Winter is set in hard, thinking about windshield options for spring...

[AdrianR]

My bike is covered, in the garage, the holidays are done...and my bike is hibernating for next spring.  Some priorities are assembling themselves.  One:  I HAVE to get a different windshield for the upcoming riding season.  This bike at times is frustrating. It is SO FAST, and powerful, but you can't go fast unless you get the right windshield.  I wear a helmet, my head shakes over 80mph, eyes rattle in their eye sockets eliminating good vision. No helmet..vision is blurred...  sucks.  I HAVE to find the right shield this year.  TWO..a better phucking seat.  Anything over a hundred miles and my arse hurts.  Unfortunately the options are limited.  Lastly, find a better way to deal with the bike's handling on tar snakes.  Their a hard core reality where I live.  My last bike handled them way better...this bike, anything over 80 degrees and your sliding...  don't get it.  Other then that I love this bike, but if I cannot fix these things..I am getting a different bike...

[Kidd]

Can't help with the snakes , unless you move to a state with better roads .

The seat issue is easy , get a Russell or a Mayer   for all day comfort  , I have a Mayer  seat   and   I love it , all day comfort  , 7 day turn around too .

The shield is easy  too , Sheffjs has a great idea  , see his thread below .
Any tall shield is better over what you have .
Then , add to the top of your shield  the same thing I did  and you're set   for another season  of awesome/amazing  riding on the best bike ever made  , right behind a few other models .

Geez , you complain a lot 

[AdrianR]

   for another season  of awesome/amazing  riding on the best bike ever made  , right behind a few other models .

Geez , you complain a lot 

I hear ya man, I do, and completely agree!  I LOVE this bike but *uck man, I HAVE to fix these nagging issues...  Power and speed is only one caveat of a great motorcycle...  Comfort is just as important.  My last bike was so damn comfortable...could ride for hours and hours and hours...and feel great.

btw..with the seat options as listed, can I take the side covers off without removing the seat?

[hungryeye]

Run over rattle snakes, avoid tar snakes.

I use the tall OEM, I'm tall torso and look through it, can look over if I want to, I like looking through and I think anybody can eventually get used to looking through. Over 60mph though it will still shake my helmet some, with no helmet it is not as noticeable. If you have a short torso and don't mind looking through, the OEM may work great for you. I have noticed over the years that if I ain't looking through the windscreen it ain't gonna work. That holds true for cruisers and tourers. Sportbikes, sport tourers and adventure bikes are a whole nuther problem.

I will be mounting a tan and brown Corbin tomorrow on my red Valk, found it used like new on fleebay for $475 shipped with 2 back rests. I prolly will be selling both backrests but they are tan, can be painted black with rustoleum vinyl paint.

[Adirondack Bill]

AdrianR, I am the same boat as you- weather-related. We are both in  the northern part of the country with snow and cold from November through March.  As far as windshields go, I do not like them. I enjoy the wind in my face, however the bugs sometime tick me off but that goes with the territory.  Yes,  the wind gets a bit much when you are going over  80, but  you are only going that fast for a brief  period  of time.  In my area,  I do not  run into too many  tar snakes. I guess that's one of the reasons  why taxes are so high  in New York,  they repave roads more often, or just let them develope big cracks.I agree with you on the OEM seat, it stinks. I spent OVER $800 on a Corbin seat- it looks great, but after 2 riding seasons, it is still too hard. I think it is just as hard as the OEM seat. Over the winter, I am contacting Corbin to send it back for more padding.  As other members  have said, you might  be better off  with a Russell seat.  What  bike did you have before  the Valkyrie??

[bscrive]

Adrian,

You can't go wrong with a Russell seat.  Now that mine is broken in it is sooooo freakin comfy, it's great.  I did a 4000km (2500mi) trip last summer and some of those days were up to 12 hrs in the saddle and my butt never complained once.  You won't regret it.  


Look at this sexy seat!!!  You can also just get the front done and just have them recover the back, so that the material matches.  Since they use the original seat to produce this hunk of sexiness, there is no issues with the side covers.






