Thinkin I'm gonna change...

[pais]

....to a new Valkyrie! I seem to have been bitten by the "bug". The more I look at, the more I like the new Valkyrie. Seems like after reading here a little, I've not seen anything bad to say about the new ones. Seems to be mostly about the looks. Ya either like it or you don't. I did not like them at first but, the look is growing on me. Along with some very attractive pricing and improved performance etc. Coming up on a good time of year to purchase.
    Couple items concern me, any feedback will be appreciated.
   1) Saddlebags, what are you guys using and how hard is it to mount them?
       I've seen on here, one owner (bscrive) mounted IS bags on his? This appealing because I have a set on my F6C.
   2) Windshields, installation and quality of coverage?
 
    From what I read an aftermarket seat is a given? RDL seems to be rather popular. I have an Ultimate Big Boy on my '97 Standard. Regret not going RDL for that!
    One more thing. If anybody knows or hears about a Honda Demo day near N E Ohio let me know. I would like to try one out.
    Thanx guys, look forward to hearing from you!

[hubcapsc]

   1) Saddlebags, what are you guys using and how hard is it to mount them?
       I've seen on here, one owner (bscrive) mounted IS bags on his? This appealing because I have a set on my F6C.
   2) Windshields, installation and quality of coverage?
 
    From what I read an aftermarket seat is a given? RDL seems to be rather popular. I have an Ultimate Big Boy on my '97 Standard. Regret not going RDL for that!

I like mine a whole lot... now...

Corbin bags, Utopia back rest, Russell seat:



I use a OEM windshield with not-OEM handlebars... it was hard to put on "big"
handlebars, since the cables and hydraulic lines and even the wiring from the
control boxes had to all be lengthened...



Now that new Valkyries can be had cheap, the cost of the seat and the bags
would not be oppressive...

-Mike
   

[pais]

    Good morning Hubcap,
     I was hoping you would chime in! I remember as you were molding your Valk to what you wanted.
     I don't remember, were the bags pretty much bolt ons? I'm not really interested in much hassle. I would not do the handlebar mod unless I absolutely had to. Why did you change your bars?
     You are spot on, on your pricing comment. That is exactly what I am thinking. Though I am thinking of stripping my '97 Standard of all the add ons, if I decide to sell it. If I can use my IS bags I will do that.

[idcrewdawg]

From a bolt on perspective...

I have the OEM tall windscreen. It provides fair coverage, but I found it not to go quite tall enough. I'm 5.8. I wish it were a bit taller.

I have the OEM bags. Bolt on is pretty easy. They keep water out quite well, as I've ridden with them, and washed the bike with them on and no water got inside despite there not being a regular seal. That said, I wish there was a way to lock them.

I have the Cobin seat. If you have a bony ass, don't get this. The underside is simply a stiff Styrofoam that might break in. The OEM seat might be enough if you install rider pegs. Try the rider pegs before you upgrade your seat. All that said, the Cobin seat looks really good on the bike. If you decide to get a Corbin, call them and talk with a sales person. Their website ordering is really clunky and making mods to the seat after you've received it is costly.

I have kuryakyn rider pegs. Super easy to install, and changes the seat dynamic quite a bit. I find it makes an uncomfortable seat tolerable.

Throttle lock. I installed the BreakAway throttle lock. It's made of aluminum, and easy to install without needing to adjust the brake positioning. While it won't keep your speed from flat to incline/decline like electric cruise does, it will keep your speed constant on the flat sections of road.

I have the Ram X phone mount installed to put my phone next to my left hand so I can answer calls in a Bluetooth equipped helmet. It also allows me to use my phone as my GPS, and since the newer phones are water resistant up to 5 feet of water I don't worry about it getting wet during the ride.

With the phone I installed a 12v power outlet that included a USB outlet. This allows me to power my phone. I tied it directly into my battery, and mounted it on the bars on the left.

I've a Ram mount cup holder that tilts with acceleration/deceleration and corners. It fits a bottle of premium root beer (or regular bottle beer) quite snugly. It'll hold a soda bottle but loosely, and takes one of those Chic-fli-a soda cups with no trouble.

[hubcapsc]

Why did you change your bars?

I hated the OEM ones and the way they made me sit.

I put "real" Valkyrie bars on it and big risers, but it was hard to do.

Not everyone hates the OEM bars...

