Honda Valkyrie Interstate reviews

I was 17 when I bought my first used bike (2001 Yamaha R-6). I was 19 when I bought my first new bike (2004 Yamaha R-1). Man that R-1 could move! I sold that bike after I turned 21 and thought about getting out of riding the sport bikes, but I knew that I would always have a need for that sport bike power. I stumbled on to a 1999 Honda Valkyrie. Wow, was I swept off my feet when I laid eyes on this beautiful, yet beastly dragon. I had to have it. I was 22 years old in my town riding with kids my age that would laugh at me when I pulled my bike into the group for a Friday night ride. But when I got to the front of the line and was waiting at the next stop light for them to catch up, they didn't laugh much after that. I'm glad I made the switch to the Valkyrie. I've had more guys tell me that if I ever want a good bike that I should never sell my Valkyrie. I listened to them and I plan to ride this bike for a very long time. Show less

I bought this bike new 2 years ago. I split lanes on the 405 the first day. It has heavy steering and requires very deliberate force on the handlebars to corner tightly at slow speeds but the amount this bike can be laid over in a smooth turn is amazing considering how low it is. Get it out on the freeway and this cruise missile keeps up with the crotch rockets to about 120mph where I tend to start to contemplate my mortality. Longest ride was to Big Sur with a couple Beemer guys. It is not hard to ride at high speed without a fairing. The stretch of the headlight creates a laminar flow of air that if you lean forward into it holds a full face helmet up nicely with no buffeting in the head or chest. It turns heads in Brentwood here in West LA and that's not easy with all the Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, etc. People ask me what it is all the time or just stand and stare at it. Always remember to stand up over big freeway bumps. The rear sport suspension can pound you. Show less

I purchased this bike without ever riding it or ever seeing one in person. I knew from the day my friend emailed a photo of it to me and said 'THIS bike is YOU' I had to have it. Once I took delivery of it and straddled this beast and fired it up, the grin did not come off my face for hours. My inaugural ride was over 500 miles from the dealership to my home and I could not have been happier. It performs even better than it looks. I have only owned it for 5 months now, and already have 10000 miles on it. The power from the HO six engine is super smooth and the torque is unbelievable, and the linked braking system is awesome. The only thing I wish Honda had done better is spec'd a more durable front tire for this beauty. I've had to replace the front after only 5800 miles and I am close to replacing the front again, while the rear tire still has lots of tread. That said, this is the most refined, elegant, and complete bike I have ever owned or ridden in my 40+ years of riding, bar none! Show less

I never knew that this bike even existed until my son told me to go and take a look at the 2004 Rune. After the test ride I said, "Let's make a deal.I had just seen the Harley Rocker C pictures on the web site and bike fever started to come over me. But I'm very glad I did not make that choice now. My 2004 Rune had only 4 miles on it when I bought it the month of September 2007 and I've only put 400 miles on it so far. But I can tell you I've found my friend for life. My wife likes a cool looking bike and I doubt I'll ever find one that looks better than this one. The ride is smooth, the look is great, and people strain their necks to get a look at it. Show less

Bought a used '99 Green & Silver Interstate in June '07 - only 3845 miles on it. Great ride either single or two-up. It'll handle twisties with ease and has plenty of power. The 1520 engine runs at slightly ;-) more than posted speeds with no strain, even when loaded down. Noisy tires when cornering (famous growl). Just made a 1,000 trip on it with the biggest grins on our faces. Always getting looks and comments - people think it's a new model. Compliments my '97 Magna for big-boy fun! Show less

Rode a friend's 97 Valkyrie Tourer and knew I had to have a Valk for myself. Purchased a 1999 Interstate with 45K miles and an N-Line trailer. This bike is so comfortable...there is absolutely no vibration, and the performance is outstanding...VERY FAST. If you don't want to buy one...don't ride one. Show less

This is the best bike ever produced. It performs, it handles, it cruises, it tours, it has style, and if you're a good rider you can hit the twisties and keep up with and even blow off a lot of the crotch rockets. It's absolutely solid and dependable and pretty easy to do routine maintenance on if you have a lift. It's too bad Honda stopped producing it. I test ride different bikes every chance I get and nothing is as smooth or comfortable to ride. The Triumph Rocket III is a powerhouse but it's also overkill. More power than you need on public roads (so does the Valkyrie for that matter) and it's not as pretty as the Valk but is very comfortable. I like the looks of the Kawasaki 2000 Vulcan but it's not as comfortable or smooth as the Valkyrie nor can you lean it as far in corners without dragging something. A Valkyrie is better than a Harley in every way. I like to ride and that's what a Valkyrie is for. I guess if I just wanted to ride from one bar to another or hang out at all the dealer parties a Harley would be fine, but bars and such aren't my lifestyle. The resale value of my Valkyrie may be terrible compared to Harley but who cares? I'll keep mine 'til I'm dead anyway. Show less

It's my second, I trashed the 1st one on a deer at 48,000 miles. I have 43,000 on this one. I also have a 1800 VTXc that I use to commute to work I prefer the Valk. I can afford any bike I want but there is nothing finer than a Valk. Power, looks, comfort, style and quality. I did 5500 miles this year in two weeks; Chicago to California and back via Phoenix, San Diego, LA and SF and back. The year before it was the northwest and this coming year it will be the northeast. Never a problem, flawless performance, absolutely dependable machine. Honda made a huge mistake not upgrading the Valkyrie as it was with an 1800 engine. I'm looking for a tourer to replace my VTX so I can have two Valks. Show less

Had two Valks now, a 97 Standard and now have a 99 Tourer. Most reliable comfortable bike I have ever owned. I can and do blow Triumph R3's away in the real twisties. Have ridden all the new 06 and 07 cruisers that they are putting out, including all the Honda twins, (Hear me Honda, if I wanted a twin, I would buy HD) and not one of them feels or goes as good as a Valk. Show less

Well it runs smooth, powerful, handles well and is quite comfortable and sometimes it takes a little muscle to move it around but man this thing just looks great. It could use a beefier deeper exhaust sound though. Why Honda only made this bike for one year is crazy. They should keep making this bike and offer it every year in limited production. Price is a bit steep on this one, but look what you get. A one of a kind and there is no mistaking this for any other bike. I have ridden Harleys all my life but when I saw this, I had to get one. Nice bike and I haven't had to wrench on it yet or take it in. Great bike but the price....OUCH. Show less