Maybe buying a Maroon Valk

[Kidd]

I think I like the color more , the maroon  ones

To you folks that have a maroon  one ,    I am worried about the chrome  reflecting sun light at me .
Have you done something to completely  fix this ?
Or is it not possible  to stop reflection  or  cover or replace the chrome and stop all reflecting sun light ??

[dinosnake]

I've never had an issue with any reflection, angle of incidence = angle of reflection and nothing is smooth enough nor at the right angle.

IMHO I think, and I hope you'll also find, that the maroon is the best color choice of the three: not only is it classy, not only is it a beautiful candy metallic (doesn't show up in photos) but it is also a clearcoat, so it is thick and scratch-resistant.

[Robert]

I have seen where a few complained about a reflection but never had a problem. Like Dino said the angles are enough to reflect it away from you.

When choosing mine I didn't want black and the blue was nice but I wanted to be able to add some chrome accents to brighten the bike up a bit. The chrome seems to look better on the red.  Whats funny was the 2015 red I dont like it as much its to light.

[hungryeye]

As I said in another post, I use a Goldwing fuel door pouch, very handy and covers 2/3 of the chrome. Little reflection from the key area at times but not blinding at all. These pouches are $20-$30, Hopnel is a good brand. Plenty choices on fleebay.

I will be bringing my Maroon to AZ in mid sept., I may be selling and replacing with CTX700DCT, only due to nerve damage in neck, weak hands feet and a little off balance, not ready to give up M/C after 45 yrs on them so I my have to small down, tried with the scooter but, NOT. Bike is loaded with all the Honda stuff, should have about 4k miles in sept.

[Kidd]

Thanks

I am referring to glare/reflection into  windshield as I look through .
That's   what  bothers me

[ledany]

I've never had an issue with any reflection, angle of incidence = angle of reflection and nothing is smooth enough nor at the right angle.

IMHO I think, and I hope you'll also find, that the maroon is the best color choice of the three: not only is it classy, not only is it a beautiful candy metallic (doesn't show up in photos) but it is also a clearcoat, so it is thick and scratch-resistant.

The red/maroon is the best color IMHO because in this color, it's obvious the bike is not HD    . Alas Dinosnake, it is NOT scratch-resistant. 

A guy in Paris said his Valk was protected by transparent covering. I may inquire further if the scratches upset me ; but for the time being, they don't 

[AdrianR]

Black is the fastest, red is the coolest one, and blue is the baddest..

[Kidd]

Black is the fastest,..

That may be true in sports , but this is different

[hungryeye]

Cool is above bad 

[AdrianR]

Cool is above bad 

\\

Ambiguous at best; you decide which is right...

[dinosnake]

dinosnake,
Are all the color options clear coated? Do they have the paint issues of the early F6B?

Sharp bike Robert

The black is definitely NOT clearcoated and many here complain how soft and easy to scratch it is.  I am not sure about the blue as no one has said definitely, but it SHOULD be clearcoat as it is also listed add a metallic color.

So the colors are the best, and the maroon is gorgeous IRL, pictures don't do it justice.

Every paint scratches, it is just a question of how easily.  My maroon doesn't scratch up easily and hides small ones well when it does, compared to black vehicles I owned.

[AdrianR]

dinosnake,
Are all the color options clear coated? Do they have the paint issues of the early F6B?

Sharp bike Robert

The black is definitely NOT clearcoated and many here complain how soft and easy to scratch it is.  I am not sure about the blue as no one has said definitely, but it SHOULD be clearcoat as it is also listed add a metallic color.

So the colors are the best, and the maroon is gorgeous IRL, pictures don't do it justice.

Every paint scratches, it is just a question of how easily.  My maroon doesn't scratch up easily and hides small ones well when it does, compared to black vehicles I owned.

The blue is clear coated for sure...  It's gorgeous with a purplish hue when it's nicely polished...and the metal flake becomes obvious.  Turtle Wax's 'Ice' spray wax is absolutely an incredible product.

