2014 Honda Valkyrie 2k mile review update

[@pittss2c601]

Always start the bike in gear whether cold or hot. It stops the hard clunk into 1st or 2nd gear. I always take off in 2nd gear. 1st is a super crawling gear for parking lots or up hills. The bike handles like a dream with those tires. I switched to a 120 front tire. 120 front & 180 back tire is sport bike style and it works. Tons of low end torque. Honda makes amazing motorcycles. I have owned a ton of bikes and this one is the tops. I rode a Hayabusa for 13 years and traded it for a new left over 2014 Valkyrie. It's the best bike I have owned for 2-up riding. Love it.

[@bikerbobcat]

Start in gear? This is fascinating. I'll have to try that and see if there is a difference. I've found starting in 2nd that it's kind of sluggish but maybe it's cause I'm heavier than I admit. Summer's here, time to drop that spare tire! I LOVE the look of the Hyabusa but never been on one. If I had a sport bike it's got the perfect aesthetic for me. Thanks for watching!

[@pittss2c601]

​@@bikerbobcat Shift into second gear, hold the clutch lever in, start and run for 30-60 seconds when cold then drive away slowly to allow for warm up. Super quiet, no clunk get away. I always leave it in gear when parked somewhere. Then jump on, start up and take off.

[@hjohnso248]

Hey I changed oil at 1k miles and mine still shifted like a truck with straight cut gears! I changed to that purple oil ,synthetic also and that cleared up the "Clunky shifter" patr, now if I can get the front forks to stiffen up a bit I'll be happy.

[@rogerparis]

No issues with my transmission, super smooth.

[@bikerbobcat]

Hell yeah! I still love this beast after the 12k service. I've found it shifts better at higher RPMs a bit. Honestly though, I'm okay with the truck transmission. Thanks for watching! :D

[@gwhite131]

this was my intro into the Goldwing world. I loved that bike. I always said if I could have any two bikes, this would be one of them. I had way too much fun on this one. I now ride an F6B.

[@bikerbobcat]

The "real" goldwing is just too much for me. I'm not a fan of fixed fairings, don't want all the extra electronics - just a motor and tires, sometimes brakes. This is a great machine though I love it. My next purchase for it will be the saddle bag mounts and stays so I can get bags for touring but remove it all when I'm just racing around the DC-area. Thanks for watching! :D

[@gwhite131]

@@bikerbobcat I had that same setup, from what I remember those bags don't just come off. But yes its is a blast to ride! I actually traded it in for a HD Road Glide. That was a nice one as well. But I eventually came back to Honda.

[@rogerparis]

@@bikerbobcat So agree, that was my motivation in buying one as I owned the first year of the bike as well back in 76 and I’ll never forget the feeling of riding that one that it was something completely unlike my other bikes. Riding this Val gave me that exact feeling again. Keeping it simple, big reliable turbine like motor, very capable suspension along with a very tight well built solid feel. Love it.

[@hjohnso248]

My previous bike was a 1985 Kaw KZ1000 , I gave to ny son, But the one prior was a 1985 Kawasaki Eliminator, That was a 6 speed, I keep finding myself looking for 6th gear all the time,I do miss that!

[@crupert23225]

Good intel. I liked this because most videos only show the original ride and first impressions, and it's good to know what we're in for later on when we buy a bike. As to the exhaust, Honda tuned it to have a certain throaty sound that complements the bike's (as they call it) "raging bull" appearance.

[@bikerbobcat]

I never understood the point of people who leave reviews on stuff saying "I haven't used it yet, but..." Bike sound doesn't mean much to me, I listen to random loud machines all day. Just seems kind of wasteful. Thanks for watching!

[@booboowee330]

The sound of the engine at the end was BEAUTIFUL.

[@bikerbobcat]

Ah yes, the sounds of a rusty stock exhaust on a 2003 Honda Shadow VT750 recorded through a $60 knock-off GoPro.

[@letsgoldwingit]

The manufacturers connect the exhaust between the two side to balance and create back pressure, it’s very important for engine operation. The engines at tuned based on the amount of back pressure. If you removed all the back pressure, you would have oil consumption issues later on in the life of the engine.