-Mike

[_Sheffjs_]

If you get a black valk I still have the Hard bags in great shape and I have one Corbin to 1800 valk bracket I would be willing to sell. You need a local welder/fabricator make the other bracket from the one. I like the corbin bracket as it is not seen from the top. I would like to see this go to an 1800. Or use the stock 1800 honda hardware. This is the Champion Patriot bags.  Nice quality bags new is $1200 in primer $350 is a reasonable price with a good high quality auto shop paint job gloss black.

[hubcapsc]

I don't remember, were the bags pretty much bolt ons?

The Corbin bags are direct bolt ons.

A $350 set of Champion bags in the right color is way worth any
effort it takes to mount them. Both kinds of bags are high quality,
Champion bags are bigger... they're almost exactly like OEM 1500
bags only they're high-end fiberglass instead of plumbing-plastic.

I like the way the smaller Corbin bags tightly fit to the bike.

-Mike

[_Sheffjs_]

I also still have the bracket to remount the blinkers as this is a must with 1500 Valk bags and the Champion. 

[Bill Havins]

This is the finest scooter I've ever owned.  But it takes a fair amount of work to get it there.



Corbin has raised the price on their bags to $2K.  Ask your dealer to make you a deal on the Corbin bags and you'll get them at between $1200 and $1400 or so.  They are the best looking and best fitting solution for bags on the Valkyrie (IMHO), but they're too blinkin' small for serious touring.  I may build my own this winter (Judy is going to kill me).

The Honda sissy bar is okay; the pad is crap!  Not even the same vinyl as the seat.  I built my own pad.

My luggage rack is built for a V-Star (http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,91898.0.html).

I have a Honda Touring windshield, customized Goldwing shield for my Valkyrie that I'd gladly sell.  Didn't work for me - maybe I just don't know how to fit such.  This is what you see in the photo: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,92859.0.html

I installed a customized Rostra Cruise on the bike - excellent for highway touring.

The seat is okay for me.  I like to sit on wooden chairs, so consider the source.  I have rebuilt the pillion to keep Judy comfortable.

As above, now it's the neatest scooter I've ever owned in almost 50 years of riding/touring.

Good luck!

Bill

[Robert]

I was thinking about an F6B but am glad I waited for the F6C no disappointment here. I also did not like the looks naked but for me the Corbin stuff did it. A great bike for a great price.



Corbin bags
Corbin seat
So Cal lights
Honda windshield
chrome: as follows
Front cover
Side cover
swing arm bolt cover
valve covers
brake levers
Grips replaced
radiantz rear light
Micheline tires

[bscrive]

Like Robert,  I also first considered the F6b, but they were too expensive for me and I didn't like the back end.  I got a smoking deal on a Black ABS Valkyrie, so I jumped on it.

My new Valkyrie is fantastic now that I have it set up the way I want it.  I wanted the comfort of my old IS, but with the newer technology.  The new Valk has all the pick up and go that I need.  The only thing that I still have an issue with is the ride.  My old IS was 10x smoother.  With he new Valk, I pretty much feel all the bumps.  This winter I will take off the shock and see if I can get a spring made that will be softer and then progressively stiffer when more weight is applied.  There is a place around me that makes springs for trucks and cars.  I don't see why they couldn't help me out.  The spring on the bike is a decent size and they should be able to do something.

I put on a RDL seat with a Utopia backrest and I have never regretted it.  I have done 25,000 kms with it and it gets better every time I go out.  I got the back pilon done as well for the odd time my wife is riding with me.  Usually, she is riding her Can Am Spyder F3S.

I put on a set of IS bags and the creation of the mounts were not that difficult to do.  I had considered using the OEM mounts for the bags, but everyone wanted big bucks for them and I built my custom mounts for under $30, so it was a no brainer for me.  If you already have the mounts then it should be pretty easy to put them on.  You would probably just need to make a bracket for the back mount.  I did use the OEM bracket that mounts to the passenger grips.

Like Mike (Hubcapsc), I changed out my bars.  The OEM bars really hurt my right elbow for some reason.  I found that the bars were at an odd angle for me and I wanted the bars to come back to me like my original IS did.  I couldn't find something I liked, so I made my own and put on a set of Avon grips.  There is a considerable cost and work to extend the bars, but to me it was totally worth it.  I have done several weeklong trips and the bike is perfect for me and my elbow doesn't bother me.

For windshields, I have gone through many variations of them.  I started out with a Memphis Shades Hellcat, but it was too small.  I then went to an ATV windshield.  It was wide enough, but it was too short.  I then decided to get a tall windshield (33") for a full wing and make my own.  Now it is just right for me.  I used the hardware from the Hellcat and a couple of brackets I made to attach to the front of the bike like the Secdem windshield does.

