Valk buying guidance?

[projectapollo]

I'm shopping for a Valkyrie.  I've read lots but could use wisdom here for what to look for, what to avoid, how to value them, etc.  The Interstate is too much so probably looking at tourer or base.   I'm coming off of a VTX1300 and currently own a F6B (which I think is too heavy for me).  The older Valks look like they may ring my bell. 

[Pappy!]

First off.....welcome to the site! Where are you from? Add it to your profile so the ones who are close by will be able to help out.
Nothing too unique about checking out a Valk. One nice thing about them is that most owners take immaculate care of them. Not all but most.
Maintenance is probably the #1 item to look for. Proper rear drive servicing would be near the top of the list.
There will be others chiming in with lots of tips. Nice thing about this group is that if you are close by one of us there is a good chance we will be able to help you out on the check out. Happens all the time around here!

[Willow]

... and currently own a F6B (which I think is too heavy for me). 

Better move the Valk off your list until and unless that changes.   

[Bighead]

... and currently own a F6B (which I think is too heavy for me). 

Better move the Valk off your list until and unless that changes.   

I was thinking the same thing.

[Crackerborn]

I would not discourage you from a Valk normally....but agree if you find the F6 heavy, the Phat Girl ain't a light weight. The 2 VTX I had (1800) were actually longer wheelbase and more top heavy than any GL I have ridden. Not that the VTX handled poorly, just differently. See if a local dealer or seller has a Valkyrie on the floor that you can test drive to see what you think before jumping into the pool.

[john]

low mileage ... garage kept ... older owner ...     
conservative rider ...   
and as close to stock as you can find                  $0.02

[8Track]

If you find an F6B too heavy then you are kidding yourself about a Valkyrie.

The F6B is lighter to take off the stand, has a lower centre of gravity, and is quicker and easier to handle than a Valk.

[Otus]

I don't know your age or your physical condition. I'm 5'9" and 155 lbs soaking wet but I have a very fast paced physical job and frequent the gym. I find it a bear to push up a slight grade but that seems to be common. Pay attention to the grade when you park it and pull in or back in accordingly.  Always loved these bikes but was a little intimidated by the size. Found a couple at dealers and tried them on for size. I love it and it is good incentive to stay in shape.

[projectapollo]

Weight difference?  Valk is 681 dry? VTX at 641 dry.   f6b is 842 curb.  2014 Valk is 752 curb.  So, the original Valk is at least 100 pounds lighter than the F6B?  Maybe 40 pounds more than VTX?   These are internet weights I found.  What am I missing?   

[projectapollo]

I'm from Knoxville, TN.  Thanks for the advice. 

[Breeze]

I know ladies that ride both Valkyries and Goldwings. Not big ladies either. So do the rest of you. I think the Valk with its low center of gravity is fairly east to handle. My first one went down while I was putting it in the garage. The extended foot pegs that I had added to the engine bar kept it from causing any damage. Never happened again. The only thing that got damaged was my pride. You learn to handle it. Stay out of the wet grass and gravel, and you should be fine.

[Dave Ritsema]

... and currently own a F6B (which I think is too heavy for me). 

Better move the Valk off your list until and unless that changes.   

+1 to Carl's comment. I recently purchased an F6B after owning Valkyries since 1998 and to me the F6B feels much lighter than my Valkyrie did in regards to handling and slow speed maneuvering. I would never want to suggest the Valkyrie is anything but a fine motorcycle but if your concerned about weight you may want to look elsewhere or at a minimum take one for a test rtide before you put alot of effort into locating the perfect one.

[signart]

All I can say is, don't ride no ugly motorcycle, no matter what it is.

[Willow]

Weight difference?  Valk is 681 dry? VTX at 641 dry.   f6b is 842 curb.  2014 Valk is 752 curb.  So, the original Valk is at least 100 pounds lighter than the F6B?  Maybe 40 pounds more than VTX?   These are internet weights I found.  What am I missing?   

