It's Back and It's Official Valkyrie Returns

[Panama]

Yeah, I'm with MitchValk and BF... looks like a Valkyrie Rune (revamped).... and I was personally never a fan of the Rune - it's beautiful to look at, and ride "around town" for the ooooohh's and aaaaaahh's , but otherwise not the cross-country-twisties-enjoyable ride the original is.
While this new version IS purty... I guess I'm getting nostalgic in my years, and just can't see this replacing the original..... 1800 or not. Just me though.

[.]

At first glance it looked like a Rune to me as well-and I never did like the Rune. My first thought was that I like the F6B much better, and if it can be outfitted with a taller windshield and backrests for the passenger and rider, I'd grab one just as soon as the price fell below $7K (assuming I could park it at the nursing home I'll be incarcerated in by then  ).

[FLAVALK]

Funny....most people want a new Valk, but nobody wants a new Valk. 

They want an old Valk with new stuff on it. 

[Gryphon Rider]

I guess this Valkyrie's styling isn't aimed at senior citizens.  I quite like it!  Make mine metallic red with ABS.

Its mean look reminds me of this:



Or this:

[Varmintmist]

I think what you are looking at is the Goldwing "standared" while the F6B is the Goldwing "tourer" and the wing is the Goldwing "interstate". I don't think there will ever be a seperate Valkyrie line again.

It isnt the old Valk, but I could park one next to the tourer. While not being a black bike fan, it is IMHO the best color option for the new Valkyrie.

[PAVALKER]

Nope.... don't care for it.  I like the traditional styling and chrome of the one I have now.

I don't think it looks anything like a Rune, I like the Rune much better than this new GoldWing/Valkyrie. Not that I would consider the Rune a touring bike, just a local rider/shower at bike nights.  Not a fan of the F6B either, but I like it better than this new so called Valkyrie, and I prefer the full GoldWing over the F6B.... but would much rather have the 2010 GoldWing than a new one with the funky bags that don't match the trunk at all.

I did say my Valkyrie IS is my "forever" bike, and wouldn't let it go.  Doesn't look like I will be adding one of these to the garage collection. Don't like the styling, cheap out on plastics and crappy looking wheels (rough cast).  What's with that headlight?

Any of you guys with Valkyries or even Rune that got the itch to get rid of yours for one of these, let the rest of us know and put your ride in the classifieds.  Some of us might want to snag up your old beat up worn out bike so the dealer don't beat you up too badly on a trade.

[Serk]

I'll admit on it's own it's a pretty bike, but here's my problem. I want a windshield and bags on my bike, and once you add those to this, you end up with a funny looking skinny Gold Wing...

As I said in the other thread about it, too much Gold Wing, not enough Valkyrie for my tastes...

[F6Dave]

I never thought Honda would do it, but am so glad I was wrong.  Weighing nearly 90 ponds less than the F6B, and with the 55 series rear tire, the new Valk looks like a serious machine.

It's great to see Honda offering it's awesome engines in more styles.  I personally like the looks of the CTX 1300, and that V-4 is great.

[Big Rig]

I like it and i dont.

I think they are promoting it the wrong way...remember the original Valk commercial? Power slide??? I would have started with our Valk bumble Bee and then did a 30 second talk thru the decades showing how the bikes were and how it has changed....and finished with a 360 close up, and finished  with Valkyrie, nothing beat it then, and nothing will beat it now...

I would like to see a fairing that is attached to the handlebars and hard bags like my IS...I will say they have peaked my interest...they would have my interest if they prices started in the mid 14's....

[snohunter]

Rebaked rune !  Not for me if I'm gonna spend that kinda cha ching I'll keep the old and look real hard at the new Indian 

[eric in md]

http://powersports.honda.com/

(HD)) 2014 new Honda Valkyrie teaser promotional video

what a machine..  wow would be a blast ..  the brakes , handling just awesome that thing needs wings .. o boy o boy looks fun .add pipes ,love all the excitement. 

