The only downside of these bikes is that if you are in a hurry, you will be late for whatever it is, but only because everywhere you go you have people coming up to you and admiring it and asking questions. A cruise to the store for me almost always ends up in an impromptu bike show, lol!
I wish Shawn knew more about the Valkyrie, but we still love him. First off, the model ranges are Standard, Tourer, and Interstate. The bike being ridden is a Standard. Next, it's a nickel that is balanced on the cylinder head when the bike is off, then the bike is started and the nickle stays standing. A smooth running Valkyrie can be rev'd to red-line without the nickle falling over. The VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club) keeps a list of High Mileage bikes. We have a member that has 653,000 miles on his Valkyrie (July 2019), and she's still going strong. I have a 2001 that I have tricked out, and is my daily rider. I inherited the bike from my Dad and have proclaimed it is the last bike I'll ever own. Thank you for promoting these great bikes.
I had 2 Valks- If you really want to make it sound amazing- Cut the cans off right behind the front exhaust hanger, and slide 4” truck stacks on the pipe and self tap to mount the pipe to the rear exhaust hanger. I didn’t even have to rejet the carbs. AMAZING BIKES-
Had the identical bike for about 7-8 years and loved it. They never break and can run 300-400K miles easily. Really needs cruise to tour, and a better seat.
All you armchair guys with the negative comments have obviously never ridden one of these magnificent beasts. I have a 2000 Tourer that brings a smile to my face every time I start it. The Valkyrie is a true symphony of all the sensations that make a motorcycle great, and the rider is the conductor. No machine before or since can hold a candle to it. Best Honda and probably the best sport touring motorcycle ever made. Smooth, powerful, stable as a tank, beautiful, reliable, comfortable, nimble on it's feet, and easy to maintain. What more can you ask of a bike? I will have mine for keeps.
I searched “Gold Wing 1500”, and this video came up. But look at the title, there’s no 1500 in the title. Well done, RUclips ! And thanks to Srkcycles for firing up this cool sixshooter.
You are correct on this bike, I’m a retired Harley-Davidson mechanic and I ride one of these coast to coast every year, so powerful,reliable and comfortable, I only paid $2000 for an interstate the full dressed model, I like to have things that not too many people have just like to be different and this is different great ride most people won’t understand until they ride one.
$2K for an Interstate is an astonishing bargain, that's impressive! I have an IS as well, '01. The machine is unreal. I can't get over how impressive it is, AND, it's probably the most "American" motorcycle in the past 50 years. Designed, manufactured and assembled in Marysville Ohio. ALL original Valkyries come from the same place. I get a lot of Harley guys say "Yeah but it's still Jap Scrap" and then I see their faces wrinkle when I tell them the Valkyrie is more US than their Harley.
I bought one 3 years ago and I absolutely love it. Maybe the smoothest bike ever, best handling big cruiser and plenty of power. It surprised me that it handles better than my 750 Shadow bobber that weighs about 200lbs less. I don't think I could live without it now.
I've had my standard Valkyrie for 16 years and will never get rid of it,just passed 100,000 last year. Apart from regular servicing and the usual consumables,the only thing I've had to replace were the timing belts and that was just for piece of mind. I also have the 6 into 6 pipes but didn't bother rejetting as I love how it pops and sounds when you open it up😎. I'm lucky enough to own 3 other bikes ( 1150GS,R1200CLC,Goldwing 1500) but the Valk is definitely my fave. Love the channel and the reviews,keep up the good work👍. Lots of respect from Scotland.
Your comment reminded me...when I was looking for my first bike, the local shop had a Valkyrie and I was just in amazement - was like, who the hell rides a bike THAT big? Two years later, I bought one. They are enchanting machines...some might even call them dragons.
That is NOT the tourer. It is the basic Valkyrie with crappy aftermarket bags. The Tourer has great quality hard bags. The Interstate has the hard bags and fairing.
I have a 2000 Valkylrie Interstate with only 36K miles and everything you said is dead on. Sounds like a Ferrari, nimble has hell and unreal pull! Picked it up for $5K with a tour pack and an unreal radio that I Bluetooth my playlists on! It Has lockable helmet hangers, locking seat, intercom cable, fog lights! A Beast!
When i first saw those Valkyrie’s I fell in love with them and I will own one at some point..I like the older models like that one of course..the new ones are cool but look a bit too gold wing space age
Watching this in January, in Illinois so I can vicariously remember my '98 Valk languishing in the garage as she dreams of early spring sunny days tearing up the asphalt. I love you Valk.
In the late 90’s I was at a biker bar in Lake Lure, NC. I and my now wife were on my 1100 ACE and a guy and I started talking bikes. He was on on a Valkyrie. He had rebuilt it after the original owner had been killed on it. He tossed me the key and said to take it for a spin. If you have ever been on the road around Lake Lure, you know how tight and curvy it is. This huge bike was amazing. It handled incredibly. The acceleration was addictive! I have never forgotten that experience!
I'm right there with you; I've had 3 Valkyrie's... a dark green/cream '97 Tourer (that I bought new off the showroom floor and have regretted selling for 20 years); a '98 Standard (like you're riding here, that a previous owner had added Leatherlyke saddlebags and an aftermarket windshield); and my current '98 Tourer that I am holding on to and will be able to put collector plates on in 2 years. Nothing like a Valkyrie.
@@ChrisF116 Why can't you? All it takes is 20 hour days, long drives to look at bike after bike, find the best mechanics to fix the inventory, find good staff to keep you in business, and faith in the Lord that all will come out good in the end. :)
We who own them call that one standard, the others are Tourer and Interstate. We also LOVE our bikes. I can pass anything (except a gas station :) ). I try to use non-ethanol gas exclusively for local riding (and especially for winter storage).
