Advice on bike shopping for newbie

[JB McG]

New to the forum. Haven't even purchased a Valk yet. Brother's Powersports in Bremerton has a 98 Tourer for 5k. 16k miles, and obviously it's been sitting. According to Seth in sales, they're going to do the following:

    Carb rebuild,
    replace fork seals,
    flush front/rear brakes & clutch lines w/ new fluid,
    replace valve cover gaskets,
    flush/replace coolant
    and replace tires.


If you were going to look at this bike, what questions would you have, and what should I be looking for?

Here's a link to the bike. I put a deposit on it, so it's mine until I decide whether or not to buy it. https://www.brotherspowersports.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10589724&p=3&s=Year&d=D&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

Thanks, y'all!

[msb]

Make sure the tank has no rust inside

Timing belts...even though only 16 k miles, they're rubber and 23 years old...so I'd change 'em

Rear drive...full service if not already done or no service record...make sure wheel flange, drive unit splines are in good shape and not dried out/rusted. Same for pinion cup and shaft. Re-grease with proper moly and replace 3 o-rings, and new drive oil.

Make sure wheel bearings are good

Check rear shock bushings...again, old rubber

Intake o-rings....old rubber. Check that they're not leaking (brown stain around bottom flange)

Good luck with the purchase!

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have a couple questions about the bike. It has aftermarket front discs. Seems odd that such a low mile bike would have those. Also it’s headers are painted or coated. That also seems odd that someone would do that to the chrome.

[Jess from VA]

If they are replacing tires, tell them you want pictures of the rear drive internals.

This more than anything else is undiscoverable on a walk around inspection.

Low miles may mean it's OK, but this is what you don't want. (gold wing, not Valk, but the look is the same)



Check out this thread:  https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,18257.0.html

[JB McG]

These are fantastic suggestions. Fortunately, they haven't started the work yet as they're waiting for parts on order. I'll definitely make sure these items are done!

If they're going to have the bike in the shop, might as well get the work done!

Really, really appreciated!

[JB McG]

I have a couple questions about the bike. It has aftermarket front discs. Seems odd that such a low mile bike would have those. Also it’s headers are painted or coated. That also seems odd that someone would do that to the chrome.

Those caught my eye, too! Good call

[TrapperAH1G]

This one is on offerup.com in Puyallup.

https://offerup.com/item/detail/1247469341?cid=5.2

[Jack B]

It might have 116,000 miles on it?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell but You can check the timing cover area for any rock chips.
Good luck

[JB McG]

It might have 116,000 miles on it?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell but You can check the timing cover area for any rock chips.
Good luck

Good point. There might also be a title record paper trail I can check into.

[Jess from VA]

When dealing with a dealer, they will (can) not tell you who they got it from.

But if you ask the dealer to contact the guy, and ask if he will talk to you and give him your phone number, he just might.

Guys who took care of their bikes are proud of it, and would naturally want to tell you about it. (unless he died and the widow put it there)

It he doesn't want to talk, that would also tell me something.  

I did this very thing once, and had a long talk with the guy who traded up bikes at that dealer, and he even had some extra parts and the OE pipes he let me come get for nothing.  And it was a good bike I rode 18 years.

This was pre Valkyrie. 

 

[The emperor has no clothes]

This one is on offerup.com in Puyallup.

https://offerup.com/item/detail/1247469341?cid=5.2

OEM windscreen, Baker air deflectors, good price. This would be my choice. 

[JB McG]

When dealing with a dealer, they will (can) not tell you who they got it from.

But if you ask the dealer to contact the guy, and ask if he will talk to you and give him your phone number, he just might.

Guys who took care of their bikes are proud of it, and would naturally want to tell you about it. (unless he died and the widow put it there)

It he doesn't want to talk, that would also tell me something.  

I did this very thing once, and had a long talk with the guy who traded up bikes at that dealer, and he even had some extra parts and the OE pipes he let me come get for nothing.  And it was a good bike I rode 18 years.

This was pre Valkyrie. 

