3 tourers but it was not in the cards.   The new Valk is not about retro looks and that is what Honda gave us. To all that say they will always keep their original Valk, I say thank you that you will keep the faith. I also say don't give up the chance to twist one of these "ugly" euro looking wonders!!!! It will blow your mind!!!!!  I personally am far beyond satisfied with this bike and it is about the drive now. Don't care who likes it or not.  Lastly - I feel they should not have called this bike Valkyrie - throw no stones   2ng gen owners this is just my opinion.  It is a Goldwing striped down isn't it!!! It should have been called GW Standard or GL 1800s.   If they did make the same retro style and give it a FI 1800 then call it a Valkyrie.

twist this

[rogueleader_92]

Valkyrie have always been "stripped down" goldwings, in reality they usually just keep the engine transmission and maybe a few other minor pieces (the handle bar reservoirs for the clutch and break never seem to change)then rebuild the bike from the frame up. My complaint about the name is they felt the need to call our new bike the goldwing valkyrie instead of just the valkyrie. It's hard enough getting non valkyrie owners to accept the valkyrie is not just a stripped down goldwing. It's it's own beast just with a tried and true power plant.

[Robert]

Nothing wows in looks like an original Valkyrie but nothing wows like driving the new Valkyrie, Trade offs. Respect and place for both, that's why I own both.   

[bscrive]

Both generations of Valkyries are fantastic.  If I could have kept my I/S I would have, but I don't drive the new one enough as it is.  I definately would have preferred the new engine in the old frame.  My old I/S has a great look, and many people stopped me to ask about it.  That being said, the new look is great.  Some don't like the radiator placement, but I think they make the bike look like a beast.  Once I get my Corbin bags and Russell seat this winter it will be a picture of beauty. 
The only complaint I have for the new valk are the bars, which I changed, and the crap paint.  That paint is so freakin soft that it seems to scratch just looking at it.  More than likely it will need a paint job within 5 years.  My old valk was 16 years old, and the paint still look like new.  Honda probably used that crap water based paint/clear on the new ones.
I don't think that there is a bike made that is perfect for anyone, but this new valk is now perfect for me.  Although, I am the type of guy that loves to customize to get the bike perfect for me.  It's only money.    I would rather spend the cash to make it right for me than to keep finding something that will suite me out of the box.  It's fun as well.   

[_Sheffjs_]

Valkyrie have always been "stripped down" goldwings, in reality they usually just keep the engine transmission and maybe a few other minor pieces (the handle bar reservoirs for the clutch and break never seem to change)then rebuild the bike from the frame up. My complaint about the name is they felt the need to call our new bike the goldwing valkyrie instead of just the valkyrie. It's hard enough getting non valkyrie owners to accept the valkyrie is not just a stripped down goldwing. It's it's own beast just with a tried and true power plant.

I feel the opposite. I think the 97-03 Valkyrie group would except the bike with out hesitation if it was named F6S, GL1800s or GW Standard. I feel they do not like the Valkyrie name on a bike that does not have any looks in common what so ever with the 97-03 line up.   

[mrtappan]

Ha.  Oh no!  They built a newer model of the bike I worship!  Blasphemy! Blasphemy!  Burn the heretics.

One of my favorite ironies here is how HD riders are frequently joked about their dogmatic loving of Harley dispite it's shortcomings.  When our version is "The original Valkyrie is the best bike ever.  No one will ever beat it." 

[rogueleader_92]

sure they look similar but once you strip them down you can see the differences that make this bike unique.

[st2sam]

My 2 cents.

You wanna drive a 1958 Corvette, have at it.

Me I'll drive the 2015 Corvette.  Same difference just light years ahead.



IMO the best placement for the radiators is on the sides, you don't get all the hot air dumped on you.
I like the name GW Standard, me I just call it my Goldwing X-tra light.

[_Sheffjs_]

My 2 cents.

You wanna drive a 1958 Corvette, have at it.

Me I'll drive the 2015 Corvette.  Same difference just light years ahead.





bullseye   




IMO the best placement for the radiators is on the sides, you don't get all the hot air dumped on you.
I like the name GW Standard, me I just call it my Goldwing X-tra light.

[F6Dave]

My 2 cents.

You wanna drive a 1958 Corvette, have at it.

Me I'll drive the 2015 Corvette.  Same difference just light years ahead.





bullseye   




IMO the best placement for the radiators is on the sides, you don't get all the hot air dumped on you.
I like the name GW Standard, me I just call it my Goldwing X-tra light.

I agree about the radiator placement.  On my F6B much of the heat gets exhausted to the side, not on my legs.  It works great.

