If you moved on from a Valk, what do you ride now?

[Rams]

But.... it moved my body, but not my soul.

Well said!

In that I am currently waiting on the insurance "tow truck" to come haul off my beloved 02 Valkyrie, I have been searching for a replacement to fill the void in my heart.

Have looked at several options (to include the F6b).  Nothing stirs my soul like a Valkyrie.     I know she's older and won't perform like some of the newer options but...........

Have found two that really interest me, hopefully that void will be filled in January.    Gotta be able to reach and operate the clutch and I haven't achieved that range of motion yet.   

Rams

[Avanti]

But.... it moved my body, but not my soul.

This is why I just can not get any further than sitting on and or test driving other motorcycles

[F6Dave]

They're all great bikes.  These photos were taken at the Blue Mesa reservoir in Western Colorado over a period of 19 years.  1999 was the year the VOA held a Valkyrie Rally in nearby Montrose.  They had a BBQ in Crawford where Joe Cocker's wife Pam catered the food, and Joe handed out the door prizes.

[Reb]

Purchased my first Valk in 2009 at the age of 23.


in 2014 after graduating college I took the jump to a Wing and sold my valkyrie. Unfortunately, do to recent events I am now wingless  . But, not for much longer hopefully.


regardless, I still have this brute sitting around for days I am feeling frisky. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Purchased my first Valk in 2009 at the age of 23.


in 2014 after graduating college I took the jump to a Wing and sold my valkyrie. Unfortunately, do to recent events I am now wingless  . But, not for much longer hopefully.


regardless, I still have this brute sitting around for days I am feeling frisky. 

Nice  I didn't know you had a supercharged Valkyrie. Love the pipes too 

[Jack B]

I had a set of those pipes till I found out they don't fit your Valkyrie if you have bags.

[Pappy!]

Am also in agreement that there is something up with your carbs.
Two possibles are Interstate diaphragm springs which will bring the main circuit in earlier and shimmed needles.
Would just purchase the Standard springs anyway just to get fresh springs in there.

[RudyF6]

Moved on? From a Valkyrie?
I haven't sold a bike since I was a kid! I have 5 and 2 are Valks! 

[cookiedough]

Purchased my first Valk in 2009 at the age of 23.


in 2014 after graduating college I took the jump to a Wing and sold my valkyrie. Unfortunately, do to recent events I am now wingless  . But, not for much longer hopefully.


regardless, I still have this brute sitting around for days I am feeling frisky.  

Reb,  that 98 blue/cream Valk looks familiar to me - oh wait, I have it in my garage now, minus the SIU decals on chrome side covers that I ditched.  80600 miles and most came from you riding around all over this great country.  I can only take credit for a few 1000 miles.....  

Say,  you must have also added since that pic of that 98 valk the killboy.com decals on lower portion of the side hardbags as well right? 

[kruzn]

We haven't moved on from the Valk exactly, still have our '97. However, we did add a new ride to the stable...

[Mr Whiskey]

[Jack B]

I moved from the wonderful old Valkyrie to the new Valkyrie and a F6B.
Both are great bikes in they own way.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Maybe the thing I miss most about my Valk is the sound of the Mark T exhaust. The wife likes the quieter F6B factory exhaust so I probably won't change it. And I think there was a change made to the 2016 which makes them a little more audible.

But, when I get to ride with first gen valkyries and hear that wonderful sound I really do miss it. I've got a 2000 standard in the garage that belongs to my youngest son but it's got stock exhaust and just doesn't come near the Mark T sound either. There was never a time I hit the starter button on my old Valk without getting a big goober grin on my face when it lit up.  I'm sure Kris (the guy that bought her) gets that same grin now!

[Dave Ritsema]

Maybe the thing I miss most about my Valk is the sound of the Mark T exhaust. The wife likes the quieter F6B factory exhaust so I probably won't change it. And I think there was a change made to the 2016 which makes them a little more audible.