 

Dealer bought it at auction, so I doubt they have much, if any, info on original owner. I think my best hope is to get them to do as much to the bike as possible. I guess my concern is even if they do all the stuff they said they would, plus the suggestions I rec'd here, there might still be sludge from the oil just sitting for a long period. If it really only has 16k miles, that's a lot of time sittin' around.

[JB McG]

https://olympic.craigslist.org/mcy/d/carlsborg-1997-honda-valkyrie/7350665506.html

This one seems like it's been really well cared for, but $6k seems like a lot. Thoughts, anyone?

[The emperor has no clothes]

When dealing with a dealer, they will (can) not tell you who they got it from.

But if you ask the dealer to contact the guy, and ask if he will talk to you and give him your phone number, he just might.

Guys who took care of their bikes are proud of it, and would naturally want to tell you about it. (unless he died and the widow put it there)

It he doesn't want to talk, that would also tell me something.  

I did this very thing once, and had a long talk with the guy who traded up bikes at that dealer, and he even had some extra parts and the OE pipes he let me come get for nothing.  And it was a good bike I rode 18 years.

This was pre Valkyrie. 

 

Dealer bought it at auction, so I doubt they have much, if any, info on original owner. I think my best hope is to get them to do as much to the bike as possible. I guess my concern is even if they do all the stuff they said they would, plus the suggestions I rec'd here, there might still be sludge from the oil just sitting for a long period. If it really only has 16k miles, that's a lot of time sittin' around.

It is a lot of sitting. Oil shouldn’t be a problem, carbs will be the problem. I still have doubts about the mileage.

[msb]

https://olympic.craigslist.org/mcy/d/carlsborg-1997-honda-valkyrie/7350665506.html

This one seems like it's been really well cared for, but $6k seems like a lot. Thoughts, anyone?

Looks like you have several options. This one in Sequim is nice (if you like the colours...I think it looks great). It appears to be well cared for, and after 7 years , the current owner probably has a decent maintenance history. Regular riding and maintenance and talking to the actual owner along with added options  is better than really low miles, sitting, and no maintenance history/knowledge of the PO, in my mind. Offer 5000 and see where it goes if you like it. Have a friend in Sequim who has 4 Valks...maybe he knows of it. I can send the link to him if you like .
That Red&Cream one for 3800 looks decent too.

[JB McG]

https://olympic.craigslist.org/mcy/d/carlsborg-1997-honda-valkyrie/7350665506.html

This one seems like it's been really well cared for, but $6k seems like a lot. Thoughts, anyone?

Looks like you have several options. This one in Sequim is nice (if you like the colours...I think it looks great). It appears to be well cared for, and after 7 years , the current owner probably has a decent maintenance history. Regular riding and maintenance and talking to the actual owner along with added options  is better than really low miles, sitting, and no maintenance history/knowledge of the PO, in my mind. Offer 5000 and see where it goes if you like it. Have a friend in Sequim who has 4 Valks...maybe he knows of it. I can send the link to him if you like .
That Red&Cream one for 3800 looks decent too.

Yeah, the one in Sequim looks very well cared for. Not sure how I feel about the color. haha

I just sent a message to the fellow in Puyallup, though at 3k, it's probably gone.

[JB McG]

https://olympic.craigslist.org/mcy/d/carlsborg-1997-honda-valkyrie/7350665506.html

This one seems like it's been really well cared for, but $6k seems like a lot. Thoughts, anyone?

Looks like you have several options. This one in Sequim is nice (if you like the colours...I think it looks great). It appears to be well cared for, and after 7 years , the current owner probably has a decent maintenance history. Regular riding and maintenance and talking to the actual owner along with added options  is better than really low miles, sitting, and no maintenance history/knowledge of the PO, in my mind. Offer 5000 and see where it goes if you like it. Have a friend in Sequim who has 4 Valks...maybe he knows of it. I can send the link to him if you like .
That Red&Cream one for 3800 looks decent too.

By the way, if your buddy in Sequim is thinking about parting with any of his bikes, feel free to let me know!

