The Hard Truth about Honda

[oZ]

Just my humble opinion.

[Fla. Jim]

Have to agree OZ. Honda has moved on to the Japanese version of what they think we want....." Not! " They need to channel Joe Boyd.

[The Anvil]

Opinions on just what constitutes a "real" motorcycle can differ.

Personally, I think that while many of them are very good bikes from a functional standpoint, the Japanese cruisers trying so hard to emulate H-D are kind of missing the mark. H-D has that covered perfectly so why try to emulate it? But they sell so other people must like them, right? Different strokes and all that.

I actually applaud Honda for going in a different direction with these bikes. I don't necessarily like them using the Valkyrie name for something that is not really a Valkyrie as I see it, but you are not going to mistake any of those bikes for a Harley, or a Suzi, or a Yam...

[oZ]

Anvil;

I guess what I don't like is all the extra plastic Honda adds. Maybe in the name of trying to be futuristic, in my very humble opinion those bikes are designed for the Jetson's.

And I like a bike where you can see the engine and exhaust, basically these bikes are half a Honda Civic.

[98pacecar]

I think the bike buying public will vote with their dollars as to if this type of look is going to fly,,, errrr, not...

Personally it's not,,, for me. But we'll prolly have to wait several years, for the final tally.

Then several more years,,, for the replacement redesigned bikes, to be for sale.  Sucks,,, huh???

[Willow]

I think the bike buying public will vote with their dollars as to if this type of look is going to fly,,, errrr, not...

And that is the vote that really counts.

Honda is a very successful worldwide motorcycle seller.  They actually do a great job of designing motorcycles for the purpose they serve.

The original Valkyrie was a spin off of the Wing with the heavy input of an American engineer.  I love this version of the Valkyrie. The new Valkyrie and F6B is Honda's move to appeal to a similar market almost twenty years later. 

I'm interested in seeing what after market providers will develop to enhance the new Valkyrie. I won't leap to it because I am a relatively old guy who is very pleased with his own Valkyries which are more than capable of outliving him.  I am also very pleased with Honda's efforts and direction.  I look forward to welcoming the new owners of the more advanced, and surely, soon to be highly personalized Valkyries.

We didn't come up with the name.  We did embrace it. 

I wonder if GM had not produced a Corvette for eleven years and then tried to revive the model would there be a lot of harsh discussion about how different the new car is from the old  accepted technology.     

[oZ]

Well, I'm thinking the new Valkyrie will go the way of the dodo bird and faster than the old Valkyrie or VTX did. That said my hopes are the new Valkyrie is a stunning success.

Honda really needs another popular bike, I don't know if the wing is popular I think it is and it would be nothing but good for Honda to have two large displacement bikes successful in the large displacement category.

Add the F6B to the popular list and bingo Honda's back.

[Airedale]

Plastic seems to be the current wave in automobiles also, The days of chrome engine dressing is over, just lift the hood on a new Camaro or Mustang, "Plastic!" That being said their performance is as good or in many cases better than ever. I expect this new Valkyrie's performance to be quite good and can't wait to read some road test reports.

Al

[jimmytee]

IMHO,  The premise that only "real" or "typical" motorcycles must adhere to the retro styling of the bikes pictured is just an opinion. If that were more than that, then we'd have to dismiss all other bike categories like sport bikes, adventure bikes, dual purpose etc...
I don't know, I like the new Valkyrie. There are plenty of "retro" style bikes to choose from out there. Harley is not the exclusive "retro" bike manufacturer. The cruiser segment is an attitude towards motorcycling which represents style as much as ergonomics. Where is it written that a cruiser bike has to adhere to the "norm" of retro styling? One thing that is in common with both Valkyries new and old is that it stands out from the crowd. It stands out in both performance and style. I'm past the idea that I'm looking for a particular "style" of bike from Honda. It isn't 1997 and times have changed. Honda , I think must have some clue. The original Valkyrie, as much as we love them, did not sell well. Why do some think that because Honda didn't make the new one just like old , that the new one won't sell?
To tell you the truth, I was pretty sure I was going to be looking at Victory's when I shopped for a new ride to "add" to my stable. With Honda's new line up , I, for one, have a renewed vigor towards Honda's offerings. I like the CTX1300, and will be taking a look at that too. again JMTCW

[HondaTech1987]

I'm not trying to be disrespectful to any of you guys, but I am assuming that the majority of Valk owners are of the "older" crowd.  No offense but you guys aint getting any younger and the current market they need to try and sell to is younger.  Who is to say that all the other jack-wagons my age group (mid to late 20's) who grew up on transformers and stuff wouldn't love a bike like that.  I say that as I own a 2000 I/S and love it, even if I call it my Honda Street Glide (you would understand that if you saw it).  But would absolutely love to put one next to it in the Stable.  One thing is for sure.  I work on Honda bikes for a living and I still don't fix much broke stuff.  Still mostly maintenance on everything they sell and I do mean everything.  The quality is there and will stay there so regardless I am a Honda convert from Kawi and couldn't be more proud.

