| Honda Valkyrie Interstate |
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| Honda Valkyrie Interstate |
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Valkyrie Interstate |
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Well, this is new. I don't know what to think but hey, this is interesting. I feel the Honda guys are really going after the Milwaukee guys with this one as from certain angles it looks very much like one of Milwaukee's tourers.
I was in the market for a Milwaukee machine (hey all my 'boomer" friends are riding them) when I discovered the Valkyrie. The Goldwing just didn't appeal to me, dont know why but most "boomers" my age that I hang out with feel the same. I'll bet Honda has done some focus groups with the "boomers" and found that the Wing did not appeal as a reward type toy, just didn't "fit" the image.
The Valk does (IMHO) "fit" the image, and more. Hey its not a Milwaukee Vibrator but it is bigger, twice as nasty and three times as reliable. The nasty part, the fact that it has almost twice the horsepower to the back wheel particularly appealed to me. I ride almost exclusively with Harley jockies and never have to make apologies for my choice in motorcycle. As a matter of fact I literally am careful not to obviously outperform the vibrators out on the road, hell some of these guys have thousands invested in their machines to increase performance and are proud of how fast they are and it would break their hearts for me to spank them with my bone stock Valkyrie...
The new Interstate makes sense. There are those who really want to tour and this bike fills the bill without messing up the image with a whole lot of plastic. I believe there will be other new models of the Valkyrie in the coming years. Possibly a more "nostalgic" model, or a model with quick release windshield and bags for both cruising and touring. I'd be willing to bet that the Valkyrie will be outselling the Goldwing within 2 to 3 years, (if it is not already doing that now???).
| This bike raises alot of questions for sure.
Questions like: 1. Will the GWRRA except owners of this machine as full members? Past Interstate riders have been allowed in(: I'm thinking they won't allow full membership cause it don't say Goldwing on it... 2. Will the VOA let in an obvious non-cruiser, touring machine like this? They've already said as much on their message board, excellent move on their part. |
I lifted the following description of the
Interstate off a Valkyrie Board
Posted by Topgun #58 on October 18, 1998 at 08:40:56:
Fairway Cycle Honda-625 NEW ROAD, SOMERS POINT, NEW JERSEY 08244
(609) 927-2071 ASK FOR KEN or EMAIL US.
This new model combines the traditional tourer's features
with an all new 50's retro look. The new model includes a fork mounted fairing-
Also---radiator side-covers route hot air away from rider, along with incorporate vents to
direct cool air to rider's legs. Like to listen to some tunes in your travels? The new
Valkyrie Interstate has an AM/FM stereo with 80 watts of output, intercom,
automatic volume control, ambiance setting and connectors for an optional CB radio and
rear speakers. The Valkyrie Interstate gets a full size trunk, wider seat than on
the standard Valkyrie, lower seat height and larger 6.7 gallon gas tank (that's almost a
half gallon bigger than the Gold Wing's!!) Special features also includes revised
spark timing and new carb settings for punchier midrange preformance along
with rubber rear mount to reduce vibration. Color scheme includes Metallic Gray/Black,
Black/Red and Classic Black. Need we say more?
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