[JB McG]

When I asked about inspecting the internals of the final drive, here's what the sales person at Brother's said:
"They aren't going to take it apart, but they will replace the final drive fluid if you like, and that drain plug has a magnet on it so they can see if anything looks odd as far as debris or metal on it.
They say they see Yamaha V-star rear diffs fail sometimes, but the Honda ones are bulletproof and only have seen them ever fail when somebody didn't have oil in it."

 

[JB McG]

Also, if anyone knows a really reputable Valkyrie specialty service shop, or dealer, I'm not opposed to buying a bike site unseen, particularly if they have a great reputation. Just putting that out there.

[msb]

When I asked about inspecting the internals of the final drive, here's what the sales person at Brother's said:
"They aren't going to take it apart, but they will replace the final drive fluid if you like, and that drain plug has a magnet on it so they can see if anything looks odd as far as debris or metal on it.
They say they see Yamaha V-star rear diffs fail sometimes, but the Honda ones are bulletproof and only have seen them ever fail when somebody didn't have oil in it."

 

Nope...it's as or more important that the the drive unit splines , wheel flange splines, pinion cup, etc are greased on a regular basis....that's the main reason Valkyrie drive units fail. Checking, replacing the drive unit oil is easy. Probably the #1 thing someone buying a used first gen Valk should confirm. Knowing what I know now after 20 years with my bike...first having shops do my rear drive service (probably never the complete service) then eventually learning to do my own , I've learned how important (and easy to actually do) this is. I have some wear on mine due to these incomplete services at shops....no additional wear since I've being doing my own every Winter season.

[The emperor has no clothes]

From everything you’ve said about the bike and dealer, I’m suspicious of them both. I’d walk away.

[JB McG]

When I asked about inspecting the internals of the final drive, here's what the sales person at Brother's said:
"They aren't going to take it apart, but they will replace the final drive fluid if you like, and that drain plug has a magnet on it so they can see if anything looks odd as far as debris or metal on it.
They say they see Yamaha V-star rear diffs fail sometimes, but the Honda ones are bulletproof and only have seen them ever fail when somebody didn't have oil in it."

 

Nope...it's as or more important that the the drive unit splines , wheel flange splines, pinion cup, etc are greased on a regular basis....that's the main reason Valkyrie drive units fail. Checking, replacing the drive unit oil is easy. Probably the #1 thing someone buying a used first gen Valk should confirm. Knowing what I know now after 20 years with my bike...first having shops do my rear drive service (probably never the complete service) then eventually learning to do my own , I've learned how important (and easy to actually do) this is. I have some wear on mine due to these incomplete services at shops....no additional wear since I've being doing my own every Winter season.

Starting to sound like they're trying to do the bare minimum to get it out the door.

So you do your complete service every winter? How many miles per year?

[Jess from VA]

In your original post, you wrote they were changing the tires.

They cannot put a new rear tire on without pulling the wheel/tire (to put a new one on the rim) and exposing the rear end internals.  And full cleaning of drive gears, lubing (waterproof Belray Grease and moly paste), 3 orings, inspect or replace the thrust washer, lube the pinion cup and drive shaft, and rear axle (and if it needs new brake pads putting them in, and greasing the floating brake pins in any event), and changing the rear end 75-90 weight fluid.  With final assembly in the correct order to ensure good gear alignment. (Get them to throw on a new 90 degree metal valve stem too, they cost a few dollars, or they should change the rubber stem at a minimum.)

They cannot magically put a new tire on without a tear down, and rear tire changes is when all that should be done, pretty much every time (or 10K-12K).

And it would be no trouble to snap a few closeups of the gears after they are all cleaned up (but before lube, which covers up evidence of gear damage).  Presumably, someone at the dealer owns a cell phone.
 
If they aren't going to do that, you should tell them to urinate up a rope.  (and not down your leg and tell you it's raining)

And just because they bought it at auction doesn't mean they don't know who the prior owner was.  Do you think the auction house applied for new title in their own name before flipping it?  I don't think so.  

If you ask to see the (good?) title they better have (which you should), you may see who the prior owner was.

