Thinking of the Unthinkable - Selling my 2000 Interstate for a 2012 Goldwing

[Kindred Spirit]

I purchased my first Valk in 2006 after a few LONG years on a VStar 1100 Custom (That was one of the worst riding and handling bikes I have ever owned).  My first love was a 1999 Black and Silver Standard loaded with every extra you could add.  About a year later, in May of 2007, I purchase my 2nd Valkyrie dream bike. This beauty was a  2000 Blue and Silver Interstate.  For the past nine years I have ridden this bike all over the country and loved every minute of it.  Even with the extra scratches and dings, this is still a beautiful bike and gets looks every where I go. 

Over the past couple of years, however, I have been feeling some discomfort on the longer rides.  My Dr. says it because of the degeneration in my spine (hereditary).  This past year I rode a friends Goldwing and noticed that I wasn't bothered as much with pain and loved the ride and power.  Plus Mrs. Nikki rode with me and needless to say, she was in love with that passenger seat.  She has complained some about her discomfort on the back seat of the Interstate if we ride over 100 miles.  Since then I have contemplated a Goldwing with full support from Mrs. Nikki.  About 2 months ago I was performing at a CMA rally and noticed a beautiful 2012 White and Silver Goldwing.  I had talked to the owner before and just casually started talking to him again.  I mentioned to him that Nikki and I were thinking about getting a Goldwing and that the White and Silver was the color we liked/wanted.  Well guess what..................... That gentleman was thinking about selling his Goldwing because he had been laid off from his job after 20 years.  I told him to think about it and give me a call if he decided to sell.

I didn't hear from him for a few weeks so I figured he decided not to sell.  Last week he contacted me and said if I was interested that he could let it go.  It's a 2012 White and Silver with 16,800 miles on it.  It has the Audio/Comfort Package and the Honda Protection Plan that's active until 7-26-19.  The bike is pristine and is asking a fair price of $14,500 and offered it to me for $14,000. 

So here is my dilemma, more than likely I will have to sell my beloved Valkyrie to purchase the Goldwing.  Part of me wants to keep my Valk and turn it into a SuperValk, but I really only have space for 1 bike.  I honestly have been kinda depressed about the thought of selling my girl . 

Has any of my Valk friends went to a Goldwing after owning an Interstate?  Any advice? 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I rode one for a few days in NY. I was very impressed with its handling. The only issue I had was a lack of hiway pegs. But I'm sure that could easily be remedied.

[old2soon]

Russell Day Long seat. Ask ANYONE that has one-I Don't-YET. I'm thinkin bout 12 G less than the Wing.  RIDE SAFE.

[Dave Ritsema]

I owned my Valkyrie Interstate for over 13 years. I loved that bike, always had someone asking me about it and amazed when I told them how old it actually was.
Last winter I purchased a 2015 anniversary Gold Wing and it does nearly everything better than my Valkyrie did with one exception. That Valkyrie blows my Gold wing away in the style department.

[Oss]

Wife loves the Russell seat as do I    Think I have had mine 10 yrs now.  Its awesome !
No pain on any ride of any length including 17 days of as much as 10-12 hr in the saddle

We have ridden an 06 wing   She didnt care for the passenger seat
but she did say she could see more of the road when we were on the wing

The pull of the wing is strong............. but maybe listen to Old2soon as the Russell while not cheap is 20 times less than a wing

Russell's are custom made to fit you. They require pics of you on the bike which you can get that info from the website   They also need a seat pan but I do think that somewhere I have, and many members have extra seats (as long as you send one back) that way you can still ride while waiting for your seat

[Dave Ritsema]

I should add a few additional comments.

Both my wife and I were very comfortable on the Valkyrie with Ultimate seats.
My wife found the stock full Wing seat comfortable while I hated it. It made me felt like I was sitting on top of the gas tank. (Or "shelter" in the Goldwing world.).

With the help of Des at Ultimate seats a new seat was installed that sat me back where I was comfortable and all is good. The stock seating position on a Valkyrie classic is far superior to that of a new Goldwing, at least for me.

