Your road to Valkyrie

[JDWhite]

This may have been asked/done before I came along. I'm just curious how we all came to be Valkyrie riders.

My first bike was. Honda trail 70 when I was 5 years old. My dad had a CB 750 at the time and I was hooked. Had a few other dirt bikes growing up including a Honda XR 75 and a Yamaha 175. My first street bike was a V30 Magna (500cc) then a v65 Magna (1100cc) loved those V4 motors!
Went a few years bikeless after divorcing my first wife..finally convinced my second wife that I had to have another bike because of the void left after had to sell my V65 after the divorce.  
A buddy of mine had an old Goldwing and I liked the idea of a touring bike. Being that at the time I was on a Very tight budget, I found an 82 Goldwing Interstate for next to nothing and bought it. I liked the way it handled, but, turns out you get what you pay for. The old girl was in pretty poor shape and needed a ton of work. this is when Valkyries came on my radar. I was a member of a Goldwing forum "Steve Sanders Goldwing Facts" and saw several people restore their wings and decided to give it a try. While there I noticed Valkyrie posts. I didn't know such a bike existed until 2009ish. The more I looked into them the more I wanted one. I parked my wing for the winter and planned this huge restore with thoughts of stripping it down to a standard to get a Valk feel. That's when I came across my VT1100c3 Aero at a price I could not pass up. Loved the throwback look of that bike so I shelved the restore and eventually sold the wing since I had one I could ride instead of work on.
Kept the Aero for a little over 3 years but the Valk was always on my mind. Looked at a few during this time but could not pull the trigger.....until now!

Anyhow, that's my story.....what's yours?

[Bighead]

Well my first powered two wheeled vehicle was a mini bike with a 3hp Briggs and Straton. Rode that many years as a youngster .then several years went by before I could buy my own street bike. I couldn't have one as long as I lived in my Moms house(God rest her soul). Then after I married about five years I thought I could finally afford a bike and the wife said no but I showed up in the driveway on one anyway it was a 750 Kawi, then after the wife got used to riding and liked it I traded for an 1100 shadow after two years the wife said we need a bigger bike and I said nothing just went to the garage and rode to a nearby dealer and was back home in about two hours on my 1997 Bee.

[BF]

Grew up loving bikes.  Lived just a couple blocks from a mom & pop Harley shop (they actually lived in the back of the shop).  

My older brother had a couple different Sportsters (late '50's and early '60's) and my dad had a '59 Harley.  

I started with a Harley Topper scooter at age 12 and progressed up through every one of the Italian Harleys (50cc, 125cc and a 250cc Sprint).  Then went to several different and assorted Yamahas and Hondas.  

Along came family and kids.  Sold the last bike when my second son came along.  

Went decades without riding.

Got Kidney cancer (the 1st time) and figured life is short.  Bought my Valk.  Remodeled it to the bike you see in my sig pic below.  

Got Kidney cancer (the 2nd time) and I'm currently looking for a new life is even shorter and I'm still here present for myself to go along with my Valk.  

[R J]

My dad & his brother bought bikes, from junk to ones you could ride.   They rebuilt them and sold them later.

Dad took a basket case, I mean the whole bike was in several baskets.  He found all the engine parts and built it 1st.   I was a 4 cylinder Indian 3 speed.

After they got it together, I hounded dad to let me ride it.  
Prior to getting to ride the Indian, Dad & his brother built me a little bike w/ a Briggs engine.    Lived in a small town, NO police dept, just a town Marshal, he had no arresting privileges.

I don't remember how old I was, but it was before dad got drafted into the Marine Corps, he told me if I could get it started I could ride it.  His brother and I were pretty close.   I asked him if he'd start it for me.   He did, we rode out to the farm and I rode several laps in the pasture.    We went back to town, and I rode it up town.   Of course, I killed it and dropped it right in the middle of the street.    Town Marshall came over, picked it up for me and started it.  He told me I know you don't have a license so take this thing back home, and I mean straight home.

Rode the 3 blocks to the house, turned in the alley to get to the garage and at the same time my dad turned in the other end of the alley.

I saw the look on his face and I knew I was in for an ass stompin.   His brother stepped in and said Jim, you told him if he could get it started, he could ride it.  I started it for him and he rode about an hour at the farm with no problems, so back off.

After that, dad took me to the farm everyday, with the Indian, with a full tank of gas.   I rode in that field till I wore a path about 6" deep by 14 to 16" wide.    Shortly after that dad got drafted and was sent to the Marine Recruit Depot in San Diego.    Came home on leave after boot came and returned to Camp Pendleton to be assigned to the outfit who was to take Okinawa.    That was the last time I saw my dad.     My Uncle followed in Dad's footsteps on the Indian everyday till he was drafted.   He also went Overseas, was wounded by a sniper, and came home after his tour was done.