Offtimes, when dealing with a dealer, expressing a willingness or decision to bail on the whole deal may get them to do your bidding.  But you must be willing to walk away and wait for a phone call.  

Just my thoughts.

[msb]

Most do it every tire change. I ride a fair bit for about 9-10 months a year, then I usually take the Valk off the road for a couple months. I use this time to inspect and do regular maintenence like fluids, tweak and tighten , add or replace stuff if needed, and clean, polish, wax the he** out of it (I like polishing the Valk )

I only pull the rear drive each Winter now because I know it has some wear to it so better safe than sorry. Probably don't need to, but it's not as difficult as I thought it might be (thanks to guys like Rob aka Meathead and others' help on this forum) and since the bikes on the lift anyway figure I might as well. Good opportunity to check a bunch of other stuff too with everything apart.

[The emperor has no clothes]

When I asked about inspecting the internals of the final drive, here's what the sales person at Brother's said:
"They aren't going to take it apart, but they will replace the final drive fluid if you like, and that drain plug has a magnet on it so they can see if anything looks odd as far as debris or metal on it.
They say they see Yamaha V-star rear diffs fail sometimes, but the Honda ones are bulletproof and only have seen them ever fail when somebody didn't have oil in it."

 

Nope...it's as or more important that the the drive unit splines , wheel flange splines, pinion cup, etc are greased on a regular basis....that's the main reason Valkyrie drive units fail. Checking, replacing the drive unit oil is easy. Probably the #1 thing someone buying a used first gen Valk should confirm. Knowing what I know now after 20 years with my bike...first having shops do my rear drive service (probably never the complete service) then eventually learning to do my own , I've learned how important (and easy to actually do) this is. I have some wear on mine due to these incomplete services at shops....no additional wear since I've being doing my own every Winter season.

Starting to sound like they're trying to do the bare minimum to get it out the door.

So you do your complete service every winter? How many miles per year?

To be fair, most dealerships are going to do what maximizes their profits. Even to the point of telling you things that may not be true.
The pipes and front discs are still sending up red flags to me. The red & cream Tourer still seems like the one I’d go after. Unless of course you don’t like the colors. Those are personal preference things that you have to decide on. But, I wouldn’t let the 97k mileage worry you at all. Actually, I’d say that is a positive compared to a bike with little mileage.

[Whooray]

I sent you a PM give me a call . Thx Raymond

[JB McG]

I sent you a PM give me a call . Thx Raymond

HEY! Thanks for the chat, Raymond. Nice talking with you!

[JB McG]

In your original post, you wrote they were changing the tires.

They cannot put a new rear tire on without pulling the wheel/tire (to put a new one on the rim) and exposing the rear end internals.  And full cleaning of drive gears, lubing (waterproof Belray Grease and moly paste), 3 orings, inspect or replace the thrust washer, lube the pinion cup and drive shaft, and rear axle (and if it needs new brake pads putting them in, and greasing the floating brake pins in any event), and changing the rear end 75-90 weight fluid.  With final assembly in the correct order to ensure good gear alignment. (Get them to throw on a new 90 degree metal valve stem too, they cost a few dollars, or they should change the rubber stem at a minimum.)

They cannot magically put a new tire on without a tear down, and rear tire changes is when all that should be done, pretty much every time (or 10K-12K).

And it would be no trouble to snap a few closeups of the gears after they are all cleaned up (but before lube, which covers up evidence of gear damage).  Presumably, someone at the dealer owns a cell phone.
 
If they aren't going to do that, you should tell them to urinate up a rope.  (and not down your leg and tell you it's raining)

And just because they bought it at auction doesn't mean they don't know who the prior owner was.  Do you think the auction house applied for new title in their own name before flipping it?  I don't think so.  

If you ask to see the (good?) title they better have (which you should), you may see who the prior owner was.

Offtimes, when dealing with a dealer, expressing a willingness or decision to bail on the whole deal may get them to do your bidding.  But you must be willing to walk away and wait for a phone call.  

Just my thoughts.

Those are really good points. Starting to wonder how well versed they are on the bike.

