The next Valkyrie restoration video is up on Youtube!!!!! The Test Ride.

[Craig9409]

Hi Friends,

Well, I finally got the 1998 Valkyrie out for a 192 mile road test. Sadly, I discovered a pretty serious issue which will have to be addressed before it can be ridden any further. Aside from that, I love the bike. It's just a big lug and such fun to ride. I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with a vintage Valkyrie to restore.

I had several people walk up to me along this ride to comment on "what a beautiful bike it is". These motorcycles are eye catching, which I guess is why after looking at hundreds of bikes, I went with a Valkyrie for my first motorcycle restoration project. Why not start out big, right?

I also have completed the next video which is rendering on the computer as we speak.

Come take a ride with me on the Valkyrie for the next chapter in this old bike's new life. And, please comment if you have any tips or suggestions. I want to hear from you.

Here is the video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbfW_A13b30

[sandy]

Everyone notices the 1-2 shift is “clunky”. This is correctable by preloading the shifter pedal. Apply pressure up to the shift and when you pull the clutch, briskly pull up on the lever.

[Chrisj CMA]

I find the shift to second gear is much better at higher RPMs. It sounded like you were shifting to second way early. Also way more shifting than what should have been necessary for the terrain you were on. The Valkyrie fifth gear is a wide power band.

[jdp]

I think your going to have a blast with your bike, I have an interstate and a tour ,I’ve sold the tour 3 times and always bought it back and I’m going to just keep them both now I just love riding them all my friends ride Harley-Davidson and it’s a blast they spent 32 grand for there bikes and I bought the interstate for 2 grand and the tour for 3500 really pisses them off

[indybobm]

As for the clunky 1st to 2nd shift, that is normal for a Valkyrie. You need to shift with 'authority'. Don't stomp on it but don't baby it either.

[Craig9409]

I find the shift to second gear is much better at higher RPMs. It sounded like you were shifting to second way early. Also way more shifting than what should have been necessary for the terrain you were on. The Valkyrie fifth gear is a wide power band.

Yes, I agree with the 5th gear power band being very wide. I really enjoyed that. I was shifting very early as to wind it out gives a very hard gear to gear grind from 1-2. Trust me, over the 192 miles, I tried it all sorts of different ways. The only way I could shift it without grinding was to shift it at the lower rpms and use the 1st gear to just get her up to 5-6 mph. I'm not joking, there is an issue. Damage will be done if it hasn't been already. But, when it's apart, I'll address what ever I find. The clutch is gone too so I feel that may be a big contributor.

Thanks for the comments everyone. It's time to take this bike apart.

I just purchased a Vapor Honing machine from Vapor Honing Technologies in North Carolina. It is a wet media blasting cabinet. It has arrived. Check out the latest video shot yesterday on that here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXJNr9K-CF8


I just posted it. The HD version is still processing by Youtube but it should be done in a few minutes. The non HD version is up and ready right now.

[Chrisj CMA]

I’ll be interested to see what you find. I think I would do a really good bleed/fluid exchange on that clutch line to see if it increases the effectiveness before a major tearcdown

PS. The reason I say that is because if your bike really has the low miles you stated at the beginning it would be almost unheard of for the clutch to be worn out. On the other hand, if the clutch is worn out that points to the probability that the odometer has made a trip around the sun.

[Jims99]

You need to shift harder, these bikes have straight cut gears and will be clunkier than other bikes. You’ll notice things more because they’re quite. If the clutch isn’t making noise or slipping, it’s probably ok. I’ve ridden older wings and these bikes are different in many ways. Took a bit to get used to things. Before you break into the engine, I would get with some other valk guys and compair them. Lots of people have 200k+ and never an internal  problem. These things were built to last.

[Craig9409]

I’ll be interested to see what you find. I think I would do a really good bleed/fluid exchange on that clutch line to see if it increases the effectiveness before a major tearcdown

PS. The reason I say that is because if your bike really has the low miles you stated at the beginning it would be almost unheard of for the clutch to be worn out. On the other hand, if the clutch is worn out that points to the probability that the odometer has made a trip around the sun.

Agreed on all points. I have a couple ideas as a result of the replies on this thread, I appreciate all the suggestions very much.

1.Yes, a clutch slave bleed/fluid change would be a great idea.

2. Install Shift Buddy

3. Test ride.

Problem solved? Yes = move on
                        No= move to step 4

4. Pull the clutch with the engine still in the bike. Inspect it for wear. Rebuild as needed.

5. Rebuild the clutch slave and the master cylinders if needed.

6. Re test after the work to rule out the clutch as the issue.

Problem solved? Yes= move on
                         No= split the cases when the engine is out.

If I can avoid splitting the cases by doing a little more diagnostic work, I believe it will be time well  spent.

If I need clutch frictions, I can get OEM from the mothership (Honda) or aftermarket.

Has anyone used the E-bay frictions such as EBC REDLINE CLUTCH KIT CK1285?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162666734562?fits=Model%3AValkyrie+1500%7CMake%3AHonda&epid=171101431&hash=item25dfb163e2:g:FvAAAOSwLDJguUna

I know some people are staunch OEM and others not so much. I tend to go OEM but there is a cost associated. Suggestions?

Have you used clutches you love or recommend?




 

[Craig9409]

You need to shift harder, these bikes have straight cut gears and will be clunkier than other bikes. You’ll notice things more because they’re quite. If the clutch isn’t making noise or slipping, it’s probably ok. I’ve ridden older wings and these bikes are different in many ways. Took a bit to get used to things. Before you break into the engine, I would get with some other valk guys and compair them. Lots of people have 200k+ and never an internal  problem. These things were built to last.

That is why I was really surprised to find this issue. If indeed it is an issue. I argee. more study is needed per my above plan.