CBR1100XX owner considering a Valk

Currently have a CBR1100XX.  Haven't owned it long...2 months 2k miles.  I love the bike's performance obviously....it's deadly fast and handles great.....but I find the riding position and stretch to the bars really makes my neck and shoulders ache after only 1 hour of riding.    If I get stuck in traffic it takes even less time to kick in.  Used to own a Magna and while the XX outperforms it in every way, the Mag's ergo's were better for me.  Then again, maybe it just takes more time to get used to the XX's riding position and I'm jumping the gun.  But frustrated right now b/c I want to go wherever, whenever in comfort.  But I'm still considering trading in the XX on a Valk or VTX1800c but leaning more towards the Valk.  I like the Goldwings too but the styling just isn't me.

Anyway, dealer near me has a used '03 Valk with 1050 miles for 10,500.  Has no screen, bags...etc but appears to be in tip top shape.  Previous traded it in on a Rune.  I'm going to test ride it this weekend most likely.  Dealer said he'd give me $8k for my XX.....I owe $9K so not the worst hit in the world.  

Got some questions for Valk owners:

1-Heat-I've heard in the summer, the engine puts out so much eat that it can be really uncomforable in the hot months

2-Handling....the Valk would be my every day bike and see a lot of highway miles.  My Magna while nice felt pretty light on the highway and got blown around a bit.  I know the Valk would be better on the highway but is it bulky for short trips or on the twisties?

3-Comfort-I hear lots of people say that upright riding postions cause lower back pain over long hauls. Is there truth to this?

4-No fuel injection-Is the Valk easy to start in the cold?  Gotta say FI is nice having right now.

5-Anyone ever ridden a VTX1800....does it compare to the Valk? Impressions?

Of course, some of my questions will be answered after I test drive one but appreciate any feedback from owners.

Thanks!

[Valker]

You mentioned the money-several dealers are selling new 2003s for less than $9500. You might search around if this is important to you.
Got some questions for Valk owners:***my answers***

1-Heat-I've heard in the summer, the engine puts out so much eat that it can be really uncomforable in the hot months***I have not found it to be too bad. My BMWs were hotter on my feet while moving. There is some heat coming off the radiator, but it never bothered me unless I was stuck in traffic, and then my aircooled bikes were as bad. I have 62,000 miles on mine over the last 5 years.***

2-Handling....the Valk would be my every day bike and see a lot of highway miles. My Magna while nice felt pretty light on the highway and got blown around a bit. I know the Valk would be better on the highway but is it bulky for short trips or on the twisties?*** The answer to this one depends on how skilled a rider you are. I do not find it too bulky for around town. I like the low speed handling of the Valk. The twisties are a blast on the Valk. It is one of the most stable, best handling large bikes I've ridden.***

3-Comfort-I hear lots of people say that upright riding postions cause lower back pain over long hauls. Is there truth to this?***The upright position is the most comfortable to me as long as I have some back support-I have a big belly! I prefer a backrest, but mine doesn't have one so I use a back belt. I have ridden many 600-800 mile days on mine without a problem.***

4-No fuel injection-Is the Valk easy to start in the cold? Gotta say FI is nice having right now.***My Valk starts in about a second no matter what the outside temps. I ride it right away, even when cold. The choke is the key. Many folks don't understand the proper method of using the choke.***

5-Anyone ever ridden a VTX1800....does it compare to the Valk? Impressions?***VTX is about the same power wise, but it feels slower (it isn't) because of the lower RPMs. It is not as stable at speed, nor is it as comfortable IMHO. It feels a LOT smaller than the Valkyrie.***

I hope this helps some.

Thanks, Valker.  Appreciate the info.  Nice avatar too.

I'm surprised to hear the VTX feels a lot smaller than the Valk.  I've heard the VTX feels like a pig especially in the twisties.

$9500 for a new Valk?  $3500 off MSRP?  Where is that going on?
I'm kinda hampered b/c I have a trade.  I could wait, park my 1100xx and try to sell it privately but then I'd be bikeless for awhile......not an option.  Well we'll see how the test ride goes this weekend.

Are there any shields for the Valk that look good and aren't humongous?  I tend to like the smaller summer type shields.  Well really I like the look of no shield at all but that can be brutal on the highway.

[Valker]

I actually prefer the one I use on BigBikeRiders.com better, but I had to have help making it fit on a board
When I said the VTX was smaller, I meant physically-I have short legs (28") and long (38") arms. I am nearly 3' wide at the shoulders, and a local seat recoverer said the seat that fits my butt could be used for a Helipad. As far as handling-the VTX IS a pig compared to the Valk.
I understand about the trade in part. My philosophy about what I pay for a bike is, "If I'm happy with the deal-I buy it and never worry again what someone else paid".
Most all of the aftermarket windshield makers have one for the Valk. I like my barn door one, but a fly screen would sure look good. I think it would look best with a sleeping bag above the headlight, bungeed in place and no shield....but I am a little odd!:eek:

My Vaulk is the most comfortable bike I've ever owned.  I use the beaded seat cover available from Whitehorse and Baker Wings to make it even more comfortable and mitigate the heat issue in the summer.  The Wings make winter riding much better too.  If you buy the Vaulk, you'll never look back.

