American vs Metric // Honda Valkyrie Test Ride!
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- I'm taking a ride on the 6-cylinder Honda Valkyrie to figure out if this is the kind of motorcycle I could own!
I also talk about the age-old debate on which cruiser motorcycles are better!
Are you a fan of Harley's, Indian's, and Victory's? Are Metric Cruisers more of your style?
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//Equipment list//
Action Cam: GoPro Hero 9 Black
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Audio Recorder: Sony ICD-UX 560 Black
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External Mic: Sony ECM-CS3
Which would you choose?
Metric or American
I really gave this some thought over the last couple days. I think I need to ride a few more models of each to really give this answer.
There's definitely pros and cons to owning each! 🤘
@@NicePantsLance I’ve only rode metric’s but I’d would like to get a Sport Glide I love the look .
Metric by far…Hardly is a clothing company who are the masters of marketing
I have both! I tell people it's like having two children and loving them differently but equally. My 97 Valkyrie is fun, and my 05 Harley bagger is more comfortable but not as fast. They both do what I want them to do.
All Valkyries 1997 - 2003 were designed by Josef Boyd, a Californian engineer, and were manufactured and assembled in Marysville Ohio. They really should not be referred to as a "stripped down Goldwing", as I hear so many people say. There are many differences in design and construction, despite borrowing the Goldwing F6 engine. The original Valk is so American, it honestly shouldn't even have a Honda badge on it, but it was Honda USA that Boyd worked for. As for HP, I have seen some on the Dyno at over 120 HP and 134 Ft/Lbs of torque. I think there was some sort of dumb-down in the specs when they were being sold in order to keep insurance costs lower. It is rare to see a Valkyrie on the road these days. If you have one, hang on to it (both figuratively and literally, lol )
Very interesting!! That's good to know. Its a real shame Honda doesnt make another Valkyrie. Such a fantastic machine
@@NicePantsLance They brought it back for the 2014 & 2015 model year in the U.S. Basically a stripped down Goldwing with more a aggressive intake and exhaust. You can come ride my 2014 and do a video on it if you like!
Love that model. I've ridden a few myself solid platform and super comfortable. Personally I have no preference between metric or American. I love them all. Thanks for the ride man
I choose the F6C, Love her!
Same! 👌 fantastic machine
I have a 1998 Tourer model, owned it since 2005. Great bike, great handling bike, you should find some roads with some curves like in the North Georgia mountains before you say that it doesn't handle the curves well. You were talking about mileage, several friends with more than 100k and there's a legend in the group that is over 700k miles with no major work done. Find a Valkyrie group online and ask them about DDT, he is a cool old man that has ridden just about everywhere in the USA.
I think you're making a mistake not buying a Valkyrie but they aren't for everyone.
Good luck in your search.
The Valkyrie handles well *for a cruiser*. That engine gives it a low center of gravity which makes it feel light when you tip it over in a curve.....BUT it scrapes peg too easy for me to say its great in the curves 😅 remember i rode a Triumph Speed Twin for a few years, so in comparison the Valk is a brick 😁 not hating though!! Friggin love the Valk 🤘 you're right, there are a ton of high mileage Valks that run like a top.
Honestly if i could find a 2014 Valk for a decent price i may buy it!
The 1832 cc Goldwing F6B Deluxe 2013-2017 is by far the best bike in my 50 years I've been riding.
The 2014-2015 F6C for me 👍
I have had over 20 motorcycles, including various Harleys, BMWs, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawa Ninja909R, and so on...
And own a 1998 Honda Valkyrie, THE BEST MACHINE EVER MADE...bought new and will never sale it.
Id be lyin if i were a little jealous of your collection 😁 the Valkyrie will forever be one of my favorites! Real shame Honda doesnt make another one. Would fit right in the market with that new BMW R18
It's actually a1520 cc. All the power is in that last 20 cc. 😛
Thank you! Good to know 😁 i want a 2000cc Valkyrie now!!
Honda never really mentioned how much power it produced, just substantially!!, by my back side and what I've been hearing it's 100 HP at the back wheel, try 500 rpm in top gear it'll do it, as for handling it is a bit lazy fat tyres I think but it's good enough for the west of Ireland , nice video .