As for a windshield, I decided to make my own.  I got a 33" tinted windshield for a full wing made by Slipstream and made my own shield.  It came out great and with my last modification it looks good too.  


This is what it looks like before I cut the sides down, because they were flopping in the wind.  






This is the shield after I cut the sides down.  






I hear you about the tar snakes.  I almost crapped my pants a few times hitting those freakin things last summer.  The fall seemed to be worst, though.  Not sure what we could do about it except drive slower to make sure that we don't end up in a ditch or smacking into someone car coming the other way.  

[_Sheffjs_]

but if I cannot fix these things..I am getting a different bike...

If, just asking, if, then what would be the other options for bikes that would be on your list?

Same question for anyone? And maybe being one up all the time will bring a different list.

[AdrianR]

but if I cannot fix these things..I am getting a different bike...

If, just asking, if, then what would be the other options for bikes that would be on your list?

Same question for anyone? And maybe being one up all the time will bring a different list.

I know this is a completely different ride...  but man I like the looks of this bike big time!

[Dragunslayer]

but if I cannot fix these things..I am getting a different bike...

If, just asking, if, then what would be the other options for bikes that would be on your list?

Same question for anyone? And maybe being one up all the time will bring a different list.

I know this is a completely different ride...  but man I like the looks of this bike big time!

Victory make some awesome looking bikes but after riding the Valkyrie you will be sadly disappointed in the power of that bike.
I looking at them before the Valk and they just feel week in the torque department.

[bscrive]

I have to agree with Dragonslayer.

My cousin has the Cross Country with the remapping done, by a guy near Newburg, NY.  The bike has good pick up and go, but it can't match my stock valk and you constantly have to be shifting the damn thing to keep it in its power band.  It sure don't have the torque of the valk.  Now, he is talking about getting a new Indian Chieftain.

[AdrianR]

Victory make some awesome looking bikes but after riding the Valkyrie you will be sadly disappointed in the power of that bike.
I looking at them before the Valk and they just feel week in the torque department.
[/quote]

I know man, well, that is why I said it was a completely different ride in which it is.  I hear about about the power, torque, smoothness disparity between big vtwins and that flat six.  I took a Yamie Raider for a ride last summer...  it felt like a slow, rattling piece of junk after getting off the Valk.  And when I more closely examined the motor I realized it was very similar to a typical, antiquated, lame ass Harley mill.  The Victory is quite modern with the exception of it not being water cooled.  However, as I said, speed, acceleration, torque is just one aspect of what constitutes a great motorcycle.  IMO the power needs to be good, but not the best, cause there is always something faster...stupid argument...but more importantly it needs to be comfortable, good handling, and safe.  The Valk has most of that, however, I am finding that I do like forward controls more, and the handlebar, seat, peg position forces you into the wind more...  unlike a sport bike where you duck beneath it, or a cruiser in where you sit more into the bike...again avoiding some of the wind blast.  My old Shadow Sabre with the small switchblade windshield in which I looked over I could just wear a ball cap backwards, do 110+mph, and it would stay on, plus I could see!  Also, at times my hands get numb on the bars...not sure why...only *sometimes*....  Again, the bike is absolutely incredible, power, suspension, brakes and handling...but man I just need BOND with it more man.

[Kidd]

Yes , A man , you could spend more time on the machine acclimating to it's   short comings as most folks do , as I have tried .  I did fix the wind issue but could use some improvement  and I can se how to make it better  .
The seat placement is  the biggest  change you could do as moving it forward brings the bars back  to you .    I still need to have my seat moved  forward a little more , waiting for the weather to warm up some before I trailer  my Kerry to Ventura for perfect seat fit , I could ship the seat  but then I'd miss the fun of riding it along PCH  area of Calif

[AdrianR]

I must admit that I didn't test ride this bike before I bought it.  I know, dumb ...but a year prior to purchasing it when I first saw it I thought it was one of the coolest things I'd have ever seen. All the reviews I read, all the youtube videos...etc...all were very positive.  But the price was way out of range for me...especially at that time.  However, a year or so later when I saw the huge discounts I just had to get it...as it was a, and still is, outstanding value.  I sat on the bike and it felt good... so I assumed...everything would be good.

