The Honda Valkyrie Is An Amazing Motorcycle... 

I have around 10 bikes a retired Harley-Davidson mechanic and ride coast to coast once a year and do it on a 2000 Honda Valkyrie interstate that I paid $2000 just a perfect motorcycle, so comfortable fast and reliable

I bought my '98 Standard brand new in 2000. (leftover) It now has 170,000 miles on it and still runs like it did new. The best cruiser ever built, in my opinion.

I managed to pick up a 98 Valky from my brother only a couple of weeks ago as he needed to sell one of his many bikes and this one was the only one I fell in love with. Since getting on board it has been an absolute blast, reminiscent of my Kawasaki Z1300 I had 30 years ago. It not only fills the void left by the Z13 it improves upon it, so smooth, wicked sound (6-6 Cobra pipes) better handling, movie star looks, it can run all day and not even be breathing heavy. This bike is definitely going to remain in the family, my son and daughter both ride too and they are spun out by it. I have owned and ridden 14 different bikes over the last 45 years, the Valkyrie makes number 15 (1500 / 6 what a coincidence) and is with out doubt the best of them all, It is unique and it has soul. Let the roar of the dragon be heard on the highways for many more years to come. Perth, Western Australia.

I bought mine a couple years ago and absolutely love that bike. I got so lucky to have found it for sale and I wasted no time and grabbed it up. I was pleasantly surprised that the riding possession on the Valkyrie was nearly the exact same as on my Suzuki Intruder VS800. I adapted to the Valkyrie immediately and felt right at home. The low center of gravity lends itself to handling the plentiful twisty roads here in Northern California and with my wife on the back, I really don’t notice any difference in handling. I consider myself lucky to belong to a select group of people that get to own and ride the mighty Honda Valkyrie. 👍🏻

You are correct, designed and built in Marysville Ohio!! It's a beast!

1st Gen Valkyrie is my dream bike. Picking one up Monday. Woot woot

I've had mine since 2000 when I bought it new, it now has over 90k miles. I told myself I would trade or sell it if I ever found a better scooter. 20 years later I still own it. It's a great all around bike.

I imported a Valkyrie from Texas to the UK 2 years ago. No regrets. Rode it non-stop to south of France (about 850 miles) in September and she didn't miss a beat. Fantastic engine. My one and only criticism is the standard rear shocks - too hard even on the softest setting. I can see they've been replaced on your test bike, Jon. My other bike is a 2010 Goldwing. The Valk is the eye-catcher and is equally capable/comfortable for long haul. Does drink the juice a bit, but who cares!?

I just bought a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate with 4300 miles on it. It’s the silver and blue awesome bike.

Am 72 yro, had a 71 Triumph Triple then a few early Goldwings. In 2003 got a 2001 Valkyrie with 6K , oil,filter, antifreeze and tires are all I have added. It's now almost 20 yrs and 46,000 miles later. Need I say more.

I am an original owner of a’97 Valkyrie with 106,000 miles. It’s 1530cc, 730 lbs, 101 hp/103 ftlbs, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and for some years stopped in the shortest distance of all motorcycles. Never had to touch the carbs, lock screw valve adjustment, oil changes every 8,000 miles.

Yep! I loved mine! You’ll never regret it.

It was an amazing experience walking into a Honda showroom back in the late 90's. You had the Shadow ACE, Magna, and granddaddy Valkyrie all with beautiful two-tone paint schemes and chrome galore. I remember to this day, walking into our local dealer as a broke college freshman back in 96 and just being in total awe of all those bikes, specifically the Valkyrie and thinking to myself that no one needs a bike like that. 25 years later, here I am with a 97 red/white Valk in my garage LOL. Today in showrooms, it's just a sea of black, boring bikes save the Fury.