[@bikerbobcat]

I get the gist of that, if not the details, thanks. Still think the two decorative pipes are unnecessary. I like the way it looks but a good design could save a few pounds.

[@BigSmittyRiding]

The massive catalytic converters on the bike help with the back pressure. If you drill holes in the dummy pipes you get some sound. I dig the way it sounds now and after speaking to a Honda Tech it really doesn’t have that much effect or that much more spent gas flow. It’s not for everyone but I’m very happy I did it since the options for exhaust are almost zero.

[@AKaufman]

I have the same bike in blue!! Nice ride.

[@bikerbobcat]

Hell yeah! The blue makes it look futuristic / rocket ship to me even though it's the same model. I like the color on this but I'm still thinking about doing a vinyl wrap in grey/white to see what it looks like. I'm not sure about heat tolerance, etc but it would be fun. Be safe out there!

[@brucesantacory1390]

hint on tires by changing sizes slightly there are a lot more options, i run the Metzler ME888's on mine and the front is stock size in a Bias ply and the rear i went to a 180/60-17 Bias and it's a great tire on the Valkyrie

[@bikerbobcat]

When it comes time to replace I'll definitely keep that in mind. Never considered bias ply.

[@markbaum9615]

Thanks...good idea....i like the metzler option

[@hjbrinkmann1s]

Good vid!! I love my 2014! Wish it had a 6th gear, but I guess I don't need to go 156mph on my valk. Mine topped out at 128 mph. Stay hydrated fellas.. Lol. Also I have found more options for front and rear tires. Btw... this bike is gonna shoot up in price in like 4.5 years.

[@bikerbobcat]

I'm now finding options for tires. I don't need to go 156, I've only ever done 120 which was MORE than enough. I would like to be able to cruise along a 75-80 without being at 3-4k rpm.

[@grindsoul]

I had the same issue with my 2012 goldwing. Kept looking for 6th gear also. My size 13 shoe did lay on the sidestand also, and my BMW GS adventure has the same issue. I am picking up a 2001 F6C this weekend, a little different from yours but the same fun

[@bikerbobcat]

Biggest difference is yours has 99% less plastic. It's still a beautiful big honkin' machine. Enjoy your new ride.

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

At first I didn't believe you enough about the exhaust pipes. I went out to my bike, put a little ball of TP in the 3 tubes.I started the engine and only 1 popped out. I feel robbed and cheated. I can't look at my bike the same way even though it's only cosmetic. My best friend had one of the earlier Trans Am's and it had 2 pipes out the back. He found out one of them was a dummy. We fixed that problem with headers, 2 mufflers and 2 functional pipes out the back.

[@bikerbobcat]

Please don't feel robbed and cheated, but instead empowered by knowing more. I would rather know the whole, imperfect truth and move forward on it. Just like your buddy's Trans Am, there are (a very few) exhaust mods for the Valkyrie! They're not cheap and I don't know a lot about them BUT from the forums and web searching it looks like something even I could install. It's still a fantastic machine and a great pleasure to ride. Just...now you know! Thanks for watching!

[@CrusaderGeneral]

I have metzeler 200mm rear tire on mine (replacing the 180 stock), no problems

[@bikerbobcat]

Didn't have to adjust the suspension or anything like that? I'm (hopefully) not at tire replacement yet but it's not far from my mind.

[@CrusaderGeneral]

@@bikerbobcat no adjustments. And it is definitely more stable with the 200

[@joeking9933]

have one just like it with 8500 miles. no scuffing where my feet go , tires are holding up great . love the bike but yes I do hunt that 6th gear . such a cadillac of a motorcycle though

[@bikerbobcat]

Have you done any customizing to it? I'm probably not going to do anything until I've paid it off but I'm keeping my eyes out for cool options.

[@mayhemmike1789]

STILL miss my 'Valk.... lack of any storage on the bike was my only hangup with it! On a 18' Star Eluder now & it's a lovely bike to ride but wish a thing or 2 were different about it!

