New Valkyrie?

[VALKen]

Surprised I couldn't find anyone else discussing this, but surely there must be a lot of interest in a new Valkyrie based on the new 2018 Gold Wing?

I had hoped Honda would be announcing something, but so far we've only got the Wing and another F6B, albeit with re-jigged names. Neither of those are of the slightest interest to me unfortunately as what I (and no doubt others) would like is a new Valkyrie based on the new Wing. Has anyone heard anything regarding this?

Or do I need to start thinking about a new project to make my own by taking the plastics off a Wing. Possible, but a nightmare no doubt. A lot of work, but I do love the idea of a Valk based on the new 1800, with 7 speed DCT. Would that not appeal to others?

[Serk]

Just for me, after the major let down of the Goldwing Lite (AKA 2013-201?) Valkyrie, I'm kinda not paying attention to what Honda introduces anymore, the odds of them releasing anything that interests me are approaching nil...

I hope I'm wrong, and someday they pull a rabbit out of their hat, but I just don't see it happening.

(Disclaimer - For those who have and/or love the 1800 Valkyrie, it's a fine bike, I'm not insulting it as a motorcycle, but... it's not a Valkyrie to me...)

And from what I've heard on the sales success of the 1800 "Valkyrie" I doubt Honda will be in a rush to release another one based on that.

[f6john]

Least we not forget. Our beloved first generation Valkyries were not a sales success. I bought my 99 standard new with a windshield for $12,800. Little did I know there were new 98’s in the warehouses that were being sold for $8-9,000 to reduce the backlog. I wish I had a crystal ball to tell me what a new bike from Honda would look like that could appeal to the masses. The new wing appeals to me but I have champagne tastes and a Diet Coke budget.

[old2soon]

Least we not forget. Our beloved first generation Valkyries were not a sales success. I bought my 99 standard new with a windshield for $12,800. Little did I know there were new 98’s in the warehouses that were being sold for $8-9,000 to reduce the backlog. I wish I had a crystal ball to tell me what a new bike from Honda would look like that could appeal to the masses. The new wing appeals to me but I have champagne tastes and a Diet Coke budget.

                   Diet coke huh?  THAT much?  I have ta take out a loan to flush my toilet!  Want sticker SHOCK-price out a new cage or pickemup.  RIDE SAFE.

[Robert]

Have you driven the current Valk in its current configuration?

I own one and really while the mods on the new wing look interesting and could contribute to a great new Valk I really am not on fire to replace mine with the newest gadgets. I could always go for more power,performance, better shifting but on my 14 Valk its really not an issue and at 9 to 10 k range what can you get to beat that. As was brought up also they were not big sellers in any form.

At 25k I am really happy with my bike, its smooth, quick, turns quick for a 800 pound bike and cruises  like there isn't a care in the world. It also turns heads and when I go out in the am and push the start it just purrs and then settles down without a whimper.

The new wing is just coming out also and it takes awhile for Honda to change the whole line anyway so I doubt we would be seeing a new Valk anytime soon especially since the 13 up are still being sold.

The other objection is the Tupperware that would still be on the new Wing/valk design so how many converts you would get would be questionable.




If you follow the 1800 board Pego has been in a project to turn a wing into a Valk and it may be more than you want to tackle.

[Pappy!]

They are making a tiny effort at the retro market.

https://www.cycleworld.com/2017-honda-cb1100rs-gets-serious-about-looking-cool-and-riding-performance

Retro looks and modern performance.

[VALKen]

...
If you follow the 1800 board Pego has been in a project to turn a wing into a Valk and it may be more than you want to tackle.

That is certainly something I have considered, but it depends on Honda's future plans. If they will never make a 7 speed DCT Valkyrie (i.e. based on new Wing) I would hack a new Wing. But I really wouldn't want to do that and then have Honda release their own.

However, that depends on what form a new bike from Honda would take. I very much doubt they would venture back to the classic cruiser style of the original Valk and that new front suspension would make it hard in any case. In some ways I think that would be a shame, but in other ways I don't. Look at the eVo6 concept they showed some years ago. Almost everyone thought that looked great. So a more modern style 'could' work successfully. Unfortunately I don't think they got the current Valk quite right. I've grown to quite like it and even though I believe it is a pretty good bike, I think the styling could be better. One shouldn't have to 'get used to' the style of a bike. It should be an instant 'wow', like when I first saw the original Valkyrie and then later the Rune.

I've had both of those but always wanted a DCT version. I think it's the bike Honda should have first debuted DCT as the smoothness of that flat 6 I think is crying out for auto shifting. Now, the possibility of a 7 speed DCT is really exciting. But will they ever put it in a naked cruiser?

I am also rather enamoured of the new Wing's front suspension. As I said, hard to incorporate into a retro style cruiser like the original Valk, but it could look great in a more modern style like the current Valk.

