Cycle World Mag wants your opinion of new Valkyrie

[CycleWorldEdit]

Hi VRCCers. It's actually Jamie Elvidge, long-time moto-journalist and Valkyrie fan. I was at Honda's press launch of the 1996 version and put many testing miles on them until 03. I've just returned from riding the new "Valkyrie," which is hardly recognizable as the motorcycle you and I love so much.

As expected, it works very well mechanically.  But styling? What are you guys thinking?

[hubcapsc]

Hi VRCCers. It's actually Jamie Elvidge, long-time moto-journalist and Valkyrie fan. I was at Honda's press launch of the 1996 version and put many testing miles on them until 03. I've just returned from riding the new "Valkyrie," which is hardly recognizable as the motorcycle you and I love so much.

As expected, it works very well mechanically.  But styling? What are you guys thinking?

Do a search on here and you'll find out that we hate it. 

But wait a while, till they actually come out, and we get some bags and windshields and
stuff for it. Some of us will love it then (I'm already pretty smitten with it). It is probably
a really good motorcycle, I'm jealous of you for having already ridden one.



-Mike

[Reb]

I'm one of the few that like it, I have been waiting for Honda to make a naked wing with an 1800cc power plant for a while. I purchased my Valkyrie for performance and reliability, the eye popping factor is just a plus. The new Valkyrie still has those two standards. I feel that Honda created a bike to grab a younger crowd into the goldwing world. They succeeded, I'm 26, and can't wait to sit on it. Extremely jealous you already got some miles on one.   

[JC]

I've seen a few positive posts, but I personally think the new plastic version sucks. I don't particularly care for the F6B or the 'new' Valkyrie as far as the styling goes. Just a stripped down GW, which the original Valkyrie wasn't.

I'm sure it it a fun ride, but they should have just updated the old Valkyrie frame to handle the 1800 engine and kept the 'cruiser' styling that the new one seriously lacks. It looks too much like a crotch rocket to me, and I don't see it as being near as passenger friendly as the original.

Other opinions may vary.

[Punisher]

Mechanically superior I'm sure, with a lot of what we've been asking for, for years;  1800cc, fuel injection, ABS, better final drive for less maintenance, etc.

Styling blows...

A $10k price might make it sell.

[Bighead]

Not too bad overall but would like to have seen the radiator pods done away with and radiator put in front like the REAL VALKYRIE so mor engine would be exposed. When I am out on my 97 that is the first thing that turns heads is that big ol flat 6 hanging out on both sides. I would however like to test ride and wait on some accessories to make a final judgement and as we all know honda make a machine second to none so that isn't an issue.
Enough typing I gotta go jump on the Phatgurl and take a ride,

[CycleWorldEdit]

Very interesting to hear a 20-something likes the bike. What if it is $19,000 with ABS? Would the takers still be interested? Thanks so much you guys. Jamie

[BF]

Mechanically superior I'm sure, with a lot of what we've been asking for, for years;  1800cc, fuel injection, ABS, better final drive for less maintenance, etc.

Styling blows...

A $10k price might make it sell.

What he said.   

It's a $12k bike at best. 

I hate the thing myself.  Looks more like a kids Transformer toy. 

I think what attracted most people to the Valkyrie to begin with was that it featured traditional styling while at the same time, not being a cookie cutter bike......in fact, that was the attraction....that huge beautiful, massive exposed motor dripping in chrome in a tradtionally styled bike. 

Most every person here has stories to tell of people walking up to their Valk and drooling over the motor.  That's the attaction.....that massive exposed dripping in chrome motor.

I could be wrong, but I'd think that most Valkyrie owners really wanted an updated version of our beloved Valks (I know that's what I wanted)....traditional styling with updated mechanicals.....fuel injection, six speed, ABS, better final drive for less maintenance, etc. 

If Honda had done that...basically updating my bike, I'd be a happy camper. 

[art]

We bought the best cruiser in the world for a reason, good looking exposed engine ,handling and power. The new Valk is ugly with all the Tupperware and those radiators, nope I would not buy it. Now a traditional Valk style with the 1800 cc engine ,Oh yes.

