My opinion why Honda will never create another bike like the Valkyrie

[Momz]

Why, check out these losers that they have been trying to sell the public.

[BF]

If Honda only knew how many complements I get on my bike (almost every time I stop somewhere....seriously), they might think again about producing another Valkyrie. 

But then again, they'd probably just screw it up with a bunch of plastic. 

[old2soon]

Well thank GOD our Phatt Ghurls live as long as they duz.   RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

To me, all 3 of those pics look like glorified scooters is all.

Face it,  chroming and showing off the engine is becoming a thing of the past not only on cycles but on all vehicles as well have cheap plastic all over.  The 50-70's cars in my opinion are a work of art as compared to the 80's on up vehicles, they had character back then that was way ahead of their time.  Too bad growing up in the 80's most of us kids didn't have 60-70's cars but I remember kids about 5-8 years older than me drove several nice souped up 68 camaro's and the likes really liked the looks of those cars and they would after school burn rubber out of the parking lot daily. 

[Valker]

To me, all 3 of those pics look like glorified scooters is all.

Face it,  chroming and showing off the engine is becoming a thing of the past not only on cycles but on all vehicles as well have cheap plastic all over.  The 50-70's cars in my opinion are a work of art as compared to the 80's on up vehicles, they had character back then that was way ahead of their time.  Too bad growing up in the 80's most of us kids didn't have 60-70's cars but I remember kids about 5-8 years older than me drove several nice souped up 68 camaro's and the likes really liked the looks of those cars and they would after school burn rubber out of the parking lot daily. 

I agree about the older cars-here is one in town that I'm having a hard time resisting: http://www.qualitysalespampa.com/1968-Chevrolet-Camaro-Pampa-Texas-79065/3991457
That one is nice, but this one is KILLING me: http://www.qualitysalespampa.com/1967-Chevrolet-Chevelle-Super-Sport-Pampa-Texas-79065/4567365
That SS Chevelle really does only have about 120 miles on it!! I'd buy it, but then I'd feel bad about putting a million miles on it-I am NOT a collector. It's about $32K

[G-Man]

The Valkyrie is drooled over and awe-inspiring, however, it is intimidating to most riders.  When I first saw one, the first thing I thought was WOW!  The second thing was, "Who needs that?".  But I just couldn't get it out of my head and made it happen.

If Honda does another one, sales will be good for a year or three, then trail off again.  Though we can't understand it, it's not everyone's cup of synthetic.

[Rams]

The Valkyrie is drooled over and awe-inspiring, however, it is intimidating to most riders.  When I first saw one, the first thing I thought was WOW!  The second thing was, "Who needs that?".  But I just couldn't get it out of my head and made it happen.

If Honda does another one, sales will be good for a year or three, then trail off again.  Though we can't understand it, it's not everyone's cup of synthetic.

Agreed     Most folks I run into while riding and those that see her while sitting outside my work place will almost always comment about her.   But, the vast majority wouldn't consider straddling her on their own.   Though she is impressive, most see her as something they couldn't handle.   If Mother Honda were to offer an updated version of our beloved fat ladies.    One that reflects all the things we love about our Valkyries, I'll be the first in line even if that involves visiting with my banker first.     But, I don't believe there is sufficient demand for such a motorcycle from the riding public.   

But, it's all about marketing such a machine to the riding public.   I'm not sure Honda sees the need to broaden their target audience.   They seem to be satisfied with sales of the Goldwing and other such machines.   I suspect the only chance another Valkyrie type bike is going to be developed is when the "Wing" is scheduled for an upgrade and Honda needs to find a home for a bunch of "Wing" motors and other applicable inter-changeable parts.   The F6B may be such a candidate.   I don't know, Mother Honda hasn't asked my advice as yet.

[Hooter]

   When I'm dead someone else can take care of her. One of my older friends asked me how many bikes I had. I told him 3, My 96 Springer, my 13 Triumph Tourer and my 98 Valkyrie Touring. He said: "Oh, one of those". I said: "ya, whats that mean"?  Nothing, nothing....Well I said, tank to tank any day my friend, any day. Quietness came over the valley.   

[PAVALKER]

That bottom one looks like a PC800, which is a fine commuter bike, even a light local tourer.  Granted, it isn't the brute or pavement pounder the Valkyrie is, but serves a need in the market I imagine.  My brother has an older one, and it has a following as well.

Yea, no motor showing with dazzling chrome valve covers, but some folks don't like it I guess....  or can live without it.

[Hoser]

They gather a crowd.  Stopped for gas yesterday, Had one young guy talking about it to me while I was filling, after we talked and I parked and went inside, talked to an older guy, (bout my age), for twenty minutes when I came out. He was real knowledgeable about bikes, but had never seen a Valkyrie except in pictures before.  He knows about them now.  I told him about the forum, and where to find more info.  I think he may be hooked.    Hoser

[Liberty Bell]

I find it interesting that the comment was made that it was to much bike for some people...
Not that it's not totally true, it's just ironic that the same guy that tells you a Valk is to much to handle will be the first to climb on an 1800 Goldwing.... 