[JB McG]

When I asked about inspecting the internals of the final drive, here's what the sales person at Brother's said:
"They aren't going to take it apart, but they will replace the final drive fluid if you like, and that drain plug has a magnet on it so they can see if anything looks odd as far as debris or metal on it.
They say they see Yamaha V-star rear diffs fail sometimes, but the Honda ones are bulletproof and only have seen them ever fail when somebody didn't have oil in it."

 

Nope...it's as or more important that the the drive unit splines , wheel flange splines, pinion cup, etc are greased on a regular basis....that's the main reason Valkyrie drive units fail. Checking, replacing the drive unit oil is easy. Probably the #1 thing someone buying a used first gen Valk should confirm. Knowing what I know now after 20 years with my bike...first having shops do my rear drive service (probably never the complete service) then eventually learning to do my own , I've learned how important (and easy to actually do) this is. I have some wear on mine due to these incomplete services at shops....no additional wear since I've being doing my own every Winter season.

Starting to sound like they're trying to do the bare minimum to get it out the door.

So you do your complete service every winter? How many miles per year?

To be fair, most dealerships are going to do what maximizes their profits. Even to the point of telling you things that may not be true.
The pipes and front discs are still sending up red flags to me. The red & cream Tourer still seems like the one I’d go after. Unless of course you don’t like the colors. Those are personal preference things that you have to decide on. But, I wouldn’t let the 97k mileage worry you at all. Actually, I’d say that is a positive compared to a bike with little mileage.

I reached out to the guy with the red and cream tourer. I'm going to try to get down there asap

[JB McG]

Most do it every tire change. I ride a fair bit for about 9-10 months a year, then I usually take the Valk off the road for a couple months. I use this time to inspect and do regular maintenence like fluids, tweak and tighten , add or replace stuff if needed, and clean, polish, wax the he** out of it (I like polishing the Valk )

I only pull the rear drive each Winter now because I know it has some wear to it so better safe than sorry. Probably don't need to, but it's not as difficult as I thought it might be (thanks to guys like Rob aka Meathead and others' help on this forum) and since the bikes on the lift anyway figure I might as well. Good opportunity to check a bunch of other stuff too with everything apart.

Once I get one, I'd really like to learn to do a lot of the work myself.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Most do it every tire change. I ride a fair bit for about 9-10 months a year, then I usually take the Valk off the road for a couple months. I use this time to inspect and do regular maintenence like fluids, tweak and tighten , add or replace stuff if needed, and clean, polish, wax the he** out of it (I like polishing the Valk )

I only pull the rear drive each Winter now because I know it has some wear to it so better safe than sorry. Probably don't need to, but it's not as difficult as I thought it might be (thanks to guys like Rob aka Meathead and others' help on this forum) and since the bikes on the lift anyway figure I might as well. Good opportunity to check a bunch of other stuff too with everything apart.

Once I get one, I'd really like to learn to do a lot of the work myself.

There is lots of info in Shoptalk. And plenty of good mechanics here that are willing to help.  These bikes are really pretty solid. There are a few things to be aware of though. A bike jack and lift adapter will go a long ways.

[Whooray]

Once I get one, I'd really like to learn to do a lot of the work myself.
[/quote]

I sure wish you could make the trip to Idaho...I would let you take my Tourer for a ride then you could get the feel for the mighty Valk.
Doing your own servicing is a real plus with these older ladies.

You cant go wrong with  being a member of the VRCC there is a wealth of information here.

[The emperor has no clothes]

When I asked about inspecting the internals of the final drive, here's what the sales person at Brother's said:
"They aren't going to take it apart, but they will replace the final drive fluid if you like, and that drain plug has a magnet on it so they can see if anything looks odd as far as debris or metal on it.
They say they see Yamaha V-star rear diffs fail sometimes, but the Honda ones are bulletproof and only have seen them ever fail when somebody didn't have oil in it."

