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Author Topic: The Valk is missed but  (Read 1613 times)
solo1
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Posts: 6127


New Haven, Indiana


« on: November 18, 2009, 05:30:11 AM »

my Miata has helped fill the loss.  We talked about the PT Cruiser so I guess that i can talk a little about my "attitude adjuster"  Anything's better than discussing politics which is what happens on this board when the riding slows down and ends.

I bought this '99 three years ago .  It had 50k miles, well maintained, no Indiana winter weather driving.  I drove it to Johnson City and had a blast driving behind Mark and 98T through the Snake.  It was stock then.

Now I've added a few things to it. (no bling tho).  A four into 1 header and a low restriction cat helped in scavenging the exhaust and added a nice sound to the mix. A cold air intake system added a little to the intake.  The 1.8 liter was always a willing revver but this really helped.

New General Exclaim UHP summer tires, Koni shocks, a performance alignment, and aftermarket bigger sway bars helped the cornering. I also had all scheduled maintenance and replacement done.

This thing is a blast to drive.  The responsiveness and shifting of the 5 speed manual always has been great. I also now have a walnut shift knob with the imprint of my avatar, the Korean dragon, lazer inscribed in yellow( I guess that would be bling).

The top speed is now a stable and smooth 122 mph but don't ask me how I know.  The Miata, at 140 hp at the rear wheels will never be a hp demon but it makes up for it in plain fun.

Unfortunately, the bad points are there too. The leather seats are comfortable once you're in but getting in and out, now there's the rub.  I have to keep up with my exercises and walking to fold my soon to be 82 year old bod into this but once in, it gives me a reminder, in a way, of the Valk, smooth, responsive, and a blast to drive,

Sorry for the blatant commercial for Mazda------------Zoom, zoom. Grin








« Last Edit: November 18, 2009, 05:32:46 AM by solo1 » Logged

Normandog
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Posts: 1311



« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2009, 05:52:50 AM »

No doubt about it Wayne. You're one cooldude.  cooldude
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Bob E.
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Posts: 1487


Canonsburg, PA


« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2009, 05:55:00 AM »

Those Miata's can be alot of fun.  My brother's mother-in-law has one and she loves it and it is a blast to drive.  There is also a father and son on my bowling league that has them for racing in SCCA.  They're always doing something to them.  Then there was that episode of Gearz on Speed channel where they put a ford 302 V8 in one...they called it the Banshee...Now that would be something to go out hunting with.  I'd love to have one for bombing around and playing.
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SlowRoad
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Posts: 368


Heart of a Legend with a whole lot of Soul

Hartselle AL


« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2009, 06:45:57 AM »

I have a little Mazda 323 5 spd. It's a beat up little clunker, but it's the same engine and drivetrain as a Miata and it's a blast to drive. I can imagine the Miata would be even more fun since it is lighter and looks much more cool.

Tim
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Gilligan
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Posts: 514


Gilligan and Navigator - Wherever we ended up

Southwest Indiana


« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2009, 07:26:18 AM »

Nice pic.  cooldude

You can drive that little beast down here any time you want.  There is a local club in Evansville that would love to have you as a guest.

Question:  Based on your experience, which had the higher top speed?  Your Valk, or your Miata?
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Two-up Touring for 10 yrs on a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate
48 U.S. States - 5 Canadian Provinces - 1 Mexican State
solo1
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Posts: 6127


New Haven, Indiana


« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2009, 08:24:53 AM »

Russ, I'm certain on the Miata but I'm not sure on the Valk.  The fastest that I rode on the Valk was 105 but I never tried for top.
I suspect that the Valk would've topped out at about 120 indicated but I don't know.

My Nighthawk is no slouch but at speeds over 85 it's too hard to keep my knees against the tank, no wind protection.

My most effortless bike to ride into the triple digits was my ST1100. I was always fooled into thinking it was doing about 80mph only to find that it was at 115. That was one high geared slippery bike.
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RTaz
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Posts: 1319


Michigan...Home of InZane X -XI

Oscoda, Michigan


« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2009, 09:04:25 AM »

...Glad to see your out enjoying the wind...
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 RTaz
Gilligan
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Posts: 514


Gilligan and Navigator - Wherever we ended up

Southwest Indiana


« Reply #7 on: November 18, 2009, 09:46:45 AM »

My most effortless bike to ride into the triple digits was my ST1100. I was always fooled into thinking it was doing about 80mph only to find that it was at 115. That was one high geared slippery bike.
Now that's real speed!  Cool
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Two-up Touring for 10 yrs on a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate
48 U.S. States - 5 Canadian Provinces - 1 Mexican State
T-Bird
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Posts: 2487


A friend is one who takes me for what I am.

Cleveland, Tennessee


« Reply #8 on: November 18, 2009, 10:33:47 AM »

Wayne,   I saw the post where you sold your Valk, but it seems to me the picture showed it without the sidecar. Did you keep the sidecar?  I always thought that was the coolest looking setup.  Was that a urial sidecar?

I've always liked hacks, better than trikes.
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solo1
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Posts: 6127


New Haven, Indiana


« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2009, 11:36:02 AM »

Wayne,   I saw the post where you sold your Valk, but it seems to me the picture showed it without the sidecar. Did you keep the sidecar?  I always thought that was the coolest looking setup.  Was that a urial sidecar?

I've always liked hacks, better than trikes.

The sidecar was sold first. It was a Motorvation Spyder, a very nice 'car.  The sidecar went to the left coast and the Valk went to the right coast.

I had a nice time on the rig but missed the acceleration of the barefoot Valk, it just wasn't the same for me.
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fudgie
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Posts: 10613


Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.

Huntington Indiana


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« Reply #10 on: November 18, 2009, 06:32:02 PM »

I can say I had a 'slow' cruise in that car!  cooldude
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