2001 Honda Valkyrie Interstate reviews

The Valk is my 11th bike in 34 years of riding. I had a BMW K 1200 RS before which was a fine bike. Valks are not very common here but when I saw this 11 year old beast by a local dealer I was in love straight away. I was not planning on changing bikes but I did after I test drove the Valk. Maybe because I'm getting older and I found myself hanging more and more to retro styling because all this modern futuristic bikes these days I cannot fall in love with. Also self maintenace is getting very hard on modern bikes these days. Back to basics with carburetors my last bike with that was 12 years ago. I never owned a cruiser before. The Valk is more normal with plenty power to have loads of fun. It fits my style of riding. The bike fits my stature more and it does have a great ride with great cornering. I still drive with some BMW friends and they are surprised at first that I could keep up with them even give them a run down for there money. The only disappointing thing was the fuel usage. I think in the states you travel around 75 miles an hour then this bike is great with 3000 revs but here, well everybody drives around 140 km (90 nm) and then the fuel usage is very high. It means a tank stop every hour, that's rough but I can live with that because the fun factor is very high on this bike. Also the look factor - people look at me and start conversations about the bike and that's a first for me. I like it and I will keep it for years to come. And I am on zero now I could get used to milecounter so I chanced it to km counter now I start fresh al km are mine from now on to make. Show less

I've been riding for over 40 years and the list of machines I have ridden or owned wouldn't fit in this review. My 1997 F6 still packs a punch when I need it. Rides better than ANY machine I have been on! Long haul or short. Too bad HONDA was so short sighted! Show less

My 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate was the best bike I ever owned. It was smooth, powerful and just plain great to look it. Classic lines of a power cruiser and the motor of the classic tourer made it perfect for short rides and long rides. My wife used to sit in the princess seat in comfort as we rode to places like Nashville and Knoxville Tennessee. Cruising the dragon(Deals Gap) with ease and crusing through the Smokeys in comfort. Overall I cannot say enough good things about this bike except it put a hurt to Goldwing sales so Honda stopped making them. Great Bike and Great Experiences is what I will remember from owning this machine. The sweetest ride on the road and even got the respect of most Harley owners. Hope I can get another one someday. Show less

I bought my Valk in August '04 and was able to get a good two months of riding in before winterizing. The upcoming season will only be my fourth, and the Valk is my 3rd machine (following a 600cc Kawasaki Eliminator, then trading up to a BMW R1150R before moving up to the big Honda). I thought my Boxer Twin BMW engine was smooth, and it is. HOWEVER, it doesn't compare to the Flat Six. Admittedly, the Beemer is quicker, being over 220 pounds lighter, but when you get to 80-90 mph it starts to feel a little bit uneasy. Conversely, the Valk lives for high-speed cruising. 90 mph feels like 60 on a smaller bike. Another comparison: The BMW is better in slow-moving traffic and in the parking lot. The Valk can handle the slow traffic okay, but isn't its natural habitat. Once you get moving to at least 15 mph it feels just fine. The one thing I absolutely love is how authoritative this machine is on the road (seems to say "Here I come; get out of my way"). It's one of those bikes that people tend to gawk at--primarily because of that engine. It has a definite PRESENCE. Another cool thing is how a lot of diehard Harley owners admit that they admire the Valk, as opposed to other non-Harleys. I couldn't think of a more appropriate name for my bike than "Bruiser." There are bigger machines, but you won't catch me on a Boss Hoss anytime soon. Bruiser and I are compatible with each other and it should be a long relationship. Never say never, though. Should Honda bring back the 1520cc Valk with fuel injection, or better yet, a redesigned V-65 Magna, I may be tempted to make another switch. Show less

I tested several bikes before going with the Valk. I have no regrets, it is the smoothest, most comfortable ride on the road. The Cobra straight 6 pipes don't hurt either. Show less

If you don't mind looking a little different from the others, this bike will do long, smooth, trouble free, trips. No shaking or vibration, plus lots of power. With the price of the newer models and this to my knowledge no longer being offered, it's a good deal and alot of bike for the current used prices. If you find a garage queen Valkyrie you should jump on it even if it is over book price. Power and quality ... Show less