[Gavin_Sons]

I like it, im 28 and ride an interstate now. Still would like to see what bags and shields they have planned for it. Really want to test ride one and put it through the paces.

[GiG]

Jamie:

I think the new Valkyrie styling is aimed at the 20-something crowd (see Reb, Gavin).  With the exception of Reb, I doubt many will be able to afford the price of the new Valkyrie.

Reb is just loaded, he cain't hide money!  

[Dave Ritsema]

Hi Jaime,

Thanks for recognizing the huge enthusiast base of Valkyrie riders here, many of which have owned the same bike since they were new. I recently sold my Valkyrie Interstate after over 12 years of ownership. I had been holding out for a new Valkyrie but when I saw the pictures and read the reviews I decided it simply wasn't for me.

For clarity I am 52 years old and I also believe that the styling reflects Honda going for a younger market, much as they did with the original Valkyrie came out in 1997. Back then there was much grumbling in the Gold Wing ranks about this "Bastardized Gold Wing" and I was more the target demographic for the emerging Valkyrie market.

Times change and as I quickly approach old duffer status the new Valkyrie, while very cool in its own way just wasn't to my current tastes. Last weekend I purchased a new Gold Wing F6B and couldn't be happier. In my case Honda created another niche market that suits my needs well, just as it did in 1997.  

[Reb]

Very interesting to hear a 20-something likes the bike. What if it is $19,000 with ABS? Would the takers still be interested? Thanks so much you guys. Jamie

I'm still interested even at 19,000$. As with everyone, I'm curious to see the hondaline accessories that come out. I love my 98 Valkyrie, but it isn't the sharpest tool in the shed anymore. I want the technology that comes with the 2014 Valk. I'm not ready for a Goldwing yet at my age nor an F6B. Honda engineers came through in my eyes.

[Dave Ritsema]

You are seriously missing out.  



From her writings I have found her to always have been a fan of the Valkyrie and this is from a very accomplished writer and journalist that has ridden more motorcycles than any of us can even dream about. 

[Dubsvalk]

I want the engine and a six speed transmission and I will put it in my 1998 Valkyrie.  My 98 looks like I want a bike to look.  For its size and weight it handles much better than bikes the same size.
And it is comfortable.  I do not dislike the new Valk, but for the money I would rather have the F6B or a Wing.  This is just my take on the bikes and my preferences.
Dubs

[RainMaker]

Jamie,

I don't like the looks of the new Valkyrie, yet.  It may have to grow on me a bit, like a fungus.  Those radiators are hideous.  We know the Honda 1800cc engine can use a radiator up front - look at the Rune.  You can see the motor on a Rune!

When I was looking in 2000 for a new bike, I wanted something that not only attracted me with it's performance but with it's beauty.  So I bought a Valkyrie Interstate, even though I'd only seen pictures and had never ridden one.  It was shipped in new from a dealer in Los Angeles (that's another story).  It is the finest motorcycle I have ever owned or ridden.  All the miles on it are mine.

I am not in the market for a new motorcycle as the one I have runs splendidly, looks great (just got a nice complement last night even though it is dirty from the rainy trip to Houston last week) and I don't anticipate my ability to wear it out, being that we have riders with over 400K on theirs and mine is a baby at only 85K miles. I truly think my next motorcycle will be a smaller, lighter bike to match my future diminished abilities to handle the fat gurl. I'll have my Valkyrie adopted by someone who will take care of her as well or better than I have.

We may be the toughest crowd to sell the new Valkyrie to.  I believe the majority of the VRCC riders really do care about Joe Byrd's legacy and this short-lived "once in a lifetime" cruiser he conceived.  It's unique, it is powerful and we care about them.  A Harley rider will take his bike to the shop (factory or independent) for work, as will Yamaha, Kawasaki and Gold Wing owners.  The VRCC group seems to be more interested in learning everything there is to know about the Valkyrie and doing all the work ourselves.    My Interstate only visits a shop to receive a state inspection - else, it's repaired by me or my friends at a wrench party.  We care enough to make sure the work is done correctly and that doesn't happen at most Honda dealers, where the mechanics seem to be unfamiliar with the '97-'03 Valks.  Makes sense - they don't see many.

