My 2nd gear is still grinding. New video is up.

[Craig9409]

Hi Valkyrie riders. A couple things. I got several comments on the test ride video. I was really hoping it would be something as simple as changing/bleeding the clutch and perhaps installing the Shifter Buddy. I was pretty sure it wouldn't solve the issues but hey, I'm new to this bike so I acted upon all of your ideas.  All good ideas and suggestions.

First, thanks for responding. I really appreciate it. It gave me a lot of insight and several things to try.

I changed the clutch DOT4 and vacuum bled the clutch master and slave. Then I installed the Shifter Buddy. I conducted 3 no frills test rides. I mounted a GoPro camera to show the foot on shifter. I was going to try to split screen the tach with my shifter, but the the top forward looking GoPro camera decided to have a "card error" and I lost most of that video. But the old faithful GoPro 3+ Black edition, came through as usual.

Still, I took all of the comments from here and Youtube and attempted to illustrate them. I tried a whole host of 1-2 shift rpms and speeds, I tried shifter preload, etc.

No cigar. Here's the deal, the camera audio does pick up the grind but for me riding and feeling the bike, I can feel the teeth gnashing as it grinds. The 1-2 shift is the only gear that does that. There are several 2-3 shifts on video in these tests, all of which are smooth and easy. Same with 3-5. It's just the 1-2 upshift and sometimes the 3-2 downshift that grinds. 2nd gear has an issue.

It's all on video. Also a huge thanks to all of you who have followed these videos so far and commented over there on Youtube. I'm not monetized or paid  in any way for the video content I put up. I'm not in this for the money. I'm in this to have a really cool older Valkyrie when I'm done. I just spend the time making and editing  these videos to help others from the benefit of my experiences, and for your entertainment or amusement while you enjoy your morning cups of coffee. But also to elicit conversation, suggestions, tips, and input good or bad... so here is the link to this week's video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPvY3FkptmU

Your input is highly valued. At some point, I look forward to meeting and talking to you at a VRCC gathering. This year didn't pan out as I was just swamped. I fully plan to attend next year. I will be at Sturgis for the entire rally again this year, my fourth year running. If any of you are planning to be there, please email me so we can share contact information. I would love to meet you , talk motorcycles and go for a ride. Let's have a bite to eat, I'll buy you a beer. The Valkyrie won't be ready obviously so I'll be on Two Dogs, my Indian Chieftain. My email is axys1552016@gmail.com and I'll be camping at After the ride Campground just 5 miles East of Sturgis in Piedmont. I arrive the day before and leave the 2nd day following the rally. If you are coming, please let me know so we can connect.





 

[sandy]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

[six2go #152]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

I don't know anything about the shifter buddy, but I agree that you need to shift into 2nd gear like you mean it. I don't think I've ever shifted any bike that slowly.

[Timbo1]

Hi Craig,

I haven't fully read the other thread but if I recall correctly you purchased it from someone stating it had a shift problem from 1st to 2nd is that correct?  I seem to have picked that up somewhere.  Either way maybe you could find a member in the area to do a comparison?  Or perhaps find one at a dealer to test ride?  I agree with the other poster, shift quicker with more authority don't drag it into gear.   I have 2 98's and they are both a bit clunky shifting.  I've had one since about 2003 and it's never shifted any differently.  I've heard or read somewhere these bikes run like a Ferrari but shift like a tractor or something of the like. lol

ETA:
Another thing you might take a look at is your slave cylinder just to make sure it's clean and not causing the clutch to not be fully engaged.  Just a thought.

[Chrisj CMA]

I’m not trying to sound nit picky or condescending as you definitely have experience. However, the technique you used did obviously introduce air into the clutch system. The question is did it all come out with the final bleeding. If the clutch now feels different but still not right I’d say you still have air in the line.

When I change the clutch fluid I suck the oil out of the M/C with a syringe and clean the inside and then fill with clean oil. And yes I always reposition the assembly as you finally did. The key is never pull the lever when that little hole is not covered with oil. I then do the same squeeze, open, close and release just like the brakes until clean oil is coming out.

