Old vs. new Valkyrie

[_Sheffjs_]

what part of the Valkyrie do you think has HD looks

They're identical...



It is the new Valkyrie that has bizarro modern nothing-else-like-it looks...
I'll probably never get used to the new Valkyrie's transformer headlight.

-Mike

Bighead, I think it is your turn. LOL  

Mike that is not an HD bag right?  I like the wings thingys on the side. 

[hubcapsc]

Those things on my father's bike are called "bubble bags", they
used to be the in thing...

-Mike "That's a crossed Confederate flag on the front fender..."

[_Sheffjs_]

Those things on my father's bike are called "bubble bags", they
used to be the in thing...

-Mike "That's a crossed Confederate flag on the front fender..."

I am blessed to have both my Mother and Father still very healthy at 83 and 84. My dad never had any interest in anything with a motor, let alone a motorcycle. But for Christmas one year I bought him an original brochure for every car he owned his entire life. It took me a long time to find them on eBay but he really enjoys perusing through them.  I actually remember the 49 ford he bought brand new as I remember seeing the ground whizzing buy through the rear floor pan. Yes he drove that thing that that long.   Cool gift idea though. 

[Bighead]

That old HD looks like a mini bike beside the Valkyrie. Resemble ? Yeah it has two wheels a gas tank and fenders.

[dans2014]

  Sorry folks, when I said HD, I meant heavy duty. I'm so removed from Harley's I didn't even think of the same initials. I've never ever been attracted to a Harley with one exception, the V-rod. It is quick, but Porsche designed the engine so maybe they could design an entire bike and make me want one!!! ha ha .

[dans2014]

The Transformer headlight is one of the best parts and it cuts thru the dark like a moon beam. I have literally almost caused wrecks with people stopping or slowing down to admire the bike and often hear, what is it???

[hubcapsc]

The Transformer headlight is one of the best parts and it cuts thru the dark like a moon beam. I have literally almost caused wrecks with people stopping or slowing down to admire the bike and often hear, what is it???

I like LED, but the transformer headlight is wimpy in the daylight... people have warned me
I don't stand out at all. It is just the opposite with the Log Truck, but it has moto-lights. I
hope that I stand out more in the daytime when I put in the pod lights...

-Mike

[rusty]

i agree , there is not and has not been a better looking bike than the valkyrie 1500.. still today.  i am not a die hard rider before i bought this valkyrie i had not been on a bike in 20 years (since the kiddies came) but when i seen a valkyrie ride past that was all it took. when the time was right i got one. was very pleased with this plane bike till i lost it 2 months ago. the new ones (in my opinion) have no where near the look i love, however i will most likely buy a new valkyrie and WILL let the new one grow on me.  done a lot of research on the new ones and they are a fine bike. now because i have too i need to move one with the new.

[dans2014]

One ride Rusty and the old Valk. will be buy a distant memory. The new Valk. is that good!!!
 

[TallRider]

Hey!!  That looks like the bike I bought and chopped up back in 57. My first bike 51 Hd FLH tank shift. Stripped it down put megaphone pipes, conversion foot shift and monkey bars with a 1/4 turn quick throttle. Was driving with a bunch around starved rock in Ill down a steep curving grade when the throttle came off and hit the highway. Man those were the days.  Well times have changed. Smooth, fast, great milage and I guess looks that have to grow on you. For me I like it, Don,t need all the frills the GW has or F6B. Definitely would like a little louder exhaust.

[mrtappan]

i agree , there is not and has not been a better looking bike than the valkyrie 1500.. still today. 

While I don't think the new Valkyrie is anything special style wise, I personally never liked the old ones.  I don't like the way the old 1500cc engine looks and I was never impressed by their classic styling.  They looked like any other Honda from that time period but with the Goldwing engine. 

Cosmetics are cosmetics but the 1800 series fuel injected engine.....  almost perfect.  I just wish they made a 49 state model instead of the "we all get a choked down Cali engine" 50 state model like they make.  Not that it would really increase power by more than a tiny amount but I'm a big fan of having the least amount of extra junk bolted to my bike as possible. 

[_Sheffjs_]

One ride Rusty and the old Valk. will be buy a distant memory. The new Valk. is that good!!!
 

Stirring the pot r ya? 

[brew1brew]

OK, I've sat here quietly reading through this thread, Now I have to speak up.

1. the Old Valkyrie IS a Goldwing! designated GL1500C  (Goldwing with Custom designation)
2. new Valkyrie is GL1800C, in the same vein the new Valkyrie is a Custom Goldwing, as was the old Valkyrie.

