Lurker on the fence

[STRaider]

Hi all,

I have been lurking the forum for a week or so, and an excellent forum it is.  I own a Harley Ultra Limited and a well farkled 2005 ST1300 abs.  The Harley is a recent acquisition, sold my 2008 R1200 GS to get something for me and the wife to ride around on weekends, etc.  I really actually ride the ST on solo trips and around town solo.   I picked up this ST on a really good deal last year, and have enjoyed having another one.  

The problem starts on a ride down to Three Sisters with a friend that recently bought a new F6B.  I rode it on this trip for a while and really, really liked it.  That smooth engine was addictive.  Switching back to the ST made me realize how "narrow" I am positioned on the ST.  The F6B was nice and spread out.  At 6'4", the ST just has my arms and leg held in a little close to my body.  I have it farkled out about as much as I can, and am close to the point of getting a different bike for my solo trips and local riding, likely the F6B.  The big wide handle bars and seat just felt great to me.  

I had seen the Valkyries, but didn't appreciate the looks of them...at all.  Recently, as I have been looking out for and researching bikes, I discovered the Valkyrie is 100 lbs lighter than the F6B and the price point is a little better.  The idea of that engine on a 100 lbs lighter bike is really appealing.  The more I study it, the more I like it.  The looks have even grown on me.  I have not ridden a Valkyrie yet (I have had a standard and Interstate in original model), but I have sat on one.

My question is regarding the leg positioning on the Valkyrie.  I felt like the position of the foot pegs brought my feet higher and more forward than an F6B, causing a pretty serious bend in my long legs.  As leg comfort is  a big part of the problem I am trying to address on my ST1300,  I don't know if this is something I want to worry with again.  Has anyone owned or ridden both bikes on distance trips or even locally and found the Valkyrie less comfortable because of this?  Is there a way to adjust the pegs lower?

Aside from that, I have really come around on the Valkyrie.  I am anxious to ride one.  

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[TallRider]

I am 6'4" and switched from an 1800 VTX riding feet forward to more back and under me. In my test ride of the Valk I experienced  cramps and almost didn't  buy the bike. Most difficult adjustment for me was  having to spread my legs to get them on foot pegs do to the wider stance of the bike and engine position. The VTX your movement  was forward and back with this bike I find myself spreading my feet out to stop and lift into place. After sum riding this is no longer an issue and I have adjusted to the difference. All I have to say now is were has this bike been all my life. I have so few years left to ride and really pissed I now just discovered this bike in my waining  years of riding. But everyone has different wants for ridding experience. You will have to ride  one and decide for yourself. The bike is definitely in a class by itself. 

[dhaile]

I ride the 3 sisters in the hill country at least once a year and love it.  I bought my valkyrie because I think it looks really good, does not give me the "old geezer" feeling and is fairly fast. It does not have near the heat problem of the ST.   I would not try to lower the pegs as doing so will hurt your ability to turn in those "sister" corners.  I did add and highly recommend the rivco flip-out highway pegs.  They hide and are unseen when not in use.  They will allow you to ride in much more comfort on long trips.  Another big plus is the extreme discount you can get on the 2014 left over Valkyrie which makes the decision a no brainer.  

[rogueleader_92]

Gotta say I love my revco pegs.

[hungryeye]

The peg position is same on all 3, f6, f6b, f6c, they all use the same frame, the center stand from any GL1800 will fit our F6c bikes. What you may be experiencing is seat position and height, add an inch or 2 to your seat is another way to gain comfort for a long legger.

If you think you got problems, I'm 5'11" with inseam of a 5'6" guy and torso of a 6'6" guy, so when looking for comfort answers you always need to mention inseam and total height. Bring a towel to a dealer folded up to gain seat height, see if that will help. With my tall torso and the OEM tall windshield works good for me.

[AdrianR]

Gotta say I love my revco pegs.

I like those too...but $400?????   What did you pay for yours?

