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aseigler
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« on: August 18, 2025, 08:44:24 PM » |
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Hi everyone, I'm from central Florida, and I've picked up a black 2003 standard with 19k miles, last week after much internal deliberation and debate. It's spent some time in West Virginia and Tennessee based on the registrations people have left with the manual. I've always wanted a bike like this but the stars never really aligned until now. I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty but I've never had to deal with more than 2 carbs, or had the luxury of shaft drive, all hydraulic disc brakes or anything quite this large or heavy before. It's a bit intimidating.
I've read over as much as I can of the "new bike, wut do" stuff. Brake/clutch fluids, hoses, tires, brake pads. The most obvious thing to me is what this bike has been dropped hard at some point on the left side, snapped off the mirror and the flange on the clutch master cylinder that the mirror threads into. Whoever broke that did not replace it, but instead got aftermarket, smaller mirrors that are way too far inside for my liking. Got replacements for all that stuff on order already. Previous owner claims it has new coils, plug wires, plugs, rear brake pads and rebuilt carbs. "Rebuilt carbs" might mean different things to different people.
What recommendations or suggestions have yall got?
Thanks,
-aseigler
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wjamesfl
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« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2025, 09:09:38 PM » |
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Hey, I am in Tampa FL. I am a new owner but a few tips I have so far.. It sounds like you plan to do most of your own maintenance. That being the case look around this forum for discussions on lift adapters if you havent yet (both homemade or purchased). Due to the shape of the underside of the bike you may want an adapter to lift it safely without causing damage. Some hoist the entire bike up instead.
Also check out Moto-Resto Machine and Repair on YouTube. Lots of videos working on Valkyries. Helped me learn about them.
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #2 on: Yesterday at 03:31:04 AM » |
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Congratulations on your new ride, Valks are awesome bikes. I wonder why at 19k the coils and wires were replaced, seems suspect. I've noticed that a lot of problems Valks experience are owner/operator caused, so jump right in  If she's running right and not leaking I'd leave the carbs alone, but I'm pretty much a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" Valk owner. Swap the fluids, check the tires and brakes and ride her. |
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Serk
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« Reply #3 on: Yesterday at 05:37:35 AM » |
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In addition to the regular items you listed, do the final drive maintenance. Keeping up with that every 10k miles is critical and one of the Achilles heel's of a Valk if not kept up with. Also, if it's still got the OEM rubber valve stems get those replaced with metal ones in the comfort of your shop, not 1,200 miles from home on the side of the road.  Howdy and welcome! |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Pluggy
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« Reply #4 on: Yesterday at 06:27:42 AM » |
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Every Valkyrie owner has been a first-time owner, too. I also asked if anything besides maintenance was needed. The response was mostly gizmo and bling items. Without all those "mods" my bike has been safe and fun for the past fifteen years.
Well, I did replace the valve stems at the first tire change.
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aseigler
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« Reply #5 on: Yesterday at 07:36:00 AM » |
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The valve stems are metal, and the tires look and feel great, no sign of dry rot whatsoever. However, the date codes are 5011 and 1711 which ain't good. I have a feeling this thing sat for a very long time.
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Pluggy
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« Reply #6 on: Yesterday at 11:48:23 AM » |
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The valve stems are metal, and the tires look and feel great, no sign of dry rot whatsoever. However, the date codes are 5011 and 1711 which ain't good. I have a feeling this thing sat for a very long time.
I see you are in Sanford. We were in Seminole County for 10 years before returning to NC. There are some aspects of Florida I miss. But, not Interstate 4. You will get plenty of free tire advice, so let me go first. When I got my 2003, it was easy to ride at highway speed, but low speed handling took some getting used to. A lot. Guys will say "Put a car tire on the back of that bike". Let me suggest making your first new tires good motorcycle tires. After you wear those out, you'll have enough Valkyrie experience to determine if a car tire is right for you. |
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« Last Edit: Yesterday at 11:54:14 AM by Pluggy »
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aseigler
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« Reply #7 on: Yesterday at 12:25:46 PM » |
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I see you are in Sanford. We were in Seminole County for 10 years before returning to NC. There are some aspects of Florida I miss. But, not Interstate 4.
I-4 got better for a while when more people were working from home. The express lane expansion is a nightmare. I try to avoid it if I can. Let me suggest making your first new tires good motorcycle tires.
Already started looking for some! |
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Serk
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« Reply #8 on: Yesterday at 12:30:30 PM » |
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Guys will say "Put a car tire on the back of that bike".
Put a car tire on the back of that bike.  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Pluggy
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« Reply #9 on: Yesterday at 01:25:35 PM » |
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Guys will say "Put a car tire on the back of that bike".
Put a car tire on the back of that bike. It was inevitable. |
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OnaWingandaPrayer
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« Reply #10 on: Yesterday at 02:24:14 PM » |
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Hello and Welcome .My suggestion would be to replace the timing belts. this is an interference fit engine. If a timing belt breaks it will most likely cause at least a couple bent valves . Not that your bike has a lot of miles, just the aging process of rubber. Much less expense to replace the belts than it is to repair the damage that can occur. Visit often and enjoy the rides.
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