I bought my first Valkyrie 1500 December 20, 2012, and you? -POLL-

_Sheffjs_ · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 18:50:10

Bighead · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 18:58:18

Feb. 1998 left over year model and my picture is in every post

sixlow · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 19:03:06

Late bloomer, long time admirer here, 2 hours before the February 2014 Daytona 500, on the ride home is when i decided I would be wanting more than one Valkyrie.

RDKLL · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 19:07:44

I bought my first Valk, a burgandy and cream on Sept 10, 1998...no pictures. I swapped tins with a guy and it became a red and white.

At IZ I, winning the "Ride the Rail"

Serk · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 19:21:46

December 23rd of 2000...

John Schmidt · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 19:32:17

March of 2002, joined VRCC a year later. It was a leftover '98 and still under warranty when I got it used. Traded my '92 Candy Red Wing after my wife reached the point her health didn't allow her to ride with me anymore. Sold our matching trailer to a friend, kind wish I'd kept it but really didn't need it after losing my passenger. I had been watching an ad in Bike Trader for a couple months and the price slowly came down, ended up paying $1500 plus my Wing(about $8500 total) for a '98 Tourer with just a couple thousand miles. Got it in Gainesville, FL on a Saturday afternoon and grinned all the way home. Over the years I've made a few changes & additions, the result is at the bottom of every post.

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 19:46:28

1998 Standard .... Purchased used in June 1998 with 312 miles on the clock. I also own a couple more Valkyries and if I ever start eliminating this will be the last to go ... I love this old bike ...Long Live The Dragon .

f6john · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 19:51:49

Bought as a standard, in March of 2000. As she sets now.

I switch between the Ultimate and a solo Corbin for seating.

scooperhsd · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 20:10:07

May 20014, bought it used at the new Honda MC dealer in Wake Forest. I had put a $300 deposit on it (we were refinancing the house) and they kept wanting me to finish the deal. So, we activated a Capital One CC and paid for it that way, then we finished the re-fi - paid off the CC (along with some others). had 21938 miles then, now at 35554 miles at last fillup. That was 100 fillups ago

.

It's been a great ride ( I got to rediscover how much FUN riding a reliable motorcycle is) . The one black cloud - couple months ago, the starter button started acting up - as in no-start. The WF dealer shop basically said "10 years old or more - we don't work on them anymore (especially electrical problems)" - but they did refer me to an independent who suggested cleaning it (I used electronic cleaner) and working it until it started. Still would like to find a replacement throttle / starter button assembly.

The emperor has no clothes · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 20:13:31

Quote from: scooperhsd on Fri 09, Dec 2016, 20:10:07
May 20014, bought it used at the new Honda MC dealer in Wake Forest. I had put a $300 deposit on it (we were refinancing the house) and they kept wanting me to finish the deal. So, we activated a Capital One CC and paid for it that way, then we finished the re-fi - paid off the CC (along with some others). had 21938 miles then, now at 35554 miles at last fillup. That was 100 fillups ago .

It's been a great ride ( I got to rediscover how much FUN riding a reliable motorcycle is) . The one black cloud - couple months ago, the starter button started acting up - as in no-start. The WF dealer shop basically said "10 years old or more - we don't work on them anymore (especially electrical problems)" - but they did refer me to an independent who suggested cleaning it (I used electronic cleaner) and working it until it started. Still would like to find a replacement throttle / starter button assembly.

It's probably not necessary. You can take the start switch apart and clean it with good results.

Paxton · Fri 09, Dec 2016, 22:29:08

Bought her, Fast-Black-Standard on 11 March 2011. It had 36K miles. She now has a little over 39K.

I got no photo to post. She looks like the Black Standard shown; but of course a lot nicer!

Colin · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 00:36:28

Bought on 13th September 2009 and this is what she looked like

December 2013 and how she looks now

baldo · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 00:48:43

Quote from: _Sheffjs_ on Fri 09, Dec 2016, 18:50:10

Jerry,

Who makes the bags on your bike on the top? They look bigger than the norm?

Bob

gordonv · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 01:47:21

Bought used from Arlen Ness MC in Las Vegas via a CL ad just before Christmas 09'. Arranged them to store it for 6 months so I could drive it home. Went down on a 9 day road trip with my Bro and his convertible, and on Apr 23 2010', we drove it back, swapping out driving it home, over two days.

Brother and his car, and me on the road.

Maybe a little too early in the year? Snow and a burnt out head light.

Robert · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 04:59:29

2003 for me and joined the VRCC not long afterwards.

Dave Ritsema · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 06:20:23

Bought my first Valkyrie, a 1998 Standard in December of 1998. The dealer brought it home in a snowstorm in a trailer. Obviously this photo was taken at a later date.

