Question For Valkyrie Trike Owners

[dbruce56]

Still looking for our first trike. Have only looked at one as not many show up for sale in my area. Have recently started considering a Valkyrie as an alternative to a Gold Wing. I have found an Interstate fairly close to us. For those of you that own one (or have owned one), What are your experiences with them. Also, how does the passenger comfort compare between the two? Thanks for the help.

 

[JaysGone]

The GoldWing will make the better trike in my opinion.
Unless you get a trike built on the Valk Interstate model as you have already looked at. The GW is a better starter to use.
With the Valkyrie. No reverse for starters. A slightly stiffer front end.
Different gearing. The Valks more of a hot rod model then the GW. Mine sure was. A ton of getup and go. If you get an older kit with a straight axle. Ride adjustments a lot more difficult to change depending on kit used. Raked front is a must.
Not much more I can think of my Valk experience as a trike was very short lived.

 

[cavie]

Don't let no reverse deter you. Many folks on the board have them and don't use it. I have a buddy that doesn't use his. I don't have reverse and see no need for it.

 

[JaysGone]

As a diabetic my legs are so weak I almost depend on the reverse to be able to ride the trike.
Of course I try to park it in ways that I don't need to use it.
But parking at work and backing out of my garage daily its a must for me.
Basically the only real reason I chose a GoldWing trike was for the reverse.
So for me its paramount. The most important feature of the GoldWing is its reverse.
Having reverse made up for a lot of a GoldWings lack of creature comforts in what is supposed to be the marque of the Honda lineup of motorcycles.
It wasn't my 1st choice, but became so because it had reverse.
So we all have our reasons for what we ride.

 

[DPK]

I ride a '2000 Valkyrie Lehman Predator. I love it. Although it is a bit rough riding on city streets, it's an absolute pleasure on the road. With a 3 1/2 degree rake, it is very nimble and is great in the twisties with great power coming out of the corners. It's a whole different animal than a Goldwing - CSC type of trike. Pretty much a sports car compared to a sedan. My Valk is a standard but if buying another one, I'd look for an Interstate. Also, if fuel mileage is a major factor, the Valk will get +/- 5 mpg less that a GW. Another major consideration for me is the extensive support available through the very active Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club.I'd get another one without question if something happened to the one I have. BTW, I like their appearance. That engine looks too good to cover it with plastic.The absence of a reverse gear is no big problem - you just have to watch where you park. I've had both knees replaced so pushing it uphill is not an option for me so I just pay attention when parking. Not a problem.

 

[keepinon]

I can understand JaysGone need for the reverse gear, but I have never felt it lacking on my Valkyrie/MT. Flintstone reverse is easier if you don't have floorboards.

As DPK stated, tons of torque. I've installed a 6* rake on my standard and it still does well in the twisties. Fuel mileage is somewhat less than a GW... especially since I've rejetted the *6* carbs, added a trigger wheel....

Thinking of repainting the purple monster and adding a batwing and trunk. Just looking for something a little different after four years.

I'm not dissing the GW, I'd like to own one one day, but I do like my Valk.

 

[cavie]

No Tupperware is why I like my VTX. It looks like a motorcycle. I also prefer the cruiser feet forward ride. I feel that if I do need reverse I would just get in front and push it wherever I need to before getting on but haven't found the need here in Florida as yet. Parking lots are easy as they are all sloped for drainage and I park accordingly. It will roll backwards all by it's self with just a little nudge down hill. I look for pull thru parking spots and just park the wrong way.

 

[3W-lonerider]

I have a valk I/s trike with 180,000 miles on it. it's been a very exceptional trike.
as far as reverse. I have never found the need for it. mainly because the valk unlike a Goldwing doesn't have a fixed fairing so if you ever get into the situation where you can't get enough traction with your feet you can step in front of it grab the fairing and pust and steer it at the same time.
mine is a motortrike solid axle. this is the first trike iv'e ever owned so I cannot compare independent with solid as far as ride.
but I can tell you this. I took the airbags off that motortrike uses and installed larger airbags. went down one size in rear tire width and in my opinion it rides really smooth now compared to before.. before I had to have the air pressure set at 40 to 45 2- up. and 30 psi 1-up.
now I have the air pressure at 16 2-up and 13 1-up.
as far as rake I rode it for the first 2 years non raked. till it really started getting to my shoulders. I then installed a 4 and 1/2 degree rake. made a considerable difference. 2 years ago I went to a 6 degree rake. steers amazingly well now even when I'm being really aggressive in the turns.

 

[grumpy]

+ 1 to 3W-lonerider's comments.

 

[dbruce56]

Thanks for the replies. Lots of good info. No reverse is not a deterent for me. My biggest concern is the back seating comfort. Oh yeah, both the ones I'm considering are Interstates.

 

[JaysGone]

So what did we find?? Just curious here not being nosey.

 

[larryh0841]

I have two Valkyrie Interstate/Roadsmith trikes. Regarding rear passenger seating comfort I have moved the tour trunk to the rear on both of them to make my wife happy. She said she felt as though she was being pushed forward or sitting upright too much with the back rest in the stock location. I use Corbin seats on both trikes. No reverse is not an issue. I use Daryl's 8 degree rake kit on both trikes, having changed from the Roadsmith 6 degree. For me this works a lot better. I have never had a Goldwing so I can not compare them. I just prefer the looks of the Valkyrie.<br />
Larry

 

[dbruce56]

JaysGone,,,,got a lot of usefull info on the Valk trike here (maybe unintentionally started a reverse debate,,lol) and finally got a little info on passenger comfort, which is a big item for me with the wife's health issues. I like the hot-rod type look of the Valk, being a hot rod guy. Unfotunately, the one close by me was sold quicker than I could contact the owner. The other one is about 350 miles from me so looking at this one without funding in place is kind of out for now. Tho, I did offer a trade for my 47 Chevy truck, which he declined. Trying to be patient and not jump at just anything but, as it's warming up I'm getting a bit antsy to ride again.

 

[JaysGone]

I happen to agree. I too prefer the Valk to the GW in the 1500 years.
I had bought a non running Valk. Repaired it over 7 months.
Then ran into difficulties finding a builder in my area who could make a reverse for it.
So I rode it awhile before selling it.
Valks are fun bikes but at my age having a hot rod bike allowing me to do some stupid things.
Too much power and I made a bad decision or 2 while riding it because I could.

Good luck in whatever you do find.