If you were downsizing what would you ride?

[doubleminded]

My wife never rides with me.I bought armrests, ride slow, she  doesnt ride with me.I owned an 800 boulevard before the valk,nice bike but sounded like it was going 90 when it was going 60.If I downsized probably would be a vtwin,but my most favorite bike was a 1980 suzuki gs 1000.But old bikes always come up with new problems.Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.My bike is a jade and black 98 tourer.Beautiful bike.  I thought about just taking the armrests off and calling it done, but sometimes I do get tired of the size of the bike.

[Gear Jammer]

Keep her, and learn to love her     Divorce is probably not the answer 

[jimnvalk]

My wife never rides with me.I bought armrests, ride slow, she  doesnt ride with me.I owned an 800 boulevard before the valk,nice bike but sounded like it was going 90 when it was going 60.If I downsized probably would be a vtwin,but my most favorite bike was a 1980 suzuki gs 1000.But old bikes always come up with new problems.Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.My bike is a jade and black 98 tourer.Beautiful bike.  I thought about just taking the armrests off and calling it done, but sometimes I do get tired of the size of the bike.

I moved up from a magna, i rode that bike everywhere.  they are dependable and ride really well.

[Red Diamond]

Keep her, and learn to love her     Divorce is probably not the answer 

Amen Brother.

[BuzzKill]

For myself, I would probably choose a 1300 or 1800 VTX.  They don't sell them new anymore I don't think, so you would eventually have the problem of parts and service like we do now on the Valks, but there was alot more VTX's sold, so it would be a while.

[Valker]

This is the one I'm going to add to the garage next. It'll give me something that I can ride really cheap ($6899 new and 70-75mpg on this 700) when I'm tinkering with the Valk.
2012 NEW Honda NC 700 X Crossover first photos compilation

[YoungPUP]

Would go ST1300 if I had to downsize, but realistically I can't. I already look like a monkey F@#$ing a football on the Valk. Couldn't go any smaller if I wanted to.

[us385south]

I have been giving this some thought as my third bike...

http://www.brammo.com/empulse/

[Paxton]

doubleminded;
I am now 62.6932 years old. When I ride the Valkyrie, after 150 miles, the  arthritis gets my hip-bone screaming!  
Stopping to rest does not help.  

My first CONSIDERATION is the VTX1800-RETRO: more power; less "bulk."
She' has "better brakes" and she's fuel injected... no carburetors to sync. Can eat Harleys for lunch.  

The wife won't ride the Valk either...  but hops on the VTX at every opportunity!  

"MADAM X" PHOTOS:    https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/2002VTX1800R2?authkey=Gv1sRgCPazrp7819W4Ig#

As for Bling, there are more choices than for the Valk. After looking up the above photo link, don't ask me how I know that.  

To me, she does not feel top-heavy; at least not like  the Valk...  

Although slightly more powerful than the Dragon, because of her flatter lower-capacity tank" and the lower OEM seat height ,  
her center of gravity makes for easier handling.

She's 1-inch longer wheelbase than the Valk. She's way easier to maneuver. I guess that the upright V-TWIN helps in that concern too.

In the VTX I can go way further without any pain. IMHO, she's way nimbler in the twisters too.   By design, she gives greater MPG w/a lower-capacity tank...  

Every female in the family says she's prettier than the Valkyrie... I choose to remain silent!

My second choice would be a Suzuki M-109. A Black one... err the fastest one!

My third choice would be a VTX1300-RETRO. /*-

The VTX1300 is essentially a different engine but just as durable and reliable as the VTX1800 (1795cc). The 1300... she is not fuel-injected.
The engine does not "vibrate" as any respectable V-Twin like the 1800 should.!

NOTE: VTX1800 "vibration" is FAR LESS than that of other V-Twins, like Harley. Indeed, by comparison... there is really none.

The 1300 is lighter than the 1800. She's just as beautiful. She's better for tinkering when the time comes.  I still prefer the awesome power of the VTX1800.  

LAST WORD:
In spite of the pain from riding the Valk, "She Dragon" will be my last motorcycle. Indeed, If I traded my VTX, it would be for another Valkyrie...
preferably a two tone color Tourer or standard.  

Anyone out there wants to "Downsize?"  

[lucky_1_chris]

For myself, I would probably choose a 1300 or 1800 VTX.  They don't sell them new anymore I don't think, so you would eventually have the problem of parts and service like we do now on the Valks, but there was alot more VTX's sold, so it would be a while.

