Honda Valkyrie Rune NRX1800 reviews

I agonized for months before pulling the trigger. I love the looks and the feel of V-twins and the Valkyrie stands in stark contrast to everything V-twin. That said, I was wooed by the legend of the Valkyrie: terrific handling, exceptional performance, maximum comfort and all of this in a bullet proof package. I took the plunge without even test riding one. After 1000 miles, I can honestly say that it was one of the best bike related decisions I have ever made. The Valkyrie is everything they say it is and more. The engine is amazing. Silky smooth and she can run all day long at high speeds without breaking a sweat. The best thing about the engine is the go power. I mean crack the throttle, and it is GONE! Handling? This bike, despite it weighs 700 lbs, handles as easily as my Ace 750 once you reach speeds of a few miles per hour or more. And the fact that it uses pegs instead of floorboards, (dictated by the engine) means there is considerable ground clearence. You can really lean this bike over on her side before any touches pavement. This bike really is the great all around bike. It's a great touring bike, a boulevard crusier, a performace bike, you name the game and she's ready to play. If you love V-twins, it will take some time to get used to the new lines - and some may never get used to them. I guess it may come down to this: Do you buy a bike to ride or to look at? If you want a bike to ride, you must test drive this bike!!! 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

The Corbin dual seats are very comfortable. The heating feature has already paid off in the chilly South Carolina winter. The fairing "seems" to work, but I am still playing around with turning the dial to raise and lower it at various highway speeds. Actually, during a light rain, the only part of my body that got wet was my forehead. The air goes around the legs. To make the passenger seat work you have to get the Rivco footrests. They are extremely well engineered for how they mount on the bike, and the solid billet chrome plated aluminum fits with the rest of the bike's engineering. I have found you can use the footrests like a "horse race jockey" and the position is a very comfortable alternative during long drives. I plan a cross-country ride later this spring. Harley riders drool on the Rune. I removed the Honda markings with the exception of the "Honda" machined in the valve covers, and the very discrete "Rune" in black on my black tank. I have ridden about 30,000 miles in the past year and a half, with a 5 month break while I was in Iraq. The Rune handles better than my Yamaha 1100 V-Star. I get about 200 miles per tank. I plan to mount 4 green lasers on the rear tail lights to supplement the visibility factor at night (15mW, pointing "up") If anyone has info on the radar signature of the Rune I would appreciate it. I suspect the signature is "stealthy." Show less

Been riding since 1965 and this is the best bike I have had. It is smooth, handles like it weighs 200 lbs less (after 10 mph) and has more power than you will use. Show less

This NRX Rune is great! I live in Japan and have owned a X4 and now a CB Super 4 "Big One" but this Rune is great. I purchased it 50-50 with my brother in Vancouver and have only ridden it once, but it is really smooth, quiet, great power and has state of the art gizmos with the front forks, etc. and "football" front headlight! Seriously long bike, and the headlight really does look like a football from the top! Any downsides? Well, cornering on that long unit is not exactly crisp. I think the gas tank capacity might also be a tad small for any true long distance riding. And I did not find any RPM meter and no hazard lamps for when you are parked by the side of the highway when out for a cruise. Why not? This is standard here in Japan. You say no need? Well, the whole bike is not exactly a "basic transport" unit, eh? It is all about fantastic design, great feel, and give yourself a dream... I love it! Show less

The bike is as good or better than I had heard. I came off a Honda Blackbird and a VFR so wanted the sportbike handling and feel even though it is a heavier bike. It is very fast and very smooth. And what a head turner! I cannot tell you how many people just love this piece of artwork let alone machinery. It is blue/purple and gorgeous. Sadly due to a serious scare on a different bike I am quitting riding for good. 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

This is a bike that will be a legend in 50 years. And like some few legends of the '50s, there will still be some around, running strong. Utterly bulletproof, it just outperforms everything in every way. There may be something out there that will outrun it, but how does it look? Will it run like that all day, in all weather? How will the rider feel after 10 hours of 85 mph+. With two up! I routinely blow past guys hunkered over like a monkey humping a football, sitting straight up with my wife comfortably behind me enjoying the day at 115 mph and the only reason we come down off the throttle is to avoid catching up to the next guy too quickly. The bike would run there all day without complaint, vibration-free. If you want to make a lot of noise, maybe it's not for you. I like its sound, but some don't. Seems like a quibbling point to me, considering it's many other virtues. As a day rider, it will comfortably traverse about 700 miles, and you won't have to spend the next day at the chiropractor. I will never part with mine!! Show less

Ok I was watching the Toys 4 Tots and out of 30,000 bikes 3 Runes came by. The bikes where awesome to say the least. I'm a sportbike fan and never considered a cruiser unless it was a Big Dog or some kind of custom. This bike has changed my view and has me totally confused about what I want. If I have the money my next bike will be the Rune. Show less

I have a 99 Intersate and a 00 base Valkrie. The 1500 has a total feel of its own, a little heavy in the front but managable plenty of perfomance. A very beautiful machine that has a very stong following. Sorry to see it go! Mine will allways stay. Show less