Rider magazine '14 Valk Review

[jimmytee]

http://www.ridermagazine.com/top-stories/2014-honda-valkyrie-rider-test.htm/

[..]

First time I've read this -

"The 6.0-gallon gas tank is the steel real deal, too—there's no fuel hiding under the seat as on the other GL1800s."

[BF]

Still looks like a dung beetle. 

[jimmytee]

dung beetles have a lot of power and can really move.

[Wetrudgeon]

"Among the 15 accessories for the Valkyrie are Boulevard and Tall windscreens, a wind deflector, backrest and passenger floorboards, as well as saddlebags and a rear carrier, so you can easily enhance its touring comfort and capacity."
This is promising.  No doubt this will be a very good motorcycle, if one can work with the styling.  Looking at the photos, the styling is growing on us.  Going to have a close look today.  Looking forward to it.

We trudge on.

[north-aurora]

 I would expect better mileage than 35mpg by now. And if you have a digital display on a bike that costs $20k, why not build in a nav?

[Momz]

I hated the looks when I first saw it.
But is staring to grow on me,....like a fungus.....for fun guys.

[xman]

I like the chrome valve covers, etc on the red metallic and black models. Looks closer to what a Valkyrie replacement should be. A bit more chrome and 3 versions and they may have something. Blacked out stuff doesn't do much for me.

[dreamaker]

I think it is butt ugly, to grow on me would be like saying I could get use to having VD. Hands down, when it comes to engines and engineering, Honda is hard to beat. But when it comes to design in terms of styling I think there talent in in between their butt cheeks. The way I see things, is objects have a flow to them, now the F6B has nice flow to it, but the New Valk looks to me like it just hit a stop sign. Like it suddenly stopped and the body line kept moving forward. I guess if you want to spend allot of money for ugly, that is your choice and your money.   To me the '14 Valkyrie is to abstract for my taste.

[hubcapsc]

The apparent unobtainability of front tires is kind of souring me... I
like the bike...

-Mike

[paul246]

Good article.. and a hot bike.

I remember when I took a new 1800 GW for a good ride...riding my Valkyrie afterward was a let-down, it felt like a lumber truck in comparison.

The new 1800 Valk will be even better than that GW, both in handling and acceleration, not to mention the exhaust note.

As for looks, they are always subjective. I picture someone like "awnold" would prefer the old Valkyrie whereas "007" would take on the new Valk. 

[F6Dave]

The brochure on the Honda website says the optional saddlebags are leather, with or without studs.  That seems out of place on a bike with futuristic styling.  We'll see soon enough.  26 accessories are listed, which is promising.

I think bags would balance out the heavy looking front end and could improve the looks.  I saw the bike at a dealer the other day and it wasn't as bad as I expected, especially in red with more metal parts.

[Chillerman]

"Among the 15 accessories for the Valkyrie are Boulevard and Tall windscreens, a wind deflector, backrest and passenger floorboards, as well as saddlebags and a rear carrier, so you can easily enhance its touring comfort and capacity."
This is promising.  No doubt this will be a very good motorcycle, if one can work with the styling.  Looking at the photos, the styling is growing on us.  Going to have a close look today.  Looking forward to it.

We trudge on.

I would sure like to see these accessories we keep hearing about.  I haven't seen anything that shows the new Valkyrie with bags or windshield.  You would think Honda would be promoting the options more than we've seen.

[SANDMAN5]

When I first saw the pix I almost threw up....but I'll admit
it's kinda growing on me. Really need to see one in person
before I make final judgement. Same for the F6B. Doesn't
really matter...my checkbook screams NO MORE PAYMENTS!!!

[iliveforcurves]

Looking at the dyno chart I was surprised by the low horsepower, it looks like they tuned for torque.  The torque curve is impressive, though.
As far as looks, it reminds me of the joke:  "What is the definition of a camel?  It's a horse that was designed by a committee".

[ugelstad]

Since torque is just (hp times 5252 divided by rpm), I don't see what you mean by tuned for torque.  What is important is that it has a wide torque band from 2000 to 6000 rpm.  You should be able to grab a fist full of throttle any time and get moving.  Not so true of the V-twins.

[iliveforcurves]

What I meant by "tuned for torque" is they could have made it have a somewhat higher peak horsepower but at the expense of less low end torque.

[Bighead]

And another!

[98valk]

same front tire?
Fits '11-later FLHXSE2/3 and Touring models equipped with 19" Accessory Agitator wheels.
http://www.latus-harley-davidson.com/Dunlop-Harley-Davidson-Tire-Series-D408F-130-60B19-19-Front.htm

[hubcapsc]

same front tire?
Fits '11-later FLHXSE2/3 and Touring models equipped with 19" Accessory Agitator wheels.
http://www.latus-harley-davidson.com/Dunlop-Harley-Davidson-Tire-Series-D408F-130-60B19-19-Front.htm

B for bias instead of R for radial, but at least it is the same size...