I have a 1997 bigger carbs different cam 110hp a 105 fpt factory six into six cobra pipes. Love it

Picked up a 2003 a little over a month ago and I love it! Had 33,000 miles on it when I got it. I'm a really big dude and I wanted something with plenty enough power to get me up to speed fast but still be comfortable in long distance trips. Trying to get the seat comfortable for me now. I picked up an Ultimate V big boy seat and it nice for around town but it kills my tailbone on any longer cruises. Slowly dialing it in.

1997 was the first year of the Valkyrie, not 96. And there were 3 models of the 1st gen. A standard, a Tourer and the Interstate. The bike with a trunk, Batwing fairing and dual headlights is the Interstate. The Tourer had a clear windshield and hard bags. The standard was completely naked. The 1997 is alleged to be the most powerful year in the 1st Gen.

This was such a good review of that bike. I’ve got a ‘99 valk and a ‘97 magna in that same color scheme. Honda’s muscle cruisers ride so smooth with so much power. Definitely some of the best bikes from the 90s

My dad had one of these bikes! It was a beast!!

Love the video man, you do a great job of being informative and introducing people to the bike

I've owned mine for a few years. Will not be selling it soon. Also, straight pipe 6 into 6 makes it sound absolutely nuts. Dudes on spot with this review 👌

So happy you’re back, Jon! Big fan!

Jon, I like your philosophy of trading up. I also love your road tests. There's another guy on RU-vid whose whole test is the view from his helmet cam. I like the way you edit in video and still shots of the bike and of whatever else you are talking about.

I've put over 40k on my 98 tourer. I get a ton of compliments, Unique machine has a timeless style. Absolutely zero issues.

Great video. I really like your style and direction. Subbed.

There is a reason I own 2 of them working on a 3rd

I love that u put the magna and valk next to each other, they were considered like big and lil brother. With even some swappable parts here and there

I freakin' love that bike. I alllllllmost bought one several years ago and have been kicking myself in the butt ever since. All upside, no downside from what I remember. A TON of the good of the Goldwing, with very little downside. Upgraded handling, tough bike that can hang.

Picked a 97 white and red last Feb just in time for cov 19 lock down hear in Ireland never mind, only has 12,000 miles on it so it needs a good run, the book says it's 680lbs but like you I to think its 740lbs the wider roads suite it better than the smaller roads here, when I first got it my son came in and said that's a beast so that what it's called, don't like the brakes no feel no power getting some goodrich hoses may be the 23 year old ones!! the one thing this bike has is that wow factor everywhere you go

I own a red/white valkyrie and i absolutely love it. Only doing a carb job or replacing the alternator are down sides lol but hey if i look at what i get in return, i forget it all in a heartbeat

I've owned 2, regretted not buying the Interstate version with the full fairing. I'll also tell you fuel mileage is no good necessitating a comprehensive navigation plan stopping unnecessarily for go-go juice, otherwise you will find yourself sweating / praying you make it to the next pump. All that being said I would still do a valkyrie if there was no Goldwings.

I’m thinking of this for a 2 up for my wife and I. I started on the Yamaha Raider so not many intimidate me at this point. Great review as always brother!

Mine turned 21 last Oct, been riding it for around 8 years, best damned Power Cruiser made IMHO. If I could change anything, I'd opt for 6 fuel injectors and mapping capabilities, which there's at lest a couple of guys working the concept with considerable success, so it'll be a 10 out of 10 on my wish list. With the longevity of the flat 6 engine (some have over 1/2 million miles without doing much more than changing the oil and timing belt at proper intervals), it may be the last cruiser I'll ever own. At least with what's available currently. Oh and BTW, it'll blow away most Harleys to 135mph. Rubber side down and shiny side up and when in doubt, twist it out.

Wow Jon...ya gonna keep it ? I would if I were you ...its a great bike the longer you have it ..the more you're gonna love it.

I always like how Honda did the bag opening on those.