[dans2014]

  The f6B seat is much more comfy. Can you live without a full faring? The f6B has many more creature comforts for a bit more money. I wish I could afford both to be honest. My f6C has the Honda tall windshield and I do get side buffeting. Not nearly the protection of the f6B fairing. Want bags? The f6B has them, Ours are softsided and a helmet wont fit unless you want to spend another $1800 for hard bags. The f6C turns much quicker than the F6B. No comparison. The f6B is a better touring bike, hands down. If you want sport only and raw power, F6C.

[rogueleader_92]

Gotta say I love my revco pegs.

I like those too...but $400?????   What did you pay for yours?

277.76, I know a guy in the parts department at my local honda dealer, he found a set for $300 then gave me the employee discount. Even then I just did a quick search and found a set for 250 ish.

[sleepngbear]

Been lurking here again too over the last couple of days after a longish absence, but fora different reason. I had been interested in the 1st gen Valk, but never pulled that trigger. Bought a new CTX1300 a couple of years ago and loved it -- right up until I killed it two weeks ago. Totaled it, but I'm fine... physically. Mentally I was ready to hang up the boots for good. I'm actually still not sure what I'm going to do, hence the fence.

I was mostly not drawn to the new Valk when it first came out, but I've been eyeballing it again in my search for what I'd replace the CTX with -- if I'm even going to replace it. The big brute is starting to tick a lot of boxes, especially with prices for '14s now looking as attractive ad they are. A friend of mine just traded his older Valk, but I remember how silky smooth that flat 6 was, and I can only imagine how much more refined it is now. I've seen nothing but the highest reviews for it from everywhere, and now I'm wondering if maybe the itch isn't completely gone yet.

Anyway.... that's my story at the moment. If I don't hang it up yet, there's a good chance a Valkyrie is going to be the one to keep me rolling.

[hungryeye]

Sleepngbear, I know you from the CTX forum, you may remember me as soggybottom, I'm glad you made it through your crash, I hate hearing about crashes but your ok and I understand its hard to think about getting back on the bike.

Instead of going CTX I went back to a BMW RT, and a year ago I bought my Valk, it is by far the finest cruiser I ever owned. Goldwings were always my favorite bike, but getting weak from nerve damage in my old age they are just too heavy for me,
but when I sat on the Valk I was pleasantly surprised at how light it felt, now I can have my Goldwing and ride it too. From go power to stopping power and everything in between the Valk is great, you won't be sorry with a Valkyrie when you decide to get back on two wheels, I hope we hear from you more after you get your new Valkyrie.

[sleepngbear]

Soggy??!!  Good to see you again, old friend! 

[sleepngbear]

Step 1: Showed a picture to the boss.  She likes it. 

Step 2: Gonna take a ride Saturday to a local dealer that has a new '15 to sit on and see if it tickles me. If it does, then...

Step 3: I'll be on the hunt for a used '14, or a cheap new one.

There are actually a few '14s for sale around here within a couple of hours' drive. Meanwhile, the door is open for you guys to try to get me over my post-crash apprehension. Convince me that I'm not completely delusional for wanting to go from a fairly large bike that I crashed twice to a fairly larger one. 

[rogueleader_92]

Try the Valk out, it may be bigger at 700lbs but it is so well balanced feels closer to 500 at a standstill and less once moving, it's agile and quick, has power for days and the radiator pods keep the heat off the rider so well you would think it's an electric bike.

[Speedracer28]

Nobody can convince you that your not delusional but a test drive will convince you that the Valk is a special and phenomenal bike. Hopefully the dealer will let you take a test ride in addition to just sitting on one.   