Some have moved to a Victory, a Harley Classic or a F6B as their riding needs have changed.  But those are not the people you are addressing by coming to this forum.  Perhaps they would give you a different view as they sold their Valkyries to move to another motorcycle - would they have bought the new 1800 Valkyrie instead if it had been available?

Good luck with your research. 

RainMaker

[jimmytee]

I'm 45 and really like it. I don't see the price being all that out of line. Our beloved bare bones Valkyries were $12,999 retail when first introduced in '97.  There are a lot of cruisers in that price range for that displacement, but they lack the extra cylinders we're pretty fond of here.   It wasn't exactly how I thought a new Valkyrie would be designed, but I've grown quite fond of it. I really like that red one and the black one. Don't care for the blue one. However, I want to see what saddlebags will be available and I am definitely a windshield/fairing rider. So am wanting to see what Honda offers in that category and what develops in the aftermarket for it.

[Valkorado]

Hi Jamie I remember corresponding with you via email when I was living in Grand Junction and you were writing for MC Cruiser.  Like most others, I prefer the old school cruiser styling and all the shiny chrome!  Curious just how well it works mechanically?  Is it really a jaw dropper in comparison to our beloved old dinosaur Valks?

[ugelstad]

I think the new Valk is a great extension of the Cruiser line.  I like the fact that they changed the fork angle to make the ride less sport bike and the real gas tank.  I wish the radiator was out front, but can live with the pods.  It is a real performer and with some customizing will be a great ride.  And I am not twenty, but 3 times that and this new bike still excites me.

[Jack]

The new bike isn't for me.  I have a '99 standard sans shield or bags that I have owned since new.  Love it.  I bought a Rocket III(my second) last August with the shield and bags(Corbin) for a touring bike.  My standard Valk will always be my bike of choice.
I will say the new Valkyrie is a vast improvement over the Rune but, at $19,000, I could by a car.  Bikes are not worth what a car cost.

[jimmytee]

I thinking there is a lot of room to add chrome to this new Valkyrie. Some of which probably exists for the Gold Wing already like frame covers. I'm imagining what those radiator shrouds would look like chromed as well.

[Hotrodwing]

I am 52 and if they put more chrome on it got rid of those crappy looking fenders and radiator pods, then maybe, but as it sits I would rather the f6B

[tbone]

Like some here, I am waiting on the final product with accesories to make my final decision. needs more chrome.

[Disco]

Hi Jamie,

My name is Dave, and I like Valkyries.  I also like Goldwings.  For a while, I was fortunate enough to have a GL1800HPNA for two-up and a GL1500C with Tourer bags set up for solo riding.  The 'wing went away.  I plan to keep the Valkyrie forever.

People would ask me to compare the two and I would tell them that the Goldwing did everything better than the Valkyrie except stand out in the crowd.  Like most here, I would have preferred to see the new iteration be more of a resto-mod maintaining classic lines and proportions while incorporating the latest technology.  However, those of us who have actually seen a GL1800 with the plastics removed (or even perused the Service Manual...) know how difficult that would be. 

In my opinion, the rear fender and radiator pods on the new Goldwing Valkyrie prove that to be true. 

Do I like the radiator pods?  I wish they weren't so dominant, but I'll bet they do a great job of managing the heat put off by an engine 20% larger than our Gen I Valkyries. 

Do I like the rear fender?  Nope, but how else were they going to hide what's going on underneath? 

In addition to wind management and storage, I believe those two areas are at the root of the windshield/fairing and saddlebag wishlists.  The right fairing will mask the radiators.  I just hope the saddlebags don't make the rear look like another big scooter.   

Thanks for your interest and don't be a stranger!  As in meet us in Asheville, NC in June!

DFG   

[Airedale]

I like it

Al

[RainMaker]

Hi Jamie,

My name is Dave, and I like Valkyries. 