The new Goldwing rides like it is on rails like a big sport bike. Add cruise control, reverse and best of all fuel injection. All concerns of hydrolock are gone! I have no interest in owning anything with carburetors again.

[Rams]

So here is my dilemma, more than likely I will have to sell my beloved Valkyrie to purchase the Goldwing.  Part of me wants to keep my Valk and turn it into a SuperValk, but I really only have space for 1 bike.  I honestly have been kinda depressed about the thought of selling my girl .  
SNIP
Any advice?  

Ya know, I wouldn't do this for just anyone or any bike but, tell ya what.
Bring the "Ole Fat Lady" up to Kentucky, I'll be happy to put her in my shop and keep her exercised for you and you can ride her anytime you come this way.

We've got some great roads you can ride and you'd already have a "fat girl" here to ride.   

Now that, is an offer of a true Valkyrie friend...............  

[bagelboy]

You could do what I did. Buy a great, used 05 Goldwing for about $10,000 and keep the Valkyrie. Then you have the best of both worlds! Don't worry about space, you'll figure it out!

[vanavyman]

We are doing the same thing. 05 Goldwing and Valkyrie Interstate. Still really like both bikes. Had a Goldwing for over 20 years and a Valkyrie Interstate for 5. Took a custom seat and changing the passenger foot pegs a few times to get her comfortable on the Valkyrie. We now can take it on 8-10 hour trips with no issues. She has always been ready for long rides on our Goldwing. Valkyrie is my fun bike and Gokdwing is our primary touring and winter bike. Goldwing has taller windshield, heated seat, and grips. When we can only have one bike it will be a Goldwing.
Dan & Trish

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

The only issue I had was a lack of hiway pegs.

..And making wrong turns...
...and going over the wrong bridge.....   

[The emperor has no clothes]

The only issue I had was a lack of hiway pegs.

..And making wrong turns...
...and going over the wrong bridge.....   

hey, I was trying to put that behind me. But now that you mention it, it must have been the Goldwings fault. 

[cookiedough]

yah, ideally would be liking to keep both, but as with me, ONLY room for 1 in the garage. 

My suggestion would be to test ride for more than 20 minutes, more like 1-2 hours a goldwing of your choosing to make darn sure you want it over the Valkyrie Interstate.

that is what I will be doing if and when the time comes, although over 10K for a Wing will not be in my future for sure.

I too just sitting on the newer 2001 on up Wings,  I would more than likely have to get a different seat since the OEM seat hurts my BOYZ too much in front.  It may loosen up over time, but doubt it.  For a stock I/S Valkyrie seat, I do not think it is too bad for 100-200 mile trips.   Am pretty sure though a russell day long or even an ultimate big boy would be better/comfier.  I did sit on a Valk I/S with a ultimate big boy once and similar to the HD's, sort of hurts my BOYZ upfront as well. 

fuel injection,  more power, just as much if not better comfort, more creature comforts like more wind protection and reverse, what is not to like besides maybe the OEM seat?  Oh yah, the price of a newer one is too much as well. 

Have seen this past summer some very nice 2001-2003 Wings for 7-8K with low miles,  but most say go 2005/6 or newer for better stereo system, just that the price on them is 10K or above...

[Mr Whiskey]

It's a 2012 White and Silver with 16,800 miles on it.  It has the Audio/Comfort Package and the Honda Protection Plan that's active until 7-26-19.  The bike is pristine and is asking a fair price of $14,500 and offered it to me for $14,000. 

So here is my dilemma, more than likely I will have to sell my beloved Valkyrie to purchase the Goldwing.  Part of me wants to keep my Valk and turn it into a SuperValk, but I really only have space for 1 bike.  I honestly have been kinda depressed about the thought of selling my girl :'( :'( :'(. 

Has any of my Valk friends went to a Goldwing after owning an Interstate?  Any advice? 

