new Valks

[Robert]

I am shocked I was at the dealer the other day and was talking to the sales mgr, so I asked how many Valks have you sold and the answer was 2 after mine. I thought he sold many more than that since he had 2 on the floor. So I asked I bet you sold quite a few wings then and the answer was a few. So we got into talking and he volunteered that he loved the Valk and maybe in season things will start to pickup. I still dont see why these bikes dont sell better. But my other thought was maybe they dont expect them to fly off the showroom floor either.

[Jack B]

My Honda dealer still has a new 2014 on the floor and I said that I'm surprised that no one bought it.
He told me did sell one, the buyer didn't want the maroon one but wanted a red 2015 and he paid a lot more for it.
I would have bought the cheaper one.

[TallRider]

Was out today caught in a couple of  real  downpours.  I use a plexiglass Polish on windscreen as well as entire bike. 23.00 spray can. Bugs won't  stick to bike wipe right off. Drove the last 6 miles in dry weather and by the time  I  got home could not  tell I was  in any rain. Love this bike easy to keep clean. Drove great in rain. Very refreshing rain was warm water and nice to drive cool for a change.  Can't wait  till November  and  cooler  temps 

[headpeon]

The dealer I bought mine from still had both 14's he got in 2 years ago. Like the rest of you, can't believe more people don't ride this incredible machine especially if you like attention (I don't). I can't go anywhere without somebody stopping me asking questions.

[Pete]

I think that Honda misjudged  the market. (again)
The market for the new Valkyrie was the folks that bought the original Valkyrie.
Had Honda designed the new Valkyrie to be an evolution rather than a revolution cosmetically it would have been better received by existing Valkyrie owners.

Even at that it may not have sold as well as Honda would have liked.

No one doubts the improved engineering, better ride, better performance, etc. Most of the objections I have seen are about the cosmetics and the cost.

Speaking for myself, I want one and may buy one. But I am not real happy with the cosmetics and that is why I say may buy one. At some point the price may get to a point that I can ignore the looks.

Just my 2 cents worth for what it is worth, 2 cents.

[sleepngbear]

I think that Honda misjudged  the market. (again)
The market for the new Valkyrie was the folks that bought the original Valkyrie.
Had Honda designed the new Valkyrie to be an evolution rather than a revolution cosmetically it would have been better received by existing Valkyrie owners.

Even at that it may not have sold as well as Honda would have liked.

No one doubts the improved engineering, better ride, better performance, etc. Most of the objections I have seen are about the cosmetics and the cost.

Speaking for myself, I want one and may buy one. But I am not real happy with the cosmetics and that is why I say may buy one. At some point the price may get to a point that I can ignore the looks.

Just my 2 cents worth for what it is worth, 2 cents.

Pretty much for these two things I didn't give this bike much of a look when it first came out, opting instead for a CTX1300. Then I broke the CTX, and saw that the prices were way down on the Valk, and the design just started growing on me. As much as I loved the CTX before I killed it, I can't imagine myself on anything else besides the Valkyrie right now.  

But, I can certainly understand how not everybody would come around like I did.

[AdrianR]

Honda tried marketing this bike as a *cruiser*..but obviously missed their mark.

imo it is NOT...  Just the position of the pegs and bars alone kill that crucial criteria...

It's just not organic enough to be a cruiser.

Lets face it man.  Harley has the cruiser segment locked hard.  Decades ago they created a styling paradigm that has become a cornerstone of all cruiser type motorcycles.  No one can gain any sufficient ground...in that arena.

I have owned the bike for awhile now...and to me it is more of a sport touring machine/standard bike with exotic styling.  It really is in a class all by itself.

Human beings though, being such social animals, learn acceptance and realities by observing others...and disliking anything that is different from those established norms.  

Those whom own this bike might as well hold on to them...trying to sell them or trade them in would cost you your shirt, pants, socks, skivvies, and probably your teeth's fillings... lol

It's okay though, the bike rocks hard man...

[Kidd]

Honda slapped the name on the bike  for recognition " Valkyrie" .

It's really a EVO 6 

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+evo+6+specs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiklpac0JzPAhUM0h4KHb0KAnQQ_AUICSgC&biw=1536&bih=755

The split radiator  changed the look drastically

[sleepngbear]

Honda slapped the name on the bike  for recognition " Valkyrie" .