What he meant to say was "Hi. My name is Dave and I'm a Valkaholic".

Me, too.

[paul246]

I'm 59 and a former '98 Valkyrie owner.

I love the look of the 2014 Valkyrie, its great to see Honda move their power cruiser into the 21st century, rather than another copy-cat of a throwback.

I like the hot air extractors up on the sides, gives it a muscular look while being highly functional at moving hot air away from the engine and rider.

I also like the subtle hints of power lurking there, instead of a garish display of chrome everywhere. Understated is always classier.

[CycleWorldEdit]

You are seriously missing out.  



From her writings I have found her to always have been a fan of the Valkyrie and this is from a very accomplished writer and journalist that has ridden more motorcycles than any of us can even dream about. 

Oh wow. Haven't seen that pic in years. That was also a great bike. I came very close to buying one and wish I had. A little garish, but special, and worked like a charm. Thanks for the kudos Dave!

[fudgie]

Being part of the 'younger' crowd  , I like it. I can see me getting one yrs down the road. Esp if they make a bagger model. But this is based sight unseen/ridden.

Everyone complaines that its not the 'old' Valk. Well, nothing is anymore. Except HD.  Cars of today aint like yrs past. 

[LTD]

I love the wild styling of the new Valkyrie Im old and knowing that its 150 pounds lighter than a full Goldwing I bet it screams. But I am 6 foot 6 and Im afraid I wont be able to fit the bike. The radiator pods may jam my knees and they have raised the rider pegs up somewhat. So no matter how much I like it if I don't fit it Im not buying it.  That's the main reason Harley has never gotten my business its a too small motorcycle for me.

[Reb]

Jamie:

I think the new Valkyrie styling is aimed at the 20-something crowd (see Reb, Gavin).  With the exception of Reb, I doubt many will be able to afford the price of the new Valkyrie.

Reb is just loaded, he cain't hide money!  

Not loaded, at this stage i'm still dreaming. Hoping this education pays off in May!

[PAVALKER]

As a Valkyrie Interstate owner/rider...... It's not a Valkyrie IMO, just a naked bastardized GL1800 of sorts.  It might appeal to some; the younger crowd, but it's not for me.  I would prefer the full blown Wing or F6B, or maybe even the CTX1300 over this so called Valkyrie.   I also don't care for the Honda Interstate.....that Interstate title doesn't fit.  The Valkyrie Rune is a beautiful bike and more a Valkyrie than this new one IMO.

For those waiting to see what accessories will do for it..... Just a look at the F6B or Gold Wing.  You can polish a turd.... But it's still a turd.

[John Schmidt]

You are seriously missing out.  

Having raised four daughters, I recognize that stance. Sorta like a "OK, I'm here, bring it on bub."   And, I also recognized the name from years past, strange how things come around again! As for the new Valkyrie, I was disappointed in the overall styling. As mentioned by others, it strikes me as just another crotch rocket in sheep's clothing. Other companies are making "retro" bikes and seem to do OK with them, so why not the original Valkyrie. I was hoping for something similar to what we now have, but updated. If I had the disposable income I would buy an 1800 engine, the associated electronics and hardware and install it in my '98 or possibly pick up a serviceable frame and start from scratch. In either case, at 76 this is most likely my last bike of many over the years. With over 60 yrs. of riding 2-wheeled motorized contraptions(term that only applies to some early bikes of questionable design....mine!), I have a pretty simple and basic need; has to be reliable and look good. In my view, the new Valk is lacking in the latter category.

In reality, I think the VRCC crowd and others will turn the new Valkyrie into something Honda won't recognize. I have the utmost faith in the creative genius of many of our members and can't wait to see what the next couple years bring forth.