And if you go back to the early 80's Goldwings, they don't have all the trim and stuff on them, they look a lot like a Valkyrie.

So like others when I first seen photos of the new Valk I thought it was BUTT UGLY! However I kept an open mind.

So when it hit the stores I rode my 2002 standard over to the dealer and took the new girl out for a spin. WOW was all I could say, then when I got on my 2002 she felt sluggish to me!

After that first test ride the new Valk started to look more and more beautiful! Now the look has grown on me.

[ledany]

Cosmetics are cosmetics but the 1800 series fuel injected engine.....  almost perfect. 

The engine is fine alright. Still, it occurred a few times (the bike has now 23' km on the clock) that down shifting entering a curve, in third or 2nd gear, it was as if I was in neutral 
It doesn't happen that often (SURPRISE !!  ) but it happens. I guess the error comes from the ECU.
I thought that maybe the rev was too low to downshift but it wasn't. Fortunately, I don't ride that fast with the knee down so it's easy to handle ... until now 

[_Sheffjs_]

OK, I've sat here quietly reading through this thread, Now I have to speak up.

1. the Old Valkyrie IS a Goldwing! designated GL1500C  (Goldwing with Custom designation)  Agree
2. new Valkyrie is GL1800C, Agree -- in the same vein the new Valkyrie is a Custom Goldwing, as was the old Valkyrie. OK - The new Valk is a stripped down F6b or full wing

And if you go back to the early 80's Goldwings, they don't have all the trim and stuff on them, they look a lot like a Valkyrie. old or new?

So like others when I first seen photos of the new Valk I thought it was BUTT UGLY! However I kept an open mind.  Same here but you got me beat as it took me some time to be open minded

So when it hit the stores I rode my 2002 standard over to the dealer and took the new girl out for a spin. WOW was all I could say, then when I got on my 2002 she felt sluggish to me! Same here

I do Feel that the 97.03 Valkyrie has a look all on its own (not like anything not like an old wing, it is a well done retro style, a great bike!!)    and it is my favorite for style looks.


After that first test ride the new Valk started to look more and more beautiful! Now the look has grown on me.   Same here

     

[dinosnake]

After that first test ride the new Valk started to look more and more beautiful! Now the look has grown on me.

I know you're gonna think I'm crazy (because I am!  ) but I've really grown to love the look of my new Valk, for once I got on and rode it, it looks very organic from the rider's seat to me.  It looks like one kick-a** beetle, ready to pounce on its prey

https://arthurevans.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_3913.jpg

Headlight's the head, the rads are the forearms, etc etc.  It looks very menacing when you're in the seat, pulling on that loud cable with your right hand.

[goldstar903]

Beetle on! 

[IamGCW]

Wow this was a strange read.  Reminded me of when I rode my Valk (1500) to a burger joint that happened to have a GoldWing group there.  What a bunch of hatters they were. 

As stated these bikes all are family.  Honda and GoldWing family.  Best way to see which is better is side by side in slow, medium, and high speed rides (legal speeds).  Start at breakfast and do about 220 miles.  Then rate them over lunch.  In doing that you will get in two meals, some good riding and a fun conversation. 

Isn't that what it is really about, not bashing others bikes hoping to look better if the other bike appears worse.

If you want the perfect bike don't get a Honda, they are flawed (why else would they have a service department).

6EQUJ5

[hubcapsc]

Best way to see which is better...

There's no way my Log Truck is better than a Gold Wing, but I'd
rather have it than three Gold Wings...



Well... you know... regular Gold Wings... 



-Mike

[Brewer]

Do we have anyone on this board who does not have a strong opinion? Will any of us reconsider our view based on anything that has or might be posted in this thread?

Second, why does it matter which version of any brand MC you like/ride?

[Beardo]

I went through a sport bike phase and a Harley phase. Both times I thought, why would anyone want anything other than a sport bike or a Harley.  Now I own a Valk and couldn't like it more.  I've realized that we go through different phases in our tastes. When I had a sport bike, anything else seemed boring. When I had a Harley, I started to think they were the only bike to have and everything else was just not the same. None of these opinions are correct, but what I felt at the time based on what I had. I'm now at the point where 2-up comfort and touring are what I love and if I can do it on a bike bike with loads of power and have a lot of fun, that's the bike for me. I never considered ever owning something like a Goldwing, for example...too much plastic, gizmos, electronics, etc. but the guy I bought my Valk from had "upgraded" to a new wing and he loved it. I may be there someday too, who knows. Right now, I don't like plastic. If there was a Valk-equivalent, a stripped down fuel injected 6 cyl with no plastic, it would be very tempting. But for me, right now, the Valk is perfect.