I am an original owner of a ‘’97 Valkyrie with 106,000 miles. It has 101hp/103 ftlbs torque (later models were lower); carbs never touched and does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. Your bike is the basic model, not the tourer. The Tourers had windshield, lowers and hard saddlebags. The Valk is an easy bike to ride, extremely comfortable, handles well with low center of gravity and is a blast to ride. Gas mileage is not great, but can run 130 miles before reserve: 30 mpg.
I’ve owned my Interstate for over 20 years. Currently in shop for carb rebuild and new fuel lines. Best bike I’ve ever owned, and an absolute blast to power through the Dragons Tail. I’ve taken it across the country twice, such a great road trip bike.
What ya have there son is a Valkyrie 1500C. "C" for cruiser. This is not the tourer which has hard bags and windshield. You got aftermarket soft bags and an aftermarket windshield. There is no "roadster". There is an interstate model with a batwing windshield. Mine is a '98 1500C w 18K miles. Love it! Smoooooooth as silk!
So, I bought a '98 standard with a terribly funky windshield and the same bags as seen on this bike. Actually, the windshield was fine. The homemade brackets were funky. I don't like windshields on my bikes, so no problem. Off they came. The bags are absolutely excellent. Leatherlyke brand with bottom braces. They have incredible weight capacity with the brackets underneath. One Valkyrie is great. Two is better. Three and four are pretty good. Keeping them running requires some doing, thanks to the fuel pollution added at the behest of government. The two sets of three carburetors have fuel bridges that often leak, and MUST be repaired. See one burned up Valkyrie and you will know how critical it is. Since I sold one of the four to my friend from my childhood, we have taken several rides with our bikes both equipped with Cobra 6÷6 exhaust. When we rev them out on the freeway, they sound like a furious Ferrari. Also, the first thing I did in adjusting the bike to fit me, I rolled the handlebars forward a few degrees. Enormous improvement. Another thought. I have added loud horns from AutoZone, or any similar source. I power them through a relay to keep from pulling too much amperage through the original horn's wiring. Each of my three Valkyries has a different configuration and a different "personality". My favorite is a stripped down solo seater in gloss black, satin black, and chrome. Definitely needs the wheels polished to high gloss, someday. Gotta fix the transmission output shaft first.
Had a '97 Tourer for 12 years, (same color scheme). The Tourer had the hard bags and the plexiglass windscreen. Mine had an aftermarket full faring. I loved it and it was bulletproof. I'm in a GL1800 Wing now since I'm a little bit older now and the Wing is more comfortable for long trips. I also never had to rebuild the carbs, just replace some of the small hoses under the gas tank. They dry out because they are so small.
Spoo ... yes indeed I’m sure Thor has ridden many Valkyrie's. It’s such a great bike, have always loved them, and the engine just "shines". So ahead of its time.
I bought my 1997 Valkyrie new. It now has 114,000 miles on it. There are some big differences in the engine on the Valkyrie vs the Gold Wing. The only thing they have in common is the block, heads and gear box. The Valkyrie has solid lifters that are adjustable, the cam is full raise, and with this, the red line is 6500rpm vs the GW's 5500. Of course there are a lot of other differences but I'm just mentioning the engine here.
My all time favorite big bike. Honda should have brought these back alongside the CB1100. I would love fuel injection instead of six carbs. I’ve only seen one of these in person and it sounds amazing. Porsche and Honda worked on this engine together.
I am an original owner of a ‘97 Valk with 101,000 miles. I have three other bikes, but love the Valk the most. It has 101 hp, 102 ft/lbs torque and will run 0-60 in 3.6”. I have truck stacks for exhaust pipes, heavy duty Progressive shocks and springs (for handling and ground clearance), a Native American motif paint job, aftermarket horn:) and Mustang seat. It is not nimble, but handles well for a bike it’s size. I have had it on the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway and Blue Ridge Parkway numerous times. Bike is comfortable, reliable, fast, turbine smooth and easy to ride. I have had it on all U.S. borders, hit an antelope doing 75 mph in Wyoming (replaced radiator and headlight), in a heavy rainstorm had to ride through ~two foot deep rushing water (bike sounded like a motorboat) with my unhappy wife on board; in snow, hail and never missed a beat.
That is a roadster with bags and a windshield. The tour has the hard bags like the interstate. I have 92000 miles on my interstate with no carb issues, and still outruns a 103 Harley. ‘99’ and up had different cams than a Goldwing. 100 hp stock.
Your personality changes while your riding, shows you really enjoy riding. You must enjoy riding so many different bikes, most people never get that experience.
I know this is an older video but waaaay back in the day, Honda had a CBX1000 (6 cylinder). This motor must be a decedent of that because that too sounded like a Ferrari. A friend had one and it had a 6 into 1 exhaust...awesome.
The Goldwing actually came out before the CBX, but it was a 4 cylinder back then not a 6 cylinder. Also the CBX had an inline 6 instead of the boxer engines the GLs have.
John great video I personally Old Time Rider been through Harley-Davidson clamp Etc have a new 1800 Valkyrie wish I had had it in so many years ago what a hassle-free easy to work on motorcycle
I have a 98 Valkyrie with Cobra 6 into 6 pipes. The audio in this video does not do the true sound of these bikes justice. They sound BAD ASS!! And they flat RIP!!
What Shawn was talking about was putting a Nickel on its End 😳 on The Valve cover, not a Quarter, When this bike is Parked on perfectly level ground The Valve cover is perfectly level to set the Nickel on, Now the fun begins turn the bike on and watch the Nickel Never falls over, Not even when you "REV" the Engine. I did it in 1974 It was one of their selling points. It was a pretty awesome thing to witness back then. 👍
Bought my Interstate new in 1999 and it's still pristine. Fitted an optional tall windshield to the stock fairing. You can ride this thing in the wet all day within minimum rain gear and stay bone dry.
