Interstate vs Standard

[Alien]

Looking for some opinions here. As many here know, my beloved Mothership is a Standard with a shield and bags, so kind of a Tourer.  I rarely ride to work but I think nothing of heading across country. 

Here's the problem, I sort of lust after a blue and silver interstate.  Not any particular one, just that bike in general.  Ive never ridden one, so how different is it from my Standard?  would I really be gaining anything?  What are the pros and cons?  This would be in addition to my current bike of course. mi could never sell the Mothership.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Bighead]

I have both and love them both they are different but yet similar.
More room to pack stuff on the IS. I ha ridden both cross country and no problems with either the extra mileage is nice with the bigger IS tank but would ride either one of mine anywhere anytime.
If you are after a Blue and silver Rick just posted one for sale in the classifieds that is clean as they come. Has some miles on her but wouldn't be scared of taking it anywhere fly to Florida and ride it back to Cali

[Willow]

I have one of each.  The weight distribution of the Interstate makes it feel larger than the Standard even though it really isn't.  I feel more comfortable slinging around the Standard.  I prefer the Interstate on a long road ride.  My Standard has no windscreen but does have hard bags.  The fairing on the Istate does seem to take the wind out of my chest.  It has a very short screen so I still get the wind in my face.  I prefer that.

If you ride more than 10,000 miles per year.  You'll do fine with two and you can exercise both.  If you're less than 10,000 stick to one Valkyrie.  If you have only one make it an Istate.  You can easily Super Valk the Istate and make it versatile.

[gordonv]

What is it you want from the Blue/Silver IS?

Can't tell from your avatar what exactly is your current color. Why not just paint it? It would cost, that's why.

Might be cheaper to sell the "tourer" and then buy the IS.

For the difference in price between a Tourer and IS, and how much more you get, I would always buy an IS. Radio, fairing, display, bags/trunk and gas tank. My current IS is a Black painted in the style of an Black/Silver Tourer. Not an OEM IS color at all.

As for real difference, then weight.

Curb weight (49 state/Canada type)
GL1500C 334 kg (736 Ibs)
GL 1500CT 349 kg (769 Ibs)
GL1500CF 380 kg (838 Ibs)
(California type)
GL1500C 335 kg (739 Ibs)
GL1500CT 350 kg (772 Ibs)
GL1500CF 381 kg (840 Ibs)

Other differences are minor. You can remove the IS trunk (SuperValk) and have something closer to what you are already driving.

[Savago]

Apart from the obvious differences (bigger tank, radio, trunk, bat wing), I recall some articles saying that the I/S had a frame that was a bit stiffer than the std/touring to handle better the expected heavy load on it (trunk/panniers/bat wing). I never rode a std, so I cannot compare.

Also, it seems that the ignition module is a bit different (together with the carburetor springs), which kind of helps to have a bit more torque.

The pipes are a bit different too, and the sound a bit more mellow than the std.

The radiator pods really do work to redirect the engine heat away from you (specially in the summer).

The engine is mounted in rubber (not a big deal in a flat 6, as there is no vibration).

Finally, the stock rear shocks are a bit better (but I still recommend progressive shocks).

I would say the I/S in general is just a little more refined Valkyrie, but don't expect it to be much different from a std.

[Rams]

Interesting responses.   Not to suggest anyone is wrong but, preference makes one heck a difference.

There are some things I really like about the Interstate and other things I like about a Standard.

Basically, I agree with what Willow said.

For my own Valkyrie, I mounted hard bags and a clear view windscreen, changed out the Standard tank for an I/S tank and a belly tank, mounted Motosen gauges  for temperature, oil pressure and volt meter, which I love.   I also lucked into a set of I/S exhaust that had been drilled.   I like their sound better than my stock Standard pipes.    I'm riding an "Ultimate" low boy seat that I also think is a great place to place my butt.     I also have mine set up to pull a tag along, that allows me to ride the Valkyrie naked of all that stuff that one tends to strap on.   I like it that way better.

I prefer the greater visibility of the Standard over the I/S but, that is a personal preference.    It's all about personal preference and personalizing the bike to make it your own.   I have a really slick CB I've been considering mounting but, to be honest, I've had it a couple of years and really don't care to listen to a lot of chatter while riding.   I enjoy the solitude of riding.    Heck, I don't even have the back seat installed.    She's mine and mine alone, similar to a marriage, I don't share her with anyone.     I'm not afraid to load up the tag along and take off for parts unknown at any time, she's always ready for the road.

[wiggydotcom]

The Standard will allow you to go through the "cones" at the Inzane bike rodeo a lot easier.

That's the only difference between the two.        

Ok, I fibbed a bit. It's MUCH easier to keep the rear wheel cleaner on a Standard!

And that's the only other difference---unless I think of something else!

[Misfit]

Apart from the obvious differences (bigger tank, radio, trunk, bat wing), I recall some articles saying that the I/S had a frame that was a bit stiffer than the std/touring to handle better the expected heavy load on it (trunk/panniers/bat wing). I never rode a std, so I cannot compare.

Also, it seems that the ignition module is a bit different (together with the carburetor springs), which kind of helps to have a bit more torque.

The pipes are a bit different too, and the sound a bit more mellow than the std.

The radiator pods really do work to redirect the engine heat away from you (specially in the summer).

The engine is mounted in rubber (not a big deal in a flat 6, as there is no vibration).

Finally, the stock rear shocks are a bit better (but I still recommend progressive shocks).

