Only rode one once, but it felt like riding a sewing machine. It was so smooth and quiet I had to use the tach to know when to shift. Wasn't for me. Of course, I was riding an '80 Superglide at the time, so I may have still been a bit numb when I got on the GW.

 

You're not the only odd one. I just sold my Kaw ZZR1200 and I'm looking for a used ZX14. I also have the need for speed.


Or... the Kaw Vaquero.

 

Not a completely odd duck. I grew up dragging my knees on sport bikes. But for me, it was age that moved me to the upright riding position. It takes every bit of my wife emptying my wallet to keep from moding for horsepower. Heck, I love the sound of my floorboards scraping, but it scares the hell out of the wife.

I used to say that as long as it has 2 wheels it is all good, but I'm even eyeballing the Can-Am's now.

I took another look at the F6B after your Street Glide comment. I had not looked at it like that, but it does look like Honda is shooting for them. I can see the equal argument between an Ultra and a GW, but couldn't see an SG rider making the switch.

 

True.

I saw that model at the Dallas Motorcycle Show the first year they came out. I was in between bikes at the time and almost bought one. It's no coincidence that the next bike I *did* buy was the FLTRX. I was intrigued by frame mounted fairings at the time.

The Vaquero is still one of the best looking non Harley bikes out there, imho. I'd take it over a Yamaha or Zuki, but I've always had a soft spot for Kawi's having owned two Vulcans since '98.

 

I road them for 30 years - zero problems - finest touring motorcycle ever built - If I stilled toured I would buy one today. Going on a 5,000 mile ride - no problem - just add gas & ride trouble free - My last Goldwing - tom

 

Same here. I had 2 Vulcan 1500 Classics and a Nomad. The Nomad being my fav. The Vaquero was a close second when I bought my Ultra. I still may own one someday. I love the look.

 

I had 3 Wings, '84, '85, and '93. All were great bikes. Then I bought a '01 BMW LT, IMHO, the best touring bike ever made. I love my FLHTCU, I've customized it the way I want. It's fast, it's comfortable, and it's uniquely mine. My Wings and the BMW were just like everyone else's. 500 mile days are my longest rides so far so I don't know what I'll think of its touring characteristics until I've got some vacation time on it. So far I'm pleased.

It looks like Honda finally built a replacement for the Valkyrie.

 

I rode a 2002 Goldwing for 7 yrs. Great bike, probably the quickest bike I ever owned but the riding position for me 6ft 2in was cramped and the only way I could get comfy was addingg hiway pegs that made your legs very close to the hot engine. I hated how much the tupperware would rattle all the time. Never saw the air cleaner on it way to hard to service that item. Traded it in for my 2009 Street Glide and never looked back.

 

Hey blaster. I can tell you that you won't make a mistake by adding the Honda to your stable. I loved mine since day one but wanted a smaller cruiser to boot around town and do small weekend trips on so I also added a Road King. I can't add much to what has already been said here and I agree with most, (not all). The Honda is harder to work on, just changing the air filter is a pain, and the big issue for me with a long inseam is it's just about impossible to achieve the perfect riding position. It does provide smooth quiet power, bad weather protection, great fuel economy and throttle response and passenger comfort. My wife is also over 6' and has went on the RK once and never again she said, we both look kind of comical on it actually haha. I do like the whole body position on the RK, I've made it so that she's very comfy for the long haul except when the rains start. One person mentioned about the front suspension lacking on the Honda. I've never found that and can say without doubt, that it is light years smoother than my RK. I can't say I get a 40mph wobble on the Honda. The RK is unbelievably smooth too at all speeds and loves the 6th gear that Honda has to step up offer in the future. PM me if you have any specific questions that I might be able to help you with. Dene

 

i do believe if the Valkyrie had of made it this long, this is what it would have been.