Why did you buy a Valkyrie? (long)

[Momz]

Were you a former GW owner? Did you buy it because you couldn't get a Harley? Did you buy a Valk because of friend told you about his? Did you buy it because you thought it was comfortable and the price was right?

OK, my reasons may be similar to others in this club,...or not. I never liked metric "cruisers"; I tought they were "poser" bikes (HD wanabee bikes). In all my years of riding and riding mishaps, I rode several small Euro brands, 350 Hondas, 650 and 750 Triumphs, BSAs, and Nortons. I also had an old "Iron Head" Sportster, and I rode a few hardtail choppers.

I always seemed to have a Honda  750 or 550 nearby, along with an occasional Suzuki two stroke triple.
But it wasn't until I bought a Honda DOHC 750F that I truely had motorcycle that was something that I felt comfortable riding virtually anywhere, at any time. As a fatter of fact for a period of about nine months, I did not have a car. And that alone is pretty crazy living in Michigan. I rode 25K miles on that bike in my first year of ownership. I rode it to college, work, to my girlfreinds place, and every else. (I did put 35K on a BSA in one season, but I did not have a job or any responsibilities and my girl friend could supply me with gas and repair money).

I spent virtually every weekend riding after I got married and many days I also commuted to work also.
I got involved with the AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION and eventually was elected to MI's District 14 board of directors. As an AMA representative I reached out to ABATE of MI and always seemed to be the "odd man out" with my 750F. But of course I didn't give a crap if all my ABATE brothers rode HD's,...I could dish out as much friendly harassment as they could.

When my daughter was born I  wanted to build a sidehack unit and bought a GL1100 standard with every intention of finding a Michigan made "Ride-by-Side" sidecar. We could all get out and enjoy my passion as a family.

But Honda threw a wrench into all my plans,....yeah they introduced the Valkyrie!

I could never be convinced it was "just a cruiser". No V-twin motor, inverted forks, ground clearance, torque and HP, no pretense of any thing resembling a HD. No ridculously small fuel tank, no spoke wheels, radial tires, and a three year transferable warranty. I just could not afford to buy one,...mortage, new car and truck, wife and I had just changed jobs, and......we owed the IRS big money.

In 2003 my wife said she was so tired of me talking about Valkyries, staring at them on the streets, collecting magazine articles and brochures, etc. So when I got back from BIKE WEEK she said "go ahead find a good one". I looked at four Interstates that day and bought the first one I went to see. It was loaded with rear speakers, CB, Baker Air Wings, Hondaline lower fork defelectors, a five year extended warranty, etc.  

I now have three,...I'm sort of an addict. But realisticly my last Valk is a rescue and a project to build a valk that suits my disabilities and my sense of style while being a non-ulitilarian mode of transporation. That is it has no pretense of any long rides, just urban adventures.

And lets face it riding is an adventure were ever you go, to the corner store or up tha Alcan Highway.

I'd like to see your reasons why we are the rabid group that we are.

[Jabba]

I thought I wanted a 1500 Vulcan Nomad.  That's what I was looking for when I started researching a newer bike in 2003.  I saw a Valk on the internet, and remembered seeing one years ago, and thinking... "Wow... that thing is cool!"

After some research, I decided I wanted a Valk and NOT a Nomad. 

I went on a demo day ride on a VTX 1800 in about May of 2003.  Had it for about 80 miles.  Picked up the wife... and it was... OK.  The dealer knew I really was interested in a Valk, and had a BRAND new 2003 one prepped for me at the dealer when I got back.  2 miles on it.  I got off the VTX and onto the Valk, and didn't make it out of the parking lot before I KNEW, that was the bike for me. 

I was doing the paperwork to buy THAT one for about $13K, when I found my 2002 Standard in Blue and White on EBay for buy it now of $9200.  With a Memphis windshield, and 2765 miles.  I bought it 10 minutes after he posted the add.  Drove to Green Bay with a trailer, and brought her home. 

I rode that bike about 50 miles before it felt like I had been riding it ALL my life.  It just FITS. I love the pwer, the smooth, the reliability, the look and the not seeing one at every corner.

