Update by wiggy! Original Valkyrie or New Valkyrie or F6b

[wiggydotcom]

Please be honest. This is a real world situation for me. I'm just wondering what others would do. I will reveal my decision in a couple days. Thanks! I will also give some insight on how the process works if your bike is totalled.

[Bighead]

I voted I would buy an F6B but having said that I wouldn't want to be without a REAL Valkyrie. So I would probably find a used on to have also.

[Rams]

No doubt in my mind.   I love the look and feel of my old Valkyrie.

When Honda comes out with a bike that will perform like an F6B and look as good as my old Valkyrie, I'll be riding one.   Until then, I'm quite confident my ole fat lady will motor down the road just fine.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

I voted I would buy an F6B but having said that I wouldn't want to be without a REAL Valkyrie. So I would probably find a used on to have also.

Holy crap, I better make a Doctors appointment. Bighead and I are in agreement.  

[Gavin_Sons]

I'd buy another used valk. The F6B, or new valkyrie does not do it for me.

[Bighead]

I voted I would buy an F6B but having said that I wouldn't want to be without a REAL Valkyrie. So I would probably find a used on to have also.

Holy crap, I better make a Doctors appointment. Bighead and I are in agreement.  

No Dr appt needed you will get over that bump on your head sooner or later

[Moonshot_1]

There was nothing wrong with my old valk and I just bought another old valk. Old one #1 is a tourer, Old one #2 is an Interstate. Both 99s. #1 has 100k #2 50k. Figure I'd stick with a winner.

[Rams]

Was always told, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Nothing wrong with improving it though.   The problem is, the Valkyrie is and was an icon with it's looks and performance.   They did a good job on the performance factor.........................

[NJF6Cowboy]

Russ, as you may know my Valk IS was totalled in Oct 2013. I brought it back from Rider Ins. replaced all damaged parts with new including crash bars, front forks, radiator pod, front fender, pegs, etc. I had the body work repaired and a  custom paint job. Found out after putting it all together that the frame was slightly tweaked. I installed a new frame this past winter. I love my Valkyrie.

At the time the insurance company would not come up with enough money to replace my bike with another. I fought with them for a month. I provided a list of accessories and finally received a reasonable offer. If I were to do it over again. I would hang out to find a good Interstate.  I spent a lot of money to repair my bike. I do like the look of the F6B and was real comfortable sitting on one. 

You have a very tough decision to make.

Stan

[Valkjerk]

Wiggy, if it helps, I just bought a pristine Blue/Silver Interstate in phenomenal condition that I could let you have if you want. I already have 2 I/Ss and really don't need this one so if you buy it from me my bride will let me live to see another day. LOL  PM me if you are interested. If this bike would disappoint, you'd be a moron but after reading your posts I know that you are not. Good luck on your decision.

[wiggydotcom]

Russ, as you may know my Valk IS was totalled in Oct 2013. I brought it back from Rider Ins. replaced all damaged parts with new including crash bars, front forks, radiator pod, front fender, pegs, etc. I had the body work repaired and a  custom paint job. Found out after putting it all together that the frame was slightly tweaked. I installed a new frame this past winter. I love my Valkyrie.

At the time the insurance company would not come up with enough money to replace my bike with another. I fought with them for a month. I provided a list of accessories and finally received a reasonable offer. If I were to do it over again. I would hang out to find a good Interstate.  I spent a lot of money to repair my bike. I do like the look of the F6B and was real comfortable sitting on one. 

You have a very tough decision to make.

Stan

Stan, thanks for sharing how you handled your situation. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. It's what each person feels they need to do to justify the best outcome for their situation. I've been through this once before in 07.  I'll tell my story in a couple days or so..bear with me. Thanks.

[wiggydotcom]

Wiggy, if it helps, I just bought a pristine Blue/Silver Interstate in phenomenal condition that I could let you have if you want. I already have 2 I/Ss and really don't need this one so if you buy it from me my bride will let me live to see another day. LOL  PM me if you are interested. If this bike would disappoint, you'd be a moron but after reading your posts I know that you are not. Good luck on your decision.

Valkjerk, thanks for your offer. I've had two black Interstates since 01 so I'm kind of partial to them but I've always loved the Blue and Silver-maybe better than the black! It's just that they always seemed pretty hard to find. No way would that bike disappoint, but when all this washes out, I still "might" be a moron and will have to accept that!
I'll just say, sorry, but at this point in time, I can't help you with your bride but it never ceases to amaze me how the VRCC family steps up to help. I truly thank you for that!

[jimmytee]

Well, it seems no one has really answered your question, but have given reasons to reassure themselves that they are completely satisfied keeping their current rides.