Honda got into the same issue with the VTX 1800's, they intimidate the hell out of folks. they are big & heavy and they have power out the tail pipe to spare....

That's exactly why you find them with so few miles on them for fairly good prices... Guys bought them with the mine's bigger than yours attitude, then they get on them and DON'T know how to handle them...

REALLY good deals on VTX1800's as a result...

[Willow]

The Valkyrie is drooled over and awe-inspiring, however, it is intimidating to most riders.  When I first saw one, the first thing I thought was WOW!  The second thing was, "Who needs that?".  But I just couldn't get it out of my head and made it happen.

If Honda does another one, sales will be good for a year or three, then trail off again.  Though we can't understand it, it's not everyone's cup of synthetic.

Agreed     Most folks I run into while riding and those that see her while sitting outside my work place will almost always comment about her.   But, the vast majority wouldn't consider straddling her on their own.   Though she is impressive, most see her as something they couldn't handle.   If Mother Honda were to offer an updated version of our beloved fat ladies.    One that reflects all the things we love about our Valkyries, I'll be the first in line even if that involves visiting with my banker first.     But, I don't believe there is sufficient demand for such a motorcycle from the riding public.   

...   I don't know, Mother Honda hasn't asked my advice as yet.

+1  (A voice from out of the void of reality.)   

[F6Dave]

To give Honda the benefit of the doubt, maybe they are trying to get younger riders into motorcycling.  The AVERAGE age of a Sturgis attendee last year was 58!  With demographics like that our sport has a pretty dim future (though the market for trikes could be a bright spot).

That could be why they spent pocket change on the 'new' Wing, and have instead introduced a bunch of bikes priced well under $10K.  The number of leftovers in the showroom a year or so from now will indicate if their marketing guys were right or wrong.

The Honda car line has become more boring as well.  The wonderful S2000 and Acura NSX were both dropped.  These days many cars from Korea are more interesting than those from Japan.

[MarkT]

I've noticed Honda has produced SEVERAL AUTOMATICS.  I don't get it.  Is there really a market for a true motorcycle (not a scooter) that's AUTOMATIC?   You couldn't GIVE me one.  Who would buy that? Millenials who have never learned a stick cage and are intimidated by them?

[Liberty Bell]

know a guy that is missing his left hand...
The automatics are wonderful for him...

I also think it has a lot to do with trying to appeal to women riders.

[bagelboy]

Of course I love my Valkyrie, but at the same time I don't believe that Honda thinks they will sell. Lets face it, these smaller bikes are less intimidating to new riders, and at the same time, Honda puts out the top of the line touring bike(Goldwing) to compete with the BMW touring bikes. As much as we feel the Valkyries are great touring bikes, the general motorcycle community doesn't quite see it that way! The big tourers are BMW's, Goldwings, and Harley Ultra Classics! Of course, I'll take my 97 Valkyrie Tourer over any of those, that s why I own one!

[F6Dave]

Actually, the automatic Honda uses in the VFR 1200 is a state of the art dual clutch gearbox like those used in Formula One cars.  There's no power loss as with a traditional auto with a torque converter.  Shifts are much faster than a human can shift, since two gears are simultaneously engaged and the clutches simply toggle.  I'd like to ride one of those.

I'm not sure there isn't a market for a 'classic' power cruiser/tourer like the Valkyrie.  Yamaha still makes the Royal Star Venture, which reminds me of the Valkyrie in many ways.  Triumph (now the fastest growing MC company in the world) makes the Rocket III Touring.  There must be a market for bikes like these or they wouldn't be available, and a club like the VRCC wouldn't be around 10 years after Honda dropped these bikes.

Hopefully Honda sells enough F6Bs to justify further development to make it more distinctive.  Mechanically it is a great bike.  And it is probably the closest Honda will ever come to building another Valkyrie.

[hubcapsc]

?? Shouldn't you be lusting for a Datsun 610 or a Subaru 360 or a Toyota Corolla? 

Do you use one of them to tow your bike to bike week?

-Mike

[sugerbear]

I've noticed Honda has produced SEVERAL AUTOMATICS.  I don't get it.  Is there really a market for a true motorcycle (not a scooter) that's AUTOMATIC?   You couldn't GIVE me one.  Who would buy that? Millenials who have never learned a stick cage and are intimidated by them?

or,how bout a guy with arthritis that can't squeeze the clutch any more?? i hate giving up my valk but if i can't ride it. i'd buy an automatic valk in a heart beat. if someone try's to give you one, send them to me. ok? and....i'll bet i've been driving "sticks" a lot longer then you.