Honda Valkyrie Interstate reviews

I bought my Valk in August '04 and was able to get a good two months of riding in before winterizing. The upcoming season will only be my fourth, and the Valk is my 3rd machine (following a 600cc Kawasaki Eliminator, then trading up to a BMW R1150R before moving up to the big Honda). I thought my Boxer Twin BMW engine was smooth, and it is. HOWEVER, it doesn't compare to the Flat Six. Admittedly, the Beemer is quicker, being over 220 pounds lighter, but when you get to 80-90 mph it starts to feel a little bit uneasy. Conversely, the Valk lives for high-speed cruising. 90 mph feels like 60 on a smaller bike. Another comparison: The BMW is better in slow-moving traffic and in the parking lot. The Valk can handle the slow traffic okay, but isn't its natural habitat. Once you get moving to at least 15 mph it feels just fine. The one thing I absolutely love is how authoritative this machine is on the road (seems to say "Here I come; get out of my way"). It's one of those bikes that people tend to gawk at--primarily because of that engine. It has a definite PRESENCE. Another cool thing is how a lot of diehard Harley owners admit that they admire the Valk, as opposed to other non-Harleys. I couldn't think of a more appropriate name for my bike than "Bruiser." There are bigger machines, but you won't catch me on a Boss Hoss anytime soon. Bruiser and I are compatible with each other and it should be a long relationship. Never say never, though. Should Honda bring back the 1520cc Valk with fuel injection, or better yet, a redesigned V-65 Magna, I may be tempted to make another switch. Show less

You have already heard everything you need to know about the Valkyrie from a technical point of view. Let me take it to the next level. You are riding through the hill country of central Texas or the mountain highways of Colorado. On a Harley, or Harley equivalent, you will be able to associate yourself with Mother Nature. At the same time you will always have a strong association with the motorcycle due to its predominant sound and pulsation. On a Valkyrie the trip takes on a different dimension. The Valkyrie has no sound and the only physical sensation is the slight twist of your right hand on the throttle and the subtle but forceful acceleration of a quiet engine with exceptional dynamic range. After about 20 miles of riding you can completely disassociate yourself from the Valkyrie and it will be just you and Mother Nature. You may have to keep reminding yourself that you have not died and gone to Heaven yet. You simply experience Heaven on Earth on the latest evolution in motorcycles. Show less

This is a awesome machine! All the comfort of a Wing with the muscle of a Valkyrie. My wife and I love taking trips on this bike. I'm not sure why Honda doesn't still make this bike! Show less

I have owned Valks since they came out in '97. My present Valk is the Interstate. I have over 150,000 miles on them with no warranty claims! It is simply the "last word" in high quality heavy cruisers! The only draw-back I have noticed is the fuel economy on the road at high speed. When cruising at high speed the Valks will drop drastically in mpg, as low as 25 mpg. However, in town, nursing the bike, I get over 40mpg! Show less

You have already heard everything you need to know about the Valkyrie from a technical point of view. Let me take it to the next level. You are riding through the hill country of central Texas or the mountain highways of Colorado. On a Harley, or Harley equivalent, you will be able to associate yourself with Mother Nature. At the same time you will always have a strong association with the motorcycle due to its predominant sound and pulsation. On a Valkyrie the trip takes on a different dimension. The Valkyrie has no sound and the only physical sensation is the slight twist of your right hand on the throttle and the subtle but forceful acceleration of a quiet engine with exceptional dynamic range. After about 20 miles of riding you can completely disassociate yourself from the Valkyrie and it will be just you and Mother Nature. You may have to keep reminding yourself that you have not died and gone to Heaven yet. You simply experience Heaven on Earth on the latest evolution in motorcycles. Show less

After riding Harleys, Moto X and 1100cc sport bikes, this is the last bike I'll buy. Good comfort, fantastic beast of a motor, sounds like a NASCAR and has the guys at the Harley shop drooling and scratching their heads. Predicatable Honda reliability, but I'm not sure if some of the cheesy plastic chrome parts are for weight savings or cost reduction. Best bike I've ever owned! Get one while you can. Show less

Had the Valkyrie for a week and a half now - what a bike! Smooth and quiet (especially compared to the VTwins I'm used to riding). Big, but doesn't feel like it. Handles great. Screams "customize me!", which I'm in the process of doing. A definite winner and keeper here! Show less

I bought my valk in May 03 after not riding for about 23 years. I have logged 4000 some miles on her without one problem and have clocked 140 miles an hour with no trouble. I rode from Missouri to West Virginia round trip last October through rain and sunshine and she purred like a kitten. I will never part with her. Show less

I have ridden since I was 13, I am 45 now. Bought a 1998 in 2000. It had 8000 miles on it. It now has 44000 miles. Starts every time, even after sitting two weeks, starts instantly. Will run 100 mph all day long with two up plus gear, not even a deep breath. Not one drop of fluid has leaked. Big head turner. I commute 80 miles a day on it. Many trips to Vegas, Tahoe, Sacramento, Reno, Death Valley. (did vegas to santa rosa in 8 hours) It's the only type of bike I will ever have from now on. Only thing I care about more is my kid, but just barely. (Just kidding) Show less

Traded in my beloved 1300 VTX Retro on this monster. It is everything I had read/seen it was and then some. The biggest surprise to me was how easily this cycle handles for a BIG bike. My best friend and Harley 1450 Softail rider says it best .."My bike sounds and rides like a tractor...the Rune like a Formula 1 race car." This cycle is my bike for life. I love EVERYTHING about it (including that it is scary powerful and fast) But wait....EXCEPT... no automatic turn signal shut off. Seems to me that with all the truly awesome design and engineering that has gone into this "one of a kind" cycle, an auto signal cancel would have been a given. Wind is an issue until I find something I like to shield me from it. Until then you will see me stopped beside the road happily picking the bugs from my smiley teeth. Show less