F6c Flat 6 custom. I own a 2000 Tori model red and black with 6 into 6 exhaust. The sound is Amazing.. I have owned 3 gold wings. Absolutely love this bike. But the fuel mileage sucks compared to the gold wings because of the six carburetors

I own a 2001 F6C. Great review. Agree with all said. 42 years of riding many bikes and this one is a favorite. 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 is still my fav. I’ll be hitting blessing of the bikes 2023 Charleston on the Ultra Classic 2003 anniversary edition in the morning but I love the Valkyrie when the Harley “is not available” which seems to be often. Lol. Thanks for the vid.

I have one and I LOVE IT! I'm on the short side (5'7"), have never ridden a real big bike before (all dirt bikes) and feel quite at home on it. Performance is great, they're comfortable and they STOP real good. No computers or crap so if you know your way around a motorcycle of any kind you should be able to do all the maintenance yourself. Even the carbs. There's some really good utube vids of doing them and get the rebuild kit from Red Eye and you're good to go. Oh yeah. Mine's in Australia so we don't have any of the desmog crap to worry about.👍

Bought my made in 1996 (labeled a 1997 model) in 1998. The third summer it sat in our local Honda dealers showroom, I told the dealer's owner it was an embarrasment to have this beautiful bike sitting on his showroom floor unsold. I made him a reasonable offer and he took me up on it. It is the red/white model with the Hondaline accessories: studded seats, windshield, backrest and pad, crome side covers, chrome exhaust tip extenders, leather studded saddle bags, and the huge windshield. I live in North Dakota and have many bikes, so only some 30,000 miles on it. Long term storage (perhaps as long as six months) and have never had carburetor issues. I either run the carbs dry or drain them. This is oil country, so it is easy to find 100 percent gas at 91 octane up here. Is stored in winter months in non-climate controled storage garage, (yup-not unusual for minus 25 degress). Pull the battery for a quick charge in the spring and put the petcock to on for one minute to fill the carb bowls and off we go. Top off the tire psi as well. Just a few observations: bucking winds up here on the plains and driving at interstate speed limits, mileage may drop below 30mpg. Usually around 33mpg. The Hondaline windshield creates a vacuum that sucks up the radiator/engine heat and can get serious in above 90 degree days. Bridgestone Exedra tires work best for me. I live three hours north of Sturgis, SD and when we reach the Black Hills, I leave the windshield at the campsite or motel room and enjoy the twisties without the big windshied. What a hoot! The big girl is pretty darn nimble. So yes, very unique bike with its six carburetors and laid bare opposed six cylinder engine.

Thank you. I'll buy it!

I want that bike.Its a beauty. 👍🏻 great find.

I love my Valkyrie interstate. More than capable performance and stunning looks. A recent cold snap here in Texas 10 days below freezing and it started right up. I put seafoam in the tank threw a tarp over her and put a 60 W lightbulb under her. Typical Honda it does everything very well but doesn’t stand out in any category except wow!

Nice bike! Nice engine sound!

Bro Jon , Awesome video!!!! AWESOME GLOVES!!!! Unfortunately those are the worst sou doing aftermarket pipes on a Valkyrie I've heard , but it's a beautiful bike 👍Almost traded my 68 baha for a beautiful Valkyrie , except it had a serious shifting issue , you had to skip third gear , and he didn't like the noise factor going down the road in my baja 😁 Really enjoyed the video!!! Hey look up the videos with Valkyrie 6 into 6 exhaust , they sound absolutely Bad to the Bone!!!!

I have a 14 Valkyrie and I love it! The Valkyries are all amazing bikes. I’m looking to find an older one myself.

My 89 Goldwing was a learning curve. Once I ditch the running boards and heel/toe shifter it became a totally different bike. At first I cursed my wife for telling me to get it, and literally contemplated pushing off a tall cliff. Now thought, she's really fun and am looking for other things to treat her too. Oh ya, would love a Valkyrie.

They are wonderful for a long distance trip...with the exception of mpg 30 to 35mpg. So that kinda sucks but other than that a truly wonderful motorcycle.