[hungryeye]

You should be able to find a new one with a 3 yr warranty for $12Kish all in out the door price. Have fun and good luck

[ledany]

I had a BMW GS 1200 2013 liquid cooled, marvellous bike and even the best bike of all 
But I had an accident two years ago, a miracle I had no injury, so I decided to ride a cooler bike. I bought a CTX 1300, beautiful bike and very original but slow and with atrocious bumpers. I tried the F6C 1800 just for the fun of it but I was amazed of the ride, so I traded it. I like the Valk because I can ride as slowly or as fast as I want (i.e. : faster than an HD  , slower than many  ).
I rode the new Yamaha MT-10 two days ago : nice bike, really a fast one but I realized that this kind of bike doesn't interest me anymore 
Too old for wild bikes, too young for HD, Indian, Victory 

[Kidd]

 ledany

Are you meaning , no more BMW 1200 GS because of the power  ??
Too much power makes you drive too fast ?

[sleepngbear]

ledany

Are you meaning , no more BMW 1200 GS because of the power  ??
Too much power makes you drive too fast ?

I'd say 'lets' you drive too fast. And let's face it, some bikes just don't like to be ridden slow. 

[hungryeye]

I'll say when you have loads of power its a temptation to always be testing the power level along with testosterone level....

[ledany]

@kidd : it's not a matter of HP because the R1200 GS water cooled is "only" 125 HP, it's the confidence this bike gives that is very close to pure arrogance 
When you ride it, you know you have the most achieved and high tech bike (ordinary) money can buy and the fact is that this bike is so easy to ride under any circumstance that you focus on the pleasure you have to ride it. When it rains, you know that you have to be careful but it doesn't really matter actually. On highways, I had to be reasonable  and stay under 112 mph. I was riding so easily at 112 mph on long straight roads in the woods of Seine et Marne that after three days I though Hey dude, what if a deer or a wild boar comes across ? Three days in a row to understand something of the common sense ?!
In 2014, I was riding in Britany on a nice and new road (speed limit : 56 mph of course). People usually (in France) drive at 62 or 68 mph (as you do  ). This man with his new VW was driving at 75 mph, so happy he didn't feel like looking in his left mirror and noticing I was more or less at 93 mph. Believe me, I was not racing whatsoever, just coming back home ! 

[Kidd]

I had a 2010  r1200r  that would not do 112  easily  and it buzzed a lot over 70 mph .
It always   was buzzing  .
I enjoyed the 475 pounds of weight  and I was close to the ground , flat footed easily

I have thought of going to a newer GS   , but , I don't know  , maybe I have had enough  of BMW

Are you going back to a BMW someday ?

[ledany]

@kidd
I had a R1100 R and 112 mph was no problem. Loved the bike, so relax, great handling nice looking (black and grey), piled a lot a miles on it 

As usual, there's nothing like a test ride of your own. I was never attracted to the GS 1150 & 1200 even DOHC (I love the R80GS & R100 GS though) but I  tested the new R1200 GS 2013 and it stunned me. I bought a KTM 990 SMT in the meanwhile (along with my K1200 GT 2008), a 1000 GSX-R but then I though Let's be serious the R1200 GS is way above it all. 

I don't think I'll ever come back to BMW because the dealers in France are not numerous enough and thus are in some kind of a monopolistic situation, the maintenance costs are incredibly high and demanding - that's why I chose HM !  , liablity is not that good considering the $$$$$ price you paid (HD is better !  ) and the GS is so common around here. When you travel in the Alps, Croatia or Greece, you meet lots of (german) R1200 GS. And I must confess that I'm not sure to appreciate the GS drivers, they look so arrogant ! 

But the brand is awesome, the engineering is remarkable, they have been talking for years of a 800 W engine  and I'd like to see that 

[Kidd]

I wish Honda would build the BMW 1200 motor ,  they would fix all the problems with , vibrations  and so on

When are you gonna get a car ?
Or , do you have both ?

[ledany]

I had a car until 1998, no regret 

[woofred1832]

                   Stop lurking on the fence,  jump off and get on a Valkyrie...... read the many, other posts of people that have had all kinds of other bikes, but once they test ride a Val. Its a no brainer, it was for me, and I was riding a 1500. Wish I could have kept them both but money was the boss..... I did keep it in the group though, sold it to a Harley friend, now he has both, and can ride wich ever on any given day..... but always rides the Val on our more than 3 day trips....