Spot on! A few mods and some carb adjusting and they Valkyrie's can put down mid-90's for wheel power and torque! That's absolutely fantastic seeing how the new 1800cc Goldwings only make a little more power 🤘 mind-blowing machine even for todays standards
The valkyrie, you could supercharging and it will have enough twisty for you
I hate that Cobra light bar. It’s squared off look doesn’t go at all with the bike. Mine came with one and I took it off. Ended up being crazy expensive to collect new oem turn signal parts but it was worth it in the end.
97 Valkyrie happy owner here 😃
It’s like riding a sofa ❗️No room to put a remote control down 🤪
One of the most comfortable bikes ive ever ridden 😁 i could use a cup holder!
I would consider a triumph rocket 3 first generation. Those handle well, are very quick, and are reliable. I had one for a couple years and my father had had one since 2013.
You both have good taste! 🤘 this is technically my 2nd gen1 rocket 3 😁
3 days ago I bought one of these, last year I had the CBR 900RR sc33 and, saving distances, what a beautiful time machine this 1998 Valkyrie with 30 thousand miles, 6 straight pipes, cobra seat and I love it. I’m ready for this summer!
I like your video.
What an excellent choice on a daily riding bike! I hope you enjoy riding such a legendary motorcycle 😁
Currently riding a 98 honda magna ,
Love it . But this is the next bike on the list , love the quick rev and sound
Hopefully hang on to my magna too
Those Magnas are legendary! I'd love to test ride one. Definitely keep it as long as possible 🤟
I have a 2000 Valkyrie best bike ever owned. Who makes that clock on your bar clamp? Link? Thanks.
I was under the impression that it was a rare item! It may be impossible to find. I may be totally wrong though. Not sure of the origins of it
@@NicePantsLance Ha thanks
@@NicePantsLance how about then passing lamps?
@@gp62902those fog lights are Cobra. You can't find them new and they are generally around $500 when you do see them.
As far as price and low mileage, it depends on what you consider "low". I see nice Valkyries right now with an average of something like 50K miles on them, for $4K-$5K. My wife and I each bought one last summer, both in the mid 40K mile range, both well cared for, and have less than $9K in the pair. With the proper care and a little luck, these bikes (both of us being over 50) should last as long as we're riding, and probably then some.
Yes, they're a bit dated in some ways, and they're not for everyone, but what is?
Price 1991 springer softtail 23,000 miles four years ago I paid $3,000.
Custom paint and pinstripe signed by Wild Bill on the fender.
1992 Electra Glide Ultra Classic 50,000 miles I paid $4,500 one and half years ago, great bike everything works like a Swiss watch.
But my true love is my 1978 flh bobber. It's been a work in progress for 25+ years, and I'm changing it again.
It's been very reliable and never left me stranded. (Properly maintained and taken care of)
All three of these bikes are very easy to maintain and work on with basic tools, and with a little ingenuity, you can get by without any specialty tools.
As far as the Valkyrie goes, it's an impressive bike, and I seriously considered getting on until I watched a couple of videos on working on them when something does go wrong.
One carburetor is enough for me, I don't even want to try and synchronize six carbs.
I do all my own maintenance, including rebuilding my engine, except for machining work.
I leave that to the professionals.
I'm 61 years old now and a lot closer to 62, so speed and hp aren't my thing anymore, just cruising through mountain passes and secluded country roads and enjoying where I'm at is all I need.
Man you are livin the dream 🤘 that's a fantastic collection of machines right there!!
That bike is basically an American cruiser. It was built in the USA.
I bought the green gold interstate model last year. Got a killer deal on it. Was my dream bike for many years. I’m a little shorter though so I’m going to purchase a low rider seat. I can flat foot it but it’s a heavy bike to physically maneuver if your feet don’t feel firmly grounded.
Im sure its tricky, but dont let that stop you! 🤘
Check into an Ultimate seat, IMHO they are one of the best ones out there.
@@scottboyer7089 thx. I am checking into the Ultimate low rider
Just put in 1700 miles over a leisurely four days on my tricked out 2003 Valkyrie with my Ol' Lady. Five States in four days. Not even the slightest bit sore. I can live off of this bike on a semi permanent basis with no problems and one permanent passenger. I'm never giving up my Valkyrie!
Its such a fantastic machine! Everyone likes Goldwings, but i like the Valkyrie more. Coworker of mine has a Valkyrie Interstate in mint condition. If Honda made a modern variation i would buy it 🤘
Bump start in 2nd
Good to know! If i kill the battery again ill take your advice 😁👍
Also, is it advised to have the throttle up when you bump start? I own a ‘00 Valk for about a year. Haven’t had to bump start her yet but would like to know just in case.