When I was in the hospital for open heart surgery, my wife read motorcycle magazines to me till I got out 29 days later.

Sorry for being so wordy.

Went home, got my Harley out of the garage, rode it over to the Honda dealer and traded for MGM.   I came home 4 days later with MGM.

[indybobm]

My first ‘bike’ was one I made when I was 15. Started with a 20” stingray frame. Put a 2 ½ hp Tecumseh 2 cycle in the middle of the frame. Had to cut the front down tube and weld in plates. Ran the centrifugal clutch down to a jack shaft where the pedals used to be. Other side of jack shaft via chain to rear wheel.  Laced a 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub into the 20” rear rim.  Put a twist grip gear changer on the left handlebar. Put another one with the ball detent taken out on the right handlebar for a throttle.  Knobby tires, banana seat and 45 mph wide open. Almost killed me.

Followed by a 75 Honda 250XL, 76 Suzuki 550E, 1979 Suzuki GS1000L, 79 Honda CB750, 1992 Honda 750 Nighthawk,  97 Honda VFR750, 98 Valkyrie Black/Jade Green Tourer,  98 Valkyrie Black Tourer. Planning on owning a Valkyrie until the day I die.

[hubcapsc]

My father rode and raced Harleys around here (upstate South Carolina) before
WWII. He bought the first Harley sold at the Greenville Harley shop after the war -
apparently they didn't sell Harleys "for fun use" during the war... I grew up riding
dirt bikes, had several street bikes as a young adult. I had a Honda Ascot 500 for
a year or so, never licensed it or got a motorcycle driver's license for myself, but
I rode it to work and even down to the beach once... I guess people doing stuff
like that wasn't on the police radar so much back then... when my Mama was sick
and we were all taking care of her I used to daydream about thump-thumping down
the road without a care in the world on a Harley like the ones in my
father's old pictures.

I got a 98 FLSTsomethingorother and it was fun, but I never ended up riding it much.
One day I saw a Red and White Valkyrie... found the VRCC... met the Wild Bunch...
10,000 miles a year since then  ...

-Mike

[Hook#3287]

I've never owned any other brand motorcycle but Honda.

Except for the home made Briggs & Stratton powered mini bike my brother lost his two front teeth on.

Our friend was riding it and the throttle stuck wide open.  Our friend was smart enough to drop it on it's side and get off it.  My brother, being the concerned co-builder, jumped on it and off he when down the hill that was our front yard, only to crash into the road, landing on his face.

Both front teeth sitting in the road knocked clean out.  Our neighbor, Mrs Flynn, turned a little green when I picked them up and showed them to her.

Off he went to the hospital with my sister driving him in her VW bug because her boyfriend wouldn't let him in his Chevelle with the white interior.  Something about WAY too much blood coming out of his mouth.

Later my sister tracked me down and asked "Where's Bobby's teeth"   I told her I put them in a dixie cup in some hydrogen peroxide on the kitchen window sill.  Didn't know what else to do.

They put the teeth back in and they stayed for 10 years or so till some punk sucker punched him and knocked em out again.

That started the road to Valkyrie.

Last part of the trip was seeing the "Salt Flat Cross Up" commercial in 1998 and saying "What was that?"

I'd been looking for a road bike and had considered BMW, Guzzi, Wing just about anything BUT a Harley, having been left on the side of I-4 in Orlando by a rented Fat Boy during Biketoberfest.

The replacement Heritage they gave me just about rattled my teeth fillings out.

After checking out a Valkyrie, I was hooked.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've never owned any other brand motorcycle but Honda.

Except for the home made Briggs & Stratton powered mini bike my brother lost his two front teeth on.

Our friend was riding it and the throttle stuck wide open.  Our friend was smart enough to drop it on it's side and get off it.  My brother, being the concerned co-builder, jumped on it and off he when down the hill that was our front yard, only to crash into the road, landing on his face.

Both front teeth sitting in the road knocked clean out.  Our neighbor, Mrs Flynn, turned a little green when I picked them up and showed them to her.

Off he went to the hospital with my sister driving him in her VW bug because her boyfriend wouldn't let him in his Chevelle with the white interior.  Something about WAY too much blood coming out of his mouth.

Later my sister tracked me down and asked "Where's Bobby's teeth"   I told her I put them in a dixie cup in some hydrogen peroxide on the kitchen window sill.  Didn't know what else to do.