[GWS]

Hello Craig. A couple of points:

I agree with Chris that there may be air in the line. I've found the best (easiest) way to address this possibility is to slightly crack open the banjo fitting off the master cylinder and leave the bike overnight. The air bubble fairy will let the air migrate up and out of the system while you sleep.

It's possible the previous owner didn't manhandle the 1st to 2nd shift the way the bike requires and damaged 2nd gear over time. This way everyone is right - the posters who say you need to shift like you mean business, and you're right that 2nd gear is toast. And it may be evidence that your odometer has turned over. Time will tell.

The clutch on my 98 also doesn't engage until the lever is almost all the way out. Not much free travel. I choose not to be concerned. I'd like to hear from others on this point, though.

Thanks and good luck,
George

[The emperor has no clothes]

I also think you might have gotten some air in the line. I’d do a bleed again. I also agree that you aren’t shifting firmly and quickly enough. It also seems like your boots have a lot of give in the top of the boot, which is not helping with a quick, firm shift. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SPLIT YOUR CASES TO ADDRESS THE SHIFTING ISSUE. Even after you get it resolved keep in mind the first to second shift will still be clunky. It’s just the nature of the beast. (But there should be no grinding)

[Jims99]

Check the oil closely for any metal. Otherwise I would shift harder and enjoy the ride.

[SCain]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

The shifter support is not installed correctly like Sandy mentioned, your support is a knockoff from ebay that didn't come with instructions. Since this is a copy of our Shifter Buddy it mounts the same way, search You Tube for my install video.

[Avanti]

My Made in USA Valkyrie, likes made in USA parts.

[Craig9409]

I’m not trying to sound nit picky or condescending as you definitely have experience. However, the technique you used did obviously introduce air into the clutch system. The question is did it all come out with the final bleeding. If the clutch now feels different but still not right I’d say you still have air in the line.

When I change the clutch fluid I suck the oil out of the M/C with a syringe and clean the inside and then fill with clean oil. And yes I always reposition the assembly as you finally did. The key is never pull the lever when that little hole is not covered with oil. I then do the same squeeze, open, close and release just like the brakes until clean oil is coming out.

How do you think the technique I used "obviously" pulled air in?  And no, this isn't my first rodeo. I've done countless brake jobs on a multitude of vehicles, tractors and trailers, master cylinders etc. Made and replaced lots of brake lines and have even done a few hydraulic cylinders and pumps. I've always done my own work my whole life (I'm 66) if I had the tooling to do it. I draw the line at car painting. I've done a couple and was never really happy with it since I don't have a proper spray booth, so I do farm out painting. But this clutch system isn't rocket science. The Valkyrie is new to me but is just another of countless bikes I've owned over the years. I like your style though... the "obviously" comment made me chuckle.

OK, I evacuated the whole system dry using an air powered vacuum fluid extractor over a few minutes. I then used a Mighty Vac hand pump (far less aggressive and controlled than the fluid extractor or my air powered bleeder I use on the cars and trucks) to pull the new fluid through while observing the level. I kept the reservoir full all through the bleeding procedure. I pulled at least twice the capacity of new fluid through the system and it was bubble free by the time I closed the bleeder while still under vacuum and fluid moving, with the reservoir mostly full. I never got close exposing the bottom of the reservoir nor the two small outflow and return flow orifices there on.

The clutch pressure seems normal and is identical now to when I originally began vs when the system was empty. What are you seeing? I'm curious. Tip; just because it isn't in a video shot, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Some things get edited out and or done off camera. I admit I'm not a professional film maker, LOL. But I'm getting better.

But, please tell me where you think I introduced air? The factory book was also followed to a tee. Perhaps you are speculating?  What specifically was "obviously" admitting air?

