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Review of the 2004 Honda Valkyrie Rune:After two years the interest continues |
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Author: J Whalen, 2006-06-06, viewed 229 times. | ||||||
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No matter where it goes or even who has seen it before, the Rune continues to impress. The only problem is that I can´t park it where I could other bikes because it draws a crowd. The bike is an engineering marvel and truly a work of art. | ||||||
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Two years ago I purchased the Rune. Prior to that I rode a Valkyrie 1500 and HD Road King. The Rune attracted me with its uniqueness and because it was so much unlike any other bike on the road. The engineering, styling, power, curb appeal, and Honda´s legendary reliability made it a no brainer. True, the price was more than even twice some bikes but I knew this was something special. Although I have ridden motorcycles for over 30 years and have been experienced with big cruisers, the Rune and me took some time to get acquainted. The seat height is perfect, but the reach to the handlebars even with the swept back variety seemed less comfortable than other bikes. With time, I have no complaints. Power is impressive. It always does what you ask and cruises the same at 45 as it does at 70. Handling is as good as it was with the original Valkyrie. Counter steering makes the Rune go into a corner with amazing speed and the cornering clearance is great. After the learning curve with this bike, the owner will be confident enough to take it where any cruiser will go. Long trips on the bike haven´t been possible due to no storage options. I won´t ruin the styling with add on bags. A magnetic tank (or fender) bag serves well for weekends. A windshield made for me by Rifle works great and adds to the lines of the fork. I am hestitant to leave it parked alone for long because it attracts people like ants to honey. Even non-motorcycle humans like to ask what it is. Motorcycle riders of all makes and models want to look it over and have nothing but praise for it. A ride down the interstate sometimes gets me boxed in due to car passengers wanting to have a longer look. A Harley Davidson engineer recently pointed out more of the Rune´s technology than I even knew about it. There is no doubt the Rune is too much motorcycle for some riders. It is heavy at rest and sometimes hard to maneuver at low speeds. But once under way, it is as smooth as silk. God forbid it tip over, it may be a bear to get rightside up again. Because Honda has limited the Rune production, this motorcycle will be one for the ages. As time goes on I bet it becomes a rarer thing to actually see one let alone own one. |
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