[@bikerbobcat]

Star Eluder? Going to have to look that one up... Thanks for watching!! :D

[@SoloBlack313]

Does it make a good touring bike?and how far have you taken it?...love the bike, and blessings to you, and your family during this Covid-19 thang!...lol💯

[@bikerbobcat]

I've been about 200 miles on a single ride but haven't had time to take a long road trip. I'm too busy now with the summer AC service season cooking. Once I get the 12k mile service interval I'm hoping for a long trip. I don't have any bags yet either. Don't want to mess up the look. :D

[@richdubbya]

I've had none of the kickstand issues you've had. The clutch is pretty forgiving. Ride a single plate clutch bike. You'll know what I mean. I find the clutch refined despite lacking a 6th gear. VERY balanced for a 750+lbs bike. Heck, I need to do a review....lol

[@bikerbobcat]

You should do one! More in-depth information is needed from people that aren't professional reviewers but have real extended experience with things.

[@nungu60a]

Thanks for this review. Its helped me a lot.

[@bikerbobcat]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad this was useful to you. :D

[@robertrickel9205]

I have a 2014 Valkyrie and also a 2013 F6B. I too had to deal with the tire problem. Bridgestone now makes a matched set of tires that are almost the correct size. They are the Battlecruise H50. The fronts come in 130/60-19 (which is the stock size) and the rear comes in 180/60-17 ( stock size is 180/55-17). I purchased them thru Bike Bandit for $277 for both with free shipping. I was running Metzler 880's but did not like the tires or the fact that the sizes were so far off from stock. The Honda dealer can get you the original Dunlops but they have to be ordered thru Honda's parts dept. and cost $250 each. I run Mobil one in my vehicles and they shift a whole lot better with synthetic in the tranny. I have over 50k on my F6B and the shifting gets smoother with age. Remember that these bikes have straight cut gears which will make a bit more noise and shift a little clunkier but they can hold up to a lot of torque and power.

[@bikerbobcat]

This is very useful information, thank you! Did you find much of a ride difference with the 180/60 vs the 55s? Cheers!

[@robertrickel9205]

@@bikerbobcat I am still down in Florida till Sunday. I am going back to North Carolina and having them mounted on Tuesday. I will put a couple of hundred miles of mountain curves on them by the end of next week and will post a reply as to how they do.

[@robertrickel9205]

Update: I now have put about 2000 miles on the new tires. It drives like a different bike with the new Bridgestone H50s. The side to side transitions in curves is much easier and smoother. The ride feels softer and they even feel much more confident in the rain. The mechanic who installed the tire was worried about the taller aspect sidewall being too close to the front of the swing arm but after running very hard and with the tire temp at 105 degrees (I have FOBO 2 monitors) I still had enough room to put my index finger between the tire and swing arm. I would highly recommend these tires for your 2014- 2015 F6C Valkyrie.

[@jimwortham8634]

I have no 15 Valkyrie absolutely love it dude a lot long distance miles says it before front tire is serious problem

[@bikerbobcat]

Hell yeah I love it. Hard to have a bad day on a good bike. Do you have saddle bags or such for yours? I'm looking at options for road trips in the near future.

[@jimwortham8634]

Have 14 Valkyrie absolutely despise front tire issue just one size hard to get if you're traveling on the road

[@bikerbobcat]

Almost worth it to just buy one ahead of time and just take it with me on a big road trip.

[@dinosnake2241]

Not true - the best front tire is NOT the stock Dunlop, which sucks. Michelin [Pilot] Road 4/5 Trail, 120/70ZR-19. The difference in performance is ENORMOUS and cannot be understated. Match up either with stock rear or Michelin [Pilot] Road 4/5 (NON-Trail) 180/55ZR-17 (stock sizing). Now, the old Pilot Road 4 combo (F/R) was very quick turning, much more so than stock, and for me it felt a bit too active falling into turns. With the Pilot Road 4 Trail front I liked it matched up with the stock rear much better. I just put on the full, brand new Road 5 combo (F/Rl. The combo is FANTASTIC - all the grip of the Pilot Road 4's but with the predictability of the PR4 Trail/stock combo. IMHO these are the definitive tires for the Valk to get. Don't worry about the slight size difference in front. The stock is 130/60 which means that the stock tire is 78mm high; the Michelin is 120/70, only 10mm narrower, yet 84mm tall. So a scant 10mm narrower yet 6mm taller, in real world about the same contact patch (when cornering) with absolutely no difference in performance (besides the huge tire performance difference!) Trust me, every Valk owner who is on a web chat board uses these tires now. You won't go back to the stock front.