As ever, the side mounted radiators are a problem as they require the bike to have those large hunched shoulders that make it look bulky. But it could be re-positioned to the front and allow a better proportioned and better looking bike.

Overall, Honda could definitely do it. They could produce a fantastic new cruiser, with brilliant front suspension, 7 sp DCT and jaw dropping style. But will they. Ah, the 64 million dollar question.

[Hook#3287]

Everyone has their own opinion of what Mother Honda should, or should not do, in regards to our beloved Valkyrie brand.

To me, the Valkyrie name means simplicity.

K.I.S.S.  Keep It Simple Stupid.  

I couldn't see owning a motorcycle that shifts itself. ???

Shifting is one of the enjoyments I get out of riding.

I understand that it is impossible to have a 1800 power plant without all the related tech, but the 2013+ is a great attempt to keep it simple.

Robert, what you've done to yours look awesome

[VALKen]

Everyone has their own opinion of what Mother Honda should, or should not do, in regards to our beloved Valkyrie brand.

Of course. I always hope though to suggest not just what I want, but also what many others would. Lately though, Honda are not showing any great prowess in gauging what riders want.

In most cases, I simply modify Honda's offering to suit myself.

I couldn't see owning a motorcycle that shifts itself. ???
Shifting is one of the enjoyments I get out of riding.

I'm the first to speak out against the manufacturer's current electronic obsession and currently own sports bikes on which I would NOT want DCT. But there's different types of bikes for different types of riding and I can definitely see a use case for DCT on a big cruiser, particularly when carrying a pillion. Yes I can shift extremely smoothly, but when simply cruising around, I'd prefer to not have the faff. Whereas when dashing up and down the Alps and backing it into hairpins, yes, I want a manual gearbox. Don't see myself doing that on any Valkyrie though. 

I myself am surprised, but for most of the Honda models with DCT as an option, DCT seems to outsell the manual version and I am convinced it'll be a big hit on the Gold Wing. Time will tell, but I'm sure the DCT will outsell the manual model.

BTW, have you actually tried a DCT bike? If you ride in manual mode, you still shift when you want, but simply using the paddle buttons on the handlebar. Even for sporty riding, it's pretty cool. 

[Reb]

The new wing will surely sell. If you don't look at the GL1800 site, many folks were knocking down their dealers doors screaming take my money when first released.

The Goldwing is a signature model with very loyal followers. Much like all Valk owners on this site, but not comparable by the numbers.

I feel a lack luster performance in Honda's marketing since they moved much of their power sports industry production back to Japan. I think it's safe to say a traditional looking cruiser with a flat 6 engine will not happen again.

[northernvalk]

No Offence to the other Valk riders here but a new Magna is needed WAY MORE than a new valk IMHO!!! Lets get that VFR in a cruiser chassis and let the HD boys feel the pain AGAIN!!!!!!!!

[VALKen]

No Offence to the other Valk riders here but a new Magna is needed WAY MORE than a new valk IMHO!!! Lets get that VFR in a cruiser chassis and let the HD boys feel the pain AGAIN!!!!!!!!

You mean the VFR1200?

Funny you should say that. I've done a naked VFR1200 sportster and have now started on a more cruiser oriented version. A power cruiser one might say, along similar lines to the Ducati XDiavel - but with DCT. 

[northernvalk]

Yes...just like the Magna in my Garage, too bad they only made 750's from 92-03. Bring back the Orginal V65, Make it a V75! I love the flat six in my Valk, but the V4, inho, is the best engine config available for a bike. Ive embarrassed A LOT of HD'd with my little 750...the 1200 would be amazing!!!!

[Pappy!]

Yes...just like the Magna in my Garage, too bad they only made 750's from 92-03. Bring back the Orginal V65, Make it a V75! I love the flat six in my Valk, but the V4, inho, is the best engine config available for a bike. Ive embarrassed A LOT of HD'd with my little 750...the 1200 would be amazing!!!!

You're describing the older 1200 VMax now! What a rocket. Owned one and you would think I was totally invisible at a stoplight if I pulled up next to any HD. They wanted zero part of that bike.

[cookiedough]

yah, the vmax1200 or v65 1098cc was surely a force to be reckoned with.  I was skeptical the 1983 V65 magna was faster than the 1984-1986 versions but it is true, the 1983 is faster and can tell when driving the difference in years 83, 84, and 85 models in person.  Thus, I got a 1983 v65 one!   

yah, a fuel injected 4 cylinder kick butt FAST bike with retro styling of the 80s would surely peak my interest.  Not sure the current Honda 1100 does that for me though.

[northernvalk]

I prefer the styling of the third gen Magna, 92-03. If they made a cruiser with the 1200 vfr engine I would be at the dealer tomorrow with my down payment!!! the other thing the Magna does so well is lean! Best handling cruiser I have ever ridden, full confidence throwing sparks off the pegs!