[Scott in Ok]

I find it sort of ironic that for more than 10 years I've seen many posts wishing Honda would make a new Valk with an 1800cc flat six motor.  Hoping that motor would be fuel injected, have more power and economy, have modern suspension and brakes etc.  When they finally did it, lots of folks don't like it.  I know where you are coming from, as it just doesn't look like the old Valkyrie we so love.

For me, I think it looks pretty cool.  I'm looking forward to checking one out in person.

-Scott

[HayHauler]

I find it sort of ironic that for more than 10 years I've seen many posts wishing Honda would make a new Valk with an 1800cc flat six motor.  Hoping that motor would be fuel injected, have more power and economy, have modern suspension and brakes etc.  When they finally did it, lots of folks don't like it.  I know where you are coming from, as it just doesn't look like the old Valkyrie we so love.

For me, I think it looks pretty cool.  I'm looking forward to checking one out in person.

-Scott

Ditto.   I have an '07 Wing to trade in on it. 

Hay
Jimmyt

[Daniel Meyer]

I find it sort of ironic that for more than 10 years I've seen many posts wishing Honda would make a new Valk with an 1800cc flat six motor.  Hoping that motor would be fuel injected, have more power and economy, have modern suspension and brakes etc.  When they finally did it, lots of folks don't like it.  I know where you are coming from, as it just doesn't look like the old Valkyrie we so love.

For me, I think it looks pretty cool.  I'm looking forward to checking one out in person.

-Scott

Well said...I like it overall...may change some things...but I changed some things on my '01 Valk. I'll buy one...but not in '14. If I have my job in '15, yep.

But yes, for those wondering...I'll keep the '01 too...

But that powerplant...in that chassis...tweaked for performance and weight...this thing is gonna rock. An over the top power cruiser that handles like a sweet young thing...

I LOVE the look of the original Valk...I LOVE this one too...with some easy tweaks...it's different sure. 15 years have gone by.

But the spirit is there...kick-ass motor, brakes, and handling. Modern upgraded systems. Get over the damn pods people. I listened to the same criticisms of the front mount radiators when water cooled machines started showing up.

Damn radiators and shaft drive...dangerous...man...antifreeze will shoot out and your back tire will break loose and you'll die...and that shaft...man...it'll come loose and tear your leg off. I SWEAR it happened to my cousin's dad's brother-in-law's niece's best friend's girlfriend's second cousin.

Don't like the plastic? Bolt on some friggen chrome. Sheesh...how much chrome gets bolted on the original Valk? Seems to me mine just has the valve covers and intakes...

They're not gonna re-release the same machine they made 15 years ago. Things move forward. Motorcycles evolve...except for one company everybody picks on precisely because they keep releasing the same motorcycle...

Otherwise we'd all be riding the same old stuff that we thought they had perfected in the 70's.

[jimmytee]

I'm not trying to be disrespectful to any of you guys, but I am assuming that the majority of Valk owners are of the "older" crowd.  No offense but you guys aint getting any younger and the current market they need to try and sell to is younger.  Who is to say that all the other jack-wagons my age group (mid to late 20's) who grew up on transformers and stuff wouldn't love a bike like that.  I say that as I own a 2000 I/S and love it, even if I call it my Honda Street Glide (you would understand that if you saw it).  But would absolutely love to put one next to it in the Stable.  One thing is for sure.  I work on Honda bikes for a living and I still don't fix much broke stuff.  Still mostly maintenance on everything they sell and I do mean everything.  The quality is there and will stay there so regardless I am a Honda convert from Kawi and couldn't be more proud.

Qualify Old I'll be 45 next month. I'm stoked over this new Valk

[jimmytee]

I know there will be chrome for those radiator shrouds and the frame too along with other things.