It's a very nice looking and sounding bike, and under normal acceleration it sounds kinda like a 90s Skyline with a sequential transmission (one of my dream car builds). 👍
Looks like someone tried to make a "Tourer" model out of the "Standard" model by adding aftermarket windshield and bags. Would have been much better looking and functional with the Honda OEM windshield. Champion makes a great set of hard bags (Patroit series) for the Valkyrie. Even though I purchased a 2019 Goldwing DTC Tourer one year ago, I still have my 2001 Valkyrie. The Valkyrie has been to all the lower 48 states and Alaska. Over 150K miles and still runs and looks like new and has never left me stranded. Try that with a Harley! Like so many others who have this great machine, I doubt I will ever part with it.
it saunds like a sport bike .. blees U guys ..love B&B and SRK Chanels watching constantly for 4 days now ..awesome job on thouse videos ... louds of love from Poland
I just bought a 97 Valkerie, it has 108k on the odometer, 6 into 6 cobra exhaust, she's throaty and loud, but in a good way. She's a rocket ship and is much faster than she looks. I've only got about 45 minutes of seat time thus far, and I'm loving it!!
It is the Standard model. The Touring model had factory hard bags (not the psuedo leather-covered hardbag bullshit) and factory windshield that typically is easily identified.
It is a roadster with aftermarket touring parts. Touring model has fiberglass color matching Honda lockable saddlebags. It has a factory backrest and a larger windshield than this bike has on it.
I put in a 6 degree timing wheel and aftermarket cams and pull a 14ft alm bass boat with mine. No never on a boat ramp used a roller on trailer jack and 100 foot rope to pull it up the ramps. It will tow 1500 lbs like not even there. Top speed was 120 for the windshield would fold back at you. I have seen these at 160k miles. New timing belt ever 100k miles. Great bike I miss mine badly. Had no garage and a dog who ate seats. Sold on Ebay in one day. Keep your wheels on the ground. SSG.Bo.Retired.
The 1500 Goldwing has hydraulic lifters. The 1500 Valkyrie has solid lifters for higher rpms. The 1500 Goldwing has 2 carbs whereas, the 1500 Valkyrie has 6 carbs. Put a 6 degree timing wheel on the Valkyrie and it turns into a beats that eat premium gas only... Gas mileage goes up with that 6 degree timing wheel. Easy to install too... Nice bikes, I will find me another one soon, but it will be the Tourer, not the roadster (large hard bags and nice windshield make it more comfortable going up Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 in CA to Washington... Horse Apple dot com has some of the greatest sounding pipes for the Valkyrie.... Trombones is what he calls them. No carb rejetting required.
normally I associate touring and cruisers with that loud crackling exhaust, but like Sean said its like a F1/sports car it gives you a different form of pleasure from hearing it.
I wish I knew what you guys are talking about. All I know is my nighthawk 650 a little brother which I love and can only imagine how these beasts ride. I'd like a Valkyrie for weekends and a gold wing for cross country.
i like how you revved it up immediately after starting and then immediately shut it off. That's great for the rod bearings, the heads, the piston rings... so you're a Dealer huh?
This Valkyrie sounds perfect. What's the EXACT exhaust? Cobra 6-into-6 right, but does it have the baffles in? Are there different Cobra 6-into-6 exhausts?
Own a 2000 Model Interstate, bought in '01. 68,000 miles, in 23 different states. Regular oil, tire, and coolant changes only. Non-Ethanol w/Stabil for winter storage. NOT a problem yet with my 6 carbs. Only problem will be my children's when I pass! It's great in the twistys!!!
I once stopped at a yard sale run by a retired Arkansas State Police Lieutenant, he was checking out my bike. When he asked how fast it was, I told him it started buffeting in the wind at 135 MPH! His reply was "Oh, your one of those guys we scoop up with a shovel!!!"
Just brought my second one! These bikes rock! V-twin cruisers eat it's dust, winter time stabilizer and never had a problem... once you have one of these you can't go back to a v-twin engine..
Old timer here. Never had a bike newer than 1982 model. All 3 of the shafty's I have owned (2 Yamaha 1100s and One Gold Wing) had a clunky gear change, especially 1st to 2nd. You just got used to it. It happens less if you get the engine to higher revs before you change. Not sure if today's shafty's are the same.
No it is not. I owned one for 2 years. It was constantly in the shop. Maybe I had a bad bike. It happens. I know have a Breakout for 5 years. The Breakout is the best bike I have had. I know it is not the best bike ever made. But it is significantly better than the Goldwing I had. Gold wings have issues just like any other bike. Agreed it is assembled in the states and that will make better than non domestic assembled bikes. ( yes ALL. Gold wings are made in Ohio. ALL OF THEM!!!)
@@jonathanbachman2339 you the first I ever heard of that had a problem with a Valk its diffinately not a common thing, neglect and or lack of maintenance will kill any machine but if that wasn't the problem what was the problem?
These are great bikes. Their only real downside is that Honda couldn't put the pegs forward like on a regular cruiser because the engine is in the way. So you sit fairly upright, like on a touring bike. It's not uncomfortable and actually gives you better control, but you don't have that laying down, cruiser look when you ride it.
It sounds good no questions asked but i think the Honda CBX 1000 (straight 6) 1.04L / 64 cu in sounds better. It also revs up to 9krpm and was built in 1978 - 1982.
American made. The package levels are standard (which is this one) touring which has hard bags and the interstate which has the fairing, hard bags, and tour pack. Not cobra pipes. Looked like stock with different tips.
You only need the choke on for 15 to 30 seconds if it is below 75. Otherwise you don't need it. This bike is the regular, not a tourer. It has Leatherlyke bags, after market.