I guess my point is...my own tastes have changed several times in the last couple decades...who the heck am I to pass judgement on what anyone else is riding, I probably rode something similar at one point and thought I was the smartest guy in the world and everyone else had it wrong.

Ride what you want and love it. Your opinion on what other people ride is irrelevant as is their opinion on what you ride. Just ride.

[_Sheffjs_]

Do we have anyone on this board who does not have a strong opinion? Will any of us reconsider our view based on anything that has or might be posted in this thread?

Second, why does it matter which version of any brand MC you like/ride?

I enjoy this board and even the banter. I don't get angry and I wonder if we all had the opportunity to ride together and kick tires that we all be laughing about it.  Maybe there's a reason we were given Emotions for these discussions. I am one who fully admits I was totally against the new Valkyrie for a really long time. To answer part of your question, ironically enough it was a post that I read in the Florida chapter that really got me to start analyzing the possibility of having a new Valkyrie.  I admit I am very close minded and when I open my big mouth and say something extremely negative about it, is when I usually  start getting open minded and change my tune after I was so vocal about it and then have to put my tail between my legs  because I changed my mind.   Old vs new, twist on.  

[dinosnake]

Do we have anyone on this board who does not have a strong opinion? Will any of us reconsider our view based on anything that has or might be posted in this thread?

I'm usually not extremely stuck to my opinions and change often

Second, why does it matter which version of any brand MC you like/ride?

For me, it doesn't.  I'm a biker, not a brand poser.  My first bike was a cruiser, my second bike a sportbike coverted to a sport-tourer, and then back to a cruiser, and now the Valk.  But before I bought the Valk I was looking at the VFR1200; the FJR1300; the new R1200RS; the R Nine T; the new GSX-S1000F; the F6B; possibly waiting for the new Bonneville; massively disappointed in Yamaha for making the FJ-09 yet another too-tall SUV poser bike; the F800GT; the Griso SE and a few others.  About the only thing I can say is that I love Guzzis, have dreamed about owning  one, but here I am with yet another...non-Guzzi    Waited and waited for Guzzi to put more fuel range and ABS into a big-block that was smaller than the Norge or, especially, the new California....didn't happen.

I'll ride anything that hits my target needs of comfortable distance, good range, flat-footing, reliable and in the budget.  I'm here to ride for the sky above and the road ahead, not to stop at bars, brag about my brand choice, ride with others or stand around the dealer waiting for parts or chewing the fat with the gang.

Very few dealers indeed give test rides new models around me, so I've always ended up buying my bikes blind.  The Valk is no different, sadly, but it is BRILLIANT.  Without a doubt the finest bike I've ever sat on or ridden - wow.  If you THINK you don't like it, mostly because of the looks...RIDE IT.  It will change your mind forever, and pound home that rule of "Function over form".  For once the moto hacks were honest: a bike this big has absolutely no right feeling this small when riding it.  Even in traffic this thing is a joy to be on; I think they've got a TARDIS in there, making the bike smaller the moment you step over the seat and turn that key.

OK, I was a little worried, and more than a bit concerned, but Honda, you've completely sold me on the concept of the boxer engine platform.  Your design is amazing.

[goldstar903]

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and the butt!

[_Sheffjs_]

    Very few dealers indeed give test rides new models around me, so I've always ended up buying my bikes blind.  The Valk is no different, sadly, but it is BRILLIANT.  Without a doubt the finest bike I've ever sat on or ridden - wow.  If you THINK you don't like it, mostly because of the looks...RIDE IT.  It will change your mind forever, and pound home that rule of "Function over form".  For once the moto hacks were honest: a bike this big has absolutely no right feeling this small when riding it.  Even in traffic this thing is a joy to be on; I think they've got a TARDIS in there, making the bike smaller the moment you step over the seat and turn that key.

OK, I was a little worried, and more than a bit concerned, but Honda, you've completely sold me on the concept of the boxer engine platform.  Your design is amazing.     

That is the key!!! ride it!!! 

[mrtappan]

Well whatever works for whoever. 

I absolutely hated the first generation Valkyrie.  Mid displacement engine, carbs, generic styling.  It just wasnt for me.

I always said if they made a new one based on the 1800 series engine then I'd buy it.  They did, then I did. 

I think the old Valkyrie is just that.  It's a bike for people that like older things.  Styling, technology, etc.  It's just not for me.  I'm a soldier of fortune in the bike world.  The new Valkyrie is ok.  It's  not perfect and I am 100% sure it's not a bike I'll keep more than a few years.  Is it a fun bike?  Sure.  Will someone build something better in the next few years?  I hope so.  I'm always looking for the next thing.  I guess if you're totally satisfied being stuck in the past with the old Valkyrie then good for you.  I'm slightly envious.  I can't say that I'm not a little jealous of people that can pick a bike and say: That's the last bike I'll ever own.  Nothing could be better. 

