Has anyone rode one of these?

[kaivalagi]

For me, if I go small, it would prolly be on a Thruxton... a beautiful retro ride, IMO.

I'd have to agree if I wanted a classic smaller sized bike I'd likely go for either a Thruxton or a Scrambler...I test rode a Thruxton last time I was demo'ing at the local dealership just to fill time between my choice bikes and it was the most fun I had all day, that 900 engine is a great thing.

 

[TriumPhil]

Yes, and that motor can be goosed rather impressively!

 

[idk]

I had one of the new Bonnies with the 900 motor before I got the Rocket. I thought that I would miss it, but I never have - not even once.

 

[Elvis]

A 1500 horizontal opposed engine.
I disagree Amigo - just my opinion.
A newer Goldwing would be a challenge all things being equal.
But it's a tour model??? hah hah

Disagree all you want, I had three of them and all had lower centers of gravity than this bike with the last one being hotter than this bike. Don't get me wrong, I like the R3T but it is not the best handling bike I have ever had.

 

[Elvis]

I have to agree. I had a 98 Valkyrie as well, and I think it was really better in the twisties. Lean angle was probably slightly better, and it was nimble and stable for such a heavy cow. Engine power was far less than the Rocket, though.
But it might be just the fading memory of an old man...

What was the question? Oh yeah, I had a Valkyrie too, long time ago. It was good in the twisties... er ... nimble ... er ...

Yeah, the last Valkyrie I had was with cobras, rejectted carbs, trigger wheel, and better breather, it would keep up with the bike I have now and was probably a little quicker in the 1/4.

 

[IMFASTTOO]

Disagree all you want, I had three of them and all had lower centers of gravity than this bike with the last one being hotter than this bike. Don't get me wrong, I like the R3T but it is not the best handling bike I have ever had.

WELL the R3T does not handle as well as a standard Rocket nor is it as fast as it weighs more and is detuned BUT you can add a pipe and retune and it will out run that Honda with ease

 

[1olbull]

Disagree all you want, I had three of them and all had lower centers of gravity than this bike with the last one being hotter than this bike. Don't get me wrong, I like the R3T but it is not the best handling bike I have ever had.

Sorry, I forgot you be riding a R3T. I was comparing to my R3R.
The CG on a motor has little to do with the handling. Ever see adventure bikes rip up the twisties?
No way that old Valkyrie be "hotter" that a R3R.

 

[ThingKing]

Well, a 98 Valkyrie in stock condition produces 90-95 hp on a dyno. Just about the same as a stock R3T.
It's a tad lighter than the R3T but has less torque. So if you wring them both out at the lights, it's gonna be a close call.

But it seems to be rather easy to redeem the R3T from stock state, and give her some of her natural power back.

 

[Badlionsfan]

The CG on a motor has little to do with the handling.

This couldn't be more inaccurate.

 

[kaivalagi]

If you're arguing about CoG on cruisers handling there aint much in it....bigger factors involved that that...such as fork rake, suspension, tyres, balls etc. But that said we're talking cruisers anyway....

I'd take on any Valk with my stock R3R if I had anything to prove which I don't