Honda Valkyrie - 2 Year Review

In this video I discuss the positives and negatives involved in my 2 year ownership of a 2014 Honda Valkyrie.

[@joelthemole3020]

When I am feeling lazy I legit just drive around town in 3rd and don't shift at all. You can actually start on flat ground in any gear, including 5th, by just slowly letting out the clutch with no throttle input at all. For some reason you could ONLY get ABS on the black ones in the USA, ABS was not even an option on the red or blue ones in the USA. I could have picked up a beautiful virgin blue one with 3k miles for $9k out the door, but I went out of my way to get a one with ABS. Mine came with Corbin bags and windshield, the downside is it has 36k miles and decorative LEDs that need to be removed, it was also $9k out the door, but had to pay an additional $700 in shipping. Love the bike, dont know why people hate on the seat so much, I have done 500 miles in a day multiple times with no issue on the stock seat with only breaks stopping for gas. I agree it isnt as good as a Goldwing for touring, but for a single bike garage it does lots of things quite well, especially if you are a very big guy. I weigh 360lbs and couldn't be happier with my 2014 Valkyrie.

[@craighanesworth]

The bike is outstanding. You bring up a great point. I could just keep the bike in 3rd gear the majority of the time. It has so much torque off the line. Have fun and ride safe!

[@marlonhouston6685]

Man that’s a beautiful bike and a nice cruise. Thx for taking us with u.

[@craighanesworth]

Thanks for watching!!

[@murraywheten6562]

I have a black (with all options and ABS) 2014 Valkyrie. I bought mine 3 years ago (dealer new - old stock) for about $7,000 (Canadian) less than the original price. I am 6'3" and 240 lbs. and find the bike fits me perfectly. I drove from my home to Laconia Bike Week (13. 5 hours) in one day and found the seat to be very comfortable. I agree with you on the first gear not being needed, and that there are few choices for tires... but, if you're looking for an "decent" inexpensive "rear" tire, Shinko makes one for $189.00 (Canadian). I have had one on my bike for 6,000 miles with very little wear so far. It makes a bit more noise than the OEM Bridgestone tire, but those cost $349. 00 (Canadian). Finally, if a tire is good for "6 to 10" years (you said), than why change it out at 6 years? It only has 2,000 mile on it as well! Anyway, thanks for your thoughts on your Valkyrie. Some days I start to think I should trade mine in on something else... but I can't logically come up with any good reasons to do so! 😉 Oh, I agree that it looks better without the windshield and bags. I have them but they don't look good AT ALL! 👍

[@craighanesworth]

That is a great price that you got on your Valk. Like you I think about trading it in but I love it too much. Thanks for your suggestions on tires. Ride safe my friend!

[@brucesantacory1390]

As the owner of one the lights are great at night, and the high beam will light up a stop sign almost 2 miles away

[@bbgmarine]

Thanks for the great review. I think you nailed it. I have a 2020 Indian Chieftain Elite. It has the bags and the comfort to eat up highway miles for hours. But I wanted a 2nd bike that handled a little better was smoother and had less vibration and heat. I found a 2015 Valkyrie with 950 miles on it. The original owner bought it in 2017. Hardly ever rode it between the other 2 bikes he owned. It was showroom. I love this bike for running the twisties with my son. He rides a 2020 Triumph Rocket III GT. My only complaint is the seat. It's terrible. I have a Corbin that should arrive in a couple of weeks. I went ahead and added the Corbin Fleetliner bags and they look fantastic on this bike. My plan is to keep this bike for a long time to share miles with the Chieftain. Thanks again for the review !

[@craighanesworth]

Thank you for watching. The Chieftain is a phenomenal bike. Have fun. Ride Safe

[@lindsaylaurenson3518]

What like is the 2020 Rocket 3?

