I now know what you all already knew!

[Moofner]

THAT THIS BIKE IS AMAZING! 

I just picked my 2014 model with 0 miles up yesterday. It was a love story that started on a random dealership visit between work appointments. All it took was a smooth salesman, $4700 off, great financing, a free rear carrier, one pissed off wife, and the courage to take the plunge from my 2001 Suzuki Bandit.

I've always been a sport touring man, and one time owned a V-Rod just to be different. But the Valkyrie? Pure riding bliss. Such a blank canvas, so many miles to burn. I clocked 100 miles yesterday and I can't wait till the 300 mile break-in is over so I can twist that throttle and see what happens.

I look forward to the journey!

[AdrianR]

Dude...

               Just wait man...I just turned around 3.4K on my 14' Valk, and it just keeps getting smoother and faster.... I switched over to full synthetic oil around 1.5K as well as Amsoil full synthetic drive oil for the shaft drive.  Watch your tire pressures....keep around 40psi in the rear and around 38 up front..for the stock tires...and if you can, find ethanol free fuel or use an additive to treat it (Stabil, Lucas Oil etc.)for some real performance and up to 50mpg!

I've owned and ridden many different bikes..and this thing is by far the all around most amazing ride...

[Adirondack Bill]

Congrats. I agree with AdrianR regarding the oil. After I had it a year, my Valk starting shifting hard. I switched to full synthetic oil and that solved the problem. If your thinking of a new seat somewhere down the line, I bought a Corbin seat.  Corbin seats look great, but they are not much more comfortable than the stock seat. Enjoy

[_Sheffjs_]

Yes it rocks!!!  



The best of both worlds!   

[TallRider]

  Awww grap!!! Were you supposed to waite 300 miles before hitting it. Thought I read some where ride it like you stole it. Oh well.

[Moofner]

It gets better? Awesome.
I already planned doing an oil and final drive oil change at 1000 miles to synthetic. As advised, I'll check my tire pressures and inflate as needed. I installed my rear carrier last night and will be for checking my GIVI E450 on it. I don't think it will look too bad and you can't beat the ability to remove it for a cleaner look and ride around. The best part is it serves as a back rest for my wife when she decides to ride with me. I even contacted the aftermarket lighting company who sold me the GIVI lighting kit and they instructed me how to install the kit onto the Valkyrie.

I've already got projects. That's almost 25% of the fun! I need to buy myself a service manual.

[woofred1832]

               welcome to the club!!!!!! I have over 13k in my first full year and yes, it gets better, and better. other Gold Wing owners Ive talked to say that real break-in for the 1800 motor is like 30,000 miles. then it perrrrrs like a kitten. its an amazing bike....others just dont know cause they are satisfied with what they have, and as far as for the 1500 Valkyrie owners, thats GREAT, i loved my old one also..

[dans2014]

  I kept my 2002 Bandit 1200s just for the twisties and the nimbleness but I have to say the Valk is winning out and I will probably sell the Suzuki eventually. My owners manual said 600 miles before you hit it hard?? I did wait until that and have hammered it a couple times but I like the roll on power more than the redline speed

[Moofner]

I will always love my Bandit. It has a special place in my heart. The growing maintenance time needed on a 15 year old bike was just getting old. I spent more time fixing than I did riding. Not anymore! My GIVI box doesnt look half bad either. First add to the bike, but not the last!

[_Sheffjs_]

I think this was the forerunner to the Bandit - It was a great bike, never one lick of trouble and fast! 

[Thor32]

I can't get enough of what a great bike the Valk is: here's a link you may enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrlHeXmsyfE

[dinosnake]

I think this was the forerunner to the Bandit - It was a great bike, never one lick of trouble and fast! 

Not even close to the same fit, finish or refinement level.  The Valkyrie is in a whole other world compared to 95%, or more, of bikes out there in those fields; you don't understand that until you ride it then it's like holy carp, can this thing really be this GOOD??!