It's really a EVO 6  

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+evo+6+specs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiklpac0JzPAhUM0h4KHb0KAnQQ_AUICSgC&biw=1536&bih=755

The split radiator  changed the look drastically

Not even close. While it can be argued that the new Valk isn't a cruiser, it's closer to a cruiser than it is to the EVO 6.

[bscrive]

I just know that this bike is awesome.  Now that I have it the way I want it I will be having it around for a long time.  I had my last Valk for 11 years and I plan on having this one around for longer than that.  The power of the engine combined with the ergonomics makes for one wild ride.  I have ridden my bike for 12 hrs straight on consecutive days and I just want to get back out on it. 
It boggles my mind why these bike are not better sellers than they were.  Many times people come up to me and ask what it is.  When I tell them it's the new Valkyrie, I usually get the same response "I thought they discontinued the Valkyrie".  Honda should have did a better marketing job.  I think they need to talk to the marketing guys at HD 

[Verismo]

I have a love/hate relationship with this bike. It's the ergo's that cause the hate.  The engine/transmission/fuel injection are beautiful.  Also, even though the cosmetics are exotic, they mostly follow function with the dual radiator pods, and in person it's absolutely stunning imo.  I didn't like them much at first.  

The Ergo's, though.  I totally agree that this is way more roadster than cruiser.  I have had fits trying to get comfortable for more than 30 minutes on this bike.  The fact that you can't change the bars out without a major overhaul that costs you your warranty is absolute bulls#&t.   I haven't given up on it, yet.  But I am considering going to an f6b, with the bars 1.3 inches closer and the pegs 1.3 inches lower.  Doesn't sound like a lot, but apparently is.  Even though the bike is an absolute thrill for 30 minutes, if I can't be comfortable on it for most of the day, it's not worth it to me.  Create any relationship metaphors you like there.

[Kidd]

How do you figure ?

Honda slapped the name on the bike  for recognition " Valkyrie" .

It's really a EVO 6 

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+evo+6+specs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiklpac0JzPAhUM0h4KHb0KAnQQ_AUICSgC&biw=1536&bih=755

The split radiator  changed the look drastically

Not even close. While it can be argued that the new Valk isn't a cruiser, it's closer to a cruiser than it is to to the EVO 6.

[Moofner]

The only disappointment I have with this bike's popularity is that it has made after market parts companies skip our bike. Sure, it is fun trying to research what will fit and what I can modify, but some days I just don't have the time or money to take a chance.

Beyond that I personally love the look of this bike. I'm also 36, and don't hold to the idea that a bike must look like a HD to cruise. I agree that the bike is more roadster or sport touring in riding stance, but the power delivery is all cruiser to me.

My wife likes the look of our old Valk more because it reminds her of a HD Softail Heritage Classic. I like the looks of the new Valk because it looks like no other bike to me. I'll smile as long as I can put miles on either one in any given day.

[bscrive]

I have a love/hate relationship with this bike. It's the ergo's that cause the hate.  The engine/transmission/fuel injection are beautiful.  Also, even though the cosmetics are exotic, they mostly follow function with the dual radiator pods, and in person it's absolutely stunning imo.  I didn't like them much at first.  

The Ergo's, though.  I totally agree that this is way more roadster than cruiser.  I have had fits trying to get comfortable for more than 30 minutes on this bike.  The fact that you can't change the bars out without a major overhaul that costs you your warranty is absolute bulls#&t.   I haven't given up on it, yet.  But I am considering going to an f6b, with the bars 1.3 inches closer and the pegs 1.3 inches lower.  Doesn't sound like a lot, but apparently is.  Even though the bike is an absolute thrill for 30 minutes, if I can't be comfortable on it for most of the day, it's not worth it to me.  Create any relationship metaphors you like there.

Changing the bars won't void your warranty.  My dealer knows what I have done and said that it was fine.
In total it cost me about $350 plus the time to extend wiring to change out my bars.  I did make my own though.  It was not difficult it just too a little time.
Take the time to do it, you won't regret it.

[sleepngbear]

How do you figure ?

Honda slapped the name on the bike  for recognition " Valkyrie" .

It's really a EVO 6 

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+evo+6+specs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiklpac0JzPAhUM0h4KHb0KAnQQ_AUICSgC&biw=1536&bih=755

The split radiator  changed the look drastically

Not even close. While it can be argued that the new Valk isn't a cruiser, it's closer to a cruiser than it is to to the EVO 6.