[jimmytee]

I find it sort of ironic that for more than 10 years I've seen many posts wishing Honda would make a new Valk with an 1800cc flat six motor.  Hoping that motor would be fuel injected, have more power and economy, have modern suspension and brakes etc.  When they finally did it, lots of folks don't like it.  I know where you are coming from, as it just doesn't look like the old Valkyrie we so love.

For me, I think it looks pretty cool.  I'm looking forward to checking one out in person.

-Scott

[T-Bird]

I haven't been this excited on a motorcycle since Yamaha came out with the V-max.
I'm 56 years old and I like my old valk because it is a hot rod among bikes, and still get loads of attention and respect from other bikers. I don't think we will ever see another bike like our Valkyries
but I do know this new one has my old one beat in just about every aspect, but the retro styling, but heck I still have my current one for that, so put me down for a new one
(now how am I going to pay for this new toy  )

[..]

Plastic pods. Hammers, dremels, Skill saws could soon take care of the ugly things 

[Freep]

Plastic pods. Hammers, dremels, Skill saws could soon take care of the ugly things 

Right on! 

<aside: Hammers? You been hanging out with Jezza Clarkson? Wait. . . Skilsaws?!  >

[..]

Plastic pods. Hammers, dremels, Skill saws could soon take care of the ugly things 

Right on! 

<aside: Hammers? You been hanging out with Jezza Clarkson? Wait. . . Skilsaws?!  >

Get 'er done!

Some bondo and a quick buffing and it'll be hunky dory.

(Been watching DVD's of "Only Fools and Horses") 

[old2soon]

I haven't been this excited on a motorcycle since Yamaha came out with the V-max.
I'm 56 years old and I like my old valk because it is a hot rod among bikes, and still get loads of attention and respect from other bikers. I don't think we will ever see another bike like our Valkyries
but I do know this new one has my old one beat in just about every aspect, but the retro styling, but heck I still have my current one for that, so put me down for a new one
(now how am I going to pay for this new toy  )

Borrow from or have Smokinjoe purchase and give it to ya!!  Sometimes I actually come up with things-ah hell no.  RIDE SAFE.

[Red Diamond]

I for one have been wanting a new Valkyrie to be built and have not been expecting one to look like the beauty below. But on the other hand I still like what I see in the new design and specs of the new Valkyrie. If a machine is eye appealling to me and has the credentials of the Goldwing, then all I need is to get one. As with others, I would like the windshield, bags and any other traveling accessories I can add on, but that can come later. Make no mistake, the one with the proven background is not going anywhere, except on another trip cross country.

[musclehead]

I'm going to take a plunge off the philosophical deep end, we all know honda has just taken a plunge of it's own.

from what I have read japan needs us to make complete leaps of intiution, in thier culture they never really look to make a 'home run', they take incrementalism to the EXTREME. and look to the U.S. for the off the charts inovations that may crash and burn or be wildly popular. (there is a saying over there; it may take two years for the earth to cover a small stone, or something I'm wildly paraphrasing)

seems to me honda has pushed well beyond its comfort zone to bring back a namesake we all know and love. wether it is successful or not is up to the design and marketing....and perhaps aftermarketing 

[BF]

I know some of you really like it.  I hate it.

Granted, I can be considered an old fart, but I like traditional styling...and there's nothing traditional about the Goldwing Valk. 

I'm of the school of thought that Honda could take a lesson from Harley.  They excel at selling traditionally styled motorcycles.  I don't have a clue to Honda's sales figures, but it seems to me that the further they go into non-traditional/furturistic styling, the more they lose to manufacutes like Harley. 

btw.....Lots of young people luuuuve Harley exactly for that traditional styling. 

IMHO, I want my motorcycle to look like a motorcycle.....not my wife's Accord (and the Civic she had before that). 

If Honda would produce a version of my bike with that 1800 engine, 6 speeds and fuel injection, I'd be there filling out a loan application. 

[96valk]

I own two Valks. Although great bikes, in stock form they are not the best looking bike out there. That is why we cut them up. Buy the new one and make it look like what you want. Anybody can restore a car/bike it takes a man to cut one up.

[alph]

i think honda's going in the right direction with it.  not everyone "likes" chrome, and i think that today's generation is probably one of 'em.  although, the price on the other hand, is a bit harder for the younger generation to swallow. 

my personal opinion, they've got it right. 

[jimmytee]

I know some of you really like it.  I hate it.

Granted, I can be considered an old fart, but I like traditional styling...and there's nothing traditional about the Goldwing Valk. 