Remember, you asked for it, haha.
Low mileage & still under warrant, I'd jump on it. That is a fair price IMO (but I'd still wanna see if he'd let it go for 13k).
Only thing I ever heard bad 'bout the 12's was a few (very few in my reading) suffered from various electrical gremlins. Make sure the display isn't "twitchy" as well as the on board nav if it's got it. Check all the switches & inspect any accessories for proper form & function.
'12 is the first year made in Japan & went through a significant "revamp" in the process. Nothing from the early bikes '01/'10 will fit it (there is no '11).

We come from 2K/IS & that was the bike I always wanted, nothing else even came close!
I bet I mod'ed the pipes 5 times, Mustang seat, advanced the oem trigger wheel 5°, polk speakers, 205/55 DarkSide with rear wheel bearing mod... well you get the picture. LOVED the Valky, loved it! Hard charger (even two up) great in the twistys (had a couple a HD guys on the Dragon one time tell me "MAN, you ride the $4!t outta that thing" when I pulled over) comfortable all day, & most important.............
C-O-O-L
but...
when we went lookin' to replace her I rode a few Interstates, couldn't talk myself into pullin' the trigger on another one. Wanted one sooooo bad!
Bought the '05 Wing instead, & sure wound up glad I did!
Now, I hated the Wing steering geometry at first (it's not bad, in fact it far surpasses the old Valky) but it grew on me so much that the next time I was on a Valk IS I understood the term "log truck", who woulda thunk it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Did hafta find an aftermarket seat, I'm 6'2" & couldn't stand being that far forward. (Des at Ultimate is a great guy & made me a smokin' deal, but if I had to do it over again I'd hold out for a Russel!) Had to install handle bar risers. Got the Kury's that raise & narrow the bars, but then swapped 'em right for left to raise & widen.
Mick O Pegs for my long legs/rides (got mine mounted on the vert so's they caint drag) & Add-On's for Sugar's floor boards.
Once settled into the saddle so to speak, I could start puttin' the ol' girl through her paces, & WoW! It simply out preforms in every way, quicker in & off the corners, better acceleration, deeper lean radius (although not by much), easier to steer, more comfortable, etc, etc, etc. I'm actually lookin' for an FZ1 for solo ridin' cause Sugar says not to sell Her Wing, & who am I to complain about buyin' another scooter! (The Wing will continue to reside on my front porch & the "Fizzy" will probably live under a tarp, when my a$$ aint in the saddle).

Only thing missin' with the Wing (comin' from Valky) is alittle bit a cool, but for us the plus's far out weigh the minus's, & I'll be honest I wish it wasn't so!

Good luck with your dilemma, & I still say "Go For It"!
Once you get used to the Wing I 'spect you'll be like the rest of us, no way ya could go back,
I know I can't!

[shortleg]

 I went through the ame thing, I ended up selling mt 99 interstate
and getting an F6B and have not looked back.
 As has been said   the Valk will always have it over the wing when it comes to style.
 But at the end of the day and 600 miles the newer bike will leave you feeling better
at least that is how I have felt.
  I will always be thankful for what the Valk gave me when it comes to the rides I went on and the
friends I made along the way. Both will always be very dear to me.
   Also your Valk will be easier to work on at times. The only draw back as we all know is the carbs and rear end
 both of which  can be over come with maintenance
                          shortleg

[Doc Moose]

After much deliberation brought about by a left knee that was getting gimpy, I sold my 2000 Interstate to Screwtape.  It was depressing seeing him ride off with my Blue Babe.

But I decided that a GW was the way to go, found a used '08 w/ 45k miles.  Got a good deal on it and they even threw in an extra wheel with it too. 

Been very happy with it so far.

Seems like the '12 is a good price and low miles.  Sounds good to me if that's what you want.

[Dave Ritsema]

After much deliberation brought about by a left knee that was getting gimpy, I sold my 2000 Interstate to Screwtape.  It was depressing seeing him ride off with my Blue Babe.

But I decided that a GW was the way to go, found a used '08 w/ 45k miles.  Got a good deal on it and they even threw in an extra wheel with it too. 

Been very happy with it so far.

Seems like the '12 is a good price and low miles.  Sounds good to me if that's what you want.

