Help a rookie choose a Valk?

[Fazer]

Hello All--I am new to the forum and have been looking at the earlier (1997-2003) 1500 cc model Valks.  There are a fair number of them available in my geographic vicinity of SW Ohio.  Can anyone offer comment or suggestion with respect to any preferred years or particular years to avoid, or should I expect the later models to be more desirable than the earlier models. 

Currently ride an '89 Shadow 1100 and am looking to move up to the Valk.  I do not have a tach, fuel gauge or gear indicator on the Shadow.  Do the Valks have any of these accouterments?  Of course the Shadow only has four gears, so knowing which gear is not much of a problem.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Greg

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

There are no year specific issues to worry about so any year you find the right deal on would be good. You'll gain a tach with all models but gas gauge with just the interstate I believe. Standard model is the beginning. Tourer adds hard bags and windshield. When looking at bikes understand some have a standard with these 2 things added, either oem or aftermarket. Research on it and VIN numbers will help you know the difference. Interstate adds rear trunk and fairing. This should get you started. Welcome  

[The emperor has no clothes]

In my opinion all years are good. As you probably know there are 3 models. Standard, Tourer, Interstate. If you are interested in traveling more than 2 or 3 days I would recommend either the Tourer or Interstate. Also I wouldn't worry about bikes with high mileage, as long as they've been taken care of. Then it comes down to color and added accessories . You should not limit yourself to your immediate area, there are nice bikes all over the country. Good Luck in your search and welcome to our club  

[cookiedough]

Any year is perfectly fine, but have heard on this board that the stock tourer/std. seat on the 97-99 models I believe are not that comfy and the OEM seat in 2000 model year was comfier/more ergonomically correct being redesigned a little.  

Condition is everything in my opinion, but if you don't carry many groceries or luggage or go long distance traveling especially with the misses since I/S rear seatback is bigger and comfier for the passenger,  then an Interstate is not really needed, but I do desire it for the luggage and more so the fairing for the radio/mp3 player hookup to listen to tunes while riding.  PLus, the I/S has a gas gauge and once down to 2 bars shown and starts flickering, better get to a gas station since have about 1 gallon left is all once the 2 bars start flickering.  Have had to use reserve 2x's now in past 6 years on my I/S both times I was less than 4 miles from home luckily.  I like the I/S as well for the bigger gas tank and fuel gauge for me since I tend to push the envelope in between gas stations stops a tad bit too much. 

If not a fan of loud pipes,  then I'd highly consider an unmolested stock pipe setup.  Some of us on here have gone loud cobra exhaust, etc. and have regretted it on longer distance rides getting annoyed by the loud hwy. noise.  

If I had the room and unlimited funds,  I'd like to have a std/tourer with loud pipes for short rides and a stock I/S for longer rides where the extra 1.6 gallon bigger gas tank will help in between gas stations.

They all get, on average, about 35-36 avg mpg so highly doubt you will see over 40 mpg and usually not under 32 avg mpg. unless high speed riding or strong headwinds or twisting the throttle way too much stop and go traffic.

More chrome goodies and accessories are desired if useful to you, but personally for me a stock I/S with a few more useful options like a tank bib, drivers backrest, and hwy. pegs are fine.  

Some say the I/S is a tad bit too top heavy with the rear luggage rack and a tad bit harder to flick around, but I started off with an I/S and have no issues handling it but every once in awhile when all 3 luggage compartments are filled up with the wife on back,  at stops, it does take a little more effort to balance it especially coming to a stop on uneven road surfaces.  

[Fazer]

Thank for the help--exactly what I am looking for. 

I am with you cookie dough--standard pipes are fine for me.  My Shadow is totally stock except for saddle bags, windshield and crash bars. 

Not sure if long trips are in my future, but I can see some 3-4 hour rides, two up with a little luggage--saddlebags would be enough. 

Looking forward to learning more about these bikes.  I will be getting more familiar with this board and the folks that visit it.

G

[Xtracho]

Welcome to the board. As stated I think any year Valk is gonna make your day. This is, IMO, the best bike ever made. And I agree about the seat on the earlier models. I bought my '98 in St. Louis, flew out and rode it back to Florida. By the time I reached Montgomery, AL I was in excruciating pain. A custom seat from Ultimate Seats solved that problem. Also, agree that condition is everything.