I also installed an electronic cruise like Bill Havins did.  It is a Rostra 250-1223 with the universal control.  It is mounted under the seat.

The other thing I did was put on a Shark stereo.  I like my music when I ride.  I got the 250W model and was small enough to put it behind the right panel behind the radiator pod.  I mounted the speakers to the handlebars.  They work pretty well up to 70 mph.

I just put on a set of Rush pipes with Torq Loopz to give me that awesome sound I was looking for as well as putting the exhaust behind the bags.  Now, it sounds like Ferrari.

I made my own front LED riding lights, put on an extra brake light, floorboards, heel-toe shifter, highway boards, painted the front forks, got the valve covers powder coated, painted the side covers, changed all the chrome top pieces to black ones, carbon fibre racing stripe and a few other stuff over the years.

If you have any questions, never hesitate to ask.

Brian

[_Sheffjs_]

Pipes look really good Brian. 

[bscrive]

Thanks, Jerry.

I am on the fence on whether to get them powder coated black, or leave them as is.

[Robert]

Thanks, Jerry.

I am on the fence on whether to get them powder coated black, or leave them as is.

I had to take a second look at the pipes I thought they were stock. They look really good 

[pais]

My new Valkyrie is fantastic now that I have it set up the way I want it.  I wanted the comfort of my old IS, but with the newer technology.  The new Valk has all the pick up and go that I need.  The only thing that I still have an issue with is the ride.  My old IS was 10x smoother.  With he new Valk, I pretty much feel all the bumps.  This winter I will take off the shock and see if I can get a spring made that will be softer and then progressively stiffer when more weight is applied.  There is a place around me that makes springs for trucks and cars.  I don't see why they couldn't help me out.  The spring on the bike is a decent size and they should be able to do something.


   This statement reminded me of my other concern. When I look at these bikes. I see the tires and lack of sidewalls. I was guessing the ride is a little rough? Obviously the shock and forks have a lot to do with ride quality also.

   

  Bill Havins, I am curious. Did you say the same thing when you own(ed) the original Valkyrie? I ask this because I have said it numerous times about mine. Now I'm thinking of buying a new bike. I almost feel guilty. I'm glad she sits out in the garage where she can't see or hear how I am plotting to replace her.

[Bill Havins]

[snip]....

Bill Havins, I am curious. Did you say the same thing when you own(ed) the original Valkyrie?....[snip]

Pais,

This is the first Honda I have been willing to buy.  It is the only street bike that has ever "checked all the boxes" for me.  But I had to work like crazy to get it there (i.e., the fairing build).  I don't consider installation of the Rostra Cruise a "big deal."

The only other bike that came close to being the "perfect scooter" for me was my 1979 Moto Guzzi 1000 SP (that I bought new).  But it's Tonti frame was really too tall for me - I was much younger then and was willing to put up with it.  Today I am just too old to have to worry about dumping the bike as I come to a stop, or when in a parking lot.  And the kids would beat me to a pulp if Judy was on the back and got hurt.  I continued to ride Moto Guzzis from 1979 until I bought my Valkyrie.

Now, backing up a bit.  My first motorcycle was a 125 Yamaha Enduro.  I rode "in the dirt" a lot with the owner of the Yamaha shop and a group of his family members/other customers.  I soon began to participate in flat track races and, over time, accumulated a collection of bikes that ranged from a 125 Yamaha YZ to a Bultaco Astro to a 650 Yamaha that had been "punched out" with a 750 kit.  And I had other Yamahas that I rode on the street.  I traded in a three cylinder Yamaha 750 when I bought my Moto Guzzi SP.

The common theme of all these bikes was their lack of farkles and my ability to "throw them about" when I chose to ride aggressively.  I am not a very big person.  When I stand up straight I may hit 5' 8".  And the nurse at my doctor's office hates to have me stand on the scale; she wants to lose weight - I weigh 140 pounds with lots of clothes on.  So, for me to "throw a bike about," it has to be very well balanced and must be approximately "neutral" in its handling characteristics at speed.

I shopped very carefully for two years before I bought the Valkyrie.  I test rode just about everything except BMWs - BMWs are "pogo sticks" as far as I am concerned - they are just too tall for me to comfortably manage when riding two-up.

I don't understand complaints about the Valkyrie rear shock.  (EDIT: - Sorry, Brian, I didn't realize this had been a concern for you, too.)  When set correctly for the load it works as well as any rear suspension system I have tried.  On our last Moto Guzzi I installed Progressive gas shocks.  The Valkyrie's rear shock puts those gas shocks "in the shade," even when we are loaded and riding two up on an extended ride/tour.  I may eventually make modest changes to the front forks, but probably not.

