Changeover

[DaveWest]

I currently have a '97 Valk Tourer and wish to "convert" it to an Interstate.  Is this possible?  I have seen many aftermarket fairings and do not like the look.  I wish to have the Interstate dual headlight and also want to add the trunk bag.  If anyone has done this successfully, please let me know.  Price and where?  Thanks, Dave

[Hoser]

You can add a trunk and a fairing easy enough but the fully equipped IS with wiring. stereo, pods etc would be tough and expensive.  It has been done, though.  I think it was Kingbee.  Hoser

[Bob E.]

It can be done, but for the money, I think you would be much farther ahead to just sell yours (stripped of any add-on accessories you want, of course) and buy an IS and put your goodies on that.  It will come with the bigger tank, the better ICM, all the electronics like the radio, gauges, etc.

[MP]

I agree, if you want the IS fairing, it is better to buy an IS.  I put IS bags, IS fuel tank, and an aftermarket trunk on my 97 purple/white.  I really like it, without a fairing.  I bought a 2001 IS to put a sidecar on.

However, the tank cost $700 plus sender and fuel gauge put it at about $850, plus paint.  You have the bags, but if need them, with mounts, add $800, plus paint.  The trunk, with mounts, rails, paint, etc, will run $1200 or so, maybe more.

Now add a fairing, remove the gauges, figure out how to make the electronic gauges work, since the 97 cannot feed them info, paint the fairing, etc.

You still do not have the IS radio, cb, communications , etc. system yet.  I have no idea of cost or how to do it.

Waaaaayyy ahead to buy a good IS.

MP

[Kingbee]

Hope to ride with you again at the  VOA rally.  I was watching a video of me following you at PDC yesterday (sure can't ride yet) and brought back some good (and not so good) memories.  The clip was too long for Youtube.

[Mikey]

When is the VOA rally in La Crosse? I'm about 20 minutes away from there!

[Kingbee]

I have done the changeover thing: Trunk, tank, fairing and pods.  It definitely costs more than trading bikes, but if you have a sentimental attachment (me, 11 years) go with it.  Most of the conversion is just nuts & bolts, except for the instrument panel.  Using the Interstate instrumrnts would be a MONSTER job, requiring the replacement of the bike's complete wiring loom, fuse panel etc.
I ended using my tourer instruments, and actually liked the look better.  It only required getting a 6" speedo cable extension, and another set of idiot lights to fill the 6 holes.



Doesn't look like a Tourer any more..

[Kingbee]

Was also there in 2001 & had a great time

http://www.valkyrie-owners.com/

[cef2lion]

I'm in the process of collecting parts for the IS changeover. I bought a '98 Standard last fall that the past owner made into a Tourer.

So far. I have the IS Tank. I have the Pods, mounts, radiator shield, buzz bolt, and engine guards. I found the IS Fog Lights sitting on a dealers shelf in Washinton State. I have the trunk and rails to mount it. I got the radio and controls. I also got the complete main IS wiring harness with fuse box. I ordered via Honda Direct Line a front and rear sub-harnesses I was missing. I have the front hub speed sensor to connect to the IS fairing cluster.

I have yet to source a fairing with cluster and aftermarket IS seat but I'm not in a hurry considering I rounded up the above items in just over two months. I think I will mount the PODS and trunk for the riding season as they are black now and go with the bike. Then see how the fairing hunt goes. I have someone lined up to paint it when I'm ready.

As suggested a better idea might be to sell and look for an IS or just add some of the IS items such as trunk or PODS. The cost of the items add up fast. The fairing with cluster is a major undertaking. I'm not sure what else I will run into while doing this but I'm going to have at it and see. What I like to do I guess.

Craig

[MP]

June 21 -27 2010 is the Official Rally in LaCrosse, WI.  Some of us will be arriving the Saturday before the rally for more riding and BS'ing.  Please join us for a good time.  Check out the web site listed above.  Scroll down for info.

See you there.

Web site is:   http://www.valkyrie-owners.com/     Be sure to scroll down for Reunion info.

Feel free to PM me for detailed info.

MP

[MP]

Walt:

Good to hear from you.  Hope you will be able to ride again soon.  I had a great time riding with you.  You know how to push me to get the best out of this flatlander!

Hope to see you, and ride with you, again this summer.  Best of luck in your recovery.  Please keep us posted on how you are doing.  I understand you are rebuilding the bike?

MP

[Kingbee]

I'm planning on making both Valk rallys.  Been working on the bike as health permits, with only one good hand.
So far I've accomplished:
Re-built the forks & steering head
Replaced the front brake master cylinder
Installed new fairing supports & fairing - now at painter
Found & installed a new OEM exhaust including replacing all the studs which were bent
New engine guards
New lower right frame rail
New saddlebag supports and saddlebag rails
New trunk mount & used trunk
New right pod
New side stand - old one got bent

The fairing, pods, fuel tank, new saddlebags and trunk are at my painter now.

The insurance $$ could have bought me a nice interstate, but for sentimental & therapy reasons I went this route, which cost almost $4k more.

So here's the bike today




Should be all together by the end of March, I only hope I will be.  My Dr said all my current pain (5 months now) is due to bones NOT healing much at all, & blamed it on age, diabetes and smoking.  HEAR THAT JOE?

[MP]

Thanks for the update, Walt.  Will see you in LaCrosse! And Michigan.

MP