I'm of the school of thought that Honda could take a lesson from Harley.  They excel at selling traditionally styled motorcycles.  I don't have a clue to Honda's sales figures, but it seems to me that the further they go into non-traditional/furturistic styling, the more they lose to manufacutes like Harley. 

btw.....Lots of young people luuuuve Harley exactly for that traditional styling. 

IMHO, I want my motorcycle to look like a motorcycle.....not my wife's Accord (and the Civic she had before that). 

If Honda would produce a version of my bike with that 1800 engine, 6 speeds and fuel injection, I'd be there filling out a loan application. 

Honda should take a lesson from Harley?????

Sure,copy Harley. They've done that already haven't they? At least to some degree?
Forget about anything other than V-twins. Hell, Harley is  just coming 'round to the idea of water cooling. Which is at the heart of some of the criticism about the new Valk. We'll have to see, but isn't one of the draw backs to the radiator up front, like our originals, that the hot air in the summer washes past our legs????
Maybe the positioning now will improve that.

If someone wants a Harley, there's a salesman waiting on them.
I believe this Valkyrie will look bad ass when personalized with some extras. How many of our originals are stock?

[Hook#3287]

The Hard Truth about Honda

I agree with Oz, the new Valk does not continue the American perception of what a motorcycle should look like as the original does.

If you could remove the radiators & shrouds and head light cover, you'd have a pretty nice looking ride. 

That would take some serious engineering.  Maybe some aftermarket people will take that on?

Make a list of what you love about your present Valk and I'll bet the new one surpasses most.

One it will never best is "Made in USA"

Pretty sure I'm keeping my 1st generation Valks, but I'll consider a new one.

[Master Blaster]

For you youngsters, in 1949 there was an evolution in automobiles.  Most of us old school guys thought the jump from fenders to straight side was the ugliest thing we ever witnessed.  Somehow the 49 Ford lost all desirable character compaired to the 48.  It took a couple of years for the new look to become the norm and since there have been many butt ugly versions, but our perception of how  an automobile should look has greatly changed.  This is no different.

[okieryder]

For you youngsters, in 1949 there was an evolution in automobiles.  Most of us old school guys thought the jump from fenders to straight side was the ugliest thing we ever witnessed.  Somehow the 49 Ford lost all desirable character compaired to the 48.  It took a couple of years for the new look to become the norm and since there have been many butt ugly versions, but our perception of how  an automobile should look has greatly changed.  This is no different.

Exactly, the new autos look nothing like the oldies we loved. Same with the valk.

[Oss]

wife already warned me that there is NO room in the garage for another bike, cant see getting rid of my urban assault bmw or the valk interstate so I will just have to admire them from afar for a year or so

Hey Gman you have any room in that shed in back of the house   

[BF]

I know some of you really like it.  I hate it.

Granted, I can be considered an old fart, but I like traditional styling...and there's nothing traditional about the Goldwing Valk. 

I'm of the school of thought that Honda could take a lesson from Harley.  They excel at selling traditionally styled motorcycles.  I don't have a clue to Honda's sales figures, but it seems to me that the further they go into non-traditional/furturistic styling, the more they lose to manufacutes like Harley. 

btw.....Lots of young people luuuuve Harley exactly for that traditional styling. 

IMHO, I want my motorcycle to look like a motorcycle.....not my wife's Accord (and the Civic she had before that). 

If Honda would produce a version of my bike with that 1800 engine, 6 speeds and fuel injection, I'd be there filling out a loan application. 

Honda should take a lesson from Harley?????

Sure,copy Harley. They've done that already haven't they? At least to some degree?
Forget about anything other than V-twins. Hell, Harley is  just coming 'round to the idea of water cooling. Which is at the heart of some of the criticism about the new Valk. We'll have to see, but isn't one of the draw backs to the radiator up front, like our originals, that the hot air in the summer washes past our legs????
Maybe the positioning now will improve that.

If someone wants a Harley, there's a salesman waiting on them.
I believe this Valkyrie will look bad ass when personalized with some extras. How many of our originals are stock?

I never said to copy Harley...or anything about a v-twin. 

Our Valks are a traditionally styled motorcycle with an exposed and chromed engine.  Traditional is what I like....otherwise I would've looked at a Goldwing to begin with. 

[MP]

I know some of you really like it.  I hate it.

Granted, I can be considered an old fart, but I like traditional styling...and there's nothing traditional about the Goldwing Valk. 

