Youth...enasia?

[Moofner]

Let us start this out with some disclaimers:

I'm not bragging about my age. I'm not trying to insult the "older" people. I'm genuinely curious on the average age bracket of us Valkyrie Owners.

I'm 36 years old. I notice that when I can attend a Valkyrie meet-up, that I'm usually the youngest there. Now I'm a unique character so the other rider's have plenty to jab at me for, but it is discouraging to see so little of the 30s crowd. I know the 20s crowd is getting all sauced up in crotch rocket land, but what is keeping my age group from grabbing a $5k older Valkyrie, or even the new Valkyrie, and joining the ranks?

I have both an old and a new Valkyrie. I like both styles. Without the introduction of new blood, I'm going to be one of the only remaining members in 20-30 years.

So how old(ish) are you and what are your thoughts on this becoming an older rider's club? Is this how the Valkyrie ends, not with a bang but with an elder gasp?

[Serk]

Although I'm 45 now, I bought my Valk when I was in my 20's, so I kinda see it from both sides.

The simple fact is, our Valks are aging as well as the owners. Every year there are fewer of them on the road.

I wish we could get more of the younger generations interested in 'em but not sure how to do that...

[Jess Tolbirt]

this topic comes up every now and then,, so above 25 years old and less than 90 years old...thats about the jist of most of us

[Wizzard]

Age is a state of mind,, till you try and do something  

by the topic I though this thread was going to be something about the youth in asia

[Moofner]

Age is a state of mind,, till you try and do something  

by the topic I though this thread was going to be something about the youth in asia

I'm an odd one. I thought it was funny but would also get attention. I write topics like I do resumes. Get the reader's attention within 5 seconds.

[Gryphon Rider]

I'm in my late 40s and I feel like the "young blood" when at an InZane.  Was in my early 30s when I bought my Valk, though.

[Moofner]

All though not a huge sample base so far, I'm seeing interest in a Valkyrie (or bikes like it) starts in the 30s. Makes sense as that is when I see my coworkers start going goo goo for Harleys.

[old2soon]

Growing older NOT optional.   Growing UP on the other hand is!   There are folks that "ride" and then there are your "RIDERS".   I prefer to place myself in that latter description. The thing is I'd imagine when the rising season starts in any bodies hood that you can find 8-10-12 year old Motorcycles with less than 10000 miles on em. Nuttin against them they just ain't cut out fer it-RIDING. I got slowed down this year with my git off in August!   For the first time since Her and I got together I've missed an entire MONTH of riding and fast approaching another Full month of no riding!   At this point in time I PLAN on being in Billings V I A the Chicago Land area from Southern Missouri. I PLAN on RIDING my Phatt Ghurl.   I Hope and PRAY someone gits and LOVES my Phatt Ghurl and rides her as much or more than I do when it comes time fer me to give her up.   Oh-and B T W-I turn 72 in Feb of 2017. RIDE SAFE.

[DirtyDan]

45, glad I rode while I could

Dan

[Karen]

You can call me Granny, 74...

[Wizzard]

you can call me Grandpa  61

[John Schmidt]

Closing in on 79 and ride whilst I can. Most recently had total rt. hip replacement so that caused a temporary hiatus, should be back in the saddle in a week or two(or less if I can sneak out ).  Due to my wife's health, I've been unable to travel outside the state for about six years now. She can't be left alone for extended periods and I don't have the right to ask someone to come and stay with her for 3-4 weeks at a time. If that weren't the case, I'd be visiting family and friends nationwide on an annual basis. I still ride when I can, not always when I'd like to. I'd love to be able to take the trip to Montana next summer, hook up with some old friends along the way.....call it the Geezer Brigade. Darn near took an act of Congress to get help for my wife two years ago for the Asheville InZane and that was much less than two weeks. The Montana location, as much as I'd like to make the trip, is also substantially farther away so under current conditions it's not an option. I'd love to do it on the bike, which my wife thinks places me in the running for nut case of the year.  