How do I figure? I looked at it. The only thing the Valk has in common with the EVO6 is the flat-6 and maybe a few minor design cues. I've owned cruisers, I've owned sport bikes, I've owned sport-tourers. The EVO6 is closer to a Sport-leaning sport-tourer, the Valk is closer to a cruiser -- in looks, performance, and riding position (not all cruisers are feet-forward).

[Kidd]

Okay , I'll agree

How do you figure ?

Honda slapped the name on the bike  for recognition " Valkyrie" .

It's really a EVO 6 

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+evo+6+specs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiklpac0JzPAhUM0h4KHb0KAnQQ_AUICSgC&biw=1536&bih=755

The split radiator  changed the look drastically

Not even close. While it can be argued that the new Valk isn't a cruiser, it's closer to a cruiser than it is to to the EVO 6.

How do I figure? I looked at it. The only thing the Valk has in common with the EVO6 is the flat-6 and maybe a few minor design cues. I've owned cruisers, I've owned sport bikes, I've owned sport-tourers. The EVO6 is closer to a Sport-leaning sport-tourer, the Valk is closer to a cruiser -- in looks, performance, and riding position (not all cruisers are feet-forward).

[_Sheffjs_]

So my question to the ones who are not happy with the H-Bars as it is stock:

Were you ok with the bars on
50 mile trips?  
100 mile trips?
200 mile trips?

Where was your unhappy point?

[postoak]

My dissatisfaction came gradually, after a month or so of daily rides.  I noticed that more forward lean for me would be comfortable, and also that my wrists were breaking down from the grips, similar to what would be the case with ape-hangers.

So, for me, it seems lower bars that were more forward would be more comfortable.

But it is not that big a deal.

[hubcapsc]

So my question to the ones who are not happy with the H-Bars as it is stock:
Were you ok with the bars on
50 mile trips?  
100 mile trips?
200 mile trips?
Where was your unhappy point?

I was unhappy in the parking lot getting ready for the demo ride. But
I didn't consider then that changing the bars would require moving
Heaven and earth...

-Mike

[bscrive]

For me I was unhappy after about an hour's ride on the bike my right elbow would start to kill me. I determined that it was the angle of the grips that were put in my arms on a unnatural angle.

[Verismo]

So my question to the ones who are not happy with the H-Bars as it is stock:

Were you ok with the bars on
50 mile trips?  
100 mile trips?
200 mile trips?

Where was your unhappy point?

I didn't notice it on the demo ride.  The bike is just so exciting to ride...for the first 30 minutes.  After the first week of ownership, though, I was using a wrist brace, and by the third, I added an elbow brace.  I have driven my 99 Valkyrie all the way across Texas with nothing more than a sunburn.  Below are my observations about why this is the case. 

  Part of the problem is hidden because it BEGS to be pushed into corners, and two things happen when you do that: 1.  The angle of the grips becomes more accommodating and 2. Your high side leg drops under the seem-line on the gas tank and you can grip the bike and control it with your stronger lower body LIKE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO most of the time. 
However, when you're in an upright position, just going down the highway, there is no "pocket" like this to settle into, at least for me.  Because of the higher footpeg position, my legs are right on and just above the seem line on the tank, which means only my knees contact the upper edge of the tank, and leverage is greatly reduced.

    In other words, all the forces of acceleration and deceleration go into your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.  This is CRUCIAL on this bike because of the footpeg position, the angle of the grips, and also the transmission.  I am currently still looking at ways to address these problems, but I haven't got it worked out, yet.  Mike says you can change the bars without voiding the warranty, but I just don't see how that's possible.  You literally have to cut and resolder all the electronics control lines.  If the display goes out after that happens, I can't image Honda honoring the warranty. That display is 700 dollars.  I am happy to invest money in this bike, but I'm not made of it and I can't afford to just throw it away on it, either.  If I can't solve the issues, I'll probably go to an F6b.

[Daycruiser]

Honda is in love with Plastic, I'm not.  Sold my GW cause I learned to hate all the plastic.

[Moofner]

Funny how personal the bars thing is for each individual. I love the bars on the new Valk and added a cramp buster to give my right hand a break.

Now the older Valk's stock bars? Hurt my wrists on long rides and make my hands go numb. It is just so awkward to me that they are set with a weird angle. Even a cramp buster doesn't help for long rides.

Different hand strokes for different folks I guess!

[brew1brew]

So my question to the ones who are not happy with the H-Bars as it is stock:

Were you ok with the bars on
50 mile trips?  
100 mile trips?
200 mile trips?

Where was your unhappy point?