I'm of the school of thought that Honda could take a lesson from Harley.  They excel at selling traditionally styled motorcycles.  I don't have a clue to Honda's sales figures, but it seems to me that the further they go into non-traditional/furturistic styling, the more they lose to manufacutes like Harley. 

btw.....Lots of young people luuuuve Harley exactly for that traditional styling. 

IMHO, I want my motorcycle to look like a motorcycle.....not my wife's Accord (and the Civic she had before that). 

If Honda would produce a version of my bike with that 1800 engine, 6 speeds and fuel injection, I'd be there filling out a loan application. 

Honda should take a lesson from Harley?????

Sure,copy Harley. They've done that already haven't they? At least to some degree?
Forget about anything other than V-twins. Hell, Harley is  just coming 'round to the idea of water cooling. Which is at the heart of some of the criticism about the new Valk. We'll have to see, but isn't one of the draw backs to the radiator up front, like our originals, that the hot air in the summer washes past our legs????
Maybe the positioning now will improve that.

If someone wants a Harley, there's a salesman waiting on them.
I believe this Valkyrie will look bad ass when personalized with some extras. How many of our originals are stock?

I never said to copy Harley...or anything about a v-twin. 

Our Valks are a traditionally styled motorcycle with an exposed and chromed engine.  Traditional is what I like....otherwise I would've looked at a Goldwing to begin with. 

+1, BF.

MP

[Moonshot_1]

Until we get to test drive the bike the jury will continue to be out on this new Valk.

Clearly we know it will perform exceptionally well. Larger engine, less wgt.
It's a Honda so we know that it is exceptionally well engineered.

My questions go to comfort, comfort over distance, styling, and options. Particularly cargo options.

That is what I really love about the "older" style Valks. They are a rugged platform from which you can do many things. 

Will have to see if the new Valks can be just as rugged.

[big d]

my main complaint about hondas new line up of bikes is that they look like over sized scooters. if they would get rid of some of the plastic i would seriously think about getting a new valk or the f6b... they are building what sells over there, not here.

[vranasaurus]

I like traditional styling.  If I were to buy a new bike today the only one that interests me is the new CB1100.  But the new valk has the ability to grow on me.  I love the 1800 with fuel injection but I'm not a fan of the lack of chrome.  I definitely won't be buying one as it's just not in the budget right now but I will keep my eye on it.

[jimmytee]

I know some of you really like it.  I hate it.

Granted, I can be considered an old fart, but I like traditional styling...and there's nothing traditional about the Goldwing Valk. 

I'm of the school of thought that Honda could take a lesson from Harley.  They excel at selling traditionally styled motorcycles.  I don't have a clue to Honda's sales figures, but it seems to me that the further they go into non-traditional/furturistic styling, the more they lose to manufacutes like Harley. 

btw.....Lots of young people luuuuve Harley exactly for that traditional styling. 

IMHO, I want my motorcycle to look like a motorcycle.....not my wife's Accord (and the Civic she had before that). 

If Honda would produce a version of my bike with that 1800 engine, 6 speeds and fuel injection, I'd be there filling out a loan application. 

Honda should take a lesson from Harley?????

Sure,copy Harley. They've done that already haven't they? At least to some degree?
Forget about anything other than V-twins. Hell, Harley is  just coming 'round to the idea of water cooling. Which is at the heart of some of the criticism about the new Valk. We'll have to see, but isn't one of the draw backs to the radiator up front, like our originals, that the hot air in the summer washes past our legs????
Maybe the positioning now will improve that.

If someone wants a Harley, there's a salesman waiting on them.
I believe this Valkyrie will look bad ass when personalized with some extras. How many of our originals are stock?

I never said to copy Harley...or anything about a v-twin. 

Our Valks are a traditionally styled motorcycle with an exposed and chromed engine.  Traditional is what I like....otherwise I would've looked at a Goldwing to begin with. 

No you didn't say copy. you said take a lesson from Harley. 
My point is to question where should Honda learn from Harley? Clearly, there are some that prefer that things like evolution in design never occur. Harley has filled that niche very well. 
We've discussed it here on this board. It come up as a point of contention with Harley all the time. About their lack of willingness to embrace change. And why should they. They sell very well what they're selling. Honda , on the other hand, didn't do too well with the first try on the Valkyrie . We've all hashed our reasons for why we think it didn't sell well. But, to second guess Honda's decision to design the new Valkyrie as it did, when the originals failed to sell well, is not giving them some credit for thinking it through. I can understand that some don't like the new design and are obviously disappointed. "Traditionally" styled , would also mean a V-twin, because that's what all the "traditional bikes" use.

