[turboyoshi]

Don't have a Valk yet but in the market for one. Bought my first bike, a 2005 suzuki m50, Dec 2014 and started riding at the tender age of 47. Sold my truck a couple months later because my bike is all I want now. Been looking at m109s and vtxs because they can be had a bit cheaper but decided I'm gonna just hold out for what I really want. Looking forward to learning more about them.

 

[goldstar903]

You won't be sorry!

 

[stevergk]

Love mine in East Atlanta.

 

[Psycho steve]

Love mine too.

 

[turboyoshi]

Yeah I think it'll be good. I rode the X and the 9 and liked them, the X fit me better but the 9 is sexier and newer tech. I'm also having trouble justifying the price for an X since it's so old and Honda stopped making the 1800s 8 years ago.

 

[mrtappan]

It all just depends on what you want. I wouldn't personally suggest the VTX1800 series since they have been discontinued for some time. Aftermarket parts are beginning to get scarce and they are painfully heavy and unbalanced compared to the M109R or the Valkyrie.

My main complaint about the M109R was the high RPM redline. I personally don't want a V-twin that goes to 7000rpm. I like large displacement v-twins geared for more low end torque than high RPM horsepower. Other than that personal dislike of the engines RPM redline, the M109R isn't a bad choice if you like them. They still have a fairly large aftermarket support base and they a relatively reliable. Most of the ones that come into my shop have wiring problems but they aren't hard to track down and repair.

The Valkyrie..... such a double edged sword. It's the bike I waited for forever with the aftermarket support of my nightmares. Very, very few options for "improving" it. My suggestion is ride a stock Valkyrie and see if you like it because there aren't many options other than stock.

 

[turboyoshi]

Yeah the 9 would be my 2nd choice. It has power and sexiness but at 5'6", the Hondas fit me better off the shelf. I'd have to change out the bars or risers and probably the cables to make the 9 a comfortable ride. And, I prefer not to give my money to suzuki because they don't seem to actually treat their customers well.
My only gripe with the Valk is the shifter doesn't leave much room to get my boot under it, oh, and the stock colors are kinda boring.

 

[goldstar903]

Paint it!>

 

[Kyryll]

As a third option (since you already looked at vtx style) have you tried yamaha raider scl ?

 

[mrtappan]

The Raider is built on the 1600/1700/1900 4 valve pushrod v-twin. They are very reliable power plants that make good HP figures. I went 46 states on my 2006 Yamaha Roadliner 1900. I never had one problem out of it and it never needed any maintenance other than oil changes and tires.

My only complaint about the Raider is they use a stupid servo controlled baffle in the exhaust collector called the "EXUP" system. Kind of an extra piece you could live without. You still have a ton of aftermarket exhaust options, you simply leave it plugged in and tucked away when you swap pipes. The M109r has has a similar servo on its exhaust too.

The new Valkyrie isn't a bad bike overall. It's just painfully under-supported in the aftermarket community, which really does take a significant amount of joy out of owning one in my opinion.

 

[Kyryll]

yamaha has better paint quality comparing to valkyrie. that is my biggest complaint for the valk. swirls appear even if you just look in one spot for 2 minutes I personally like the stock Valk. to me adding those bags, windshields, etc just breaks the idea of that bike. the only upgrade is really needed is seat. I can't ride more than two hours on valk with stock sit after that it is torture vs pleasure: )

 

[goldstar903]

yamaha has better paint quality comparing to valkyrie. that is my biggest complaint for the valk. swirls appear even if you just look in one spot for 2 minutes

****, and I thought I just had good drugs! >

 

[GA VALK]

From Alpharetta, GA
I prefer to ride my Valkyrie over the motorcycles that I own. I have a blacked out black 2014 with aftermarket pipes that sounds like it should

 

[turboyoshi]

I'm not concerned much with aftermarket support. I like it mostly stock. If money were no issue, my current ideal is to have a driver's backrest, quickrelease windshield and bags, and a custom paint job. I hate bags on a bike so they'd be off most of the time, but can't do grocery shopping without something, and if no quickrelease options exist, then I'd just use a backpack.
I did look at the yamahas, they were ok but didn't wow me.

 

[mrtappan]

There's nothing really "quick release" about any of the OEM Valkyrie accessories. Quite the opposite. The saddle bag brackets are tedious and annoying to take on and off.The windshield is a (much disliked by me) handlebar mount style. Lots of vibration both visually and kinetically.

If you love stock though, you're barking up the right tree........

 

[turboyoshi]

Wheee, finally got my own. 2014 Valk in blue. demo model which I guess in sales lingo means scratch and dent. Couple minor dings in the gas tank, they say from a bike falling onto it. No other damage I could see. I figure I overpaid since it was a dealer but I have my very own Valk and I own it free and clear. I could have waited for a better deal but a bird in the hand...right?
Just rode it back from Melbourne, Fl so a bit tired right now. pics later.

 

[Sleepngbear]

Wheee, finally got my own. 2014 Valk in blue. demo model which I guess in sales lingo means scratch and dent. Couple minor dings in the gas tank, they say from a bike falling onto it. No other damage I could see. I figure I overpaid since it was a dealer but I have my very own Valk and I own it free and clear. I could have waited for a better deal but a bird in the hand...right?
Just rode it back from Melbourne, Fl so a bit tired right now. pics later.

Finally, some signs of life in here!

Congrats! What's a ding or two here or there anyway. Hope they gave you a handsome discount, though.

I've got a '14 on the way in dark red, hopefully in a couple of weeks. Can not wait.

 

[turboyoshi]

Finally, some signs of life in here!

Congrats! What's a ding or two here or there anyway. Hope they gave you a handsome discount, though.

I've got a '14 on the way in dark red, hopefully in a couple of weeks. Can not wait.

Haha well like I said, I don't think it was a great deal, but I wanted it and could afford it. Would have liked a red, but this was the only Valk they had left.
You will looooove it. It's definitely not a bike for a newbie but still, so much power and good handling. Passing on the hwy is so easy, I'm afraid it doesn't take a psychic to see a speeding ticket in my future.

 

[Sleepngbear]

Haha well like I said, I don't think it was a great deal, but I wanted it and could afford it. Would have liked a red, but this was the only Valk they had left.
You will looooove it. It's definitely not a bike for a newbie but still, so much power and good handling. Passing on the hwy is so easy, I'm afraid it doesn't take a psychic to see a speeding ticket in my future.

I've been riding for about 30 years. I'm 58 now, and I know that's noob years for some guys.

I've had mostly heavier cruisers, including the big bad VTX1800 that had been my favorite before the CTX1300, which I just totaled, so I'll be taking it easier on the throttle, at least for awhile. But I'm used to torquey land-yachts, and I can't wait to get this beast home and out on the road.

 

[headpeon]

I've had mine now for a little over a month and enjoy it more every ride but as others have stated, HAD to replace the seat! Now if we just had a fix for the inadequate handlebars I'd really be happy.

Bags would be nice but would definitely take away from the looks of this bike but by counting the number of times I've saw this bike on the road (none), I doubt we will see any after market goodies anytime soon.

My dealer still had both he ordered 2 years ago when they came out. If people only knew what they were missing!