I had one. Bought it new in '99. Rode it across the USA, MA to CA and back. Loved it until I got sick of it. Great bike. Not for all situations, though. Not a good commuter, specifically.

7:07 hehe remember that episode :D only now got to actually watch this,ye pretty nice big bike

I almost bought one of these before I got my vtx1800, I still want one

The VALK! Valks rule! Yes, I would ride one. I own a 2014! I dig the "Remove Before Flight" ribbon.

Honda has really contributed some of the finest vehicles to the world on all fronts ATC/ATV, motorcycle, cars and now utvs. The V65 Sabre, CB, VTX, CBR, CX500 and 500 turbo, Valkyrie.... I could go on but you get the point. They make high quality and deliver a consistent reliability experience. Nothing like a Honda.

I owned a 2014 it was a blast. Unfortunately there was little aftermarket support and Honda only made it for two years. Great bike.

I actually just picked one up before Easter weekend. Wind, hills, ruts in the road, it acts like a canoe with the handling of a kayak. It's not a bike to get good mileage with, but if you want something to just chill and ride. This is the bike.

Will, it nice to see yours looks great. Mine is a 1999 two tone and has only 32k. 💕 It !!

Hi bro nice bike great vid. 👋✌

Just bought a 98, looking forward to getting it on the road

Proud owner of a ‘97 Valkyrie

I believe F6C stood for flat 6 custom

check out the I.D. plate on the left frame neck and cast in the engine case on the right side.... tells you where it was made!

Nice video !. which batwing fairing is that ? Memphis Shades ? And are those Mustang seats ?thank you

The fun thing about honda is most of the vehicles we get here in the u.s are built here in the u.s they have around 16 manufacturing plants in the states and just under half of of them make parts

C is for custom. I see bikes that I like and start to want, then I look at my Valkyries and I realize that I have exactly what I want already! These things are like a really sexy woman, it just doesn't get old! I have a 97 standard, red and white with cobra 6 into 6 pipes. I love it. I also have a 2001 black interstate. I love it. My plan was to sell the 97 when I bought the interstate, but I decided that I needed both of them. If I have stuff to carry, I ride the interstate. If I pull the trailer, again, the interstate. If I just need wind therapy and the thrill of the throttle twist, then it's the red and white. Best bikes ever.

I have a shadow 750 as just a run about bike that was cheap to buy and maintain. Got more torque/power/speed than I thought it would for just being a 750. Not fast by any means but its quick and fun to ride. But this 6 cylinder is a bike I been keeping a eye out for. I love Harley's but I never been a follower and they are just to main stream for me.

Just found out my dads passing down his Valkyrie to me. Never rode a bike in my life, gonna be a fun one to learn on lmaoo

Damn. I envy you. I want to ride one of those really really bad. Then again I can think of 5 bikes I want to try out right now. The RUNE was a spectacular model of this bike. If you like the Valkyrie, definitely look up the Rune. Beautiful bike !!

flat 6 custom 👍 im envy of your bike amazing!

Those are truck stacks. Drill out two of the 3 baffles on both sides and you'll have a great sound that doesn't piss off the neighbors. Retake the video when you get that sound. You will run more errands. And I own a 2003 Ultra Classic and the handling on the Harley is way more nimble for me. The Valk is Swiss Chocolate the Harley is Swiss Cheese. I love them both.

i have been looking for a bike for awhile now, and was wondering if a 6.3 450 dude would be comfortable riding this monster

Considering breaking away from the cult that is Harley Davidson…. On the road to recovery and I think I might hit it on a Honda Valkyrie 😂

I've had my 2000 Valk since 2010. I like the power and ride. It used to be smoother. I haven't figured out where I'm getting the vibration from. Mechanics said "all good" several times. The thing I don't like is the mileage / distance between fill-ups.

