Introducing the 2015 Honda Valkyrie Classic

[nogrey]

Ok, so there really isn't such a thing. But it's my suggestion and hope that Honda will follow the success of other manufacturers and do this. When I was a kid, I had a BSA 650 twin. It's twin brother, the Triumph 650 was a huge success back in the '70s. A few years ago, Triumph began producing a "
Classic" version of these bikes. They're fuel injected, but they even went to the trouble of making it look like it had carbs (although the lack of leaky fuel seals was a dead giveaway  ). So, my "dream", hope, and suggestion to Honda is this: build a classic version of the old Valkyrie. Put that FI 1800 on it but stick with the old cruiser styling. Put a bigger rear tire on it, chrome wheels, low center of gravity, classic looking gauges with a fuel gauge, tach, temp, charge level. A TPMS system, HID headlights, LED everything else. Single swingarm, etc. I could go on.
Anyway, I keep seeing Honda come out with these "plastic" bikes and forcing folks of our "ilk" to go elsewhere for the classic styling. It seems like they've made a conscious decision that classic cruisers are twins, and the flat six is for goldwing style bikes.
Your thoughts?

[alph]

I remember chevy did something "stupid" like reviving the chevy Nova.  but the problem is, they made the new "Nova" just like the Toyota corolla!!  I had a friend that had the old Nova which was NOTHING like the new Nova!! 

that would be a night mare if Honda did the same thing with the Valkyrie, but it is possible....

[Momz]

Ain't gonna happen.

Valkyrie owners tend to be aging baby boomers,....the ones that had/have old Triumphs and BSAs.
Those of us old Triumph and BSAs don't ride'em,....we show'em.

[Momz]

I remember chevy did something "stupid" like reviving the chevy Nova.  but the problem is, they made the new "Nova" just like the Toyota corolla!!  I had a friend that had the old Nova which was NOTHING like the new Nova!! 

that would be a night mare if Honda did the same thing with the Valkyrie, but it is possible....

The "Nova/Prizm" was a rebadged Toyota Corolla.

[paul246]

Retro has always proven to be of a limited success, due to a limited market. A lot of the potential market has already died off, the rest are getting closer to it everyday.

The 90's Valkyrie itself was a look back at the mid-60 Harley Electra. With few exceptions it was only us old farts that gravitated toward it, which is why it wasn't exactly a whopping sales success.

[cookiedough]

I resent that remark calling us all OLD FARTS.  Some of us are still in our 40's. 

Not many 20 and 30ish ages here though I bet but a few.

Yah know though,  our Valks do make an attention grabber when seen on the road though.  Most don't know what they are missing. 

[jimmytee]

My regular riding friend and co CVMA bro, is putting new bags he bought on his 1200 Sportster. He lives in my neighborhood and was over yesterday to borrow my heat gun,having to relocate his rear turn signals. We were discussing our bikes, my wife included. The subject somehow turned to painting and he brought up that I shouldn't change/paint my bike any different than it is. He commented on how good it worked together and that wherever we go, my bike got lots of compliments.

We were on a Poker run last weekend, and one of our brothers asked to sit on my bike. He rides an Ultra.He was impressed,especially when I told him it was 14 years old. His comment was that I really take care of her.

[flcjr]

No old fart here 
 I was 22 when the valk made it's debut. I wanted one the day I saw the add with it power sliding through the desert,but at that age I couldn't afford one so I rode a shadow. Five years ago I finally got one. I would of bought a new one if they still made it. Instead got a gently dropped tourer and fixed her up. The 2014 valk I don't have the same opinion of, I would like to take a test ride(I love motorcycles so I want to ride them all) I don't see $17-18k coming out of my wallet for it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I think the Honda marketing folks probably have a pretty good grasp of the demographics. Some of us are just going to have to make do with what we have already. We are not getting any younger and more and more of us are having to give up riding anyway. They would be stupid to market to us. If I had the money I would buy new though.

[nogrey]

Retro has always proven to be of a limited success, due to a limited market. A lot of the potential market has already died off, the rest are getting closer to it everyday.

The 90's Valkyrie itself was a look back at the mid-60 Harley Electra. With few exceptions it was only us old farts that gravitated toward it, which is why it wasn't exactly a whopping sales success.

Not true. What about the ford mustang and dodge charger/challenger? Just to name a few.

[paul246]

Retro has always proven to be of a limited success, due to a limited market. A lot of the potential market has already died off, the rest are getting closer to it everyday.

The 90's Valkyrie itself was a look back at the mid-60 Harley Electra. With few exceptions it was only us old farts that gravitated toward it, which is why it wasn't exactly a whopping sales success.