I will tell you that if you are accustomed to having saddlebags , wind protection and even like the idea of having a radio, then the choice is obvious. F6B  I test rode the new Valkyrie and was very impressed with the ride. That being said, I don't feel I give much up  in handling with the F6B and I get all the things I want in a bike. Granted, I've put a fair few pennies into making her mine already.

The difference between riding my F6B and my old school Valkyrie is night and day. Just saying.

[_Sheffjs_]

                      A special thanks to everyone who helped me buy a Goldwing Sport (my name for it) for $10,998 by driving the price down, to me the most amazing bike in 40 years of twisting metrics. Still think my two interstates were the most beautiful bikes I've ever owned. The new 1832 is joy to pilot!  Am I kicked out?  . 

[wiggydotcom]

                      A special thanks to everyone who helped me buy a Goldwing Sport (my name for it) for $10,998 by driving the price down, to me the most amazing bike in 40 years of twisting metrics. Still think my two interstates were the most beautiful bikes I've ever owned. The new 1832 is joy to pilot!  Am I kicked out?  . 

I won't kick you out, Jerry. Your statement about thanking everyone for laying off the new Valk so you could buy it cheap is a bit ironic but true. If everyone was flocking to the dealer, they'd be getting close to the 17998 MSRP instead of what you paid.

[BF]

I won't kick you out, Jerry. Your statement about thanking everyone for laying off the new Valk so you could buy it cheap is a bit ironic but true. If everyone was flocking to the dealer, they'd be getting close to the 17998 MSRP instead of what you paid.

I think the results of your survey are confirming that. 

[jimmytee]

  Well, I must admit I missed the pole and guess I was the one not paying close enough attention to the details of your post, but for nothing has changed for me. So I apologize .
 Loving my F6B. That being said, you'll pay less for an old school Valkyrie. I still have my Valkyrie, and don't plan to get rid of it, but for me, I kind of have to force myself to ride the Valkyrie. Once down the road I do enjoy the ride, but the F6B just does everything better.

[3fan4life]

I picked that I'd move on and get an F6B.

However, that vote is slightly skewed since I have more than one Valk.

If I only had one original Valkyrie, I would buy a used one to replace it.

I will keep at least one original Valk in the stable for as long as I possibly can.

But, I would like to have a new F6B.

[doubletee]

Love my '99 Valk, but it is 16 years old now. Under your scenario, I'd probably move on to the newer technology of the F6B and that's how I voted.

[Kunkies]

Picked the new Valk', why?

-Less weight than the F6B (OK, OK I'm getting old)
-Torque
-New technology, ABS, etc.

That being said, I would invest in the new Corbin hardbags for the new GW Valkyrie 1800 and a new Mustang or Corbin seat with both drivers and passenger backrests. I dislike the hardbags on the F6B.

What is still missing?  A 6th gear

[Hoser]

I tried to bring mine back and could not do it. Sold it to a friend who could.  I spent to much, so I am without a Valkyrie.  Scraped up enough to get an older wing.  Buy a good used one is my advice.  Hoser

[Dave Ritsema]

It really comes down to what YOU want. Go to your local dealer and throw a leg over an F6B and take it for a ride. (Although I suspect you have already done this.) Do the same with a new Valkyrie, maybe even a full dress Wing. I suspect that after those test rides you will know exactly what you want.

For me, it was the F6B.

[Rams]

It really comes down to what YOU want. Go to your local dealer and throw a leg over an F6B and take it for a ride. (Although I suspect you have already done this.) Do the same with a new Valkyrie, maybe even a full dress Wing. I suspect that after those test rides you will know exactly what you want.

For me, it was the F6B.

Precisely and well said.   As I've said many times before, the new Valkyrie and F6B will out perform and out handle our old Valkyries.   That said, until they make it something appealing to my eye, I'll stick with the ole fat girl.    What ever turns yer crank.    I sure as hell won't turn down an opportunity to ride with anyone based on what they are riding.    I only have two rules about riding with others, I don't want to be next to or behind loud pipes and I won't ride with stupid.    Very few here would fall under those two categories.   Ride safe my friends.

[paul246]

New Valk for me.... but I went to a 2003 VFR 800 instead... not looking back, either.