[dinosnake]

Yeah, for 2014 you had your choice of three looks:

- Elegant (Dark Red with chrome)
- Sporty (Blue with black trim)
- Classic Stealth (Black with chrome)

[dans2014]

  2014 was Bordeau red, not candy

[dinosnake]

2014 was Bordeau red, not candy

According to Honda's website, it is "Dark Red Metallic", paint code R337M.  I personally never saw a reference to "Bordeaux", maybe Europe?  Changed it anyway 

[ledany]

The blue Valk doesn't exist here, the alternative is red or black, all with ABS standard, period. 

[dinosnake]

The blue Valk doesn't exist here, the alternative is red or black, all with ABS standard, period. 

I know, don't rub it in    ABS should be standard here as well but the Luddites here believe that "I can brake better than any machine!"  Thankfully that is changing thanks to enlightened magazine comparisons. 

I wanted ABS but they were all sold out in the area, that and I promised myself I would get anything BUT black this time    So Ma Honda didn't give me too much choice in the matter.  Companies like Indian don't even offer ABS on the American Scout, but it's standard in Europe 

[ledany]

@dinosnake : you don't have to worry about the lack of ABS on your Valk. The way we ride it  is not that intense  I never felt the ABS on the front brakes, sometimes on the rear (unnecessary I would say); I pretend I could easily spare the ABS though I'm glad to have it  (I avoid to brake on zebra crossings but who knows ?).
For these champions who think the ABS is useless, please have a ride on the BMW S1000 RR without ABS to experience the fear of turning upside down 

[Dragunslayer]

I've never had an issue with any reflection, angle of incidence = angle of reflection and nothing is smooth enough nor at the right angle.

IMHO I think, and I hope you'll also find, that the maroon is the best color choice of the three: not only is it classy, not only is it a beautiful candy metallic (doesn't show up in photos) but it is also a clearcoat, so it is thick and scratch-resistant.

The red/maroon is the best color IMHO because in this color, it's obvious the bike is not HD    . Alas Dinosnake, it is NOT scratch-resistant. 

A guy in Paris said his Valk was protected by transparent covering. I may inquire further if the scratches upset me ; but for the time being, they don't 

Well all I can say is that I bought a 3M tank protector for mine because people said the paint was crap on the Valkyries.

Since purchase I have not seen one scratch anywhere on the paint. I mean anywhere as in the unprotected surfaces. I am beginning to think the people complaining must have been using rags with sand in them to clean their bikes.

[Dragunslayer]

The blue Valk doesn't exist here, the alternative is red or black, all with ABS standard, period. 

I know, don't rub it in    ABS should be standard here as well but the Luddites here believe that "I can brake better than any machine!"  Thankfully that is changing thanks to enlightened magazine comparisons. 

I wanted ABS but they were all sold out in the area, that and I promised myself I would get anything BUT black this time    So Ma Honda didn't give me too much choice in the matter.  Companies like Indian don't even offer ABS on the American Scout, but it's standard in Europe 

Guess it depends on the rider. While on vacation I was buzzing along at 80mph trying to get back to the hotel in the rain.

All of a sudden major brake lights and of course I was not paying as close attention as possible. No drama here on the brakes and do I think ABS would have stopped me any sooner HELL NO.

To each there own, I think people rely on computer crap to much these days. It's like the guy that has 4 wheel drive and thinks just because he does he can drive 80+ in the snow and ice.

I am not saying people that want ABS are those guys, but rather than learn to brake effectively and efficient they rely to much on technology that has been known to fail as well.

[Dragunslayer]

@dinosnake : you don't have to worry about the lack of ABS on your Valk. The way we ride it  is not that intense  I never felt the ABS on the front brakes, sometimes on the rear (unnecessary I would say); I pretend I could easily spare the ABS though I'm glad to have it  (I avoid to brake on zebra crossings but who knows ?).
For these champions who think the ABS is useless, please have a ride on the BMW S1000 RR without ABS to experience the fear of turning upside down 

Again lack of rider ability. I have braked from 160+ mph and never felt the back end raise. If you ride like a fool and panic on the brakes hell yes you are the person that needs ABS.