AWESOME BIKE!!! friend of mine let me ride his and I had the biggest grin ever!!! rode Harleys for 40 years and this blows em away!!! Just second best to my Moto Guzzi 1400 California touring. LOL
I want one! I have a Honda vf1100c2 ace in Pearl Ivory Cream and Black with Red pin striping with the same exact paint scheme as that one. Someone before me spent a fortune on very tasteful accessories such as driving lights with visors, studded seats, saddle bags, back rest, chin bag, tank bib, front and rear floor boards, roll bars with in board highway pegs, analogue clock and temperature gauges on the factory bars which are so wide and comfortable. I've had it 2 years and put 15,000 kms on it, amoung other things circumnavigating Nova Scotia. It has 80,000 kms on it and still runs like a top. I call her Pearl in reference to the paint, it is so nimble and has lots of torque, only a little less than my old V65, which I wish I had back again! Clutch has started slipping of late so I'm putting a Barnett clutch kit in this winter and can not wait to hit the road next spring, I'll never sell it ( I shouldn't have sold my V65 ( the flying V) or my 72 CB350, or my 71 Barracuda) so, lesson learned, this one's mine forever but a Valkyrie in the same paint scheme is definitely on the radar. Thanks for the demo. Good luck on your new endeavors Sean. God bless from Nova Scotia
this is more like my e39 bmw 520 , its silent when cruising but if you revv it it has a sound which reminds of this bike just not very loud cause the interior is quite sound insulated and the exhaust isnt loud
The only downside of these bikes is that if you are in a hurry, you will be late for whatever it is, but only because everywhere you go you have people coming up to you and admiring it and asking questions. A cruise to the store for me almost always ends up in an impromptu bike show, lol!
I wish Shawn knew more about the Valkyrie, but we still love him.
First off, the model ranges are Standard, Tourer, and Interstate. The bike being ridden is a Standard. Next, it's a nickel that is balanced on the cylinder head when the bike is off, then the bike is started and the nickle stays standing. A smooth running Valkyrie can be rev'd to red-line without the nickle falling over.
The VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club) keeps a list of High Mileage bikes. We have a member that has 653,000 miles on his Valkyrie (July 2019), and she's still going strong. I have a 2001 that I have tricked out, and is my daily rider. I inherited the bike from my Dad and have proclaimed it is the last bike I'll ever own.
Thank you for promoting these great bikes.
Josh Chambers
Shawn does Know more now, than he Knew before he read your comment.
Tom Skaggs haha right!
Watch out everyone....the spelling police is in the house.
@Joe Bloggs "infinite". Your wisdom is profound.
@Joe Bloggs Ironically, your comment is ridden with grammatical errors.
I had 2 Valks- If you really want to make it sound amazing- Cut the cans off right behind the front exhaust hanger, and slide 4” truck stacks on the pipe and self tap to mount the pipe to the rear exhaust hanger. I didn’t even have to rejet the carbs. AMAZING BIKES-
only costs a small contribution to the local city budget everytime u ride 👮♂️ ( atleast in most of europe )
Had the identical bike for about 7-8 years and loved it. They never break and can run 300-400K miles easily. Really needs cruise to tour, and a better seat.
Dude said it had a flat 6 and I was like “no way it sounds like a porsche” and then he started it and I was like “holy crap it sounds like a Porsche”
it sounds so smooothhhhhhhhhhhhh
Porsche actually helped develop this engine with Honda.
It somewhat resembled an air cooled motor
@@moustachio334 That was the Harley V-rod Porsche helped with. This is just the Gold Wing motor.
Damn I need one NOW! I had NO IDEA they sounded so good 😮
All you armchair guys with the negative comments have obviously never ridden one of these magnificent beasts. I have a 2000 Tourer that brings a smile to my face every time I start it. The Valkyrie is a true symphony of all the sensations that make a motorcycle great, and the rider is the conductor. No machine before or since can hold a candle to it. Best Honda and probably the best sport touring motorcycle ever made. Smooth, powerful, stable as a tank, beautiful, reliable, comfortable, nimble on it's feet, and easy to maintain. What more can you ask of a bike? I will have mine for keeps.
remythemaltipoo - C’mon...sport tourer? Great bike, but it isn’t a sport tourer by ANY definition.
remythemaltipoo
But does it come in a SCRAMBLER configuration?
Eh. What more? It's a cruiser pretty much. I can ask less weight. Street triple r. Duke.
couldnt agree more... mine is absolutely brilliant... ride one!... then comment 😁
One thing we could ask for - PARTS AVAILABILITY FOREVER !!!
I searched “Gold Wing 1500”, and this video came up.
But look at the title, there’s no 1500 in the title.
Well done, RUclips ! And thanks to Srkcycles for firing up this cool sixshooter.
You are correct on this bike, I’m a retired Harley-Davidson mechanic and I ride one of these coast to coast every year, so powerful,reliable and comfortable, I only paid $2000 for an interstate the full dressed model, I like to have things that not too many people have just like to be different and this is different great ride most people won’t understand until they ride one.
$2K for an Interstate is an astonishing bargain, that's impressive! I have an IS as well, '01. The machine is unreal. I can't get over how impressive it is, AND, it's probably the most "American" motorcycle in the past 50 years. Designed, manufactured and assembled in Marysville Ohio. ALL original Valkyries come from the same place. I get a lot of Harley guys say "Yeah but it's still Jap Scrap" and then I see their faces wrinkle when I tell them the Valkyrie is more US than their Harley.
@@tjclarke4604 You're fullashit! More American than a Harley
@@MrDynafxdc But it is. Sorry to hurt your feelings.
I bought one 3 years ago and I absolutely love it.
Maybe the smoothest bike ever, best handling big cruiser and plenty of power.
It surprised me that it handles better than my 750 Shadow bobber that weighs about 200lbs less.
I don't think I could live without it now.
Not a Cobra exhaust. Stock exhaust with the Hondaline Triple Tips. Goldwing-based engine but not the same. Hotter cams.
I have a Cobra 6 into 6. Makes that sound like a Nancy bike.
And 6 carbs!
I thought I was being pranked when you first started her up...
Same
That's not a 6 into 6 Cobra. Have it on mine. He's wrong.