[Robert]

Some good answers and there almost sounds like a rivalry going on between the new Valk and the F6B. I like Dave's answer in general but to me if I was going to get a F6B why would I not buy the Wing? The trunk is the only difference and the Wing comes with alot  of extras that the F6B does not. The original dream of the Valk was a stripped down Wing without the fairings. I believe the new Valk has stayed true to this idea. I personally don't like the big fairings that look like a command console from the starship Enterprise. I don't like that it blocks a substantial amount of road view. I don't need a radio, cb, and all the other things that the fairing is for. So for me its the new Valk. I like the power, I like the maneuverability, and cornering of the Valk without the bulk its even easier to maneuver in parking spots or in the garage or in tight spots. This also translates to feeling more comfortable in traffic when things get tight when passing cars or going to the right curb to get by cars that are stopped and not making a rt turn. I must admit the idea of being able to buy a bike and just get on and cruise in attractive. The new Valk definitely requires a little bit of customizing that raises the price. But again to me that is a plus and minus. Plus because I can have it the way I want it but to pay for my own customization is a minus. That adds just enough personal touch to make it mine. Some have boohoood the fairings but in reality there are only 2 fairings the ones for the radiators. Thats it, yes it has side covers and a rear fender but most of what you see is the tank, frame, seat, handle bars, that to me is good. I have already been out 3 times in the rain in mine and it does real well not to mention clean up is a snap. My 01 takes time to clean so it translates into less riding. I almost bought a F6B when they came out I'm glad I didn't now. They are sure cool looking, but with a good set of bags a custom seat windshield and lights and a price that is low enough to add these things to me the Valk is the ticket.

[jimmytee]

if I was going to get a F6B why would I not buy the Wing? The trunk is the only difference and the Wing comes with alot  of extras that the F6B does not.

You can ask that question, but style is one and the extra weight maybe, but how about price? I paid 15k for my new F6B last July. That wouldn't have touched the full dressed Wing.

Then there is the seating position. The fully dressed Gold Wings push the rider closer to the front whereas the F6B sits you back a little further. My FB sits me very much just like my Vakyrie only actually better with other things I've done such as Helibars, and seat, Ergo III pegs etc...  (and my Valkyrie has mods too for comfort)

[Oss]

I sat on the new f6b and have to admit the seating position etc felt even better than my interstate
With tunes playing thru my phone and a passenger backrest all would be fine

Maybe the fact that the owner of that f6b was a really tall dude (Westernbiker) had something
to do with it but it felt lower and with a russell day long its what I would get if
heaven forbid my Valk should pass away

I might also pick up an 06 wing though, very comfortable and can be had for a good price now

As you know Russ, the new Valk and I just didnt see eye to eye  lol

Thinking of selling the police bike this summer and will pick something to replace it after the sale

[Rams]

Thinking of selling the police bike this summer and will pick something to replace it after the sale

Police Bike?   Did some one use a Valkyrie as a Police Bike or, is this a V Twinky?

[Oss]

2004 bmw R1150rt-p



I have seen Valk police bikes but dont have one

[Valkjerk]

Wiggy, I voted to get another used Valk simply because these bikes are the most bang for the buck and I'm most loyal to my wallet. LOL  I wish you the very best in your search and hope you have no regrets with your choice.

[Popeye]

Wiggy, I was in Fox Valley Cycles on Thursday, they have a 99 Black Interstate, 46K, on consignment.  Asking price is $7,999.

Popeye

[scooperhsd]

Hard to say - it depends on what else is surrounding the picture here.  If I'M injured bad enough - I might not be riding ever again, or at least for a good long time. And then, I'll have to see what my options are. That said - I intend to ride until I can't anymore.

[wiggydotcom]

Wiggy, I was in Fox Valley Cycles on Thursday, they have a 99 Black Interstate, 46K, on consignment.  Asking price is $7,999.

Popeye

Thanks, Popeye...they are good people at Fox Valley Cycle and it's where I bought by 99 I/S that I just totalled. But on Cycle Trader, I've found two black low mileage Interstates for 6400 and 6500, respectively. One is in Valparaiso and the other is by Rockford-if I chose to go that route.

[Popeye]

Wiggy, I was in Fox Valley Cycles on Thursday, they have a 99 Black Interstate, 46K, on consignment.  Asking price is $7,999.

Popeye

Thanks, Popeye...they are good people at Fox Valley Cycle and it's where I bought by 99 I/S that I just totalled. But on Cycle Trader, I've found two black low mileage Interstates for 6400 and 6500, respectively. One is in Valparaiso and the other is by Rockford-if I chose to go that route.

Ok, happy shopping.  Let us know when you get one.

[Tropic traveler]

