What's missing on the new Valkyrie .... ?

[Bagger]

Some folks may be less than pleased with this post.  But, that's OK.  Just some random tho'ts I've been having regarding the new bike.  And, I may have more later, too.   

I've got just under a 1000 miles on the bike and it's really proven to be an exemplary machine IMO.  Having a 2001 Wing for 14 years (my favorite bike of all time !), the Valkyrie is really just a 'stripper Wing', and a cruiser extension of the same bike.  Which is a good thing.  I really like the new Valkyrie. 

In my opinion, here's some negatives are about this neat bike:



        -- this is a $20,000 motor bike and it has:

        -- no cigarette plug, or other electrical plug to connect anything electrical ... phone, GPS, radar, yada, yada

        -- windshield not adjustable without modification

        -- no ambient temperature reading on the dash

        -- no gear indicator

        -- ABS model has self-canceling turn signals that cancel in 1/10 mile (dangerous unless one keeps thumbing the knob)

        -- rear license plate bracket hides the BIG tire and looks like an after thought for placement

        -- levers are non-adjustable and crappy aluminum colored, not BLACK ... different from the GW and F6B for some reason

        -- mirrors work well, but should be BLACK

        -- oem saddlebags do not match bike type .... leather-like 'classic' bags on a neo-cruiser? ... should be hard bags matching the bike

        -- longer front fender to protect the front of the bike from road grime
         -- handlebar is not adjustable, and should be1.5" diameter

        -- plastic chrome fuel filler door/housing reflects into rider's eyes

        -- LED turn signals should be larger and less pointy IMO ... and, brighter, too !

       
I know this is new model, but ... it's really just a GOLDWING stripper !

It should have all the 'stuff' GWs have available, and such:



        -- heated grips

        -- better, adjustable saddle

        -- multiple windscreens

        -- EZ detachable windscreen brackets

        -- multiple saddlebags options with EZ detachable brackets

        -- all the stuff I've indicated above


What's your opinion? 


I have 3 bikes, so I can ride in various conditions and temperatures.  Not everyone has this option.  So, if someone only has this $20K bike, what do they think we should have as options since the motorcycle it's based on is 14 years old?

[hubcapsc]

I like that it is a stripped goldwing.

I do wish Honda had made locking hard bags for it...

-Mike

[Dave Ritsema]

You KNOW you just described the F6B? 

[hubcapsc]

You KNOW you just described the F6B? 

No way.

An f6b is a goldwing without the trunk.

A Valkyrie is a totally-stripped goldwing.

Everything I don't like about goldwings is gone from the Valkyrie.

Whenever I finally get bags, nobody will confuse them with goldwing/f6b bags...



-Mike 

[imrubicon]

        -- this is a $20,000 motor bike and it has:

        -- no cigarette plug, or other electrical plug to connect anything electrical ... phone, GPS, radar, yada, yada   Easy to fix and not a requirement for the cruiser look/Life style

        -- windshield not adjustable without modification  Seems to be the issue on too many bikes with windshield

        -- no ambient temperature reading on the dash never really understood this need?

        -- no gear indicator   never really understood this need?

        -- ABS model has self-canceling turn signals that cancel in 1/10 mile (dangerous unless one keeps thumbing the knob)   And if it didnt have them many would complain about not having them at all

        -- rear license plate bracket hides the BIG tire and looks like an after thought for placement   Most newer Bikes ned the Fender eliminator kit so is it the DOT making them so ?

        -- levers are non-adjustable and crappy aluminum colored, not BLACK ... different from the GW and F6B for some reason    The option should be there but I like my sliver looking ones

        -- mirrors work well, but should be BLACK read answer above  but I have looked at some red ones ...

        -- oem saddlebags do not match bike type .... leather-like 'classic' bags on a neo-cruiser? ... should be hard bags matching the bike   I love my studded leather ones but if they had a space age style I liked I may have went that way also.