I am 35 years old and until a few months ago had never been on a motorcycle. I've been interested but was always intimidated and never really sure how to start. Then a friend of mine decided that I had to buy his '99 Valky so he could buy the new Rune and have a riding partner. He lives in Denver, I live in Albuquerque, so he gave me a five minute lesson in the parking lot, then I was towing it on a trailer back home. I had to teach myself how to ride the thing, and at first it really scared me. People thought I was nuts to try and learn on such a big machine, but this bike is simply amazing (not that I have anything to compare it to). I've never had so much fun, and it's a constant perma-grin on this thing. I only regret that I never learned to ride earlier in life. I get comments and head-turns all the time; even the die-hard Harley guys respect this bike (I've even had more than one tell me that it's a far superior bike, but they're a slave to the Harley image.) A couple of months and a couple of thousand miles later I am now feeling extremely comfortable on the bike; it really was very easy to learn to ride. I know I have a lot to learn and have signed up for the state rider's course. I'm just looking forward to the long summer rides and trying to keep up with my buddy's Rune. Show less

I own a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate. Before that, I had several Gold Wings, so I'm used to touring in comfort. Unfortunately, the Wings just didn't suit my taste in terms of looks or performance. The Valkyrie excels in both these categories and more! First, its looks (whether it's the Standard, Tourer, or Interstate model) are both traditional as well as stunningly distinctive. Power and torque are fantastic, and are virtually unmatched by any other cruiser or touring bike. Yet the engine's performance is silky smoothﾗno problems with vibration at any speed. The Valk's handling is equally impressive. It is incredibly nimble at speed, and is a ton of fun to ride in the twisties as well as on the open road. Last but not least, the Valk's finish and reliability are first rate. I am very pleased with every aspect of the Valkyrie's performance, and love it for both cruising as well as long distance touring. If you want a bike that isn't a Harley wannabe, delivers class-leading performance and handling, is smooth and comfortable, and was labeled "the Cruiser of the Decadeby a leading industry publication, then the Valkyrie is for you. don't test ride one unless you're serious; living with something less could be mighty unfulfilling after you've ridden "the dragon. Show less

I purchase a new 2001 Valkyrie Interstate 3 weeks ago. Returned it 3 days after to the dealer (with expense). The bike is very very confortable (i'am 6' and 290pounds, my wife is 5'5 - 260) there is plenty of space for the 2 of us, riding position is excellent. but there is too much turbulence past 50mph, may be the windshield was too short? but the dealer was a 45 minutes ride from home, and it was hell to get the bike home (and back to the dealer) It was so bad I could not read nor focus on the road signs for safe riding ( I know focussing on one object is bad...) . Wind protection is not as good as expected... We live in a relatively small town on a river a the ride on the road close to the river (winding & ﾱ30mph) this ride was a real joy... But in the city driving with the 2 of us, was too difficult to manoeuver and the passenger is very confortable but *high* so the passenger's weight/gravity was just enough to make me *very* inconfortable. With my 12 years old son (150pounds) it was not as difficult. I did not ride solo in the city (always had a passenger) so I can not really judge it on that aspect, but I think it is bulky, much more than expected in the showroom. Sitting on a G/W did not look as bad. I will rent for a few days my next bike (or similar) before comitting to it (or model). On my list are G/W, Kawa Concours or may be an Harley ... I hope to make a more positive review with my purchase! Show less

Sure the mileage is not great, but hey, it has six carbs! And yes, Honda should have included a gas gauge and self-cancelling turn signals. However, one ride on this domesticated beast makes you forget the few shortcomings. After almost 40 years of riding I have found my last, best bike. I will drive her till she wears out, and if I am still able to ride after that, I will try to find another (rumor has it this wonderful bike will be discontinued for 2003). Smooth, powerful, comfortable...the big three, the Valk has it all. You never want the ride to end. It draws stares and comments everywhere I go. Park it next to a bunch of Harleys and they go unnoticed. If you are not a lemming and like to march to a different drummer, this is the bike for you. As an added bonus, you can join the free VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club)made up of some of the finest people from all over the world, from all walks of life. The on-line board is amazingly active and the folks there are willing to answer all of your questions. I am not a "wrench" but I bought a shop manual and with the help of my fellow club members, I plan to do a lot of my own mechanical work. If you ride one, you will buy one. Had Honda had the smarts to supply Demos to all the dealers, they would have sold a bunch more. If you are wondering why this beauty may be discontinued, it's a marketing thing. It steals sales from the more expensive Gold WIng. Also, I am told, when people see it in a showroom it "scares" them. It intimidates because of that huge engine hanging out there in front. Truth is, because of the low center of gravity, it is easier to push this bike around my garage than the Suzuki 850 I previously owned. BUY THIS BIKE! You will rediscover what riding is supposed to be. Show less