[msb]

60 this year, purchased my 99 IS when I was 45. I'm still a kid at heart, so I guess you can list my Valk as one which is being ridden by a "young'n" 

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

I'm 55 and have been riding my first and only Valk for the past 13 yrs. My son, who is now 27, has admired my bike ever since I bought it and threatened me with death if he was not given the first right of refusal when I sell it. Since I don't plan on doing that any time soon, I found an orphaned '98 this past summer and am restoring it. He is buying it and he and I will be riding at IZ17 in Billings this summer. Just doing my part to introduce new blood into the group.

[Jopson]

30. Bought my Valk when I was 27, had a vtx 1300r prior to that. Sold the vtx to help pay for our wedding, horrific at the time! Glad I did though, as when I decide to get a new bike in the spring of '14 I went to buy a vtx1800..... Left with a valkyrie! Funny how these things happen.

As for the Valkyrie being an 'old mans bike' I appreciate the Wealth of info you guys provide for us 'youths' who are just getting to know these old girls!!

[michaelyoung254]

Although I'm 45 now, I bought my Valk when I was in my 20's, so I kinda see it from both sides.

The simple fact is, our Valks are aging as well as the owners. Every year there are fewer of them on the road.

I wish we could get more of the younger generations interested in 'em but not sure how to do that...

I'm not sure that there's anything that anyone can do to get more of the younger generation interested in Valkyrie's other than Honda, but it really doesn't seem that Honda sees the need to let people know that they exist. 

I can't tell you how many times that people have complimented my Valk, but had no idea what it was. Now, I'm not talking about people who don't know anything about motorcycles, but I'm talking about other motorcycle riders. I even had a group on Goldwings who had no idea what I was riding (I have to admit that I didn't have badges on my tank at that time, but still?).

On the 1500 generation Valkyries, I can remember only one commercial, and it only ran for a very short period of time. After that, nothing, and the same thing is true for the 1800 generation. Virtually no advertising at all. While I'm no marketing genius, this really doesn't seem like a good way to let the public know about your product, and if the public doesn't know about it, how can you possibly sell very many of your products.

[Bighead]

49 and bought my Bee when I was 31 had bikes before it and since it but it is still my #1
Bought an Interstate when I was 45 and it is the one ridden on cross country trips with the wife on the rear

[Hooter]

64 last Saturday (Dec 10) and been riding since I was a puppy. Not brand specific but just can't get rid of the Valkyrie. I sold my first one and wish I never would have. I now own my second and I will part with it when I'm cold in the hole. I'm closer to the end than I am the beginning and have no regrets.

[_Sheffjs_]

Now I'm a unique character

  Oh no doubt!


Moof, you are way ahead of your time or maybe you are way behind  





I agree with the statement that we have two factors here the bikes are getting older and that to some is a deterrent and the riders who love this bike are getting older as well and most of the younger gen see way too many other options to stroke their fancy. Still the 1500 Valk is the most beautiful bike made. SO says me.  


BTW love the pic with the mini Moof on the bike on the 1800 thread

[bscrive]

Moofner,

I am 48 now and I got my old Interstate when I was 35.  I still miss it.  My wife and I had a lot of great times with it, but I only have time to ride one bike.

[Pete]

It is not just Valkyrie owners.
My perception is that the average motorcycle rider age is going up overall.
And has been for many years.

I am old been riding for more than 50 years.

[Beardo]

I'm 42. A lot of my generation is enamoured with technology and gadgets. Some of us like the older bikes that we can actually work on, and enjoy doing it. For the same reason, there aren't a lot of older muscle cars on the road.

The other thing is, most valkyrie riders like them and hold onto them. There isn't exactly anything out there that can replace it. Once you ride a big bike like this, with its size and classic looks, there's nothing like it, aside from maybe a Rocket III, and that doesn't have the smooth Honda 6, or the reliability, as far as I've read.

Still praying Honda releases a classically styled 6 someday. I didn't think it would ever happen with all the plastic they've transitioned to, but the trend of some of the classically styled standards being released lately has me hoping.

[Oldnick]

From my experience, both personal and from others  have known,  guys in their early twenties who ride bikes (crotcg rockets...luvvit!) live for them, but then along come a partner who is not quite happy about a bike, plus kids, and the odd meeting with the road or other mobile killing machines, pedestrians, dogs etc. Put all that together and they often cause defeat: you enter big tin can territory.