[Ice]

Maybe I am alone, but to me it looks not much different than the F6B, and maybe I am just a purist but when I saw the first Valk comercial many, many moons ago I was sold and the new preview had me all excited until the smoke cleared and I saw what Honda wants to call a Valkyrie. Maybe if the chromed it out more and made it look less like the F6B. But only maybe.

To me there is only one

ValkyrieSlide

[T-Bird]

I like it  
Face it folks...the motorcycle industry is evolving to what your seeing. I love my Valkyrie but it "is" a dinosaur in todays technology. I haven't seen the options list yet...but if the bags, windshield look good I am in for one.  I just hope the aftermarket vendors jump on this the way they did the first generation Valkyrie. I will be watching this development with anticipation

P.S. if you like it or not..it has given us something Valkyrie related to talk about

[ugelstad]

I agree with you T-Bird.  While I love my Valks, they are 13 and 16 years old.  This new Valk is bigger, faster, and a true power cruiser.  I see major differences from the Goldwing and F6B.  It has a much slimmer look, sits lower, front rake is changed.  Put on bags and a batwing fairing, and it would be a great bike.  It is the first bike I have seen that I find attractive.  The Rocket and the BMW GTL are ok, but this is the first I have seen I would consider buying.  I will wait to see what the Interstate looks like.  As to those that think it looks like a Rune, I disagree.  The Rune design made bags very difficult with the upswept exhaust.  It is also more outstretched, less leaping look.  I won't be the first to buy, but may consider one in the future.

[PAVALKER]

You guys talking of bags and a windshield or fairing on this new "sport bike version" of a GoldWing might as well just get a full blown GoldWing and be done with it, it's already set up with the stuff integrated.  It is what it is, and that's fine, but it's not a Valkyrie, it's just the C (bare-bones), with the F6B being the Tour and the Full GoldWing the Interstate (which I think someone already stated).  The styling is slightly different, but they are all just GoldWings configured differently.  And none of em have enough bling and chrome to warrant the name Valkyrie IMO..... the Rune is more a Valkyrie than this is. 

[Willow]

BUTT UGLY!!!!!!

Of whose butt are we speaking?

I guess my tastes are a bit different  I think it's butt pretty. 

Joe Boyd is no longer with us, but Honda has tried to do just what we wanted them to.  there are details I would change, but then so were there with the classic Valkyrie.

My opinion doesn't really matter as I'm not in the market for a new motorcycle, but if I wee this would certainly be one of them on my list.  I can't wait to see the available add-ons.

Windshield?  No thanks! 

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

Looks like a Gold Wing to me.  BTW the last GOOD LOOKING Wing was a 1986.

LOVED my '86 Interstate!!!!

[mwv_1500]

Let's see... When I first joined this board after getting my '99 Valkyrie Interstate, I saw many comments on what Honda should do to improve the Valkyrie... So it took them 15 years - but lets review:
1800 cc engine - Check! Fuel injection - Check! Six speed tranny - DARN! Less weight - Check! ABS - Check! So I guess the moral of the story here is you have to be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. I'm no fan of plastic, but I do love the buttery smooth, stump-pulling power of the F6 engine. I've tried many of the big V-twins and just can't deal with those lumpy anemic engines. Given the cycle market is still crawling back from a decidedly low point in it's history, I think Honda is at least making an attempt here. Is this new Valkyrie for everyone? Obviously not. I remember being being somewhat interested in the original bare-bones Valk, but longed for something that had the long-distance equipment already on it - then came along the Interstate. Who knows, we may see a similar evolution going on here. Given the market, I don't think Honda had much choice other than to try and make the most of the Gold Wing platform. I, for one, would prefer to see a more unique Valkyrie with it's own fresh look and less plastic. Having just turned 100K on my own I/S, it may not be long before I'm looking for a replacement. Until the F6B and this Valkyrie came along, I was beginning to think there would never be one. I'll be watching this closely...