Good luck on your search.

[Pappy!]

Wow....are you in for a pleasant surprise!
Your horsepower at the rear wheel will probably easily be over double what you have now for one.
You will lose the buzzy handlebars at speeds over 70mph in favor of a silky smooth ride.
Rides of around 3-4hours?..... No problem with a Valkyrie, that's just a good easy ride. 

[Stanc770]

Welcome to the board. I personally have owned a 97 and an 01 both Standard versions. I now own a 2014. As said in a previous post, condition is everything. Bought my 97 with 6 into 6 pipes, they were so loud and obnoxious that I soon traded them for stock pipes.

Good luck on your quest and enjoy the ride.

[old2soon]

On my I/S I have gone to reserve in less than130 miles!  Course I WUZ crusin at some mite over 100 M P H.  Look up dark side here-car tire on M/C if NOT familiar with the term-good possibility of finding a Valkyrie with a car tire. Mine came with road pegs already installed. Check our classifieds for Valkyries for sale here from members. Shameless plug here but my brother-da prez-has a build a Valk available. What is build a Valk you ask?? He ha a naked Valkyrie plus parts that can be added for an increase(s) in price-W/S had or soft bags and other items from his "stock". PLUS other than the blower bike I was fortunate enough to ride at Asheville last year-again-thanks Big Mike-has to be the fastest naturally aspirated Valkyrie I've ever ridden. I have over 100000 miles on min and others are in the 200000 300000 400000 mile range and one-IF he's not there already soon to be at half a mil on the miles. If you find one at over 100000 miles on the clock-DO NOT sweat it as it STILL has a LONG way to go. Proper maintenance on these Dragons of ours and RIDING them makes em live longer-they do HATE to sit. Good luck with your search and wen you and her find each other-you'll KNOW!  RIDE SAFE.

[Jack B]

I had a 98 Tourer and a 99 Interstate with out the trunk. I would look for a Interstate it road a little and feel better and got better MPG. But you can't go wrong with any Valk. Good luck in your search.

[hubcapsc]

I scanned the above posts, sorry if this is a repeat...

Those ones with the OEM stripe are pretty  cool, I think they are the ones
with the clear coated wheels and final drive, they are real shiny.

I think they were only made as Standards, but when people add OEM
saddlebags with matching stripes on them, they look really sharp.

I think Willow has one and Lisa from Virginia... maybe someone will post
a pic...

It's just cosmetic, Valkyries are mostly all alike...

-Mike

[Hook#3287]

Any Valk will give you a case of the grins

I'm partial to Tourers.  I like the minimal electronics, and the excellent OEM screen and bags.

I also like the OEM pipes. You can cruise around in stealth mode, but still make her growl in the higher RPM range.

Good luck in your search and post any bikes you find.  You'll get TONS of help here on this board.

[BF]

Hello All--I am new to the forum and have been looking at the earlier (1997-2003) 1500 cc model Valks.  There are a fair number of them available in my geographic vicinity of SW Ohio.  Can anyone offer comment or suggestion with respect to any preferred years or particular years to avoid, or should I expect the later models to be more desirable than the earlier models.  

Currently ride an '89 Shadow 1100 and am looking to move up to the Valk.  I do not have a tach, fuel gauge or gear indicator on the Shadow.  Do the Valks have any of these accouterments?  Of course the Shadow only has four gears, so knowing which gear is not much of a problem.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Greg

Any '97 to '03 Valk is desirable.  

All Valks have a tach and only the Interstates come with a fuel guage.  None of them come with a gear indicator.  

You might want to look for one that has been decked out with all of the farkles, chrome goodies and accessories that you can find....because most aftermarket stuff is now getting very hard to find.  Some stuff is still available, but some stuff is getting rare. 

If you don't like all of the farkles, chrome goodies and accessories, you can take them off and sell them for $$$.  

[Willow]

I scanned the above posts, sorry if this is a repeat...

Those ones with the OEM stripe are pretty  cool, I think they are the ones
with the clear coated wheels and final drive, they are real shiny.

I think they were only made as Standards, but when people add OEM
saddlebags with matching stripes on them, they look really sharp.

I think Willow has one and Lisa from Virginia... maybe someone will post
a pic...