I would say the I/S in general is just a little more refined Valkyrie, but don't expect it to be much different from a std.

Frames are the same. Motors are mounted the same. Neither are rubber mounted. Not that either of these would make a difference in you decision. Just correcting rumors. If you can swing it buy an IS and keep both for awhile. Then keep the one that you prefer. 

[Tailgate Tommy]

What everyone said above! For me, I like having one of each for all the reasons listed.

[Oldfishguy]

Two different style of bikes entirely at low speed parking lot maneuvers if you ask me. The interstates front fairing is connected to the forks and turns with them. Most newer bikes the fairing is connected to the frame and your just turning the forks and wheel while doing tight maneuvers. It takes a bit more practice with the Interstate but it can be mastered.  The Standard and Tourers don't have that massive windscreen and are therefore easier at tight turns.

https://youtu.be/3u_cY0ja1s4

[cookiedough]

I think I would like to have one of each though if feasible.

The stock pipes of each being the I/S is quieter.  Handling slightly favors am sure the standard or tourer without front fairing and top rear trunk as to be expected, although the only time I have had any handling issues is when loaded down on my I/S all 3 bags with the wife on back at uneven roads and sometimes coming to a stop seems just a tad bit top heavy and tippier only when loaded down, especially that rear top trunk.

I would not give up though my radio/speakers/fairing and wind protection though with my I/S even if it does look bulkier..

[rocketray]

since I still have a steady job and am unable to take off touring for a week or two...my Standard w/windshield and a very nice trunk from GIVI works very well--the garage wars with 4-8 motorcycles and 4 ATV's lend to lots of saddlebag scrathes the Viking unbaffled pipes make a lot of their own music...

[cookiedough]

since I still have a steady job and am unable to take off touring for a week or two...my Standard w/windshield and a very nice trunk from GIVI works very well--the garage wars with 4-8 motorcycles and 4 ATV's lend to lots of saddlebag scrathes the Viking unbaffled pipes make a lot of their own music...

4 to 8 cycles and 4 atv's??    ???   and here I thought I was bad with 2 cycles, 3 vehicles, and 2 atv's (and 3 fishing boats/2 kayaks)  although NOT all in my 2 car standard garage at once of course..

[Steve K (IA)]

I have an I/S and a Std that is basically a SuperValk... Hoppe fairing, I/S pods, Hondaline leather bags and solo seat.  The I/S is my main and favorite ride.  Can't live without the radio and trunk.  Great for long trips.
My wife rides the Std and has no problems on long rides.

[F-six]

I have both, a Standard and an Interstate. The Standard I bought new in 2001 and I rode all over Europe with it. The 1999 Interstate I bought in 2010 in Florida, rode all over the USA with it, from Miami tot San Francisco and back in three months and shipped it home. This bike has seen a lot of Europe too in the last couple of years. It's a bit silly to have two, but I just keep both of them because of the great memories I have riding these bikes. 

[Alien]

Wow, great responses.  Well, since the Mothership will never be for sale, I guess I need two bikes. 

[Misfit]

Wow, great responses.  Well, since the Mothership will never be for sale, I guess I need two bikes. 

Now your talking. 

[Alzacs]

You know... I have the REVERSE of this issue.  I HAVE the Blue & Silver IS and I have been 'snooping' on a second ride.  I have been considering a Wide-Glide for the looks and low seat.  After reading this I think I may need to consider a STANDARD.  Time to look for one with the lowest seat, perhaps altered some (I have a 29" inseam and good boots)

[Rams]

You know... I have the REVERSE of this issue.  I HAVE the Blue & Silver IS and I have been 'snooping' on a second ride.  I have been considering a Wide-Glide for the looks and low seat.  After reading this I think I may need to consider a STANDARD.  Time to look for one with the lowest seat, perhaps altered some (I have a 29" inseam and good boots)

Consider an "Ultimate" Low Boy, I know a couple of 5' 2" riders that ride Tourers  with Low Boy seats.
I also ride with a Low Boy.   If you go to Inzane, ask and they'll let you try one out for a day.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

You know... I have the REVERSE of this issue.  I HAVE the Blue & Silver IS and I have been 'snooping' on a second ride.  I have been considering a Wide-Glide for the looks and low seat.  After reading this I think I may need to consider a STANDARD.  Time to look for one with the lowest seat, perhaps altered some (I have a 29" inseam and good boots)

Consider an "Ultimate" Low Boy, I know a couple of 5' 2" riders that ride Tourers  with Low Boy seats.
I also ride with a Low Boy.   If you go to Inzane, ask and they'll let you try one out for a day.   

Looks like he has one on his Interstate.

[Tailgate Tommy]

If ones good -two are better!

[Alzacs]

You know... I have the REVERSE of this issue.  I HAVE the Blue & Silver IS and I have been 'snooping' on a second ride.  I have been considering a Wide-Glide for the looks and low seat.  After reading this I think I may need to consider a STANDARD.  Time to look for one with the lowest seat, perhaps altered some (I have a 29" inseam and good boots)

Consider an "Ultimate" Low Boy, I know a couple of 5' 2" riders that ride Tourers  with Low Boy seats.
I also ride with a Low Boy.   If you go to Inzane, ask and they'll let you try one out for a day.   

Looks like he has one on his Interstate.

YEP!  That seat in the picture is the Ultimate Low Boy setup that I found in the VRCC classifieds.