New Valkyrie review

[..]

http://www.motorcyclemojo.com/2014/09/valkyrie/

[BF]

We still beating that dead horse?

It's still over priced and it's still fugly. 

"...a bulky front end that is supposed to mimic the stance of a charging bull."

Looks more like a dung beetle. 

[Rams]

http://www.motorcyclemojo.com/2014/09/valkyrie/

Honestly, no surprises here.  While I know it'll out perform my "vintage" Valkyrie, it's just not what I want in the styling dept.    

[..]

I didn't post it to get anyone riled up.

Just for those that re interested in the bike.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

It rides great has awesome smooth power .... Bless its heart it's just ugly.

[Rams]

It rides great has awesome smooth power .... Bless its heart it's just ugly.

Hey now, let's be nice.

While it's not the bike I want, if it was that or a HD, I'd take the new Valkyrie.

Just hav'n fun here, don't take it too serious. 

[iliveforcurves]

"Bless its heart" ha ha!

[BobB]

We still beating that dead horse?

It's still over priced and it's still fugly. 

"...a bulky front end that is supposed to mimic the stance of a charging bull."

Looks more like a dung beetle. 

BF, don't hold back, what do you really think about it?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Some folks worship at the alter of Honda, etc..

I know a dude that does this with Harley 

[f6gal]

Some folks worship at the alter of Honda, etc..

I know a dude that does this with Harley 

Touché, Joe, touché.   

[Fla. Jim]

Not a bad review....Finding it was modeled after a bull now makes the bulky front end understandable.....Not my cup-a-tea for sure. I keep hearing how great the performance is but have yet to find a review with stats on performance. It would be nice to compare the "New Improved Model" against the 18 yr old original.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Not a bad review....Finding it was modeled after a bull now makes the bulky front end understandable.....Not my cup-a-tea for sure. I keep hearing how great the performance is but have yet to find a review with stats on performance. It would be nice to compare the "New Improved Model" against the 18 yr old original.

I rode one and what I liked was it was tight , smooth and powerful. I have no doubt it would smoke the classic....But it's still ugly I'm hoping the saddlebags Corbin is doing for it will cover up the rear fender <---My biggest dislike , I think I could learn to accept the turkey scoops on the front.

[jshram]

Ditto on ugly.  Do we really need another V-Max?

JH

[Pappy!]

Ditto on ugly.  Do we really need another V-Max?

JH

Gees and I am trying to sell my BMW to buy a Max !!!

[Ghost]

It rides great has awesome smooth power .... Bless its heart it's just ugly.

[Rams]

Ditto on ugly.  Do we really need another V-Max?

JH

Gees and I am trying to sell my BMW to buy a Max !!!

Pappy,
Not that I care, ride what you like but, I wouldn't ask for other's opinion unless I was prepared for the fallout.     

[Romeo]

A truly beautiful motorcycle IMHO. Looks like its going 100mph standing still. Fit and finish is outstanding. And the power. Well, there's truly nothing like the power. Anyone with a seventh grade art class under their belt can truly appreciate the stunning lines used to sculpt this machine for the ages.
I'll wait for you guys at the next stop!

[jimmytee]

A truly beautiful motorcycle IMHO. Looks like its going 100mph standing still. Fit and finish is outstanding. And the power. Well, there's truly nothing like the power. Anyone with a seventh grade art class under their belt can truly appreciate the stunning lines used to sculpt this machine for the ages.
I'll wait for you guys at the next stop!

It's certainly a polarizing bike. I am a fan. I was on board, but when I finally got the spousal unit's approval to buy, it was the F6B that just made more sense for what I really wanted in my bike. I still got my "Classic" Valkyrie.

[Bronxboy]

Like they say, there is an ass for every seat  although not my taste, I am sure the good things about this bike will outsell the negatives. I liked when he stated the "Cult like following" for our old school Valks...He definitely got that right !!

[paul246]

A truly beautiful motorcycle IMHO. Looks like its going 100mph standing still. Fit and finish is outstanding. And the power. Well, there's truly nothing like the power. Anyone with a seventh grade art class under their belt can truly appreciate the stunning lines used to sculpt this machine for the ages.
I'll wait for you guys at the next stop!

Nicely put. 

[Rams]

A truly beautiful motorcycle IMHO. Looks like its going 100mph standing still. Fit and finish is outstanding. And the power. Well, there's truly nothing like the power. Anyone with a seventh grade art class under their belt can truly appreciate the stunning lines used to sculpt this machine for the ages.
I'll wait for you guys at the next stop!

As I Said Previously, If that's What You Like, Go For It.     Already Said I'd Take One Over An HD.     

[jshram]

No question it is a great machine.  But what about the new F6B? I kinda like it... Same price as the new valk, but has bags and the cut down fairing... Hmmmm...  Is it time to sell the Concours?

[Rams]

I know one should never say never, but this ugly pile of plastic shall "NEVER" cast a shadow in my shop.

lets have a poll - who would have bought a 2014 valk if they would have left the bike alone except to add the 1800 fuel injected engine and a 6 speet tranny ?

ooh, ooh, me first !!

You do realize that there is a poll function where you can ask that question and then tabulate the responses.