        -- longer front fender to protect the front of the bike from road grime  Waiting for a fender extender
         -- handlebar is not adjustable, and should be1.5" diameter    Size doesnt matter  but the adjustable part would help me out as well

        -- plastic chrome fuel filler door/housing reflects into rider's eyes   Minor issue for me so maybe its size does matter or height anyway , perhaps a leather pocket or somethign to cover part of it

        -- LED turn signals should be larger and less pointy IMO ... and, brighter, too !  We tend to agree on this one but not round ones either

       
It should have all the 'stuff' GWs have available, and such:



        -- heated grips   Agreed!

        -- better, adjustable saddle   every motorcycle

        -- multiple windscreens         They do have but I dont fit any of them yet, waiting for aftermarket

        -- EZ detachable windscreen brackets   After market will solve this

        -- multiple saddlebags options with EZ detachable brackets  They have two  but aftermarket will fix this , its the mounting brackets that are killing price

       


What's your opinion? 

For 20K we at least could have a few more options is agreed on 

[Farther]

The idea of the Valkyrie is to have a naked/stripped-down bike.  Start optioning it out and you don't have a Valkyrie.  I like it the way it is except it is about $6 over priced.

[Bagger]

The idea of the Valkyrie is to have a naked/stripped-down bike.  Start optioning it out and you don't have a Valkyrie.  I like it the way it is except it is about $6 over priced.

I don't think the new Valkyrie is over priced.  And, $6K over priced is a leap IMO.  Getting the bike for $2K less than sticker should be normal.

I certainly understand those that like the idea of a 'naked' bike.  But, the Valk is certainly not a naked bike by any means.  Just look at what naked bikes look like and you'll be surprised.  It's like saying poor people in the US are like poor people in Uganda.

Anyway ....

Yes, if you are looking at a bike that has the ability of carrying little, or nothing ... if you don't care about wind in your face ... if  you don't ride more than 2K miles a year ... if you have other bikes to tour, ride fast, scooter-Bob around town ... then, yes, the new Valk is good to go.

But, if it is your only bike, if you tour, if you ride more than 2k miles per year, if you want to carry more than a cell phone, or carry a passenger ... you're pretty much screwed as the bike sits today.

The V-Rod is to Harley as the new Valkyrie is to Honda ... love this bike.  Can't wait to have more 'stuff' to add to it.  This is a really great bike IMO !

[F6Dave]

When the original Valkyrie hit the market 18 years ago it didn't have self cancelling turn signals, heated grips, a center stand, audio system, ambient temp indicator, fuel injection, and not even a fuel gauge!  The Tourer was the only other model, and added nothing more than a windshield and bags.  As I remember the standard sold for around $13K and the Tourer was $1400 more.

The idea of buying the best motorcycle drive train in the world without any frills appealed to me then and still does.  The new Valkyrie follows that same recipe and I hope it succeeds.  I think the price is fair when compared to the nearly 20 year old original.

Personally, I think the F6B adds just about the right amount of equipment, and with Honda's incentives it's a real bargain.

Speaking of bargains, I was in a Triumph dealer last week and they had a new 2014 Rocket III Touring in the beautiful red/black two tone.  It was on sale for under $17K.  That sure is tempting, as it has so many similarities to the original Valk Tourer.  And 2300 ccs would be a lot of fun!  But overall I think I'll be happier on the Honda.

[PoochaKannINC]

I purchased by Valkyrie after riding a Harley Iron 883 for a few years. The only thing that bothers me is the self-canceling signals (the lack of them). I did not get the version with ABS - but at that price range, I'd like self-canceling turn signals (perhaps it is because I was spoiled with the $8,000 Harley having it).

However, the engine and transmission more than makes up for this minor omission!

[Rams]

I did not get the version with ABS - but at that price range, I'd like self-canceling turn signals (perhaps it is because I was spoiled with the $8,000 Harley having it).

Quoted because it's true.