I can't imagine trading it for ANY other bike out there right now.

Jabba

[hubcapsc]

"Wow... that thing is cool!"

Yeah. That's why I got one too. 

-Mike

Edit: I've stayed home from work this morning, the HVAC guys have come over to
figure out what the deal is (have to replace downstairs compressor unit)... they wouldn't
leave without me starting the Valkyrie.

-Mike "why would you NOT buy a Valkyrie?"

[olddog1946]

Over the years I had a few bikes, starting with a suzuki X6 hutler, a GT380,  Kawasaki Z1 dresser, Kz440 (in germany), then a suzuki GS650 G and an 80 goldwing. The GS650 was my favorite and I loved the smoothness of the wing..I had sold my bikes, no riding for 20 yrs, then my neighbor got himself a 97 Valk std. I just loved the look of that bike but alas, I'd just lost 130K in a bad business situation and couldn't afford one, even if it had been available..I did find a vulcan 1500 that was a good looking and running bike for $1500..I bought that, put 3000 miles on it in 30 days..I was a biker again, lol...then I found an 01 Valk standard for sale within 80 miles of me and he was willing to trade..I had an 84 corvette that I absolutely hated to drive and offered it up..values were about the same, and with a little persuasion (his wifes) we did the deal.  Boy did I do good, I've put over 22K on it since Nov 2010, Although I see another one every day, the neighbor's is the only one I usually see, unless I go visit with the few Valk owners around. I love being different, having a fine attention getting bike and off course slapping my butt in the saddle and hitting the road.

[BF]

Why?  Because I hadn't owned a bike in years and years......and after surviving kidney cancer, I wanted to feel the wind in my face again before I died.  

Why specifically a Valk?  When they first came out, I thought them totally badassed.....and different.  I like different.  

When I finally went shopping for a bike after the kidney scar healed, I looked at Harleys.  They didn't fit me....all too small (and our local dealer is a jerk).  Went to the Kawa shop.  The Vulcan fit, but it didn't talk to me.  Went the to the Triumph dealer in Pensacola.  Interesting, but not my cup of tea.  Went to the Honda/Yamaha dealer.  Saw an 1800 VTX.  IT FIT ME.  I liked it alot.....but wasn't really all that thrilled with the v-twin.  

Went and looked at a few used Valks.....THEY FIT ME.....and they were different, still looked like a motorcycle......and way cool.  Found one for cheap that I liked that could get me in the wind again for not all that many bucks.  Transformed it into the bike I really want.  I'm happy now.  I have a beautiful bike that draws attention everywhere I go that's unique and not like every other bike out there.....and I'm in the wind again.  

That's why the Valk.  

[cookiedough]

Jabba summed it up nicely for me as well.  It just fits!

I had no inclination of buying a Valkyrie when I started looking again 5 years ago and was actually looking at the VTX1800  which did NOT fit me well.  By luck, went to the closest Honda dealer no longer in business and saw a dust covered, filthy, rough running, barely used, sitting in a barn for a few years, 2001 Valk I/S with only 14K miles.  I took it for a spin by myself and told dealer to clean it up some since it was filthy.  Took the wife back with me, looked it over, and took her for a ride on it.  Went back home, discussed with the misses, and she actually convinced me on buying it since I was undecided seeing as how it was sitting a few years and upkeep was questionable even with such low mileage.  If it wasn't for her, I probably would've passed on it but glad now I didn't.  She is by far my better half with better judgment than me for sure!  

[flsix]

Had always wanted a VALK while I had a VTX 1300S. The X was a great ride and I put about 37k on it. A trip to a gun show was the trigger that set the wheels in motion to be at the right place at the right time and find the 99 I/S I'm on now. I love this bike. There's not enough ooooo in smooth to describe the difference between the VALK and a V twin.
Wish the weather was more conducive to riding in SW Fl. this time of year. I'm needing to get some air in my hair, whats left of it. Seems to rain every afternoon in the summer down here.