[@bbgmarine]

@@lindsaylaurenson3518 The Triumph Rocket III GT is an awesome machine. What's neat is you can drive nice and easy and it is a very smooth docile bike to ride. However, once you start twisting that throttle, hang on and it will get very nasty in a hurry.

[@livefortwowheels]

I always take off in 1st gear with my 2014 Valkyrie, I can’t contain myself from doing 0-38mph 1st gear pulls every chance I get, this thing rips!

[@craighanesworth]

Livefortwowheels It is a great bike!

[@kc135rpilot]

I got a 2015 red 6 months ago (2nd owner) it only had 325 miles, on it. After flushing out the fluids, and it was so easy. I love this bike, but wish I had ABS. But, it so nice to have a very unique look. I get a compliment every time I take it out. Also, yeah 1st gear is a granny gear! I wish it was a "taller" gear!

[@craighanesworth]

I was out on my Valkyrie this weekend. The bike puts a smile on my face every time I hop on it. Have fun and ride safe!

[@skyrunner17]

Great review. I almost bought this exact bike from BW in 2018 but was swayed last second. Have regrets ever so often. Not the most practical ride, but still so cool even 7 years out. Nice cruise of GI.

[@tybotti]

I got a red one in June of ‘14. I had a 98 and I knew the 14 would be a good bike regardless. They had just gotten it in stock and they had just rolled it out onto the floor. I found out because a salesman came up to me while I was looking at it in the showroom and I said, what can you tell me about this. He was eating a sandwich because I came in at lunchtime and he said I am sorry I don’t know anything about it. They just rolled it out onto the floor and it just came in and I said fine I’ll take it and he stopped chewing. As I suspected, it’s an awesome ride. Very nimble. Very sensitive handling input, one finger breaks, and it gets RIGHT out of its own way.

[@gulducot]

Valkyrie's a very cool bike, love the looks, ride and torque. I'm with you on that tractor first gear, no use for it. My other bikes are sporty so i toured mine out best i could. It's not a popular model so finding accessories has been a hell. Glad i ran across your review i was looking for info on that seat. Ty!

[@craighanesworth]

Thanks for watching and ride safe!

[@brucesantacory1390]

i replaced mine with some longer stems and easier to adjust. i also replaced my seat the the 2 up corbin best seat i have ever owned. the Valkyrie i LOVE !! but they had leftovers because they were MSRP too over priced. Tires if you adjust size a little there are more options, i went to Bias 180/60-17 in the rear and got the Metzler ME888 and i love the rear, the front got choppy and cupped after 8-10k miles, i may try the bridgestone battlecruise H50 for my next set. i'm over 15000 mile and bike runs like it did new

[@akula1055]

Nice video, I have the same bike and the only few criticisms that I have are no gear indicator, no 6th. gear and no sliper clutch because down shifting easily blocks the rear wheel. Besides these details I love it.

[@craighanesworth]

I was on my bike this weekend and I am always "trying" to shift into 6th gear. Oh well. As you said it still is a great bike!

[@crupert23225]

Black is the best color. It's the fastest. Now, you need to get those pesky ugly stickers off the tank! It looks SO much better once they're off. Tire selection on this bike is very limited. Shame about those chrome scratches. I have a Honda CTX 1300 which has rubberized grips, which I greatly prefer to the grips on this one which are more hard plastic, and are slightly thicker than the ones on the CTX. Windshields definitely detract from this bike's appearance. I bought mine with a full size one and it is too big. I'd recommend securing your key ring so it doesn't rub on the chrome fuel cover. I ended up buying a Kodakey for this reason, which only costs $13 and houses the extra keys inside a pouch which rests softly on the key well and won't scratch it.

[@craighanesworth]

Thanks for the recommendation. Definitely going to look into the Kodakey

[@amacmotovlogs]

Great review. I have always wanted a Valkyrie. I'm not sure of I will ever get one. But, they are selling for cheap.