They put the teeth back in and they stayed for 10 years or so till some punk sucker punched him and knocked em out again.

That started the road to Valkyrie.

Last part of the trip was seeing the "Salt Flat Cross Up" commercial in 1998 and saying "What was that?"

I'd been looking for a road bike and had considered BMW, Guzzi, Wing just about anything BUT a Harley, having been left on the side of I-4 in Orlando by a rented Fat Boy during Biketoberfest.

The replacement Heritage they gave me just about rattled my teeth fillings out.

After checking out a Valkyrie, I was hooked.

Bill that's a funny story about your brother
I've owned most of the "Jap" bikes at one time or another. I used to be pretty faithful to Yamaha . I think my 2nd favorite bike of my life was a RD350. That thing was pretty quick stock and hopped up and made into a cafe racer with a full race fairing it was a chick magnet for a 16 year old boy.

[SpidyJ]

I rode HD's for the first 15 years or so.....I got tired of downshifting all the time when riding two up and loaded with luggage while climbing the hills of western NC.
I was always getting passed (very quickly) by Wings and Valks.
One day I was parked next to a Green and Silver Valk in Boone NC.  The fella riding it was leaving while my wife and I were packing up the HD.  When he started that engine, I fell in love immediately and thus the mental decision was made. I will have a Valkyrie some day.....it took about a year.

[Flint]

My first bike was a western auto mini bike that I got for Christmas when I was 8-10 years old, not Shure what happen to that but I remember the kid down the street wanted to drive it and ran into a tree.
When I was fourteen I got a Yamaha 125 enduro and two years later bought a Yamaha 250 Enduro brand new for $825. Sold it to a friend when I was 18.
Few years later a friend of mine needed a car for the winter and I had two cars so I traded him one even up for a Honda 500 four he had. About a year later he asked if he could loan it for one night, and I said yes no problem. Next day I got a call from the police and they wanted to know if I was riding my bike, that it was sitting in the road on a dead end street smashed up. Picked up my buddy who said someone stole the bike  and met the cop. He said there was an eye witness that saw some one leaving the scene with a red and white helmet, well I had also loaned my red and white helmet to him and saw it on his porch when I picked him up. He did pay me for it in the end but never admitted that he did it.

I was in my thirty's before a got another bike, a nice Yamaha  XS1100. I bought and sold several of them in the next couple of years and also had a 1979 Honda 750 anniversary special and  Last bike I kept was a 1982 Yamaha XJ1100 but after riding it 55 miles one year I sold that also.

The next bike I bought was several years later when the kids were teenagers and this is the bike that lead me to the Valkyrie. I was coming home one afternoon and as I was sitting at a stop sign waiting for traffic when I seen a bike coming up behind me, traffic was clear so I pulled out and when I looked in my mirror the bike was coming hard so I let her rip. When I slowed down at 100 or so he pulled up beside me and was trying to figure out what I was riding. When he saw the vmax nameplate he understood why he couldn't catch me.
I will never forget his bike, it was a green and cream Valkyrie tourer  and it was beautiful, and that's what lead me on the road to a Valkyrie. Few years later I bought 2 of them.

[Oss]

wish I learned to ride when young

A friend in early 2001 let me ride his dual sport Yamaha around his property and
I knew that was what was missing in my life right then and there

in 2001 a month before the attack I bought a 750 Vulcan, the day I passed the road test

rode it about 18000 miles then saw my 1st Valk at Americade

Lust at 1st sight, showed a pic to my wife and she said it has
 a nice passenger seat go get it if you like it  smart woman

So I got the 2000 black and chrome interstate

in 2003 I got the majestic black and pearl beige interstate with just around 3000 miles on it now its over 97000 miles

[Hook#3287]

Bill that's a funny story about your brother cooldude

Yeah, well, he didn't think so.

[Robert]