When I bought it I just jumped on it and rode away from the dealer...a 50 minute jaunt home...on my way home I noticed that my arse was starting to ache  Thought nothing of it...  But as the 1.5 years rolled by..and I put 8K on it, I started to notice some annoying things...most of it completely over shadowed by the bike's drive train, brakes and suspension...but never the less still there and glaring more and more.  The stock tires SUCKED, replaced those, after learning disgruntley how few options there were...  This improved the bike's handling immensely, but now, the skinnier tire up front is almost to light for my liking...steering that is..(handlebar input)...and if the tire pressure isn't just right it's either squirrelly or sluggish...  Then the hands getting numb issue...I mean wtf is that? Comes and goes...then there is the wind issue...  I mean what is the point of having a really powerful,  fast bike if it aerodynamically sucks?  The seat issue...again, limited options, one of which isn't supposedly much more comfortable...and stops me from taking the side covers off...

There are just *a few* other small things that bother me, none though that isn't tolerable...after all no bike is perfect..  But I guess what I am saying is that the honeymoon might be waning some ...like this new bride who was HOT...now isn't putting out as much...and you don't feel as comfortable on her as you once did...and now you are wondering IF YOU MADE A MISTAKE!  Looks are good, but useless if you can't have it you know?

Dunno...my heart is speaking...but come spring I will take the bike out and really try to fix some of this issues...as it is incredible...but man, like I said, I have to BOND with this machine...and because of some these very important issues, it ain't happenin'.  

[Kidd]

I would not be surprises if Honda , in 10 years , came out with a newly designed Valkyrie , much more eye pleasing and better seating ergos   and we all  look back at the 2014 model  and think ,  what the hell did I ever see in this old Valk , so fugly , and wow , this new 2027 model  looks so much better

[AdrianR]

I would not be surprises if Honda , in 10 years , came out with a newly designed Valkyrie , much more eye pleasing and better seating ergos   and we all  look back at the 2014 model  and think ,  what the hell did I ever see in this old Valk , so fugly , and wow , this new 2027 model  looks so much better

The thing that kills me the most is the engine and drive train.  Their spectacular man...I mean I have never rode a bike that has this *kind* of power...I mean the power band is flat...torque available though out the entire rpm range...gearing (near perfect..still could use a 6th gear imo)...the brakes...very good...suspension.. smooth...for the most part...I love not having to downshift to pass just about *anything* on the road.  And for you guys whom run ethanol..STILL HAVE NO CLUE..how fast this bike can be....  I love the way it sounds man...massive tranny, Porsche like exhaust tone..(could be a *tad* louder..would love a tunable baffle)..  A very frustrating machine...  almost as if Honda didn't quite do all their homework.  BTW...was never a fan of the first Valk... didn't like that old vintage, bagger look)  You are right though Kidd...  a few refinements, and this could quite possibly be one of the greatest motorcycles ever made!

[Verismo]

Adrian, I am in mostly full agreement with you here, and I think it probably has at least some to do with the way we are built.  Some riders don't seem to have a problem with the bars, but that has been my biggest issue in bonding with the bike.  I have completely solved the wind issue with the Madstad setup I'm using.  It's actually a super enjoyable feeling, but the look is not to some people's liking.  That, however, was a HUGE issue for me with the stock shield.  The buffeting was worse than any bike I've been on.  I'll write a separate post on buffeting when I get the chance.

Ironically, I think you would love the old Valk.  I had a 99 before this one and it's everything you describe liking.  Linear torque, tons of power, ergos so comfortable I never even considered changing anything on the bike.  Rode all the way across Texas on it and don't remember any discomfort whatsoever.  Only thing it was lacking was fuel injection, but those carbs looked damn cool.

I think I've figured out how to solve the bars problem without doing all the cutting and line extending that a couple of the pros here have done, but I just don't think I want to spend the money. Time I add Corbin fleetliners, the bar mods, the windshield mount mods to address the bar mods, I'm in it for three more thousand, and I know I will just never get that back.  If I was made of money, I would do it in a heartbeat, but I think instead I'm headed towards an F6B.