Rarely mentioned is that moving the radiator away from the front of the frame allows for better suspension geometry.  So even if the side pods look odd, they keep the rider cooler and improve the handling.  Not a bad tradeoff.

[98valk]

Valkyrie have always been "stripped down" goldwings, in reality they usually just keep the engine transmission and maybe a few other minor pieces (the handle bar reservoirs for the clutch and break never seem to change)then rebuild the bike from the frame up. My complaint about the name is they felt the need to call our new bike the goldwing valkyrie instead of just the valkyrie. It's hard enough getting non valkyrie owners to accept the valkyrie is not just a stripped down goldwing. It's it's own beast just with a tried and true power plant.

for the 1000th time the original valkyrie was NOT A stripped down Goldwing. completely different frames, gas tank location, etc. only thing was the same was the short block with different 4th and 5th gears. GOT IT. 

[98valk]

My 2 cents.

You wanna drive a 1958 Corvette, have at it.

Me I'll drive the 2015 Corvette.  Same difference just light years ahead.



IMO the best placement for the radiators is on the sides, you don't get all the hot air dumped on you.
I like the name GW Standard, me I just call it my Goldwing X-tra light.

yea, great progress, light yrs ahead, but not in the braking dept for the Goldwing Valkyrie which is 60-0mph 123.7'
 
Shortest 60–0 Stops
1] 2006 Triumph Speed Triple . . . . . . . . . . 104.8'
2] 2008 BMW Megamoto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.4'
3] 1999 Triumph Speed Triple . . . . . . . . . . 106.7'
4] 1997 F6 Valkyrie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107.4'
5] 1997 Suzuki Marauder 800 . . . . . . . . . . 107.6'


new vette less than 100'   progress
I would think a newest latest designed 18k bike at 750lbs would have better braking 60-0mph 123.7' than even the '99 valkyrie tourer @ 776 lbs 60-0mph 114'
even the F6B at 102lbs more than the '14 valkyrie only needs 2 extra ft to stop and the 909lb GL1800 needs only 2 ft more than that at 127.4'. the 833lb I/S stopped in 116'.
I think that is unsafe engineering on honda's part to make the new valkyrie faster but cheap out on the brakes.
If I'm on a bike that runs 0-60 in under 4 sec, I need better brakes than honda provided for the '14 GW Valkyrie.
Owners/riders should be aware.

Great progress, for how much $$$$  light yrs ahead 
the #s don't lie 
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/article_index.asp
GW Valkyrie   0-60 mph  3.41 sec  0-100 mph  9.50 sec   11.65 1/4 mile  39.1avg mpg
'97 Valkyrie  0-60 mph   3.86 sec  0-100 mph   9.96 sec   12.02  1/4 mile 37.3 avg mpg

[AdrianR]

Ugly; really???

[rogueleader_92]

Valkyrie have always been "stripped down" goldwings, in reality they usually just keep the engine transmission and maybe a few other minor pieces (the handle bar reservoirs for the clutch and break never seem to change)then rebuild the bike from the frame up. My complaint about the name is they felt the need to call our new bike the goldwing valkyrie instead of just the valkyrie. It's hard enough getting non valkyrie owners to accept the valkyrie is not just a stripped down goldwing. It's it's own beast just with a tried and true power plant.

for the 1000th time the original valkyrie was NOT A stripped down Goldwing. completely different frames, gas tank location, etc. only thing was the same was the short block with different 4th and 5th gears. GOT IT. 

Sorry there should have been the word "considered" before "stripped down" I know there has always been a difference between the gw'sand valk's and that was my point to said post, hence why I don't like that they called the new ones goldwing valkyrie. Makes it harder to explanation it's not really a goldwing.

[specialdose]

          Jerry, I agree. My fast black 98 Tourer is the finest looking bike going. I have had her 3 yrs and if I just parked her and pass through the garage I will stop and admire her. Having said that the new ones have grown on me. The Corbin bags balance out or compliment the radiator pods. If some one comes up with a windshield that does not look like a after thought it would be sweet. I am sure the handling and performance are out standing. If I were to buy something new I think it would be the f6b. Sat on both at the dealer and it fit me better. 6'-4" 220. You guys enjoy your new Valks and we will all be the better for being a part of this family.

[Bighead]

I would say the bike's looks are definitely unique with just a Eurotouch feel here or there..

A paradigm shift for sure when it comes to recognizable cruiser styling..

But lets face it guyz..just about every other cruiser out there albeit a few, are Harley wannabes... The styling Harley created is timeless..a classic.  My old 1100 Sabre Shadow was a damn good bike...and with it's modern twin pin crankshaft, dual carbs, 3 valve heads..light weight, and with just a main jet tweak and K&N air filter would outrun many larger Vtwin cruisers...and keep right up with the 1800 VTX...due to it's light weight  (580lbs)..but it sounded like crap and it was trying to look like a Harely Fatboy....I also don't like the way any of the Honda Vtwins sound...