I didn't notice it on the demo ride.  The bike is just so exciting to ride...for the first 30 minutes.  After the first week of ownership, though, I was using a wrist brace, and by the third, I added an elbow brace.  I have driven my 99 Valkyrie all the way across Texas with nothing more than a sunburn.  Below are my observations about why this is the case. 

  Part of the problem is hidden because it BEGS to be pushed into corners, and two things happen when you do that: 1.  The angle of the grips becomes more accommodating and 2. Your high side leg drops under the seem-line on the gas tank and you can grip the bike and control it with your stronger lower body LIKE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO most of the time. 
However, when you're in an upright position, just going down the highway, there is no "pocket" like this to settle into, at least for me.  Because of the higher footpeg position, my legs are right on and just above the seem line on the tank, which means only my knees contact the upper edge of the tank, and leverage is greatly reduced.

    In other words, all the forces of acceleration and deceleration go into your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.  This is CRUCIAL on this bike because of the footpeg position, the angle of the grips, and also the transmission.  I am currently still looking at ways to address these problems, but I haven't got it worked out, yet.  Mike says you can change the bars without voiding the warranty, but I just don't see how that's possible.  You literally have to cut and resolder all the electronics control lines.  If the display goes out after that happens, I can't image Honda honoring the warranty. That display is 700 dollars.  I am happy to invest money in this bike, but I'm not made of it and I can't afford to just throw it away on it, either.  If I can't solve the issues, I'll probably go to an F6b.

this is just my humble opinion, but I believe that the corbin seat would fix this for you. one of the issues I had with the stock seat was that I felt like I was being pushed off the back when I accelerated hard. The corbin seat fixed that

[Verismo]

[/quote]
this is just my humble opinion, but I believe that the corbin seat would fix this for you. one of the issues I had with the stock seat was that I felt like I was being pushed off the back when I accelerated hard. The corbin seat fixed that

[/quote]

Hey your opinion seems humble indeed and I really appreciate it.  But I would even accept a completely arrogant opinion if it fixed the problems!

[Verismo]

Have you noticed the Corbin making the ride more jarring?  That's my concern. The stock seat isn't great but the one thing it does well is provide some elastic rebound for the bumps.  I'm afraid that I'll be trading one problem for another with the Corbin.  The shape looks more comfortable, but even set at a soft setting, the Valks' suspension is pretty stiff and some spring in the foam seems necessary.  I'm currently running a backrest, so I have no feeling of sliding backwards

[allhans4]

Frankly, the cosmetic revolution is one of the things I love about the new Valkyrie.   

I think that Honda misjudged  the market. (again)
The market for the new Valkyrie was the folks that bought the original Valkyrie.
Had Honda designed the new Valkyrie to be an evolution rather than a revolution cosmetically it would have been better received by existing Valkyrie owners.

Even at that it may not have sold as well as Honda would have liked.

No one doubts the improved engineering, better ride, better performance, etc. Most of the objections I have seen are about the cosmetics and the cost.

Speaking for myself, I want one and may buy one. But I am not real happy with the cosmetics and that is why I say may buy one. At some point the price may get to a point that I can ignore the looks.

Just my 2 cents worth for what it is worth, 2 cents.

[bscrive]

Have you noticed the Corbin making the ride more jarring?  That's my concern. The stock seat isn't great but the one thing it does well is provide some elastic rebound for the bumps.  I'm afraid that I'll be trading one problem for another with the Corbin.  The shape looks more comfortable, but even set at a soft setting, the Valks' suspension is pretty stiff and some spring in the foam seems necessary.  I'm currently running a backrest, so I have no feeling of sliding backwards

Get a Russell Daylong seat.  I have found that it takes up some of the jarring. 

This winter I may take off the rear shock and see if I can get something else better.  I figure that if I can get all the measurements maybe I can find something out there to give a better ride.  Maybe an air shock??

[steelwheeler]

Verismo
 With Corbin if you order you can request more cushioning.  The only complaint I have is being able to take the side panels off without  taking the seat off with the Corbin. I still love it with the black  studs.

[hungryeye]

I heard Corbin fixed the issue having to remove seat for side covers and you can send yours in to have it trimmed I believe.

[steelwheeler]

Thanks, Hungryeye

I'll  give them a call......