Living on the south shore of LI with a mother who was a nurse and a dr in the family didn't really get into motorcycles but was big time into boats and boat racing. Most of my time was either in the boat, on the bicycle or sleeping. The only common thread was I loved my bicycle since I rode for miles and went every where, "before the days parents could be arrested if their kid was miles from home".  If my mother had known how far and where I rode it may have been a problem. I had the bad kid in the neighbor hood that had a mini bike that he let me try it and I loved it, but just couldn't seem to get one. My personal finances going to my boat, and I worked from the time I was old enough to start a lawnmower and did handy man jobs when I got a bit older and provided my own money for these type of expenses. We were not poor but not wealthy either so I didn't feel comfortable about asking for money. With my mother being a nurse and being in the emergency room I knew a motorcycle was out of the question, it was a no no. So it was not till later in life when I got into some trouble and the only form of transportation I was left with was a Kawi KZ1000 I bought before things changed. I bought it on a whim since I wanted to see if I would like a motorcycle. Really liked the bike but didn't realize when I bought it that later in my life it would be my only transportation, and riding in the rain in S Fla is not that much fun and the experience is kind of nerve racking. I used that bike for awhile and as things got better I sold it because I needed the money and wasn't really using it. I met My wife with the Kawi and we would take rides and really had a good time. But the Valk was my first bike I chose knowing what I was really getting into. My wife would say when are you going to get another bike when I sold the Kawi and I would just answer, someday. When in 03 I did buy one after going into the showroom 3 times and brought it home. It was one of those memories that never leaves, I walk in told her I bought the bike showed it to her and her first reaction was I told you to buy a bike just not one that big. LOL I was like, what did she just say, and shook my head and chuckled. I got my MC endorsement on my Valk, learned a lot from riding her, and still today cannot seem to part with her. She and I have been on some beautiful rides together. I have taught many to ride with her not on her and she still turns heads. I ride every day as now its the preferred method of transport not the only one. We have a lot of great adventures together and my dog rides in the saddle bag and we go along and people take pics and we have a grand old time. The people I meet and talk to along the way and the adventures, make it like a mini vacation every time we ride.  So while I like the new Valk I just cannot seem to change. The justification of spending the money doesn't seem to allow me to do it  So we go along and enjoy the sights and marvel at what God has made and how good He's been to me to bring me to a spot that allows me to ride and enjoy one of the greatest bikes on the road. I love the open road video because that is what I feel and experience most every time I ride. "If you don't ride you don't know". Its classified as a inanimate object so loving a bike is not real love but I would be hard pressed to say that I would not miss the really only bike that I have ever known.

[Hooter]

Mine started with a Cushman Scooter. (wish I had that back) Rode that thing all the time. From there I went to a Honda 90. (wish I had that back) I think next in line was a Yamaha 175 Enduro and I rode the hell out of that thing. (wish I had that back) Then it was on to a 250 Yamaha Enduro. I rode that thing all over the country, literally. (wish I had that back)
After this it was street bikes. Bunch of Kaws, Vulcan, 500 Kaw, 750 Kaw and 3-900 Kaws. Those 900s were screamers and almost my demise. (wish I had those back)
After this it's all a blur: Wings, Interstate's, 2 - I think, Road*s, Har....s, and 2 Valks. (wish I had some of them back) My wife said I've owned everything there is to own and I told her: NOPE. Haven't had an Indian Chief yet. She just rolled her eyes.
I've been riding since roughly 1960 and have been hurt a few times on dirt bikes. Been really hurt on a road bike. Just part of the game and I wouldn't change what I've done on 2 wheels for anything. Well, maybe my accident could be deleted! (don't want that back)

[Hook#3287]

Mine started with a Cushman Scooter. (wish I had that back) Rode that thing all the time. From there I went to a Honda 90. (wish I had that back) I think next in line was a Yamaha 175 Enduro and I rode the hell out of that thing. (wish I had that back) Then it was on to a 250 Yamaha Enduro. I rode that thing all over the country, literally. (wish I had that back)
After this is was street bikes. Bunch of Kaws, Vulcan, 500 Kaw, 750 Kaw and 3-900 Kaws. Those 900s were screamers and almost my demise. (wish I had those back)
After this it's all a blur: Wings, Interstate's, 2 - I think, Road*s, Har....s, and 2 Valks. (wish I had some of them back) My wife said I've owned everything there is to own and I told her: NOPE. Haven't had an Indian Chief yet. She just rolled her eyes.
I've been riding since roughly 1960 and have been hurt a few times on dirt bikes. Been really hurt on a road bike. Just part of the game and I wouldn't change what I've done on 2 wheels for anything. Well, maybe my accident could be deleted!

Hey Hooter, I see a common theme in your post " (wish I had those back)".

Ain't that the truth

[DarkSideR]

I did a similar thread @ http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,67206.msg655487.html#msg655487 to get more stories. Here is mine again.

Growing up my father was pretty hard on me. He taught me to be responsible, and didn't spoil me. He in fact was hard on me as I was coming of age. I remember I once needed help with my $34 phone bill, and he wouldn't help. He is a great father though, who always loved motorcycles. Back in 2004 my father purchased a Blue & White Honda Valkyrie. I hadn't ever seen one until my Dad purchased his. I still remember my jaw on the table after he sent me pictures. I immediately thought it was the coolest bike ever. For 8 years my father (an engineer) meticulously maintained and rode that bike. I often rode with him on my well maintained 2000 Suzuki Bandit. I logged 57k on that bike, and she looked as good as she did the day I bought her.