[AdrianR]

@kidd
I had a R1100 R and 112 mph was no problem. Loved the bike, so relax, great handling nice looking (black and grey), piled a lot a miles on it  

As usual, there's nothing like a test ride of your own. I was never attracted to the GS 1150 & 1200 even DOHC (I love the R80GS & R100 GS though) but I  tested the new R1200 GS 2013 and it stunned me. I bought a KTM 990 SMT in the meanwhile (along with my K1200 GT 2008), a 1000 GSX-R but then I though Let's be serious the R1200 GS is way above it all.  

I don't think I'll ever come back to BMW because the dealers in France are not numerous enough and thus are in some kind of a monopolistic situation, the maintenance costs are incredibly high and demanding - that's why I chose HM !  , liablity is not that good considering the $$$$$ price you paid (HD is better !   ) and the GS is so common around here. When you travel in the Alps, Croatia or Greece, you meet lots of (german) R1200 GS. And I must confess that I'm not sure to appreciate the GS drivers, they look so arrogant !  

But the brand is awesome, the engineering is remarkable, they have been talking for years of a 800 W engine   and I'd like to see that  

I know, I read somewhere in that BMWs are some of the worst bikes when it comes to reliability.  For the price, engineering, etc...one would think entirely the opposite.

Apparently not.  I have been a faithful Honda guy since like 1975 when my dad bought me a slightly used XR-75.  I have owned 6 Honda bikes since..including the 14' Valk.   For the most part they've been nearly perfect...  I NEVER think about the possibility of my bike breaking down..NEVER...they just always work man...

Low maintenance cost as well...I mean really.  This new Valk is no exception...a cheap bike to ride...yet SENSATIONAL... 49+ mpg on corn free gas...with conservative throttle positions!

The only problem is trying to avoid tickets...  This bike, although is perfecty behaved at slow speeds...LIKES to go fast!  Just going through 3 gears with only like 1/3 -1/2 throttle or so you are ALWAYS doing 80mph!

[brew1brew]

The peg position is same on all 3, f6, f6b, f6c, they all use the same frame, the center stand from any GL1800 will fit our F6c bikes.

This is not a true statement, 

The Valkyrie’s footpegs are 1.3-inches higher and 0.6-inches more forward than F6B.

from motousa.com's first ride review.

[hungryeye]

dang me...dang me...they ought to take a rope and hang me...

[hungryeye]

The peg position is same on all 3, f6, f6b, f6c, they all use the same frame, the center stand from any GL1800 will fit our F6c bikes.

This is not a true statement, 

The Valkyrie’s footpegs are 1.3-inches higher and 0.6-inches more forward than F6B.

from motousa.com's first ride review.

Turns out it is a true statement, There are foot peg brackets that bolt to the frame, the brackets have the same part numbers for all 3 models, A, B and C. I couldn't find any part numbers for the frame but I doubt Honda molds 3 different frames and then mold center stand lugs on all 3 and not offer a center stand for the Valk. 3 different frames would be cost prohibitive just to move the pegs an inch in any direction when they could just mold a different mount bracket. Someone must have made those measurements from the seat position???

[hubcapsc]

The peg position is same on all 3, f6, f6b, f6c, they all use the same frame, the center stand from any GL1800 will fit our F6c bikes.

This is not a true statement, 

The Valkyrie’s footpegs are 1.3-inches higher and 0.6-inches more forward than F6B.

from motousa.com's first ride review.

Turns out it is a true statement, There are foot peg brackets that bolt to the frame, the brackets have the same part numbers for all 3 models, A, B and C. I couldn't find any part numbers for the frame but I doubt Honda molds 3 different frames and then mold center stand lugs on all 3 and not offer a center stand for the Valk. 3 different frames would be cost prohibitive just to move the pegs an inch in any direction when they could just mold a different mount bracket. Someone must have made those measurements from the seat position???

There's a frame card on the fiche pages. The frames have different part numbers.
I think the only difference, though, is the subframe - the part that holds the rear fender
on.

-Mike