I would go back to a VTX, too. Prolly an 18 instead of a 13 if I did. For the time being parts are easy to get and relatively cheap, and there is still a huge selection of aftermarket parts. The new Honda cruisers are using the VTX 1300 engine, so at least those parts will be available for a long time to come. There are still many brand new 1300's around, and new 1800's pop up every once in a while. Both models are nearly bullet proof pretty easy to work on...the 13's, especially.

[mario]

I have been giving this some thought as my third bike...

http://www.brammo.com/empulse/

travis you'd get your bib overall pantleg caught in the chain.   

[PhredValk]

Probably an ST1300. Good power, looks comfy and HUGE fuel mileage boost. I don't know if there's a darkside tire for it, but...
Fred.

[doubleminded]

Thanks for replies.I do believe it will be the vtx 1300.Iloved the power of the 1800 but its just as heavy as the valkyrie.I hope when I sell my bike it goes to a valkyrie lover.They are amazing bikes.

[Jess from VA]

[mario]

+1

[us385south]

I have been giving this some thought as my third bike...

http://www.brammo.com/empulse/

travis you'd get your bib overall pantleg caught in the chain.   

Miss Mary,

It's belt driven... but hey... that's what rubber bands are for!

[SideCar]

If you're downsizing and want to stay with cruisers, I recommend you look at the STAR v-twins.  If you want something that's about the same size, but handles like a smaller bike, check out the STAR Stratoliner and the Suzuki 109 (lots of power and handle well) and the VTX 1800.  Personally, I don't care for the VTX 1300 at all.

[Tx Bohemian]

...my most favorite bike was a 1980 suzuki gs 1000.

Isn't this the first bike that had the TSCC (twin swirl combustion chamber) technology?

It was a screamer!!

[mario]

I have been giving this some thought as my third bike...

http://www.brammo.com/empulse/

travis you'd get your bib overall pantleg caught in the chain.  

Miss Mary,

It's belt driven... but hey... that's what rubber bands are for!

LOL!  i thought i saw a chain in the pic.  but yeah, a rubber band will work.

[tonyfan70]

...my most favorite bike was a 1980 suzuki gs 1000.

Isn't this the first bike that had the TSCC (twin swirl combustion chamber) technology?

It was a screamer!!

I don't know about that one, but my 81 GS750L had TSCC.

[us385south]

I have been giving this some thought as my third bike...

http://www.brammo.com/empulse/

travis you'd get your bib overall pantleg caught in the chain.  

Miss Mary,

It's belt driven... but hey... that's what rubber bands are for!

LOL!  i thought i saw a chain in the pic.  but yeah, a rubber band will work.

Dontcha' be Laughing Out Loud at me... I have actually asked the wife to sew velcro tabs on the pant leg bottoms more than once...

[doubleminded]

...my most favorite bike was a 1980 suzuki gs 1000.

Isn't this the first bike that had the TSCC (twin swirl combustion chamber) technology?

It was a screamer!!

yes it was. only 2 valves per cylinder, butdual overhead cams,4 carburetors,90 hp,weighed about 550.really fast.My wife and i rebuilt the topend of it ,lots of learning, but a well designed motor.

[Paxton]

doubleminded;
I don't know whether you have driven all the bikes that have been presented. ??? I'll guess that you have. 
Nevertheless, I would suggest that you find them all at a dealer or on CL and get their 2 up feel...

Test drive them all with the wife's participation (two-up).  I bet a cup of coffee that she'd like that!
Getting her to choose-along makes her an accessory to the 2 up commitment.

At any rate, when she decides on a VTX1800, PM me for a trade... 
How far are you folks? 

[salty1]

It's a simple decision, solo your beautiful Valk. I prefer riding my Valk over my VTX's. My VTX's are real eye candy but performance isn't as good as the Valk.  My CB 1000 is a close second as a fun ride, but not for the long haul. If weight or balance are issues, try a Can Am Spider or trike your Valk.   

[doubleminded]

I will walk or ride a horse before i would trike my valkyrie.It would be like putting training wheels on.I will never do that.I have ridden and or owned almost every bike thereis or that anyone here has ridden.I never owned a bmw or triumph.the rocket 3 is too big.if i were to get a triump it would be a bonneville and just for me.The vtx 1800 is too heavy as is the vulcan 2000.I really liked my first vulcan, but it was too slow.I think the meanstreak is a good improvement from the standard vulcan, dont know how available they are.All sport tourers are too feet back for me.i have to have forward controls.My valkyrie doesnt  have them, so I have some makeshift highway pegs that barely fit the bill.I owned a royal star tour deluxe, 2 ventures,sportster, ultra classic, 2 goldwings,one vulcan 800, 2 shadows,bandit 600, and about 7 others but no one bike has everything I want. I am not like some guys that own 6 bikes.too much insurance payment for that.I appreciate the input though. I guess I will just keep riding the valkyrie at least for now.cars and trucks just aint where its at for me.harley twin cams are some of the worst engines harley ever made.The v rod is a sweet engine but harley guys dont recognize them as true harleys.I like the low pipe one on each side like a valkyrie,road king, bonneville and others.2 pipes on one side just dont look right in my mind's eye.I am too ver bose.

