Opinions wanted....thinking of picking up a 2014 Valkyrie

[vajeeper]

Hello all from VA. I initially want to thank all those who have made this website possible.....I've been looking it over and have read various threads concerning the 2014 Valkyrie. I am seriously considering pulling the trigger on a new one but would greatly appreciate some input from you guys/gals.

Presently, I own a 2009 Suzuki M90 (1500 cc) which I bought brand new and have enjoyed riding, great bike and very comfortable. Yet, I work with a guy who is a die-hard Goldwing fan who claims there is nothing out there quite like the Goldwing; he is a very humble/modest guy of whom you can always trust.

My million-dollar question is this; many, if not all of you have had or ridden bikes your entire life, so you know what you're talking about. That being said, in your opinion, would it be worth letting the M90 go and springing for the Valkyrie? I love bigger bikes, never owned or rode a Harley but like the solid feel of a larger bike, this along with my height being 6 feet. I am sure this is like beating a dead horse for some of you as many, I'm sure, have gone before me with this same question/dilemma. But if you have a few moments and are willing to help me out, I'd love to know your thoughts concerning what makes this bike so exceptional. I have been wanting an 1800cc bike for years now....for the power, for the comfort and well as riding something solid and fun (twisties) as I live only 15 miles from the VA/WV border which has lots of beautiful roads. The M90 needs to be kept up in the rpms which surprised me,    otherwise, it will lurch and buck. It cannot be leaned over very far without hitting the lower weldments for the brake and shifter (not foot pegs) and looks rather dorky if outfitted with saddle bags and backrest  (imo). On the other hand, again, in my opinion, the Valkyrie looks great with both bags/backrest which my wife would really love. Well, 'nuff said, look forward to hearing any and all opinions/comments, Thanks so much !!   

Last comment; has anyone seen the 2014 Valkyries going for less than $ 12,500? Just curious.

[The emperor has no clothes]

You will get some responses here. Some not so good or unbiased. You will get much better accurate unbiased insight over on the 1800 Tech Board.

[Robert]

As was said the 1800 board will give you much more information on the bike. I have both the 1500 and 1800 Valks and about to sell the 1500. There is not much to compare it to because Its 150 lbs lighter than the wing with better brakes tighter steering and the same power. It handles very well, its feels lighter than it is. The power pulls from idle all the way to red line and there is no playing to keep it in a sweet spot it also gets alot of looks. Was unsure at first about buying it but when the Corbin bags came out that did it. The biggest problem with the bike is keeping the speed to the legal limit. Its very good in the twisities and you should have no trouble and will more than likely grin all the way through.  I would recommend taking a test drive on one but you will only get a small taste of how it can perform because it will take a bit to get used to. I love mine, have never regretted buying it and always enjoy being out on it. Good luck read the reviews look at the site and I doubt you will have any doubt about purchasing one.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,84941.0.html

[_Sheffjs_]

Like Robert, I too have a 1800 and a 1500 however I plan on keeping both. I will simply say the 1800 is the best bike I have ever owned in my 40+ years of way too many motorcycles. It is pure joy to ride.

I paid $10.998 for my new Valkyrie in May.

[Oss]

Americade  rally in Lake George NY lets you ride bikes for about 20 minutes or so on twistie and highway,  

tourexpo.com is the website  1st week of June  Check it out and see if they have the new valk and the f6 and wing to get side by side by side idea

You need to be there by 7am to get your pick of bikes and times

Ive ridden your bike, the rocket when it came out KTM adv 990 the can am and many other bikes up there back when I still felt invincible 

well worth the time it takes to get there ride great bikes and enjoy the adirondack mountains and the mountains of vermont and new hampshire

[hubcapsc]

You have a good bike already.

It's not a flat-six, though.

That's the difference.





-Mike

[Rams]

I have no doubt the 2014 Valkyrie is faster and handles better than our old Valkyries.   I personally think they are FUGLY but, that's my opinion and we all know my opinion doesn't matter when it comes to what you like.    If you like it, buy it and ride it like you stole it.

Hey, you asked, only providing you with the feedback you requested.   

[Moonshot_1]

Friend here in Iowa was looking at a 14 Valk and the price was 12.5k.
That was at a local dealer.

As to the 14 valk, I test rode one a couple years ago. Nice bike, hell, great bike, but not for me. I would rather get a F6B with a few more creature comforts for the longer hauls. I believe both are the same basic bike and both are really nice.

I am still very partial to the classic Valks and will be as long as they are around and I can ride one.
But short of that option I could easily pull the trigger on a F6B.

Both bike have the Gold Wing Honda Heritage behind them. One would think that the engineering would be just as exquisite for the New Valk and F6B and from my limited experience test riding these bikes my opinion would be that it is.

But, as has been said, the place to really get the low down on them is on the 1800 board.

