Identity Crisis or Brilliant Market Niche?

[GRR]

It's been a while since I've posted here, but I've got some new thoughts after buying a new-to-me bike.

I've owned at least one of every generation of Goldwing. I rode a rental GL1500 Valkyrie for a week-long ride. I owned a GL1500 Valkyrie Interstate. I had a GL1800. All were as good at their task as you'd expect. I loved the 1500 Valkyrie Tourer after I removed the windshield, and think the GL1200 was the best balanced over all.

Now I've gotten a 2nd gen Valk 1800 (2014).

But what exactly is it? What was Honda thinking when they came up with this?

It's big but carries it's weight reasonably well. CoG is down low, and wide handlebars provide enough leverage to muscle it around parking lots. It is reasonably agile at all speeds. The suspension really sucks - it's substandard in every way and Honda should be ashamed for dressing it this way. The engine is the main attraction, and it doesn't disappoint - torque and power everywhere, up to highway speeds, after which rpms become intrusive.

The motor puts out a menacing growl and idle, and smooths out to a nice turbine whine around town. At highway speeds, it becomes an annoying drone. As many have noted for a long time, it's missing a higher gear.

Honda really cheaped out on this model - they had available cruise control, self-cancelling turn signals, slipper clutch, but they covered it in plastic. You can't monitor the condition of the forks seals because they are covered up with plastic sleeves. And their market dept should have recognized the difficult time owners would have trying to source odd and obscure tire sizes.

I always thought the design was one of the ugliest every, but it's grown on me and I don't see it as so goofy anymore. I've actually grown to like it.

The package is minimal - no windshield, no luggage, no cruise, no modes, no abs, no centerstand, no tools, no cubby to pack your phone or wallet. Just one huge motor, you and the wind. Many folks complain about the forward lean to reach the bars, but at highway speeds, I don't think you are leaning enough to counter the wind pressure.

So it's not a touring bike as there's no provision for passenger or luggage. It's not an everyday bike as there's no provision for your wallet, lunch or thermos. It's not really a cruiser, as the posture is forward-leaning with mid-controls.

I think what this really is, is a motorcycle version of an impractical and outrageous 60's muscle car. All motor, posture and style, with minimal creature comforts or compromises. You can add the stuff that's missing, but that's like putting a pickup bed on the back of your Miata.

Like those muscle cars, the Valk 1800 is a hoot to drive and makes for an entertaining, stimulating, intoxicating Sunday afternoon drive. It's crazy, and impractical as anything, but I like it.