Any thoughts on the new Valkyrie?

[fast freddy]

Hey everyone,
Any thoughts about the new Valkyrie?

[bobbyf6b]

Funny you should ask, I just saw and sat on my first one today. Sorry, but I think it's hideous. For lack of a better term, fugly. If they would have figured out a way to put the radiators in front, instead of on the sides, it would look way better. I didn't like how it felt when I sat on it either. The seat is so low I think it would be harder to shift than the F6B.

I also got to see and sit on the CTX 1300. It feels comfortable, but the handlebars are in the way of the mirrors. The best way I can describe it is funky.

[bigdawg]

I think the Valkyrie looks tough and cool. Besides, I've always cared more about the motor and how the ride feels than the looks. I love the looks of several harleys, but every time I ride one I quickly change my mind about buying one. I rode the ctx1300 a few weeks ago and was very disappointed in how much they detuned that beautiful st1300 motor. No power. I rode the new Valkyrie last week and was blown away. It seemed much more powerful than my f6b and still gives me the feeling of a luxurious ride. I was concerned about the lack of windscreen and had been waiting to pull the trigger until Honda finally got around to showing me the tall windscreen and other accessories. Well I still haven't seen actual pictures of the accessories, but my dealer was able to show me drawings of them and installation diagrams they give the technicians. I bought a blue one today and it should be in later this week. Im keeping the f6b and st1300 and debating whether or not to trade in a 2002 st1100 and/or a 2005 rune.

[Bob the bike]

Hi Bigdawg, Thanks for posting your thoughts on the new Valkyrie. This bike has not arrived in the UK yet and we are only getting the deluxe version in Red or Black. Both have abs. Unfortuanately this comes with the chrome dressings whereas the blue you have chosen has black fork legs, engine covers etc. I like the look of the blue bike.
I am considering the purchase of a Valkyrie or should I say F6C as it will be called in europe! I have a black F6B and love it. I would be grateful to know more details of the accessory drawings your dealer showed you. How does the screen mount, are their panniers for this bike? I am also looking forward to a report on how the Valkyrie rides and a comparison with the F6B.
Congratulations on your purchase.

[fast eddie]

I think the new valk is probably one of the best looking bikes out there, and the blue is a really cool color. I now looks are subjective I can't see how someone could conceder it fugly, but I guess someone might think Rosie O'Donnell is hotter then Jessica Alba ! Oh well to each his own

[bobbyf6b]

I think the new valk is probably one of the best looking bikes out there, and the blue is a really cool color. I now looks are subjective I can't see how someone could conceder it fugly, but I guess someone might think Rosie O'Donnell is hotter then Jessica Alba ! Oh well to each his own

Rosie O'Donnell is fugly, just like the new Valk. To each his own.

[bigdawg]

Hi Bigdawg, Thanks for posting your thoughts on the new Valkyrie. This bike has not arrived in the UK yet and we are only getting the deluxe version in Red or Black. Both have abs. Unfortuanately this comes with the chrome dressings whereas the blue you have chosen has black fork legs, engine covers etc. I like the look of the blue bike.
I am considering the purchase of a Valkyrie or should I say F6C as it will be called in europe! I have a black F6B and love it. I would be grateful to know more details of the accessory drawings your dealer showed you. How does the screen mount, are their panniers for this bike? I am also looking forward to a report on how the Valkyrie rides and a comparison with the F6B.
Congratulations on your purchase.

The bike feels much quicker and more compact than the f6b. It is much more fun and exhilarating to twist the throttle. It seemed even more rock solid in a straight line and still cornered very well for a big bike, but feels like it has a little higher center of gravity because the gas is carried in the tank only and none under the seat like the f6b. The exhaust note is noticeably deeper, but not too loud for my tastes. I noticed the throttle turns very easily and can be a little tricky to control when going over bumps. The suspension feels more stiff and sporty, but still very comfortable, controlled and luxurious. The seat is a little firm, but well shaped and comfortable at least for the short ride I had. The only thing I didn't like was the wind blast that hit me in the chest, but the windscreen will hopefully take care of that. I just hope it's tall enough and shaped to avoid buffeting. I looks like a decent sized shield. It attaches to the handlebars with a nice looking bracket. It does not look easily removable. There are saddlebags that are mounted on bracket stays. The backrest and luggage attach to the inside of the grab rails with 2 bolts on either side. Easy to take off or put on for a trip. It looks to be the right size for the bike(medium sized rack) and the pad is rectangular and taller than the f6b. I like that is looks like I can have a muscle bike most of the time(with a windscreen) and easily add a backrest and luggage rack to pile stuff on for a decent trip.

[Bob the bike]

Thanks Bigdawg, I have read a couple of journalist reports on the new Valkyrie but I would rather hear about the bike from an owner, or soon to be owner who has ridden it!
I have owned every type of Goldwing from the GL1000 through to the GL1800 and a couple of 1500 Valkyries as well. I cannot praise the F6B enough but I am looking forward to getting a ride on the new Valkyrie. I look forward to your progress report when you pick the bike up from the dealer.