Honda would've made all our lives simpler by just allowing enough slack in the lines to easily switch the bars, but they made a different call there.  It's strange, too, because everything else about the bike is so amazing that most other bikes feel like toys in comparison.  I test rode an Indian Darkhorse, and even though I enjoy anything on two wheels, it felt like a big wheel relative to the Valk.  The smoothness, power, TOTAL lack of heat to the rider.  This bike is a wonder.  With some polarizing ergos.

[_Sheffjs_]

Man it is disappointing that Ultimate did not decide to make more than two seats, for a few here it would have been the ticket.  This really moves the rider forward!!





 

[Robert]

As the mileage goes up what I have found is the bike is just coming together. I can only describe it as a new pair of new leather shoes that are tight and pinch and just dont fit right, but after awhile they are the best shoes you ever had. I love the look of that Victory but not enough to give up the smoothness, power and handling of my Valk. Traffic is way wicked lately around here and I love the maneuverability and power, it has gotten me into comfortable air easily. It was a blast feeling confident enough to go through stopped traffic on the highway since there was an accident and shorten my travel time at least by 20 minutes. The seat has worn in and the windshield has deflected the rain and wind. I do very seldom get the head buffeting but usually just changing the height of my head removes that problem.

The wind today must have been 50 mph directly at me and I was going at 75 and the buffeting against the front of the bike was pretty bad but I must admit I was comfortable as could be. The factory windshield along with the mod to get it to lay back a bit more did it for me. The seat a Corbin and I am really happy with it. I like what Jerry did with his windshield, Good job by the way Jerry if you read this not only with the windshield but the whole bike, it really looks great.

This bike takes time to settle into is what I am finding. We all want that instant mod/comfort and I can tell you it kinda happens but the majic really happens when everything a bit down the road. Heck even a baseball glove takes a few seasons to wear in. Once worn in you dont want it to wear out either and that is why when you do a mod or choose your bike you look for longevity. I chose my original Valk for its engineering and longevity and I did pretty much the same with this one and I can tell you that I am not disappointed.

[Dragunslayer]

My hopes to make my Valkyrie more mine.

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0494.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0495.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0496.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0497.jpg

[Robert]

My hopes to make my Valkyrie more mine.

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0494.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0495.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0496.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0497.jpg

I like it 

In my time in the saddle I have put my hand in different positions on my windshield while driving. I can tell you that if I put my hand at the top front of the shield all wind goes away from my eyes up. There are a few other spots that wind comes from, between the tank and forks, the outside of the radiator nacelles and the top of the windshield. Those are the only spots I have found with the OEM tall windshield that I feel wind.

Adrian someone here has the Gustafsson 16" Tall x 22" Wide - Euroflip / Hardware and Drilling Included Tint: Clear    1
   $249.95 USD windshield with the curve upper portion. To my memory they said that this windshield took care of all the buffeting for them.

[Verismo]

Hey Robert, I'm definitely not trying to insinuate that my or Adrien's experience should interfere with anyone else's.  I'm VERY happy you've found your Zen with the Valk, and wish that I was in the same boat.  The 1800 is DEFINITELY an engineering marvel, and I'm not trying to take away from all the things that it does better than any bike out there.  Just trying to find that Zen for myself.  And while I agree with you that a breaking-in period does help with the Valk, I've put 8500 miles on it, and I know it pretty well.  

If I lived in a perfect world, the Valk 1800 would've come in two forms.  It's current power iteration, and then a cruiser model, complete with adjustable bars, a more distance-oriented seat pan, cruise control, and over drive for that 5th gear.  But in the real world, those options come with a fairing and the name F6b.  First world problems!  

[Robert]

Hey Robert, I'm definitely not trying to insinuate that my or Adrien's experience should interfere with anyone else's.  I'm VERY happy you've found your Zen with the Valk, and wish that I was in the same boat.  The 1800 is DEFINITELY an engineering marvel, and I'm not trying to take away from all the things that it does better than any bike out there.  Just trying to find that Zen for myself.  And while I agree with you that a breaking-in period does help with the Valk, I've put 8500 miles on it, and I know it pretty well. 

