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5 Posts
A year ago, I test rode a new (read: unsold on the showroom floor) 2014 Valk. It was the 60th bike I've ridden. I already had a Wing, so I wasn't expecting any difference, other than having some air to breath. Instead, I was amazed at the low-speed steering, the thrust, the superior braking, and the exhaust note that perfectly balanced out the front engine whine. I bought it the next day! It has been almost a year now, and 6000 miles (My other bikes get some seat time too).
My reason for buying it is the smooth, roll-on power. It's addicting, and has made it my favorite ride to date. However, no bike is perfect.
The Valk has better front handling than a wing or F6B, and it sounds better. Compared to a Harley, it is practically maintenace free (1 oil to change). HOWEVER, you get NO creature comforts with the Valk. It was made to be a muscle bike. Honda charges stupid-crazy prices for cheaply designed accessories that often can't be troubled to ship with instructions!! The tall windshield stands straight up (not in the angle of the forks!!) and has no adjustment. The luggage rack is too narrow to support luggage. I added some painted plywood to it and a tail bag that covers it. I would LOVE to have the Corbin Fleetliner hardbags, but at $1000 each?!? No thank you! I love the way the Valk looks without the carrier and tail bag, but I need somewhere to put my gloves? I might costomize some Streetglide Windshield pockets.
The built-in helmet lock requires the cable loop (the one in the bike safe that you have to rip off a side cover to get to, while the rubber bushings go flying about the shadows of the garage).
My dealer wanted over $800 to order and install the oem floods (used Socal floods, did it myself for $300).
The seat is quite comfortable for me, but the pillion was a waste of material. Along comes the only available after-market seat: Corbin. For $670, My wife is "ok" with the ride, but the front was made for Kim K's toilet. The front space is huge and slippery, and has less padding than the OEM, so bubble-gum wads on the road should be avoided at all costs. My rear doesn't hurt after long rides, but my spine does from all the jarring. I put the OEM seat back on between weekends.
If Honda really gave a darn, they would re-release a cruiser valk again. Then again, if they really cared, there would be a lighter, 4-cylinder Goldwing with an improved front suspension and steering head.
I REALLY don't want to join the Harley occult again, but Harley has woken up and is dialing in their designs for comfort while Honda still sleeps. The Yamaha Venture is an option though. I've ridden it, and it is VERY nice! Watch that low rev limiter though. You won't be doing 0-to-60 on the new Venture in second gear.
My reason for buying it is the smooth, roll-on power. It's addicting, and has made it my favorite ride to date. However, no bike is perfect.
The Valk has better front handling than a wing or F6B, and it sounds better. Compared to a Harley, it is practically maintenace free (1 oil to change). HOWEVER, you get NO creature comforts with the Valk. It was made to be a muscle bike. Honda charges stupid-crazy prices for cheaply designed accessories that often can't be troubled to ship with instructions!! The tall windshield stands straight up (not in the angle of the forks!!) and has no adjustment. The luggage rack is too narrow to support luggage. I added some painted plywood to it and a tail bag that covers it. I would LOVE to have the Corbin Fleetliner hardbags, but at $1000 each?!? No thank you! I love the way the Valk looks without the carrier and tail bag, but I need somewhere to put my gloves? I might costomize some Streetglide Windshield pockets.
The built-in helmet lock requires the cable loop (the one in the bike safe that you have to rip off a side cover to get to, while the rubber bushings go flying about the shadows of the garage).
My dealer wanted over $800 to order and install the oem floods (used Socal floods, did it myself for $300).
The seat is quite comfortable for me, but the pillion was a waste of material. Along comes the only available after-market seat: Corbin. For $670, My wife is "ok" with the ride, but the front was made for Kim K's toilet. The front space is huge and slippery, and has less padding than the OEM, so bubble-gum wads on the road should be avoided at all costs. My rear doesn't hurt after long rides, but my spine does from all the jarring. I put the OEM seat back on between weekends.
If Honda really gave a darn, they would re-release a cruiser valk again. Then again, if they really cared, there would be a lighter, 4-cylinder Goldwing with an improved front suspension and steering head.
I REALLY don't want to join the Harley occult again, but Harley has woken up and is dialing in their designs for comfort while Honda still sleeps. The Yamaha Venture is an option though. I've ridden it, and it is VERY nice! Watch that low rev limiter though. You won't be doing 0-to-60 on the new Venture in second gear.