But, when I get to ride with first gen valkyries and hear that wonderful sound I really do miss it. I've got a 2000 standard in the garage that belongs to my youngest son but it's got stock exhaust and just doesn't come near the Mark T sound either. There was never a time I hit the starter button on my old Valk without getting a big goober grin on my face when it lit up.  I'm sure Kris (the guy that bought her) gets that same grin now!

Couldn't agree more, perhaps the thing I miss about my Valkyrie the most. I did purchase a set of 2016 F6B cans that have a bit throatier exhaust than the factory Gold Wing set that makes it a bit more tolerable but I do love the sound of a good set of Mark T or Viking pipes!

[CajunRider]

In response to original post...

You're probably tired of hearing it, but definitely a carb issue to have that bad of gas mileage. 

I've ridden across the country two-up pulling a trailer (LOTS of 80+ mph interstate), and still never got below 30 mph.  The average was usually mid-upper 30's.

After the Valk (2004 Standard w/ belly tank & saddle bags), I bought a Wing. 

I never did like the Wing as much as the Valk... it just wasn't as comfy for me.  The fuel injection and cruise control was nice... but I found the front forks to be VERY harsh.  I've been told that was probably the anti-dive stuff on the front forks... But even after a rebuild, there was no relief. 

Note that I never did the anti-dive bypass... I've been told that's the way to go, but I was fed up by then and just got rid of the whole bike. 

Now, I've quite recently picked up a Royal Star Venture.  The jury's still out on this one, so I can't say it's any better or worse than a Valk... But, here's a short run-down of what stands out immediately...

- It's not as agile as the Valk (no cruiser is)
- Plenty of torque, but not quite as powerful as the Valk (close though)
- About the same gas mileage... with 4 carbs to balance instead of 6
- Engine is just as smooth (or at least close enough to not matter)
  > Cruise Control is a bonus
- WIDE spaced 5 gear tranny, so cruises at WAY less rpm than the valk
  > I REALLY like this part... I always thought the Valk was geared WAY short
  > So, double bonus points for that alone... just be ready to down-shift to pass
- Slightly different seating position as the Valk, but just a comfy
- I haven't done any top end checks yet... but will obviously be more difficult to do valves
  > Just not sure HOW MUCH more difficult
- Sounds awesome with cheap Harley Take-Off mufflers

[Reb]

Reb,  that 98 blue/cream Valk looks familiar to me - oh wait, I have it in my garage now, minus the SIU decals on chrome side covers that I ditched.  80600 miles and most came from you riding around all over this great country.  I can only take credit for a few 1000 miles.....  

Say,  you must have also added since that pic of that 98 valk the killboy.com decals on lower portion of the side hardbags as well right? 
[/quote]

I'm glad it is still in one peace 

I put more miles on that bike than any other I've owned. It was a great companion and took me a many miles. I can't remember when i added the Killboy photos, had to have been during one of Joe's fall color rides.

[Ken Tarver]

I didn’t move on from a Valkyrie, still have a ‘97 & ‘99 tourer that I ride a lot. Been across Rocky Mountains on both and had no issues at all. I did move on from my ‘08 Gold Wing and got a ‘17 Indian Chieftain that I enjoy riding as much as the Valks.

Ken

[cookiedough]

Has anyone ever moved on or bought as a 2nd or 3rd bike a used honda silverwing 600cc scooter?  I have the chance to meet up this coming weekend on an older one under 10000 miles suppose to be in good shape hoping to score it for 1500 cash deal, asking 1800 or so.  I figure if he does not want to sell that low,  fine with me I will just skip it do not really need it but pretty sure judging by the few others listed with more mileage similar year being 2300-2500 in asking price,  1500 is not a bad deal right?  Worse comes to worse,  sell it come spring for 2K or so?