 

Nope...it's as or more important that the the drive unit splines , wheel flange splines, pinion cup, etc are greased on a regular basis....that's the main reason Valkyrie drive units fail. Checking, replacing the drive unit oil is easy. Probably the #1 thing someone buying a used first gen Valk should confirm. Knowing what I know now after 20 years with my bike...first having shops do my rear drive service (probably never the complete service) then eventually learning to do my own , I've learned how important (and easy to actually do) this is. I have some wear on mine due to these incomplete services at shops....no additional wear since I've being doing my own every Winter season.

Starting to sound like they're trying to do the bare minimum to get it out the door.

So you do your complete service every winter? How many miles per year?

To be fair, most dealerships are going to do what maximizes their profits. Even to the point of telling you things that may not be true.
The pipes and front discs are still sending up red flags to me. The red & cream Tourer still seems like the one I’d go after. Unless of course you don’t like the colors. Those are personal preference things that you have to decide on. But, I wouldn’t let the 97k mileage worry you at all. Actually, I’d say that is a positive compared to a bike with little mileage.

I reached out to the guy with the red and cream tourer. I'm going to try to get down there asap

It just dawned on me, this is Tfranks59’s bike. He is a member here. From reading his posts over the years I think he has taken good care of his bike. I wouldn’t delay on jumping on that deal. 

[msb]

Isn't it nice, JB McG, how everyone on here is so helpful...with tips and suggestions, but also to get you to spend your money. Getting you to buy a new bike is the next best thing to us buying another one ourselves  
Looks like you've got some options...good luck, hope you find your Valk soon.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Isn't it nice, JB McG, how everyone on here is so helpful...with tips and suggestions, but also to get you to spend your money. Getting you to buy a new bike is the next best thing to us buying another one ourselves  
Looks like you've got some options...good luck, hope you find your Valk soon.

[gordonv]

Something to read first.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/Known%20Valkyrie%20Problems.htm

Don't discredit (not that you are) what advise you've been given on the rear inspection. Well worth the effort.

T275 timing belts can be had for like $50 for the pair, they are all the same, you don't need to pay dealer price.

I spent 6 months reading the Tech forum to learn of what could go wrong with my Valk before I picked it up out of town in the spring. The posts aren't the same as they used to be, so you may have to reach back 5 years to learn it all.

Also search or ask in the Tech section before you try to fix something.

[Tfrank59]

https://olympic.craigslist.org/mcy/d/carlsborg-1997-honda-valkyrie/7350665506.html

This one seems like it's been really well cared for, but $6k seems like a lot. Thoughts, anyone?

Looks like you have several options. This one in Sequim is nice (if you like the colours...I think it looks great). It appears to be well cared for, and after 7 years , the current owner probably has a decent maintenance history. Regular riding and maintenance and talking to the actual owner along with added options  is better than really low miles, sitting, and no maintenance history/knowledge of the PO, in my mind. Offer 5000 and see where it goes if you like it. Have a friend in Sequim who has 4 Valks...maybe he knows of it. I can send the link to him if you like .
That Red&Cream one for 3800 looks decent too.

Yeah, the one in Sequim looks very well cared for. Not sure how I feel about the color. haha

I just sent a message to the fellow in Puyallup, though at 3k, it's probably gone.

Nope I’m the guy in Puyallup selling the Valkyrie for 3K. It isn’t gone yet ha ha.  Assuming you have an already bought a different Valkyrie, if you want to see my bike, please contact me through the offer up ad.

[JB McG]

Tom, I'll definitely reach out. I'm working trying to get down there in the next week or so. If it's sold, it's sold. No worries!

[/quote]

Nope I’m the guy in Puyallup selling the Valkyrie for 3K. It isn’t gone yet ha ha.  Assuming you have an already bought a different Valkyrie, if you want to see my bike, please contact me through the offer up ad.
[/quote]

[Tfrank59]

Oh no problem I just realized you’re way up in Bellingham!  It’s a big commitment just to see a bike much less purchase one at that distance

[JB McG]

Oh no problem I just realized you’re way up in Bellingham!  It’s a big commitment just to see a bike much less purchase one at that distance

Gotta go where the bikes are, Tom! Also, it's worth it to drive a little bit on a recommendation. And several folks have encouraged me to reach out!