Valkyries are hard to bump start unless you are downhill. Choke is a must when using the starter, so this must have been a warmed up engine to bump start so easily.
😉
Like the fact 100hp is on demand at reasonable low RPM same with torque without vibes or fuss.
It's definitely got fantastic power delivery!
Honda cbx and BMW k1600 are also 6 cylinder.
True, the CBX and K1600 are both inline 6's. The Goldwing/Valk are the only flat 6's that i know of!
There's also the Horex vr6 which is an offset 6 cylinder
Yes, I have had them very close as 2 good friends drove these.
The CBX is a work of art and I will always regret not buying it from him.
The BMW 6 cylinders resulted to be too heavy and too high, only good for giant drivers and better if a little heavy or very strong.
Great video! Im trying to test ride one also, I’m contemplating between Vmax1200 and the FC6
Cant go wrong with either one of those! 🤘
I had a VMax (Yamaha)...good loking bike but too stiff and unless you are very young, quite harsh to ride and worse for the passenger.
Buy the F6 Valkyrie...you will love ut forever.
I just purchased my 4th Valkyrie..Love them.Check the block on throttle side..Molded in block Made in America..😂
I hear these motorcycles are made with more American parts than the Harleys of the time! 🤘 i wish Honda still made the Valkyrie
I own a 2005 Vulcan Nomad 1600 and a 2015 Honda Stateline 1300 both are great bikes . Very cool and paid for. But I like all makes.😎
Im sure that Nomad is very comfortable! Is the Stateline quicker than the Nomad despite being 300cc shy? Love the look of the Honda!
@@NicePantsLance you are exactly right. Great video.
Love the 6 into 6 sound
I wish Honda would make a new Valkyrie!
its funny, I have worked in the aerospace field my whole life. I have set, programed, and ran just about every cnc lathe, mill, and saws you can think of. During the biggest American v foreign manufacturing competition , when everyone was pro "made in America", if you were to go into one of these American companies and toured the machining floors....the machines were being operated by asians due to their hard work ethic and eyes for detail lol
As a former CNC machinist myself, i have to agree!! 👍 only spent 6 years in the trade but i noticed its just as you described 🤷♂️
I just got my Valkyrie on the road. What exhaust does that bike have? Sounds great. You in upstate New York? I like your roads .
Good video and thoughts, thanks
Its the Cobra 6-into-6 exhaust! And yes, Western NY to be exact 🤘 thanks for watching!
Valkyries are getting cheap and I just picked one up for. 4k black with silver stripe.
Oh yeah those Valkyrie's are a smokin deal!! Sad to say people are buying them all up as of recently! Its getting harder to find them
Try a v max 1700. Fast.
I've always wanted to test ride one of those! Fastest cruiser on the planet 🤟
Nice ride .
Thanks for watching 🤘
This guy has done little to no research on this bike. Why in the world would you need more power, ESPECIALLY WITHOUT A WINSHIELD? This guy is 100% squid.
Well if you think that's bad, you should see my fully tuned Rocket 3 Roadster WITHOUT A WINDSHIELD 🦑🦑🦑😂
Honda cancels all of the cool models. No Valkyrie or ST 1300 but you can buy a brand new “Monkey” or a Goldwing for 30k with AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I d buy a new Valkyrie but they can keep the Monkey and the auto trans. Harley doesn’t just abandon its customers.
Ill admit, Honda did cancel all of their cool models! Although, Harley is almost as bad. They threw Buell in the trash, ditched the VROD, traded the Evo sportster for the new Nightster/sportster S models which are mechanical nightmares. They also kept quiet about the Pan Am's engines grenading on first release. They teased us with the Bronx and then threw that in the trash. They even teased us with VVT on their lower-tier models and now they're backpedaling on VVT tech all-together.
All motorcycle companies need to bring back cool models! 🤘
Aged like milk.
ROCKET 3………
I plan on testing one of those soon!
Honda is the perfect motorcycle, it doesn't break down,like a Harley Davidson does. I buy quality, my opinion is that a Harley is a piece of garbage.
I agree Honda quality is top notch, and Harleys are notoriously problematic and highly overrated in my opinion. My only issue with modern Honda is that their lineup is completely sterilized. They used to have some of the wildest motorcycles in the entire market