Unfortunately things changed back in 2012. My Dad had some health issues, and retired to his property that can only be reached by many miles of dirt roads. My heart was crushed when I heard he posted the bike on Craigslist to be sold.  Over the next couple of weeks my mother told me something odd was happening. My Dad was getting offers from all over the country, and he was turning them all down! I could tell he really didn't want to sell his beloved bike. I can't image when I'm too old to ride.. what it will feel like when I will have to do the same.

My birthday is in June, and has always been around Fathers day. June of 2012 I was up BBQ'ing with the old man in celebration of Fathers Day. Nobody mentioned the bike that had remained sadly stationary for months. We all greatly enjoyed the day with the old man.

At the end of the day, after my siblings all left and things were settling down. I was at the kitchen table when a set of motorcycle keys landed in front of me. I looked up and my Dad said "Happy Birthday". Speechless...  Cry

Turns out the engineer in my Dad wouldn't let the Valk go to just anyone. He needed to know that she would be taken care of, and he knew I would do the job. So Honored.

I got the Valk with just 27k on her. This weekend I dedicated my IBA - Saddle Sore ride to my Dad, and only smiled as the the clock turned 40k. I share all my motorcycling adventures I have on the Valkyrie with him. The Valkyrie will be my 2nd and only bike ever.

And that his how I got my Valkyrie.

[SpidyJ]

I did a similar thread @ http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,67206.msg655487.html#msg655487 to get more stories. Here is mine again.

Growing up my father was pretty hard on me. He taught me to be responsible, and didn't spoil me. He in fact was hard on me as I was coming of age. I remember I once needed help with my $34 phone bill, and he wouldn't help. He is a great father though, who always loved motorcycles. Back in 2004 my father purchased a Blue & White Honda Valkyrie. I hadn't ever seen one until my Dad purchased his. I still remember my jaw on the table after he sent me pictures. I immediately thought it was the coolest bike ever. For 8 years my father (an engineer) meticulously maintained and rode that bike. I often rode with him on my well maintained 2000 Suzuki Bandit. I logged 57k on that bike, and she looked as good as she did the day I bought her.

Unfortunately things changed back in 2012. My Dad had some health issues, and retired to his property that can only be reached by many miles of dirt roads. My heart was crushed when I heard he posted the bike on Craigslist to be sold.  Over the next couple of weeks my mother told me something odd was happening. My Dad was getting offers from all over the country, and he was turning them all down! I could tell he really didn't want to sell his beloved bike. I can't image when I'm too old to ride.. what it will feel like when I will have to do the same.

My birthday is in June, and has always been around Fathers day. June of 2012 I was up BBQ'ing with the old man in celebration of Fathers Day. Nobody mentioned the bike that had remained sadly stationary for months. We all greatly enjoyed the day with the old man.

At the end of the day, after my siblings all left and things were settling down. I was at the kitchen table when a set of motorcycle keys landed in front of me. I looked up and my Dad said "Happy Birthday". Speechless...  Cry

Turns out the engineer in my Dad wouldn't let the Valk go to just anyone. He needed to know that she would be taken care of, and he knew I would do the job. So Honored.

I got the Valk with just 27k on her. This weekend I dedicated my IBA - Saddle Sore ride to my Dad, and only smiled as the the clock turned 40k. I share all my motorcycling adventures I have on the Valkyrie with him. The Valkyrie will be my 2nd and only bike ever.

And that his how I got my Valkyrie.

Wonderful Story!   :'( 

[R J]

I did a similar thread @ http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,67206.msg655487.html#msg655487 to get more stories. Here is mine again.

Growing up my father was pretty hard on me. He taught me to be responsible, and didn't spoil me. He in fact was hard on me as I was coming of age. I remember I once needed help with my $34 phone bill, and he wouldn't help. He is a great father though, who always loved motorcycles. Back in 2004 my father purchased a Blue & White Honda Valkyrie. I hadn't ever seen one until my Dad purchased his. I still remember my jaw on the table after he sent me pictures. I immediately thought it was the coolest bike ever. For 8 years my father (an engineer) meticulously maintained and rode that bike. I often rode with him on my well maintained 2000 Suzuki Bandit. I logged 57k on that bike, and she looked as good as she did the day I bought her.