EDIT; I did a re-bleed. I pulled another 2x fluid through. I cracked the banjo as well during the process. No bubbles at all during the second bleed. The lever feels good, not any easier or firmer than before. The bike with engine off in gear rolls easy with the clutch pulled in. Engagement seems about 1" from full out. Engine running, it drops into 1st from Neutral with no lurch, unusual bump or bang. No changes from the first bleed. I conclude there was no air from the first bleed. It's time to look further. Or should I say deeper. It's not that complicated of a system.  Now the slave hasn't been touched so there could be an issue inside that, but thats coming in a later video. That will get new rubber parts and crush washers or what ever when I get there. Time will tell. Thanks for the help  .

[Craig9409]

My Made in USA Valkyrie, likes made in USA parts.

Says the guy riding a Japanese Bike assembled in the USA with Japanese parts. LOL. What does our idiot president say... "Come on Man!"

God that's funny. I laughed so hard... say something else


Anyway, Good luck with that. Finding anything not from China nowadays is a chore. I'm all for buying USA if it can be done. I didn't know anything about the shifter buddy when I bought it. U.S. vs knock off?? I had no idea. I saw it and thought it might help the issue. No luck. It is installed correctly if the video is watched through to the end or fast forward to the part I addressed that. I reversed my original install after some close observation of it's movement and re-rode the bike. It shifted fine except the 1-2 grinding shift. No improvement using Shifter Buddy.

[Craig9409]

Hi Craig,

I haven't fully read the other thread but if I recall correctly you purchased it from someone stating it had a shift problem from 1st to 2nd is that correct?  I seem to have picked that up somewhere.  Either way maybe you could find a member in the area to do a comparison?  Or perhaps find one at a dealer to test ride?  I agree with the other poster, shift quicker with more authority don't drag it into gear.   I have 2 98's and they are both a bit clunky shifting.  I've had one since about 2003 and it's never shifted any differently.  I've heard or read somewhere these bikes run like a Ferrari but shift like a tractor or something of the like. lol



You are correct. The dealer said it had a "shift fork issue". I'm not sure it has a shift fork issue but it has an issue. I wasn't here at the time I bought the bike so I wasn't able to ride it. It showed low miles or so I thought, so I figured it couldn't be much of a problem. Time will tell what it is. So I'm using all I got to do that shift.

The problem is- it isn't transitioning smoothly from 1-2. It has a lot of resistance compared to the rest of the gears, and has to grind its way in which equates to a time lag. You can't just muscle through the grind. I'm not babying it. It isn't going in because there is a synchronization issue there on that shift.

I'm pretty sure we'll see why when I get in there. The other shifts are no problem. It doesn't kick out of 2nd gear on deceleration though, which you might think it would. I really don't think it's my shifting. I've ridden motorcycles since I was 12 and have owned a slew of them over my 66 years. My Victory is a hard shifter too, but it doesn't grind, it's just stiff. This issue is more than that. I am going to go through the slave cylinder in detail as soon as I get to that point. The clutch is disengaging fine. I can pull it in in gear and roll the bike easily. I'm pretty sure it isn't the clutch but then again, milage is uncertain. It may be shot if the bike is actually 100,000 plus the current odometer reading. We'll see.

[luftkoph]

Craig, I’m sure you know that most all motorcycles are a constant mesh transmission, meaning the actual gears are always engaged, the shift forks (3 in a Valkyrie} slide the dogs that lock the gears to the shaft, there probably lies your problem, a bent or worn shift fork, or a dog has its ears worn down.
 The clutch has nothing to do with it, myself probably 50% of the time I don’t use the clutch to upshift.

Good luck with your problem, I hope it turns out something simpler.

[Craig9409]

Craig, I’m sure you know that most all motorcycles are a constant mesh transmission, meaning the actual gears are always engaged, the shift forks (3 in a Valkyrie} slide the dogs that lock the gears to the shaft, there probably lies your problem, a bent or worn shift fork, or a dog has its ears worn down.
 The clutch has nothing to do with it, myself probably 50% of the time I don’t use the clutch to upshift.

Good luck with your problem, I hope it turns out something simpler.

Yes! I believe you are right on the mark. In point of fact, the factory manual gives the service specs for the forks. They are to be measured and if out of spec, replaced. Also the dogs should not show wear or damage. I'm going to drain the oil and all the fluids next as I will be beginning the full teardown for paint, and refurbishment in a few days. The oil may well tell us something. I suspect I'll see some glitter beyond any normal wear.