I purchased by Valkyrie after riding a Harley Iron 883 for a few years.

(SNIP)

However, the engine and transmission more than makes up for this minor omission!

That engine and transmission are the main draws to this machine.   

If I was going to spend some money today, it would be on an F6b.    The new Valkyrie just doesn't do it for me.    My Ole Fat Gal still does though.   

[CajunRider]

That engine and transmission are the main draws to this machine.   

Very true.  With Honda's current pricing, the engine is the only reason for me choosing the Goldwing over a Harley / Victory / BMW / Triumph / Etc. Etc. Etc.  They all cost about the same (within 1 or 2 $K). 

[BF]

"What's missing on the new Valkyrie .... ?"


Soul.

[Bagger]

"What's missing on the new Valkyrie .... ?"


Soul.

Pages turn and time marches on ... all things change.

I had a 1999 Valkyrie and liked it a great deal.  I'm not sure I would say it had more 'soul' than the present bike, but that's a personal observation.

Let me say this ... I've had quite a few Harleys over the years.  Shovel heads were purchased from the dealer with a piece of carpet in a small tray to catch the oil that dripped from the brand new bikes.  I had the same in my garage.  If oil did not leak, it was out of oil.  We rebuilt these motors every 3500 miles or so.  Some tho't Shovelheads had 'soul'.

Shovel heads went the way of dinosaurs and the Evos were born.  Folks that loved SHs hated the new motors which came with more ponies, better maintenance schedules, more reliability and Evos sold like crazy.  Then Evos evolved into Twin Cam bikes.  Pretty much same/same bike with different engines and transmission tweaks.  Some didn't like the TC bikes and said HD sold out.  But, the TCs sold.

Here's the point.  I had an "original Valk" ... enjoyed the bike, but sold it to a friend and moved on.  The GL1800 that replaced the stripper 1500 Wing is a much better bike IMO.  And, even this excellent bike is getting 'long in the tooth', too.

And, now there's the "New Valkyrie".  It's quite a bike !  Yes, based on the GL1800 and some 150 lbs trimmer, but there are other things about this bike that separate it from the 1500 Valk. 

For example, look at the fuel injection vs 6 carbs from a maintenance point of view.  LED vs filament bulbs.  A 'real horn' vs a 'beep beep'.  1800 vs 1500 motor for power and longevity.  Better switch gear on the 1800 Valk.  Better transmission function. Better suspension, better turn in.  Faster.  EZr to clean.    And, there are more IMO, too.

Does this mean the new Valkyrie lacks 'soul'?  Perhaps. 

That said, I do like the old Valk a great deal.  But, that does not mean I cling to it above all else.  Moving on is something I do without looking back much.  New is good.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Speaking of bargains, I was in a Triumph dealer last week and they had a new 2014 Rocket III Touring in the beautiful red/black two tone.  It was on sale for under $17K.  That sure is tempting, as it has so many similarities to the original Valk Tourer.  And 2300 ccs would be a lot of fun!  But overall I think I'll be happier on the Honda.

Did Triumph ever address the matter of the crankshaft's cam chain sprocket chewing up its locator key and spinning on the crankshaft...which resulted in a number of grenaded top ends?

If so, I would buy an R-III in a heartbeat.

[bigfish_Oh]

I went to a local demo day and rode the F6B and the Valk. I think I remember a goldwing emblem on one of them, that needs to go. What's missing ?  a classic,  1800 in a soft bagger/ exposed engine, original Valk with updates and aftermarket for acces.. I almost wish I kept mine and bought 5 more instead of the Road King and Nightster.

[wobray]

IMHO........ this Valk is an aborted gold wing!!!!!

