Considering a Valkyrie

[Daddie O]

Hello Everybody,

I am considering becoming the proud owner of a 1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard.  It does have the Honda Windshield, highway pegs, and Corbin Beetle Bags painted to match so I guess it's sort of a Tourer.  The bike has 18K miles, full tune-up and new tires within the last 2k miles.  I started out riding a Yamaha, then some Hondas (700 Sabre, GL1000, GL1100), and most recently a Harley Davidson Road King and CVO V-Rod.  I'm not one of the small minded group that is under the false belief that if it isn't a HD it must be junk.  I am very drawn to the Valkyrie's looks, as well as it's performance and reliability.  I like the idea of the comfort of a Road King with the power of a V-Rod and the reliability of a Goldwing.

My questions for you guy/gals are:  Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for problem wise when checking the bike out?  What would you think a fair/good price would be for the above mentioned machine in "excellent" condition?  Thanks in advance for your help!

[BradValk48237]

Don't consider it............

Just do it!!!

You won't regret it!

... around $4 to $5k or less... $3360 is Blue Book.......trade in, $4885 retail.....

What is he asking?

Welcome BTW.

Brad

[Daddie O]

He is asking $6900.  The bike is beautiful, and does have matching Corbin bags and a Honda windshield.  Is he way off on price?  I was thinking maybe offering $6k, you think I would be over paying?  I live in California, and I haven't seen any in the $4-$5k range.

[thedon]

I bought my '97 3 years ago and paid $4,800. It had 39K on it. Hope this helps.

[Daddie O]

It does help, thank you.  I'm afraid if I offer him $5k (which is I guess high blue book), it is far from his $6900 asking price, and we may not be able to make a deal   I don't want to over pay though.  Most of the Valkyrie's I see have a lot more than the 18K miles this one does.  I guess I can bring a print out of the KBB to corroborate my offer, but it may not make a difference if he feels his bike is worth near 7 grand.

[Blakjack]

I just sold my '98 Tourer to a fellow member for not far off that mark.

Something to keep in mind... unless it was a Tourer & he (or a previous owner) took off the OEM hard saddlebags in favor of the beetle's, (unlikely) it is at its core a standard with the windshield and beetles added on.  That said, getting those add-on's, and having the bags color-matched isn't cheap.

$6900 isn't far off fair considering the miles on it and if it is in great condition.  If you're really wanting a bit more peace of mind you could offer to pay to have it checked out at the nearest dealership.  They could look it over for you and check it out mechanically and give an assessment.

I would probably go as high as $6500 for it.  (just my $0.02 worth)

[LTD]

$6900 is  not out of line believe it or not. 18 k miles is extremely low, the corbin beetle bags are 1800 new. Plus the 97 has the most power of all the standard valkyries,  the valkyrie isnt made anymore grab it.  If you can discount it do it.  But if its extremely nice and he wont budge off the 6900 and you can afford it buy it. just my opinion.

[Daddie O]

NADA Values are:  
Excellent   $7835   
Very Good   $5310   
Good           $2835   
Fair           $1350   
Poor           N/A   
 
I had thought to myself I really don't want to pay more than $6k, and that's what I'm gonna try to get it at.  If I offer $5k I think I will get laughed at.  I really like the Standard with the custom painted Beetle Bags.  I actually prefer the look of the beetle bags to the touring bags personally.  I like how the flare of them match the tank flare, and they follow the lines of the rear fender.  Would I let this bike get away if he wont take $6k, I dunno.  I gotta see it in person in just over an hour.  The guy lives at the local country club, and he also owns a ranch in Montana.  He has several bikes here and there.  He says his wife wants him to part with one, and since he has another Valkyrie in Montana that he chose to part with this one here, but he says its hard for him since he really likes the bike.  It has always been garaged and meticulously maintained he claims.  He says the chrome is flawless, and the bike doesn't have a scratch.  It has a solo seat as well as the stock seat.  It also has the pigtail for a battery tender installed.

I appreciate any and all advice given before I decide to purchase.  Thank You again.

[donaldcc]

 $6800 for 97 tourer in great condition 3 years ago with 11,800 mi. Offer less or search around.