I have two bikes a 98 Valkyrie and a 05 Ultra Classic love both, but if I had to sell one it would probably be the Harley. The Ultra I keep close to home the Valkyrie I would take cross country in a heartbeat!

if you continue with the flip challenge it would be awesome your goal motorcycle it's one of the new 1250 harleys i'd love to know your input on one of those

As a U.K. Valkerie ‘Interstate’ owner with 55 years highway motorcycling experience, plus boy motorcross, I would like to add my two penneth as I feel that although RU-vid reviews of the Valkerie are honest they are largely massively misleading. Simply because the vast majority are based on USA biking which is nothing like UK biking. Put crudely, the difference being the USA’s dry weather and endless long straight quality traffic free roads, compared with the UK’s almost endless rain for the majority of the year, and windey very poor surface country lanes often beseiged with pot holes, metal grates and slimey brown leaves, and very heavy traffic on larger roads. Next, bear in mind that riding a very heavy long wheelbased motorcycle is a completely different experience to riding say a ‘normal’ 500 lbs. bike. And technically far more complex. Whilst there are hundreds of RU-vid instruction videos on how to maneuver giant bikes at very low speeds they all confess that to achieve competence one needs an hour’s practice each week in a car park riding around cones or whatever. Don’t expect to simply draw down on your years of ‘normal’ biking experience and quickly achieve a good standard. It can’t normally be done that way. Whilst I really need the space of several blank pages in order to lay down a full review, and don’t have this, I’ll simply set out just a couple of challenges of riding a giant bike, particularly in the UK:- But first let me say that the Valkyrie’s power is not really relevant as if you are a middle of the road biker who rides at normal safe speeds there isn’t really a noticeable difference between riding any modern 500cc bike or a 1520 cc Valkerie. Today’s bikes are so enormously powerful that only professional racers and maniacs tap into high power bands, and notice a difference between machines. Ninety nine per cent of us are neither. It may be fast for a tourer but it is not in the league of my other recent purchases - ZZR1100, ZZR1200, and GTR1400. First, the force put into the road through the tyres of a heavy bike is much greater than the like force by a lighter bike. Consequently the effect of say a slide off a wet highway iron grate is greater and much more dangerous and challenging for a large heavy bike’s rider. (‘Force = Mass x Acceleration’ being the basic science explaining how the issue begins). Finally, expressed simply, crudely, and not expertly on a science basis: The further apart you build a bike’s wheels the more they don’t fluidly move together together particularly at very slow speeds. So, say turning through 90 degrees at walking pace the rear wheel turning - in its attempt to follow the front wheel’s lead - will, rather than simply fall in with the front wheel lead, also attempt to pull the middle of the bike directly down to earth. So, in conclusion, if you are a rider facing say UK road challenges a giant heavy bike would be you very worst form of purchase. Having previously regularly ridden both the Kawaski GTR1400 (670 lbs. wet) and the GTR1000 (653 lbs. wet), compared with the Interstate’s 712lbs. wet I conclude that (assuming my own riding ability to be average) once one goes beyond 653 lbs. one faces such enormous challenges that arguably one becomes an accident waiting to happen. Even on a Valkyrie where the centre of gravity is beautifully low. One specific thing to note when considering buying a Valkyrie is that it has a design fault vis a vis the gear change lever which is massively long to the gear box. This will cause around 6mm of excessive waggle and eventually problems. At least three three different alternative stability devices can be added, but my device (a 'Jersey Shifter') prevents access to first gear. But I suspect that possibly it needs setting up better. My local Honda garage were out of their depth, but eventually I hope to stumble across a good mechanic or fellow Valk. owner, willing to assist. P.S. Re: The reverse gear referred to in Jon's review:- Before owning the Interstate I briefly owned a standard Valkyrie, which indeed had a reverse gear. What I discovered from my research just before buying the first bike (not guaranteed correct) was that the Valkerie was manufactured in the USA. The bikes made for the USA and everywhere else (except one country) had no reverse gear. The only ones with a reverse gear were manufactured for the Japan market. You can tell at a glance if a reverse gear has been fitted by looking at its outside flank (if you drive on the right), in the middle of the bike is an 8" long vertical metal pole with a large knob on its top.