The reality is, that there always will be something better and sadly I feel the need to own it.

[slabghost]

How could anybody like the old Valk compared to the new? I don't get it. The new one does everything better and looks like a Starwars edition. Honda made it better in all categories!!!

It's much easier to like what I have that is paid for than to like a machine I pay every month for. People stop and stare as I go by still.

[Robert]

Do we have anyone on this board who does not have a strong opinion? Will any of us reconsider our view based on anything that has or might be posted in this thread?

Second, why does it matter which version of any brand MC you like/ride?

I enjoy this board and even the banter. I don't get angry and I wonder if we all had the opportunity to ride together and kick tires that we all be laughing about it.  Maybe there's a reason we were given Emotions for these discussions. I am one who fully admits I was totally against the new Valkyrie for a really long time. To answer part of your question, ironically enough it was a post that I read in the Florida chapter that really got me to start analyzing the possibility of having a new Valkyrie.  I admit I am very close minded and when I open my big mouth and say something extremely negative about it, is when I usually  start getting open minded and change my tune after I was so vocal about it and then have to put my tail between my legs  because I changed my mind.   Old vs new, twist on.  

I agree with so much on this post, but for me the final selling point was the bags.

  I have my 01 Valk covered in the garage and took the cover off and started it up and she purred like she always has. I took a look and still loved the way she looks and all the work that went into making her that way. How the chrome glistened in the sunlight, the purring of the exhaust and the beautiful classic style with an engine well ahead of its time. What a beautiful bike but then I looked at the 14 and thought, different in looks, not necessarily better just different but more modern in engineering.

[hubcapsc]

Do we have anyone on this board who does not have a strong opinion? Will any of us reconsider our view based on anything that has or might be posted in this thread?

Second, why does it matter which version of any brand MC you like/ride?

I enjoy this board and even the banter. I don't get angry and I wonder if we all had the opportunity to ride together and kick tires that we all be laughing about it.  Maybe there's a reason we were given Emotions for these discussions. I am one who fully admits I was totally against the new Valkyrie for a really long time. To answer part of your question, ironically enough it was a post that I read in the Florida chapter that really got me to start analyzing the possibility of having a new Valkyrie.  I admit I am very close minded and when I open my big mouth and say something extremely negative about it, is when I usually  start getting open minded and change my tune after I was so vocal about it and then have to put my tail between my legs  because I changed my mind.   Old vs new, twist on.  

I agree with so much on this post, but for me the final selling point was the bags.

  I have my 01 Valk covered in the garage and took the cover off and started it up and she purred like she always has. I took a look and still loved the way she looks and all the work that went into making her that way. How the chrome glistened in the sunlight, the purring of the exhaust and the beautiful classic style with an engine well ahead of its time. What a beautiful bike but then I looked at the 14 and thought, different in looks, not necessarily better just different but more modern in engineering.

I rode my Log Truck on Friday... what a good bike... you better do more
than pull off the cover and start it occasionally, or you'll have a clogged
up Valkyrie... sure is fun riding the new one though 

-Mike

[Robert]

Do we have anyone on this board who does not have a strong opinion? Will any of us reconsider our view based on anything that has or might be posted in this thread?

Second, why does it matter which version of any brand MC you like/ride?

I enjoy this board and even the banter. I don't get angry and I wonder if we all had the opportunity to ride together and kick tires that we all be laughing about it.  Maybe there's a reason we were given Emotions for these discussions. I am one who fully admits I was totally against the new Valkyrie for a really long time. To answer part of your question, ironically enough it was a post that I read in the Florida chapter that really got me to start analyzing the possibility of having a new Valkyrie.  I admit I am very close minded and when I open my big mouth and say something extremely negative about it, is when I usually  start getting open minded and change my tune after I was so vocal about it and then have to put my tail between my legs  because I changed my mind.   Old vs new, twist on.  

I agree with so much on this post, but for me the final selling point was the bags.

  I have my 01 Valk covered in the garage and took the cover off and started it up and she purred like she always has. I took a look and still loved the way she looks and all the work that went into making her that way. How the chrome glistened in the sunlight, the purring of the exhaust and the beautiful classic style with an engine well ahead of its time. What a beautiful bike but then I looked at the 14 and thought, different in looks, not necessarily better just different but more modern in engineering.