[Disco]

There is a lot of good input here, but, to me, Gear Jammer, Red Diamond, and salty1 nailed it. 

If you want your wife to ride with you, she has to be the one to choose the bike and it sounds like she hasn't chosen the Valkyrie.  If you don't want or don't care if she rides with you and still want the Valkyrie, there are lots of considerations, but it sounds like some forward controls will make a big difference for you.  There are also lots of considerations if you don't really want to keep the Valkyrie, but you already know that.  Until I go dual sport, for me and the variety of riding I like to do, any downsizing would almost definitely be downgrading - especially in the area of "cool factor".  The Valkyrie may not be the best at any one thing, but it does lots of things well.

[BnB Tom]

           

[doubleminded]

There is a lot of good input here, but, to me, Gear Jammer, Red Diamond, and salty1 nailed it. 

If you want your wife to ride with you, she has to be the one to choose the bike and it sounds like she hasn't chosen the Valkyrie.  If you don't want or don't care if she rides with you and still want the Valkyrie, there are lots of considerations, but it sounds like some forward controls will make a big difference for you.  There are also lots of considerations if you don't really want to keep the Valkyrie, but you already know that.  Until I go dual sport, for me and the variety of riding I like to do, any downsizing would almost definitely be downgrading - especially in the area of "cool factor".  The Valkyrie may not be the best at any one thing, but it does lots of things well.

I agree with you.She loves the 1800 goldwing.I hate all the plastic.So I will ride the valkyrie and ride alone.You guys have good input and insight.

[Gear Jammer]

I agree with you.She loves the 1800 goldwing.I hate all the plastic.So I will ride the valkyrie and ride alone.You guys have good input and insight.

You could trade the,,,  never mind  

[RainMaker]

There is a lot of good input here, but, to me, Gear Jammer, Red Diamond, and salty1 nailed it.  

If you want your wife to ride with you, she has to be the one to choose the bike and it sounds like she hasn't chosen the Valkyrie.  If you don't want or don't care if she rides with you and still want the Valkyrie, there are lots of considerations, but it sounds like some forward controls will make a big difference for you.  There are also lots of considerations if you don't really want to keep the Valkyrie, but you already know that.  Until I go dual sport, for me and the variety of riding I like to do, any downsizing would almost definitely be downgrading - especially in the area of "cool factor".  The Valkyrie may not be the best at any one thing, but it does lots of things well.

I agree with you.She loves the 1800 goldwing.I hate all the plastic.So I will ride the valkyrie and ride alone.You guys have good input and insight.

Lots of people with Valkyries also have the gOldwing "couch rocket" in their garage.   When I get really old, I plan to ride one.

[lucky_1_chris]

Thanks for replies.I do believe it will be the vtx 1300.Iloved the power of the 1800 but its just as heavy as the valkyrie.I hope when I sell my bike it goes to a valkyrie lover.They are amazing bikes.

I think you'll love the 1300.

[HayHauler]

"Lots of people with Valkyries also have the gOldwing "couch rocket" in their garage.   When I get really old, I plan to ride one."

Hay, I resemble that remark.  Like I say, "it's only an Oldwing if you ride it like one".

Hay
Jimmyt

[Wabbit]

Other folks nailed it: if you want your wife to ride with you, she has to have input into the bike selection process.

Ok...  Now that *that's* out of the way .

My '07 VTX 1300 has a carburetor.  Not sure about later years before they were discontinued.  The fuel-injected version of that engine is still being used in current Honda cruiser offerings.  Dunno if it matters, since most of us have gotten used to the idea of premium fuel being required, but my 1300 is designed to run on regular and gets 45 mpg on the highway.  That being said, it *sure* could use a sixth gear.  If the "authentic V-twin sound" is a consideration, the 1300 has a single-pin crank, whereas the 1800 has an offset crank: you'll hear the difference with an aftermarket exhaust system, and you'll want to go with the 1300.  If you're serious about passenger comfort, you'll have to change out the stock seat and add a nice, tall backrest.  The footpegs are adequate, but passenger floorboards might help seal the deal.