If I lived in a perfect world, the Valk 1800 would've come in two forms.  It's current power iteration, and then a cruiser model, complete with adjustable bars, a more distance-oriented seat pan, cruise control, and over drive for that 5th gear.  But in the real world, those options come with a fairing and the name F6b.  First world problems!   

I understand and was at that same point with mine.
After doing my mods and just not really totally happy with it I was like thinking, what gives? I took my rides and still a little unsatisfied with making it fit me. Not that there was anything wrong but it just didnt seem to fit exactly. This went on past 8, 10, 12, 13, thousand miles, but when it got to 14 thats when the things that I was noticing seemed to kind of be much less noticeable. The shifting fell in place the power increased I became comfortable with the suspension and even the seat. I have 16k on my bike now and I can tell you that this sweet spot or zen as you put it wasn't there all along and for me only happened in this 14 to 16 range.  I like you knew the bike, I had done mods and tires and so many different things to make it my own but it still didnt full click.

With any new thing there is a time we think we have to baby it and find out and listen as if it were my new born sleeping in the crib. But one day I said its a bike, because it was raining out and I wanted to go for a ride and with my old Valk I would not have done that. But with the new Valk I said rain or no rain Im going. It was great and fun and just a blast. When I came home I hosed it off, then blew it off with the blower and put her away. From that day things changed.

I think the sweet spot can only be achieved if we decide this is my bike this is the way I ride and get out and say screw it, I'm riding and its doing what I say to do. I guess you could say that it was me that needed the mental adjustment and that may be partially true but the little things that I used to worry about like shifting and such all fell away and the bike just does what its supposed to do.

Without trying to sound corny or silly,  I can only compare it to a wild horse that just needed to be tamed. The old time guys on this board used to say ride it like you stole it and I can say that it may be exactly what that sweet spot or zen is about.

Like you said there are mods we can do, but in reality its us that conforms, the bike and the design limitations imposed on us by the bike design can only be altered so far. The mods definitely help with the things we cannot adapt to but ride it like you stole it for awhile then see what kind of mods you want to do.

Some here have designed their own mods and done great at it maybe this is a suggestion for you also. But wait for a bit.

[Dragunslayer]

My hopes to make my Valkyrie more mine.

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0494.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0495.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0496.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy194/KDragunslayer/IMG_0497.jpg

I like it 

In my time in the saddle I have put my hand in different positions on my windshield while driving. I can tell you that if I put my hand at the top front of the shield all wind goes away from my eyes up. There are a few other spots that wind comes from, between the tank and forks, the outside of the radiator nacelles and the top of the windshield. Those are the only spots I have found with the OEM tall windshield that I feel wind.

Adrian someone here has the Gustafsson 16" Tall x 22" Wide - Euroflip / Hardware and Drilling Included Tint: Clear    1
   $249.95 USD windshield with the curve upper portion. To my memory they said that this windshield took care of all the buffeting for them.

Funny you say that Robert. I noticed the same thing about air from around the light and fork area. I have been trying to think of a solution for that but will have to see what difference this makes.

[dans2014]

 8)My Honda oem tall windshield is great and built like a tank. No vibration

[Robert]

Funny you say that Robert. I noticed the same thing about air from around the light and fork area. I have been trying to think of a solution for that but will have to see what difference this makes.

I haven't really bothered with it because I really dont think it will make that much of a difference in head buffeting and how do you seal this area since it may hit the forks while turning. The air from there actually flows up over the tank and exits around your side between your hand and body actually. Take your hand off the bars and put it down at your side and you will feel a big shift in passenger air.

 I forgot one other area that air comes from, right above both knees. Yup in the radiator nacelles in the black panel that faces you, the one side has the lock for gas cap in at the top of that there is a vent blowing cool air on your leg area. It will not interfere with your helmet obviously but thought it was an interesting design feature since we are talking about passenger air.

[AdrianR]

As the mileage goes up what I have found is the bike is just coming together. I can only describe it as a new pair of new leather shoes that are tight and pinch and just dont fit right, but after awhile they are the best shoes you ever had. I love the look of that Victory but not enough to give up the smoothness, power and handling of my Valk. Traffic is way wicked lately around here and I love the maneuverability and power, it has gotten me into comfortable air easily. It was a blast feeling confident enough to go through stopped traffic on the highway since there was an accident and shorten my travel time at least by 20 minutes. The seat has worn in and the windshield has deflected the rain and wind. I do very seldom get the head buffeting but usually just changing the height of my head removes that problem.

