Shops/folks that repair Valkyries

[Stingray]

Is there a source for where people who don't work on their own can take their Valkyries for work? A centralized list by region/state would be really helpful I'd think. This may already exist and I just don't see it.

[Jess from VA]

There is not.  

There are a number of well known (to our members) ace mechanics spread around the country (one of them is over in IL).  There are also some regional (local) groups that have occasional wrench parties where the more experienced help the less experienced.

There was a truly gifted mechanic that traveled around the country in a King Ranch truck with 40 foot machine shop trailer, working by scheduled appointments from state to state, but sadly he passed.  He spent 4 days at my home in VA (for two bikes), twice.  

There does not appear to be an Ohio chapter of VRCC.

Your best bet is to reach out for any in your State (or bit wider region) for information about 1) either good trustworthy (1500 Honda experienced) bike shops or dealers, or 2) any other member/riders who have good skills and are willing to help you out (maybe you ride to them, at their convenience).

You might do that in your next post on this thread, explaining the issues or work you want to deal with or fix.  

[Stingray]

Yeah, Bill was a gem and sorely missed. I would like to start to build a listing of shops or individuals that others have had good experience with. I keep seeing new owners showing up with questions about their "new" bikes and a centralized resource would really help. Maybe this thread could continue for a while as a startup for that and later be published. So anyone, please feel free to post any good Valk repair resource you know of with any contact info you have. I know of Dave Wilder in eastern NC and Wood Butcher in N. FL but I know there's others. In particular I have someone asking about central PA right now.

[WintrSol]

Donelson Cycles in St. Louis County, MO will still work on my Valk. At least, they will change the tires for me - haven't asked them for anything else, lately.

[h13man]

Dreyer on West Washington in Indy is the oldest Honda dealership in Indiana otherwise I have local tire changers if needed. I find the Valk the easiest bike I've ever worked on thus a OEM manual and my tool box does well for me.

[mello dude]

Have to mention-----Mark Doenges near Fort Wayne Indiana
His contact is 260 437 3166
I think he's looking for some work.......

Also, I think he prefers text him first...

[old2soon]

Have to mention-----Mark Doenges near Fort Wayne Indiana
His contact is 260 437 3166
I think he's looking for some work.......

           AKA mad6gun. Yer welcome Mark!  RIDE SAFE.

[Craig9409]

Dreyer on West Washington in Indy is the oldest Honda dealership in Indiana otherwise I have local tire changers if needed. I find the Valk the easiest bike I've ever worked on thus a OEM manual and my tool box does well for me.

This is a great idea! Not so much for me but for the travelers or tourers who have an issue on their road trip.

Me, I use a toy hauler and target my riding destinations all over the country, setting up an RV park basecamp and looping planned rides out of it. I arrive fresh to the targeted area and my bike arrives fresh. Also I can sleep in a great bed, use a well stocked galley and have a nice shower and toilet at the ready. I'm so over sitting in wet tents, expensive motels and 2 pairs of underwear in the saddle bag. Not to mention all the bike wear and tear running hundreds of miles along the interstates to get there. 

Really, the Honda factory service manual for the Valk is one of the best written I have ever seen. I do all my own work short of heavy machine shop stuff. I have an engine lathe but no mill. It is worth every cent and even if you don't work on your own bike, is well worth the money when you have a question.

The illustrations, photos and step by step instructions, torque sequences and values along with a host of other useful information is the best! I bought a really clean used copy on eBay for $19.00. It is about $140 or so new. Get one. If I can do it, you can do it.

[rww930]

Honda West in Indianapolis is no help at all. They suck now actually.

They officially don't work on Valks any more. I let them know in no uncertain terms exactly what I thought of that.

[GWS]

Don't sell yourself short. I bet you can do more than you think. When I got my Valk it needed new tires. And as long as I had the rear wheel off I thought I should do a final drive service since the bike was new to me and I had no idea how well it had been maintained. (Turns out it was a good thing I checked. There was NO thrust washer in the final drive - just not there.)

Anyway, I changed the tires with the help of a cheap tire change/bead breaker tool, static balanced them with sawhorses a rod and some weights. (Yes, Harbor Freight knows me by name.) And I managed a final drive service. A few thousand miles later Rhonda runs as smooth as silk.

The only thing I might try myself is a carb rebuild. But there are guys on this site who will. Mooskee comes to mind.

You only need three things to work on your Valk: 1) service manual, 2) this site, and 3)patience. As Craig said in the post above "If I can do it, you can do it." You'll only fail if you don't ask for help, and there is a wealth of experience on this site, freely given.

[RonW]

stingray, a good place to start is tightening the band clamps on the intake runners. You'll see.

[Stingray]

Thanks for all the input. I created a duplicate conversation under General. It's really a question for new owners...I sold my Valk a couple of years ago but still am asked questions about it.