Dry weight is with no liquids.  Curb weight is fully fueled.  F6B curb weight is with bags.  Valkyrie listed weight is with no bags or added equipment.

I'd be shocked if there is any significant weight difference.  The classic Valkyrie is well known as a heavy bike.  If the F6B feels heavy to you you'll find no noticeable improvement with the classic Valkyrie.

[hubcapsc]

Kawasaki Versys... goes 85 down the hiway all day long, rocks in the mountains... half
the weight of Valkyrie class bikes...



-Mike

[projectapollo]

Just about talked me out of it. 

[projectapollo]

I'd be shocked if there is any significant weight difference. 

Wow, that is a surprise.  I thought the 1500cc vs 1832 would trim some pounds.  Luggage too.  I'll have to try one and check it out. 

[RainMaker]

I'd be shocked if there is any significant weight difference. 

Wow, that is a surprise.  I thought the 1500cc vs 1832 would trim some pounds.  Luggage too.  I'll have to try one and check it out. 

That's the best idea -find someone with a Valk and try it out.

[BF]

Just about talked me out of it. 

I hope not.  You just need to know what you're buying before you buy it. 

[8Track]

Weight difference?  Valk is 681 dry? VTX at 641 dry.   f6b is 842 curb.  2014 Valk is 752 curb.  So, the original Valk is at least 100 pounds lighter than the F6B?  Maybe 40 pounds more than VTX?   These are internet weights I found.  What am I missing?   

Well the F6B may be heavier on the scales, but its geometry makes it a feel much easier to handle, especially at walking pace. I've owned my Valk for 2+ years and also ridden my mate's F6B a few times and can honestly say from my experience the Valk feels like a heavier bike and it doesn't handle or accelerate as well as the F6B.

[cookiedough]

you guys with F6B's are intriguing me with more power, faster, and feels lighter - best of all 3 worlds except price.  Will wait until the F6B's are used in 5-6 more years and can get one for 10 grand and have more accessories like taller shield and other nice accessories.  

I'd stick with your F6B why the need for a Valk?  Both are Honda's and should be very reliable and last for dozen of years.  

If in Knoxville TN,  take a short jaunt to Clinton TN and drive one of Smokin Joe's 3 Valks.  He has plenty to spare and last I knew has one of his I/S's for sale, but could be wrong?

[Hoser]

I don't know your age or your physical condition. I'm 5'9" and 155 lbs soaking wet but I have a very fast paced physical job and frequent the gym. I find it a bear to push up a slight grade but that seems to be common. Pay attention to the grade when you park it and pull in or back in accordingly.  Always loved these bikes but was a little intimidated by the size. Found a couple at dealers and tried them on for size. I love it and it is good incentive to stay in shape.

I'm same size as Otus, and damn near 70 years old, and I can handle it, 127000 miles worth so far.  I think I can still pick it up by using the correct procedure, But I don't want to try it!  I'm sure it would be harder than it was 10 years ago.  Hoser 

[R J]

My middle daughter is 5' 3" standing on her tippy toes.   Weights in at 104#.

Before I converted MGM to a Trike to accommodate this poor old 81 year old wore out fart.

She rode it several times on club rides when I took the Chevy Trike.   She had no trouble after I showed her how to get him off the side stand.   Turn handle bars to full RIGHT, grab the bars and raise it up.    You would be surprised how easy that make lifting it off the stand.

I also know a lady in TN who has ridden a Phat Lady for quite some time.   I don't think Vicki is quite 5', but I never could guess weight or height of ladies.   Personally, I don't think a Interstate would give ya any trouble after ya rode it for a few miles.

But like everyone says, ride it 1st and ride it several miles to make sure of your to buy or ot to buy due to weight.   The Valk might have  some weight in it, but it is a very easy bike to ride and handle, as long as ya don't ride it into a parking spot that is pointed downward.    Trust me, they are a bitch to push out of that situation.

A lot of people shied away from the Valk back in 97 & 98 as they thought it would be a bitch to ride.    After they rode it, they ended up buying it.