The new Valkyrie is all original...unlike the older one that in a way ALSO copied Harley styling...

While I love the looks of the new Valk..there are some things I think that would make it better looking....

No bike imo is perfect...and what the new Valk lacks in cosmetics to some..it makes up for in sheer performance....It's a total BLAST to ride!

And I love the looks it gets....I cannot tell you how many times other bikers have tried catching up to me to catch a glimpse and I leave MOST in the dust...with the exception of two really good riders...one on a new 1200 BMW sport bike, and the other on a Honda ST1300..  and if my old lady wasn't on the back...I KNOW I could have rode with them no problem with this new amazing machine...The new Valk is really almost more of a sport/touring machine then it is a cruiser...one ride will convince many of this premise.

Dude nothing about the  Valkyrie is a HD wannabe.
And I also had an 1100 shadow and if yours kept up with any VTX it is because whoever was riding the VTX was a Chicken crap and yes I also had an 1800 VTX and it would outrun the Valkyrie .

[AdrianR]

Dude nothing about the  Valkyrie is a HD wannabe.
And I also had an 1100 shadow and if yours kept up with any VTX it is because whoever was riding the VTX was a Chicken crap and yes I also had an 1800 VTX and it would outrun the Valkyrie .

[/quote]

Sure there is man..the older one...the tank, the fenders, the forks...all traditional Harley ques...The obvious diff is the engine....but it's cool...it's a timeless great look.

As far the VTX/Shadow...I'm speaking the Sabre man...NOT the classic/Ace or other Shadow dogs...with the single pin crank.the Sabre had better valve timing... My Sabre with the stage one kit did a solid 120mph and was still pulling hard...with ethanol free gas...  it also handled well...to with it's shorter wheelbase and moderate rake...

As far as the VTX out running the new Valk...cannot speak from experience but based on the specs...no way....less HP, more weight, and it in now way will handle anywhere as well...

I'll keep my eyes open for one...and have at it...I will get back to you!  lol

[mrtappan]

Goldwings outrun the Valkyrie........ they don't stop at 125mph like the new Valks.  

I'll admit I like it exponentially better than the old one but frankly, it doesn't live up to my expectations.

Although absolutely no regrets over replacing that worthless Victory with a Valkyrie.  So much nicer.  

[_Sheffjs_]

Well people,  this is a discussion board and now that we have discussed. I wil go out and buy Goldwing badges and replace the Valkyrie badges with gold wing or GL 1800s or F6S custom badges because that is what this is A naked Goldwing.  ------- just kidding!   I guess we can all agree on one thing F6 rules! Jerry is over and out.   

[mrtappan]

Some people fear change and refuse to accept it. 

Some people embrace change and progress toward the future.

I probably wouldn't own a motorcycle if my only option was a 1500cc engine with six carburetors but that's just me.  I like technology. 

[jimmytee]

The styling Harley created is timeless..a classic.  

I'm going to have to disagree with that statement. Harley didn't create that  styling. They just never changed styling as the years rolled on. Just like they haven't changed a lot of things.

[98valk]

Some people fear change and refuse to accept it. 

Some people embrace change and progress toward the future.

I probably wouldn't own a motorcycle if my only option was a 1500cc engine with six carburetors but that's just me.  I like technology. 

the GL1500 cylinder heads are a semi-hemi head design, The hemi-head design has been proven to be one of the best for efficiency for fuel burn. This equates into better mpg and HP. But the head is more expensive to make than a traditional inline valve cylinder head design, which is the style head the GL1800 has. So what did Honda do to make up for the MPG and HP loss, they upped the CCs and added Fuel Injection. A carburetor is still better at atomising the air/fuel mixture than an injector, although the injectors are getting closer with the multi 12 hole injectors.

[hubcapsc]

I like technology.

I like motorcycles. The 1500 Valkyrie is an awesome motorcycle. My six carburetors
have never given me an ounce of trouble. Its brakes might not be as good as
the 1800, but they're pretty darn good too.

-Mike

[Robert]

My 2 cents.

You wanna drive a 1958 Corvette, have at it.

Me I'll drive the 2015 Corvette.  Same difference just light years ahead.