-Mike

[Fla. Jim]

Wonder just how the performance stats line up with the 97 model????? Like 0-60, 60-80, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile top end, etc. Things that we might be able to relate to for comparison. With our13-18 year old current rides.

[98valk]

same front tire?
Fits '11-later FLHXSE2/3 and Touring models equipped with 19" Accessory Agitator wheels.
http://www.latus-harley-davidson.com/Dunlop-Harley-Davidson-Tire-Series-D408F-130-60B19-19-Front.htm

B for bias instead of R for radial, but at least it is the same size...

-Mike

and not $600 from the stealer as listed in another post for the R tire

[DarkSideR]

This is the same magazine that wrote the blasphemous article "Tales From The Dark Side". After reading that article I wrote a nasty gram to the editor and canceled my subscription. I now prefer to read from motorcycle magazines that don't ignorantly write about topics, while singling out a group of motorcycle enthusiasts in efforts to make them look bad. I only read this article to see if they had actually ridden the bike they were writing about or if they only printed hearsay. I was half expecting them to throw a jab at the Dark Siding Valk guys. Maybe they have learned their lesson?

[dreamaker]

This is the same magazine that wrote the blasphemous article "Tales From The Dark Side". After reading that article I wrote a nasty gram to the editor and canceled my subscription. I now prefer to read from motorcycle magazines that don't ignorantly write about topics, while singling out a group of motorcycle enthusiasts in efforts to make them look bad. I only read this article to see if they had actually ridden the bike they were writing about or if they only printed hearsay. I was half expecting them to throw a jab at the Dark Siding Valk guys. Maybe they have learned their lesson?

What is the point of Dark Side, its not what they are designed for. I don't understand.

[Fla. Jim]

This is the same magazine that wrote the blasphemous article "Tales From The Dark Side". After reading that article I wrote a nasty gram to the editor and canceled my subscription. I now prefer to read from motorcycle magazines that don't ignorantly write about topics, while singling out a group of motorcycle enthusiasts in efforts to make them look bad. I only read this article to see if they had actually ridden the bike they were writing about or if they only printed hearsay. I was half expecting them to throw a jab at the Dark Siding Valk guys. Maybe they have learned their lesson?

What is the point of Dark Side, its not what they are designed for. I don't understand.

I'm loading up for this one

[DarkSideR]

This is the same magazine that wrote the blasphemous article "Tales From The Dark Side". After reading that article I wrote a nasty gram to the editor and canceled my subscription. I now prefer to read from motorcycle magazines that don't ignorantly write about topics, while singling out a group of motorcycle enthusiasts in efforts to make them look bad. I only read this article to see if they had actually ridden the bike they were writing about or if they only printed hearsay. I was half expecting them to throw a jab at the Dark Siding Valk guys. Maybe they have learned their lesson?

What is the point of Dark Side, its not what they are designed for. I don't understand.

My thoughts exactly. What is the point of the new Valkyrie if you can't get a car tire on it. 

[..]

This is the same magazine that wrote the blasphemous article "Tales From The Dark Side". After reading that article I wrote a nasty gram to the editor and canceled my subscription. I now prefer to read from motorcycle magazines that don't ignorantly write about topics, while singling out a group of motorcycle enthusiasts in efforts to make them look bad. I only read this article to see if they had actually ridden the bike they were writing about or if they only printed hearsay. I was half expecting them to throw a jab at the Dark Siding Valk guys. Maybe they have learned their lesson?

What is the point of Dark Side, its not what they are designed for. I don't understand.

Flog
Horse
Dead.

[musclehead]

This is the same magazine that wrote the blasphemous article "Tales From The Dark Side". After reading that article I wrote a nasty gram to the editor and canceled my subscription. I now prefer to read from motorcycle magazines that don't ignorantly write about topics, while singling out a group of motorcycle enthusiasts in efforts to make them look bad. I only read this article to see if they had actually ridden the bike they were writing about or if they only printed hearsay. I was half expecting them to throw a jab at the Dark Siding Valk guys. Maybe they have learned their lesson?

What is the point of Dark Side, its not what they are designed for. I don't understand.