[brew1brew]

Have you noticed the Corbin making the ride more jarring?  That's my concern. The stock seat isn't great but the one thing it does well is provide some elastic rebound for the bumps.  I'm afraid that I'll be trading one problem for another with the Corbin.  The shape looks more comfortable, but even set at a soft setting, the Valks' suspension is pretty stiff and some spring in the foam seems necessary.  I'm currently running a backrest, so I have no feeling of sliding backwards

I don't find it jarring, I left my suspension set to what ever it was when I purchased it. I find that I can take bumps without feeling them in my lower back on this bike that my 2002 standard and my VTX 1300C would cause sharp pain in my lower back.

[woofred1832]

                      I love my 2014 Valkyrie and have it decked out now the way I like it, but since I had to sell the two bikes I had, I have been on the hunt for another bike to have for that just day ride, and I found it........ you may not believe it but I found a gem....... a 1975 Gold wing GL1000 with only 18, 300 miles on it
             Thats less than my Valkyrie has on it........ this bike only has a windshield, rack, case gards, hwy pegs, I will remove the to tall backrest, alittle tlc clean and polish and it will be a super bike for this 66 year old to ride and enjoy........and when I want to GO FAST or for that more than a day ride.. well thats what the 1832 is for.....
      I can again enjoy the best of both rides, and by the way I only paid, $1000.00 for it... WOW!!!!!!

[ledany]

Bien joué Woofred ! 

But please post a pic of this GW before and after your polishing 

BTW, I'm jealous about the incredible prices you have in the New World   

[woofred1832]

            Oh ya you bet I will post pictures,  its at a shop now getting a once over, checking,  all the important area's that may need attention,  just due to its age. Then I will hopefully have the weather to ride it some before weather, makes me put it in the garage for off season clean up with a fine tooth brush. Then next season it will be on the road for all to see....

[TallRider]

I heard Corbin fixed the issue having to remove seat for side covers and you can send yours in to have it trimmed I believe.

Apears to fix the problem for me including making the seat softer is they shortened the mounting tabs at the rear  so the seat slides higher on the rear fender forcing me to push down passenger pad causing seat frame  to flare out giving clearance for side covers. Made me nervous about seating into front tab wondering if it would slip out but no problem to date.

[Adirondack Bill]

I think this bike did not sell well due to 2 factors. First- the looks of the bike. When I first saw the Valk., I said to myself- that thing is UGLY! But after a while the looks grew on me. Second- the price- I bought mine new in May of 2014- when they first came out. I paid over $17,500 for the bike. When I see some of you guys paid 12 or 14 thousand, I say DAMM, maybe I should have waited. Also, I agree with  MOOFER- It is very hard to find any aftermarket stuff for this bike, it ticks me off. Everyone likes to make Mods., that's half the fun of buying a new bike!! Never-the-less, I am still very happy with it.

[Law Dawg]

I just know that this bike is awesome.  Now that I have it the way I want it I will be having it around for a long time.  I had my last Valk for 11 years and I plan on having this one around for longer than that.  The power of the engine combined with the ergonomics makes for one wild ride.  I have ridden my bike for 12 hrs straight on consecutive days and I just want to get back out on it. 
It boggles my mind why these bike are not better sellers than they were.  Many times people come up to me and ask what it is.  When I tell them it's the new Valkyrie, I usually get the same response "I thought they discontinued the Valkyrie".  Honda should have did a better marketing job.  I think they need to talk to the marketing guys at HD 

[Law Dawg]

I just know that this bike is awesome.  Now that I have it the way I want it I will be having it around for a long time.  I had my last Valk for 11 years and I plan on having this one around for longer than that.  The power of the engine combined with the ergonomics makes for one wild ride.  I have ridden my bike for 12 hrs straight on consecutive days and I just want to get back out on it. 
It boggles my mind why these bike are not better sellers than they were.  Many times people come up to me and ask what it is.  When I tell them it's the new Valkyrie, I usually get the same response "I thought they discontinued the Valkyrie".  Honda should have did a better marketing job.  I think they need to talk to the marketing guys at HD 

[Law Dawg]

I just know that this bike is awesome.  Now that I have it the way I want it I will be having it around for a long time.  I had my last Valk for 11 years and I plan on having this one around for longer than that.  The power of the engine combined with the ergonomics makes for one wild ride.  I have ridden my bike for 12 hrs straight on consecutive days and I just want to get back out on it. 
It boggles my mind why these bike are not better sellers than they were.  Many times people come up to me and ask what it is.  When I tell them it's the new Valkyrie, I usually get the same response "I thought they discontinued the Valkyrie".  Honda should have did a better marketing job.  I think they need to talk to the marketing guys at HD 

Where did you get your seat??