My thoughts about the new Valkyrie and it's impact on the VRCC

[T.P.]

And here is the new F6B website.

http://hondaf6b.com/forum.php

looks like its put together by the same folks.

http://www.hondavalkyrie1800.com/

[Gavin_Sons]

Invite them over to our world, they might like it here.

[Rams]

I understand that the design of the new Valkyrie is somewhat polarizing, much as it was when it was first introduced. In 1996 when the Valkyries were introduced to the public all the old Goldwing guys pissed and moaned how this new Valkyrie looked horrible and it shouldn't even be associated with the Goldwing name. The GWRRA wouldn't even allow them to be in their club. Funny how history repeats itself sometimes.

I have seen many comments stating that the new Valkyrie and the F6B are just different versions o Goldwings. Was not the original Valkyrie basically a Goldwing also? Yes, it was essentially a hot rodded Goldwing. Did you really think that when building a bike nearly 17 years after the first one that they were not going to integrate new technology such as a stiffer frame, updated suspension and braking and a different look? Would they not use common parts from current machines in production to lower their manufacturing costs? HD has been using that manufacturing model since the 70's with great sucess. This is not all that much different now then the original machine was in it's time.

I look at this as an opportunity to infuse this club with new members and new ideas centered on the Valkyrie. I would hope that in the very least we could keep an open mind about the new Valkyrie and be welcoming to those who have seen this powerful new machine, purchased one and are interested in being part of the community and enjoying the camaraderie  that makes this such a great club.

Keep an open mind, ride one, give the aftermarket the opportunity to start developing products, see what the first new owners do to them when they get their hands on them.

I bet this time next year there will be considerably fewer naysayers. Just my opinion and I know what its worth.

While I don't know the author of this post, when I first read it, I thought someone was looking for acceptance.    Then I looked again to see who wrote it.    I'm pretty sure he will always be accepted in this group.    As I've said previously, I'll ride with just about anyone, doesn't have to be a Valkyrie crowd, two wheels and I'm in.    I'd be happy to put some smiles and miles in with Dave anytime regardless of what he's riding.  

All I can say about the new Valkyrie is that it falls in with other bikes that can out perform and out handle the Old Valkyries that I will most likely never own.    It's a style thing.   It doesn't hurt my feelings, though my fat lady is aging, she can still run with the best.   The new Valkyrie just doesn't do it for me.   Just like a lot of the other bikes on that list.    Nothing personal, it just doesn't get my blood flowing.    There is no doubt in my mind the new Valkyrie will perform.    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the old girl still does it for me.    The new Valkyrie, not so much.    

[2old2care]

Really new owner here and I'd like to offer my opinion and perspective.  Just picked up my "new" 1998 model about 2 weeks ago.  Man, she is lovely  .  It's been my initial and limited observations that we 1st Valkyrie guys are getting on in age.  I'm guessing most of us are 55+, are pretty set in our ways and ride our Valkyries because we want something different.  We don't want to be another guy on a V-twin or a Goldwing; or at least that's how I feel.  I've always wanted to be a little different and never liked running with the crowd.  Does this new bike fit that bill or what!  Park it in the middle of a bunch of v-twins and even non-bikers will know it's something unique.  I'm guessing that's what's going to draw riders to the new Valkyrie and the F6B.  I'm thinking they will be younger in their 30s and 40s but also have that need to be a little different.  If that's the case then it makes sense for them to gravitate here to their own sub-forum.  Perhaps the forum execs should consider opening new F6B and Valkyrie forums.  Many of the current members could offer up their opinions of the new rides in those forums.  My bet is that those posts will result in owners of the new bikes offering up their opinions and observations, and the rest will take care of itself.   