[doubletee]

I had an '82 (I think) VF750 Magna. The Mrs. and I were out for a short ride and stopped by a nearby Honda dealer. I had never heard of a Valkyrie, but they had a used one on the floor. I asked about it, threw a leg over it, and knew right then I would eventually have one. Fast forward about 3 years to 2003 and I found my fat lady. The rest, as they say, is history.

[Rams]

It started with that darn commerical, you know the one:  "The Most Powerful Motorcycle produced on the Planet".  We all know you remember it, don't make me go dig up a link.  At the time I was riding a KZ1000, not exactly a sloucher's ride.

Then I went and test rode one, I was hooked.  Yep, Jabba is right, it fits.  Took me several years to get one and when I was finally able to, I was being kind of picky.  Some folks like the Interstate and I'm not gonna knock it, it just wasn't what I wanted.  Liked the Tourers and Standards.  Found the one I wanted down in FL, bought it and had it shipped to me.  (Simply didn't have the time to go get it.)  I've had it several years now and absolutely love it.  Been thinking about getting another that I can trike out, the spousal unit isn't comfortable on two wheels and says three might get it for her.  Regardless, that's my story and I'm stick'n to it.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I fell in love at 1st site of her.......

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,14733.msg123499.html#msg123499

[Oss]

Jabba  I was also looking at the Nomad and even rode one at Americade
and the 1500 classic and 1600 while I still had the 750 Kaw Vulcan

But then a Valkyrie pulled up next to me and that was it

Like when I first saw my wife, that was it.............

Anyway my wife saw the pic when I got home and said go for it so I did

Unfortunately the 1st black interstate was too fast so I now have the majestic black and pearl beige one   Stock exhaust but would not mind either the MarkT with crossovers or truck stacks

Almost 79000 miles now and could not imagine a more comfortable way to travel by motorcycle with its power and ability to generate smiles and attention

The police bike is my commuter because I cant bear the thought of blowing fork seals every few years and it squeezes thru stopped traffic so easily. But if I commuted on smooth pothole free roads the Valk would be at 100k by now

[RainMaker]

My story is similar to many.  Had an '81 gOldwing I/S, wanted something newer in 2000.  Looked at the new gOldwing but too much plastic - it didn't look like my '81 at all.  Then looked seriously at the Kawasaki Vulcan.  Read reviews on the Valkyrie and liked what I read.  Looked at the dealers and the Valk looked like my '81!  I was sold.  Bought my I/S new and still get the thrill riding it today.

[Mallett]

I was on vacation a few months back with my wife down in Apalachicola Florida. I walked out of the Inn we were staying at one afternoon & saw my first Valk....it was love at first sight When I got home I started looking on Ebay. I found me one up in Connecticut, 1999  tourer..I flew up & rode her back to Mississippi...Oh, what a ride I'm a former Harley owner....but will never go back...My Gurl is fat & Black & I love her

[Jabba]

Ya'll know I have both a 2002 Standard and a 1999 IS.  Don't get me wrong... I like the IS... but for SMILES... I'll take the Standard EVERY time and twice on Sunday.  Solo, naked, no shield, in the wind.  9 years into our relationship, I still say to myself EVERYDAY... "Self, THAT is an awful nice bike you got there!" and I grin till it hurts.  

I have converted 3 guys to Valks THIS year.  One is totally on board.  The other two have not ridden enough to know what they have I don't think.

I know what I have...  

Jabba

[Mallett]

Sure wish I knew how to post a pic of my gurl...can't figure it out

[Jabba]

Sure wish I knew how to post a pic of my gurl...can't figure it out :'(

Use photobucket.

Upload your photo. Use the IMG code listed under the photo you want to post...

simply copy and paste it into your post.



See your PM. 

Jabba

[Squealy]

I have converted 3 guys to Valks THIS year.  One is totally on board.  

Yes I am....


and I started riding on Jabba's hand-me-down '81 CB900C.  That was June of '03.  The July of 03 Jabba and I rode to Marysville for the 1000 Valk March and Honda Homecoming.  That's when I fell in love with the "fat girls".  

Not to long after that Jabba and I switched rides for a few mile while out one day.  I rode his Valk for a few miles and when we stopped I got off and said that "I didn't want to ride again"

Jabba asked me, "Why? you scared of it?"