Great bike, would love to hear what you think of the BMW K1600B/GTL/GT...

what fairing is this and what mounts? also, what kind of LED headlamp? Did you need any special mounting hardware for the headlight?

Epic arm stretchers due to hotter cams than Goldwings , also fuel mileage is about 25 mpg. That's why I couldn't own one, but will never forget how it gave new meaning to the word ''lunge'' for me.

I have a 99 Valk Interstate. 838lbs but hauls ass. Good luck Harley trying to catch me. Like you said it just pulls. I plan to Super Valk it. Remove the top bag and make it a bagger. Mine has chrome guards on all the bags and racks on top of all 3.

Love it. I would do straight pipe

Just put a hold on one here in Tampa for $3100 (year 2000, 82k, includes windscreen and saddlebags). Going to be my first bike really (rode a dirt bike as a kid). I’m excited as long as everything goes through.

Cool Man, I just inherited one,

... there are 3 models: Standard naked bike, Tourer: matching hard bags & forks mounted windshield and the Interstate: Hard bags & trunk, radiator pods and forks mounted fairing....

Try a 2e gen valkyrie , you will like it , it's a monster

I think the C may stand for cruiser. The carbs on the v-4 & flat 6 and 4s Hondas seem to operate without a problem. I have a 98 St 1100 with 4 carbs. I have put 40,000 miles on her and the carbs so for have needed nothing from me. It's like a well sorted out F.I. However on ethanol gas ⛽️ unless stabel 360 is being used.

Would you recommend a beginner learning to wheelie on a small pit bike? I don’t want to drop a bigger more expensive bike

I have a big heavy st1300 and i love ripping off the lights when other bikes are around they are often shocked that big bikes can get up and go

Standard came plane. Touror came with hard bags and windshield. Interstate came with faring and trunk and hard bags

As a Mazdaspeed 3 owner, I had to subscribe haha

Got out nice ride on my triumph america i again had to clean corrosion from negative cable end before it would crank i suppose i need vaseline the cable ends. Likely why you having trouble starting your triumph i doubt it fuel pump

I just sold my 96 Honda Magna and I’m picking up a Valkyrie on Sunday, I’m used to bigger bikes but as far as the power compared to the Magna what is the biggest difference you feel?

I really dig that bike

I have the 2000 Valkyrie bought in new . Smooth and fast.

I have a newest old 15 Honda Valkyrie been riding years probably best long-distance power cruiser ever had front tire weird size big problem otherwise fantastic bite

Where does that aftermarket exhaust come from???

I've got a 2000 Interstate model... Has the batwing fairing, tourpack & saddlebags. Bought it in 2013 with 39k miles on it. It now has 144k miles and still runs strong. The 6 carbs are no big deal. Takes me about an hour to sync them after setting the valves (which I do every 24k miles). Worst thing for these bikes to let them sit for extended periods of time.

I have a 2000 Valkerie I don't get to ride it much it has 87.000 ks or 54.000 miles on the clock I think because there are so few of them sold in Australia where I live it's an investment and they definitely hold their value. I always wanted one of these pieces of art I paid $8000 AU for it but I could get up to $10000 private sale... It's not for sale it a collector item. it's in immaculate condition.

It isn't the same engine as the Gold Wing. It has higher compression and solid lifters.

Yep Id love own one but like you said finding one really good condition with low miles and under $8,000 is a chore !

This model looks PERFECT. What a perfect bike, sounds like a Formula 1 car, and can be bought 2nd hand cheap.. When you guys sit on this bike, how would you compare the feel in the sense of getting on and off to a Vulcan ? I have a bad left knee and can hardly get off a bike.

I'm putting the engine out of one of these in a chopper. They sound evil straight pipped

What pipes are those I have a Valkyrie I like the sound of em