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Ron in Buffalo
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« on: October 05, 2020, 06:09:13 PM » |
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Greetings from Buffalo New York. I am a new member not sure where I was to suppose to post this so I thought I would start here. I just purchase a 1997 Valkyrie Tourer w/ 27000 miles and taking delivery Saturday. The reason I bought it I thought it would be fun and to get my wife go riding with me again. I am 64 and I won't tell you her age.(she still cooks for me) but she doesn't like sport touring and Adventure bikes. The last Honda I own was a 1999 CBR1100XX and even to this day that was the most fun I ever had wearing clothes. I just sold my last 2 BMW's(R1100RS and K1200RS) and for the past 30 years I basically rode sport touring bikes mainly BMW and Ducati's. At the present my other bike is a 1999 Triumph Tiger 885i. From what I have seen so far this site looks like a good resource for information on the Valkyrie. I like to thank everyone for this site. Makes me feel belter knowing this community is here and appears willing to help.
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« Last Edit: October 05, 2020, 07:34:09 PM by Ron in Buffalo »
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1997 Valkyrie & 2002 BMW F650GS
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sandy
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« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2020, 06:25:55 PM » |
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Welcome Ron. Look around the site and find “shop talk” and learn a few things. 1st thing; when you apply the choke and it won’t move anymore, push a little harder and it’ll move another 1/4 inch. Then it’ll be choked.
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CoreyP
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« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2020, 08:43:00 PM » |
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This site will have the knowledge you need. Some of these guys have 200,000 miles on their bikes and many of them bought the bikes new or close to new. Lots of experience with Valkyries. I bought mine last year but this site has been very useful as I run through all the maintenance stuff. 20 year old bike so I'm doing everything to know where I stand.
Think you'll like the Valkyrie, wife will, it's a comfortable 2 up bike. Fast enough and handles well to be fun for you. I think I would consider the Valkyrie as a sport tourer. Just of interested have you spent much time riding a Valkyrie or did you just kind of buy it?
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16773
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2020, 04:19:19 AM » |
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I usually run mine solo...  In minutes it converts to good-for-two...  Great bike  ... -Mike |
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Ron in Buffalo
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« Reply #4 on: October 06, 2020, 04:22:25 AM » |
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This site will have the knowledge you need. Some of these guys have 200,000 miles on their bikes and many of them bought the bikes new or close to new. Lots of experience with Valkyries. I bought mine last year but this site has been very useful as I run through all the maintenance stuff. 20 year old bike so I'm doing everything to know where I stand.
Think you'll like the Valkyrie, wife will, it's a comfortable 2 up bike. Fast enough and handles well to be fun for you. I think I would consider the Valkyrie as a sport tourer. Just of interested have you spent much time riding a Valkyrie or did you just kind of buy it?
I have never rode a Valkyrie but I have rode every generation of Goldwing. So I thought this would be fun and hope it will be comfortable enough for her. |
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1997 Valkyrie & 2002 BMW F650GS
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Farside
Member
Posts: 2543
Let's get going!
Milton,FL
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« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2020, 05:21:40 AM » |
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 Welcome aboard and greetings from the Pan-handle of FL. Good group of folks and you'll love the Valkyrie. I ride solo but not because I haven't asked the wife  Make sure you post a picture 
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Farside
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16176
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2020, 05:38:49 AM » |
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Welcome and I hope to meet you in Athens Ohio at INZANE.
If you are not up on INZANE yet, check it out. You meet the friendliest people on a Honda!
Rams
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« Last Edit: October 06, 2020, 05:42:12 AM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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f6john
Member
Posts: 9330
Christ first and always
Richmond, Kentucky
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« Reply #7 on: October 06, 2020, 05:55:45 AM » |
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You sound like our kind of guy! Your wife’s experience will depend on the seat somewhat, my wife could only handle the stock seat for an hour or so. Maybe your bike already has a upgraded seat as so many owners have done over the years.
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Alien
Member
Posts: 1382
Ride Safe, Be Kind
Earth
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« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2020, 06:02:30 AM » |
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Welcome Ron,
There is a wealth of experience here, especially on the 1500 tech board. You'll pretty much never have a question about your bike that someone here can't answer. Hope to see you at InZane this year!
P.S. Don't let the political bickering on the general board put you off, I've met a lot of these guys in person and they're pretty good folks, no matter who they vote for.
Ride Safe,
Alien
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Jersey mike
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« Reply #9 on: October 06, 2020, 06:12:12 AM » |
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Welcome to the crew. Hope you’re new to you bike brings years of fun.
Tons of great info here, the search is your friend and if ya can’t find it posting about it will bring quick replies.
All the members here are a great group.
Ride safe and enjoy.
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AwesomeDad
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« Reply #10 on: October 06, 2020, 06:16:12 AM » |
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Welcome I’m on my 2nd Valk, I’ve rode sport bikes sport tourers currently have a concours 14, love the beemers and will have an RT or GS as my next bike. Always wanted a blackbird. Enjoy the fat lady it’s a great bike.