It's just cosmetic, Valkyries are mostly all alike...

-Mike

Yes.  Blue and white is the way to go.



And windscreens are for people who don't like to be in the wind.  I don't really care much for OEM pipes.   

[Daddie O]

All models of Valkyrie are nice, and no matter which one you choose it will put a smile on your face every time you ride.  That being said, 1997 models are known to be the fastest because they had a few more horses and a few more pounds of torque.  I chose a Standard model because it has the best of both worlds since it is so customizable.  A Standard model is great for feeling the wind, cruising around town and day trips.  If you want to spend some decent time on the highway, then toss on a windscreen.  If you want to take journeys of several days or weeks, then toss on some bags (hard or soft).  With an Interstate you do not really have the option of removing the windshield/fairing, and the bike is known to be a bit more top heavy for around town cruising.  With the Tourer you can remove the hard bags and brackets, but it is kind of a pain.

When it comes to seats, there are several aftermarket companies manufacturing them, but Ultimate Seats, and Russell Day Long are the two most recommended (and expensive).  Another modification many of us have made is installing a R&M Belly Tank.  It is an auxiliary fuel tank that adds another 3 gallons capacity to any model Valkyrie, while also using a fuel pump that prevents the dreaded "hydrolock" that can occur with the gravity fed fuel system that comes stock.

As others have mentioned, condition is the most important factor when searching for a Valkyrie.  Finding the right model (and seat) for you and your needs is pretty important too.  As others have mentioned, most of the Hondaline options that were available are now difficult to find, as well as some of the aftermarket options, so finding a bike that has some of that stuff already can save you a bundle.  Best of luck in your search!  If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.  This forum is full of helpful people with lots of experience owning Valkyries.

[DirtyDan]

I think it's one if the best bikes ever made

I'm starting my second one now had a 97 standard, it died. Now I'm starting a 99 standard.

I've gotten 30 mpg almost always thou I'm told I'm on the low side

I'm a big fan of windshields myself, it's a personal choice

Valk us a great bike, welcome aboard

Dan

[Rams]

I agree with just about everything mentioned above, the only thing I'll add is, a Valkyrie is just a customizable as anything else on the road, get the one for the best price in the best condition, dress her like you want her to look and enjoy her.    She'll treat you right.

I bought a Standard and then dressed her to suit my taste.  (Taste will vary.)   I added a Low Boy seat, an I/S 6.9 gallon main tank then added an R&M Belly tank (another 3 gallons of fuel).   Needless to say, I stop for fuel when I need a break and then get gas.    I rarely have to stop because I need fuel.   A solo rear luggage rack was next, followed by my choice of hard bags and then Mick O Pegs.   In my eye, she's absolutely beautiful but, you dress yours the way you like it.

There are Valkyrie out there that have been abused but, it's got the most reliable engine ever put on a motorcycle.     The power and torque are qualities that put a smile on every rider's face.     There are faster and better handling bikes out there, let's be honest about it but, there are none out there that have the aforementioned attributes and the impressive styling.    My "Fat Lady" is just beautiful, hope your's turns out to as good.

[HurstRob]

cant add anything to this except I prefer the faster black

[MP]

Thank for the help--exactly what I am looking for. 

I am with you cookie dough--standard pipes are fine for me.  My Shadow is totally stock except for saddle bags, windshield and crash bars. 

Not sure if long trips are in my future, but I can see some 3-4 hour rides, two up with a little luggage--saddlebags would be enough. 

Looking forward to learning more about these bikes.  I will be getting more familiar with this board and the folks that visit it.

G

You may be surprised about the longer trips.  I never had ridden a MC far before my Valk.  After getting it, and seeing how good it rode, I started on long trips.  Between the VRCC and the VOAI, have been all over the US on trips over 3,000 miles each!

IS hard to beat for that.  Although, I put saddlebags and a trunk on my 97 std, and it is my favorite Valkyrie!

[cookiedough]

Personal choice really on I/S, tourer or std.  All are fine, just comes down I would think to what good deal you could get on one and if YOU like it.  If a tourer was in the Honda dealer locally vs. my I/S and the deal was right, I would probably have bought that tourer instead, but I like the usefulness of my I/S in terms of storage have loaded up all 3 bags 100's of times (mostly groceries, etc.) as well as I like the radio/speakers/mp3 player hookup.  I've always wanted since young a fairing with radio/mp3 player (well back then was a cassette tape) on my cycle, always thought that would be nice to have.  You can add though very nice handlebar mounted speakers and mp3 player system as well aftermarket on a tourer/std. that looks nice and is functional as well. 