[t-man403]

Really new owner here and I'd like to offer my opinion and perspective.  Just picked up my "new" 1998 model about 2 weeks ago.  Man, she is lovely  .  It's been my initial and limited observations that we 1st Valkyrie guys are getting on in age.  I'm guessing most of us are 55+, are pretty set in our ways and ride our Valkyries because we want something different.  We don't want to be another guy on a V-twin or a Goldwing; or at least that's how I feel.  I've always wanted to be a little different and never liked running with the crowd.  Does this new bike fit that bill or what!  Park it in the middle of a bunch of v-twins and even non-bikers will know it's something unique.  I'm guessing that's what's going to draw riders to the new Valkyrie and the F6B.  I'm thinking they will be younger in their 30s and 40s but also have that need to be a little different.  If that's the case then it makes sense for them to gravitate here to their own sub-forum.  Perhaps the forum execs should consider opening new F6B and Valkyrie forums.  Many of the current members could offer up their opinions of the new rides in those forums.  My bet is that those posts will result in owners of the new bikes offering up their opinions and observations, and the rest will take care of itself.   

Well said! 

[weevalk]

Having owned an F6B for almost a year I can say that there are many similarities and yet many differences between the 1800 and the 1500 machines. For me the differences were such that I sold the F6B and bought a 1999 Interstate. I like the feel, character and simplicity of the 1500 over the 1800 machine. I'm fairly certain I'd feel the same about the new 1800 Valkyrie, but I've yet to ride one.

There are boards for the F6B and I'm sure there will be for the 1800 Valk as well. There will probably be more pertinent information and sharing among those boards for owners of those machines. The boards here for the 1500 machines have kind of 'Run their Course' and don't have much new to offer. There are little, if any new parts coming out for 1500 Valkyries and there is virtually no new technical information for these machines. I don't see the owner's of the new 1800 machines getting very much for these boards unless they also own a 1500 machine.

From my point of view ALL are welcome, however I don't see much here for 1800 machine owners.

-just sayin ....

[brew1brew]

So, I've read all the replies. I'm a former 2002 Valk standard owner and now a new 2014 Valk owner.  I have some mixed feelings about this thread. So in my opinion it depends on if the forum members and moderators want to expand into ALL Valkyries or just "classic" Valkyries. 

it's my opinion that this forum can expand, it is after all the "VALKYRIE riders Cruiser club" and the only entity that can say was a Valkyrie is, is the trademark owner, Honda. Just like Ford each model cycle says what a Mustang is, I personally don't like most of the ones they came out with during the last decade or two, or three, until the last one. But that doesn't mean that all the Mustangs that I don't like Aren't Mustangs.

As to Honda marketing selling the New Valkyrie, well I don't really think that they are after all the classic Valkyrie owners, I think that they are after a younger crowd. although I'm sure they are counting on a few like me that are intrigued by the new style and the amazing fuel injected power plant.

So, for now, since I'm a member and the Texas VRCC members are friends I'll be staying around.

[BF]

So, I've read all the replies. I'm a former 2002 Valk standard owner and now a new 2014 Valk owner.  I have some mixed feelings about this thread. So in my opinion it depends on if the forum members and moderators want to expand into ALL Valkyries or just "classic" Valkyries. 

it's my opinion that this forum can expand, it is after all the "VALKYRIE riders Cruiser club" and the only entity that can say was a Valkyrie is, is the trademark owner, Honda. Just like Ford each model cycle says what a Mustang is, I personally don't like most of the ones they came out with during the last decade or two, or three, until the last one. But that doesn't mean that all the Mustangs that I don't like Aren't Mustangs.

As to Honda marketing selling the New Valkyrie, well I don't really think that they are after all the classic Valkyrie owners, I think that they are after a younger crowd. although I'm sure they are counting on a few like me that are intrigued by the new style and the amazing fuel injected power plant.

So, for now, since I'm a member and the Texas VRCC members are friends I'll be staying around.

There's no doubt that Honda didn't market the 1800 Valk to us old farts.....I'm pretty sure on that we can all agree. 

However, adding another board to this forum IMHO is a good idea......that is, if Scott, Willow, et al agree and want to moderate it.

And who knows, maybe a "new" Valk tech board might just increase interest in the 1800 Valk among some of the older Valk owners.   

If they agree to add another board, it will be interesting to see how active it becomes.  If it dies on vine, they can always kill it later. 

[t-man403]

Off topic "BF" ................. but I love your bike!!!

[weeder]

Off topic "BF" ................. but I love your bike!!!