[@romesyoutubechannel5356]

Nice bike. I'm looking in to buying one.

[@bikerbobcat]

I don't know what you ride now but it's a fantastic smooth beast! My only real complaint is that lack of a 6th gear. Everything else is relatively minor.

[@Don1atUTube]

I replaced front tyre with a Metzeler Cruisetec. Very grippy tyre.

[@bikerbobcat]

I haven't gotten to tire replacement interval yet but I'm definitely looking at these suggestions, thank you.

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

I have one and love it , good video brother 😊👍

[@bikerbobcat]

Hell yeah! If you're ever in the Washington, DC area look me up and I'll buy you a pint! You can regale me with adventures on your monster. :D

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

@@bikerbobcat thanks !

[@jeholloway2]

Thanks for the review.

[@bikerbobcat]

Thank you for watching! :D

[@markbaum9615]

Try running 20% Lucas oil stabilizer for next oil change.... made my 14 Valk shift like butter

[@bikerbobcat]

I will have to look that up, I have no idea what it is, but thank you! I'm waiting in line (they're real busy) for our local Honda dealer to get back to me about getting the 12k mile service intervals done (plus the 8k miles which I skipped because I just got the thing) I know I'll pay more but I'd like to have a certified dealer get it done correctly and do it myself later. I've got my hands full enough with my custom Shadow 750 project. :p

[@greggc8088]

I've always wanted a Valkrie and my VTX 1800 is getting a little crispy. Maybe you can answer one question that I'm afraid of the answer of-How do you think it would feel for a 6'6 tall guy? Would the clutch and rear brake be in kind of a tight spot and require a lot of leg bending to reach?

[@bikerbobcat]

Thank you for watching! I really want to give you a good answer for this but unfortunately you may just have to sit on one and test ride to see if it fits you. I'm 5'8" and it it's a great fit for me. I'd wonder if your knees would fit with the radiator pods but they just might. I don't have any friends that ride -let alone tall ones- to try it out and tell you, either. For the price I'd almost get another VTX1800. It was what I was shopping for before the Valkyrie caught my attention.

[@dinosnake2241]

I'd honestly say...that, for 6'6", the Goldwing chassis will probably feel quite tight in the knees. The cylinder heads do not give 'luxurious' leg room; for average guys, it's nice, but for a big guy like you I'd say you probably won't be long-term comfortable, with quite a lot of bend in the knees. I'd really recommend you sit on one, a Valk or a Goldwing, same chassis, before you even think about one.

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

I've used synthetic in mine from Day 1 and It shifts oh so smooth. My only problem is with starting out in first gear with any kind of more than a light input, I get 3 or 4 short surges in acceleration as I think, again...I think my hand on the throttle rotates with me being pulled back. Is that a bad thing..............No. My Valkyrie wants to scoot harder than my ST1300.

[@bikerbobcat]

Thanks for watching! I've never been on an ST1300 but would like to try some day. They're real pretty! Once I've stopped making payments I'll probably start doing maintenance myself. For now it's my trusted local dealership. After that first service it shifts *better* but still kind of like a truck. That said, I like trucks, so it's okay. Sometimes it shifts super smooth and I'm still learning the speed/RPM blend for that. Cheers!

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

@@bikerbobcat I take it to the dealership where I bought it for my work too. He's 20 miles away. No one with good reviews wants to work with it in my small town. 1/2 hour to get there to drop off. A 1/2 hour for my son to pick me up. 1/2 hour drive back for both. repeat for the pick up. 4 Man hours minimum. $$$$$$$. I have a local back yard guy for my ST1300 $$. I took the Valk there once. At 71 he asked me not to bring it back.