[@Supermankev2001]

I love Valkerie. I ride with a buddy that rides a Vakrie Sounds great. I had a 2001 HondaMagna I bought new owned the bike for 16 years. I am a fan of the V4 Hondas I have owned 4 Hondas Before my Harley-Davidson. Love Honda so dependable.

[@craighanesworth]

It is a great bike!! Thanks for watching

[@ElijahNMitchell]

I just got my first bike: a 2000 Valk Tourer. I’m also struggling to get my left mirror where I can actually use it. I definitely want a Gen 2 as well!

[@craighanesworth]

That is a great bike. I know that you will enjoy it. Ride safe!

[@HaveMotoWillTravel]

I try not to ride after dark also. That Valkyrie will be a valued collector bike. There's no dry rot anymore according to a tire industry expert. Tires are not made from the same compounds. Good video. Nice ride.

[@craighanesworth]

Thanks for watching and the info on the tires. How have you been doing in these trying times we live in?

[@HaveMotoWillTravel]

@@craighanesworth We're OK. Thanks for asking. My wife is an essential worker so not much has changed for her. And I'm retired so........... I had travel plans that won't happen. But I'll make due. Not seeing family is the tough thing. My mom is 93 and lives in FL. I haven't been able to see her since last year and I wonder if I'll ever see her again. Can't risk exposing her. But others have it worse so I don't complain. We're Americans. We'll be OK. Be well Craig. I hope to ride with you some day.

[@beardedbiker2647]

It really is nice to have a couple options on what to ride, I’m trying to hold out until I’m old enough for a wing 😂😂👍 2024 50th anniversary model maybe...

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Nice video ,, I have a black 2014 Honda Valkyrie I bought new , it has 294 miles on it ,,, 😎

[@WildOn2sVlog]

Good review. Thanks for all the info and point of view

[@ertekinbassoy]

Hi there, thanx for the nice review. Right now I am on my way to get a 2015 with ABS :) If your exhaust is still scratched, contact me, I can guide you for an easy fix. I had the same, maybe even worse, scratches on my V-star 1300 cobra exhaust. That fix works like a miracle.

[@craighanesworth]

Congrats on the 2015. You will love it. I still have the scratches but have come to wear it like a badge of honor 😂. Enjoy the bike and ride safe!

[@2old4allthis]

Well, you have others curious about the chrome fix. Can you explain it?

[@2old4allthis]

@@ertekinbassoy Outstanding - thanks!

[@AKaufman]

Front tire is a michelin commander 2 for the front. Rear is michelin gt5. Comes in the perfect size.

[@craighanesworth]

Thank you!! I was having a tough time finding the right size tire

[@AKaufman]

I spent a day finding the tires that fit. The gt 5 is for. Touring / heavy bikes

[@roadglide]

It’s a beast! Great looking and lots of go but a single purpose naked bike like the Triumph Rocket 3, etc. More a conversation piece. Not a Bagger or Tourer as you noted. Can’t go to the grocery store without wearing a back pack, like a Sport bike. When people consider a motorcycle they should consider as many use possibilities as they may reasonably think they will want to do their bikes. Otherwise they could likely end up with a bike they sell or trade off once they’ve settled into what they want out of motorcycling. Much is an emotional purchase when buying for many riders. With experience a bit more clarity comes into play. The Swiss Army knife style of bikes are great second bikes, like the BMW GS/GSA, Honda Africa Twin or Yamaha Tenere cover many bases and look great. Otherwise the comfortable Sport/Touring bikes you can actually manage well in the canyons work very well. Hmmm, sounds like a new or old generation Gold Wing, Yamaha FJR or Kawasaki Concourse. Just my .2. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.

[@craighanesworth]

Well said my friend. I realized that this would be a difficult bike to have as my sole motorcycle. When it was my only bike, I did have to have a backpack or tail bag when I went out places. Definitely think about what you want to do with your bike prior to making the purchase.