[Warlock]

Have been several bikes since the Valkyrie. Here is my present bike. Just sold my Goldwing, with both knee replacement and other problems I decided it was time for a lighter bike.
David

[cookiedough]

Have been several bikes since the Valkyrie. Here is my present bike. Just sold my Goldwing, with both knee replacement and other problems I decided it was time for a lighter bike.
David

that black ctx700 but with a front fairing vs. just windshield is on my short list as well for a 2nd bike though.  How you liking it?  Found one in MN that sold (over 6 hour drive one way to go look at it had not had the time to drive up that far) and was ONLY 3 grand good deal, most few for sale locally are still asking 4 grand too much for me.  Do you have the DCT automatic or normal shifting with clutch?  How you liking it?  Heard mpg is over 60 pushing 65 avg mpg, hard to believe that to be honest but most say is true.  I do like the looks of them for a mid sized 1 up cruising bike.

[Warlock]

Have been several bikes since the Valkyrie. Here is my present bike. Just sold my Goldwing, with both knee replacement and other problems I decided it was time for a lighter bike.
David

that black ctx700 but with a front fairing vs. just windshield is on my short list as well for a 2nd bike though.  How you liking it?  Found one in MN that sold (over 6 hour drive one way to go look at it had not had the time to drive up that far) and was ONLY 3 grand good deal, most few for sale locally are still asking 4 grand too much for me.  Do you have the DCT automatic or normal shifting with clutch?  How you liking it?  Heard mpg is over 60 pushing 65 avg mpg, hard to believe that to be honest but most say is true.  I do like the looks of them for a mid sized 1 up cruising bike.

Really liking it. I'm getting around 62 mpg. Mine is the manual shift. The naked model like mine sells at a good price. I  bought this one with 1400 miles on it and still under warranty till June of 2019. Out the door tax, title, and all $3000.00. I believe the fairing model gives better wind protection. I install a Madstad windshield and Madstad lowers and this works good. Of course coming off a Goldwing nothing gives as good wind management. Bike has good power and can run it all day long 80 to 85 mph. Only down side is chain drive, but this thing is so easy to work on. Lightest bike I have owned. The weight of the motor keeps the weight down low. Stock seat is ok. I just ordered a Utopia back rest and will probably send the seat off for mods. sold my Goldwing yesterday and was a bitter/sweat day. This thinks handles like a dream.
David

[cookiedough]

you stole that black ctx for 3K.  One in MN just sold just like yours for 3K as well, but ones nearby me are 4K or over in asking price so not worth it since brand new is under 5K and we all know used prices drop when driving off the lot new.  For some reason dealers say they do not sell but no idea why besides chain drive, especially since you can get DCT automatic which I would NOT prefer, I like shifting gears.  Yes,  ONLY drawback is chain drive but oiling it up every 500-1000 miles and replacing every 20000 miles is no biggie for the price.  I know the automatic model has a parking brake lever that have seen break since is plastic, yet another reason to get gears shifting manually.

[Warlock]

you stole that black ctx for 3K.  One in MN just sold just like yours for 3K as well, but ones nearby me are 4K or over in asking price so not worth it since brand new is under 5K and we all know used prices drop when driving off the lot new.  For some reason dealers say they do not sell but no idea why besides chain drive, especially since you can get DCT automatic which I would NOT prefer, I like shifting gears.  Yes,  ONLY drawback is chain drive but oiling it up every 500-1000 miles and replacing every 20000 miles is no biggie for the price.  I know the automatic model has a parking brake lever that have seen break since is plastic, yet another reason to get gears shifting manually.

I had to get use to another gear. It comes with a 6 speed. I clean my chain every 500 miles with kerosene and use chain wax. Not messy at all. Another seller for me is it has adjustable valves and not the shim under bucket design. Got a few members on a CTX board with over 100000 miles on theirs. That kinda impressed me. It will never be a Goldwing and a Goldwing will never be a Valkyrie.
David 

[Alpha Dog]

you stole that black ctx for 3K.  One in MN just sold just like yours for 3K as well, but ones nearby me are 4K or over in asking price so not worth it since brand new is under 5K and we all know used prices drop when driving off the lot new.  For some reason dealers say they do not sell but no idea why besides chain drive, especially since you can get DCT automatic which I would NOT prefer, I like shifting gears.  Yes,  ONLY drawback is chain drive but oiling it up every 500-1000 miles and replacing every 20000 miles is no biggie for the price.  I know the automatic model has a parking brake lever that have seen break since is plastic, yet another reason to get gears shifting manually.

