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Author Topic: No longer have a Valkyrie  (Read 1397 times)
Art708
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Posts: 643

Jacksonville, FL


« on: September 14, 2017, 03:46:08 PM »

 
  I have owned 5 Valkyries over the years. As of now I no longer have one. I traded my '98 in for a Yamaha FJR. I was looking for another ST1300 but didn't find one in the price range I wanted. I stopped in the Honda dealer and the only sport/tourer they had was the FJR. I test rode it and ended  up buying it. I don't like it as well as the ST1300 but it is light, quick and fun to ride. I will know more the first long ride I take.
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Art
 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14
  Black
J.Mencalice
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Posts: 1850


"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"

Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide


« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2017, 04:54:06 PM »

You are still up on two wheels and so that is a good thing.  If I may ask, what led you to your decision to give up your Valk?
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson

Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
cookiedough
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Posts: 11783

southern WI


« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2017, 09:09:32 PM »

also would like to know why you like the honda st1300 vs. the yamaha fjr1300.

never sat on either one, but I like the looks of the yami over the honda in terms of looks, but maybe the honda is more upright riding position, not sure?
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RDKLL
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Posts: 1222


VRCC #1231 VRCCDS #271

Mesa, AZ


« Reply #3 on: September 15, 2017, 04:33:14 AM »

Congrats on the new bike and the new type of bike. Whe we were looking for something new, the main thing we were looking for was a wore sporting nature and the FJR was definitely on the list as wast the ST1300, BMW, Ducati and a couple of others and then I really wanted the modern safety and we decided on a '17 Super Duke GT. After having it for 8 months (3 in the shop after the accident) I almost wish I would have looked at the Super Adventure...
I kept the Valk bobber because it is too cool to get rid of.
Post up a ride report when you get a chance
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Art708
Member
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Posts: 643

Jacksonville, FL


« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2017, 04:39:39 AM »

You are still up on two wheels and so that is a good thing.  If I may ask, what led you to your decision to give up your Valk?

   Mostly weight, the FJR is lighter, more agile, and quicker.
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Art
 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14
  Black
Art708
Member
*****
Posts: 643

Jacksonville, FL


« Reply #5 on: September 15, 2017, 04:42:46 AM »

also would like to know why you like the honda st1300 vs. the yamaha fjr1300.

never sat on either one, but I like the looks of the yami over the honda in terms of looks, but maybe the honda is more upright riding position, not sure?

   I think the FJR might look a bit better...more modern maybe. However, the ST was a joy on the highway.....and deceptively fast. I could put 500 mile days and not feel a bit tired. The wind protection was better on the ST than on the FJR. I am making some changes to the FJR so maybe I will make it into a comfortable long distance bike.
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Art
 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14
  Black
Savago
Member
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Posts: 1994

Brentwood - CA


« Reply #6 on: September 15, 2017, 09:59:39 AM »

I also have a ST1300@2009 and love the bike.

I tested a FJR1300 and it is also a great bike. What made me decide to go with the ST was:

a) It is more roomy and comfy than the Yamaha.

I'm 6ft1 and felt that the FJR was a bit cramped alone and worst with a passenger. Plus the ST has a more upright seating, while the FJR is more sporty (I'm no spring chicken anymore and can't ride the whole day with all my weight on my wrists).

b) The engine: that V4 mounted transversely it is worthy the admission price alone.
:-D

The Yamma's engine is more buzzy in the highway.

c) Build quality: all the small details (mirrors, dashboard, center stand, etc) seems better built in the Honda ST1300.

d) Gas tank: the ST has a 7.7 gallons gas capacity vs what, 6 in the FJR?

The ST1300 is the oil tanker in its category.
 
e) Service interval: 8K miles for oil changes x 5K miles.

It is just too bad that Honda stopped manufacturing them and never updated its looks. If you are looking to buy one, it is better to look for 2008 onwards as it has a few tweaks that makes the heat issue better.
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Art708
Member
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Posts: 643

Jacksonville, FL


« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2017, 10:28:16 AM »

I also have a ST1300@2009 and love the bike.

I tested a FJR1300 and it is also a great bike. What made me decide to go with the ST was:

a) It is more roomy and comfy than the Yamaha.

I'm 6ft1 and felt that the FJR was a bit cramped alone and worst with a passenger. Plus the ST has a more upright seating, while the FJR is more sporty (I'm no spring chicken anymore and can't ride the whole day with all my weight on my wrists).

b) The engine: that V4 mounted transversely it is worthy the admission price alone.
:-D

The Yamma's engine is more buzzy in the highway.

c) Build quality: all the small details (mirrors, dashboard, center stand, etc) seems better built in the Honda ST1300.

d) Gas tank: the ST has a 7.7 gallons gas capacity vs what, 6 in the FJR?

The ST1300 is the oil tanker in its category.
 
e) Service interval: 8K miles for oil changes x 5K miles.

It is just too bad that Honda stopped manufacturing them and never updated its looks. If you are looking to buy one, it is better to look for 2008 onwards as it has a few tweaks that makes the heat issue better.


      I agree that the ST is more comfortable and roomy. I also LOVE the V-4 in the ST better than the I-4. I don't see much difference in the buzzyness of the bikes....they both have a bit of a buzz...no big deal.  The fit and finish is better on the ST. But I got this FJR at a steal although it's a 1st Gen...'05. I will keep it a year or so then who knows what will happen.
 I have ordered some different risers for the FJR...more height and setback...should help.

You aren't a spring chicken, huh? I turned 80 last July but I refuse to grow up....old is mandatory, up is optional, right?
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Art
 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14
  Black
Savago
Member
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Posts: 1994

Brentwood - CA


« Reply #8 on: September 15, 2017, 11:15:26 AM »

      I agree that the ST is more comfortable and roomy. I also LOVE the V-4 in the ST better than the I-4. I don't see much difference in the buzzyness of the bikes....they both have a bit of a buzz...no big deal.  The fit and finish is better on the ST. But I got this FJR at a steal although it's a 1st Gen...'05. I will keep it a year or so then who knows what will happen.
 I have ordered some different risers for the FJR...more height and setback...should help.

You aren't a spring chicken, huh? I turned 80 last July but I refuse to grow up....old is mandatory, up is optional, right?


Like I said, the FJR1300 is a really nice bike, if I ever run into a great deal I would gladly add it to the stables together with my STeed.
:-)

*80  years* and still riding? Man, you are my hero!
\o/
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cookiedough
Member
*****
Posts: 11783

southern WI


« Reply #9 on: September 15, 2017, 03:13:48 PM »

not sure what cycle I would want vs. my old 2001 Valkyrie to be honest?

nothing out there under 6K that matches it in terms of comfort, looks, reliability, and performance or is there???

a used goldwing comes to mind but those are 7-9K range or more and not sure I am into the goldwing thing yet with all that tupperware that I probably would never use much to begin with.  I have all those controls on my I/S and only use the radio features, no CB, etc. in use.

I guess I should test drive a used honda ST1300 since they say more upright riding position?
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