For me it is just more money spent. I will happily compete my non ABS bike against a rider with ABS to see who stops sooner with shitting your pants from any speed.

[dinosnake]

@dinosnake : you don't have to worry about the lack of ABS on your Valk. The way we ride it  is not that intense  I never felt the ABS on the front brakes, sometimes on the rear (unnecessary I would say); I pretend I could easily spare the ABS though I'm glad to have it  (I avoid to brake on zebra crossings but who knows ?).
For these champions who think the ABS is useless, please have a ride on the BMW S1000 RR without ABS to experience the fear of turning upside down 

Again lack of rider ability. I have braked from 160+ mph and never felt the back end raise. If you ride like a fool and panic on the brakes hell yes you are the person that needs ABS.

For me it is just more money spent. I will happily compete my non ABS bike against a rider with ABS to see who stops sooner with shitting your pants from any speed.

ABS.  It's already been proven by many tests using professional riders.

See? Americans still think they can outperform the computer.  It's been proven that they CAN'T, never mind the panic situation and unknown, real world road conditions.

[ledany]

@Dragunslayer : I'm not a champion and will never be  I was told the ABS is some kind of Anti Block System  and as I know really nothing about physics, kinetic, nor voodoo, I simply guess that the ABS is effective when you are under 30 mls/h (let's say you were at 160 +    and you have to brake really hard  ). For lazy and innocent guys like me, the ABS is the warranty that I can brake as hard as I can, even on zebra crossings or in winter time when it's icy 
I feel sometimes the rear brakes  need the ABS but I'm under 20 

[rudymsmith]

I live in the south, and yes, the chrome does reflect the sun to an uncomfortable level. I am putting a bib/cover over it.  For our Hungryeye member - visit www.tiltingmotorworks.com and convert your valk into something you can ride till you 100 

[hungryeye]

I live in the south, and yes, the chrome does reflect the sun to an uncomfortable level. I am putting a bib/cover over it.  For our Hungryeye member - visit www.tiltingmotorworks.com and convert your valk into something you can ride till you 100 

I don't have any reflection issue, but I do have a fuel door bag that I bought for putting stuff in it, just happens to cover most of the chrome. Maybe the bag would help others with a reflection issue??

[hungryeye]

Sorry Rudy, I miss understood your remark, I have a 3 wheeled 500cc Scooter, its fun to ride but I'd rather stay with 2 wheels or nuttin....The CTX700 is much lighter and the auto trans is a blast, my biggest problem is weakness in my fingers and hands legs and feet, pulling a clutch is getting harder by the month. That's where the auto trans would be great, a few years ago I had an NC700DCT, one of my all time favorite bikes. That front end is more than I paid for my Valk

[rudymsmith]

@dinosnake : you don't have to worry about the lack of ABS on your Valk. The way we ride it  is not that intense  I never felt the ABS on the front brakes, sometimes on the rear (unnecessary I would say); I pretend I could easily spare the ABS though I'm glad to have it  (I avoid to brake on zebra crossings but who knows ?).
For these champions who think the ABS is useless, please have a ride on the BMW S1000 RR without ABS to experience the fear of turning upside down 

Again lack of rider ability. I have braked from 160+ mph and never felt the back end raise. If you ride like a fool and panic on the brakes hell yes you are the person that needs ABS.

For me it is just more money spent. I will happily compete my non ABS bike against a rider with ABS to see who stops sooner with shitting your pants from any speed.

ABS.  It's already been proven by many tests using professional riders.

See? Americans still think they can outperform the computer.  It's been proven that they CAN'T, never mind the panic situation and unknown, real world road conditions.