[hubcapsc]

As to the 14 valk, I test rode one a couple years ago. Nice bike, hell, great bike, but not for me. I would rather get a F6B with a few more creature comforts for the longer hauls. I believe both are the same basic bike and both are really nice.


They're the exact same motorcycle at the core, but with many substantial differences, both objective
and subjective. There's only one I wanted to bring home...





But, as has been said, the place to really get the low down on them is on the 1800 board.

What secrets do they know?

-Mike
   

[The emperor has no clothes]

"What secrets do they know ?" Maybe not so many, but a lot less haters and "looseholes". 

[hubcapsc]

but a lot less haters

 

-Mike "but we mostly have friendly haters..."

[Moonshot_1]

They don't have secrets, they just have more experience with the 1800 Valkyrie and would be more familiar with the bike thus having a better and more qualified opinion of it.

I thought it to be a rather simple observation.

[hubcapsc]

They don't have secrets, they just have more experience with the 1800 Valkyrie and would be more familiar with the bike thus having a better and more qualified opinion of it.

I thought it to be a rather simple observation.

I have reading comprehension problems. and a VRCC profile setting that mixes
all the boards together...

I thought the questioners were being sent off to some goldwing site...

-Mike

[vajeeper]

Want to thank all you guys that responded to my post.....some really beautiful bikes; thanks for the pics as well. Will try the 1800 tech board but I think you guys already answered my questions/concerns. Appreciate your time and input and hope that this summer's riding season will be a great one for all of you; and maybe,  just maybe, I'll be grinning along with you on a Valkyrie myself. Take care and thanks again

[lordofchaos]

Don't know where in VA you are, but if you're anywhere around NoVA, I saw this one in person last weekend:

http://www.atlanticcycle.com/2014-honda-gl1800-inventory.htm?id=1094785&in-stock=1

It's just across the state line in MD (White Plains).

[Chaosandconfusion]

I have been looking at the F6B.  I love my GW1800 and Valkyrie, but I have to down size to one bike.  I really don’t like the look of the new Valkyrie, well I don’t like were and how they have the front forks. 
Can anyone list the differences between the New Valkyrie and the F6B?  If they are selling the Valkyrie for less I could over-look some of the fugieness of it as long as it is a great ride.

[TallRider]

Lighter better performance and better handling. Longer wheel stance for better turns more sporty performance. F6B more gadgets, radio thingamagigs to play with and break. If I need all that I would drive my car. Like to ride not fiddle with things. I got a bike to get out on the road and enjoy the ride.

[Willow]

... Can anyone list the differences between the New Valkyrie and the F6B?  ...

Saddlebags and Cruise Control as near as I can tell.

[hubcapsc]

... Can anyone list the differences between the New Valkyrie and the F6B?  ...

Saddlebags and Cruise Control as near as I can tell.

All that stuff on the front of the F6B is the greatest of
flipping deals, a giant difference...





-Mike

[wiggydotcom]

... Can anyone list the differences between the New Valkyrie and the F6B?  ...

Saddlebags and Cruise Control as near as I can tell.

I believe cruise control only came on the 2015's and later. There is an aftermarket McCruise unit from Australia that works very well, so I'm told--no personal experience but it's on my wish list.

I have the B and am very happy with my decision. I would have also been happy with the new Valk but just felt the B was more set up to my liking from the factory.

The Valkyrie has an oddball front tire size that limits replacement choices more than the B, which shares the same wheel specs with the late model Wings.

[Rams]

Maybe not so many, but a lot less haters and "looseholes". 

Opinion noted.

[dinosnake]

Go down to the 1800 board, you'll find that every single owner loves (ours).  

Which one, the F6B or the Valkyrie?  It depends what you are looking for.  A lot of us are setting up our Valks as light-tourers, with bags, shield and extras.  Why not get a F6B from the get-go?  For us, that comes down to a number, "92" the amount of poundage that the Valk loses from the F6B.  Even after you add bags (20 to 24 pounds), shield (figure 5 pounds with extra-heavy brackets) and extras, you still end up lighter, and a lot of that weight came off the top of the bike.

They are really kind of different, aren't they?  

Think of the F6B as the "bagger cruiser", think of the Valkyrie as the "standard", and I think the decision will be easy.  Yes, yes, applying those names does not get every aspect but it really distills it down to the nitty-gritty.  The Valkyrie is more "Bandit 1200 on super-steroids" than it is a "cruiser" contrary to how they've named it: you don't sit like a cruiser, it doesn't feel like a cruiser from the controls and it doesn't look like a cruiser from any angle, including the rider's.  The F6B is a take on the Street Glide theory, a rockin' one at that, so if you are tilted more towards that outlook go for an F6B and be very very happy.  

Cruising tourer or touring standard?  You make the call.