New to the dragon world

[Dereckt94]

Hello all new to the Valkyrie world just bought my first Valkyrie it’s a 1997 tourer. Beautiful bike I recently rebuilt carbs and replaced needles and replaced petcock with Pingel. She runs amazing so smooth I can’t even tell she’s running, unfortunately she was a victim of the hydro lock with P.O. because I can hear the starter idler gear has a missing tooth it’s a little clingy metallic sound when starting, I had a question about syncing the carbs if anyone had to choose between the Digi Sync or a standard needle gauge which would you prefer that’s my last step in getting her perfectly tuned up thanks guys

[Grumpy]

Digi Sync is more accurate and in my opinion easier to use.

[larue]

First of all welcome to this great group of folks. These guys have a huge body of knowledge regarding this machine , just ask away!!
Don't forget to put your location in your avatar , there might be members close to you to jump on rides with or to Land a hand in case.

[Dereckt94]

Okay great thank you and yes this place is amazing I have been reading since I bought the bike you guys have so much information, I think I will order the Digi Sync this week. Would you guys be hesitant to keep running the Valk on a starter idler gear that’s missing a tooth, it starts rite up without hesitation But sounds bad?

[sixlow]

welcome Derek, great bunch here and loads of knowledge. what color is she and is she fast ? maybe others in the know will respond about the Hydro repair but i recall that it may lead to more chip of steel flying around in the gears. It's a big job but many here have done it. Best of luck with her and we will see you at a gathering someday. 

[Flrider]

Hey Derek

Welcome from Kissimmee 

I don't know for sure if the clingy metallic sound could cause further damage but if it was me I would fix it and be done with it.

As for the Dig sync, I would say get it while still available, awesome and easy to use tool

[Dereckt94]

Yeh I’ve been researching the rear cover removal but it’s hard to tear her back apart she’s so happy haha. She is black original with 67k on the clock and yes very fast very smooth engine.

[Pappy!]

Have been using a Digisync for a few years now. Bought one of the very first ones. Use it at work and home. Extremely accurate and super simple to use since it will hook up all six at once.

[John Schmidt]

If it is the starter gear, you don't need to pull the rear cover, just the starter. I'd be tempted to pull the starter first and take a close look inside before going any further and I agree with Jack(Flrider), fix it right and be done with it.

[Dereckt94]

I didn’t even consider the starter gear I thought it would be the idler gear so I didn’t even pull the starter yet, I will do that ASAP fingers crossed I hope it’s just the starter gear, thanks John I will give it a shot and report back.

[Grumpy]

I didn’t even consider the starter gear I thought it would be the idler gear so I didn’t even pull the starter yet, I will do that ASAP fingers crossed I hope it’s just the starter gear, thanks John I will give it a shot and report back.

Starter, doubt it, they are bullet proof. Most likely idler gear, if it strips another tooth can lock up and damage the engine case or the rear housing. I repaired one similar a couple months ago, same thing broken tooth, then totally let go. Can also damage other gears in the starter gear train, can get expensive quick.

[Bronxboy]

Welcome from New Port Richey or (No Place Really) U are among the most Die Hard group of Valksters. Hope we can hook up on one of the Half Way Rides we take now and then. Great bunch of Guy's & Gal's always willing to help out.

I would also recommend getting her fixed up right, and get that behind u. These bikes will go lot's of miles, adding lot's of smiles along the way. We have a member on the VRCC who goes by DDT (Bruce) who has well over 600K miles on his Tourer. He is also a Great person to sit with, and or read his stories of the road.

Hope to see ya at one of the rides soon 

[Thunderbolt]

Welcome from a former Valkyrie owner that still checks in.  You would do well to read between the lines of Grumpy's posting.  He would be at the top of the list of folks that have the best advice on the board.  AND if you need help he will.
Terry
Thunderbolt
Worthington Springs Fl.

[John Schmidt]

I agree with Grumpy re. the starter, it's not the weakest link in that chain. You seldom hear of an actual starter failure but they're not immune to losing teeth.

[flsix]

Welcome to the forum from S.W. Florida.

Repairing the problem will give you confidence in your bike when going on longer rides.

Have fun with the new ride.

[Farside]

  Welcome to the Valkyrie World from the Pan-handle of FL, Hang on! 

[Dereckt94]

Well it is confirmed I pulled the starter and found it’s missing one tooth on the idler gear I will plan on pulling the engine sometime next month and get the gaskets and idler gear on the way, I will also get the sockets ordered as well I want to be as prepared as possible for this job. Any one have any good tips for it?

[Pappy!]

If memory serves me correct I think flrider was about the last one to do this job. Grumpy has also done probably several of them. Check with those two for tips on that particular job.