You are exactly right - and insurance companies who have to pay the claims agree - ABS systems can and do reduce fatalities! As do helmets.  http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/04/10-motorcycle-safety-tips-for-new-riders/index.htm ,   But I digress. Some bikes like the Triumph Speedmaster have much touchier brakes and lock up the rear wheel easily.  If you have never heard of TCB check this out: http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/

[Robert]

Awesome video on ABS featuring

Extreme conditions - The Pagani Huayra BC


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIrKsxzUEws


Sometimes I like ABS sometimes not but the video is really good.

[Kidd]

This one pertains to motorcycles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ_UkAFW6cA

[AdrianR]

I have seen where a few complained about a reflection but never had a problem. Like Dino said the angles are enough to reflect it away from you.

When choosing mine I didn't want black and the blue was nice but I wanted to be able to add some chrome accents to brighten the bike up a bit. The chrome seems to look better on the red.  Whats funny was the 2015 red I dont like it as much its to light.

Bob, loose them ugly side covers man...I really hate them...your bike would look awesome with the chrome ones!

[goldstar903]

I think I like the color more , the maroon  ones

To you folks that have a maroon  one ,    I am worried about the chrome  reflecting sun light at me .
Have you done something to completely  fix this ?
Or is it not possible  to stop reflection  or  cover or replace the chrome and stop all reflecting sun light ??

Try closing your eyes! 

[ledany]

Plasti Dip

[postoak]

I too am looking at buying a 2014 red.  So it is called "Dark Red Metallic"?  What is the 2015 red called?

[rudymsmith]

I too am looking at buying a 2014 red.  So it is called "Dark Red Metallic"?  What is the 2015 red called?

I call it pretty damn nice - but that's a smart ass color. If you get the Honda Red, which I have remember the gas cover is chrome and at high noon it can put out some glare  :{ I bought an OEM black cover to replace the chrome and I am also waiting on Talisman motorcycle products to finish a leather cover for the gas cover which will have a place for phone strorage or a kickstand plate as well.
Remember that Red is the fastest color - its physics.

[postoak]

In my case, the deal on the maroon fail through and I took a blue from another dealer.  I did notice on the ride home that there was sun reflecting off the tank if I looked down -- and this was with polarized sunglasses on.  Of course, you don't have to look down like that as part of operating the bike.

[Kidd]

Saw a white F6B on the net ,  I like it.

Maybe painting mine the same shade of white

[woofred1832]

            I had a maroon, over cream 1998 1500, saw the new Valkyrie at the Chicago bike show......WOW.....the show bike was black, but when I saw the candy, metal flake one THAT was the color for me,   blue was cool but the maroon is what I wanted, and with the many red accents I've added really makes mine uneak ....... add dragon wings and fins onthe front and it gets even more looks than even before.... I was at an independent Harley shop and had 2 guys come over and even they said that is a cool bike, 6 cylinder power and ya it GOOOS!!!!!!!!

[hungryeye]

There is a guy from Russia on this forum that did a custom paint job with white as the base color, lots of chrome, lots of pics, you will have to do a few searches to find it. It will be worth the effort if you never viewed the post.

[rudymsmith]

There is a guy from Russia on this forum that did a custom paint job with white as the base color, lots of chrome, lots of pics, you will have to do a few searches to find it. It will be worth the effort if you never viewed the post.

I have to agree that bike from Russia is totally amazing!

I finally got my Red Valkyrie in order - a SECDEM windshield (took three tries for them to get me all the parts) A drink holder from Kurykan, A Corbin touring seat and backrest and their Fleetliner saddle bags (had to send the mounting brackets back) the threads were stripped from a prior install WTF Corbin? I replaced the chrome tank fill cover with an OEM black one (nice but) I wanted one of Scott Haskett's leather tank bibs and he made me the most wonderful beautiful one of a kind (first one?) for a 2014 Valk, He is a supporting vendor and a true artist/craftsman. Seriously nice work!!

[Kidd]

rudymsmith  , are the Corbin bags heavy  ??

My bike goes into the paint shop tomorrow , to be painted .

I look forward to the outcome  , a little  scared