Not true. What about the ford mustang and dodge charger/challenger? Just to name a few.

When compared to mainstream sales, their numbers are minuscule (limited success). The exception is the Mustang, which isn't really a retro, but a steady evolution of a car always in production. Mustang sales have also been steadily dropping over the last few years, hence Ford introducing yet another reiteration.

Another area to watch are which decades of collector car values are on the decline. As enthusiasts die off so does demand. Each age of collector has their area of interest usually attached to a certain period of their life.

[nogrey]

I remember chevy did something "stupid" like reviving the chevy Nova.  but the problem is, they made the new "Nova" just like the Toyota corolla!!  I had a friend that had the old Nova which was NOTHING like the new Nova!! 

that would be a night mare if Honda did the same thing with the Valkyrie, but it is possible....

You're right! And in my opinion, that's similar to what they've done with the 2014 Valkyrie, rebranded a stripped down gold wing. Don't get me wrong, it's still a nice bike, I just like the "classic" idea.

[nogrey]

Retro has always proven to be of a limited success, due to a limited market. A lot of the potential market has already died off, the rest are getting closer to it everyday.

The 90's Valkyrie itself was a look back at the mid-60 Harley Electra. With few exceptions it was only us old farts that gravitated toward it, which is why it wasn't exactly a whopping sales success.

Not true. What about the ford mustang and dodge charger/challenger? Just to name a few.

When compared to mainstream sales, their numbers are minuscule (limited success). The exception is the Mustang, which isn't really a retro, but a steady evolution of a car always in production. Mustang sales have also been steadily dropping over the last few years, hence Ford introducing yet another reiteration.

Another area to watch are which decades of collector car values are on the decline. As enthusiasts die off so does demand. Each age of collector has their area of interest usually attached to a certain period of their life.

I hear ya, one of those things we could debate and it would still just be your opinion or mine. Here in Idaho, all of the police and state troopers drive dodge chargers. Alaska state troopers drive dodge chargers. Those are just the ones I know about. No idea what percentage of sales that represents, but I'm sure it helps. We can just agree to disagree. There are several examples of "classic" that have been great success.

[nogrey]

I think the Honda marketing folks probably have a pretty good grasp of the demographics. Some of us are just going to have to make do with what we have already. We are not getting any younger and more and more of us are having to give up riding anyway. They would be stupid to market to us. If I had the money I would buy new though.

I'm sure that's what the "Honda Folks" told Boyyd when he came up with this crazy "Valkyrie" idea. The "dying off" or "age group" factor is a factor, but not the only one. There is a reason that some old things hold their value, and it has nothing to do with peoples age. If it did, we wouldn't see "Antiques Road Show" and those absolutely huge car auctions for vintage automobiles and such.
Not discounting the factors that you mention, and I didn't mean to start a debate. Just sharing my hope. I see no reason a classic Valkyrie done in good taste would be any less appealing to a prospective buyer than to any other motorcycle.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I think the Honda marketing folks probably have a pretty good grasp of the demographics. Some of us are just going to have to make do with what we have already. We are not getting any younger and more and more of us are having to give up riding anyway. They would be stupid to market to us. If I had the money I would buy new though.

I'm sure that's what the "Honda Folks" told Boyyd when he came up with this crazy "Valkyrie" idea. The "dying off" or "age group" factor is a factor, but not the only one. There is a reason that some old things hold their value, and it has nothing to do with peoples age. If it did, we wouldn't see "Antiques Road Show" and those absolutely huge car auctions for vintage automobiles and such.
Not discounting the factors that you mention, and I didn't mean to start a debate. Just sharing my hope. I see no reason a classic Valkyrie done in good taste would be any less appealing to a prospective buyer than to any other motorcycle.

Nogrey, I agree with you. I just think large companies like Honda try to cast a WIDE net for the most upside profit. Don't get me wrong, I wish they would put out something more to our liking . I just doubt it's gonna happen. By the way I can't wait for your next video

[BF]

Ok, so there really isn't such a thing. But it's my suggestion and hope that Honda will follow the success of other manufacturers and do this. When I was a kid, I had a BSA 650 twin. It's twin brother, the Triumph 650 was a huge success back in the '70s. A few years ago, Triumph began producing a "
Classic" version of these bikes. They're fuel injected, but they even went to the trouble of making it look like it had carbs (although the lack of leaky fuel seals was a dead giveaway   ). So, my "dream", hope, and suggestion to Honda is this: build a classic version of the old Valkyrie. Put that FI 1800 on it but stick with the old cruiser styling. Put a bigger rear tire on it, chrome wheels, low center of gravity, classic looking gauges with a fuel gauge, tach, temp, charge level. A TPMS system, HID headlights, LED everything else. Single swingarm, etc. I could go on.
Anyway, I keep seeing Honda come out with these "plastic" bikes and forcing folks of our "ilk" to go elsewhere for the classic styling. It seems like they've made a conscious decision that classic cruisers are twins, and the flat six is for goldwing style bikes.
Your thoughts?