[VALKen]

... I love the flat six in my Valk, but the V4, inho, is the best engine config available for a bike.

I agree. If I could only have one bike, it would be a V4. Luckily that's not the case and I like the variety. V4, in-line 4, flat 6, in-line 6, V twin, triples, all have their specific characteristics. Variety is the spice of life they say. 

[Mr Whiskey]

Brand new American made V4
I hope these guys become a household name!
https://www.motusmotorcycles.com

[northernvalk]

RC213VS is my favorite v4 sportbike but thats dream territory, these guys look like they got a nice platform and ive always like the look of a transverse mount engine.

[Alpha Dog]

I prefer the styling of the third gen Magna, 92-03. If they made a cruiser with the 1200 vfr engine I would be at the dealer tomorrow with my down payment!!! the other thing the Magna does so well is lean! Best handling cruiser I have ever ridden, full confidence throwing sparks off the pegs!

I am with you on an updated and larger Magna.  Or something crusier style with a v4 in the 1200 to 1300 range that could carve like the magna.  Oh and drop the chain while they are at it.   It will never happen.

[Safety Steve]

I can't remember who said it but someone on this board said that they think that one of the reason's the Valkyrie came about was to sell more of the 1500 cc motors, lets try and get rid of the stock pile of parts for the 1500 before we release the 1800 cc, same thing happen with the new Valkyrie, 3 years later a new Gold Wing motor come out.   I don't see Honda doing anything like the Valkyrie ever again or at least in the near future.  Our bikes are somewhat of a cult status now, I love my bike and I have not ridden a bike that I like better. 
I would love to see a new Valkyrie that looks like the older one with that new motor but I just don't see it, the original Valkyrie was a Hot Rod of a bike hell a carb for every cylinder, who does that?  Just bad ass, if Honda wanted to do the same thing and make a new Valkyrie a modern day hot rod then make it turbo charge form the factory.  Now that would be BAD ASS.
Just my thoughts.

Steve     

[northernvalk]

I prefer the styling of the third gen Magna, 92-03. If they made a cruiser with the 1200 vfr engine I would be at the dealer tomorrow with my down payment!!! the other thing the Magna does so well is lean! Best handling cruiser I have ever ridden, full confidence throwing sparks off the pegs!

I am with you on an updated and larger Magna.  Or something crusier style with a v4 in the 1200 to 1300 range that could carve like the magna.  Oh and drop the chain while they are at it.   It will never happen.

Exactly.....

[VALKen]

I can't remember who said it but someone on this board said that they think that one of the reason's the Valkyrie came about was to sell more of the 1500 cc motors, lets try and get rid of the stock pile of parts for the 1500 before we release the 1800 cc, same thing happen with the new Valkyrie, 3 years later a new Gold Wing motor come out. 

I doubt that is true. Honda don't stockpile anything except parts to sell as parts. They would never consider building another bike just to use up parts. There wouldn't be any available for that. I realise the 1500 was made in the US and not Japan, but I don't believe that would make any difference.

Sometimes, Honda just seem to get a bright idea and put it into practice. More often than not though, it turns out to be not such a great idea.

If they thought a new Valk would sell sufficient numbers to make it profitable, they'd make one. I think it would sell better than the current one, but they don't make a habit of asking me. 

...the original Valkyrie was a Hot Rod of a bike hell a carb for every cylinder, who does that? 

Er, Honda. Except for a few largely touring type bikes with a lower required specific power output, they always use one carb/intake per cylinder. The 4 cylinder Wings have 4 carbs, the CBX had 6 carbs, all sports bikes have an intake for each cylinder. The later 6 cylinder Wings with combined intakes are the exception rather than the rule.

Also, let's be honest, the original Valk was no speed demon. Pretty good for a cruiser and a great bike, but performance-wise, it doesn't stack up against any real sports bike. Not knocking it, speed certainly isn't everything and I loved my Valks, but let's not pretend they were any sort of warp speed missile on the road.

[northernvalk]

Also, let's be honest, the original Valk was no speed demon. Pretty good for a cruiser and a great bike, but performance-wise, it doesn't stack up against any real sports bike. Not knocking it, speed certainly isn't everything and I loved my Valks, but let's not pretend they were any sort of warp speed missile on the road.

It is very quick for a big cruiser bike, which is what really matters, but it isn't a speed demon in stock form.  As long as I can roast the "compareable" Hardly ableson, I'm happy. To me, the speed was normal, coming from the 750 magna and kinda slow when compared to the V65.  I actually looked at some royal stars, but they are massively de tuned when compared to their V-max brethren.  There are some really nice "v-maxed" royal stars out there, kinda like the super charged valks.....