[BF]

I know some of you really like it.  I hate it.

Granted, I can be considered an old fart, but I like traditional styling...and there's nothing traditional about the Goldwing Valk. 

I'm of the school of thought that Honda could take a lesson from Harley.  They excel at selling traditionally styled motorcycles.  I don't have a clue to Honda's sales figures, but it seems to me that the further they go into non-traditional/furturistic styling, the more they lose to manufacutes like Harley. 

btw.....Lots of young people luuuuve Harley exactly for that traditional styling. 

IMHO, I want my motorcycle to look like a motorcycle.....not my wife's Accord (and the Civic she had before that). 

If Honda would produce a version of my bike with that 1800 engine, 6 speeds and fuel injection, I'd be there filling out a loan application. 

Honda should take a lesson from Harley?????

Sure,copy Harley. They've done that already haven't they? At least to some degree?
Forget about anything other than V-twins. Hell, Harley is  just coming 'round to the idea of water cooling. Which is at the heart of some of the criticism about the new Valk. We'll have to see, but isn't one of the draw backs to the radiator up front, like our originals, that the hot air in the summer washes past our legs????
Maybe the positioning now will improve that.

If someone wants a Harley, there's a salesman waiting on them.
I believe this Valkyrie will look bad ass when personalized with some extras. How many of our originals are stock?

I never said to copy Harley...or anything about a v-twin. 

Our Valks are a traditionally styled motorcycle with an exposed and chromed engine.  Traditional is what I like....otherwise I would've looked at a Goldwing to begin with. 

No you didn't say copy. you said take a lesson from Harley. 
My point is to question where should Honda learn from Harley? Clearly, there are some that prefer that things like evolution in design never occur. Harley has filled that niche very well. 
We've discussed it here on this board. It come up as a point of contention with Harley all the time. About their lack of willingness to embrace change. And why should they. They sell very well what they're selling. Honda , on the other hand, didn't do too well with the first try on the Valkyrie . We've all hashed our reasons for why we think it didn't sell well. But, to second guess Honda's decision to design the new Valkyrie as it did, when the originals failed to sell well, is not giving them some credit for thinking it through. I can understand that some don't like the new design and are obviously disappointed. "Traditionally" styled , would also mean a V-twin, because that's what all the "traditional bikes" use.

I'm not talking about Harleys or what Harley does or doesn't do.  I'm talking about what I believe a motorcycle should look like and what my tastes are.  As an example, Harley designs "traditionally" styled motorcycles.  Honda, at one time, produced a very nice example of what I believed to be a traditionally styled motorcycle....my Valkyrie. 

As for evolution in design, I love evolution of a design.  Take for example the Victory Cross Country.  One can't deny that it's styling is a step in evolution.  However, IMHO, it still looks very much like what I believe a motorcycle should and can look like and I like it....alot. 

Honda just stripped down a Goldwing and called it a Valkyrie.  IMHO, not very evolutionary......just sorta cheap.

And btw.....traditionally styled motorcycles don't necessarily equate to a v-twin.  Our Valks certainly don't. 

You're trying to argue two separate points here.  Harley vs Honda and v-twins vs anything else.  I don't want to go there....that's for a separate thread and has been hashed and re-hashed more than once here.  I'm simply talking about my tastes in what a motorcycle should look like.  IMHO, Honda bunted instead of hitting one out of the park.  But again, it's just MHO and worth what you paid for it.   

[The Anvil]

And btw.....traditionally styled motorcycles don't necessarily equate to a v-twin.  Our Valks certainly don't.

True. There have been many different layouts over the years. The I4 was a very popular layout in the early days of motorcycling.

For that matter, what exactly is "traditional styling"? Is the BMW R90 a "traditional style" motorcycle? I would argue that it is. It's just that here in America we tend to think of the "traditional style" as H-D. But even today's Harleys look nothing like early motorcycles which were little more than bicycle frames with motors shoehorned in.

So I guess traditional could be subjective. I'm sure Europe has a different idea of the word as it applies to motorcycle styling.

[jimmytee]

Anvil, that was my point. "tradition" is very subjective when it comes to motorcycles. To each their own.
But tradition does usually imply some sort of persistent trend,in this case design. And yes, there have been other designs besides V-Twins, but looking back over the past 100 years, what would objectively be called "tradition"