I agree I like it to .   Got to see it and get some ideas on what and how  it was put together.

I like my Valkyrie better tho 

[t-man403]

I like my Valkyrie better tho 

Okay ....... Hi-Jack , show me a pic! 

[F6Dave]

I think a New Valkyrie/F6B board would be a great addition to this site.  It would benefit the members who have purchased these bikes, and also those of us who are considering one.

It would also be interesting to read some tech threads about subjects other than drive splines, starter switches, hydrolock, and rear wheel bearings!

[Dave Ritsema]

So, I've read all the replies. I'm a former 2002 Valk standard owner and now a new 2014 Valk owner.  I have some mixed feelings about this thread. So in my opinion it depends on if the forum members and moderators want to expand into ALL Valkyries or just "classic" Valkyries. 

it's my opinion that this forum can expand, it is after all the "VALKYRIE riders Cruiser club" and the only entity that can say was a Valkyrie is, is the trademark owner, Honda. Just like Ford each model cycle says what a Mustang is, I personally don't like most of the ones they came out with during the last decade or two, or three, until the last one. But that doesn't mean that all the Mustangs that I don't like Aren't Mustangs.

As to Honda marketing selling the New Valkyrie, well I don't really think that they are after all the classic Valkyrie owners, I think that they are after a younger crowd. although I'm sure they are counting on a few like me that are intrigued by the new style and the amazing fuel injected power plant.

So, for now, since I'm a member and the Texas VRCC members are friends I'll be staying around.

[G-Man]

So, I've read all the replies. I'm a former 2002 Valk standard owner and now a new 2014 Valk owner.  I have some mixed feelings about this thread. So in my opinion it depends on if the forum members and moderators want to expand into ALL Valkyries or just "classic" Valkyries. 

it's my opinion that this forum can expand, it is after all the "VALKYRIE riders Cruiser club" and the only entity that can say was a Valkyrie is, is the trademark owner, Honda. Just like Ford each model cycle says what a Mustang is, I personally don't like most of the ones they came out with during the last decade or two, or three, until the last one. But that doesn't mean that all the Mustangs that I don't like Aren't Mustangs.

As to Honda marketing selling the New Valkyrie, well I don't really think that they are after all the classic Valkyrie owners, I think that they are after a younger crowd. although I'm sure they are counting on a few like me that are intrigued by the new style and the amazing fuel injected power plant.

So, for now, since I'm a member and the Texas VRCC members are friends I'll be staying around.

But it is Honda, the maunfacturer, that differentiated the new bike by calling it a Goldwing Valkyrie, and not just a Valkyrie.  It would be like Ford, discontinuing the Mustang and then adding a new trim level to the Fusion and calling it a Mustang Fusion. 

Had Honda simpley developed a cruiser styled bike, even a modernized cruiser style like the 1300's, with the 1800 engine and the modern technology, and just called it a Valkyrie, I don't think we'd be having this discussion.

But back to the original topic, all are welcome.   

[cookiedough]

In the near future sometime in 2014, it would be interesting to add another tab similar to the tech board/general board, labeled like goldwing valkyrie or new valkyrie just to see opinions and ideas on the new bike.

Not sure it will take off like gang busters in 2014, but you never know.

[HurstRob]

I would say welcome them with open arms before everyone on this site gets too damn old. Youth is good. Beside I am sure there will be enough new fools to keep the old ones agitated and there-in lies the fun....And maybe every once in a great while an old fool will learn something new.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I would say welcome them with open arms before everyone on this site gets too damn old. Youth is good. Beside I am sure there will be enough new fools to keep the old ones agitated and there-in lies the fun....And maybe every once in a great while an old fool will learn something new.

Hey who you calling old fool? 

[brew1brew]

So, I've read all the replies. I'm a former 2002 Valk standard owner and now a new 2014 Valk owner.  I have some mixed feelings about this thread. So in my opinion it depends on if the forum members and moderators want to expand into ALL Valkyries or just "classic" Valkyries. 

it's my opinion that this forum can expand, it is after all the "VALKYRIE riders Cruiser club" and the only entity that can say was a Valkyrie is, is the trademark owner, Honda. Just like Ford each model cycle says what a Mustang is, I personally don't like most of the ones they came out with during the last decade or two, or three, until the last one. But that doesn't mean that all the Mustangs that I don't like Aren't Mustangs.