[Sasha47VSSS]

It is a story identical to the one regarding the Porsche Carrera: the previous model was always better that the last one!
IMHO, the 1520cc Valk missed a fuel injection. I'm surprised none was available as aftermarket.
The new 1800 Valk is nearly perfect (except that the engine is not so visible as the 1500)
Take a new one, if you can afford one, and keep the old one! (I have mine, a 1997 model, since 1998 and not ready to sell it! By the way I'm 67)

[VALKYRIE1800]

Some folks may be less than pleased with this post.  But, that's OK.  Just some random tho'ts I've been having regarding the new bike.  And, I may have more later, too.   

I've got just under a 1000 miles on the bike and it's really proven to be an exemplary machine IMO.  Having a 2001 Wing for 14 years (my favorite bike of all time !), the Valkyrie is really just a 'stripper Wing', and a cruiser extension of the same bike.  Which is a good thing.  I really like the new Valkyrie. 

In my opinion, here's some negatives are about this neat bike:



        -- this is a $20,000 motor bike and it has:

        -- no cigarette plug, or other electrical plug to connect anything electrical ... phone, GPS, radar, yada, yada

        -- windshield not adjustable without modification

        -- no ambient temperature reading on the dash

        -- no gear indicator

        -- ABS model has self-canceling turn signals that cancel in 1/10 mile (dangerous unless one keeps thumbing the knob)

        -- rear license plate bracket hides the BIG tire and looks like an after thought for placement

        -- levers are non-adjustable and crappy aluminum colored, not BLACK ... different from the GW and F6B for some reason

        -- mirrors work well, but should be BLACK

        -- oem saddlebags do not match bike type .... leather-like 'classic' bags on a neo-cruiser? ... should be hard bags matching the bike

        -- longer front fender to protect the front of the bike from road grime
         -- handlebar is not adjustable, and should be1.5" diameter

        -- plastic chrome fuel filler door/housing reflects into rider's eyes

        -- LED turn signals should be larger and less pointy IMO ... and, brighter, too !

       
I know this is new model, but ... it's really just a GOLDWING stripper !

It should have all the 'stuff' GWs have available, and such:



        -- heated grips

        -- better, adjustable saddle

        -- multiple windscreens

        -- EZ detachable windscreen brackets

        -- multiple saddlebags options with EZ detachable brackets

        -- all the stuff I've indicated above


What's your opinion? 


I have 3 bikes, so I can ride in various conditions and temperatures.  Not everyone has this option.  So, if someone only has this $20K bike, what do they think we should have as options since the motorcycle it's based on is 14 years old?

it is a stripper gl1800, that is the whole point of this bike. if you wanted the f6 or wing, you should have bought them.  i paid 16900.00 for mine, not 20k..............

[Farther]

By the way I'm 67)

And look a lot like Cosmo Kramer.

[Bagger]

/quote]it is a stripper gl1800, that is the whole point of this bike. if you wanted the f6 or wing, you should have bought them.  i paid 16900.00 for mine, not 20k..............

Congrats on your price.  I have an ABS version (that I pre-ordered) and got a few options as well.  And, did not get the Honda promotion by 4 #$@9n! days .. which woulda given me a grand of accessories, an increased year of warrantee, and still could have negotiated a price.  Can't remember what I was quoted, but think it was around $18.2ish out the door with taxes, fees, yada, yada.  Apples and bricks.

If you had read the thread ... or, even my post you quoted, you'da seen that I DO HAVE A WING !

I was posting what I tho't a $20K bike should have for that price, and how long in the tooth the Wing is ... which is what the NEW Valk's sticker is for the ABS version.

I'm not dissatisfied with the New Valk, just think it should have more 'stock stuff'.  BTW, where do I plug in my GPS?

[jimmytee]

I have 3 bikes, so I can ride in various conditions and temperatures.  Not everyone has this option.  So, if someone only has this $20K bike, what do they think we should have as options since the motorcycle it's based on is 14 years old?

it is a stripper gl1800, that is the whole point of this bike. if you wanted the f6 or wing, you should have bought them.  i paid 16900.00 for mine, not 20k..............

I paid  $15651 for my brand new 2013 F6B plus $1000 dollars accessories. Jus' Sayn'