I/S will run around 1-2 grand more tops than a tourer and a tourer maybe around 1 grand more than a standard, give or take.  One thing I have noticed is the ones with all the chrome goodies may or may not need/like,  the people usually want a lot more for them vs. a more plain jane stock form Valk.  This is in general, but for what it is worth,  adding sometimes all that sparkle, to me anyways,  doesn't really add too much in value to me unless useful options that I would use vs. just looks.    You could spend 2-3 grand extra in options easily that you may or may not use just to sparkle it up.  Some want well over 1/2 the value (some near full retail) of the chrome options which to some is worth it, but in general,  you usually don't get over 1/2 the value of options when selling your vehicles of any kind unless you find that one person who loves it all.

Test out the seat as well.  I find the I/S stock seat fine for 3-4 hour trips at most, while others need to go aftermarket with russell day long, ultimate, corbin, or mustang seats that tend to get pricey  buying new if not on the cycle you buy.  I figure you have to stop for gas every 200 miles or less, so that is usually a 3 hour drive tops to get off and stretch your legs anyways even if for 5 minutes. 

I doubt I could do a 800-1000 mile day long trips since not a huge fan of doing 80 mph for hours and hours on the interstate on a cycle, but sounds like your 3-4 hour drives is not going to be much in longer trips so the stock seat maybe fine for you.  We all have different bodies and health varies, so to say an 800 mile one day trip is easily do-able is not for all.  I could if I had to, but probably wouldn't enjoy the ride as much as riding in a cage.   Even in a decked out goldwing,  not so sure 800-1000 miles day trip would be totally comfy.

[Fazer]

Very helpful comments and suggestions.  Thanks to all that have responded.  I am looking at a few on Craigslist.  Beautiful bikes you guys have!

[Jess from VA]

Fazer, if you find a bike or two or three you are looking at, you can post links to them and we can comment further. 

[MP]

Personal choice really on I/S, tourer or std.  All are fine, just comes down I would think to what good deal you could get on one and if YOU like it.  If a tourer was in the Honda dealer locally vs. my I/S and the deal was right, I would probably have bought that tourer instead, but I like the usefulness of my I/S in terms of storage have loaded up all 3 bags 100's of times (mostly groceries, etc.) as well as I like the radio/speakers/mp3 player hookup.  I've always wanted since young a fairing with radio/mp3 player (well back then was a cassette tape) on my cycle, always thought that would be nice to have.  You can add though very nice handlebar mounted speakers and mp3 player system as well aftermarket on a tourer/std. that looks nice and is functional as well. 

I/S will run around 1-2 grand more tops than a tourer and a tourer maybe around 1 grand more than a standard, give or take.  One thing I have noticed is the ones with all the chrome goodies may or may not need/like,  the people usually want a lot more for them vs. a more plain jane stock form Valk.  This is in general, but for what it is worth,  adding sometimes all that sparkle, to me anyways,  doesn't really add too much in value to me unless useful options that I would use vs. just looks.    You could spend 2-3 grand extra in options easily that you may or may not use just to sparkle it up.  Some want well over 1/2 the value (some near full retail) of the chrome options which to some is worth it, but in general,  you usually don't get over 1/2 the value of options when selling your vehicles of any kind unless you find that one person who loves it all.

Test out the seat as well.  I find the I/S stock seat fine for 3-4 hour trips at most, while others need to go aftermarket with russell day long, ultimate, corbin, or mustang seats that tend to get pricey  buying new if not on the cycle you buy.  I figure you have to stop for gas every 200 miles or less, so that is usually a 3 hour drive tops to get off and stretch your legs anyways even if for 5 minutes. 

I doubt I could do a 800-1000 mile day long trips since not a huge fan of doing 80 mph for hours and hours on the interstate on a cycle, but sounds like your 3-4 hour drives is not going to be much in longer trips so the stock seat maybe fine for you.  We all have different bodies and health varies, so to say an 800 mile one day trip is easily do-able is not for all.  I could if I had to, but probably wouldn't enjoy the ride as much as riding in a cage.   Even in a decked out goldwing,  not so sure 800-1000 miles day trip would be totally comfy.

