Newbie here, need advice on a 98

[docjones]

Hello all,  I'm looking at a one owner low mileage (15,000 miles)  98.  I've read a lot of post here on this site and have learned a lot.  I've wanted a Valkyrie since the first time I laid eyes on one.  Now that I can afford one just wondering what should I look for in such a low mileage bike.  I'm here in North Florida and hoping I'm on the right page. My first concern is the timing belts.  I'm sure they can break from age, but do they?  At around $50.00 each, from Honda, that will not break the bank but I would hate to replace them unnecessarily.  Second concern is the vacuum hoses associated with the carbs and petcock.  On my old CB750 those hoses seemed to be a big concern.  Any and all advice will be much appreciated.  Thanks much, Tom

[Valker]

I've replaced my timing belts once on my 98 Tourer, but I have 215,000 miles on it. Gates T275 belts are available for <$20 on Amazon. Gates probably makes the Honda belts too. If it starts well and runs mostly OK, the carbs are probably OK. Run some carb cleaner for a while just to be sure. The final drive servicing is probably the most important thing to look at. Vacuum hoses need regular replacing. My 98 has had them replaced twice so far. It is a time consuming, although fairly easy job. Congrats on the new bike.

[WintrSol]

Just an aside, check around for a mechanic who will work in it, for the jobs you can't, or won't, do yourself.

[Mooskee]

Welcome to the family. A search of archives is a wealth of information on pretty much any question you have. The owners here will certainly answer any specific questions you can ask, and the community of owners here represents many 1000s of years of experience. Once you have caught up on the maintenance, the best thing you can do for your Valkyrie is run it.
Ride safely,
Dave

[Mooskee]

BTW, it looks like there is a Florida chapter that is active. You might find some local riders that are willing to give a hand with some maintenance items.

[Peteg]

Since it's a 98 I would add, check your rear shocks. At 15,000 miles they are likely the original showa's and are in good condition. Don't let the condition of the shocks fool you. The original shocks supplied in 98 are very margin for two up riding. The bike handles so well, my impression was the shocks had to be good. If you put a passenger on the back and the rear suspension bottoms very easily it's the shocks. For me, they also made the bike very hard to handle at very low speed / two up. If you have those issues just get rid of those shocks. You'll be happy. If you only ride one up without a lot of gear, they may be ok, but you'd still be surprised how much better the bike can handle with better rear shocks. In my opinion 97-98 showa shocks should just be trashed, but that may be because the back of my 98 standard is setup like an interstate, with hard bags and a trunk.

[Hook#3287]

I'm sure they can break from age, but do they?

Welcome down the rabbit hole known as a Valkyrie Owner. It's a great trip.

I can't remember of any report of the belts breaking and I've been on this board over 20 years.  Maybe happened and my memory is flawed, but it is not a common failure, but if it happens, you might as well buy a different engine.  Luckily, they're usually available.

Belts can be had from NAPA, #250275,  Gates also use to make them #275.

Check out this page.
https://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm
 
Do a de-smog and forget about those hoses.  You'll only will need the #6 carb to OEM petcock, if you keep the OEM petcock
https://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/desmog.htm

Or replace them, all of them.

The suspension is something I would wait till I had a couple of hundred miles done before changing.  Check the rubber bolt grommets for condition.

These bikes are awesome machines, but you either need to be mechanically inclined or know some one that is and give them money.

Get on her and ride, that's the best thing you can do.

After you check the tires really close.

[98valk]

the Gates industrial drive belts rated to run 24/7 at higher loads then turning a camshaft with 90lb valve springs, which Honda uses as timing belts, do not wear out from age due the materials they are made from. Honda does not give an age time to change them but only to inspect them at 100k miles. these are the belts
https://www.gates.com/us/en/search.p.9356-000000-000000.html

""PowerGrip® GT®3 belts are made of a highly advanced combination of materials designed to reduce both initial and operating costs. The entire PowerGrip® GT®3 belt range is suited both for new drive designs as for performance upgrades on existing drives.""

The '97-98 shocks have very poor valving resulting in a harsh ride.  All later yr shocks have much better valving for an excellent ride.

with todays cheap fuel always use Sta-bil every tank. I also use TC-W3 in every tank which keeps the entire intake tract clean and lubricates the carb needles inside of the needle wells.  It also provide 1-2 mpg improvement. see link for correct ratio to use.
https://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91206

[Jims99]

There are plenty of Florida guys here and a great mechanic in Perry. Many of us do our own work and are more than willing to help. Sounds like you’ve got this, if the price is right, jump on it, you won’t regret it. Also check in the Florida section for rides.