Then at late 50 to 60-ish, you have forgotten how meeting tar felt, the partner is welcome to stay at home if they want, and the kids can get knotted: they can get by on their own are not your worry any more. Suddenly you have saved some play money and have play time. You get the itch again and buy a big cruiser.

I realise that this does not apply to all people by any means, but I am guessing that that is what happens in the majority of

In my case I bought a triked cruiser, partly because I have _not_ forgotten what kissing tar is like. My wife actually loves it, although she felt most uncomfortable as a pillion on my old 750 K2.

Also with 120L of storage behind me I can do the shopping any time I want and there is my excuse for a ride! I live about  half hour from town's edge, so even the shopping gives me some open roads and curves to ride.

[Bronxboy]

I can attest that Moofner is not right in the head  I finally figured it out in 2004 at the age of 45 that The Fat Lady was worth riding 

I truly believe that most of the younger crowd have not matured enough yet to realize that U can have your cake & eat it too.

[The emperor has no clothes]

When I was young I wouldn't have been caught dead on a bike like the Valkyrie. Times change, people change. The bike fits me and my style now. I would still like to ride nimbler, faster, quicker bikes. But I think them days are gone. If I was young now, there are a bunch of bikes I'd love to be on. There are many fine choices for young guys nowadays .

[Jess from VA]

I've talked to a number of younger twenty/thirty somethings about their bikes, and answered questions about mine.

Many were rocket boys but a number were cruiser guys (no Hog guys here except maybe a Sporty or two).  Despite my best pitch and facts about Valk reliability (and passenger comfort), the common denominator in their negative take on the Valk (for themselves) was it's age.  Most had little knowledge about working on their bikes (beyond oil and filters), and they felt they had to have newer bikes to be safe and reliable.

Millennials.  

Almost nothing ever breaks, but if it does, there are parts to buy and fix it, you don't have to take it out and shoot it.  

Much the same for us old guys who ride them.  

[Pappy!]

If it helps.....I'm just 39. And, I have been 39 for a long time. How'zat?

[Hook#3287]

I was 45 when I bought my first Valkyrie, not young, but not ready for SS & Medicare either.

Valkyrie's are comfortable.  Youngster's haven't figured out how important that is.

Yet.

Young riders want speed, power, status, etc,  zip splat bikes give them that.  

Most of us have been there, done that and want to relax and relieve life stress, Valkyries do that.

Our bikes will out live us, someone will continue to ride them.  The great engineering and being well loved and maintained by the members of this board, will guarantee it.

That's a good thing.

[Gryphon]

Well, I'm 59 and I've been on Valks for only around 10 years.  Done the Robber's Cave Run, Eureka Springs, and Spearfish.  I'm planning on Billings next year and my 92 year old FIL is planning on riding his Beemer with us.  If you use him as an example, I've years of riding ahead of me.  BTW, in October, he ziplined across the Royal Gorge.

[Black Dog]

Turned 60 this year, have had my '97 Valk Std since early '99 (purchased from my brother with less than 2000 miles on her).  Been to all but 2 InZanes, and have 96K on her now.

As others have said, the subject of age pops up every once in a while, and best I can remember was that the last poll had most of us in the 55 to 60 year old range (and that poll was done a few years ago).

Many, not most of us, have been through the Milwaukee Iron phase of our lives, and are not intimidated by the size of our rides (something that scares a few folks away).  At 6'2" and 275 lbs, I've found a bike that fits me, and doesn't look like everyone else's bike 

Guys like RJ, Wayne, Dennis, and John (Karen too!), give me hope that, I too, will be riding in to my 70's 

Black Dog

[Jopson]

Young riders want speed, power, status, etc,  zip splat bikes give them that.  

Can't disagree with this but at 6'3" and close to 300lbs I'd look ridiculous on a crotch rocket!!
Used to own a 82 Kawasaki kz1000, was an absolute flying machine but God it was uncomfortable!
Love my Valk, reminds me of an old cart horse, big, powerful, comfortable but speed when you want it.

[John Schmidt]

Well, I'm 59 and I've been on Valks for only around 10 years.  Done the Robber's Cave Run, Eureka Springs, and Spearfish.  I'm planning on Billings next year and my 92 year old FIL is planning on riding his Beemer with us.  If you use him as an example, I've years of riding ahead of me.  BTW, in October, he ziplined across the Royal Gorge.