[Oss]

Just returned from taking my 2001 Interstate on a 7300 mile tour coast to coast  The Valkyrie is still one great riding platform and with the RussellDayLong seat the most comfortable you can be without taking the barcalounger with you

I had occasion to see Westernbiker's new F6B with the taller windshield out in Phoenix Az about a week ago

That is one great looking bike and Chuck says (and I believe him) that it out hustles the Valkyrie all around

I put a pic on my blog and here it is



Would I consider the F6B yes and look at where the highway pegs are  perfect for me
Would I consider the new GoldWing Valk  not as I see the feet position as for my size it just doesnt look comfortable.  Seems the boards are Higher and  I need more not less leg room being 75 inches tall


Thanks for remembering us Valkyrie owners and good luck !

[Michvalk]

I like the new Valkyrie, and at 63 years old, think the styling is real cool. But, that said, I won't own one unless there is a set of hard bags and a decent windshield available. I'm hoping the aftermarket comes through with some suitable accessories (like the beetle bags, hint hint). I hope to see one at a local dealer soon

[EEEZZRIDER]

Jamie

I love the new style and everybody will be getting on the bandwagon in the not to distant future because all the newer cruiser type bikes are gradually goin to this style. As with the original Valks the new Black ones are also the fastest !

[James III]

I'm in a prime buying demographic, mid 50's. It would have been so easy for Honda to have gotten my dollar. Kept the retro styling with the 1800 engine and modern updates. Many more folks looking over the F6B than the new Valkyrie at Daytona. At 6'-3"  height, the bike felt small. I would have expected more in line with the Indian or Stratoliner styling for a signature Honda road machine other than the Goldwing platform. I'll pass and continue motoring the roads with my 98' Tourer, then if need be just find another used one to move into and save the coins. It could have been a home run; might be wrong, time will tell. It should have been, "I want that bike now", instead of well, lets see what options, bags, chrome, come out for it, then I might like it......

James

[f6john]

    I "like" the new Valkyrie for what it can do but I won't be a buyer. It's not the look or lack of chrome either. The bike is too much of a compromise in using the Goldwing frame and powerplant. While they are good, the Valkyrie deserved a complete makeover. Most of us wanted fuel injection and a six speed, we got 50%. None of us really care for the rear fender. I was at Daytona and sat on the new Valkyrie and it fells good and I really liked the new front wheel. I verified something I had suspected about the shape of the rear fender. I reached up under the leading edge of the fender and sure enough there was some frame tubing running just inside. A left-over from the Goldwing or just bad engineering?

    I am sure the "new" Valkyrie is a good bike, just not what it could have been.

[Rams]

I've actually tied to like the new Valkyrie, I tried to like the F6B, neither one does much for me.    Just too much damn plastic.    Don't like those radiator pods either.   I really don't care who Honda was or is marketing to, if they want to sell one to me, it's got to be something I want and this ain't it.

Give me a cruiser with the similar looks and functions to our Valkyries with that 1832 ccs and a six speed.   I want the freedom to dress it as I choose to.    I don't see much room for changing or customizing with all that plastic.   Building bikes that lack the ability to be adapted to specific rider's desires means they are all cookie cutter bikes.     Yeah, a lot of our bikes are similar but, each represents it's rider's individuality.

Edited:  I wanted to add that the new Valkyrie and the F6B are not bikes I hate, just not something pleasing enough for me to consider replacing my "old Valkyrie".    Honda knows how to get me and other's to buy a new Valkyrie, this isn't it.    They know that, they weren't intending to get a bunch of old Valkries traded in.   A few but I really doubt they were trying to impress those of us 50 + years of age.

[Bighead]

Jamie

I love the new style and everybody will be getting on the bandwagon in the not to distant future because all the newer cruiser type bikes are gradually goin to this style. As with the original Valks the new Black ones are also the fastest !

EEEZZ I disagree 100 % with everyone getting on the bandwagon. I personally would have loved to see A NEW VALK but this is just a stripped down GW. Unlike our older Valks which only had the engine in common with the GW but it too was different with more carbs more Chrome and different gearing. I think most people here that don't like it would say that they didn't want honda to make a Valk look just like the older ones (what would be the point) but to just take some parts off and throw a name badge on a GW?
I own Two Valks 97 and 99 so I don't need another they will outlast me but would probably bought a new one had it been something different. Just sayin. And no it has nothing to do with the price.