[T-Bird]

You guys talking of bags and a windshield or fairing on this new "sport bike version" of a GoldWing might as well just get a full blown GoldWing and be done with it, it's already set up with the stuff integrated.  It is what it is, and that's fine, but it's not a Valkyrie, it's just the C (bare-bones), with the F6B being the Tour and the Full GoldWing the Interstate (which I think someone already stated).  The styling is slightly different, but they are all just GoldWings configured differently.  And none of em have enough bling and chrome to warrant the name Valkyrie IMO..... the Rune is more a Valkyrie than this is. 

Of course I do want bags for touring, I just hope they will be removable hard bags like the VFR had and some BMWs.  I just hope they don't stick some leather look-a-likes on it like they did the VTX and call it a interstate model.  And if you remember...our valks were just stripped down goldwings, but we've loved it for what it is.

[bigguy]

"The new GOLDWING Valkyrie"

[dreamchaser]

First off, I don't think its fair to this bike to say it looks like a Rune, which always, from the first viewing I always considered  it an atrocity that I wouldn't even test ride.  This bike has definite  presence and if I wanted something that huge I could go for it.  Right now I am considering the MotoGuzzi 1400 custom.  Power Galore, lots of modern upgrades and sounds great with a set of aftermarket pipes, all in a very slightly smaller pkg with a distinct retro flare.  It can be had for around $14,000.  There are great looking bags available, or for around $17, 000 they have an "Interstate " like version that has all the bells and whistles already installed.

No, I don't own stock in Aprilla/vespa/Guzzi, but if you have some spare time stop into a dealer and take a spin.  It may not be what you want, but its a great way to spend an afternoon and their idea of a test ride is well over 50 miles.  Sorry to hijack, but I did praise the new Valk. 

[T-Bird]

I have never been a fan of a fixed fairing. I bought a new generation KLR from Big Al (remember him?) and they had a fixed fairing and I never did like it.  I like the front of the bike going in the direction I am wanting.  When I checked out the new F6B I could tell it would take me some time getting use to it

[Rams]

Hmm, the potential for a great cruiser is obvious.   The problem I have is it reminds me too much of a Rune and I'm not a fan of the Rune styling.    I suppose those side mounted radiators are functional enough, ugly as sin IHMO.   While I understand they do not want to duplicate our Valkyrie, I think they need to go back and study what made our version such a success within our niche.    Yep, we're a niche market but, we're the ones most likely to go borrow the money to go buy one.   

[Panama]

On a plus note, kind of like when the body styles of classic cars changes (Firebird and Camaro as an example), the nostalgia factor kicks in, and everyone suddenly wants the last model, or "original", and the price goes up.   That, makes me smile when I walk out to the garage and look at ol' girl.. but then again................ I always do  

[jimmytee]

I'm a fan of the new bike. I don't even care As far as ,"if you wanna stick bags and a fairing on it , you might as well get an F6B or Gold Wing" , I think there would be a difference in style with a fork mounted fairing and bags that don't form one continuous plastic rear end. I can see the potential here. We have guys leaving their Valks behind for the likes of Beemers and Wings already. I won't get rid of my Phat Girl, but the thought of adding a new one has me stoked. 

[Black Dog]

It's different than our's, for sure...  I gotta say I like it though 

I'm sure Corbin can/will whip a set of bags, and maybe a matching seat n screen... It's a 'blank canvas' waiting for imagination 

Black Dog

[BF]

I think what you are looking at is the Goldwing "standared" while the F6B is the Goldwing "tourer" and the wing is the Goldwing "interstate".

Ding ding ding....we have a winner.   

I'd bet that this is the product line for the Goldwing, the Goldwing, the Goldwing bagger and the Goldwing Valkyrie. 

IMHO, the only thing that the new Valkyrie has in common with our Vakyries is that it has two wheels and a flat 6 engine.  Other than that, they have nothing in common.  There's no lineage to the styling.  It's just a stripped down Goldwing. 

[PhredValk]

I'm not on board yet, but I don't want much similarity to our Valks in this. It is a 2014, and should be up to date technically. It has what it should; EFI, ABS, the GL1800 engine for power and better mileage.

Still no center stand or reverse, so Honda is still not listening to current Valkyrie owners. I would also need bags and shield, or a small faring with stereo as I do lots of hiway and a 6K mile trip each summer.