IF HOWEVER, you DO want a bike with a lot of chrome goodies, it is a LOT CHEAPER to buy them on a decked out bike, than it is to buy them piece by piece!

MP

[Rams]

IF HOWEVER, you DO want a bike with a lot of chrome goodies, it is a LOT CHEAPER to buy them on a decked out bike, than it is to buy them piece by piece!

MP

MP is speaking the truth on this!    

Many sellers will strip their bikes in order to resell and recover some of their spent money.   That's how I got a few "used" items for my Valkyrie.    Some say a "stock" Valkyrie is worth less, I guess that depends on what your "dream" bike looks like.    I'm not suggesting anything except to get what you want and go from there.

I agree with the poster that said post the ad to this page and let others comment on what they see and think.   Just remember, it doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks, it going to be your ride.
Having said that, Hubcap is correct, the "skunk" striped bikes are the sexiest.     Mine's black with a red "skunk" stripe.  

[Jess Tolbirt]

i dont know if this has been said above or not BUT,, buy the most decked out bike you can find in your money range and then you can pull off what you dont want,, for instance try and price a driving light bar IF you can find one,,,

[flatsixrider]

Great bike with few causes for concern.  The guys above have said it all, try to find one with all the stuff you think you want then buy and ride. 

I've added a few things to mine and although it is for sale, I question that decision every time I ride it. 

[Rams]

One thing that I believe should be mentioned that I haven't read above.

Not all Valkyrie owners have given the "fat ladies" the normal maintenance they need.   
Try to find out (before you buy) how often and when the last drive line maintenance was done then, verify by having someone who has done it before lube the drive line.   You'll discover quickly if you were lied to.   

Drive line maintenance is not a huge deal, unless it's not done or done incorrectly.   
I'd rather you be safe than sorry.    We tend to build up our Valkyries like they are invincible but, as I have been told many times, if it's got tires or tits, you're going to eventually have trouble with it if, you don't do your required routine maintenance.

[The emperor has no clothes]

One thing that I believe should be mentioned that I haven't read above.

Not all Valkyrie owners have given the "fat ladies" the normal maintenance they need.   
Try to find out (before you buy) how often and when the last drive line maintenance was done then, verify by having someone who has done it before lube the drive line.   You'll discover quickly if you were lied to.   

Drive line maintenance is not a huge deal, unless it's not done or done incorrectly.   
I'd rather you be safe than sorry.    We tend to build up our Valkyries like they are invincible but, as I have been told many times, if it's got tires or tits, you're going to eventually have trouble with it if, you don't do your required routine maintenance.

That was the one thing that made me hesitant to buy my Interstate in Florida. First I was concerned about scams. Grumpy (who I had never met or talked to before) volunteered to check it out for me. He gave me an accurate assessment of her. I knew I could trust Bill's opinion from reading posts of his and hearing others talk highly him. After negotiating a price with the owner, Bill volunteered to service the rear for me. This gave me a lot of relief for the upcoming ride home. I'm sure their are other members out there who would help in your purchase. I know I would if you found one around here. 

[Bighead]

I have a standard 97 that I bought new and a 99 IS that I bought a couple years ago. I prefer the Standard but as you can see in the picture below I added IS bags and a Woody's fairing, the trunk on the IS makes it nice for travel without the worry of wet clothes ??? I just got home about an hour ago from a 6 day ride and the last 3 were in the rain so I was glad to be on the IS. Next trip though the Bee gets to fly
I think you will find it to be the most reliable bike made if you maintain her properly. I have had Zero problems with either of mine. As stated above there is one here that is approaching a HALF MILLION miles.

[Moonshot_1]

Read a few of the replies and my opinion on this has been generally addressed.

You have an opportunity to get a hold of one of the greatest motorcycles made.
Any model, Standard, Tourer, or Interstate, any year from 97-2003 have outstanding track records.
There are no perfect motorcycle but this is as close as it will ever get.

That said, considering your comments in a previous post, I would suggest the Tourer model.
Great for the 10 min. trip across town or the 10 hour leg across the country.

If you had suggested that you were looking for a bike for long distance trips, then the Interstate.