".....but I find the riding position and stretch to the bars really makes my neck and shoulders ache"

I had a `92 Ninja that was the same way, a pain starting in your neck that ends at the shoulder after only a few miles, even worse at slower speeds (weight on your arms syndrome). I'm 6'1" and that bike had me bent over so far that I just about had to look under my arm pit to see if it was safe to change lanes. I kept it about 4 months before selling it.
I recently bought a `94 Ninja that has taller handlebars (Heli Bars I think thay call them) and a Corbin seat that's a smidge lower than stock, made a world of difference. But no matter what you bolt on to your XX I seriously doubt you'll be able to match the comfort of a Valk. I have a `99 Valk with the big plactic windshield and I have no problem riding it from gas stop to gas stop at any speed, I just wish it had a larger tank so I could go farther.
In my opinion though, I think you're comparing apples to oranges, the XX is a great bike when you feel like taking it to the edge and the Valks are beautiful way to take the edge off.

Nuttin' says you can't keep them both (sep maybe your wallet).

Mac

barry g.  buy it, you'll love the bike.  had a 97 standard but by the time i got done with it it was a beautiful custom bike.  no problem starting it at all.  get a good corbin seat with backrest. rode the 1800, lots of power but nothing like the valk. you'll be very happy with it.   good luck.  larry

Hello,
I'm new here (first post). Currently own an '01 Volusia and am seriously considering a Valkyrie. Actually, if I could find an '03 for $9500 I will be getting one in the Spring. Any details on your statement earlier Valker?

1. forget the 03, find a 97, doesn't matter how many miles as long as it was well cared for.
2. the heat is no worse than most bikes when slow or stopped and nice in the winter
3.i'm 6'2", 240# with 32" inseam and have found the valk to be a bit cramped in the leg area but that is cured with highway pegs.  may get the "valkyrie ache" from the bars but risers cure that.
4. she's no "crotch rocket" silly me dropped mine @45mph in a 15 mph corner, she just couldn't make it.  but i rode it home, then went to the hospital! (the valk is one tough scooter)
5. the more i ride it , the smaller it seems to get and once past 5mph all that size/weight just dissapears and you won't get blown away by a strong wind or a semi.
6. don't test ride it unless you're ready to buy it, because you will buy it !

All good quetsions Barry.  I moved from a 1100 Shadow to the Valk.  I was really looking to buy a Magna, but did a test drive and just wasn't that impressed.  Really hadn't been looking at the Valk because of the size.  Got a chance to test ride a 98 Standard and drove it home that afternoon.  Is it big? Yes, but I haven't had any problems with it, even in stop and go town traffic.  Just have to make sure the front wheel is pointed straight when you come to a stop or it may want to tip on you.  As for cornering, I'm convinced that the bike is far more capable than I am.  Engine heat is noticeable in the summer, but I can live with it.  I installed a Memphis Fats shield because of the quick release feature.  I also prefer to ride without a shield, but as you say, those longer trips can beat you up pretty good.  You could buy a couple of difference sizes and switch accordingly.  I have had no starting problems, even in colder weather, but then I try to avoid riding below freezing.  I ride frequently  in 35-45 degree weather in the winter if it's dry and it starts fine so far.

Is the Valk going to compete with a crotch rocket? Not for performance, but when it comes to comfort, there is no comparison.  Oh, by the way, I still have a stock seat and have done 650 miles without back pain.  I won't I wasn't a little stiff, but nothing serious.

I think you'll like it.  Ride safe.

[ossiningvalkyrie]

Barry and Mooseman
My two cents is go for the Valkyrie.
I went from a 750 to the 2000 Interstate , now on my 2nd bike
(silly mistake on my part-bike did drive home 80 miles though after getting thrown off my first one at 45)
I thought the first seat, a Mustang with backrest was great, the stock seat of the 2001 is also great so far but I havent had any 500 mile days yet
Americaid may be my first long trip of the year in June.
Maybe you can be a Valk owner by then and go.
We will recognize you guys by the cat that ate the canary grin:D

Valker I know it is cold up there in the panhandle tonight but ONE could not put it better. You answered the ?'s.
Sometimes fellow riders take me ???wrong , but I have been around and riding motorcycles for, O well I got my frist cushman in 1953. But I never could work on ONE. Chang oil, spark plug, cable and that is about it.
If I take it apart I will never get it back together. I understand the overall concept but unable to work on one.
Stay warm.

Well, I've convinced myself I have to have a new '03 Valkyrie; so, if anyone knows of a dealer practically giving them away, please let me know. It would have to be in PA or surrounding states.
Thanks

I purchased my 03 Valk from Hanover Honda in East Hanover NJ inJanuary 03 for $10569 !!!!!!!    BRAND NEW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They originally wanted 13099 (list price) but after finding a dealer in NY who offered the first price above, they relented and sold me the bike at that price.  I couldn,t believe the money I saved, as after being a Harley guy for years, I thought the 13099 was already a "steal" for all the bike you get with the Valk, as compared to a new Harley, so when I got the huge discount I was elated, and spent the difference on aftermarket add ons.  I,d suggest looking around, as these dealers want to get rid of any "outdated" product they still have. It helps to "bring cash" as they will deal when backed into a corner!!  Good luck!!

Thanks. The best I've gotten locally so far was 11,900, I said no thanks. Your dealer is about 2 1/2 hours from me. I'll be looking around.  There was a dealer in Ohio who sold their last two for $8999 plus tax, too bad I missed out on them!