I rode my Log Truck on Friday... what a good bike... you better do more
than pull off the cover and start it occasionally, or you'll have a clogged
up Valkyrie... sure is fun riding the new one though 

-Mike

I would normally agree but I did a few things like put in store and start along with Sea Foam and a full tank of gas and I have the belly tank. I ran the bike awhile to make sure it was in the carbs. If Im not going to start it for more than 2 weeks I will more than likely drain the carbs. Not something we really have to think about on the new Valk is it. 

[GA VALK]

They are both Honda's and both great motorcycles!

[BF]

How could anybody like the old Valk compared to the new? I don't get it. The new one does everything better and looks like a Starwars edition. Honda made it better in all categories!!!

How could anybody like the new Valk compared to the old?  I don't get it.  The new does have updated motor, but it looks like a Starwars edition.  Honda made it butt ugly in all categories!!!

Touche.  

[mrtappan]

Hmmm...... yes.  I personally would have preferred a little more contemporary styling.  Not so much because I care much about its current style but for ease of aftermarket parts.  I'd love to have windshield options that don't mount to my handlebars.  Also no sure at all what it has two big pointed fairings that wrap around the forks.  I could like without that myself. 

[Robert]

I think there's something wrong with Honda's marketing plan. When they designed the new Valk it was for the younger crowd and from what I see here they missed their mark, at least in age not in heart. Maybe Japan is still steeped in to much tradition when the thinking of the older crowd would not want a bike like this.   I guess they missed their mark with the Valkyrie the second time. Some just dont get it. 

[dinosnake]

Hmmm...... yes.  I personally would have preferred a little more contemporary styling.  Not so much because I care much about its current style but for ease of aftermarket parts.  I'd love to have windshield options that don't mount to my handlebars.  Also no sure at all what it has two big pointed fairings that wrap around the forks.  I could like without that myself. 

I like the look, not the typical retro-only cruiser fare.  And the radiator pods - brilliant!  Sit in traffic with your new Valk yet?  No?  Wait until you do: NO RADIANT HEAT.  That's right, you don't bake while sitting still on the tarmac.  The rads, all the way out there in addition to the full bodywork, makes the bike almost totally heat-free from the rider's seat.  It is the most comfortable bike I've experienced in traffic: well balanced regardless of her actual size and almost as cool as a cucumber.

I, for one, am not afraid of modern styling and design.  Shame so many others are, I see it all the time in other mororcyclists: so afraid of anything that doesn't take its cue from the past that they turn their backs on the possibility of change.  Bikers were seen as radicals but we've become a sterotype all our own.

[F6Dave]

I bought an F6B and have to agree that the side radiators are great on a hot day.  The difference is quite noticeable.  They also allow for better front suspension geometry.

As for the appearance of the side pods and headlight, the new Valk is not alone.  A was watching a race on TV the other day and saw an ad for the Ducati Diavel.  I thought 'Wow, that looks a lot like the new Valkyrie!'  Take a look for yourself.

[bscrive]

I love the look of my new valk.  Some don't like the rediator pods, but I do.  After riding my I/S for 12 years I just couldn't go to something smaller.  The pods give the valk a nice muscular look.  Plus, they do make for nice cool riding on a hot day.  Many folks that have seen it really like the look.  I like the fact that it looks futuristic, because it is. 

[ugelstad]

I love the new Valk and love the name.  I feel it is exactly in the line of Valkyries.  Having a '97 standard and a 2000 IS which I also ride regularly, I love them all, but the '14 is definitely a leap forward in performance, handling and ride.  The new Valk fixed most of our problems with the old ones, ie, splines, carbs, petcock and make life much easier.  As to styling, I find "old guys" gravitate to the old models and young people walk past the old ones and droll over the new one.  They are all great bikes in the lineage of F6 Power Cruisers.

[dinosnake]

I bought an F6B and have to agree that the side radiators are great on a hot day.  The difference is quite noticeable.  They also allow for better front suspension geometry.

As for the appearance of the side pods and headlight, the new Valk is not alone.  A was watching a race on TV the other day and saw an ad for the Ducati Diavel.  I thought 'Wow, that looks a lot like the new Valkyrie!'  Take a look for yourself.

Even more so, try the 2007 Suzuki B-King.  The pods, the headlight, the works - it's the sport bike father of the new Valk's look.  The new designers aren't afraid to try new paradigms.

[mrtappan]

Side radiator pods are fine.  I just don't like the empty space point of t that comes past the front forks.  That's the part I could live without. 

I don't even notice when my fans come on.  I'm sure that he they have a few times.  They're just not very loud and I doubt they stay on for more than a short time