I said "NO!, I want one and cant afford one now"

I replaced the 900 with an '04 1100 Sabre.

Last summer I borrowed Jabba IS and I took the wife for ride.  I think that finally convinced her.  

This spring I sold my Sabre and bought a '99 Tourer.  I'm as happy as can be on it.  It fits me, I'm more confidant on it that any of otherr bike I've owned.  and it NOT A HARLEY.

[Patrick]

This is kinda long and I've said it before.. Years ago during the Japanese invasion I said I would never own a 'Jap' bike.. Well,, I never did until 1998.. I started with home-mades, Bultaco, Ducati, BSA, Norton, Royal Enfield, Triumph and even a Harley or 2.. They didn't last long though,, then pretty much stuck with BMW for many years.. On to the Valk.. Another couple and JoAnn and I were in Lake Placid for a few days.. A herd of Goldwings went 'swishing' past so I didn't take much notice until the wild looking thing that was bringing up the rear went by.. It was some black/chrome crazy looking thing.. So I started running after it,, I'm no longer built for running.. By the time I reached the municipal parking lot where they had stopped,, I was near having a major coronary and they were gone..  But that black/chrome thing did it for me,, I had to have one.. So, when home I started looking for one and the BMW went away.. I doubt I will ever sell it and I just keep collecting spare parts that I'll probably never need..
I made my nephew a mini-bike when he was 11 and he is now a crew chief for Kawasaki.. I can't keep up with him thru the twisties and he is even getting too old for such shenanigans,, but,, at this point I don't care.. I just cruise around the turns in comfort..

[Chrisj CMA]

I didnt buy one to impress women

Not to have the coolest bike at bike nites.....didnt even know about bike nites when I bought it

Wasnt concerned with having a bigger motor

I just fell in love with the first one I saw.........waited till my kids left the house........bought the best one I could find.....it had to be a first year color (red/white or bumble bee)

and guess what....

My bike impresses women (and men) everywhere I go...this still amazes me

I usually have the coolest bike at bike night....even expensive custom Harleys dont get the took time my Valk does

Its not the biggest motor on the street anymore, but it sure looks like it.....I get a kick out answering the  "how BIG is that motor"  I say its only a 1500.  I especially had to hold a laugh back when these two guys checking out the valkyrie walked away saying thats a Boss Hog, can you believe weve been looking at 25,000 dollars......LOLOLOL






I have no Bike envy EVER

But I would like to ride big block Boss Hoss for a weekend    just because

[Mallett]

I think I've got it now...

MY Gurl!!!



On the Mississippi River ...on the Louisiana side looking across to Natchez, Ms.

[lappdoggy]

My club had been a sport bike club. In the space of a year they all switched to crusiers, VTX1800's M109's and a Harley Springer in the mix as well. They claimed the sportbikes were hurting their backs but it was really waist lines causing the discomfort. I stuck with my CBR1100xx I had not seen a cruiser that appealed to me. I also had a 76 & 81 Goldwing which I rode with them but it was a struggle to keep pace.

I went into the Honda dealer in Winston-Salem and saw a black 99 IS and it was love at first sight. You know the dealer types, they wanted almost 10K and would not negotiate. Two weeks later I bought the identical bike off craigslist up in Roanoke VA. Paid 5600 and this one has a back rest and trailer hitch. My only regret is not getting one sooner. They guys in my club will not ride it saying it's too big for them. Love the look, the big A** motor and the speed!

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I think I've got it now...

MY Gurl!!!



On the Mississippi River ...on the Louisiana side looking across to Natchez, Ms.

Doing Natchez Trace inOctober probably. Would love to get a shot of my bike there. Directions ???? 

[Mallett]

Thought I'd add a few more pics of my gurl....

[Mallett]

I think I've got it now...

MY Gurl!!!



On the Mississippi River ...on the Louisiana side looking across to Natchez, Ms.

Doing Natchez Trace inOctober probably. Would love to get a shot of my bike there. Directions ???? 

