Author Topic: Anyone rode a Valkyrie? (Read 2414 times)

Aaron J Williams · « **on:** February 25, 2008, 06:44:18 AM »

The local Yamaha dealer has a 99 Valkyrie trade in for sale for $6500 and I'm wondering if any of you have had one/ridden one before? I like the look of the bike but I wonder how heavy it is, how well it handles? In order to buy it I would have to sell off my K0, 350F, and possibly my V65 Magna. I really don't want to let go of them if the Valkyrie sucks to ride. What do you guys think?

333 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2008, 12:13:02 PM »

My experience is with the earlier, non-faired wings, but the basic design remains. Much lower center of gravity of any other bike you ever had. Feels lighter than a 350F when picking it off the sidestand, and should handle like one, too.

My suggestion; Sell the Magna, but keep the K0 and 350F. Find something else to sell or get a loan. I've been drooling over the Valkyrie since it came out.

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2008, 06:21:40 AM »

Thanks for the info!
You're probably right about the K0 & 350F, maybe the DT 250 and the Goldwing instead. I wish the roads were dry, I'd take the Valkyrie for a test spin but they won't let me.

heffay · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2008, 06:45:31 AM »

super amazing bike! very comfy, sounds great, power galore!... will chirp the tire going into just about any gear. i like the earlier (late 90's versions) the most. you wouldn't be disappointed... i promise.

S-Dog · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:19:52 PM »

My father just picked up and super clean 03 Valkyrie with 4k miles for $8000. What an unbelievable bike. Its HUGE, but feels way lighter than it is. Very low center of gravity and that monster engine looks the nuts. Plus it is SUPER smooth.

[youtube=425,350]-ltreXdBlC4[/youtube]

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2008, 02:27:16 PM »

That is unreal! I'm so revved up about this local Valkyrie that I pulled my V65 and DT250 in the shop to polish up for sale. I want to test drive !!!!!!!!

InaneCathode · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2008, 11:48:31 PM »

I know you can put a car tire on the rear and get 40k miles per rear tire.

heffay · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2008, 06:09:22 AM »

s-dog... was that yo dad's machine or just a vid you found on the net? just curious.

S-Dog · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2008, 10:49:42 AM »

Just a video on the net.

Putting a car tire on the back is called going to the darkside. Contrary to what you would first think, you can still drag pegs with no problems AND have a larger contact patch.

Treeguy · « **Reply #9 on:** March 02, 2008, 01:11:56 PM »

I had a professor in college who rode a Valkyrie regularly and in the end traded it on a different bike. His main complaint was the aerodynamics of the bike caused the exhaust fumes to circulate back to his nose. Other than that he liked the bike, but not the constant smell of exhaust at certain speeds. He was anal about maintanance and always kept his bike in pristine condition. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #10 on:** March 02, 2008, 02:37:49 PM »

I'll be taking a test drive before I buy so I'll see how smelly the exhaust is. Who knows, maybe your prof had aftermarket exhaust?

S-Dog · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2008, 10:56:11 AM »

I have never heard or read about the exhaust doing that.... perhaps an aftermarket set of bags? Try it. You should know right away after a test drive.

InaneCathode · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2008, 06:11:01 PM »

I've actually noticed that with a few bikes, if you turn around and smell the air the air pocket behind you is likely full of exhaust some how.

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2008, 08:06:55 PM »

From what the Valkyrie forum says they have a problem with exhaust manifold gasket leaks. The manifold bolts are only torqued to 7 ft lbs so you are supposed to check them when you do oil changes.

S-Dog · « **Reply #14 on:** March 05, 2008, 07:03:10 AM »

Oh yeah... And don't buy a Valk for the gas mileage. They get 30-35 on a GOOD day.

heffay · « **Reply #15 on:** March 05, 2008, 07:05:46 AM »

Quote from: S-Dog on March 05, 2008, 07:03:10 AM

Oh yeah... And don't buy a Valk for the gas mileage. They get 30-35 on a GOOD day.

my 260,000 mile trooper only gets 14.5mpg... i'd buy it for the mileage... and probably haul just about as much

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #16 on:** March 05, 2008, 08:24:52 AM »

My GL1100 gets the same mileage but isn't half as powerful and you can't put a car tire on it. If I put a trailer hitch and car tire on the Valk I can pull my motorcycle trailer behind it and go all over buying bikes. Last year I would drive my GL1100 around looking at the bikes and if I bought one, come back with my 93 F350 diesel (12 mpg) and pick it up. 30 mpg and half the trips doesn't sound too bad to me.

S-Dog · « **Reply #17 on:** March 07, 2008, 05:41:39 AM »

Took my father's bike out for a spin last night. That thing is RIDICULOUS ... What a bike. I want ....nay NEED one now.

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #18 on:** March 07, 2008, 07:30:37 AM »

Everyone on the Valk forums rave about them. I can't wait for it to thaw out here so I can test drive this one.

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Author Topic: Anyone rode a Valkyrie? (Read 2414 times)

InaneCathode

InaneCathode