That's what probably most of us were hoping for....an updated version of our Valks.  

However, you see how Honda responded.  A bike that looks more like a dung beetle than a motorcycle.  

[Buda]

I can think of a few guys who are under 40......including myself

[Gavin_Sons]

Im way under 40 by 12 years and love my interstate. I keep looking at all the new bikes wanting another one but keep coming back to the original valkyries. I now want a tourer in yellow/cream, orange/black, or black/yellow.  Hell give me any color combination and id be a happier man.

[old2soon]

Im way under 40 by 12 years and love my interstate. I keep looking at all the new bikes wanting another one but keep coming back to the original valkyries. I now want a tourer in yellow/cream, orange/black, or black/yellow.  Hell give me any color combination and id be a happier man.

     It's guys like you and Reb that are gonna(hopefully)keep the Valkyrie legacy going.  After that short Silver Wing ride today I may have found my next 2 wheeler-BUT NOT this year.  Well i'll do my best to keep mine worthy of the next one she will choose.  Cause as we all know-we don't choose them-THEY choose us.  RIDE SAFE.

[Kye]

+1, another sub-40 Valk rider here 

I fell in love with Valks in 1996 when I was 18 and a bloke on a shiny new bumble bee smoked me at the lights. I was on a CBR1000F and didn't even try to drag him because I thought he was on a Harley. Any other bike and it would have been on, but a pre96 'Harley', why bother? Anyway, 5 seconds later, I was in amazement, and changed for life. That sound! And it was FAST!!!

It took me 17 years to slow down enough to buy a cruiser, but there was only one option when that time came. I'm two years into Valk ownership now, and I love it.

[Jopson]

Another whippersnapper here I'm also 28.... Although I feel a lot older most days!
Was originally looking at VTX's when I bought my Valk, and I absolutely love it. It's gotta be one of the coolest looking bikes built.

[ricoman]

I remember chevy did something "stupid" like reviving the chevy Nova.  but the problem is, they made the new "Nova" just like the Toyota corolla!!  I had a friend that had the old Nova which was NOTHING like the new Nova!!  

that would be a night mare if Honda did the same thing with the Valkyrie, but it is possible....

The "Nova/Prizm" was a rebadged Toyota Corolla.

The Prism and Corolla were built in CA by NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.), a joint venture between Toyota and GM.
My daughter has had two Prisms-the first went 158000 before she sold it. Her current one, a "99, has 160000 and is going strong.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUMMI
I look at the new Valk and think it has no connection to the original except the newer generation 6. Sad, when you think of what Honda could have done. And now, it's likely to be gone because they missed the mark with it.

[Bighead]

Well I am not an old fart yet  and like someone above said I wanted one the first time I saw one the only difference is, I bought one bought my Bee when I was 31 and have never thought of parting with her

[BF]

Honda has gone retro pretty recently.  They did it with the CB1100.  Perhaps there's a glimmer of hope yet.

I'd be willing to let them use my bike as a template.   

[Valkjerk]

Personally, I'd love to have one of my Interstates fitted with a new 1800 motor. Also cleverly designed and crafted updates on lighting and electronics so that it still looks like my Interstate. Yeah, Goldwing drivetrain and gadgets wrapped up in a Valkyrie skin......yeah, that's it, that's the ticket. I just know somebody out there is doing this very thing. Yeah, hummmmm.........

[Jersey mike]

Honda would need a "hook" to spark real interest among motorcyclists and a strong marketing promotion. Maybe a limited production run of 5,000 bikes, 100 per state.

I don't think it would really happen, nice to wish for it and dream about it though.

[Valkorado]

Over 16,800 views on this thread seems indicative of real interest.   

[Rams]

Such a bike would force me to go visit my banker.   

[Jersey mike]

Reply with quoteQuote
Over 16,800 views on this thread seems indicative of real interest.   

I meant to say attracting new Valkyrie owners/converts.  I would think quite a few current owners would jump at the chance to get an updated version.

[8Track]

I'm not an old-timer by a long stretch. Mid 40s and still active, social, and connected to current events and trends.

I have owned my '99 Valk for nearly 4 years now. If Honda brought out an 1800 classically styled Valkyrie (similar to the nice Victorys and more modern itierations of HD's) I would be all over one.