Flog
Horse
Dead.

flagellate
deceased
equine 

[dreamaker]

I know, I agree I am a bit of a butt head from time to time. But sometimes things get my curiosity on why do they do what they do. I retired from a major safety restraint company, (seatbelt, airbags and so on) I was a Model Maker/High-speed Photographer in the test lab. I worked closely with our legal dept. So I gained a mind set. Two things, one of the laws, if it has not changed, the way I understood it, if you make modifications beyond Manufacturers specifications, to something and in the event it causes harm to someone or their property, you are responsible for damages. Even after you sell it. The other thing is, during the approximate year, of our Valkyrie fellow riders, have been in accidents.  How many of them had the car tire on their bikes. Not saying the tire caused the accidents, just how many had them that were in accidents?

[Big Al of Tennessee]

2014 Valkyrie, the most hated bike in America.

I think it is a really good naked tourer.

Fast, nimble, with all the water based paint(YES WATER BASED) you can get on a bike.

[MP]

I know, I agree I am a bit of a butt head from time to time. But sometimes things get my curiosity on why do they do what they do. I retired from a major safety restraint company, (seatbelt, airbags and so on) I was a Model Maker/High-speed Photographer in the test lab. I worked closely with our legal dept. So I gained a mind set. Two things, one of the laws, if it has not changed, the way I understood it, if you make modifications beyond Manufacturers specifications, to something and in the event it causes harm to someone or their property, you are responsible for damages. Even after you sell it. The other thing is, during the approximate year, of our Valkyrie fellow riders, have been in accidents.  How many of them had the car tire on their bikes. Not saying the tire caused the accidents, just how many had them that were in accidents?

Just as relevant:
How many were in accidents that:

had changed seats?
had done the double row bearing mod?
have added a fairing?
have changed hand grips?
have altered the angle of the handlebars?
have changed from pegs to boards?
have added a trunk to a std?
etc.
etc.
etc.

ALL of these, and many more, are changes, and in some way, could change ergonomics, center of gravity, etc.

Are they all "illegal?

What would it matter how many CT's were on Valks in accidents, if not causing the accident?  What would it matter?

MP

[paul246]

2014 Valkyrie, the most hated bike in America.

I think it is a really good naked tourer.

Fast, nimble, with all the water based paint(YES WATER BASED) you can get on a bike.

and I still want one....yaaaaa!

[Gavin_Sons]

I know, I agree I am a bit of a butt head from time to time. But sometimes things get my curiosity on why do they do what they do. I retired from a major safety restraint company, (seatbelt, airbags and so on) I was a Model Maker/High-speed Photographer in the test lab. I worked closely with our legal dept. So I gained a mind set. Two things, one of the laws, if it has not changed, the way I understood it, if you make modifications beyond Manufacturers specifications, to something and in the event it causes harm to someone or their property, you are responsible for damages. Even after you sell it. The other thing is, during the approximate year, of our Valkyrie fellow riders, have been in accidents.  How many of them had the car tire on their bikes. Not saying the tire caused the accidents, just how many had them that were in accidents?

Just as relevant:
How many were in accidents that:

had changed seats?
had done the double row bearing mod?
have added a fairing?
have changed hand grips?
have altered the angle of the handlebars?
have changed from pegs to boards?
have added a trunk to a std?
etc.
etc.
etc.

ALL of these, and many more, are changes, and in some way, could change ergonomics, center of gravity, etc.

Are they all "illegal?

What would it matter how many CT's were on Valks in accidents, if not causing the accident?  What would it matter?

MP

Excellent    exactly what I was thinking

[dreamaker]

I know, I agree I am a bit of a butt head from time to time. But sometimes things get my curiosity on why do they do what they do. I retired from a major safety restraint company, (seatbelt, airbags and so on) I was a Model Maker/High-speed Photographer in the test lab. I worked closely with our legal dept. So I gained a mind set. Two things, one of the laws, if it has not changed, the way I understood it, if you make modifications beyond Manufacturers specifications, to something and in the event it causes harm to someone or their property, you are responsible for damages. Even after you sell it. The other thing is, during the approximate year, of our Valkyrie fellow riders, have been in accidents.  How many of them had the car tire on their bikes. Not saying the tire caused the accidents, just how many had them that were in accidents?

Just as relevant:
How many were in accidents that:

had changed seats?
had done the double row bearing mod?
have added a fairing?
have changed hand grips?
have altered the angle of the handlebars?
have changed from pegs to boards?
have added a trunk to a std?
etc.
etc.
etc.

ALL of these, and many more, are changes, and in some way, could change ergonomics, center of gravity, etc.

Are they all "illegal?

What would it matter how many CT's were on Valks in accidents, if not causing the accident?  What would it matter?

MP

You say, What would it matter!! To you probability nothing, for me just gathering information. The point of it to me, is just getting a Soto looking Jessie James fat tire look, I assume!!  All thought you listed items that are not directly safety related, like maybe tires, brakes and so on. Bottom line is its your bike you can do what you want.