Dave, good luck on doing the Trace...gotta do the speed limit on it...my gurl can't do that
I took this pic at Vidalia, La levy....just across the bridge from Natchez....

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Thanks  I'll try to avoid the Popo

[hubcapsc]

Doing Natchez Trace in October probably. Would love to get a shot of my bike there. Directions ?

There's only one bridge over the Mississippi at Natchez... I remember seeing it, so it is easy to find...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

-Mike

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Doing Natchez Trace in October probably. Would love to get a shot of my bike there. Directions ?

There's only one bridge over the Mississippi at Natchez... I remember seeing it, so it is easy to find...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

-Mike

Thanks Mike 

[hubcapsc]

Doing Natchez Trace in October probably. Would love to get a shot of my bike there. Directions ?

There's only one bridge over the Mississippi at Natchez... I remember seeing it, so it is easy to find...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

-Mike

Thanks Mike 

Oops... I thought I tested that link... anywho... there's only one bridge... 

-Mike

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Doing Natchez Trace in October probably. Would love to get a shot of my bike there. Directions ?

There's only one bridge over the Mississippi at Natchez... I remember seeing it, so it is easy to find...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

-Mike

Thanks Mike 

Oops... I thought I tested that link... anywho... there's only one bridge... 

-Mike

I found it finally, No worries.

[Momz]

Jabba

I absolutley love your blue and white Valk; it is a beautiful combo.


If you ever feel the need to donate that bike to a good cause: remember the Momz Valkyrie Orphanage is always willing to adopt a nice Valk. I guarantee that it will go to a good home.

[flcjr]

I had wanted one since I saw that comercial when they first came out. I couldn't afford one and had been drooling at my friends brand new one ever since. A few years ago timing was right to upgrade bikes. Never considered a valk just figured I would never find one. So I went looking for a wing. Never found the one and stumbled on this tourer on craigslist bought the next day. 

[old2soon]

Can't recall the exact timeline but i rode my brothers(da prez)Valkyrie and my very first thought was-the front end on this damn thing aint much shorter than the extended hood Peterbilt i was driving at the time. Fast forward to June 30 th 2010. I took a severe a$$ whipping on my 401 K but it's only money and tou can't take it with you when you die.  Found an ad in our local trade/sale paper for a 1999 Valkyrie I/S. Prior to this i had test rode anything i could over 1200cc. Sullivan Mo. is a tad over 100 miles from me and the ex and i found the car dealership that had the Valkyrie. Less than a mile into my test ride(yeah right)she said to me-you belong to me now -itch.  And truth to tell-it's all been good. So here it is 2 years and approx 5 weeks later and i still get chills just thinkin bout the next ride. When i go out to the freezer in the garage to get something she asks/demands to know WHEN are we gonna ride again.  After test riding the other pretenders i found the realest motorcycle it's been my good fortune to not only ride but also to own  or she owns me.  I love talking about her when i'm asked and i have a lot of Harley riders ask bout my phatt ghurl. We as a group are the lucky ones that not only own them-we gets to ride them. Don't get much better than that.  RIDE SAFE.

[Hoser]

Why did I buy a Valkyrie?  I rode one.  Hoser 

[tbone]

simple. They kick butt. oh and the wife told me too...lol. Had a wing and sold it. Went looking for another bike( thought about another wing) Brother-in-law had an I/S that I really liked. That was it
wife told me to get another bike or else. got on-line found one 150mi away and went a bought it. I have found a whole new riding experience with this group of people.  Great bike, great people, what more do you need.

