Interstate question.

[mike72903]

I put the kibosh on getting a wing for the sake of passenger comfort, then quashed the idea of a hack. That leaves me looking at getting an interstate model.  Never ridden one nor seen one in real life and was wondering if they come close to matching the passenger comfort of a Goldwing.  Seems like just the  arm rests would be a big improvement.  Is the passenger seat the same as on the tourer or standard?

[Steel cowboy]

The interstate seat has a higher lip in the front due to the bigger tank. I belive the rear passenger seat is a bit larger and the rap around back rest on the trunk is wider than other models. The rear speaker pods act as arm rest or you can buy arm rest that bolt to the trunk brackets. Along with other features the interstate has, it makes for a more comfortable ride for both driver and the all important better half on the back seat 

[Jack B]

Here is a nice I.S
 At a great price.

http://valkyrie-owners.com/SMFORUM/index.php/topic,12407.0.html

[F-six]

I don't know if the Interstate is less or more comfortable than a Goldwing, but it is a pretty comfortable bike. But I did change the seat, I bought an Ultimate King because I like those seats. And changed the backrest in the process, also an Ultimate backrest to match the seat. This backrest gives the passenger a little more support because of the 10 degrees difference (passenger sits a little more straight).

I have a Standard that I bought new in 2001 (has 80k miles on the clock) and I have a 1999 Interstate that I bought in 2010. I rode 40k on the Interstate. The Standard is geared towards long touring trips, with the hard bags, windscreen, bigger tank and Ultimate seat and I rode all over Europe with it. But after I bought the Interstate I tend to use that one for long trips, vacations, because the bags and trunk are ideal for this kind of touring. It's a very comfortable bike and you will love the bigger tank, that gives you the extra miles. I now use the Standard mostly for daytrips.

They don't differ much in handling, although I always have the feeling, riding the Standard after the Interstate, that this one is easier to ride. But nothing to be concerned about. It's nice to have them both, I really don't know which one I should sell if I ever have to.

[mike72903]

Thanks for taking time to educate me.  As far as the posted bike ad, just WOW.  Wish I was further along in the decision making process to commit to that.  Beautiful and great price.  Did I say WOW.

[Willow]

The Valkyrie Interstate is more passenger comfortable than the Standard or Tourer but will fall just a bit short of the Goldwing.

The OEM seat on an Interstate is completely different that those of a Standard or Tourer.  The Interstate OEM seat is one piece.  It uses the trunk for a wider, more comfortable lean back backrest for the passenger.  That being said the Standard or Tourer seats can be placed upon an Interstate but, as has been noted, the nose of the saddle would be crunched due to the height of the rear of the Interstate tank.  I have an Ultimate saddle on my interstate and a pillion from a Standard.  I can remove the trunk at will and mount the Standard passenger backrest.

I do like the way the Interstate rides.  As noted earlier when moving back to one's Standard one will notice a slight improvement in handling without the fairing and trunk.

[mike72903]

The Valkyrie Interstate is more passenger comfortable than the Standard or Tourer but will fall just a bit short of the Goldwing.

The OEM seat on an Interstate is completely different that those of a Standard or Tourer.  The Interstate OEM seat is one piece.  It uses the trunk for a wider, more comfortable lean back backrest for the passenger.  That being said the Standard or Tourer seats can be placed upon an Interstate but, as has been noted, the nose of the saddle would be crunched due to the height of the rear of the Interstate tank.  I have an Ultimate saddle on my interstate and a pillion from a Standard.  I can remove the trunk at will and mount the Standard passenger backrest.

I do like the way the Interstate rides.  As noted earlier when moving back to one's Standard one will notice a slight improvement in handling without the fairing and trunk.

Good info, thanks.  I simply cannot picture myself riding a goldwing.

[MP]

I have talked to a number of rear seat riders.  They say the IS is pretty darn close to the Goldwing.  Very nice.

I have talked to HD rear seaters.  Once they get on the back of my IS, the first thing they exclaim is " Wow.  This has a LOT of room!" They REALLY like the extra leg room, and space between the riders.

The IS is a VERY NICE set up for a second rider.  Plus, it LOOKS like a MC, unlike my Mothers Tupperware going down the road in a GW! 

[old2soon]

Happen to LUV my I/S as do both daughters and one Ex wife. A lady I dated for awhile a bit on the tiny side mentioned the fact of a MUCH better ride and a heck of a lot more room than the H/D she used to ride passenger on. Another thing she noticed compared to her H/D ride was I went faster into the corners and leaned over a lot more-cording to her. I've taken some P G R wives for rides WITH their husbands okey dokey-and heard more than half of them say-this rides better than my ole mans H/D. My ex fell asleep on the back more than a couple times. The tell wuz the front of her helmet hittin the back of mine!  RIDE SAFE.

[Pete]

I own and ride all three, IS Std and GW. All 1500's.
The Goldwing is the gold standard for comfort for the passenger and rider.
Better seat, better wind protection, more plush ride, less heat in hot weather and less cold in cold weather (heat vents).