I think I've ruled out the simpler stuff. I didn't figure it was the clutch really. I appreciate it. I'll let you know what I find. This bike is a project anyway. Thats what I bought it for. I have 3 other motorcycles in top running order.

It's a whole sight better than some I looked at. The 1937 Indian I looked at had a 3" hole rusted through the side of the tank, was missing a lot of parts and he still wanted $20.000 for it. No, this project is far easier over the long haul than that. We'll get her.

[gordonv]

Craig, have you meet up with others in WA yet?

Are you coming up to our Valhalla Rally in Sept in Grand Forks BC? You would be welcome to try my bike out, IS with 105K on it. Something to compare it to.

[luftkoph]

Send an oil sample to Blackstone labs, its like $25 might give you a clue to what’s going on inside

[Craig9409]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

You didn't watch the video did you? You skipped around. I cover the whole wrong install to right install in the video. You need to watch the last few minutes when I explain all this shifter buddy install stuff.

I can't shift it to 2nd gear any faster as it will not move to 2nd until it stops grinding and slides in. There is heavy resistance there. I'm no weakling either. I ride my Peloton bike 25 miles 5 days every week, first thing in the morning. I walked across Spain in 38 days, 7-17 miles every day with no breaks. That's a whole other adventure.

I've tried it many times. There is far more wrong than my supposed limp dick shifting technique. This isn't my first motorcycle. I have had a dozen dirt bikes over the years, and I currently own 3 street bikes and a dirt bike. I have covered thousands upon thousands of miles on motorcycles, both on dirt and pavement. I have been riding since I was 12. I'm 66 now.  Geeze, the tone of some of these forums...

I get what you are saying. And I appreciate it. It's just like putting an outboard boat motor in gear too slow.... grind. So you need to snap it into gear. No grind. I get that concept. I've had many outboard boats too. I still have one. It, the shifter physically won't move any faster from 1-2 no matter what shoes I wear, or how hard I try to muscle it. I wish you could come over and ride it for yourself. I'd pull it off the lift and hand you the keys on the spot. I'd love to hand you the keys and see how it should be done. 

Over the initial 192 mile ride, I tried it every which way trying to find that 1-2  sweet spot. Over a whole bunch of attempts, there is no repeatable sweet spot in that shift and all the other gears shift normal. Nothing I try changes it except RPM to a slight degree.

The Shifter Buddy correctly installed didn't change it. Again, watch the last 10 minutes of the video. It is there every shift with the very rare exception. Maybe 2-3 good shifts over 192 miles. The issue is far less severe if I shift it at very low RPM but is still grinds a bit.

If this is a matter as simple as shifting technique, then Honda made a terrible product. I don't believe that as every test rider of a Valkyrie from that era, would have returned it straight back to the dealer with the keys and a "no thanks".

No Fellows and friends, there is more to this than limp-dicking the shifter. I'm near Tacoma, WA. Who is near by? Anyone? I'd love to have you take her out. You can be on video showing me how I'm doing it wrong. I'll follow behind on one of my other motorcycles which all shift perfectly. We need to hurry though. I just finished staining my new fences so the Valkyrie is next up. Soon she'll be in a good many pieces.

[Craig9409]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

I don't know anything about the shifter buddy, but I agree that you need to shift into 2nd gear like you mean it. I don't think I've ever shifted any bike that slowly.

This is a popular solution. I'm shifting it as fast as it will go. There is heavy resistance to movement until it finishes grinding and slides into 2nd. I can't overcome the resistance. It may look like I'm not trying to move it faster but I'm giving it all I got.

[Jess from VA]

All I can think of is.... if it seems that 2d is damaged, go from 1st to 3rd.  Of course, that fixes nothing.

[six2go #152]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

I don't know anything about the shifter buddy, but I agree that you need to shift into 2nd gear like you mean it. I don't think I've ever shifted any bike that slowly.