[JohnD]

First bike was a 1958 Sears Allstate moped, then Honda super sport 50, Had Yamaha, Bultaco More Hondas a 175, a 125 twin engine on a Honda 90 frame that I built, Triumph, and then when I graduated High school worked two jobs, sold my favorite shotgun, sold my Honda and bought a brand new Harly sportser. MAJOR MISTAKE the biggest most expensive piece of #*it I ever owned and vowed I will never own a Harly again until they become modern (which there design is still ancient history). It is not a way of life to ride junk. Third bike I bought that was brand new was my Kaw Concours, what a dream, a truly outstanding motorcycle, especially long distance. When looking at the Kaw I first looked at the Honda ST1300, just didn't have the money and wanted brand new since my last new bike was the Harly back in 1974. Well there was a black Valk next to it on the floor. That was it, I knew that that would be my next bike and started saving for it and went out and bought the Concours knowing that I would buy the Valk in the future. Three years later I bought my 98 Blue and White Valk from a man in Michigan with about 8,000 miles on it, my Kaw already had 28,000 miles by then. By the way I paid 7500.00 for my used Valk in 04 which was 600.00 more than my Kawasaki Concours new with a Givi#52 trunk. My only regret is that I should of bought the Valk earlier. You only live once spoil yourself sometimes.

[R J]

I had a quad bypass, and the 1st Dr kind of screwed it up.    They had to do the 2nd entry to correct a few firk ups.

Prior to that I was in ICU, with a hose in my nose, another one in my mouth so as to feed me and hoses stuck in various other areas.

In my own head, I thought I was done for.  

Mom set beside the bed and read motorcycle books to me.    I had a HD setting in the garage at home.  It was a 84 full dresser, stock, just had pipes on it, not the real noisy ones either.

As she read to me, the word Valkyrie kept coming up.    I hadn't heard the name Honda as she read to me.   Only way I could communicate was hand signals or write it out.   Finally I got the notion in my head it was a Honda Valkyrie.    My son stopped up a couple of nights later, and I told him to take the HD out to the Honda shop and see how they will trade.

To make a long story short, I got released on the 29th day in there, weaker than a popcorn fart, but the next morning, I got up, and took a trip to the Honda shop on the Harley.

Asked how they would trade for that Green/Creme Valkyrie setting over there.  It had 3.6 miles on it.     Owner was in Lost Wages for a bike doings, vendor type stuff.    Would be back in 2 days.    Told bosses son to put the HD in his shop and as soon as Dad gets in town, have him make me an offer I can't refuse.

I walked out the door with a Green/Creme Valkyrie Tourer with an additional 3 years extended warranty straight across for my HD.   I haven't looked back, and don't have any intention of doing that.

MGM & the Chevy Trike will be in my family after I'm gone.    Daughter wants the Chevy, and son gets stuck with the Valkyrie.   I do believe they both are happy.  If the son is going somewhere of any distance he comes over and gets MGM as his butt can't stand the ostrich seat on his Chopper for a long ride.

[Russell Rice]

Just because

[eric in md]

my story about the valkyrie . i was a nascar fan #3  ironhead  the man earnhardt .. rip buddy . watched him get killed on sunday when the next day to get a bike my new hobby had to order it from honda 99 i/s new in crate feb 23 2001 been my life and love it since 110,000 smiles later   the rest is history ...

[Scoop171]

Grew up riding! Started off with a mini bike my Dad bought when I was a small fry. Then went to a Yamaha 80 dirt bike, from there a Yamaha 125 dirt bike (Broken toe), then a Yamaha 175 dirt bike, and finally a Kawasaki 900. After a number of years have gone by (20+) kids grew up. Time to ride again! Rode my brothers Goldwing really nice ride! But I've seen the Valkyries and new that was my next bike. Bought a 2001 I/S 7 years ago and still brings a grin from ear to ear.

[Romeo]

What a great thread George. It was really easy for me. I saw a black standard entering a freeway entrance one day, and I was smitten. I was, like a lot of you here, started with a cb350 when I was 16, had a cb 450", a Suzuki 500 Titan, a Suzuki 550 4 stroke, then a cb1000 custom. When it broke a timing chain, i found myself without a bike for the first time in over 30 years. I asked my wife if I could start to look. She gave me the ok, and a week later I found my Tourer. It's definitely a keeper. All through those years I never considered a bike from the Motor Company. They were just too expensive at first, and of course there was always the reliabilty issues. I always thought a Vtwin crap shaker just didn't make sense. When the metric cruisers all turned out to be v twins as well, I just thought, why? Then I saw that Valk and I knew right away, if I could handle it I was going to find one. Here's a pic, with her new trunk.