@@deadmanwalking173 I have 3 exhaust pipes on each side of mine, no baffles.
Take the baffles out sounds lot better
@@balmeros272 yeah his weights and stuff also seem off
I've had my standard Valkyrie for 16 years and will never get rid of it,just passed 100,000 last year. Apart from regular servicing and the usual consumables,the only thing I've had to replace were the timing belts and that was just for piece of mind. I also have the 6 into 6 pipes but didn't bother rejetting as I love how it pops and sounds when you open it up😎. I'm lucky enough to own 3 other bikes ( 1150GS,R1200CLC,Goldwing 1500) but the Valk is definitely my fave. Love the channel and the reviews,keep up the good work👍. Lots of respect from Scotland.
Your comment reminded me...when I was looking for my first bike, the local shop had a Valkyrie and I was just in amazement - was like, who the hell rides a bike THAT big? Two years later, I bought one. They are enchanting machines...some might even call them dragons.
Yeah. No. I don’t think anyone ever has or ever would call it a dragon lol.
Yes I was always fascinated with Valkyrie “cruiser.” I’m surprised they didn’t sell a lot more of them. Beautiful bikes.
they are like a mothership 👍
@@loweredyote8416 there are actually several people that call them dragon
That is NOT the tourer. It is the basic Valkyrie with crappy aftermarket bags. The Tourer has great quality hard bags. The Interstate has the hard bags and fairing.
he said that at 48sec
And an 8 gallon tank on the Interstate, with dual headlights.
I have a 2000 Valkylrie Interstate with only 36K miles and everything you said is dead on. Sounds like a Ferrari, nimble has hell and unreal pull! Picked it up for $5K with a tour pack and an unreal radio that I Bluetooth my playlists on! It Has lockable helmet hangers, locking seat, intercom cable, fog lights!
A Beast!
When i first saw those Valkyrie’s I fell in love with them and I will own one at some point..I like the older models like that one of course..the new ones are cool but look a bit too gold wing space age
I appreciate you making this video. I just bought one today, 1998 with 22,000 miles on it!
Watching this in January, in Illinois so I can vicariously remember my '98 Valk languishing in the garage as she dreams of early spring sunny days tearing up the asphalt.
I love you Valk.
Freeport
Indiana here
In the late 90’s I was at a biker bar in Lake Lure, NC. I and my now wife were on my 1100 ACE and a guy and I started talking bikes. He was on on a Valkyrie. He had rebuilt it after the original owner had been killed on it. He tossed me the key and said to take it for a spin. If you have ever been on the road around Lake Lure, you know how tight and curvy it is. This huge bike was amazing. It handled incredibly. The acceleration was addictive! I have never forgotten that experience!
I'm right there with you; I've had 3 Valkyrie's... a dark green/cream '97 Tourer (that I bought new off the showroom floor and have regretted selling for 20 years); a '98 Standard (like you're riding here, that a previous owner had added Leatherlyke saddlebags and an aftermarket windshield); and my current '98 Tourer that I am holding on to and will be able to put collector plates on in 2 years. Nothing like a Valkyrie.
wow u are so right. its gonna be a classic mc in a few years. i need one in my life 😻
30 years here in denmark for the black plates 😻
I wish I could strut in to work and say, "Cue the intro". I mean I suppose I could, but it would merely be met with confusion or laughter.
The man has a good job, doesn't he? I wish I could ride bikes around for a living haha
@@ChrisF116 Sean's living the dream.
Yeah Sean is living the dream, God bless him. Unfortunately he has to work with Caleb and Harrison, so it isn't all rainbows and unicorns.
@@ChrisF116 not only do I wish I could ride as many bikes at Shawn. I wish I could buy as many bikes.
@@ChrisF116 Why can't you? All it takes is 20 hour days, long drives to look at bike after bike, find the best mechanics to fix the inventory, find good staff to keep you in business, and faith in the Lord that all will come out good in the end. :)
We who own them call that one standard, the others are Tourer and Interstate. We also LOVE our bikes. I can pass anything (except a gas station :) ). I try to use non-ethanol gas exclusively for local riding (and especially for winter storage).
I am an original owner of a ‘’97 Valkyrie with 106,000 miles. It has 101hp/103 ftlbs torque (later models were lower); carbs never touched and does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. Your bike is the basic model, not the tourer. The Tourers had windshield, lowers and hard saddlebags. The Valk is an easy bike to ride, extremely comfortable, handles well with low center of gravity and is a blast to ride. Gas mileage is not great, but can run 130 miles before reserve: 30 mpg.
Over the weekend bought a 98 touring same paint scheme matching bags 21000 miles. Rode it home 700 miles. Loved it!!!!
I’ve owned my Interstate for over 20 years. Currently in shop for carb rebuild and new fuel lines. Best bike I’ve ever owned, and an absolute blast to power through the Dragons Tail. I’ve taken it across the country twice, such a great road trip bike.
What ya have there son is a Valkyrie 1500C. "C" for cruiser. This is not the tourer which has hard bags and windshield. You got aftermarket soft bags and an aftermarket windshield. There is no "roadster". There is an interstate model with a batwing windshield. Mine is a '98 1500C w 18K miles. Love it! Smoooooooth as silk!
The sound of this bike reminds me a lot of an air-cooled 911. Love it.