IMO the best placement for the radiators is on the sides, you don't get all the hot air dumped on you.
I like the name GW Standard, me I just call it my Goldwing X-tra light.

yea, great progress, light yrs ahead, but not in the braking dept for the Goldwing Valkyrie which is 60-0mph 123.7'
 
Shortest 60–0 Stops
1] 2006 Triumph Speed Triple . . . . . . . . . . 104.8'
2] 2008 BMW Megamoto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.4'
3] 1999 Triumph Speed Triple . . . . . . . . . . 106.7'
4] 1997 F6 Valkyrie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107.4'
5] 1997 Suzuki Marauder 800 . . . . . . . . . . 107.6'


new vette less than 100'   progress
I would think a newest latest designed 18k bike at 750lbs would have better braking 60-0mph 123.7' than even the '99 valkyrie tourer @ 776 lbs 60-0mph 114'
even the F6B at 102lbs more than the '14 valkyrie only needs 2 extra ft to stop and the 909lb GL1800 needs only 2 ft more than that at 127.4'. the 833lb I/S stopped in 116'.
I think that is unsafe engineering on honda's part to make the new valkyrie faster but cheap out on the brakes.
If I'm on a bike that runs 0-60 in under 4 sec, I need better brakes than honda provided for the '14 GW Valkyrie.
Owners/riders should be aware.

Great progress, for how much $$$$  light yrs ahead  
the #s don't lie  
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/article_index.asp
GW Valkyrie   0-60 mph  3.41 sec  0-100 mph  9.50 sec   11.65 1/4 mile  39.1avg mpg
'97 Valkyrie  0-60 mph   3.86 sec  0-100 mph   9.96 sec   12.02  1/4 mile 37.3 avg mpg

Are you sure about those numbers as far as stopping? I would be very surprised that a lighter bike by 150lbs with bigger brakes would actually be worse stopping. As for the 0 to 60 times I also wonder. I can tell you now that my butt dyno is not usually off by that much. 

[mrtappan]

Butt dyno is off due to sentimental attachment........

I've ridden both.  The new Valkyrie is faster.  I know that's shocking since it's a bigger fuel injected engine but whatevs.....

[98valk]

My 2 cents.

You wanna drive a 1958 Corvette, have at it.

Me I'll drive the 2015 Corvette.  Same difference just light years ahead.

IMO the best placement for the radiators is on the sides, you don't get all the hot air dumped on you.
I like the name GW Standard, me I just call it my Goldwing X-tra light.

yea, great progress, light yrs ahead, but not in the braking dept for the Goldwing Valkyrie which is 60-0mph 123.7'
 
Shortest 60–0 Stops
1] 2006 Triumph Speed Triple . . . . . . . . . . 104.8'
2] 2008 BMW Megamoto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106.4'
3] 1999 Triumph Speed Triple . . . . . . . . . . 106.7'
4] 1997 F6 Valkyrie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107.4'
5] 1997 Suzuki Marauder 800 . . . . . . . . . . 107.6'


new vette less than 100'   progress
I would think a newest latest designed 18k bike at 750lbs would have better braking 60-0mph 123.7' than even the '99 valkyrie tourer @ 776 lbs 60-0mph 114'
even the F6B at 102lbs more than the '14 valkyrie only needs 2 extra ft to stop and the 909lb GL1800 needs only 2 ft more than that at 127.4'. the 833lb I/S stopped in 116'.
I think that is unsafe engineering on honda's part to make the new valkyrie faster but cheap out on the brakes.
If I'm on a bike that runs 0-60 in under 4 sec, I need better brakes than honda provided for the '14 GW Valkyrie.
Owners/riders should be aware.

Great progress, for how much $$$$  light yrs ahead  
the #s don't lie  
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/article_index.asp
GW Valkyrie   0-60 mph  3.41 sec  0-100 mph  9.50 sec   11.65 1/4 mile  39.1avg mpg
'97 Valkyrie  0-60 mph   3.86 sec  0-100 mph   9.96 sec   12.02  1/4 mile 37.3 avg mpg

Are you sure about those numbers as far as stopping? I would be very surprised that a lighter bike by 150lbs with bigger brakes would actually be worse stopping. As for the 0 to 60 times I also wonder. I can tell you now that my butt dyno is not usually off by that much. 

R,
all those #s are from the Motorcycle consumer news testing, the link provides all their #s. I have most if not all copies of the various magazines which tested the valkyrie, all are about the same.
there are many things that affect braking, the skinning front tire of the GW valkyrie limits it stopping distance.

[98valk]

Butt dyno is off due to sentimental attachment........

I've ridden both.  The new Valkyrie is faster.  I know that's shocking since it's a bigger fuel injected engine but whatevs.....

I posted the #s that show that, never said it wasn't, just a lot more $$$ for not much more performance and dangerous stopping power for the extra speed. A tuned and modified Valkyrie with a good rider would easily make up 0.45 sec in 0-60mph.