Coast to coast in a hurry with long days in the saddle - Goldwing.

The IS falls next in line, well down the line with better heat management because of the pods than the Std even with Baker Air Wings and Honda windshield.
Although I find the Std with Wings and shield warmer in the winter and better wind protection than the IS. Neither compares to the Goldwing.

The seats on the Valks are OK, with the IS being slightly better.

With all that said they are all different and I like them all and ride them all.

The wife absolutely prefers the Goldwing period.  

Having three is the right answer/choice, then ride the one that fits the trip and weather and mood.
Do not know if I could just pick 1.

I dislike the trunk on the IS and have removed it because of looks and handling. If I ever find a Euro rear trunk for GW I may swap it on when the wife is not on the GW.

[msb]

15 years of many miles and ZERO complaints about comfort from the co-pilot (other than when the OEM shocks were shot) following previous 1200 Wing and HD rides. We regularly do up to 10,11 hour days on our longer multi-day rides. Have had a Corbin seat for the past 12 years, and she still really likes the size/shape/comfort of the pad and backrest.

[Oss]

Griz' bike was well maintained, if his health was better no way he would be selling

Far as rear seat my wife prefers my Interstate with the RussellDayLong seat to the 2006 Wing that she has ridden with me out in Alaska.  However she could see more of the world from the goldwing seat as I am tall and she is just under 5'6"

Cant speak as to the new wing comfort

If I could snag a 06 or newer wing for that price I would probably be all over it

[jdp]

Well my wife made me buy an interstate because of the comfort, I had one some time ago, then i got a tour model, I thought it was basically  the same bike until I took my wife for a ride, she said to get another interstate so I was forced to get another one, worked out good for me now I have both. Happy wife Happy life.

[98valk]

which GW is being compared 1500 or 1800?

many fine low cost and low mileage 1500s out there to be had.

[MP]

Griz' bike was well maintained, if his health was better no way he would be selling

Far as rear seat my wife prefers my Interstate with the RussellDayLong seat to the 2006 Wing that she has ridden with me out in Alaska.  However she could see more of the world from the goldwing seat as I am tall and she is just under 5'6"

Cant speak as to the new wing comfort

If I could snag a 06 or newer wing for that price I would probably be all over it

Yep, Griz was an expert mechanic with the Valk.  Kept it right up.  Rode with him a number of times.  Roomed with him on my first Valkyrie ride in.  Health got to him.  We are all marching to a time clock.

If you have a chance to get his IS, go for it.  It is a GOOD bike!

http://valkyrie-owners.com/SMFORUM/index.php/topic,12407.0.html

[cookiedough]

I think the I/S rear seat is more comfy than a std. or tourer or even a newer 1800 Wing.  It just seems to have a tad bit more wiggle room if the passenger is a tad bit on the heavier side.  Same can be said on a newer 1800 Wing vs. a Valk I/S stock vs. stock when it comes to the rider's area having more wiggle room on an I/S and less upright as compared to the Wing.  I just felt a little bit cramped on a newer Wing vs. my I/S test riding it, but then again I am not under 250lbs. either so if under that size,  either one is fine for driver probably.

If the time comes to ever get a newer 1800 Wing,  I have to seriously do some major test riding it alone and with the misses to see if is the right fit for both of us.    I have my eye on a 2001 illusion blue Wing with 60K for only 6.8K locally seems to be well taken care of with nice goodies extras thrown in like hwy. pegs,  hitch, chrome luggage carrier, driver's backrest, and other chrome goodies.

[Mr Whiskey]

I simply cannot picture myself riding a goldwing.

Have you ridden an 1800?
Only thing it doesn't do better is "COOL".
Recently rode an Interstate for the first time since we got the '05 Wing two years ago. I can't go back (& I really WANTED another IS). I now see why some call the Valky a "log truck". It is when compared to the acceleration, braking, & handling of the GL1800.

The wife absolutely prefers the Goldwing period. 

Ditto, hands down, no question!
So much so that I can buy another bike if I can afford it, but....
I've been forbidden to sell the Wing

[gordonv]

Having owned both the GW and IS, I asked my wife.

GW is a far nicer ride for her, OEM seat. I added the swing out arm rests, and when she slept on the back, she stopped hitting my helmet with hers.

IS is a comfortable ride, OEM seat. I've had the Corbin and Ultimate Lowboy. She likes the OEM better. I had installed the arm rests, but they are ridged and I didn't like how they are in the way. She's sat on my fellow riders IS with the Mustang, and found it more comfortable (but haven't ridden on it yet). No arm rest, so she's back to hitting my helmet with hers when she falls asleep.

I like the cruiser look more, so finally sold the GW and bought another IS after wrecking my 1st.

[Stitch_in_La]

The tell wuz the front of her helmet hittin the back of mine!  RIDE SAFE.

My wifes tell was when the valk lurched and felt like a bearing just popped out of the rear wheel, when she woke up and almost jumped off the bike.

Stitch