Yeah, boxer engines are quite unique
So, I bought a '98 standard with a terribly funky windshield and the same bags as seen on this bike. Actually, the windshield was fine. The homemade brackets were funky. I don't like windshields on my bikes, so no problem. Off they came. The bags are absolutely excellent. Leatherlyke brand with bottom braces. They have incredible weight capacity with the brackets underneath. One Valkyrie is great. Two is better. Three and four are pretty good. Keeping them running requires some doing, thanks to the fuel pollution added at the behest of government. The two sets of three carburetors have fuel bridges that often leak, and MUST be repaired. See one burned up Valkyrie and you will know how critical it is. Since I sold one of the four to my friend from my childhood, we have taken several rides with our bikes both equipped with Cobra 6÷6 exhaust. When we rev them out on the freeway, they sound like a furious Ferrari. Also, the first thing I did in adjusting the bike to fit me, I rolled the handlebars forward a few degrees. Enormous improvement. Another thought. I have added loud horns from AutoZone, or any similar source. I power them through a relay to keep from pulling too much amperage through the original horn's wiring. Each of my three Valkyries has a different configuration and a different "personality". My favorite is a stripped down solo seater in gloss black, satin black, and chrome. Definitely needs the wheels polished to high gloss, someday. Gotta fix the transmission output shaft first.
I think I'm going to have to get a portion 911 with a blown motor and put a valkyrie motor in it
Don't you mean a water cooled Porsche?
I've had 2 and loved them both. I feel like it's a comfortable cruiser that can still give me a sporty thrill.
Talks about carbs..@ 6:37 realizes choke has been on whole time then takes it off lolol
Lol wow you have the eyes of an eagle to spot that! 😆😆
@@BikerBenny Can hear it the whole ride with that high idle haha
@@jetstream454 you hear him say "oh" for a millisecond.
Bahahahahaha..!!
This is the bike Thor would ride.
Squirrel!
I don't get it
Had a '97 Tourer for 12 years, (same color scheme). The Tourer had the hard bags and the plexiglass windscreen. Mine had an aftermarket full faring. I loved it and it was bulletproof. I'm in a GL1800 Wing now since I'm a little bit older now and the Wing is more comfortable for long trips. I also never had to rebuild the carbs, just replace some of the small hoses under the gas tank. They dry out because they are so small.
Have a 1997 Valkyrie, love it!!! Best bike I’ve owned
Spoo ... yes indeed I’m sure Thor has ridden many Valkyrie's. It’s such a great bike, have always loved them, and the engine just "shines". So ahead of its time.
I have 97 also. Green and cream with 30,000 miles.
I just bought a 97 tourer with 58k. Picked it up for $3k, I think thats a steal.
Ok after hearing that exhaust sound I'm on classifieds looking for one lol.
I bought my 1997 Valkyrie new. It now has 114,000 miles on it. There are some big differences in the engine on the Valkyrie vs the Gold Wing. The only thing they have in common is the block, heads and gear box. The Valkyrie has solid lifters that are adjustable, the cam is full raise, and with this, the red line is 6500rpm vs the GW's 5500. Of course there are a lot of other differences but I'm just mentioning the engine here.
I own one of these it’s my second bike I’ve owned and I hope it will be a constant in my collection for sure
My all time favorite big bike. Honda should have brought these back alongside the CB1100. I would love fuel injection instead of six carbs. I’ve only seen one of these in person and it sounds amazing. Porsche and Honda worked on this engine together.
I am an original owner of a ‘97 Valk with 101,000 miles. I have three other bikes, but love the Valk the most. It has 101 hp, 102 ft/lbs torque and will run 0-60 in 3.6”. I have truck stacks for exhaust pipes, heavy duty Progressive shocks and springs (for handling and ground clearance), a Native American motif paint job, aftermarket horn:) and Mustang seat. It is not nimble, but handles well for a bike it’s size. I have had it on the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway and Blue Ridge Parkway numerous times. Bike is comfortable, reliable, fast, turbine smooth and easy to ride. I have had it on all U.S. borders, hit an antelope doing 75 mph in Wyoming (replaced radiator and headlight), in a heavy rainstorm had to ride through ~two foot deep rushing water (bike sounded like a motorboat) with my unhappy wife on board; in snow, hail and never missed a beat.
Loved that you read a verse before heading for the ride❤️
That is a roadster with bags and a windshield. The tour has the hard bags like the interstate. I have 92000 miles on my interstate with no carb issues, and still outruns a 103 Harley. ‘99’ and up had different cams than a Goldwing. 100 hp stock.
I had three. The sound alone is worth it, even stock they sound amazing. Miss them all three.
Your personality changes while your riding, shows you really enjoy riding. You must enjoy riding so many different bikes, most people never get that experience.
"This bike has six carburetors. That is awesome."
If by "awesome" you mean "a dealbreaker", well, yes, it's awesome.
6 CV Keihn carbs are the easiest things to rebuild and tune.
Just hold the slide cover when taking that last screw out of it.
I know this is an older video but waaaay back in the day, Honda had a CBX1000 (6 cylinder). This motor must be a decedent of that because that too sounded like a Ferrari. A friend had one and it had a 6 into 1 exhaust...awesome.
The Goldwing actually came out before the CBX, but it was a 4 cylinder back then not a 6 cylinder. Also the CBX had an inline 6 instead of the boxer engines the GLs have.
John great video I personally Old Time Rider been through Harley-Davidson clamp Etc have a new 1800 Valkyrie wish I had had it in so many years ago what a hassle-free easy to work on motorcycle
Sweet ride, but Ferrari sound? I think that's the vapors talking.
The sound is more Porsche 911, which makes since given both the Valk and 911 have a 6 cylinder boxer.
ruclips.net/video/JKhY5m-bEmc/видео.html give that a try. Same bike, different exhaust.
The mic didn't do it justice. A buddy had one. Straight 6 exhaust. Sounded sick.
@@Rnemhrd yes indeed. Some videos do show how good they sound and others do.
it is a 1.5 litre . mine has 6 into 6 pipes that actually is comparable to a racing motor with a cam in it. not much difference in the sound.
I waited 20 years but got a 97 cruiser.
It was everything I expected.
I still ride it and even the Harley guys stop and look.
I'll be somewhere with a bunch of Harleys and every time I'll overhear somebody say," Did you see that Valkyrie out there?" 😃
Just hearing the sound of that motor made me smile. Thanks for this.
Me to bro
"you gonna put a v12 in a bike?"