Unfortunately things changed back in 2012. My Dad had some health issues, and retired to his property that can only be reached by many miles of dirt roads. My heart was crushed when I heard he posted the bike on Craigslist to be sold.  Over the next couple of weeks my mother told me something odd was happening. My Dad was getting offers from all over the country, and he was turning them all down! I could tell he really didn't want to sell his beloved bike. I can't image when I'm too old to ride.. what it will feel like when I will have to do the same.

My birthday is in June, and has always been around Fathers day. June of 2012 I was up BBQ'ing with the old man in celebration of Fathers Day. Nobody mentioned the bike that had remained sadly stationary for months. We all greatly enjoyed the day with the old man.

At the end of the day, after my siblings all left and things were settling down. I was at the kitchen table when a set of motorcycle keys landed in front of me. I looked up and my Dad said "Happy Birthday". Speechless...  Cry

Turns out the engineer in my Dad wouldn't let the Valk go to just anyone. He needed to know that she would be taken care of, and he knew I would do the job. So Honored.

I got the Valk with just 27k on her. This weekend I dedicated my IBA - Saddle Sore ride to my Dad, and only smiled as the the clock turned 40k. I share all my motorcycling adventures I have on the Valkyrie with him. The Valkyrie will be my 2nd and only bike ever.

And that his how I got my Valkyrie.

Wonderful Story!   :'( 

Wonderful Dad also.

[Jess Tolbirt]

my road to the Valkyrie is to long to even try to remember how many bikes i have gone through,, starting in 1957 with my western flyer, into the 60's with my sting ray,,to the 70's with my first gasoline one, a cushman silver eagle,,up to today with the one in my signature line,, the valk era was between 1998 and just a few years ago..

[BF]

my road to the Valkyrie is to long to even try to remember how many bikes i have gone through,, starting in 1957 with my western flyer, into the 60's with my sting ray,,to the 70's with my first gasoline one, a cushman silver eagle,,up to today with the one in my signature line,, the valk era was between 1998 and just a few years ago..

Was a little kid in the '50's (born '53).  Had a bunch of different bikes, among those was a western flyer with a headlight on the handlebars and a stingray....had an all chrome one with a black banana seat and the hi rise handlebars. 

[Brewer]

98 Valkyrie, this is my first bike.
I did ride Dad's Honda 250 XL, called a dual sport now.... that was my early teen years well before a drivers license.  

[Jess Tolbirt]

my road to the Valkyrie is to long to even try to remember how many bikes i have gone through,, starting in 1957 with my western flyer, into the 60's with my sting ray,,to the 70's with my first gasoline one, a cushman silver eagle,,up to today with the one in my signature line,, the valk era was between 1998 and just a few years ago..

Was a little kid in the '50's (born '53).  Had a bunch of different bikes, among those was a western flyer with a headlight on the handlebars and a stingray....had an all chrome one with a black banana seat and the hi rise handlebars.  

maybe we were in a parallel universe i was born in oct 1952

[Valkjerk]

JD, I won't go over my list of bikes for the last 45 years so I can get to the Valkyries in my life. In or about 1984 I took a sabbatical from bikes to put my son through college without a bevy of student loans and to also pay off my mortgage. I did both by saving lotza bucks until my son started school and doubling up on mortgage payments. It all came to fruition in 1999 and happened only a month apart. I rewarded my self with a brand new '99 Kawasaki Nomad because, at the time, that happened to be the most bang for the buck. My bride, after being spoiled by previous Goldwings, hated the sparseness of the Nomad. I was concerned more about its lack of power. Riding two-up challenged the Nomad passing 18 wheelers out there on the Interstate. So I began looking for a nice Wing to please the bride. I found one in my area, loaded to the gills and at a very reasonable price, so I jumped on it. Long story short......happy happy bride.
  I then realized that owning two bikes required more commitment than I cared to give so I pondered what bike would be a blend of the Nomad and Wing and came up with the Valkyrie Interstate. Best of both worlds and only one maintenance. Now I have two Interstates, one trunkless and solo and the other a full dresser for the bride. Back to two maintenances but a very happy camper. And that's my story.

[mrtappan]

Got my first bike right out of high school, a 70s Yamaha DT400.  Next thing you know I have a bunch of bikes.  Then next thing you know I'm building bikes.  Then in a lapse of judgement I bought a Victory.  After sinking an embarrassing amount of money into it, I was unhappy with it.  I sold it then shopped around.  Nothing really caught my eye that I hadn't already owned and sold in the past.  I didn't want to buy the same bike twice so.......

I liked the idea of the first generation Valkyrie but didn't really get into riding until shortly after the Goldwings went to the current engine.  So I said "I'll buy one if they make one with the newer engine."

They did.  I bought one.

