Honda Valkyries are getting some serious klicks racked up

Message

paul246 · #1 Unread post by **paul246** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 9:41 am

A good number of Valkyrie riders are accumulating some impressive distance. In addition to the Japanese fellow that took his around the globe, some American riders are setting some impressive stats as well. One member on the other board I frequent has surpassed the 497,000km mark and a sizeable group have passed beyond the 320,000km point. So far no serious problems, just maintenance and replacing tires.

There are lots of European riders as well as some Aussies and Kiwis and a dedicated group of Japanese riders (they love the big American built bike). Not sure if any of them have any distance travelled in those numbers.

Gotta love the Valkyrie, you honestly never want the ride to end.

canuckerjay · Sun Feb 05, 2006 1:11 pm

Doesn't surprise me -- 6 cylinders carrying the load, plus it's a honda engine. You can't really go wrong there.

Still can't believe Honda killed it -- it was truly a unique machine and I know it had a following. With a new marketing campaign, sales would have increased, no doubt.

paul246 · #3 Unread post by **paul246** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 2:04 pm

canuckerjay wrote: Still can't believe Honda killed it -- it was truly a unique machine and I know it had a following. With a new marketing campaign, sales would have increased, no doubt.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Gummiente · #4 Unread post by **Gummiente** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 2:22 pm

canuckerjay wrote:Still can't believe Honda killed it -- it was truly a unique machine and I know it had a following. With a new marketing campaign, sales would have increased, no doubt.

I suspect they didn't want it interfering with sales of the VTX1800, which is why it was canned. Let's not even mention that whole Rune episode.

Anyway, it was based on the legendary Gold Wing platform so it's not surprising that they can rack up serious mileage. I test rode one the first year they came out - IMPRESSIVE! Not my cup of tea, though, but that doesn't mean I can't admire it for the bike that it is (or was).

JCS · #5 Unread post by **JCS** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 3:37 am

The Valk was dropped because Honda wasn't making that engine anymore. The new 1800 motor wouldn't fit in the existing chassis. At least this is what I was told by a Honda dealer.

Keyoke · #6 Unread post by **Keyoke** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:05 am

So what's the chances of you lending me your Valk for my ride up to Scotland next month??

paul246 · #7 Unread post by **paul246** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 3:07 pm

Keyoke wrote:So what's the chances of you lending me your Valk for my ride up to Scotland next month??

Not great, I'm afraid, logistics you know. BUT, if you happen to head over my way let me know and you'll be more than welcome.

CentralOzzy · Mon Feb 06, 2006 8:22 pm

Honda quality at it's best.

I rode the Rocket III & I'd like to try a Valk. I'd probably go with the Honda if I had a choice, reminds me of my Goldwing I used to have as a kid.

I can just imagine how good a Valk would feel, Handle & Sound with the right pipes. They would be great for eating up Outback miles in comfort & Style.

I know a guy here who has had one for years....he loves it!

paul246 · #9 Unread post by **paul246** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 1:49 am

CentralOzzy wrote:Honda quality at it's best.

I rode the Rocket III & I'd like to try a Valk. I'd probably go with the Honda if I had a choice, reminds me of my Goldwing I used to have as a kid.

I can just imagine how good a Valk would feel, Handle & Sound with the right pipes. They would be great for eating up Outback miles in comfort & Style.

I know a guy here who has had one for years....he loves it!

Ya, they are a great ride. The Valkyrie actually outhandles and is more powerful than the 1500 Goldwing with which it shares the engine. There is a marked difference there. BUT, if you get the chance to ride the new 1800 Goldwing..take it! This bike is in a world of its own. I had always discounted it as another land barge until I actually rode one. Was I wrong.
It feels light (once you have a couple of klicks going) and man can it handle. The power is NOW and never seems to end, my eyes actually increased in size as I rapidly decreased the distance between myself and the CBR1000 in front of me during the Honda demo ride. Superb handling, effortless and precise. Brakes to match. Comfort so good this was literally the "magic carpet ride". The bad part, it was the last bike I rode at the demo and I had to ride the Valk home. For a couple of days the shine was removed from my beloved Valk, but she has made up for it since then.