Honda Valkyrie 1800

"The most characterful cruiser Honda ever built, full stop."

The Valkyrie 1800 is essentially a Gold Wing with its clothes off, and that's meant as the highest compliment. Honda took their bulletproof flat-six and stuffed it into a cruiser chassis, and the result is something genuinely special. That engine pulls like a freight train from idle and never feels strained, even two-up with luggage. Used examples hold up remarkably well — these bikes were bought by serious riders who maintained them properly. That said, go in with eyes open. The thing is massive and heavy, and low-speed maneuvering will humble you until muscle memory kicks in. Parts aren't always dealer-shelf items, so budget for wait times. Check the carburetors carefully on older examples — they gunk up if the bike sat unused, which happens more than you'd think with luxury cruisers. Also verify the final drive oil has been changed regularly.