Okay, so I’ve been drooling over the Honda Valkyrie for a while now. It’s just such a beast of a bike, and that flat-six engine… pure magic. But I was also curious about how it stacked up against the original Moto Honda version. So, I decided to do a little hands-on comparison.
First, I got my hands on a well-maintained Moto Honda. I’m talking about cleaning up that classic look. The chrome needed some serious love, and the leather was a bit faded. I really used a good chrome polish and, I must tell you, I did it several times to let it shine. Then, I conditioned that leather real good to bring back some of that original suppleness.
Next, I took it for a spin. Gotta say, that old engine still has some serious pep! It’s not as refined as the newer Valkyrie, but it’s got this raw, mechanical feel that’s just awesome. I did notice I had some work to do, I checked out the brakes and the carburetor, all felt in good condition.
Then came the modern Valkyrie. Wow. Just… wow. The first thing I noticed was how smooth the engine is. It’s like it’s barely even trying, even when you really open it up. The power delivery is just so linear and predictable. It’s a totally different riding experience.
I spent a good few hours riding both bikes back-to-back, really trying to get a feel for their differences. I used it in the same roads, to really feel how different are.
My Observations
- Engine: Moto Honda – raw, mechanical, a bit rough. Valkyrie – smooth, refined, effortlessly powerful.
- Handling: Moto Honda – feels a bit heavier, more “classic” handling. Valkyrie – surprisingly nimble for its size, very stable.
- Comfort: Moto Honda – decent, but the Valkyrie is definitely more comfortable for longer rides.
- Looks: Both are gorgeous, in their own way. The Moto Honda has that classic, vintage appeal, while the Valkyrie is just a modern masterpiece.
So, which one did I like better? Honestly, it’s a tough call. The Moto Honda has that old-school charm that’s hard to resist. But the Valkyrie is just such a refined, powerful machine. It’s a bike you could ride all day, every day, and never get tired of. I felt the difference because I tried a long road with the Valkyrie.
In the end, I’m glad I got to experience both. It really gave me a new appreciation for both the history and the evolution of this iconic motorcycle.