* Alan Milyard has just joined the chat
Every bike you say ....” I love this bike !!!!” 🤣
He can't sell a bike if he calls it a POS.
I love every bike I ride to
I had the Interstate with the full fairing and hard bags, wish I still had it!
To say it’s smooth is an understatement!
Picked up a 1999 Valkyrie a few months ago low miles. Putting new tires fork seals and timing belts on her. They are great bikes... love mine.
ITS CAMMED UP WING....100 HP AT REAR WHEEL.....KNOWN FOR NICKEL TRICK....STAND NICKEL ON EDGE AND START IT...WONT MOVE....SMOOOOOOTH!!
I have a 98 Valkyrie with Cobra 6 into 6 pipes. The audio in this video does not do the true sound of these bikes justice. They sound BAD ASS!! And they flat RIP!!
That little bag on the back can hold your Ron Popeil's pocket fisherman and a tiny tackle set.
Test rode the 2014 Valkyrie recently.. Smoothest bike I've ever ridden and easy to maneuver.
Dude your videos are addictive!! you have a way of connecting with the viewers!! keep up the good work!
I got a 1997 ho da valkyrie Gl1500c from my uncle. It is a nice and smooth ride.
What Shawn was talking about was putting a Nickel on its End 😳 on The Valve cover, not a Quarter, When this bike is Parked on perfectly level ground The Valve cover is perfectly level to set the Nickel on, Now the fun begins turn the bike on and watch the Nickel Never falls over, Not even when you "REV" the Engine. I did it in 1974 It was one of their selling points. It was a pretty awesome thing to witness back then. 👍
Bought my Interstate new in 1999 and it's still pristine. Fitted an optional tall windshield to the stock fairing. You can ride this thing in the wet all day within minimum rain gear and stay bone dry.
It's a very nice looking and sounding bike, and under normal acceleration it sounds kinda like a 90s Skyline with a sequential transmission (one of my dream car builds). 👍
Looks like someone tried to make a "Tourer" model out of the "Standard" model by adding aftermarket windshield and bags. Would have been much better looking and functional with the Honda OEM windshield. Champion makes a great set of hard bags (Patroit series) for the Valkyrie. Even though I purchased a 2019 Goldwing DTC Tourer one year ago, I still have my 2001 Valkyrie. The Valkyrie has been to all the lower 48 states and Alaska. Over 150K miles and still runs and looks like new and has never left me stranded. Try that with a Harley! Like so many others who have this great machine, I doubt I will ever part with it.
Honda has always been in a league of their own. My entire family are huge fans of what they make.
When I am watching your videos I always have this smile on my face. You remind me of why I got a leg over a saddle first time. The passion
it saunds like a sport bike .. blees U guys ..love B&B and SRK Chanels watching constantly for 4 days now ..awesome job on thouse videos ... louds of love from Poland
I just bought a 97 Valkerie, it has 108k on the odometer, 6 into 6 cobra exhaust, she's throaty and loud, but in a good way.
She's a rocket ship and is much faster than she looks. I've only got about 45 minutes of seat time thus far, and I'm loving it!!
It is the Standard model. The Touring model had factory hard bags (not the psuedo leather-covered hardbag bullshit) and factory windshield that typically is easily identified.
It is a roadster with aftermarket touring parts. Touring model has fiberglass color matching Honda lockable saddlebags. It has a factory backrest and a larger windshield than this bike has on it.
Thank you for using your phone for the words of wisdom. All those dropped Post-It notes were driving me mad.
I know you like big bikes, can you do a review on a Boss Hoss?
@daniel bean , I know. But I just wanted to see what it's like to ride one. 😅
Hes already done that
@@ReckOne559 , do you have a link?
@@jackreacher7029 I'm sure I can get it. I found it when I searched boss hoss on RUclips. It's one of the first ones that comes up.
I have a 97 tourer I had it painted illusion blue . Smoked many other bikes , especially Harley's. Not a problem.
I put in a 6 degree timing wheel and aftermarket cams and pull a 14ft alm bass boat with mine. No never on a boat ramp used a roller on trailer jack and 100 foot rope to pull it up the ramps. It will tow 1500 lbs like not even there. Top speed was 120 for the windshield would fold back at you. I have seen these at 160k miles. New timing belt ever 100k miles. Great bike I miss mine badly. Had no garage and a dog who ate seats. Sold on Ebay in one day. Keep your wheels on the ground. SSG.Bo.Retired.
Three cheeseburger is just enough. Great bike.😎🏍🇺🇸
I think the "3 cheeseburger" bag looks like a purse w/o the shoulder strap.
The 1500 Goldwing has hydraulic lifters. The 1500 Valkyrie has solid lifters for higher rpms. The 1500 Goldwing has 2 carbs whereas, the 1500 Valkyrie has 6 carbs. Put a 6 degree timing wheel on the Valkyrie and it turns into a beats that eat premium gas only... Gas mileage goes up with that 6 degree timing wheel. Easy to install too... Nice bikes, I will find me another one soon, but it will be the Tourer, not the roadster (large hard bags and nice windshield make it more comfortable going up Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 in CA to Washington...
Horse Apple dot com has some of the greatest sounding pipes for the Valkyrie.... Trombones is what he calls them. No carb rejetting required.
normally I associate touring and cruisers with that loud crackling exhaust, but like Sean said its like a F1/sports car it gives you a different form of pleasure from hearing it.
The CBX1050 sounds better though
I agree. But that's not to say the flat 6 doesn't sound great. It does! The CBX stirs my soul.
Sound does matter squat
Well yeah, but those are God's bikes. One can actually buy one of these and not feel bad about riding it.
I wish I knew what you guys are talking about. All I know is my nighthawk 650 a little brother which I love and can only imagine how these beasts ride. I'd like a Valkyrie for weekends and a gold wing for cross country.
I gotta agree. I heard one firing through a six into six last fall. I wet my pants.