[Oss]

for cryin out loud man

Its worth whatever you pay for it   5k  7k its all beauty in the eye of the beholder

You aint never gonna sell it once you ride it anyway

and just wait till you start addin your own safety chrome   

[Chattanooga Mark]

Looking forward to seeing pictures and reading your thoughts on the Valkyrie. I'm on my second Interstate and find the Valkyrie about the most difficult bike there is to replace. I predict you'll love it and your other bikes will become garage queens in less time than you ever imagined.

Even though I have an Interstate, I'd love to also have a Valkyrie Tourer.

All the best and welcome to the wonderful world of the Honda Valkyrie!

Mark

[Daddie O]

Thanks guys.  I am really drawn to the bike, it is the colors I like, bags I like, and low miles.  Well maintained.  I don't want my lust to override my thinking in getting a fair deal is all.

[99GAVALKYRIE]

You just made up your own mind,  The bike is everything you have been looking for.  BUY IT !!!!


I did the same thing two months ago when I bought my 99 Interstate,  it was everything I wanted and I don't mind paying good money to get what I want.

Post Pictures , and let up know how much you like the bile when you buy it and get it home.

THanks ,  Steve

[Rams]

The value of anything to include a Valkyrie depends on two things, the motivation of the seller and the desires of the buyer.   Some times you find a motivated seller and a thrifty buyer and the price is lower, sometimes it's just the opposite.  Of course, condition matters but, if the planets line up, then you can see a rode hard and put up wet item sell for way more than normal and if those planets don't line up then, you might see a buyer pay way less than normal for a mint bike. 

Really doesn't matter as long as the buyer gets the item he wants for what he thinks is a fair price and the seller gets almost as much as he thinks it's worth.  I know that doesn't help much but, it is, what it is.

[jimmytee]

It's worth what someone is willing to pay for it That's true for everything. I think, if I saw it and it lived up to the description, I'd offer 6k and take it from there. 18 k is low mileage  If he doesn't budge,  you have to decide whether it's worth it to you. I've seen similarly low mileage valks for less, but they also involved some expense to go and get them as they were not next door.

[R J]

He is asking $6,800.
Offer $5,000.

If he says no way,  then ask him what his bottom $$$ is.

If he comes back with $6,000.

Tell him you will split the difference, $5,500.
Tell him it is CASH.

Cash sells a lot of units.

Don't take Money Orders or Cashier's checks, TAKE CASH.

IF he won't take your last offer have him tell you what he will take Cash.

If he drops to around $5,200 to $5,400, pull out the cash and buy it.

Ya have to bicker, if ya go in with the thought in your head you will pay what ever he asks, you are paying toooooooooo much.

Good luck, and after ya get it home, we need pictures.

Welcome aboard the VRCC, we is ALL Family.

PS:     Don't worry about asking what you think is a stupid question.
There isn't any stupid questions.   If ya don't know, it is a legitimate question.

[Valkorado]

I bought a 97 Tourer with 14,400 and lots of bling for $5500 late last fall.  Best investment in fun I have ever made in my life; I plan on getting more than a million dollars worth of good times from the bike over the coming years.  God willing.
Spring is coming whooooooooooooo-hooooooooooooo!

[cookiedough]

highly doubt he will sell it for 6.9K.  I'd be a player tops at 6500 bucks and see if you can get it for 6K first and go up from there. 

I am after an ATV 2-up Can Am 500-800cc and am amazed at what others think sooo highly of their 6 year old ATV's asking 7 grand when only worth 6 grand willing to pay top dollar.  I am stubborn (or cheap?) and 6K is limit regardless even if have say 500 miles on it.  Not my problem he/she did not ride it, still only worth 6K top dollar.  For me,  you have to set a limit and live with it, but that is me, maybe not you.  I'd love to get one for 5K but not many out there to begin with used 2007-2009 range.

Once you look at it,  you may reason and go as high as 6500 if it is what YOU want, but 6.9K is a tad high in my opinion.  If it is what YOU want and desire,  I wouldn't squable too much over say 6.2K vs. 6.5K he wants.