We made the F6B choice {times 2} even without having lost our Valkyries to an accident, it was a very well thought out yet agonizing choice.
Two basic realities made our decision.
First, as awesomely engineered as our Valkyries are they are still 1980's technology & time marches on whether we want it to or not. Even though the original Valk is pushing 20 years old it still compares well to most of the big cruisers of today. That leads me to basic reality number two.
The F6B flat out, hands down, outperforms our beloved classic Valks in every way. This statement is not meant as a criticism of the Valkyrie just an observation as the F6B has the benefit of time & lots of Honda R&D money behind it.
I was not a fan initially of the F6B's looks, I did not like the fixed fairing look & thought it was too "Goldwingish" for me. I do miss & will always love the stunning looks of the classic Valkyrie but the F6B was that much of an improvement to sway me. For our style of riding the F6B was the perfect replacement for our beloved Valkyrie Tourers.
Pros of the F6B over the classic Valkyrie Tourer....
Better braking.
Better handling both low & higher speed.
Less maintenance.
EFI.
Power.... good leap forward!
Better MPG, 41-45 so far from our F6B's.
Center stand that works very well.
Factory radio is cool.
Easier to clean.
Cons.
I like the top opening Tourer bags better than the side opening style.
The plastic covering everything.
Bottom line for us was as we get older {we are both in our 50's} I wanted more riding with less maintenance. New Hondas are just the ticket for that.
These observations are genuine & come from someone who put over 100,000 Valkyrie miles in over 8 years of multiple Valkyrie ownership. We paid $29,500 minus taxes not taking off the trade in dollars for our Valkyries. I traded my '99 for my F6B & traded Kim's '98 + her Shadow 750 for her F6B. Sold my '97 to a forum member. Very happy with our choices.
The old.



The new.


Test ride an F6B, you will be impressed. 

[wiggydotcom]

Thanks to all who've taken part in this poll and have given me some excellent feedback!  I'll try to share as openly as possible what happens, God forbid, if your Valk is totalled. This is the second time for me, so while I'm no expert on the matter, I have learned a bit about the process. First, if you have a LOT of chrome or aftermarket parts on your Valkyrie, please check your policy and make sure you have adequate coverage. I had over 5000 dollars of aftermarket parts on my Interstate and also had a 5 grand add on rider on my policy. I removed the parts that exceeded the 5 grand and did not claim them. For those of you who think there's no way I could have that much on my Valk, I had receipts and it was ALL documented. $2300 alone was in my Russell seat and my Mark T pipes. Why is this clause important? Because you will get paid dollar for dollar. There is no depreciation on said parts. So MAKE SURE you have adequate coverage for add ons. Many times it's a seperate rider to your policy and it's pretty cheap.

So right off the bat, I get 5 grand. Now for the bike itself. I was told by my insurance adjuster that it was worth 4820....It's a 99 I /S with 82k miles on it.
I asked where that figure came from and he said they used NADA exclusively. I then informed him they were quite a bit short and that there would be NO DEAL. (I just turned down 9820 for my 99 I/S with 83k miles). He then asked me what my bike was worth, imo. I told him 6500. I told him to find me SEVERAL at their estimated value from which I could pick a new one.  I also discussed buying back my totalled out bike. Buyback was 2430 or very close to that. IF I was to buy back my bike, I would keep all the aftermarket stuff while still getting paid for it. I realized I could do very well buying it back and parting it out, but I chose not to in the final deal. Five days later, my Adjuster got back with me and stated they looked at Valks for sale and even spoke to dealers about the bike's worth. Then they claimed they took an average figure and gave me a new offer of 6859 for the bike.  They had come up 2000 dollars! I would now get 11859 for a bike I had 11800 invested in and I had put 38000 miles on it.

I have looked for replacement Interstates. Sorry, but I was only interested in black or blue/silver. To get a good bike and make me whole, I would need to buy mine back for 2430(to transfer my parts)and then pay 6k+ for a decent replacement. Keep in mind, I wouldn't get paid the 5k again in a future accident.

Or, I would have the rare opportunity to take the 11,800 and basically trade my 16 yr old with 82k miles bike in even up for a brand new 2013 black Valkyrie and get change back!

I wish I had the money to have both an original AND a new bike but I'm not in that category. I find it very interesting that as of this writing, the poll is dead even between the choices of fixing the old or buying another orig Valk vs buying a new Valk or F6b.
I haven't yet gone to a dealer to ride or compare but my choice will be one of them(New Valk or F6b). I realize the new bikes are pretty much cookie cutters but I'm ready for fuel injection, single side swingarm, more power and bigger motor.
Thanks again to all those who've given me some great advice. Looking forward to the next adventure!

Russ Harris
Wiggydotcom

[Dennis from Blythe]

So, to B or not to B, that is the question Russ 

[wiggydotcom]

So, to B or not to B, that is the question Russ 

I guess you could say that, Dennis...and whether to include a "D" on the end-for Deluxe. IF I go F6b, it will have to be a 2013...and I would want black. Your's was sharp!. It was nice seeing you and talking to you at IZ!

[Dennis from Blythe]

Nice meeting you as well Russ.

And a 2013 black BD is an excellent choice 

 if you went that way, of course  

[Dave Ritsema]

If your looking for a similar replacement for your Interstate I think you will find that the F6B Deluxe fills the bill nicely. Fuel Injection, Self-Cancelling Turn Signals, Centerstand, Hard Bags and Stereo. Closet thing to a new Supervalk your gonna find!