Anyone done anything with the front?

[shadowmagic]

So I was looking at the front end the other day and with the saddlebags on the front looks kinda thin. I have a 97 honda valkyrie and was wondering if there is anything I can add to the front end to beef it up a bit? Fairings or anything like that? I was thinking about a batwing fairing but not sure if that would solve the problem or not. Any tips greatly appreciated.

[Bighead]

Thin?

[Jess from VA]

Several front fender rails/guards were made; Honda and aftermarket (the latter are the better looking, and require no hole be drilled in the fender tip like the Honda)

I like the chrome fender trim for the rear of the front fender (but not the rear fender if you have the bag guards).  Show Chrome.  Drilling is required, and don't puncture the tire.  I run the front fender trims but no rears on both my interstates.

You have to buy the interstate engine guards for their mounts, and then you can add interstate pods to a std/tourer.   The pods will cost (used) and maybe paint.  The old Tim Skelton website had a whole how-to on it with pictures.

You can add a Memphis Shades shell (empty on the inside) faring which take multiple height shields to suit you.  I've ridden a bike with one and it works well; the extra weight on the handlebars is negligible effect to handling.  I don't think the stock gauges have to be moved or spacer-ed.

There's nicer fairings that will take radios, speakers and gauges, but they cost a lot more, and I think you have to move your stock gauges. 

[RonW]

is it only me? Wot's everybody talking about?

[yrunvs]

I'd like to ad front and or rear fender trim or rails but really don't want to drill holes. Does anybody have a link to no drill products that fit.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I'd like to ad front and or rear fender trim or rails but really don't want to drill holes. Does anybody have a link to no drill products that fit.

The only front no-drill piece I'm aware of is the I/S fender tip accent. Retained by adhesive.

[Jess from VA]

The no drill front fender rail/guard was made by MC Enterprises (MCE), but the one for Valk is long out of production.  So you'd have to find one used, maybe at Pinwall Cycle or salvage yards.  They mount to existing (or maybe longer) bolts on the forks, with no drilling.  

This is the the one that looks like it (but for another bike).  You might be able to call MCE and ask for the old (Valk) part number, so you could use it in your search.


They made another one that I have seen on s few Valks, but I don't know if this was actually made for Valk or not.  I don't like it as well.


Here is one I stumbled across that is apparently a more recent European copy of the MCE, I think also out of production.  


This is the Honda one that requires a hole in the fender tip.  It is more squared off than the MCE designs, and I think is the only Honda aftermarket part that is not as nice as the MCE part.


And here is the glue-on tip.

[Foozle]

Back in the day, KewlMetal made a "fat fork" kit consisting of chrome uppers, lowers, and top caps - all of which was designed to add "substance" to the front end.

I've only seen this on a few Valkyries and it's a nice look - definitely noticeable.  Unfortunately, I suspect finding a set of these today would be a challenge.  I believe the company is no longer in business.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi98z3ovWTQ

Terry

[Bagger John - #3785]

Back in the day, KewlMetal made a "fat fork" kit consisting of chrome uppers, lowers, and top caps - all of which was designed to add "substance" to the front end.

I've only seen this on a few Valkyries and it's a nice look - definitely noticeable.  Unfortunately, I suspect finding a set of these today would be a challenge.  I believe the company is no longer in business.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi98z3ovWTQ

Terry

I have a set which I'm going to put on a Standard when I find the right project bike.

The lower fork shrouds from a VTX1800N fit a Valkyrie just fine. If you want to extend that look to the space in between the triple clamps, look for a set of 1800N upper shrouds plus turn signal mounts.

ETA: References 26, 27, 28 and 29 shown here:



And 19, 22, 23 and 25 shown here:



These have been discontinued by Honda but I see them pop up on eBay occasionally.

Here's what they look like on a bike:

[Bagger John - #3785]

Here's another possibility:

http://phatpartsoutlet.com/product/m109r-vtx1800-phat-fork-tubes/

[John Schmidt]

I once had a set of those fork tubes, picked them up at an InZane quite a few years ago. Installed them & loved the looks but...what a mess they made of the forks. It was a few years later I pulled the forks for a seal replacement and new fluid, those tubes made a mess of the forks. I ended up sanding and polishing them as long as they were off the bike. Also polished the front rotors as well but the forks were the main issue. I don't recommend them based on my experience.

[Bagger John - #3785]

You always treat the forks prior to putting the covers on. Coating them with a clear sealant or a good application of Collinite Insulator Wax (which basically has to be dynamited off) will go a long way towards preventing corrosion issues.

ETA:

I had the Kewlmetal covers on Blondie's Standard from the day we bought it until the day I pulled them off to sell the bike. Four complete riding seasons, four winter layups and no trace of anything on the fork tubes. I've also had a set of lower covers on my '01 I/S since 2008 and haven't had issues with the Honda forks.

[Savage]

If anybody has a set of those fork tube covers, I would be interested in buying them or trading for them.
I have lots of Valkyrie parts.

[Bagger John - #3785]

If anybody has a set of those fork tube covers, I would be interested in buying them or trading for them.
I have lots of Valkyrie parts.

I have a set that I can measure and use as prototypes for anyone who has access to a machine shop. My ex bro-in-law has such an outfit and has made parts for me before.

I also know of an A1 chrome plater in the area.

A homemade set isn't out of the question, for those who are interested.

[SCain]

The no drill front fender rail/guard was made by MC Enterprises (MCE), but the one for Valk is long out of production.  So you'd have to find one used, maybe at Pinwall Cycle or salvage yards.  They mount to existing (or maybe longer) bolts on the forks, with no drilling.  

This is the the one that looks like it (but for another bike).  You might be able to call MCE and ask for the old (Valk) part number, so you could use it in your search.


