I knew this day would come

[DragonRdr]

I don't post a lot on the forum, but thought I would share this. After taking the Valk for a ride this morning, I've decided it's time to park her for good. I've ridden several times this year and am just not comfortable riding her. I almost dropped her when I had to make a sudden stop behind an RV on Route 202 in Winchendon a couple of weeks ago coming back from Ringe, NH. Some of it may be that I've lost confidence, but I think a lot of it is my age and physical condition. Something all of us have to deal with eventually.

I really hate to let her go, but if anyone is interested in buying a Black 2000 Valkyrie Interstate with only 27K miles PM me and I'll send you more pics and details of all the upgrades. I'd really like to see her go to someone who knows Valkyrie's and can appreciate her. I can't ship so it would have to be someone local. I'll post a classified on the board soon, but wanted to give the New England Chapter members first chance.

Thanks

Larry aka Dragonrdr

[GaryC]

Sorry to hear that it's that time, hearing this more often lately.  It's a beautiful bike hope it goes to someone who appreciates it. 

[Tony C.]

Sorry to hear Larry.  Like Gary said, we're hearing more of this, especially on Gold Wing boards. Guys are aging-out. It's a tough call to make.

[ybnorml]

Glad you were able to make that decision on your own, and not because of an unfortunate accident or illness...
Sooner or later we all will hang up the keys...Cherish the memories ...

[DragonRdr]

Thanks everyone. It was a hard decision and one that's not easy to make, but I'll always remember the great times I've had riding over the last 60 years. I started riding dirt bikes when I was 8 and got my motorcycle license before I got my driver's license. Cheers and thanks again.

[Crazy Miles]

I hear ya,  It's a tuff pill to swallow, (no more riding) I'm still choking on that pill!   

[Tony C.]

There are options available to continue riding. It's just that they may not be attractive to some. My time hasn't come yet, but I have been thinking about future options.

CAM-AM Spyders are popular for those who are no long comfortable on 2 wheels. They're not cheap, but more accessible as a used vehicle. Folks seem to either love them or hate them. Same with a trike. I would probably choose a Spyder over a trike because I think they're safer. Also converting my GW to a trike is not a good financial decision. I thought about maybe a side car when the time comes? That's gotta be less expensive than converting to a trike, right? I haven't searched the internet about potential side cars. Then if I pull the trigger, I've got to take a class on how to ride it. I don't know. It could be fun? I'd have to talk to Dan-Bury in CT. He's the only side-car rider that I know.

Many years ago there was an older guy who occasionally came to Wednesday Bike Night at Captain Bob's on a Suzuki 650 Burgman. It was really nice and easy to ride: light, low seat height, no need to shift, and it had enough power for highway riding. The guy loved it. Suzuki does not make the 650 Burgman any more. The only scooter Suzuki sells now is a 400 Burgman at an MRSP of ~ $9,000. I don't think I'd want to ride that on the highway. Honda doesn't offer any scooters even close to 400 cc.

In the March 2024 we were in Key West and saw a guy and his passenger on a big BMW scooter. It was slick looking. I wish I took a picture of it. It had plenty of room for the rider and passenger and probably enough power to ride the highway. Much better than the piece of crap scooters for rental in Key West. We had a golf cart make a left turn in front of us on the main drag in Key West. We barely missed hitting them because the brakes were crap on our rental scooter. 



I just checked BMWs web site and didn't see any scooters other than electric scooters geared to the urban environment. I would not consider these an option.

So sometime in the future we'll make a decision on what to ride or to ride at all. We'll see. 

Stay Safe guys.

[Hook#3287]

I certainly do not need another bike, but if I was looking, yours is very nice looking and has much unattainable on her.

Your decision I'll be making in the future also, just hope it's awhile down the road.

Good luck 👍

[Barnstormer]

I also sold what I thought was my last Valkyrie due to hand surgery.  I have a Can Am Spyder and really enjoy it.  Just got back from a camping trip with it towing my Mini Mate camper with my lightweight canoe on top.  I missed 2 wheels so I got a Honda CB 500X which is light enough for my 79 year old body to handle.  It gets 70 + MPG and I seem to be riding it more than the Spyder these days.

[DragonRdr]

Thanks again everyone, I am considering other options. A smaller lighter bike or a CanAm maybe something I will look into. I still have my old 94 Goldwing. As a matter of fact I took her out for a short ride to get a haircut on Friday. When I bought the Valkyrie I just had to keep her. So I would take her out a few times a year for a short ride. The Goldwing was my dream bike many years ago, and I just couldn't let her go. She still runs great.





Again thanks for all the support and suggestions.

Cheers