As to Honda marketing selling the New Valkyrie, well I don't really think that they are after all the classic Valkyrie owners, I think that they are after a younger crowd. although I'm sure they are counting on a few like me that are intrigued by the new style and the amazing fuel injected power plant.

So, for now, since I'm a member and the Texas VRCC members are friends I'll be staying around.

But it is Honda, the maunfacturer, that differentiated the new bike by calling it a Goldwing Valkyrie, and not just a Valkyrie.  It would be like Ford, discontinuing the Mustang and then adding a new trim level to the Fusion and calling it a Mustang Fusion. 

Had Honda simpley developed a cruiser styled bike, even a modernized cruiser style like the 1300's, with the 1800 engine and the modern technology, and just called it a Valkyrie, I don't think we'd be having this discussion.

But back to the original topic, all are welcome.   

G-man,  I. Don't agree you that the classic Valkyrie is not part of the Goldwing line,  it's designation is GL 1500 C/D.  GL designation is Goldwing.

[RainMaker]

My 2 cents, but after reading and some hard thinking, it really appears that the new Valkyrie was developed in the same way the classic Valkyrie was.  A hot rod derivative of the existing gOldwing.  So, to me, it is most worthy of the Valkyrie name.

I hope that the new Valkyrie owners do gravitate to this site, but that does depend on the content being here that will excite them long enough to establish relationships/friendships with other forum members and stick around.  Hopefully, we don't run them off.

One day, when I sell my I/S because it has become too much for me to handle, I'll drop down to a smaller bike (NC 700) but will still be on this forum for the friendships established.

[G-Man]

So, I've read all the replies. I'm a former 2002 Valk standard owner and now a new 2014 Valk owner.  I have some mixed feelings about this thread. So in my opinion it depends on if the forum members and moderators want to expand into ALL Valkyries or just "classic" Valkyries. 

it's my opinion that this forum can expand, it is after all the "VALKYRIE riders Cruiser club" and the only entity that can say was a Valkyrie is, is the trademark owner, Honda. Just like Ford each model cycle says what a Mustang is, I personally don't like most of the ones they came out with during the last decade or two, or three, until the last one. But that doesn't mean that all the Mustangs that I don't like Aren't Mustangs.

As to Honda marketing selling the New Valkyrie, well I don't really think that they are after all the classic Valkyrie owners, I think that they are after a younger crowd. although I'm sure they are counting on a few like me that are intrigued by the new style and the amazing fuel injected power plant.

So, for now, since I'm a member and the Texas VRCC members are friends I'll be staying around.

But it is Honda, the maunfacturer, that differentiated the new bike by calling it a Goldwing Valkyrie, and not just a Valkyrie.  It would be like Ford, discontinuing the Mustang and then adding a new trim level to the Fusion and calling it a Mustang Fusion. 

Had Honda simpley developed a cruiser styled bike, even a modernized cruiser style like the 1300's, with the 1800 engine and the modern technology, and just called it a Valkyrie, I don't think we'd be having this discussion.

But back to the original topic, all are welcome.   

G-man,  I. Don't agree you that the classic Valkyrie is not part of the Goldwing line,  it's designation is GL 1500 C/D.  GL designation is Goldwing.

You got me on that one!    

[98valk]

Was not the original Valkyrie basically a Goldwing also? Yes, it was essentially a hot rodded Goldwing.

NO NO NO!!! it was not a hot rodded GW. the only thing the Valkyrie shared and which was hot rodded WAS THE ENGINE.

Valkyrie - different forks, gas tank, frame, rear drive, wheels/tires, etc.

The real Valkyrie was a completely different bike.
the new one, in name only, is a stripped down GL1800 Goldwing with different wheels/brakes.
they even call it Goldwing valkyrie.  Like they call the one vtx model an interstate.

po'd rant over...