I got one of each and I do love the Tourer's versatility.

I would think, at least initially, that an Interstate would be a bit more than you would like.

So I'd get the Tourer and then next year get the Interstate and the year after that get the Standard that way you would have all 3.

Problem solved.

[sixlow]

So I'd get the Tourer and then next year get the Interstate and the year after that get the Standard that way you would have all 3.

Problem solved.
[/quote]

now that's good sound advice but no need to wait 3 years.  

[Bighead]

You know JOE calls his tourer that he fitted a trunk and fairing to Half-Breed. I think I will start calling my Bee Cross-Breed

[Fazer]

Pulled the trigger on Sat and brought home a '98 Touring model.  I have lots of questions and will be researching the forum before asking.  Hope to post pictures soon.

Thanks for all the help in my selection.  I had sort of narrowed it down to the CT I bought and an Interstate that was also available for about the same cost.  The Tourer only has 18,000 miles and looks brand new.  the Interstate had more miles, about 50,000 as I recall and looked good in the pics, but I do not think I need all the baggage and rear passenger seat paraphernalia.  I know there are other advantages, but what the heck...I was there and the bike was calling me...

[The emperor has no clothes]

What color did you get ? You are going to love it. 

[Rams]

Pulled the trigger on Sat and brought home a '98 Touring model.  

SNIP

I was there and the bike was calling me...

We've all been there and done that.   Congratulations on the new passion in your life.
Ride safe and remember, there's always someone else out there that wants to occupy the same space you're already in.   Be good  to her and she'll take care of you.    

Edited: Just realized you're in West Chester, may I assume you'll be attending the Dragon Round Up in Madison, IN in mid-September?    Should be about 50+ Valkyries there and some very passionate Dragon Riders also.   

[Fazer]

Here is my first attempt at including a photo.  Not such a good picture, but I will try and improve.  This one has 18,000 miles when I took over and lots 'n lots of extra baubles (farkels).  Besides all the extra chrome, not seen in the photo is a wolo horn and extended big ol round pipes that stick out about 6" pas the bags.  Bike is kind of loud, so I will either live with it, or try and figure out how to make it a bit less noisy.

I asked the seller about the horns on the front, and he did not have a good story or anything other than they were the Harley Catchers--I guess that works.  This thing sure is a head turner.  The only thing it needs is new tires, which I am taking care of in two days.

I am getting about 34 mpg which as I have read, is about average.  I got 47 on my Shadow 1100, but this is TWICE the bike. 

I'm lov'n it....

[The emperor has no clothes]

She's a nice looking bike. I'm not too sure about the horns though  I might need leg protection .

[cookiedough]

well decked out and if upkept,  good to go.

Just make sure when get new tires, whomever does it checks the rear splines etc. for rear drive maintenance and lubes it all back up before put rear tire back on.

Amazes me some Valks have such low of mileage and here I thought at 31K for my 2001 was very low miles.

Also looks to me like speakers on handlebars as well for tunes - nice as well. 

I think ya done very well, congrats and enjoy! 

[Fazer]

Thanks Meathead and Cookiedough...

Tires are being installed by the local dealership.  They worked on my Shadow just after purchasing and did OK.  I had considered doing the tires myself, but it would probably take me a week of not being able to ride, and we are having the best weather of the year right now...I couldn't take it.  Dealership is re-lubing the splines with the tire change.

I haven't tried the speakers yet.  The PO installed an amp in the battery compartment and a toggle switch to turn it on near the fuel selector.  Like the running lights, which are also switched, I fear leaving them on and running down the battery.  So far have only put the light on at night--very effective.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks Meathead and Cookiedough...

Tires are being installed by the local dealership.  They worked on my Shadow just after purchasing and did OK.  I had considered doing the tires myself, but it would probably take me a week of not being able to ride, and we are having the best weather of the year right now...I couldn't take it.  Dealership is re-lubing the splines with the tire change.

I haven't tried the speakers yet.  The PO installed an amp in the battery compartment and a toggle switch to turn it on near the fuel selector.  Like the running lights, which are also switched, I fear leaving them on and running down the battery.  So far have only put the light on at night--very effective.

If the amp and the lights are not wired to turn off with the key, I would highly recommend you do so. It's a pretty simple job.