The wind today must have been 50 mph directly at me and I was going at 75 and the buffeting against the front of the bike was pretty bad but I must admit I was comfortable as could be. The factory windshield along with the mod to get it to lay back a bit more did it for me. The seat a Corbin and I am really happy with it. I like what Jerry did with his windshield, Good job by the way Jerry if you read this not only with the windshield but the whole bike, it really looks great.

This bike takes time to settle into is what I am finding. We all want that instant mod/comfort and I can tell you it kinda happens but the majic really happens when everything a bit down the road. Heck even a baseball glove takes a few seasons to wear in. Once worn in you dont want it to wear out either and that is why when you do a mod or choose your bike you look for longevity. I chose my original Valk for its engineering and longevity and I did pretty much the same with this one and I can tell you that I am not disappointed.

I love how clean your bike is all the time.  BTW..you are right at how the miles build so does the power.... The bike just keeps getting faster and smoother.  Still think you should try the Lucas Oil 10/30W full synth bike oil man!  Definitely faster and smoother with this oil.  I am at a junction right now...I need to try some different windshields...and find one that works good so I can go fast, but still LOOKS good too!  Unfortunately you cannot just try one.  Once you take it out of it's protective shipping material it is not returnable.  Shields are somewhat dependent on the size of the rider...very unique...and the seat, not as big of an issue...is something I can ease into..I want one that LOOKS good as well as being comfortable...and that I can take the side covers off without removing the seat!

[Robert]

Adrian dont know if this would be possible but Gustafsson makes their windshield at many heights and the shape is basically the same. How about getting the largest one you think and if it doesn't work send it back to  Gustafsson to let them cut it down. I know you could cut it down but they seem like good people and willing to accommodate it may be a solution to your problem as long as the shape is ok. I dont know about shipping but this way you could experiment a bit. I remember they have worked with others also and just maybe will be able to answer some questions for you also before you order.

[Moofner]

My windscreen is rather small compared to the stock and other tall windscreens but it works fantastically. The trick is the second deflector on top of the screen like dragunslayer's screen shows. My small screen removed all of my head buffeting and mellowed out the chesty speed brake effect.

This gives me a pleasant ride with good air flow all the way up to 90 mph, and bonus it looks like it could have been stock with its small profile.

[AdrianR]

My windscreen is rather small compared to the stock and other tall windscreens but it works fantastically. The trick is the second deflector on top of the screen like dragunslayer's screen shows. My small screen removed all of my head buffeting and mellowed out the chesty speed brake effect.

This gives me a pleasant ride with good air flow all the way up to 90 mph, and bonus it looks like it could have been stock with its small profile.

Hey Dude..two things:  Could you kindly post a photo? Secondly, have you had the bike up over 100mph?  If so, what ya think then?

[Moofner]

My windscreen is rather small compared to the stock and other tall windscreens but it works fantastically. The trick is the second deflector on top of the screen like dragunslayer's screen shows. My small screen removed all of my head buffeting and mellowed out the chesty speed brake effect.

This gives me a pleasant ride with good air flow all the way up to 90 mph, and bonus it looks like it could have been stock with its small profile.

Hey Dude..two things:  Could you kindly post a photo? Secondly, have you had the bike up over 100mph?  If so, what ya think then?

Can do! Also, yes I have had it over 100 mph. I've gone speedo governor limit and she clocked 121 MPH when I was spanking my buddy's Challenger in a quarter mile roll on (he took me in the long run when he kept climbing passed 120 MPH).

Two things I noticed. It was cold as hell, as I did this in 38 Degree weather. I also noticed was that I naturally ducked down a bit and I didn't even know I was going that fast until the limiter kicked in. I wear a full face on the new Valk and the wind hits right at the top of my helmet where my air port is. Perfect combo. The upper windshield fairing is adjustable to find the sweet spot for each rider.