They made another one that I have seen on s few Valks, but I don't know if this was actually made for Valk or not.  I don't like it as well.


Here is one I stumbled across that is apparently a more recent European copy of the MCE, I think also out of production.  


This one is made by Cobra, they also had a matching rear to go with the front, it was a set but I don't thinks many liked the rear.

This is the Honda one that requires a hole in the fender tip.  It is more squared off than the MCE designs, and I think is the only Honda aftermarket part that is not as nice as the MCE part.


And here is the glue-on tip.

[shadowmagic]

Wow, thanks for all the great ideas, this is exactly what i was looking for! I had thought of making my own but sounds like there are some viable options. Ideally, i think something towards the left and right of each fork would fill it out nicely. The last thing I have left to do is paint my tank and I'll post some pics. Also, need to finish adding a couple of LED light pods toward the front and under the tank. I have 3 pods mounted so far and they look good at night. Thank you all again for all the great info.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I took the OP’s question to relate more towards a fairing. I’ve always liked the I/S fairing. Mostly because it’s different than most others. Some have put on Batwings with much adjusting that looked good. If I was going to put a fairing on my Standard I would try to get one like Hubcaps and SmokinJoe. I can’t remember the brand name now, but I’ve always thought they looked the coolest. I just like my Standard fairingless.

I like my Memphis Batwing.

I also like the fact that you can use their Trigger-Lock mount setup and a set of plates for a Victory Hammer to run a Fats shield if desired. A slight modification to the plates are required (I've written it up on here) but it works very well.

One can go from fairing to 19" shield with pouch to 17" black gradient shield in less time than it took me to type this response.

[Savage]

If anybody has a set of those fork tube covers, I would be interested in buying them or trading for them.
I have lots of Valkyrie parts.

I have a set that I can measure and use as prototypes for anyone who has access to a machine shop. My ex bro-in-law has such an outfit and has made parts for me before.

I also know of an A1 chrome plater in the area.

A homemade set isn't out of the question, for those who are interested.

I don’t want to send the OP‘s thread in the wrong direction, but I would really appreciate those measurements.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I don’t want to send the OP‘s thread in the wrong direction, but I would really appreciate those measurements.

Get the Hammer side plates and mount the top portion with the bolts.

The work needed to the bottom will be readily apparent. You'll need to enlarge the mounting slot about 3/8" towards the bottom of the plate.

Next time I mod a set of these I'll take before and after pics.

[yrunvs]

I'd like to ad front and or rear fender trim or rails but really don't want to drill holes. Does anybody have a link to no drill products that fit.

The only front no-drill piece I'm aware of is the I/S fender tip accent. Retained by adhesive.

How do I find this product? I googled I/S fender tip accent and didn't find what I was looking for.

[Bagger John - #3785]

How do I find this product? I googled I/S fender tip accent and didn't find what I was looking for.

Find #7 below:



Best bet is to hit eBay or the Classifieds for a used fender or tip.

[yrunvs]

How do I find this product? I googled I/S fender tip accent and didn't find what I was looking for.

Find #7 below:



Best bet is to hit eBay or the Classifieds for a used fender or tip.

No sir. When I go to partzilla.com/front fender I do not find that part listed......am I doing something wrong?
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/2000/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/front-fender

[Foozle]

How do I find this product? I googled I/S fender tip accent and didn't find what I was looking for.

Find #7 below:



Best bet is to hit eBay or the Classifieds for a used fender or tip.

No sir. When I go to partzilla.com/front fender I do not find that part listed......am I doing something wrong?
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/2000/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/front-fender

No, you're doing it right - it's listed as unavailable.

If memory serves, Show Chrome or Bike Bike Parts makes a similar aftermarket piece.  Keep an eye out on eBay or in the VRCC classifieds.  They're uncommon - but not unobtainable.

Terry

[Avanti]

Is there actually a Front Fender Emblem that is inscribed with the word “Valkyrie”?

[Jess from VA]

I would not get an interstate chrome glob for the fender if I was you.

Here's the tip cover (National Cycle):

https://www.ridersdiscount.com/national-cycle-front-fender-tip-chrome-for-honda-valkyrie-173362

https://www.amazon.com/National-Cycle-1997-2003-GL1500C-Valkyrie/dp/B000GZXCD6

Here's a front fender guard rail (used).  But you don't want both the tip and the guard.
https://pinwallcycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=45511576
https://www.ebay.com/itm/133834018835?fits=Model%3AValkyrie+1500%7CMake%3AHonda&hash=item1f29211013:g:N04AAOSw4pRhBFLA

Fork wings: https://pinwallcycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=28542835

[Foozle]

I would not get an interstate chrome glob for the fender if I was you.

Here's the tip cover (National Cycle):

https://www.ridersdiscount.com/national-cycle-front-fender-tip-chrome-for-honda-valkyrie-173362

https://www.amazon.com/National-Cycle-1997-2003-GL1500C-Valkyrie/dp/B000GZXCD6

Here's a front fender guard rail (used).  But you don't want both the tip and the guard.
https://pinwallcycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=45511576
https://www.ebay.com/itm/133834018835?fits=Model%3AValkyrie+1500%7CMake%3AHonda&hash=item1f29211013:g:N04AAOSw4pRhBFLA

Fork wings: https://pinwallcycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=28542835

If you're in the market for front air deflectors (fork wings), check out Big Bike Things in New Zealand.  I believe Barry still makes and sells these (see below).  Less $$ for brand new.  He's a good guy who makes a good product.  (No affiliation - I have his I/S trunk rails).

https://www.bigbikethings.com/Air_Deflector/p4325477_16655907.aspx

Terry