I also bought last fall right before Dec. 1st a used 250cc scooter and here is what I did that worked out big time in my favor.  I knew by talking to him he was moving to Florida with wife and needed the money I could see and they did not want to haul a scooter down there. So, I was thinking of low balling him off his asking price of 1800 down to 1200 and see what he thought.  Instead,  I reversed rolls and said bottom dollar, what do you want in order to get rid of it since he also told me he only had 1 other short young lady look at it and was too tall for her and that was it plus it was Dec. 1 abouts and snow and cold was here 1 week later.  He said he needs 1,000 bucks to let it go.  Needless to say,  even without the wife's approval,  I was his huckleberry and came back next day and bought it.  I saved easily 200 bucks (1200 I thought was too low vs. his 1K) which could be used for saddlebags or tailbag and new tires and the left front turn signal was busted as well (easy 30 dollar fix).

I told the wife I can fix it up and clean it up real good and make easily 500 bucks on the deal and sell it 1-2 years from now if I don't like it since scoots are popular now getting 62 mpg and this one would sell at dealer for around 2 grand easily.

[Disco]

Welcome, Daddie O!

At $6,900, he wants $900 more than the $6,000 you're willing to pay.  It's possible he'll take $6,000, but for that setup, I wouldn't.  If he'll split the difference, you're getting a good deal.  If he won't split the difference, buy it anyway.  Trust me (and I know lots of others will back me up) when I say you will never regret the "extra" money it takes to get the bike you want already set up like you want it.  And, here's the bonus: It's a Valkyrie.  If you want it to be, it can be the last bike you ever buy.  The cherry on top is all the fun you'll have with all your new friends/"family" here at the VRCC. 

Just buy it and let the fun begin.      You know you're going to.   

[Mr Whiskey]

Jus' a hair over 7k in a 2K IS with 9k mi.'s from original owner. Only add-on's were Kury pegs front & rear.
Offer 5k cash & haggle, you'll come out better!
Peace, Whiskey.

[olddog1946]

Look the bike over real well, ride it if he'll let you. Make an offer you feel comfortable with.. If 6K IS your limit stick to it. Don't be afraid to walk away from it. There are low mileage valks out there. I have never paid full asking price for any car or bike I've ever bought, but don't be afraid to factor in the add on goodies, especially if they are goodies that YOU would like to have. No matter what those goodies are, they are cheaper if they come with the bike than if you went out and bought them extra.

BTW, mileage don't really mean squat , CARE does.

[Daddie O]

Ok, so here's an update.  I went to look at the bike.  The Valkyrie is beautiful, it could use a little cleaning (wasn't filthy but wasn't showroom spotless).  I offered him $5500, and he said no he couldn't do it for that.  He said he had been offered $5900 and turned it down.  He said he could budge a little, but not that much.  I offered him $6k, he thought about it, and he accepted.  I put the cash in his hand for a test ride.  Starts nice, runs smooth and powerful, though I just took it around the neighborhood so I couldn't really "get on it".  I pulled back up and put the bike into neutral and let out the clutch.  The sound of the motor changed, it sounded like a little rattle coming from the front of the bike.  I couldn't make out for sure where it was coming from but it seemed like it was coming from the motor.  I could be in neutral with the clutch pulled in and the sound would go away, but when I let the clutch out in neutral the sound returns.  I asked him about it and he said it's sounded like that since he's owned the bike, and he had it serviced 300 miles ago and they didn't say anything to him about it.  I asked if he would be ok with us taking it to the Honda dealership for a full inspection before purchase, and he said no problem, he wants me to be fully satisfied and have peace of mind.  He told me he would hold the bike for me on a handshake (no deposit necessary) and we could go to the dealership together this Saturday.

[MP]

The valkyrie makes that sound.  Normal.

http://valkyrie-owners.com/SMFORUM/index.php?action=printpage;topic=744.0

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/

MP

[Mr Whiskey]

They all sound like that in neutral, square cut gears.
Wont hurt to have it look'd over though.
Peace, Whiskey.

[Rams]

Some interesting theories on buying.   The truth (as I see it) is, regardless of what others believe the bike is worth, it really depends on how much you want that particular bike the way it is set up.