This is a popular solution. I'm shifting it as fast as it will go. There is heavy resistance to movement until it finishes grinding and slides into 2nd. I can't overcome the resistance. It may look like I'm not trying to move it faster but I'm giving it all I got.

Craig, I guess the video kinda put things in slow motion. That's probably why someone mentioned the toe of your boot didn't look firm but it must be because of the pressure you were using. I don't have any other ideas, just wish you well in finding the cause.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

You didn't watch the video did you? You skipped around. I cover the whole wrong install to right install in the video. You need to watch the last few minutes when I explain all this shifter buddy install stuff.

I can't shift it to 2nd gear any faster as it will not move to 2nd until it stops grinding and slides in. There is heavy resistance there. I'm no weakling either. I ride my Peloton bike 25 miles 5 days every week, first thing in the morning. I walked across Spain in 38 days, 7-17 miles every day with no breaks. That's a whole other adventure.

I've tried it many times. There is far more wrong than my supposed limp dick shifting technique. This isn't my first motorcycle. I have had a dozen dirt bikes over the years, and I currently own 3 street bikes and a dirt bike. I have covered thousands upon thousands of miles on motorcycles, both on dirt and pavement. I have been riding since I was 12. I'm 66 now.  Geeze, the tone of some of these forums...

I get what you are saying. And I appreciate it. It's just like putting an outboard boat motor in gear too slow.... grind. So you need to snap it into gear. No grind. I get that concept. I've had many outboard boats too. I still have one. It, the shifter physically won't move any faster from 1-2 no matter what shoes I wear, or how hard I try to muscle it. I wish you could come over and ride it for yourself. I'd pull it off the lift and hand you the keys on the spot. I'd love to hand you the keys and see how it should be done. 

Over the initial 192 mile ride, I tried it every which way trying to find that 1-2  sweet spot. Over a whole bunch of attempts, there is no repeatable sweet spot in that shift and all the other gears shift normal. Nothing I try changes it except RPM to a slight degree.

The Shifter Buddy correctly installed didn't change it. Again, watch the last 10 minutes of the video. It is there every shift with the very rare exception. Maybe 2-3 good shifts over 192 miles. The issue is far less severe if I shift it at very low RPM but is still grinds a bit.

If this is a matter as simple as shifting technique, then Honda made a terrible product. I don't believe that as every test rider of a Valkyrie from that era, would have returned it straight back to the dealer with the keys and a "no thanks".

No Fellows and friends, there is more to this than limp-dicking the shifter. I'm near Tacoma, WA. Who is near by? Anyone? I'd love to have you take her out. You can be on video showing me how I'm doing it wrong. I'll follow behind on one of my other motorcycles which all shift perfectly. We need to hurry though. I just finished staining my new fences so the Valkyrie is next up. Soon she'll be in a good many pieces.

You should post over on the Northwest Chapter (if you haven’t already). There are members near you that would probably come take a gander.

There are times I’ve accidentally taken off in second gear. There is enough torque in these bikes to do this. Might be a stop gap solution till you get it sorted out.

[Craig9409]

Thanks Brother... I promise I'm giving that shifter all I got and as fast as the bike will take it. I even tried a few different boots and and my Merrell hiking shoes. No change.

No worries, I'll get it. It's all part of the adventure. I have several other motorcycles that are all in perfect running order to ride around on. This was bought as a project to quell my downtime boredom LOL. And I love taking things apart and fixing them.

I'm taking my Indian to Sturgis in a couple weeks for a 3 week road trip. The full Black Hills Rally and several other stops. I have a 30' toy hauler and a Diesel pickup so I go in comfort. I'm going to spend a few days hiking around the Little Bighorn (Custers) battlefield. My brother is coming up trailering his bike from Orlando to stay in the RV with me. He's a big Indian Rider too. He's VP of the Orlando chapter of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. I winter at his house and we do the full Bike Week Rally in Daytona as well as many other rides with his group. So my main ride is my Indian Chieftain which is not stock by any means. I'll still be riding when the Valk is in a million small pieces.

Thanks for the kind words.  