Don't even want to get into the whole air-cooled vs. water-cooled argument, but I sure do love the way the basic Victory Vegas model fits my short legs and arms.  Kinda pricey, but less expensive than a comparable H-D.  Reckon it depends on where one lives, but given severe stop-and-go traffic with temperatures over 100 degrees during the summer months, I can't use anything with an air-cooled engine as a daily commuter vehicle, so the Victory is a nice-to-have "toy" as far as my purchasing priorities.

If you're flirting with "living room" cruisers (not likely, since you asked about *downsizing*, yes?), stay away from the full-dress Victory touring model.  I've never encountered a more top-heavy cruiser in my life, and I say that having tried recent full-dress H-D cruisers on for size.  As far as Goldwings, they feel smaller than they are, and every one I've tried feels less top-heavy than the non-Rune Valks I've sampled.  Foot position seems to vary from year to year: some models feel extremely cramped to me, even just sitting on them in the showroom, and that's with a 30" inseam.  Other years, no problem.  Yes.  I'm confused, and I'll probably end up with one someday .

As far as the gOldwing remark, I *know* there's a YouTube video out there of some lunatic pulling a Goldwing up into a wheelie and holding it there while traveling across the equivalent of a large parking lot.  Sure do love Honda's six .

[doubleminded]

Thanks wabbit and others.That orange is a great color, but I would get tired of it probably.The vtx 1300 has 56 hp, but thats enough for solo riders.I talked to my wife, she says "you aint buying another motorcycle". That sounds pretty terminal.So I guess i will look into BBT forward controls, they make a new version for 30 inch inseams like mine.I love the sound of the single crankpin.My perfect weight for a motorcycle is 600 pounds.The valk is 100 pounds over that.Once going over 2 miles an hour you dont notice it.So, I guess keep the valkyrie it is.Here is what I want to do someday.I dont know which bike i would use, but I would like to build/customize a bike as follows: 70/s dragster style bike,but not  a real drag bike, I want to ride it every day.I think the meanstreak might be the best starting platform.Put black drag bars on it, 2 into 1 vance and hines blacked out pipes,either paint it fire engine red or corvette yellow.Put crossed flags emblem on the top of the tank reminiscent of vettes.one flag would be checkered, one would be the texas flag.Where the sidecovers are that hides the water reservoir and electrics have someone weld up and they already exist for that matter as auxiliary gas tanks, what would look like a moon tank like the moon tank gas tanks on the old rail dragsters.Put mooneyes decals on the tank.Blacked out mags.Spiked handlebar grips,blacked out flyscreen,blacked out mirrors and foot controls, take off the passenger pegs of course.I suppose you could take a valkyrie standard and do the same thing.

[Dozer]

My wife never rides with me.I bought armrests, ride slow, she  doesnt ride with me.I owned an 800 boulevard before the valk,nice bike but sounded like it was going 90 when it was going 60.If I downsized probably would be a vtwin,but my most favorite bike was a 1980 suzuki gs 1000.But old bikes always come up with new problems.Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.My bike is a jade and black 98 tourer.Beautiful bike.  I thought about just taking the armrests off and calling it done, but sometimes I do get tired of the size of the bike.

Are you adventurous? I have been looking at these for sometime now but I dont know about parts or reliability
http://www.imz-ural.com/solo.aspl
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/

[mario]

i just picked up a '00 honda 1100 ace tourer from someone many of you know.   

[Dozer]

i just picked up a '00 honda 1100 ace tourer from someone many of you know.   

Hummm.... I happen to have a brand new exh system from Roadhouse should you want to do something with the pipes on the Ace

[doubleminded]

My wife never rides with me.I bought armrests, ride slow, she  doesnt ride with me.I owned an 800 boulevard before the valk,nice bike but sounded like it was going 90 when it was going 60.If I downsized probably would be a vtwin,but my most favorite bike was a 1980 suzuki gs 1000.But old bikes always come up with new problems.Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.My bike is a jade and black 98 tourer.Beautiful bike.  I thought about just taking the armrests off and calling it done, but sometimes I do get tired of the size of the bike.

Are you adventurous? I have been looking at these for sometime now but I dont know about parts or reliability
http://www.imz-ural.com/solo.aspl
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/

That Ural is really cool.Looks just like a bmw engine.

[Dozer]

Double M...My Dr recommended those two. Hes a motorhead and biker too. imagine that....his perscription reads: take two motorcycles and call me in a week! 

[RainMaker]

I think I'd go for the Enfield 500 classic.  A 500cc single thumper!