Valkyrie vs. Roadking : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Blue Duck · 06-08-2003, 11:47 PM

I own a 1200 sportster and I love riding it, now that I have it customised like I want it. But I wouldn't mind owning a bigger machine for a second ride, Might even get my OL to give it a try.

I have never rode a Roadking but I did ride a used Valkyrie the other day. The dealer only wanted 8500 for it with around 20,000 miles on it. It had a real nice Mustang seat also. It was 3 or 4 years old if I remember right. I wonder how it compares to a Roadking? I do love Harleys, but a used Roadking would be twice as high or more. Any comments?

The Valkyrie seems to get a little more respect from the Harley crowd than lots of the other big *** Cruisers, or is that just my imagination?

I have heard the Valkyrie is darn good bike for someone that needs a big machine that will get up and cruise at 80 or 90 all day on the interstate if needed, and has a very long lifed engine. Any comments?

rodan · 06-09-2003, 10:18 AM

It's not a Harley!

bikertrashdude · 06-09-2003, 11:19 AM

never rode one but have sat on one, no where to shift your feet around.
sounds wicked with drags on it. nothing like a harley, but totally awsome.

BTW so what if it isn't a harley.
it's got two wheels that is what counts.

biker

eagleman · 06-09-2003, 07:44 PM

The Valkyrie has a souped up Gold Wing
engine in it and it is good for many, many
miles. Well over 100,000.

mike7rey · 06-09-2003, 08:46 PM

You get what you pay for. Nothing like riding a king

BigG · 06-09-2003, 09:55 PM

I've ridden them both, bought the King - but it's a good bike. Get what you can afford to enjoy.
Ride Safe.

Ragnar · 06-12-2003, 08:37 PM

The Valk is a pretty good bike. I have a 2000 FLHTCI and a 97 Valk. I've put 45,000 miles on the Valk in six years, and 30,000 miles on the Electraglide in three years. Seems I end up on the 'Glide most often. I also ride my neighbor's RK pretty often, and I guess if I had to pick, I'd probably pick the RK. But if money is an issue, the Valk is a pretty good bang for the buck. It's very fast; low speed handling is not nearly as good as the RK, nor is the gas mileage. Paint, chrome, and other stuff is top quality on the RK; Honda is usually pretty cheesy in those departments. They seem to know it, too, since the paint warranty is only for 45 days. Honda also loves to use plastic chrome---which I hate. The RK is going to be more expensive initially, but Honda will absoutely hose you on parts. I went to the dealer to buy a special purpose nut the other day; they wanted $6!

So...it really depends on what you want...and who you want to ride with:-).

Ragnar

ramse · 06-18-2003, 07:08 PM

I have a 99 Valk Tour model and I'm considering a Roadking. The Valk will absolutely hammer the Roadking in any performance test. However, performance is not a major concern for me. I average about 39mpg with the Valk which is my only real complaint. I would like longer range. So why do I want to sell? I simply like the looks of the Roadking. I also agree that the finish on the Roadking is a step up from the Honda. I also agree that Honda parts are outrages. I wanted to replace a reflector on the license plate frame...cost about $17.00!!

DWG99 · 06-30-2003, 10:06 PM

Buddy of mine has a Black 01 RKC - it looks great and will be my preferred choice of Bagger when the time comes for a touring set up.

I looked at the various Shadow's, V-Stars etc but always wanted a HD so saved up a bit longer to get it.

If the price is right and you like it that is all that matters.

Glenn W · 09-26-2008, 08:29 PM

Both are great bikes, both are very different. The performance goes to the valk hands-down. Low-speed handling to the RKing without a doubt. There are a lot more accessories out there for the RKing and it does get better gas mileage. The valk gets respect 'cause it'll spank a Road King and it's hard to make fun of something that can smoke you and has a higher US content than the Road King. Minus points for the Valk for most will be the sound (angry behive) and taller riders will NOT like the foot position compared to a RKing's floorboards. Aggressive riding and around town is fine for the more "sport" seating position of the Valk but you'll want highway pegs for the highway miles.

PS I am in no way unbiased, as I've put many miles on Road Kings but 154k on the Valk in my avatar