I'm looking forward to learning all I can about this Valkyrie and maybe changing it up some.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks Brother... I promise I'm giving that shifter all I got and as fast as the bike will take it. I even tried a few different boots and and my Merrell hiking shoes. No change.

No worries, I'll get it. It's all part of the adventure. I have several other motorcycles that are all in perfect running order to ride around on. This was bought as a project to quell my downtime boredom LOL. And I love taking things apart and fixing them.

I'm taking my Indian to Sturgis in a couple weeks for a 3 week road trip. The full Black Hills Rally and several other stops. I have a 30' toy hauler and a Diesel pickup so I go in comfort. I'm going to spend a few days hiking around the Little Bighorn (Custers) battlefield. My brother is coming up trailering his bike from Orlando to stay in the RV with me. He's a big Indian Rider too. He's VP of the Orlando chapter of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. I winter at his house and we do the full Bike Week Rally in Daytona as well as many other rides with his group. So my main ride is my Indian Chieftain which is not stock by any means. I'll still be riding when the Valk is in a million small pieces.

Thanks for the kind words.  

I'm looking forward to learning all I can about this Valkyrie and maybe changing it up some.

Sounds like an excellent trip  I’ve only been there once when we had the Inzane at Spearfish. It’s an excellent area for riding.

[Craig9409]

Two things; Your shifter buddy isn’t installed correctly. You weren’t suppose to disconnect the unit as it arrived.
2nd: You’re shifting way too slow. Snap your boot upward.

You didn't watch the video did you? You skipped around. I cover the whole wrong install to right install in the video. You need to watch the last few minutes when I explain all this shifter buddy install stuff.

I can't shift it to 2nd gear any faster as it will not move to 2nd until it stops grinding and slides in. There is heavy resistance there. I'm no weakling either. I ride my Peloton bike 25 miles 5 days every week, first thing in the morning. I walked across Spain in 38 days, 7-17 miles every day with no breaks. That's a whole other adventure.

I've tried it many times. There is far more wrong than my supposed limp dick shifting technique. This isn't my first motorcycle. I have had a dozen dirt bikes over the years, and I currently own 3 street bikes and a dirt bike. I have covered thousands upon thousands of miles on motorcycles, both on dirt and pavement. I have been riding since I was 12. I'm 66 now.  Geeze, the tone of some of these forums...

I get what you are saying. And I appreciate it. It's just like putting an outboard boat motor in gear too slow.... grind. So you need to snap it into gear. No grind. I get that concept. I've had many outboard boats too. I still have one. It, the shifter physically won't move any faster from 1-2 no matter what shoes I wear, or how hard I try to muscle it. I wish you could come over and ride it for yourself. I'd pull it off the lift and hand you the keys on the spot. I'd love to hand you the keys and see how it should be done. 

Over the initial 192 mile ride, I tried it every which way trying to find that 1-2  sweet spot. Over a whole bunch of attempts, there is no repeatable sweet spot in that shift and all the other gears shift normal. Nothing I try changes it except RPM to a slight degree.

The Shifter Buddy correctly installed didn't change it. Again, watch the last 10 minutes of the video. It is there every shift with the very rare exception. Maybe 2-3 good shifts over 192 miles. The issue is far less severe if I shift it at very low RPM but is still grinds a bit.

If this is a matter as simple as shifting technique, then Honda made a terrible product. I don't believe that as every test rider of a Valkyrie from that era, would have returned it straight back to the dealer with the keys and a "no thanks".

No Fellows and friends, there is more to this than limp-dicking the shifter. I'm near Tacoma, WA. Who is near by? Anyone? I'd love to have you take her out. You can be on video showing me how I'm doing it wrong. I'll follow behind on one of my other motorcycles which all shift perfectly. We need to hurry though. I just finished staining my new fences so the Valkyrie is next up. Soon she'll be in a good many pieces.

You should post over on the Northwest Chapter (if you haven’t already). There are members near you that would probably come take a gander.

There are times I’ve accidentally taken off in second gear. There is enough torque in these bikes to do this. Might be a stop gap solution till you get it sorted out.