I did install Honda's LED driving lights on my Valkyrie.  It is a very clean install and provides tremendous light - but I don't ride at night anymore unless I have to.

I was very disappointed in the lack of quality accessories for the Valkyrie.  So I figured out how to get/make what I wanted.

I will eventually install a "motorcycle information display" in place of the instrument "cluster" that is on my Valkyrie.  It is another one of my designs; the principles of the display are patented.  The Valkyrie's modern "electronics" will make it a bit easier to do.

For many reasons my Valkyrie is now the neatest scooter I have ever had.  I will not touch the internals of the powertrain (including the exhaust).  I may design and build panniers to replace my Corbins.  And I may replace the instrument cluster with my own.  But as it sits today it is my favorite of my many scooters.

I'll stop this stream of consciousness now.  Good luck in your decision!

Bill

[goldstar903]

Brian, can I assume that you have utilized the Shock preload adjustment? 

Frank

[Robert]

   This statement reminded me of my other concern. When I look at these bikes. I see the tires and lack of sidewalls. I was guessing the ride is a little rough? Obviously the shock and forks have a lot to do with ride quality also.

These bikes are smoother and more sure footed than the 1500. Ride is not plush but comfortable.

[bscrive]

Brian, can I assume that you have utilized the Shock preload adjustment? 

Frank

Too death Frank.  Right now I am on the second click and it is tolerable with my RDL seat.  Any higher and it feels like I am riding a brick.  I do weigh 250lbs and maybe that is the problem.  The shock can't take my fat ass. 
The funny thing is that when my wife is on the back the ride is so much smoother even with the preload adjusted higher.

[Bill Havins]

As a point of reference, when we're riding and "loaded," the Valkyrie is likely toting 320 pounds total.  Mid position +6 more clicks is perfect.

When not loaded and riding two-up it's mid position +3 clicks or so.

When I'm on the bike alone I am comfortable at mid position -4 or so clicks.  I can ride it solo at mid position +3 clicks and it feels like I am riding a stiffly-sprung sport bike.

Brian, maybe it has something to do with being so far from the Equator?

Bill

[Jess from VA]

Holy crap Bill, most of us haven't weighed 140 since elementary.   

[bscrive]

Bill,
I notice from your picture and Robert's picture that the back end of your bikes seem to be higher than mine.  It looks like your bikes are about a good 2" higher than mine.  At first I thought that it was my pipes, but they are at the same height as the OEM ones and about the same diameter.  Maybe I have killed my shock and spring?

Anyone else have a bike sitting low like this? 

Is it because I am only on the second click on the pre-load?

[Verismo]

Preload definitely changes the height of the rear.  But more importantly, someone please come up with a joke for that...

[goldstar903]

Preload definitely changes the height of the rear.  But more importantly, someone please come up with a joke for that...

"Preload definitely changes the height of the rear." I believe that is the joke! 

[goldstar903]

Bill,
I notice from your picture and Robert's picture that the back end of your bikes seem to be higher than mine.  It looks like your bikes are about a good 2" higher than mine.  At first I thought that it was my pipes, but they are at the same height as the OEM ones and about the same diameter.  Maybe I have killed my shock and spring?

Anyone else have a bike sitting low like this? 

Is it because I am only on the second click on the pre-load?

I weigh 285, settled for 14 clicks and the ride is great! I go to 18-20 for more aggressive (twisties) rides.

[Bill Havins]

[snip]... someone please come up with a joke for that...

I love it!  But I won't even try....

Brian,

I think you're right, something is different.  I have always thought your bike looked like a bit of a "low rider."  It's obvious now that you didn't mean for it to look like that.

I estimate your bike sits about three inches lower than mine.  I don't think the preload can be responsible for that much height difference.  Do you suppose one or more fittings has come loose?  Or has the piston rod been bent or other wise gotten stuck?  (I know, Verismo - there's gotta' be a joke for that, too.)

Many years ago I had a van back into me as I was riding by.  It hit my right rear shock; I was able to keep the bike up.  The kid driving the van begged me not to call the cops (too many points on his license).  As I was riding home the bike did not handle well - it was a very "harsh" ride.  I eventually realized the shock piston shaft had been bent in the accident and my bike had turned into a "hard tail."  (Here we go with the jokes again.)

I wonder if your shock has "collapsed" or the piston shaft is stuck.  Or, as above, one or more fittings may have come loose.

Hope you get it figured out!