[@dinosnake2241]

@@bikerbobcat It's the oil. All oil. You take it to the dealer and they will use Honda HP4, which [un]surprisingly my own Valkyrie hated - shifted like a truck, just like you say. After the first oil change I switched to a different oil, in my case Shell Rotella T6 synthetic, and the shifting is so light that I have to be careful and not place my boot under the shifter until I am actually ready to shift otherwise it'll just bang and shift clutchless. Super light. Trust actual owners - switch to non-Honda synthetics. NOW.

[@mohmdakel]

Hello thanks for the video. Can you help me on where to get tires for this bike? Also, tips on where to get consumable maintenance parts would be appreciated too!

[@bikerbobcat]

Thank you for watching! To be honest, I'm going to my local Honda dealer for now for all the maintenance stuff. I'm sure I could figure some out but I'm still making payments and don't want to mess it up. That said, the Honda Valkyrie F6C forum is SO HELPFUL for information like tires and maintenance bits. I'm learning a lot. If you haven't yet, it's at F6Cforum.com and I highly recommend it.

[@jhoneury]

www.cheapcycleparts.com/oemparts/l/hon/535963a2f87002133496b256/2014-gl1800c-ac-parts Good Luck

[@russelltimmerman3771]

The transmission issues are weird. I have an f6b and it shifts like butter. So do all gold wings I have ever heard from.. Would the Valk have a different shiftier than the f6b or could it be broken?

[@bikerbobcat]

It's not broken, just clunky. More than I thought for a ride like that. In a few more tanks of gas it's due for it's 10k service intervals so I've got a trusted local dealer/service dept (not where I bought it from) and I'm going to take it in to and have them check it while there. Thanks for watching!

[@soundgear7066]

I tend to agree with everything you have stated. I'm glad to hear someone else having issue about the shifting haha! Thought it was me, but yes you absolutely have to shift properly or it is clunky, especial into 2nd after that not too bad! After owning for 2 years and 4k + miles I have it down to a science and it is now super smooth...just takes time! (its definitely different than my 97 Valk) Overall I absolutely love my 2014 (same color btw)! It is a beast of a machine and the smooth ride and performance amazes me every time i saddle up ! I removed my cowl and painted with bed liner to give it some extra durability against chips, those scuffs on your plastic pieces should paint just as easily and look new again!

[@bikerbobcat]

I sort of expected the KACHUNK to 1st gear like on my 750 but then you just gotta keep kicking it! I've heard there's improvement after a few oil changes? Maybe using Amsol instead of OEM? We'll see. Good tip about the cowl. I want to put in fog lights but may paint it first. Cheers!

[@soundgear7066]

@@bikerbobcat I'd like to get the floodlights in mine as well . I'd do both at the same time while you have the cowl off. Although it came off rather easily one last bolt putting it back on was a total pain ha! Be safe enjoy the ride!

[@danmccarthy2213]

Yup thats the reason I sold my cold wing, I kept trying to shift to 5th gear and it just isn't there! nagging annoyance.

[@bikerbobcat]

5th gear is there. Maybe I just need to lose a few pounds! Thanks for watching.

[@brucesantacory1390]

on the trans it shifts easier with higher revs

[@bikerbobcat]

Good tip!

[@brucesantacory1390]

@@bikerbobcat another tip, Pre-Load the Shifter, before you shift put some pressure on the shift peg, then shift as normal and it'll slip into gear like a hot knife thru butter. takes some practice cause you have to fully release the pressure after the shift, the re-apply before the next shift .

[@mikeb.2377]

This may sound dumb but how do you open the fuel lid?

[@bikerbobcat]

The ignition key fits a switch on the left side near your knee that pops the lid. The gas cap is just like a car. I wish the lid flipped the other way. Thanks for watching!

[@LuisRodriguez-hd6bp]

What kind of tail ag is used ?

[@bikerbobcat]

I bought the bike with a Nelson Rigg tail bag already on it, I'm not sure which one specifically. The zipper is starting to fail on it so I'm going to have to replace it soon. It's a great bag, but the bike and bag lives outdoors, and I use it a lot. It can fit a lot, but probably not a full size helmet. Not sure what I'm replacing it with, if anything. Cheers!

[@claudiomase1583]

Spettacolare che parlano della f6c

[@bikerbobcat]

È una bella moto. Non vedo l'ora di fare altri video in primavera. Grazie per la visione!