JJ
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signart
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« Reply #11 on: October 06, 2020, 06:17:14 AM » |
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Welcome, no one is too new here.
There is no other forum where the folks are more willing to help, no matter how many times past the questions you may have had been answered numerous times.
Also, there is no better two up bike out there. If your passenger knows how to ride two up, you'll hardly know they are back there.
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mbramley
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« Reply #12 on: October 06, 2020, 07:12:57 AM » |
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Welcome, this is a group of people more than willing and defiantly capable of helping with any Valk questions. I agree with Alien about the political rants on the board. I try my best to skip them but maybe you enjoy all that? If you search high mileage Valk there is a list (not sure how complete) of 100,000 mile plus Valkyries. From my understanding that is what is considered "broke in". Enjoy the tons of info on the sight and hope to see you at Inzane next June.
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #13 on: October 06, 2020, 07:20:55 AM » |
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Welcome
Best bike ever made
GREAT group of people here
Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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f6gal
Administrator
Member
Posts: 6882
Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #14 on: October 06, 2020, 08:50:16 AM » |
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Welcome Ron!
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Ramie
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« Reply #15 on: October 06, 2020, 09:34:34 AM » |
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Welcome, glad every time one of these gems gets passed on.
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“I am not a courageous person by nature. I have simply discovered that, at certain key moments in this life, you must find courage in yourself, in order to move forward and live. It is like a muscle and it must be exercised, first a little, and then more and more. A deep breath and a leap.”
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old2soon
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« Reply #16 on: October 06, 2020, 09:06:24 PM » |
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I personally have an I/S I put over 100000 miles on myself. Welcome to our sandbox. The help available here on this board Never ceases to amaze me and I've been here a couple days.  As others have mentioned these machines we are caretakers of are Fantastic. Had mine a bit over 10 years and I'm STILL tryin to figure where the weight goes when I snick Phatt Ghurl into gear and ease out the clutch. The left right left transitions are so easy sometimes I've got to remind myself I am in fact Riding! Again-Welcome from The Missouri Ozarks. And B T W-tires and egine oil have already been covered quite extensively.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Moonshot_1
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« Reply #17 on: October 06, 2020, 09:17:47 PM » |
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Echo the welcome to the club!
1997 tourer with 27000 miles? Could it be 127000 miles?
I got a 99 tourer with 100k+ miles. Was in an accident at 34k. New speedometer reads 67k now. Bike looks like maybe a bike with 40k.
These bikes age incredibly well.
Have seen these 20 year old bikes that have rolled over the odometer and look like a 5 year old bike with 10k miles on 'em.
I'd likely have more confidence in the higher mileage bike. The ones that sit seem to have more issues than the ones that have been ridden frequently.
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Mike Luken
Cherokee, Ia.
Former Iowa Patriot Guard Ride Captain
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #18 on: October 07, 2020, 03:31:20 AM » |
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Welcome Just about any question you're going to have, about your new girlfriend, can be answered here. |
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Ron in Buffalo
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« Reply #19 on: October 10, 2020, 05:06:54 PM » |
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Well got the bike today. Was going to post a picture but it looks like more hassle than what it worth. Bike runs great but it is a gas hog.
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1997 Valkyrie & 2002 BMW F650GS
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #20 on: October 10, 2020, 05:16:18 PM » |
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Well got the bike today. Was going to post a picture but it looks like more hassle than what it worth. Bike runs great but it is a gas hog.
It is kind of a hassle, but once you learn how it's not too bad. Congratulations How much of a gas hog. I've ranged from 25mpg to 42mpg. Doing 75-80 on the Hiway nets me in the mid 30's. |
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Tundra
Member
Posts: 3882
2014 Valkyrie 1800
Seminole, Florida
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« Reply #21 on: October 11, 2020, 06:09:46 AM » |
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Welcome Ron I had a girlfriend 40 years ago from Buffalo N.Y. who introduced me to Buffalo Wings and Beef on Weck. I still include both in my diet weekly. What's your preference? Your wife will like the Valkyrie. My wife liked it better than any bike I've owned, including three Sport Tourers and three full dress Touring bikes of various brands. Easiest to mount/dismount and most comfortable ride. She really noticed a difference with the Ultimate seat and Darkside. Congratulations. |
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« Last Edit: October 11, 2020, 06:17:33 AM by Tundra »
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If you can't be a good example: be a WARNING!!
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« Reply #22 on: October 11, 2020, 06:26:35 AM » |
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Well got the bike today. Was going to post a picture but it looks like more hassle than what it worth. Bike runs great but it is a gas hog.
Try this https://postimages.org/Create an account using the SIGN UP box top right. Create a new gallery by clicking on the box towards the top left Upload photos. Do a max of 4/6 at a time or it can take too long. Once uploaded put your cursor on the image you want to put on the VRCC forum Now move your cursor to the symbol to left of the trash bin symbol Click on it Now copy the "Hotlink" for forums. Now go to the VRCC post you want the photo to appear in and right click and paste. Once you then post your comment the photo should appear for all to see. |
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #23 on: October 11, 2020, 08:18:41 AM » |
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Well got the bike today. Was going to post a picture but it looks like more hassle than what it worth. Bike runs great but it is a gas hog.