[hubcapsc]

I know one should never say never, but this ugly pile of plastic shall "NEVER" cast a shadow in my shop.

Your loss 

-Mike

[cookiedough]

not too change subject too much, but the new 2015 wings get a new blackened out exhaust/engine in 2 new colors.  I really like the wings new black/red combo with black exhaust and blacked out engine.  Looks VERY tough like a street fighter look and not all chromed up having to wash it more often to make it shine.

Plus, in 2015 Honda got smart and will be offering cruise control on the F6B which should've been done on the 2014 models to begin with.  Who knows,  maybe Honda will be thinking of accessories of all sorts for both the new Valk and F6B BEFORE (NOT after) on whatever bike they decide to mfg. next, but doubt it.   When Honda develops a new bike, I fully expect a full line of accessories to be out BEFORE going to market. 

If I didn't need the storage nor windshield and just wanted to eat bugs and offer no luggage space,  I'd be interested in the new Valkyrie, but I dislike eating bugs and have on almost every trip the need to carry stuff in at least the top luggage compartment of my I/S, so the new Valk for me is out.

If I wanted a street fighter hooligan bar hopper bike,  the Valk would fit the bill though.  But, there are other cheaper fast bikes out there that also fit that bill for 1/2 the cost. 

[jimmytee]

I spent a day with my wife on my old school Valkyrie on Sat. It was a lot of fun.
Yesterday, spent the day on the F6B, loving it. This guy on a Harley thought he'd lose me in some twisties. he ended up pulling over. I was smelling his brakes and or clutch burning. He did an admirable job. I'll give him that. There was no way, he was going to lose this F6B.

[jshram]

Stopped by Honda dealer... looked over the F6B (nice)... also the new Valkyrie.  Gotta say, I'm disappointed.  While I think the looks would grow on you and I'm sure the 1800 motor in the lighter chassis (than a full wing or F6B) is amazing, it really is a re-branded wing.  Our Valk had more than just different plastic on it to make it the Valk that it is.  Inverted front forks, completely different frame geometry (Wing, F6B and new Valk share the same frame, forks, brakes and engine), motor with MORE power than the Wing (six carburetors instead of two)... just seems that Honda wanted a new model but didn't want to invest past the plastic department.

My thoughts anyway.  I'm sure I"d love the ride, but....

[pais]

I know one should never say never, but this ugly pile of plastic shall "NEVER" cast a shadow in my shop.

lets have a poll - who would have bought a 2014 valk if they would have left the bike alone except to add the 1800 fuel injected engine and a 6 speet tranny ?

ooh, ooh, me first !!

It would have been the 2nd new bike I bought in my lifetime. The 1st being a brand spanking new 1986 VFR1000. (Oh how I wish I still had that bike) The bike you mention above may be as close to perfection as you can get and yes I would have bought one. Guess I would have been second in line.
    Funny, as I took 2 months or so to find the Valk I bought. I drove my wife, kids and nephew crazy. Always driving all over creation to look at another Valk that, as my kids would say "you know you aren't gonna buy it". Finally my wife said "why don't you just buy a new one". Go figure, a guy can wait his whole life and may never hear those words. I get the  and low and behold Honda doesn't make a Valkyrie that I would park in my shed let alone my garage !

[jimmytee]

Stopped by Honda dealer... looked over the F6B (nice)... also the new Valkyrie.  Gotta say, I'm disappointed.  While I think the looks would grow on you and I'm sure the 1800 motor in the lighter chassis (than a full wing or F6B) is amazing, it really is a re-branded wing.  Our Valk had more than just different plastic on it to make it the Valk that it is.  Inverted front forks, completely different frame geometry (Wing, F6B and new Valk share the same frame, forks, brakes and engine), motor with MORE power than the Wing (six carburetors instead of two)... just seems that Honda wanted a new model but didn't want to invest past the plastic department.

My thoughts anyway.  I'm sure I"d love the ride, but....

The forks and rake are different. Brakes are different, wheels are different, many other things. Yes the engine and main frame are essentially the same. The new Valkyrie doesn't differentiate itself as a standalone line . It is a Gold Wing model called a Valkyrie/F6C.

[cookiedough]

Just look at the plastic dept. in all cars, especially GM cars from the 80's til present.  All that is really different is the badging between a Chevy, Buick, Olds, Pontiac.  Same frame and engine just slight cosmetic looks is all.  Sad to say, but plastic is where the future is at and I dislike it very much even in 30K+ new vehicles.    Am surprised GM hasn't scrapped the GMC division entirely in 2008 in the bailout and just stuck with Chevy silverado's and invested all that money saved into improving their Chevy trucks.

Cycles are following suit somewhat of cars made since the 80's.  Although I am not old enough to have owned a pre-1970 car,  I love the looks of all those classic cars which are unique looking not a copy cat of one another at all.  Plastic is cheaper to assemble and replace and unfortunately doesn't last until it breaks much sooner than metal usually.

Now that I have seen the new red/black 2015 Wing all blacked out with exhaust, rim, and engine,  I'll think I'll save my pennies and dimes in 10+ years when a used one comes along since my current 2001 Valk should last me easily that.