You need to do a comparison with the old and the 14-15 Valkyrie
the old ones are faster,but the new have bettter top end. the 0-60 and the quarter still owned by the origanal valkyries
i like how you revved it up immediately after starting and then immediately shut it off. That's great for the rod bearings, the heads, the piston rings... so you're a Dealer huh?
This Valkyrie sounds perfect. What's the EXACT exhaust? Cobra 6-into-6 right, but does it have the baffles in? Are there different Cobra 6-into-6 exhausts?
Had the Tourer and Interstate models. Put cobra 6 into 6 slash cuts, and a 105 car tire on the rear. Best bikes I ever owned. Very low tech.
Own a 2000 Model Interstate, bought in '01. 68,000 miles, in 23 different states. Regular oil, tire, and coolant changes only. Non-Ethanol w/Stabil for winter storage. NOT a problem yet with my 6 carbs. Only problem will be my children's when I pass! It's great in the twistys!!!
I once stopped at a yard sale run by a retired Arkansas State Police Lieutenant, he was checking out my bike. When he asked how fast it was, I told him it started buffeting in the wind at 135 MPH! His reply was "Oh, your one of those guys we scoop up with a shovel!!!"
Just brought my second one! These bikes rock! V-twin cruisers eat it's dust, winter time stabilizer and never had a problem... once you have one of these you can't go back to a v-twin engine..
Old timer here. Never had a bike newer than 1982 model. All 3 of the shafty's I have owned (2 Yamaha 1100s and One Gold Wing) had a clunky gear change, especially 1st to 2nd. You just got used to it. It happens less if you get the engine to higher revs before you change. Not sure if today's shafty's are the same.
look at the VIN plate... if it has 1500C= Standard, 1500CD= Deluxe (chrome wheels), 1500CT= Tourer (colour matched bags, plain windscreen) 1500CJ= Interstate (colour matched bags, radiator pods & handlebar fairing).
Love my Valkyrie! It's fast, but smooth as butter.
It is a heavy bike though, so be careful not to lay it down!
I love your videos and gotta say I 've never ever seen you driving that fast before... That bike is AWESOME!!!!!
Still one of the best motorcycles ever made
No it is not. I owned one for 2 years. It was constantly in the shop. Maybe I had a bad bike. It happens. I know have a Breakout for 5 years. The Breakout is the best bike I have had. I know it is not the best bike ever made. But it is significantly better than the Goldwing I had. Gold wings have issues just like any other bike. Agreed it is assembled in the states and that will make better than non domestic assembled bikes. ( yes ALL. Gold wings are made in Ohio. ALL OF THEM!!!)
@@jonathanbachman2339 Except.....its not a Goldwing.
You had a bad one. Most unmolested Wings and Valks never see the shop for anything but routine maintenance.
@@jonathanbachman2339 you the first I ever heard of that had a problem with a Valk its diffinately not a common thing, neglect and or lack of maintenance will kill any machine but if that wasn't the problem what was the problem?
It kinda reminds me of how a Burgman sounds. Smooth and almost, electric.
Great video I personally have old 15 Honda Valkyrie unbelievable hassle-free low-maintenance Mega how high mileage hard act to follow
I love your honest and informative videos. Thanks also for your "words of wisdom". We can all benefit from them.
'
These are great bikes. Their only real downside is that Honda couldn't put the pegs forward like on a regular cruiser because the engine is in the way. So you sit fairly upright, like on a touring bike. It's not uncomfortable and actually gives you better control, but you don't have that laying down, cruiser look when you ride it.
Highway pegs go on the engine guard nicely. At least on mine they do.
It sounds good no questions asked but i think the Honda CBX 1000 (straight 6) 1.04L / 64 cu in sounds better. It also revs up to 9krpm and was built in 1978 - 1982.
New fav motorcycle channel!
All true Honda 6 is Awesome in Every Platform!
This video doesn’t do the Valkyrie justice , I swear if you got one it would be the best thing you’d ever buy . Amazing bikes
American made. The package levels are standard (which is this one) touring which has hard bags and the interstate which has the fairing, hard bags, and tour pack. Not cobra pipes. Looked like stock with different tips.
I had a 2000 Interstate. Super Awesome Machine! And by Awesome I mean 6 Carbs and Awesome !
You only need the choke on for 15 to 30 seconds if it is below 75. Otherwise you don't need it. This bike is the regular, not a tourer. It has Leatherlyke bags, after market.
AWESOME BIKE!!! friend of mine let me ride his and I had the biggest grin ever!!! rode Harleys for 40 years and this blows em away!!! Just second best to my Moto Guzzi 1400 California touring. LOL
I want one! I have a Honda vf1100c2 ace in Pearl Ivory Cream and Black with Red pin striping with the same exact paint scheme as that one. Someone before me spent a fortune on very tasteful accessories such as driving lights with visors, studded seats, saddle bags, back rest, chin bag, tank bib, front and rear floor boards, roll bars with in board highway pegs, analogue clock and temperature gauges on the factory bars which are so wide and comfortable. I've had it 2 years and put 15,000 kms on it, amoung other things circumnavigating Nova Scotia. It has 80,000 kms on it and still runs like a top. I call her Pearl in reference to the paint, it is so nimble and has lots of torque, only a little less than my old V65, which I wish I had back again! Clutch has started slipping of late so I'm putting a Barnett clutch kit in this winter and can not wait to hit the road next spring, I'll never sell it ( I shouldn't have sold my V65 ( the flying V) or my 72 CB350, or my 71 Barracuda) so, lesson learned, this one's mine forever but a Valkyrie in the same paint scheme is definitely on the radar.
Thanks for the demo.
Good luck on your new endeavors Sean.
God bless from Nova Scotia
this is more like my e39 bmw 520 , its silent when cruising but if you revv it it has a sound which reminds of this bike just not very loud cause the interior is quite sound insulated and the exhaust isnt loud