The ONLY fault of the Valk is fuel consumption. They are capable of low 40's but you have to ride like Grandma to get that. Staying below 3000 RPM, I can manage low 30's, running Interstate speeds (65+) nets me high 20's. Maybe running with a smaller windshield can help - the one I have now I can't see over, and that surely doesn't help fuel consumption. My '98 Standard was purchased about 5 years ago with just under 20K miles. Now at 43K miles. Welcome to the club |
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Gideon
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« Reply #24 on: October 11, 2020, 12:39:18 PM » |
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Well got the bike today. Was going to post a picture but it looks like more hassle than what it worth. Bike runs great but it is a gas hog.
Welcome Ron. This is a great forum, with a wealth of information. |
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But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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Ron in Buffalo
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« Reply #25 on: October 11, 2020, 03:18:20 PM » |
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Welcome Ron I had a girlfriend 40 years ago from Buffalo N.Y. who introduced me to Buffalo Wings and Beef on Weck. I still include both in my diet weekly. What's your preference? Your wife will like the Valkyrie. My wife liked it better than any bike I've owned, including three Sport Tourers and three full dress Touring bikes of various brands. Easiest to mount/dismount and most comfortable ride. She really noticed a difference with the Ultimate seat and Darkside. Congratulations. I like both wings(I am a Duff’s guy)and beef on wreck(Danny’s). |
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1997 Valkyrie & 2002 BMW F650GS
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Ron in Buffalo
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« Reply #26 on: October 11, 2020, 03:23:18 PM » |
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 Let’s see if this works |
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1997 Valkyrie & 2002 BMW F650GS
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Ron in Buffalo
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« Reply #27 on: October 11, 2020, 03:31:14 PM » |
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Let’s see if this works  |
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1997 Valkyrie & 2002 BMW F650GS
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #28 on: October 11, 2020, 03:32:42 PM » |
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Looks good Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12581
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #29 on: October 11, 2020, 03:39:14 PM » |
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Welcome to the family I spent 4 yrs at SUNY Buffalo graduating in 77
I am the NY rep PM me anytime I dont know much about these bikes after almost 20 yrs but know lots of folks who do A couple of great people near you in Albion.
You will love the Valkyrie I have only have 2 of them and still have an 04 R1150 rtp as well for those days .......
Wife may appreciate adjustable passenger boards,
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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Ron in Buffalo
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« Reply #30 on: October 11, 2020, 03:48:17 PM » |
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Thanks Clayton.
Gas mileage between 32 - 22 miles a gallon. I understand the 22 mpg stretch. I was on the thruway doing between 85 - 100 mph for 88 miles that is when the reserve needed to be turn on. However 31 - 33 mpg seems high to me I have put 400 miles on it the past 2 days. Besides slowing down what can I do to improve fuel economy?
The shocks appear to be shot they are on 5 and it bottoms out on a rough with the wife on the back. (By she does like it.) Open to any suggestions.
Also the seat, stock, works for me but not for her. Again open to any suggestions.
I am a diy guy. So I am open to any suggestions.
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1997 Valkyrie & 2002 BMW F650GS
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #31 on: October 11, 2020, 05:21:07 PM » |
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ANY kind of aftermarket shocks that will fit will be better than stock. Look for some from "Progressive Suspension" - you just might find some on Amazon.
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Dagwood
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« Reply #32 on: October 11, 2020, 05:28:29 PM » |
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Welcome Ron, 30ish MPG is about the average from what I have seen. Using shoptalk will get you started with lots of good info. Jumping over to the 1500 tech board and using search will get you tons of info on pretty much anything you want to know. Of course if you can't see what your looking for, lots of people on here to help you figure things out. Kinda surprising that the shocks would be gone with 27K. Seats you will probably find many of us are sitting either Ultimate or Russell. First thing you should do is jump over to Dag's Norway site and download the manual http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html |
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Youth and Skill are no Match for Age and Treachery  |
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vanagon40
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« Reply #33 on: October 11, 2020, 06:11:18 PM » |
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I think around 30-33 MPG is average for general riding with a mostly stock Valkyrie. . . . .Also the seat, stock, works for me but not for her. Again open to any suggestions. . . .
It's not a plug and play, but I made a rear seat out of a front seat by chopping off both ends. I am more of a barn carpenter than a professional upholsterer, but I do not think it came out too bad. Probably won't win any awards, but my focus was on comfort over looks. And used Valkyrie seats used to be very inexpensive. The front seat is a Diamond or Hartco. (As an aside, I modified a Valkyrie seat for my old SilverWing.)     |
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #34 on: October 12, 2020, 05:47:41 AM » |
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Well there aren't many Valks in NYS so its nice to hear there may be more out roaming around. Welcome to the club. Hope you enjoy politics.
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h13man
Member
Posts: 1746
To everything there is an exception.
Indiana NW Central Flatlands
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« Reply #35 on: October 12, 2020, 05:35:54 PM » |
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Welcome!
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