I've tried for a couple of years to convince myself the new Valkyrie looks good, but I just can't get there. It isn't attractive enough to make me think about giving up my '99.

[hubcapsc]

It is kind of funny bouncing between this thread and another current thread
where new-Valkyrie owners are praising their new rides 

-Mike

[Rams]

It is kind of funny bouncing between this thread and another current thread
where new-Valkyrie owners are praising their new rides 

-Mike

Why would anyone not expect to find different views on the two bikes.    While I can't get into the new Valkyries, I'm glad those that are into them are happy with their purchase.     The new Valkyrie is faster and should handle better than our old Valkyries, no doubt about that.    As to the styling differences and whether or not Honda missed the mark, I think the numbers speak for themselves.    I keep going back to the dealerships hoping I can develop an enduring attraction but, it hasn't happened yet.     

Would love to see someone with the cash flow take a new Valkyrie and see what they could do in retro version.    But, that surely won't be me.   

[nogrey]

This has been an iteresting topic. I love my Valkyrie's, and I figure I'll have them a very long time. I'm in my late 50's and don't know how many years of riding I really have left. My good friend Whooray is over 60 and he's my Idol. He never fails to say "Man I love this bike" when we ride together. Still, If I were had lots of money, I'd probably have a lot of different bikes. Money is definitely a game-changer. I'd have my Valks, an F6B, probably a wing, I'd be fabricating a "new" Valkyrie with classic styling, own a BSA 650 twin, an Indian Chief, my own Island in the pacific.....oops. I think I may have gone too far. Still, if I had lots of money, it'd be a game changer. I'd probably be wealthier but I can't hold on to $$. I look at the big money people in the world (Warren Buffet etc) and wonder "when are these guys going to think they have enough?". I guess more of a game or disease with them. It's not about how much so much as it's about winning some crazy game I don't understand, or power or who knows. Things that are beyond my comprehension and beyond my desire to understand I guess. Sorry, didn't mean to get all philosophical on you all. As far as money goes, I figure that when I pass away I'm going to be leaving with about as much (or as little) as I came in with.
BTW, it's been very nice reading all of your thoughts. I figure, it's a pipe-dream anyway. New cars and motorcycles sure don't have much chrome on them. It's a bygone era.

[Otus]

Your going to have to wait 7 more years for Honda to to build the classic Valkyrie. They are going to build a 25th anniversary Valkyrie when they introduce the 2000c.c. flat 6.

[mrtappan]

I would consider buying a "retro styled" Valkyrie.  I don't like the way the old 1500 engine looks myself, so having the new engine would solve that problem.  Also, I'd really love to have "regular" front end on it so it could have fork mounted windshields.  I have the look and feel of the vibrating handlebar mounted one.  It's my biggest complaint other than the seat.

[nogrey]

Your going to have to wait 7 more years for Honda to to build the classic Valkyrie. They are going to build a 25th anniversary Valkyrie when they introduce the 2000c.c. flat 6.

7 years huh? Shoot.

[Jersey mike]

why not a 20yr anniversary? 2017 is just around the corner.

[hubcapsc]

They made mostly a whole new motorcycle when they made the original Valkyrie.

For the new one they just stripped down a Goldwing.

I wouldn't hold my breath for another whole new motorcycle.

I'm sure I couldn't strip down a Goldwing... it took me all winter
to change the handlebars  ...

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

They made mostly a whole new motorcycle when they made the original Valkyrie.

For the new one they just stripped down a Goldwing.

I wouldn't hold my breath for another whole new motorcycle.

I'm sure I couldn't strip down a Goldwing... it took me all winter
to change the handlebars  ...

-Mike

Its sucks that you aren't going to make it to Inzane. I was really looking forward to see the work you've done on it.

[Rams]

You're right! And in my opinion, that's similar to what they've done with the 2014 Valkyrie, rebranded a stripped down gold wing. Don't get me wrong, it's still a nice bike, I just like the "classic" idea.

Just my opinion but, the GW has some finer points that I can appreciate and it's a great platform to base a Valkyrie on.    I just can't handle all that plastic.    The new Valkyrie is an excellent machine, it handles well and performs well.     Hard to argue that it's not an improvement over our old Valkyries but, it lacks severely in the styling category, (just an opinion).     Had the new Valkyrie even slightly resembled the old Valkyries in appearance, I believe a lot more of them would have been sold to us old farts.    (again, just my opinion)   

Your going to have to wait 7 more years for Honda to to build the classic Valkyrie. They are going to build a 25th anniversary Valkyrie when they introduce the 2000c.c. flat 6.

Is this a prediction or something known to be true.   I'll wait that seven years if there is any truth to it.