I had to get use to another gear. It comes with a 6 speed. I clean my chain every 500 miles with kerosene and use chain wax. Not messy at all. Another seller for me is it has adjustable valves and not the shim under bucket design. Got a few members on a CTX board with over 100000 miles on theirs. That kinda impressed me. It will never be a Goldwing and a Goldwing will never be a Valkyrie.
David 

I had the full fairing CTX 700 Dct complete with the Honda Bags for about 6 months.  It was close by and a great deal and I made a 1k profit on it back in Nov. for a guy that wanted and easy bike for his daughter.  I replaced it with a well kept 99 Magna as sometimes I just want to get on a light bike instead of my 97 Valk or 14 Victory Cross Country.

The CTX 700 is a fine bike.  The dct works well, though better in sport mode, where I got a consistant 64 mpg.  I loved the feet forward at my age.  It did not have the soul of the Valk or Vic. but by gosh if one is limited on riding due to age or injuries - this bike is a great option.   I wish Honda would make it in a 1200 to 1300 cc version that would really move with all the new tech like on the new goldwing, but I am sure they probably will not.

[Jack B]

They did make a CTX1300 but it was a totaly different motor.

[Alpha Dog]

They did make a CTX1300 but it was a totaly different motor.

Yes indeed and by all accounts a great motor taking the existing st 1300 and tuning it more for cruising.  The owners like them and get above 45 mpg with great pulling power and grunt up to redline - but alas folks were not sold on the style.  That would make a great motor for what I would like, but for the NA market it would need to be more cruise/ tourer style, and could come in at a price point thousands less than the new Goldwing.   There are still new ones to be had.

[Hyde]

In response to original post...

You're probably tired of hearing it, but definitely a carb issue to have that bad of gas mileage. 

I've ridden across the country two-up pulling a trailer (LOTS of 80+ mph interstate), and still never got below 30 mph.  The average was usually mid-upper 30's.

After the Valk (2004 Standard w/ belly tank & saddle bags), I bought a Wing. 

I never did like the Wing as much as the Valk... it just wasn't as comfy for me.  The fuel injection and cruise control was nice... but I found the front forks to be VERY harsh.  I've been told that was probably the anti-dive stuff on the front forks... But even after a rebuild, there was no relief. 

Note that I never did the anti-dive bypass... I've been told that's the way to go, but I was fed up by then and just got rid of the whole bike. 

Now, I've quite recently picked up a Royal Star Venture.  The jury's still out on this one, so I can't say it's any better or worse than a Valk... But, here's a short run-down of what stands out immediately...

- It's not as agile as the Valk (no cruiser is)
- Plenty of torque, but not quite as powerful as the Valk (close though)
- About the same gas mileage... with 4 carbs to balance instead of 6
- Engine is just as smooth (or at least close enough to not matter)
  > Cruise Control is a bonus
- WIDE spaced 5 gear tranny, so cruises at WAY less rpm than the valk
  > I REALLY like this part... I always thought the Valk was geared WAY short
  > So, double bonus points for that alone... just be ready to down-shift to pass
- Slightly different seating position as the Valk, but just a comfy
- I haven't done any top end checks yet... but will obviously be more difficult to do valves
  > Just not sure HOW MUCH more difficult
- Sounds awesome with cheap Harley Take-Off mufflers

Sounds like I need to look at the carbs, though I've already had them off to replace the fuel pipe orings. I can't image anything being plugged up being the issue because it runs really well all the time. I will have to look at them though