[Romeo]

Started with a 1954 Sears Allstate scooter. That was in 1968 or thereabouts. Next came a 1970 cb350.
Followed by a 1972 Suzuki 500 Titan, followed by a cb450' I forget the year, dolled by a Suzuki 550 4 stroke, I think 1977. Then a 1983 cb1000 custom, and finally the Valk in 2003.

[Patrick]

Yep, that is been done before, so, we'll do it agin.
My first ride was a 26" bicycle that I got tried of pedaling, i'm lazy. So, I glued a little Clinton E5 to it when I was 11.
Been riding since. Mostly American [ Indian] and English. Worked on them for years, well, still do.
Switched to BMW a couple decades ago.

The Valk !  We were in Lake Placid NY with friends in the fall of '97 when this group of Goldwings came 'swishing' by so I didn't pay any/much attention to them [ was never fond of Wings, didn't know them]. Bringing up the rear was this crazy black/chrome goofy looking thing that really got my attention. I started running after it trying to catch it. Its a good thing they were going downhill, I'm not built for running anymore. I almost caught up to them just prior to having a major coronary and they were all off the bikes and walking away. I was too out of breath to holler at them so I just slowly walked up and looked. That Black Valk was about the kewlest thing I'd ever seen and immediately started trying to buy one. It was tough for me shuck out some money for a Honda, just went against my very being at the time. Kinda turned out to be some of the best money I've ever spent though.

[pancho]

Here is the first post I made on this site, and part of a later one made almost two years ago,,  it relates the start of my Road to Valkyrie.


SO now after selling my FLH I have ridden for 28 years, I find myself crying about not having a bike. I have always wanted a bike that you could comfortably go across the country, and travel at 80 MPH without feeling as if the machine was coming apart,,, when the Valkyrie came out, I thought it was a perfect bike.... and beautiful. but it was a Honda, and we rode Harleys!!! In January I'm three months without a bike, and desperate, limited funds,,,, looking at Valkyries, I spot one on Craigs List 900 miles away in Valdosta Georgia that has gone back to a bank ,, with only a few pictures to access the condition, I strike a deal and head off into a winter storm and a few adventures with my big black dog Blackie, to get my Baby and bring it home..a 97 in hot rod yellow and black... appears as though it has sat outside in the weather the last year or two.  I am taking the bike apart to the frame and motor for a through cleaning and inspection, and for the most part I am happy with what I am finding,, most of the bike has never been touched, so under the grime most things are in good condition, even the paint is still good,,.

The biggest problem I have run into so far is with the rear drive. When the wheel was off at some point for a tire change, it was put back on without the thrust washer and maintenance was not done on the splines so the flange and drive gear are shot.  I have found the parts with seals and a damper set on Partzilla for about $450, but I was wondering if there is a setup procedure when you replace the gearset?? and if a normal guy should attempt it??  I do not have a service manual yet, but will get one before I do this job. Also if someone has a thrust washer handy, I would like the thickness measurement to do some setup,,, I may cut one out of nylon on the lathe. If anyone has done a gearset change, I would like to hear from you.


What did I pay for my bike???  part of my soul as me and Blackie were stopped dead in traffic on the interstate in a winter storm with it and the world started to ice up around and over us in a vehicle I could not run on idle because the valve guide seals are shot and it would smoke until it loaded up and fouled the plugs.


Here is the bike now with many troublefree miles ...


http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q767/airgas10/IMAG0909_zps2a07d9ac.jpg

[radwhopper]

  I rode dirt bikes as a kid but never a street bike until my late forties. I have a friend that got divorced and retired that bought a used sportster and looked like he was having so much fun I had to join him. But I never liked sportsters so I looked in a different direction and found a 97 Honda Spirit 1100 with only 5k miles. I rode it for about 50k miles and it got to the point that I didn't enjoy riding it as much on the week-ends  because it felt like I was always riding to work. So I bought a beautiful 2001 Shadow Sabre with 5k on it to ride on the week-ends. Now the Spirit has 130k and the Sabre has 60k. Both of them are getting old and I was never happy riding the Sabre on the Interstates. A couple of my friends had Valks and loved them and I rode them a couple of times. I decided it was time to get a bike for retirement that would last and after a lot of studying the Valk was it. I just have to figure a way to get the gas mileage up some from the current 25-30 that I'm getting now.