Glad to hear that about your FIL, it means I might have another 13 yrs. of riding left. 

[Firefighter]

59 Been riding two wheels all my life, dirt, sport, what ever rolled, really happy I survived as there were some close calls and broken bones. I rode for a speed thrill and some show off factor too. I am happy those days are behind me as my reflexs are too slow for that now, and

I have slowed down and I think having more thrills now than ever before. I love to tour, exciting to see a location on tv or magazine and then go find it. Like therapy for me or an escape from any trouble or stress. I feel so lucky!

[Randy52]

First post ,I'll be 64 Friday, got my 97 Bee in august. back to riding after 30 year hiatus. Saw a Valk in a magazine WOW, What a looker. 2-weeks later had one, Super nice shape 33k .A little intimidated at first, but after 500 miles,found it handles better than my 750 Shadow RS, even at low speed. Would like to hook up with some folks for the ride to Billings. I'm in Southwest WI.

[Hef]

I got my first motorbike at 8 yrs. old. I am now 68 and I have owned and ridden motorcycles for 60+ yrs, 35 0f those included dirt bikes as well as street bike. I have owned many types and brands of bikes over the years. Bought a 750 Honda in 1976 and loved it. In 1982 went to the Goldwing and owned several of those over the years. In 2006, I bought the Valkyrie and it will probably be my last bike. It had 10K on the clock when purchased and currently has 115K and I have enjoyed every mile. Due to a failing heart, I don't know how much longer I'll be able to ride but I will always cherish the great times I've had two-wheeling. 

[Moofner]

I thank everyone for the replies. This thread does give evidence to our group being on the other spectrum of the age bracket, and I don't consider it a bad thing. Just sort of a sad situation as there is a lot of wisdom the younger Valkyrie owners need to soak up.

I enjoy having both. I've spent a lot of time becoming a wiring expert on the new 1800 Valkyrie, and I bet someone felt the same way when the 1500 first came out. I still have plans for my classic Valkyrie, and my wife hands down loves the styling and ride. The motor makes her swoon. I can easily find how to fix or replace any part due to the collective knowledge of this forum, and I'll employ that knowledge soon enough when I work the entire suspension and due the rear driveshaft maintenance.

Younger riders can be influenced by their pocket books. I get that. But there are still kids that grow up knowing what a cruiser is. My son will know motorcycles, and I'll encourage him to ride little mini bikes and gokarts as much as I can. He will not grow up on a video car game diet, he will get the experience first hand. That is how I'm going to ensure our style of riding never dies.

Passing it on is the way to go!

And for everyone that agreed that I'm not right, at least I keep the smiles running full and the laughter heavy. What is riding with a great group of fools without the hearty laughter?

[BF]

I'm 63, but had to stop riding because of health reasons. 

[cookiedough]

mid 40s bought valk late 30s.  Had a 1984 honda magna in my 20s for 8 years in late 80s into 90s much the same classic look as our VAlks are.  Honda in the 80s had a great lineup of classic looking cycles mostly shadows and magnas in several cc engines I drooled over them in high school until my dad let me buy one age 18 finally. 

The main reason people in their 20s and 30s do not buy Valks is the age as said prior since they think a 15+ year old Valkyrie will not make it from point a to b much longer.    Plus, most want either crotch rockets or Harleys to look COOOLLL, or so they think they are cool looking. 

Welcome to the new age of young adults nowadays and their disposable ways of living.

Not that my 16 year old boy is interested in buying a cycle, but I asked him would he rather have a new wing or an old Valkyrie for looks and he even agreed an old Valkyrie is better looking.   

he thinks me driving a 249cc scooter around more local is stupid though but I could care less what others think of me whether riding or just in general. 

[Oldnick]

Hey moofner, waddya mean bragging about your age? When it  comes to age us old farts have achieve faaaar more than you!!!

[Art708]

  I was 79 last July, have owned 5 Valks over the years. I have bought and sold several new bikes and always go back to another Valkyrie. My last endeavor was an ST1300 that I loved for the handling and ability to eat up  highway miles. What I didn't like about it was the constant buzz up through the seat. So I am back to my '98 Valkyrie again.