If I wanted something closer to our Valks, I'd buy one of the many low-mileage 1500's for sale out there.
Fred.

[8Track]

I love it! I am on board with this direction big time!

PS will never sell my '99 Valk, but would love to have both the old and the new!

[jimmytee]

I love it! I am on board with this direction big time!

PS will never sell my '99 Valk, but would love to have both the old and the new!

:cooldude:Yeah, I'm not a hater of the new Valk. No it's not the same Valkyrie with "American Retro" styling. I'm sure had they gone that direction, it would've been cool, but ... this is it. The bike incorporates many of the wish list improvements we've wanted. I agree, it appears to be more akin to the third leg of the Gold Wing line, but it is unique. Personally, I think the radiator shrouds probably could have been made smaller, but obviously, I have not seen one close up to make that assessment.

Over all though, I see the potential. Yes it's a more modern take on our cruiser.

There are a TON of "American Retro" styled bikes out there to choose from. 

[hubcapsc]

I have never been a fan of a fixed fairing. I bought a new generation KLR from Big Al (remember him?) and they had a fixed fairing and I never did like it.  I like the front of the bike going in the direction I am wanting.  When I checked out the new F6B I could tell it would take me some time getting use to it

When I rode the F6B, it felt great, but was kind of a shock when I looked down at
what I was riding and all I saw was that "fixed fairing" wrap around dashboard thing...

Another thing about this new bike... it has a gas tank where gas tanks go... I wouldn't
even be surprised to find out it is metal...

-Mike "not all plastic..."

[The Anvil]

I'm going to echo the sentiments of those who think it's nice when viewed in a vacuum, but it's really not what I expected (or wanted) in an updated Valk. I was looking for something closer in spirit to the original Valk which is; a retro-ish ("traditional" might be a better word) cruiser with a GW motor. This is much closer to a stripped down GW.

[BnB Tom]

   Our "original" Valks are unique.   

There will never be another from any manufacturer that comes close to what we have.

  However, the times - they are a changing!

Trouble free fuel injection, single side swing arm and 1800cc of smooth, dependable power are certainly attractive attributes of this mighty beast. 

  Gotta see it in person. 

       Hope they're not making any deals 

   

[musclehead]

question? do you think the styling is geared towards a younger crowd?

it seems the younger ones have more enthusiasm for it. 

(and does that mean I'm in the younger crowd since I kinda like it?  )

[bscrive]

Anyone seen any pictures of the red ones?  It says that is available in dark red as well.  I love the black, not crazy about the blue and red has always been my favorite.  I was reading that you can get saddlebags, windshields and other seats for it.  I am not about to buy one today but I may change in a year or so.  I particularly like the front of the bike.  Like someone said, the times are a changing and this is the first bike in a long time that I am seriously considering trading up to.

[G-Man]

On a plus note, kind of like when the body styles of classic cars changes (Firebird and Camaro as an example), the nostalgia factor kicks in, and everyone suddenly wants the last model, or "original", and the price goes up.   That, makes me smile when I walk out to the garage and look at ol' girl.. but then again................ I always do  

Or, it could by the way of GM's pony cars that couldn't sell that, um, terrible 4th body style that lead to their demise.  Sometimes restyling does go bad.

[six2go #152]

question? do you think the styling is geared towards a younger crowd?

it seems the younger ones have more enthusiasm for it. 

(and does that mean I'm in the younger crowd since I kinda like it?  )

I dunno, I'm working on year #70 and I love this thing. I tend to like new designs in a lot of things though. Gotta keep movin' forward.

[Wetrudgeon]

The 97-03 Valks are aging gracefully, but aging nonetheless.  Technically this new one is likely a considerable advance.  The bigger motor and ABS are intriguing for sure.  Anxious to see the thing in person

We trudge on.

[Fudd]

Does anyone know if this bike has interlocked brakes?

They may be a good idea for some folks, but I don't want them on my bike.

[Gavin_Sons]

It said they work independently