I got my second Valkyrie in 2003 with the help of forum member Wegs. I owned that bike for over 10 years and it looked as good as the day I bought it when I sold it.

Had a brief fling with an F6B in 2015, I loved that bike but could never get my wife comfortable on it. Since we enjoy riding together, sadly it had to go.

In December of 2015 I purchased a 2015 Goldwing Anniversary Model and took delivery in the spring of 2016. With the help of Des at Ultimate Seats I am now comfortable and loving this new machine.

While I have moved on from Valkyries they will always be my favorite motorcycle in terms of styling and more importantly I will always appreciate all the friendships I have to this day because of those two motorcycles.

_Sheffjs_ · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 06:58:55

Quote from: baldo on Sat 10, Dec 2016, 00:48:43
Quote from: _Sheffjs_ on Fri 09, Dec 2016, 18:50:10

Jerry,

Who makes the bags on your bike on the top? They look bigger than the norm?

Bob

Bob. Must just be the angle of the pic. Stock IS bags.

Steel cowboy · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 06:59:10

I bought my interstate 2 years ago, I was looking at goldwings and H/D dressers. The H/D owner of the bike I liked was a liar so that made me look at goldwings even harder. Ive had an Ace then a Sabre and was looking for a bigger bike to take my Patti out on longer and more enjoyable rides. I rode Steve's tourer one day and was impressed at how smooth it rode and its power. Right then and there I changed to looking for a Valkyrie tourer or interstate model. This black beauty had 37,000 miles on her and the owner hadn't ridden her in a year. She wouldn't idle at first and was sluggish too. He had a folder thick as a book on all the maintenance he had Honda do on it. Steve came to look at her with me and I decided I had to have her. We thru some prices around and settled on $6500, because it wouldn't idle. I've put a lot of chrome and other stuff on her and is my pride now. Oh I forgot to mention while I was bickering about the price Steve was trying to fix the idle, I had to ask him to stop because if he fixed it I'd be paying more.

BnB Tom · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 07:11:29

Flew to Kansas City, bought my '02 in 04 of '06 then rode her home to Plano, Texas. She had 12,600 miles on the clock. Currently 83,875.
Every mile produced a smile

Sure doesn't seem like it's been 10 YEARS

Jack B · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 07:27:34

I bought my 98 Tourer in Oct 2000 brand new leftover I got a great deal on it I sold it after 111,000 miles on it, still my favorite bike. A few years later I had to have another one so I picked up a 99 I.S. Is was not taken care of so after a repainted (gray) and a little more chrome it again looked great. I also needed a ST1300 for the days the Valk's were not fast enough. Now I down to one bike a F6B. I love the B but miss the Valk's.

Chrisj CMA · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 07:48:54

Bought this gal on Valentine's day 2002, and she's just as good today nearly 15 years later
Now with 156,000 miles

In 2002 with 5,000 miles

Valker · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 07:50:31

baldo · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 07:52:14

Quote from: _Sheffjs_ on Sat 10, Dec 2016, 06:58:55
Quote from: baldo on Sat 10, Dec 2016, 00:48:43
Quote from: _Sheffjs_ on Fri 09, Dec 2016, 18:50:10

Jerry,

Who makes the bags on your bike on the top? They look bigger than the norm?

Bob

Bob. Must just be the angle of the pic. Stock IS bags.

Ok...thanks...

.. · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 08:15:43

April 12, 2002 in Valdosta, GA. Sight unseen. Rode it back to Atlanta on the day that the snowbirds headed north from Florida. Awful traffic all the way up I 75. Must have split lanes for about 80 miles. At walking speed.

American classics together.

After purchase the first Valkyrie owner I met was a rough, tough redneck at Bald River Falls, Cherohala Skyway. He still calls me "mate".

Hook#3287 · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 08:29:07

I bought Bobi Lu in March 1999. Rode her home when it was in the high 20's to low 30's out and didn't care.

She' got 116K most excellent miles on her and looks as good now, as she does in this pic from 02

RP#62 · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 08:32:25

Bought mine June 25, 1997. My first ride on one was riding it home from the dealer. That was a memorable ride home.

-RP

msb · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 09:00:31

May, 2001 is when my beloved 99 IS became the last bike I've owned to date. Sold my last HD just before our first daughter was born then went bikeless for a few years while buying a new house and having another daughter, then purchased an 84 Wing to get back into riding. Was looking for a 1500 Wing when I came across my girl .... already had some accessories such as the bag rails, trunk rack... only 3500 km on the clock.... and a price tag several thousand $$ more than I was willing to spend at the time. Luckily, my bride and and co-pilot of 35 years also fell in love with her, and doesn't share my affliction with procrastination.... I returned home from a business trip and she had a bank draft made out for the asking price and gave me a kick in the pants and told me to get the h*** over there and buy the darn thing!! Best purchase deal I've ever made...every mile I've ridden on her since and every $ I've spent on her have been worth it. Like everyone else here, I just love this old bike

As she sits today...