Nice looking bike Doc! Loving my Wing also. The VERY best thing about both of my former Valkyries are the lifelong friendships that came about because of the bikes and the VRCC.

[Mr Whiskey]

Comparable.....
Newer & lower miles, don't know 'bout warranty.
Want a red one?
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/6-gl1800-classifieds-4-sale-owner/325417-2013-goldwing-14-600-a.html

[Doc Moose]

Nice looking bike Doc! Loving my Wing also. The VERY best thing about both of my former Valkyries are the lifelong friendships that came about because of the bikes and the VRCC.

Very nice GW, Dave!  I like the 2 tone treatment.  Ride safe, bro.

[ptgb]

Another convert here.

Had a Standard for about 3 years, then went on to a 99 I/S for about 10 years. Decided wanted to delve into more modern amenities (including availability of accessories) and higher reliability of a newer machine. Found a 2012 GW with 4000 miles on it last winter. After much deliberation, pulled the trigger... haven't looked back since.

Had both for about 4 months. I would be lying if I said that difference is not HUGE. Got on the Valk to move it in the garage, and my first thought was "holy crap, I didn't realize what pig this thing is". Not a slight, just true... so heavy compared to the Wing (the COG on the Wing is about 12 feet lower).

The only negative has already been stated, no "wow" factor as far as looks... the Wing is an Accord on two wheels, does everything well but is far from unique.

With that said, I will own a Tourer sometime in the near future just to bling it out for local riding fun.

[cookiedough]

Is the wing that much better than a valk i/s in terms of lighter and moving it around whether riding or just pushing it around in the garage?  I do not see that really..

It goes faster and might handle slightly better, but not a ton better.  Maybe I am wrong?  I am not a canyon carver though.  Driven an F6B and liked it was faster, but did not feel much lighter or nimble much to me.  It was, just not a ton more. 

Until the kids are outta college or the VAlk I/S gives me issues,  I might as well keep it serves my needs.  I have been thinking of a used Wing myself though, but have not found the GREAT deal I cannot refuse not to take. 

[Robert]

Didnt want a Wing for some of the reasons stated here which were to big, unwieldy when maneuvering by hand, big cowling, just to much bike and feels like riding your living room couch. Image of old guys on them was not really an issue, just to many extras for me. Yes they do  cruise well and they are a good bike but wanted something a little more urban friendly so I got my 2014 Valkyrie. I still have my 1500 Valk that I have had since 03 and took it out for a spin to get it ready to sell. It was a blast to drive and if I had purchase one bike today without having a bike it would be hard to choose between the 1500 and the 1800. After opening the garage everyday for a year and every day choosing the 1800 its time to part with the 1500. I waited long enough and made the choice everyday on which to ride that the separation anxiety will be much easier to handle. The F6B did interest me until the Valk came out but had a hard time with its a wing without the trunk and accessories of the wing. Also price was a bit high especially when you compare it to the prices of the Valk. So dont worry if you have your heart set on the wing then go for it.

[cookiedough]

You guys are making me drool of eye candy.

tough choice between Mr. Whiskeys maroon red 05 wing fully decked out chrome and all,  Dave's near new red/black all blacked out Wing (I really like the blacked out exhaust/rims, etc. makes it look like a sports bike more so), or Robert's newer dark red Valkyrie with hardside bags,  windshield, and passenger seat rest. 

Any one of those and would be in my garage but only have room for ONLY one....   

[bosticjb]

I traded my 1999 valkrie  in on a 2012 GoldWing and after 4 years I got to get it back ..Now I have my Goldwing for when it's me & her and my Valkrie for when I just want to ride the wind by myself

My advise if there is anyway to keep your valkrie and Get the Wing go for it

[Slvrvalk1]

I sold my 2001 Interstate to a dealer when it had 73,000 miles on it from trips across the country and to Alaska.  I test rode an F6B and when I got back on my Valkyrie, it felt "old".  I used the trunk on my Valk too much to give it up, so I bought a Goldwing.  I have no regrets at all in moving to the Wing.

I thought about keeping both bikes, but they are both large touring bikes.  I ended up getting something smaller and sporty to go with the Wing.