Front view:


Side View (before decals and mods):


View from the saddle:

[_Sheffjs_]

All these discussions I feel are good, we are working with a bike I feel Honda really wanted in the hands of a younger set and as it came. I wish that I had that money tree as I would have an F6B for when two up and the 14-15 1800c for when one up, the C left as it came from the showroom floor.  The Robert and Verismo discussion is a side note that is touching on this as well. I'm not saying I would like the B's fixed fairing or ride feel better however it has a rider + passenger + cargo limit of 410# whereas our C is 370#  still the B, I would have to buy a windshield and a aftermarket seat just like I did on the C.  Maybe in a few years she will let me add a B to the stable but my love for the 1500s is still taking my coin.  I have "my" sweet spot on the 1800c with Bags, windshield, h-bars and seat but our last trip I had to loose 30# but we still exceeded the weight limit. Good luck A Man in your quest but you have tasted the power and smoothness of a F6 that does not need to be constantly shifted.  I feel trying to find anything else to satisfy once you've had an F6 engine is impossible, again just my feelings.   Now losing the 30 pounds was a good thing so thanks Honda     and I kept it off through the holidays 

[Robert]

Front view:


Side View (before decals and mods):


View from the saddle:

love the pics    

Come on Jerry take some money out of that soil bank 

[_Sheffjs_]

I agree Robert on The Moof shots.  And anytime I see a behind the bars shot of the Valkyries both 1800 and 1500 my blood boils for a ride.   I will mount the new windshield and take some shots this weekend and get back here with them.

Moof that riding shot is sooo clear!  Very defined 

[_Sheffjs_]

A-Man

Just a side note here. I still have the French made Secdem windshield with 1.5 years riding on it so the shape is "good"  I would be willing to send it to your door for $70 a fraction of the cost when I bought it, If you want to give it a try.  I will not be sending the hardware but I have a bag of good solid hardware I can send and you can figure the rest out. 

http://www.secdem.fr/en/catalogue-moto.php?reference=BH182PB&typerecherche=moto&marque=HONDA&modele=1800+F6+C&annee=14%2F15

[Moofner]

I agree Robert on The Moof shots.  And anytime I see a behind the bars shot of the Valkyries both 1800 and 1500 my blood boils for a ride.   I will mount the new windshield and take some shots this weekend and get back here with them.

Moof that riding shot is sooo clear!  Very defined 

Sena 10c camera/bluetooth unit. Excellent purchase and gets some great shots as well as videos.

[ledany]

[_Sheffjs_]

Yipes

[AdrianR]

Yipes

Doah!!!!  Me Valkyrie is going nowhere...  Please let me find the help to rid myself of these two or so nagging issues, of which I never had with my old bike...

[bscrive]

On the upside...there will be some great deals to be had on 2017 Victory bikes this year.   

[Verismo]

Hey Adrian, and anyone else who is thinking about windshield mods, just keep in mind that the buffeting is turbulence caused by the negative pressure area in front of the rider.  As the air slips past the shield faster and faster this negative pressure area grows, and air rushes in to fill it, resulting in vortices and bursts that cause all that hellacious battering of the head.  My solution was to get Madstad to build brackets so that I could raise the shield up higher, and adjust the angle so that the right proportion of air could get under the shield, and thereby lower the height and decrease the length of the negative pressure area.  It doesn't matter what company you use, but raising the shield and adjusting the angle based upon rider dimensions seem to be very important variables here.  Some guys are talking about widening the shield to help alleviate the air coming off the forks, but it's possible that the angle of the lower part of the shield may actually be causing the negative pressure area around the front of the radiator pods, and air is getting sucked in around the forks.  Thinking about it in terms of width and deflection alone may not solve the problem.

Another possible solution might be venting whatever windshield you have so that air passes through it, although I have no idea how much venting it would take to significantly reduce the negative pressure.  I like Moofner's solution, too. The small footprint and added deflector seems like it would be a cool feel, and it looks good.  I would like to know what the air feels like on his chest, and what it feels like to have his visor up at 70-80 mph.  (If only we could test all these permutations without it breaking the bank!)