[DarkSideR]

I'm loading up for this one

How is the show so far?

[Gavin_Sons]

Car tires have proved to get better traction and miles. I use to have my mc tire slip all the time, since I changed to a car tire it has not once slipped. Until I die in a firey crash that is what ill run.

[MP]

I know, I agree I am a bit of a butt head from time to time. But sometimes things get my curiosity on why do they do what they do. I retired from a major safety restraint company, (seatbelt, airbags and so on) I was a Model Maker/High-speed Photographer in the test lab. I worked closely with our legal dept. So I gained a mind set. Two things, one of the laws, if it has not changed, the way I understood it, if you make modifications beyond Manufacturers specifications, to something and in the event it causes harm to someone or their property, you are responsible for damages. Even after you sell it. The other thing is, during the approximate year, of our Valkyrie fellow riders, have been in accidents.  How many of them had the car tire on their bikes. Not saying the tire caused the accidents, just how many had them that were in accidents?

Just as relevant:
How many were in accidents that:

had changed seats?
had done the double row bearing mod?
have added a fairing?
have changed hand grips?
have altered the angle of the handlebars?
have changed from pegs to boards?
have added a trunk to a std?
etc.
etc.
etc.

ALL of these, and many more, are changes, and in some way, could change ergonomics, center of gravity, etc.

Are they all "illegal?

What would it matter how many CT's were on Valks in accidents, if not causing the accident?  What would it matter?

MP

You say, What would it matter!! To you probability nothing, for me just gathering information. The point of it to me, is just getting a Soto looking Jessie James fat tire look, I assume!!  All thought you listed items that are not directly safety related, like maybe tires, brakes and so on. Bottom line is its your bike you can do what you want.

But, why gather info on how many Valks had a CT on when they had an accident, if it had nothing to do with the accident?  I guess I do not understand why?

You will not get that info, as no one I know asks for it.  I know several who have had accidents with CT's on.  NO ONE asked.  The cop did not.  Insurance did not.  Insurance paid.  CT did not cause the accidents.  So, just not understanding the point.

MP

[dreamaker]

I know, I agree I am a bit of a butt head from time to time. But sometimes things get my curiosity on why do they do what they do. I retired from a major safety restraint company, (seatbelt, airbags and so on) I was a Model Maker/High-speed Photographer in the test lab. I worked closely with our legal dept. So I gained a mind set. Two things, one of the laws, if it has not changed, the way I understood it, if you make modifications beyond Manufacturers specifications, to something and in the event it causes harm to someone or their property, you are responsible for damages. Even after you sell it. The other thing is, during the approximate year, of our Valkyrie fellow riders, have been in accidents.  How many of them had the car tire on their bikes. Not saying the tire caused the accidents, just how many had them that were in accidents?

Just as relevant:
How many were in accidents that:

had changed seats?
had done the double row bearing mod?
have added a fairing?
have changed hand grips?
have altered the angle of the handlebars?
have changed from pegs to boards?
have added a trunk to a std?
etc.
etc.
etc.

ALL of these, and many more, are changes, and in some way, could change ergonomics, center of gravity, etc.

Are they all "illegal?

What would it matter how many CT's were on Valks in accidents, if not causing the accident?  What would it matter?

MP

You say, What would it matter!! To you probability nothing, for me just gathering information. The point of it to me, is just getting a Soto looking Jessie James fat tire look, I assume!!  All thought you listed items that are not directly safety related, like maybe tires, brakes and so on. Bottom line is its your bike you can do what you want.

But, why gather info on how many Valks had a CT on when they had an accident, if it had nothing to do with the accident?  I guess I do not understand why?

You will not get that info, as no one I know asks for it.  I know several who have had accidents with CT's on.  NO ONE asked.  The cop did not.  Insurance did not.  Insurance paid.  CT did not cause the accidents.  So, just not understanding the point.

MP

You can't learn if you don't ask questions. Some things are just not obvious.

Thanks!!

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

You'd think Honda could have easily got 125HP out of that engine. For that much money I'd expect greatly improved straight line performance and I'm not seeing it in those numbers.

[Fla. Jim]

I'm loading up for this one

How is the show so far?

About as expected only thru two tubs so far though...Here I'll help out. A pic of my Michelien Hydroedge @ 30 K around town miles and I run in low 20's psi. For good sidewall flex for a flatter footprint. It is a firmer compound with a 800 wear rating. Haven' regreased the axle again since I put it on. Did use Guard Dog Synthetic  GD-525 Moly Grease so no worries