|
Paulie
|
 |
« on: March 14, 2009, 03:55:53 PM » |
|
I am looking to get a valkyrie but I don't know much about them. What should I watch out for as far as common problem areas, wear indicators, lack of maintenance, etc.?
thanks for you help
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
f6john
Member
Posts: 9306
Christ first and always
Richmond, Kentucky
|
|
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2009, 04:08:02 PM » |
|
The way the bike looks will tell you most of the story. If it has been maintained and protected it will show. I have seen bikes with 80K plus that still look nearly new and I have seen 20K bikes that look like they have sat outside for 20 years. If it is an extremely low mileage bike your main concern will be the fuel system and carbs. Check the tank inside for surface rust and if the carbs are gumed up you will know it when you fire her up and go for a ride.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
sandy
|
|
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2009, 04:31:57 PM » |
|
Sometimes sizing up the seller is a good judgement for the quality. Does he have a service record and seem knowledgable? Ride it and get it up to freeway speeds to check for handling and running under a load. ASK about rear drive unit service. How often and what grease was used.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Bagger John - #3785
|
|
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2009, 04:40:38 PM » |
|
Sometimes sizing up the seller is a good judgement for the quality. Does he have a service record and seem knowledgable? Ride it and get it up to freeway speeds to check for handling and running under a load. ASK about rear drive unit service. How often and what grease was used.
And don't assume that the dealer actually serviced the rear end during tire changes...be prepared to check this yourself, or have someone who's knowledgeable help you out with it. Rusty drive splines = $$$ ...  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Jess from VA
|
|
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2009, 05:52:46 PM » |
|
If you will do the homework, go to the Shop Talk section of this site and read the relevant articles, read Rattlebars on 'common Valk issues.' Decide if you want an Interstate (with a 7 gal tank, trunk, fairing, gauges and tunes), a Tourer or a Standard. Besides low(er) miles and good condition, you want to find one with as much aftermarket stuff already on it as you can, or what you want (some is no longer available and/or expensive). Be willing to travel for the right bike. I took a train to New England and rode home.
Check VRCC classified, Craig's List, CycleTrader, and Google 'Valkyrie for sale.'
Good reading, and good hunting.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
roadmap
|
|
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2009, 05:58:32 PM » |
|
well that's really a tough question no seller going to take his bike apart to show you anything i wouldn't no dealer would either. if your worried about splines and rear end lube, mileage-- high miles more wear then low miles as far as riding my beast i might take you riding but never drive it alone. people are different than me others covered it really low miles fuel problems high mileage rear end wear along with all the parts on the bike. i can write for hours on high mileage bikes about worn out parts, and some will cost big bucks to fix. there allot of nice looking valks around that will last you 100,000 with minimal repairs some will nickel and dime no different in buying a car or bike private sellers would be more honest then dealers at least you know who rode the bike. my bike has 140,000 1997 allot of normal wear and replaced parts and some now needing it real soon my rear end and splines and yoke all were changed out at a 100,000 miles. now i need front and rear rotors big money and calipers rebuild but overall you will be happy with you beast i have been for 12+ yrs
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
f-Stop
Member
Posts: 1810
'98 Standard named Hildr
Driftwood, Texas
|
|
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2009, 07:06:01 PM » |
|
Be careful! First time I saw my Valk, my eyes glassed over and I was done for! Lucked out...not only was she beautiful, she was mechanically sound...kinda like my wife!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
  Had my blinker on across three states! |
|
|
|
john
|
|
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2009, 08:13:15 PM » |
|
clean , garage kept , easy mileage and as close to stock as possible  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
vrcc # 19002
|
|
|
Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5227
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
|
|
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2009, 10:44:39 PM » |
|
First, like the others say, find one that looks well kept, has service records, and the owner seems trustworthy. Then find someone local who has a well-maintained Valkyrie to go with you for a second look and a test ride. Many regulars on this board would do this for you even not previously knowing you. He or she will know if the bike seems under-powered, handles poorly, or has excessive drivetrain looseness. If it checks out, then it's only a matter of price.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Zorba
|
|
« Reply #9 on: March 15, 2009, 09:24:37 AM » |
|
For rust , even well kept bikes in certain climates get rust in the tank from parking it with 1/4 tank of gas most of the time! Always park it full of gas and turn off the "Petcock"!
Now go cut yea a "Dragon" out of the Heard and Ride!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
MAragorn
|
|
« Reply #10 on: March 15, 2009, 05:56:34 PM » |
|
I fell for Valkyries recently.
I bought a 98 Tourer with 8500 miles and a 99 Interstate with 9200 miles. Both in very good shape. I know Valks may last 200K miles, but I feel better with a low mileage bike. Additionally, both LOOKED like they had been maintained. Garage kept, clean. Serviced recently.
And I agree, minimal changes from stock.
I know none of this is a guarantee, but so far it appears to have worked for me.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
