1999 Honda Valkyrie reviews

I've had 3 of these Honda Valkyries, GL1500C over the years. I've taken them to Valkyrie Rallies all over the US, down the Tail of the Dragon a few times, to Van Couver, BC, Canada from Houston, TX. I have found them to be extremely fun, fast, reliable, powerful. I'm a big guy nowadays, so I don't look as ridiculous on a big bike, and I need a bike that can carry my weight, plus a passenger on occasion, plus luggage! One of the best things about this model bike is the support community. If you log onto the VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club) they have technical info and a knowledge base to get you through any problem. I love that a lot of those guys have 300,000 miles on a Valkyrie! Changing the air filter is a real pain. There's not a lot of clearance between the top of the shift lever and the bottom of the 6 cylinder engine that's mounted just above that lever. Just enough for a regular boot. If you had one of those boots with the extra thick sole, there'd be no way to fit it in there. Of course, everything is adjustable, but still. There's less and less aftermarket parts available as time marches on and these haven't been made since 2002, but there's still stuff out there. An old school Valkyrie will perform, it's a lot more nimble than it looks, it's smooth and well balanced, powerful, fast and torquey. It's getting harder to find aftermarket parts. And dealerships won't work on bikes that old, usually. Although private shops will, of course. I don't know what other bike can cruise across country so fast and smooth and reliably for $4K or less. Show less

Smooth, comfortable, powerful. Turns heads. Silly grin every time I ride, which is pretty much any day it doesn't rain. Heavy when stopped, but handles better than a beginner lightweight when rolling. Absolutely fun to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and various mountain rides available to me in Virginia, North Carolina, and neighboring areas/states. Show less

Pros; fast, comfortable, easy to maintain, beautiful, cheap. Cons; short range, brakes could be better, it's large and heavy. In my opinion, Best Cruising Motorcycle Ever. Show less

I was 17 when I bought my first used bike (2001 Yamaha R-6). I was 19 when I bought my first new bike (2004 Yamaha R-1). Man that R-1 could move! I sold that bike after I turned 21 and thought about getting out of riding the sport bikes, but I knew that I would always have a need for that sport bike power. I stumbled on to a 1999 Honda Valkyrie. Wow, was I swept off my feet when I laid eyes on this beautiful, yet beastly dragon. I had to have it. I was 22 years old in my town riding with kids my age that would laugh at me when I pulled my bike into the group for a Friday night ride. But when I got to the front of the line and was waiting at the next stop light for them to catch up, they didn't laugh much after that. I'm glad I made the switch to the Valkyrie. I've had more guys tell me that if I ever want a good bike that I should never sell my Valkyrie. I listened to them and I plan to ride this bike for a very long time. Show less

Bought a used '99 Green & Silver Interstate in June '07 - only 3845 miles on it. Great ride either single or two-up. It'll handle twisties with ease and has plenty of power. The 1520 engine runs at slightly ;-) more than posted speeds with no strain, even when loaded down. Noisy tires when cornering (famous growl). Just made a 1,000 trip on it with the biggest grins on our faces. Always getting looks and comments - people think it's a new model. Compliments my '97 Magna for big-boy fun! Show less

Rode a friend's 97 Valkyrie Tourer and knew I had to have a Valk for myself. Purchased a 1999 Interstate with 45K miles and an N-Line trailer. This bike is so comfortable...there is absolutely no vibration, and the performance is outstanding...VERY FAST. If you don't want to buy one...don't ride one. Show less

After being down from a bike wreck (Oct. 04), I had a lot of time to study all the bikes out there. I wished I never spent so much time with the three money hungry H-D models I owned. I found a '99 Interstate with 13,000 mi. for a great price even with add-ons! This bike is just flat out awesome, no complaints here. H-D enthusiasts can't say anything negative about it, either. If they do, it's either false or due to envy. This one's a keeper... unless I buy a different Valkyrie! Show less

This is a awesome machine! All the comfort of a Wing with the muscle of a Valkyrie. My wife and I love taking trips on this bike. I'm not sure why Honda doesn't still make this bike! Show less

I have ridden since I was 13, I am 45 now. Bought a 1998 in 2000. It had 8000 miles on it. It now has 44000 miles. Starts every time, even after sitting two weeks, starts instantly. Will run 100 mph all day long with two up plus gear, not even a deep breath. Not one drop of fluid has leaked. Big head turner. I commute 80 miles a day on it. Many trips to Vegas, Tahoe, Sacramento, Reno, Death Valley. (did vegas to santa rosa in 8 hours) It's the only type of bike I will ever have from now on. Only thing I care about more is my kid, but just barely. (Just kidding) Show less

After many years without owning a bike, I decided it was time to purchase another one. My first experience was on a Yamaha Radian (600cc). My first ride on the Valk was a tad intimidating, just based on the size alone. It's a 99 that I purchased in the fall of 2003 with only 2200 miles on it!! I've added another 1300 miles in a few short months. My wife and I love the comfort and quiet when we go out for a ride. Being the Orange/Black paint scheme- it turns heads everywhere we go. I will own this bike for many years to come! Show less