NEW OWNER: THOUGHTS ABOUT THE VALK AND THE VRCC

Posted by Speedcop on Sun - Oct 22 - 8:03pm:

Hi folks! Please allow me to introduce myself as a new member of the VRCC. Member # 6410. I'm 57, live in Columbia, SC, and work as a deputy sheriff assigned to the traffic division. I bought a new Blue & Cream '98 Valk Standard 2 months ago and have 2700 miles on it already.

My first bike was a Triumph Trident in 1973. I sold it after about 2 years and didn't do any riding until 1983 when I bought a Gold Wing Aspencade. I didn't have a lot of time to ride like I wanted (who does?) so I sold it after about 1 1/2 years. Then I met my second wife who didn't like motorcycles so there was no bike for the last 15 years. About 3 months ago I got the fever really bad and we 'agreed' that I was going to have a bike and if she didn't want to ride then she would just stay home. But she tried it and likes it well enough that she goes when I go.

I went shopping at the local Honda dealer and bought myself a brand new 2000 Shadow Aero! beautiful bike! Thought I was hot stuff! Well, that just didn't work out! It was too little power and vibrated like a Harley! About 4 weeks later I was in the Honda shop with a friend who owns his second Valkyrie. He suggested I test ride one and I replied that I didn't need to do that since I had owned a Wing and it was the same thing. He jumped up and down and insisted that it was NOT the same thing! Ok. So I took a used one out for a ride and was so impressed that I decided to keep it over the weekend so the wife could ride with me. SOLD! I went back in when they opened on Tuesday and traded the Aero for the only Valk they had. It is, without a doubt, the greatest bike I have ever owned or ridden and I was really perturbed at my dealer for not talking to me about it before I bought the Aero.

I found the VRCC web site the weekend of my test drive and this place is one of the reasons that I decided to buy the Valk. I have been extremely impressed with the manners, knowledge, helpfulness, and camaraderie that I have seen here. This place is a wealth of information that has come in very handy in making all sorts of decisions. I was amazed from day one that everybody seemed to be having a love affair with their Valks! After buying mine, I now know why!

I wanted to thank all of you who hang out here. You are a valuable resource! If any of you ever need anything from my local area feel free to e-mail me at speedcop@mac.com.

Thank all of you for being here.

Ralph