 If you watch the video on my little Youtube channel at this link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbfW_A13b30&t=4s

I talk about that. I did several 2nd gear starts and ya, no problem. I do it on my Indian a lot to just because 2nd gear torque is very adequate and it saves me a shift.

But, I really don't require a stop gap. This bike was purchased in May only as a project to restore, customize and play with. I love the look of the engine! I have 3 other beautiful bikes to ride. So, I'm going to look at this like a learning experience to broaden my mechanical skills, play with my Youtube channel and video equipment, improve my shop and so fourth.

It's just a toy and it needs a full going over to get it up to my high standards. I love doing restorations on old stuff. In the past it's been boats mostly. Look at this photo set of my last boat restoration on my face book page. I learned fiberglass to a tee on that one. Gelcoat too. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1180566590171&type=3

I'm really proud of this boat. I did a 32' twin diesel boat as well but I wasn't good about documenting it at that time in my life. I wish I had been.

If you look at my Youtube Channel now and again there will be videos the whole way. Even though working with cameras and the time it takes is stressful. Full memory cards, dying camera batteries, finding decent shot angles and plainly the camera is always in the way. Then there's the video editing software to learn. Yikes!!!! You can spend a lot of hours on that alone.

But, I enjoy watching them back too. And... if it helps some guy bleed his clutch or change his coolant, saves him some money at the shop, so much the better. I get a kick how so many guys tell me I'm doing it wrong on here. I have the factory manual and I can read. I just use my experience from the past, and the manual. Not too tough.

What a person has to remember before getting too critical with a video content producer is this. A lot of things wind up being cut. If you don't see it done, doesn't mean it wasn't done. It may have been a bad camera angle you can't go back and fix, or it got missed by the camera eye, lots of reasons.

Plus, we Youtubers are just normal guys, not trained video producers. Ya'll can watch them or not, subscribe or... not. I don't get any money to do them anyway. They are meant for entertainment alone.  Mine and maybe yours. While I really appreciate people watching and I like it when someone tells me I helped them or gave them confidence to do a job, when they hit the subscribe button or a thumbs up... I'm just doing this to entertain and give something back to the Youtube community that has helped me out so many times. I just try to tell a story with my videos. I get very few negative comments so that's nice. I learn more about editing with every one I make. So... I'm having a ball with this all the way.

[Craig9409]

Thanks Brother... I promise I'm giving that shifter all I got and as fast as the bike will take it. I even tried a few different boots and and my Merrell hiking shoes. No change.

No worries, I'll get it. It's all part of the adventure. I have several other motorcycles that are all in perfect running order to ride around on. This was bought as a project to quell my downtime boredom LOL. And I love taking things apart and fixing them.

I'm taking my Indian to Sturgis in a couple weeks for a 3 week road trip. The full Black Hills Rally and several other stops. I have a 30' toy hauler and a Diesel pickup so I go in comfort. I'm going to spend a few days hiking around the Little Bighorn (Custers) battlefield. My brother is coming up trailering his bike from Orlando to stay in the RV with me. He's a big Indian Rider too. He's VP of the Orlando chapter of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. I winter at his house and we do the full Bike Week Rally in Daytona as well as many other rides with his group. So my main ride is my Indian Chieftain which is not stock by any means. I'll still be riding when the Valk is in a million small pieces.

Thanks for the kind words.  

I'm looking forward to learning all I can about this Valkyrie and maybe changing it up some.

Sounds like an excellent trip  I’ve only been there once when we had the Inzane at Spearfish. It’s an excellent area for riding.

Yes. In my opinion, it's some of the finest riding in the country and I have ridden rural areas in around 30 states. That Iron Mountain ride is awesome! The Needles Hwy too. Thrilling ever time. East Texas is awesome too. I love riding Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Im not a drinker at all but I just love the rallies. Test riding new bikes, going to the motorcycle swap meets, talking motorcycles and meeting motorcyclists is wonderful fun. I skip the intoxication and bar room madness. I'm usually back at the RV Park by 5pm tossing a steak on the grill. I'm excited. I camp in the same spot every year reserved the prior year. Sturgis is a blast. So is Daytona.