I can assure you, buying all that bling, chrome and hardware is very expensive.  If the bike already has it, you're already money ahead.  If it's got something you don't want, I'm sure someone here will want it more than you do and, be willing to pay you something for it.

Believe it or not, Valkyrie Bling is expensive, those bags are expensive.  I'm thinking that if it's dressed the way you like it, then the asking price is a damn fine compromise.  If you get it cheaper than advertised, good for you but, don't let one get away that is what you want for a few hundred bucks.  I assure you, you'll spend more than that dressing another one to get there.

[.]

Welcome to the forum! I'm a new Valkyrie owner (had my baby parked in the garage for almost five days now) and chances are if he wants $6900 he very well may take $6500. With that in mind I would probably offer $5700 initially and let him counter until you get to a figure you have pre-chosen as your absolute top dollar. No agreement then you can walk away.

However, I've been researching these bikes for nearly a year, actively looking for about a month and was about to buy a different bike because I couldn't find a Valk around here in good enough condition with what I consider to be reasonable mileage for price/condition. Then I stumbled upon mine, a 2000 standard, at a dealership near here priced at $6900 with 43,000 well maintained miles. We finally settled on $6400 but I had already decided after I looked it over that I wouldn't go a penny higher than $6900.   When I rode off on it, the bike had been on the floor for just under six hours after servicing and had been posted on the dealer website for about the same amount of time. I beat a guy by ten minutes who was headed over with cash in hand.

I can't speak for everywhere but in my neck of the woods, Valks last about a week tops in the want ads, but they go forever on the highway.

[sandy]

The noise you hear is the tranny gears turning in neutral. Remember the CA bikes have milder cams and carb restrictions that limit HP and reduce emissions. Look under the swingarm for the charcoal canister. Only CA bikes have the canister.

[Blakjack]

Looks like you've found your ride.  It is gorgeous!  Congratz & all that.

[Daddie O]

The Valkyrie was much quieter than I thought it would be.  I guess I watched too many videos with 6 into 6 cobras on them.

Here are some photos:

[Chattanooga Mark]

Congratulations on a beautiful Valkyrie and welcome.

Mark

[DLSSOJC]

The noise is normal, especially when the bike is warmed up.  

[Mr Whiskey]

A Bumble Beetle, Sweet!
Peace, Whiskey.

[Gavin_Sons]

Nice bumble bee, dont worry about that noise, it's normal.

[MAD6Gun]

 You done good Daddie O. Looks good. I also have a 97 but mine is custom painted. The yellow and black always looked good.

BUT do yourself a favor. If you are planning on touring on this bike, Loose that stock seat. Your butt will thank you. Believe me I know. The stock 97 seat sucks........

Anyway good choice. You will not be sorry. IMHO the Valkyrie is the BEST bike ever. Oh and welcome to the club.............

[Daddie O]

Coming from a vrod the stock Valkyrie seat feels like a sofa.  What other two up seat do you recommend, and how much does it go for?

[Willow]

Coming from a vrod the stock Valkyrie seat feels like a sofa.  What other two up seat do you recommend, and how much does it go for?

You can buy a 2000+ OEM seat for under $100 new for a world of improvement or you can spend $800 - $1000 on a beautiful Ultimate seat set.  How much just depends on what you want to accomplish.

Several used saddles will show up from time to time.

[F6BANGER]

I really like the Ultimate seat. Both Valks have them. If you are thinking about a Mustang seat, try it out for a while. I had one. It didnt fit me and I got rid of it after about 2 weeks. YMMV......

[Oss]

russell day long

no contest for me  YMMV

[olddog1946]

You done good!  that's one sharp fat lady.. 10-4 on the 2000 and up seat. ($86 + shipping) from hdlparts.com. Try one of them first, then you can save up for an Ultimate or a Russell Day long.
I have the Ultimate King Big Boy .   Now, since you do have a fat lady of your own:  Welcome to the asylum !! I'm thinkin you'll fit right in.

[FloridaValkRyder]

Congratulations on a beautiful bike at a great price. I too have always liked the yellow/black Bumble Bee. Welcome to the group!!