Valkorado · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 09:38:25

Another late owner. I drooled over the Valkyrie since I first laid eyes on one in the late 90s, but had just sold one bike and purchased a near new Shadow 1100. Found the Silver Bullet on eBay in late September 2012 with 14,400 miles and rode her home from Salt Lake City just in time for some fall color rides and a long winter hibernation. Racked up almost 25,000 miles the next summer alone, and Valkoholism set in. After seeing some Interstates close up, I got a serious hankering for one and found a good deal on Big Bertha in late October 2015. I hope to keep one or both until my riding days are done.

bscrive · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 09:49:14

Bought my 1999 Red and Black Interstate in November of 2003 off eBay. I only saw it online and it only had 4k on it. The guy I bought it from in Ohio shipped it to Canada and I picked it up at the airport.
I loved that bike, but after 11 years I figured that it was time to upgrade.
Now I have my 2014 Valkyrie and I love it just as much. More power too.

hubcapsc · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 09:54:07

I saw Frank Smoak's Red and White at an SCV rally in Charleston. A
couple of months later I had a tired eBay Red and White from
Philadelphia. The tins were all good, and my Red and White's
not so tired now. I found the VRCC right away along with the crowd
of people that ride with the "Bring it, Let's ride!" guy not long
after...

-Mike

fudgie · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 14:58:49

98 tourer. Originally Maroon & Cream with 1200 miles on it new in 2000.

to this

to this- 105,000 miles

solo1 · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 16:21:15

Bought my first and only black Valkyrie, "Emanuel", in August 1996. I added the sidecar much later.

Big Rig · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 17:24:32

bought mine new in Nov 1999 and still have her....

Gary · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 19:26:59

April 97 at Sport City Honda, Jacksonville, IL.

jim@98valkyrie.com · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 20:44:44

Bought my 1st and only '98 Jade and Black Tourer in June 2003 with 8k on the clock. She just rolled over 35k. I have a second '98 Standard that I am restoring for my son so he can continue the legacy.

.. · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 20:48:38

Quote from: msb on Sat 10, Dec 2016, 09:00:31
May, 2001 is when my beloved 99 IS became the last bike I've owned to date. Sold my last HD just before our first daughter was born then went bikeless for a few years while buying a new house and having another daughter, then purchased an 84 Wing to get back into riding. Was looking for a 1500 Wing when I came across my girl .... already had some accessories such as the bag rails, trunk rack... only 3500 km on the clock.... and a price tag several thousand $$ more than I was willing to spend at the time. Luckily, my bride and and co-pilot of 35 years also fell in love with her, and doesn't share my affliction with procrastination.... I returned home from a business trip and she had a bank draft made out for the asking price and gave me a kick in the pants and told me to get the h*** over there and buy the darn thing!! Best purchase deal I've ever made...every mile I've ridden on her since and every $ I've spent on her have been worth it. Like everyone else here, I just love this old bike

As she sits today...

My favorite I/S color way.

BF · Sat 10, Dec 2016, 23:36:03

July 2008. Found the VRCC 8 months later.

It was my present to myself for surviving cancer the first time. Don't think I'm gonna survive the third time.

Toying with the idea of buying a used Vette this time around.

f6gal · Sun 11, Dec 2016, 00:54:45

The poll needs to include 1996.

Chrisj CMA · Sun 11, Dec 2016, 05:50:30

Quote from: BF on Sat 10, Dec 2016, 23:36:03
July 2008. Found the VRCC 8 months later.

It was my present to myself for surviving cancer the first time. Don't think I'm gonna survive the third time.

Toying with the idea of buying a used Vette this time around.

Bruce, you are quite STRONG for sure! Such a positive attitude, and guess what, none of us survive this thing. Just keep doing what you been doing, hang in there brother. I mean it call me anytime, I'm not that far away if you need help with anything. Jeff. 865-5378

The emperor has no clothes · Sun 11, Dec 2016, 06:34:35

Quote from: BF on Sat 10, Dec 2016, 23:36:03
July 2008. Found the VRCC 8 months later.

It was my present to myself for surviving cancer the first time. Don't think I'm gonna survive the third time.

Toying with the idea of buying a used Vette this time around.

You might, you might not. But I hope you know you've got a bunch of your buddies here pulling for you.

The Corvette sounds like an excellent idea.

News:

I bought my first Valkyrie 1500 December 20, 2012, and you? -POLL-