Bill

[goldstar903]

Brian, how many bodies do you have in those trunks? 

[bscrive]

No bodies in the saddlebags only a couple of rain suits (mine and my wife's), few pairs of gloves and some maps.  Maybe 10lbs in total.
I checked the shock just last weekend to see how hard it would be to get out and I didn't notice anything bent.
I will crank up the preload tonight and see if that makes a difference for the height.  Maybe something is wrong internally with my shock and that is why it is low, or maybe it is just the low preload.

[Robert]

I just checked the height and got a measurement that might help. Its not going to be super accurate but at least it will give a reference. With the bike on the side stand measuring from the floor to the bottom of the lip of the rear fender. Where the fender just sits above the rear light. Holding the measuring tape at the angle of lean of the bike touching but to the side of the rear light close the the plate I have 21,3/4 inches. You will have to convert to metric and if you want a more accurate measurement I could probably get one later.

There may not be a problem dont forget the angle of the pic. If you reference the handle bars in your pic and mine that is above you will notice in yours the grips are almost canceling each other out so it looks like you cannot see both grips with the wheel straight ahead. In mine you can clearly see both grips. That would mean the angle of the 2 shots is very different. That the angle of the shot of your bike is almost in line with the angle of the bike. Almost a straight on side shot. Where mine is much lower almost a looking up shot. Dont know how far away you are from the bike but if you are a distance away you would have to be 12 feet tall. I would say you are standing pretty close a little to the rear and the camera with the face of the camera or phone lens parallel to the bike. Mine would be a little back a bit further away with the lens about 30 deg off from parallel of the bike. If you compare the front wheels you can get a little feel for the different angles.


In this shot you can tell the difference in angles and see that the rear disc is almost totally hidden. This is what I am talking about, since I am almost in the same position you would be when you took your shot. You are still a bit closer though. The front wheel in this shot is more consistent with your pick

[Bill Havins]

Good thoughts, Robert.   

[bscrive]

Robert,

I believe that you are correct and it is the angle of the picture.  I measured the fender height like you did and I got the same measurement as you did with my preload set at the second click and then again at 15 clicks.

Well that answers that......

[st2sam]

My 2cents.

The spring on our valks is sprung for Goldy, a 300lb. girlfriend and 200lbs. of camping gear!
Ya, your right, about a half ton! 

All kidding aside guys, it's one stiff spring.
I realize it needs a firm ride to handle the twisties as good as it does but a more progressive rate spring would be great.

For reference I weight about 190lbs. with gear, and I'm running preload at full soft. (I tried every click)
Even at that setting with the pothole riddled roads we have in NE. Pennsylvania, my back hurts after a spirited ride. 

Having said all that, guess what?
If that's my only gripe, I'm a happy camper.
It's one great motorcycle. 

[Kidd]

Yes , of course it is the picture and maybe the stuff you've added to it that made it look  different .

I've $800  plus into my  rear shock in the hopes of a softer ride  to no avail ,help or benefit .
However , these people  made some money off me  so they are happy
http://www.traxxion.com/
I told them what I was wanting in a rear shock  and they were sure they could help , they did not help.

Now , I paid them $800 so they could get some real life experience  with what they are supposed to know already  .

What it comes down to is , I spent $800  for the experience and it does me no good except for the fact that I will not try it again 

Robert,

I believe that you are correct and it is the angle of the picture.  I measured the fender height like you did and I got the same measurement as you did with my preload set at the second click and then again at 15 clicks.

Well that answers that......

[Robert]

Bscrive:

Glad to hear there was nothing wrong, with such a great bike it would have definitely been a real black mark, no pun intended. No one likes to think there's something wrong with an otherwise perfect ride. 


Kidd:

I cant tell you how much I have spent on things for just a bit more performance or improvement in mileage. Headers, heads, cams, air filters, intakes, distributors oh and the list goes on. I have learned alot and parted with way more than 800.00 over the years. You never truly know till you try and unfortunately spend the money for little or no improvement. So sorry about the money but chalk it up to experience and look on the bright side Honda designed one hell of a good bike. 



As for preload I was at full preload setting of at least factory setting and one day after reading some comments here I decided to crank it down a bit. It really did make a great deal of difference and although not as smooth as a F6B or wing which I wouldn't want anyway its a much better ride than before. To me the bike was never harsh on bumps but now it handles better and is just so much smoother. On the big dips now the front and back actually seem to be about the same rate. You know when you go over bumps that are big and sloping and would cause the bike to bottom out, well now mine dips but doesn't bottom out and maintains its ride quality. I absolutely love the handling of this bike.