[@lpete531]

What a classic motorcycle

[@SoloBlack313]

I just picked up a 2004 Honda ST1300 8 days ago, I got this bike for touring. I have a 2001 Honda Shadow ACE 750 that's my cruiser. I am torn on my next bike, and it is not a matter of what kind of bike, it is witch one do I get first!...lol.. the 2014-15 Honda Valkyrie, or the vfr800 2002-09...and oh yes I will have them both!...lol

[@craighanesworth]

You can never have too many bikes!!!

[@grimreefer5159]

I gauge dry rot by how bad the tires are cracked.

[@jimwortham8634]

I have same bike believe me been riding many many years have heard all kind of touring motorbikes this is the best shame almost no accessories otherwise perfect

[@craighanesworth]

Can't wait to get back on mine next week. The weather here has been a little cold. Ride safe

[@mauricemidgley2862]

Could you give me information about your seat? It looks great

[@craighanesworth]

Sure!! It is a Russel Day Long seat. Their website is www.day-long.com. It is extremely comfortable and many riders have had their seats modified by them. When you go online you can see prices based off the type of bike you have and what options you would like. It is not cheap, but to me it is worth every penny. They modify your existing seat so you have to send it to them. I don’t know where you live, but if you are in a colder climate, now is the perfect time to get it done since your not riding anyway. As of today they are booking for the first week in March so you don’t want to wait too long if you are thinking about getting it done. Hopefully this info helps. Ride safe.

[@Tor2502-yj]

What is the seat on this bike?

[@craighanesworth]

That is a Russell Day Long custom seat

[@Tor2502-yj]

@@craighanesworth Have a russell on my valk tourer -99 gr8 seat, now iknow where to get seat for the valk -15 , thanks.

[@mariuszgraczyk8583]

Hello I'm from Poland. I have a Honda Valkyrie, I have a question what oil do you use for the engine, what viscosity. Regards and thanks

[@radsdad1]

I see there are seven choices for tire sets on Dennis Kirk now.

[@craighanesworth]

That's fantastic. More choices the better. Especially prices should be very competitive. Ride Safe!!

[@jasonmoffitt3104]

What tires did you go with

[@radsdad1]

@@jasonmoffitt3104 Avon Cobra. Great tires.

[@robertsalyers1351]

Would you buy it again if given the chance to

[@craighanesworth]

Yes I would. The only drawback is that there aren't many accessories for this bike. So basically what you see is what you get. Thanks for watching!

[@robertsalyers1351]

@@craighanesworth thanks I might be picking up one tomorrow at a loca car / cycle lot

[@agedwards63]

A question on the Day-Long look like you have the stock bars do you have to lean forward? Can you utilize the backrest? It seems the Russell sets you pretty far back and down

[@craighanesworth]

The seat does push you back about an inch (if you want it to). Day-Long can adjust the seat so you remain in the stock riding position. I have long arms so it is actually more comfortable for me to have the seat a little further back. When you order your seat they ask you to send them photos of you on your stock seat with your arms outstretched holding the bars so they can get a gauge of your normal riding position. Thanks for watching!

[@jersonvasquez4491]

Hi Craig where did you get the seats made ?

[@craighanesworth]

day-long.com. A little expensive but well worth. it.

[@jersonvasquez4491]

Thanks..

[@yahtzeejimbob]

What brand/model is the aftermarket seat/backrest on your bike?

[@craighanesworth]

It is a RUSSELL DAY LONG seat and backrest

[@samoramachel55]

ABS Canada model only

[@craighanesworth]

That makes sense. I knew that they were out there but I couldn't find one.

[@jackellis5317]

They were available in the US too but not very many.

[@ZedHeadzx14r]

Are you the silver joker. I know that voice

[@elekkr]

2k miles "no issues" thats ridiculous 😅

[@PopCulturzTV]

Ive not seen Cobra pipes for these?..anyone know if they make them for the 2014?

[@PopCulturzTV]

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