[R J]

  I rode dirt bikes as a kid but never a street bike until my late forties. I have a friend that got divorced and retired that bought a used sportster and looked like he was having so much fun I had to join him. But I never liked sportsters so I looked in a different direction and found a 97 Honda Spirit 1100 with only 5k miles. I rode it for about 50k miles and it got to the point that I didn't enjoy riding it as much on the week-ends  because it felt like I was always riding to work. So I bought a beautiful 2001 Shadow Sabre with 5k on it to ride on the week-ends. Now the Spirit has 130k and the Sabre has 60k. Both of them are getting old and I was never happy riding the Sabre on the Interstates. A couple of my friends had Valks and loved them and I rode them a couple of times. I decided it was time to get a bike for retirement that would last and after a lot of studying the Valk was it. I just have to figure a way to get the gas mileage up some from the current 25-30 that I'm getting now.

You can raise the gas mileage without too much effort.

Don't let your wrist twist as far as it currently is.

The more throttle these Phat Gurls get, the less gass mileage.

MGM before I triked him out would give 40 on the highway at 70 MPH.

Anything above 3,000 RPM's and it became a gas hog.

Best I ever got was 41.5 and the worst was in the single digits.

Have a great day and a beautiful Christmas and Happy New year.

[gmcbride73]

My dad had several 70s Hondas as me and my 6yr older brother grew up. Spring of 80 3 months before my brother turned 16 dad sold all the bikes because he found out my brother had taken out his 750k out without a license and he didnt trust him riding a motorcycle. 6 yrs later as I turned 16 dad got the bug again and bought himself a left over 82 900c and bought me a suzuki 450L to ride with him. needless to say my brother was pissed. A school bus killed off the first 450L and I replaced it with a second one. Rode it till I went off to college, Dad gave me the 900c to commute to campus and I rode it till I met the future ex wife in 96. She hated the bike so I was bikeless for 10yrs till I bought an 86 goldwing in 07 against her wishes, rode it a couple years till money issues forced it to be sold. 2010 got rid of the wife and 2012 my mother passed away and she left me some money with the understanding I do something fun with it, So I found a 98 fat lady from a fellow club member and havent looked back.

[Patrick]

Yep, RJ's second sentence says it all.

I've consistently get 40 mpg, and, I don't baby it.

[old2soon]

I may have posted this already. When I test rode what is now my I/S I wasn't 1/2 mile from the car dealership that had it. I came to a Y intersection choking down from the wide part of the y to the bottom of the y. When I got the break I eased out and then twisted the throttle W F O. Rear tire lit up-power shifted to 2nd and she pulled the front end up into the air!  DAMN!! Another mile I found a lot and turned back to the dealer ship. My ex ol lady was with me and when I got off the bike she KNEW I was gonna buy it. Have you EVER tried to work a deal trying and almost succeeding to keep dat chit eatin grin offin yer pie hole??  Got the deal done fueled up and got on I-44 West. Could NOT believe how cursed fast and effortless she got to 125 M P H indicated. Got back behind ex she was drivin my Olds-she said every time she looked all she could see wuz dat GRIN. The ex is gone BUT the I/S and the GRIN are still here!  Still CAN NOT believe how cursed exciting this Motorcycle is to drive.  RIDE SAFE

[Billinva]

1955 Cushman Scooter, 1949 Harley 125, 1965 Harley 165, 1971 Honda CB 450, no bike for 25 years, then 1998 Honda 750 Magna, and 1097 Valk Tourer the last four years.

[The emperor has no clothes]

1955 Cushman Scooter, 1949 Harley 125, 1965 Harley 165, 1971 Honda CB 450, no bike for 25 years, then 1998 Honda 750 Magna, and 1097 Valk Tourer the last four years.

You got the medieval Tourer model hey 

[hubcapsc]

1955 Cushman Scooter, 1949 Harley 125, 1965 Harley 165, 1971 Honda CB 450, no bike for 25 years, then 1998 Honda 750 Magna, and 1097 Valk Tourer the last four years.

You got the medieval Tourer model hey 

[Billinva]

Now that I think about it, maybe it's a 1997 Tourer instead of a 1097 model. I can't remember.

[old2soon]

Now that I think about it, maybe it's a 1997 Tourer instead of a 1097 model. I can't remember.

   Have a couple more adult beverages!  even iffin ya don't rekemember after a couple drinks you no give a chit nohow!  RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

I saw this commercial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iOE_3grDKU

I was already riding what was supposed to be a great motorcycle, a KZ1000.   Loved that bike but when I saw that commercial, I knew that some day I would have a Valkyrie.    It took a while, life got in the way but, I eventually found the specific one I wanted.   While there is a chance I'll get something else added to the garage, I doubt my Valkyrie will ever leave me.   Will most likely pass it on to my son upon my demise.   IOWs, it ain't going anywhere.