Honda shelved the Valk because it was never a big seller. They're beautiful bikes, lots of power, comfortable and good handling. Unfortunately, that horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine just didn't fit the cruiser look. Besides, they got horrible gas mileage. My friend had a Valk Tourer, fitted out like the Vulcan LT, and it got 27 mph. On a good day, it could get 30 mpg. His had the Cobra 6-Pak mufflers on it, but they only made it obnoxiously loud. Sounded good at an idle, though. Otherwise, they were earsplitting! The Valkyrie Interstate with the hard bags and fairing was good looking, but also got horrible gas mileage and was very top heavy. Today, the Valkyrie has a sort of cult following, but it will never get off the shelf again.
I also rode the same friend's VTX1800. What impressed me about it was the power--GOBS of it. But it is a big, heavy motorcycle and it always reminded you that it is big and heavy. It handles OK, but it's slow-handling and tends to be ponderous. Tire pressure is critical to good (decent, anyway) handling on the 1800. While I enjoyed riding his bike, I was glad at the end of the ride to be off of it. It really made me work. I was on the edge of buying one, so I was glad to have this "demo" ride of about 80 miles, because after that I forgot about the VTX. The VTX1300, OTOH, is a fun bike to ride. Just doesn't have the power of the 1800.
If I were to go back or my circumstances otherwise changed and I were to be getting back into riding and wanted a bike again, I would have to look seriously at the 1700 Nomad or the Victory Crossroads or Cross Country. I like the HD Road King, but I can't afford price of admission. I could get into a Victory for about $17K and a Nomad for around $16K. A Road King would demand around $22K. At least up here it would. I love speaking hypothetically because it doesn't cost me anything.
Being a recent ex valkyrie rider,let me say we do have a diehard valkyrie enthusiasts' forum both state and national.My bike got 29 mpg.Valkyries are very fast,very easy to get a ticket on,and very smooth.they can be leaned pretty far over too.If only they were a 100 pounds lighter.The new f6b is a poor imitation of a vakyrie,but it will sell to someone.
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Back on a Vulcan.Coolest cruiser ever in my opinion.
Have you all noticed that the manufacturers seem to be gradually moving away from the classic motorcycle design and replacing that "naked" look where you can see everything with most of the stuff being covered with plastic? I guess this is the "new age" of motorcycle design.
Having come from 20 years of riding Gold Wing, 2 1 500's and 2 1800's, I'm pretty used to the tupperware look, though. I don't mind the look of the F6B and I could happily own one, as it's attributes far outweigh any perceived design negatives. Once you climb on one of those things and twist the throttle, you become instantly addicted to the smoooooth power and the huge quantity of it. That 1832CC flat six engine just delivers and delivers without a hiccup. Unfortunately, for the more "hardcore" group in the cruiser segment of motorcycling, it's a very silky smooth bike and it's quiet. Doesn't have quite the "character" of a V-twin.
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"Don't sweat the small stuff---it's all small stuff"
Have you all noticed that the manufacturers seem to be gradually moving away from the classic motorcycle design and replacing that "naked" look where you can see everything with most of the stuff being covered with plastic? I guess this is the "new age" of motorcycle design.
Having come from 20 years of riding Gold Wing, 2 1 500's and 2 1800's, I'm pretty used to the tupperware look, though. I don't mind the look of the F6B and I could happily own one, as it's attributes far outweigh any perceived design negatives. Once you climb on one of those things and twist the throttle, you become instantly addicted to the smoooooth power and the huge quantity of it. That 1832CC flat six engine just delivers and delivers without a hiccup. Unfortunately, for the more "hardcore" group in the cruiser segment of motorcycling, it's a very silky smooth bike and it's quiet. Doesn't have quite the "character" of a V-twin.
My valkyrie sure didnt fit the cruiser mold although we cdalled ourselves valkyrie cruiser riders.Most cruisers dont have 6 cylinders,6 carburetors, and do 120 in 3rd gear.I pretty much love all motorcycles.My vulcan fits me,makes me happy,i wont get a ticket for going 100 in a 65.90 maybe.
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Back on a Vulcan.Coolest cruiser ever in my opinion.
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