1500 , 1800, 1800 rune..... which one

[rusty]

just wanting some info for the ones who know. i just lost my bike in a crash a few weeks ago. was a 98 valkyrie. i bought it ( 1 owner- me) because i love the looks. anyway now the way i see it , i have 3 choices... buy another valkyrie (which are still beautiful) or go for a  new valkyrie, ( which i have read  impressive words about the way they handle, and yes i THINK i could get used to the looks, or go for a valkyrie rune. i have not read to much about the rune and how they handle/. can anyone by advise about the rune. and your thoughts about new valkyries and the rune. and again thanks for all in input with my last post!!!!
rusty

[sandy]

Ask yourself what are you going to do with it. If it's traveling, get another vintage valk tourer or interstate. The other choices make nice bar hoppers unless you spend a fortune on acc's.

[moodyvalk]

easy pick for me, go with the first gen valkyrie and turbocharge it.  you would be only the second person in the world to have one.  extremely fun and different.  major head turner...

[Kunkies]

Although like you I prefer the first generation Valk', I would go with a new Valk' for two main reasons.  1.  Updated safety features like ABS, 2. cheaper to maint' get parts for as the vintage Valk' parts are becoming more rare.

A new Mustang Seat with drivers backrest, aftermarket clear windshield, and some Corbin Hardbags and you are back in business.

Just my $0.02

[WintrSol]

2. cheaper to maint' get parts for as the vintage Valk' parts are becoming more rare.

I'd say this is a big argument against the Rune; since they didn't make many, parts have to be even more rare than for the classic.

[rhinor61]

To start over,
I would go with F6B Goldwing, it has no rear trunk, 1800 cc. FI, modern.

or
The vintage Valkyries are nice, definely get the Interstate and make the trunk removable.

Good luck in your quest.

John

[John Schmidt]

Some years ago, I test rode a Rune at a Honda Homecoming at the Marysville plant. Simply put....I hated it, especially at low speeds it handled like a hog wallowing in the mud. Like anything else, I could have become used to it but along with the ridiculous design looks of it I hated it. To me it was a real dog....just my take on the Rune.

[bscrive]

I had an I/S and I loved it, but now that I ride solo for most part, I wanted something lighter.  The older valks are great, but they don't compare to the new valk.  If you want power, the new valk has it in spades.  One thing, the handlebars suck really bad.  So much so that I changed mine out for some 16" custom made bars.  Check out my posts on the 1800 Tech side.

I have to agree with Kunkies.  The parts for the Rune are ridiculously priced and are not getting any cheaper.

I was in the same boat earlier this year, and I decided to go with the newer technology.  This will probably be my last bike, and I want something that will last a long time.  I had my I/S for 12 years and I plan on keeping this one longer.

[BF]

I'd take a good long look at the F6B if it were me.  

I don't think the "new" Valk will be around all that long.  From what I'm hearing, it's not selling all that well. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'd take a good long look at the F6B if it were me.  

I don't think the "new" Valk will be around all that long.  From what I'm hearing, it's not selling all that well.  

I like the F6B also. Dennis from Blythe bought one and had it at Inzane. It is a SWEET bike  

[Moonshot_1]

Ask yourself what are you going to do with it. If it's traveling, get another vintage valk tourer or interstate. The other choices make nice bar hoppers unless you spend a fortune on acc's.

Agree with Sandy here. If you are getting another bike to be putt-putting around town and the occasional day trip, pretty much anything will do.

If you are planning some major road time then another vintage Valk is the way to go. The thing that make these bikes great at this is their rugged frame. You can bungee lots of stuff to one and have a really good trip. And even when you bungee a bunch of stuff to one, it still looks marvelous.

If you are looking for something more modern, as it has been said, the F6B is the ticket. Not as rugged as the vintage Valk but it has the storage capacity to be a good touring bike. I test drove one and it is pretty sweet. I believe the new Valk is just an F6B with less stuff.

[WintrSol]

Some years ago, I test rode a Rune at a Honda Homecoming at the Marysville plant. Simply put....I hated it, especially at low speeds it handled like a hog wallowing in the mud. Like anything else, I could have become used to it but along with the ridiculous design looks of it I hated it. To me it was a real dog....just my take on the Rune.

I heard that same thing, second-hand, from a dealer that had one to repair. Now I see it's true.

[gordonv]

What is it that you want out of a bike?

Before I would buy a new(er) F6B or a Goldwing Valkyrie, I would buy an older GL1800 and remove the trunk. I want the ABS/NAV/CB/etc that a Goldwing has, that the other models don't have.

But even more, I want a cruiser. This is why I'm wanting an original Valkyrie again, in the IS model for trips/storage.

Parts might be more expensive than they used to be, but the newer bikes are even more expensive, so you are just pre-paying for those parts anyways.

[Robert]

If you plan to do any longer riding the Rune is out. If you like the look of the original Valk then stay with that, But if you want a little more power, cornering and dont can live with the updated style then go with the new Valk or the F6B. Both the original Valk and the new Valk will get you anywhere you want to go. The real decision is looks or updated ergonomics and handling, to me the F6B although a good bike is a flat out Goldwing without a trunk. Any of the choices has more than most bikes on the road so when you are at the top the differences come down to personal preference. But if you want a Goldwing then get one but if you want a Valk then get the Valk.

[hubcapsc]

I would buy an older GL1800 and remove the trunk.

There's an expensive kit that turns the trunk into a... shelf... or
maybe a table top  ...

Removing the trunk is hard on a Goldwing...

This guy did a pretty good job, and it looks like he worked real hard...



-Mike

[F6Dave]

I bought my new F6B 10 months ago, and hit 16,000 miles last weekend.  The bike is incredible.  It reminds me of my '98 Tourer in many ways, so it wasn't a difficult transition.  However, the power and handling of the 1800 is so much better!  When I ride the old Valk it seems slow and ponderous in comparison.

[whitestroke]

I think you need this bike. Message me if interested.