Anyone in Ft. Worth? Guys in the Main Forum Sent Me Here

[StretchPhoto]

Greetings, all.

I'm a soon-to-be first-time Valkyrie owner.  The bike I'm a hair away from purchasing is a 1999 Standard with "tourer-like" upgrades.  It's at a dealer in Ft. Worth called Ultimate Motors.  The guys there seem to be very knowledgeable and helpful, and their business has an impeccable reputation on eBay Motors.

Long story made short, I'm in Virginia and the guys in the main forum said one of y'all TEX-uns might be amenable to checking the bike out for me before I make the final purchase.

I'd sure appreciate it if anyone has a few minutes to spare & could go by 3020 Alta Mere, 76116, and take a gander.  I can provide more details about the bike, the purchase, etc., as necessary.

THANKS!

[Doc809]

Read your post on the general forum.  Sounds a bit high unless it is really something you want.  I gave $6500 for a 99 std with many of those same "custom" upgrades.  It had 20K+ miles (a lot more now).  Orange/black color (only 240) ever made.  Bought from a Metromess stealership similar to the one you are talking about.  There are some really good guys in Ft. Worth in this group and they know the valk well.  Maybe somebody will jump in and go take a gander for you.  As always, it comes down to what you really "want" and are willing to pay.  In this economy, my bet is that they will be willing to "negotiate" at bit.  It is at least worth a try.  Can't hurt to ask if they have a little wiggle room on the price.  Keep us posted on the results.  You will not regret riding a Valk!

[StretchPhoto]

Thanks, Doc!

[Six Guns]

Myself, Cowboy and Jerry McAdams (all valkyrie owners) are just a stone's throw away from Ultimate Motors in Fort Worth. I can't speak for Cowboy or Jerry, but I wouldn't mind taking a look for you. I'm sure Cowboy and Jerry wouldn't mind either. I have seen Ultimate Motors sell valkyrie's before and they are always very clean and in pristine condition. They do charge a higher price for their bikes as I have been in their store and checked out their bikes. I can go after work today if you want. Let me know.        

[StretchPhoto]

That's awesome, Six.  And very generous of you to offer your time.

I'll let Jake & Mark, the guys at Ultimate, know you'll be dropping by.  Here's the 411 on the bike, from their e-mail to me:

A 1999 Standard, 29k miles, $8,189.00 including all fees, delivered via enclosed transport, fully detailed, ready to ride and directly to my door in Champaign, IL.  Dealer says "Valkyrie is PRISTINE and there will be no disappointments whatsoever."  Here is the list of upgrades:

Custom Full-Size Windshield With Chrome Frame
Custom Chrome Front Fender Railing/Bumper
Custom High Intensity Driving Lights With Chrome Housings And Integrated Visors
Custom "LeatherLyke" Saddlebags With Integrated Brackets
Custom Chrome Radiator Shroud/Grille/Radiator Cap
Custom Chrome (Matching) "Kuryakyn" Handlebar Grips/Driver Footpegs/Passenger Footpegs And Highway Footpegs
Custom Mustang Two-Position "Touring" Seat With Integrated/Adjustable Driver Backrest
Custom Chrome Sissy Bar With Integrated Passenger Backrest
Custom Chrome Luggage Carrier
Custom Honda CB Radio System
Custom Chrome Tri-Outlet Tipped/High Performance Dual Exhaust System
Excellent Front And Rear Tires
Pristine Paint

My e-mail is stretch@stretchphotography.com.  Phone is 804-643-6747.  Feel free to call or e-mail any time.

THANKS!

[godfire]

I didn't see the most important feature....... What color?

[StretchPhoto]

I didn't see the most important feature....... What color?

Sorry, man.  Black & Silver/Gray 

Posting a photo in a moment.

[Tx Bohemian]

Although my Valk is Black I did have a Black and Gray Suzuki before and I thought it was beautiful (moreso when I cleaned it).

I'd like to see the picture too.

[HayHauler]

I looked at their website and didn't find it.  Maybe it isn't published?

I saw a couple that said "sale pending", but none with 29k miles.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[StretchPhoto]

It's not published, Jimmy.  They got it in yesterday morning as a trade for this bike, which I REAAAAAALLLLLY wanted: 

http://www.ultimatemotorstx.com/detail-1999-honda-valkyrie_tourer-used-7295707.html

[Doc809]

Hey Stretchphoto, If it doesn't work out check Maxim Powersports.  They have a Valk std with fairing/windshield, leatherlyke bags, etc, 40K miles, $6900, red/black.

[StretchPhoto]

Two photos, shot with phone:

[StretchPhoto]

Hey Stretchphoto, If it doesn't work out check Maxim Powersports.  They have a Valk std with fairing/windshield, leatherlyke bags, etc, 40K miles, $6900, red/black.

That black fairing on the red bike looks kind of odd to me...

[StretchPhoto]

Myself, Cowboy and Jerry McAdams (all valkyrie owners) are just a stone's throw away from Ultimate Motors in Fort Worth. I can't speak for Cowboy or Jerry, but I wouldn't mind taking a look for you. I'm sure Cowboy and Jerry wouldn't mind either. I have seen Ultimate Motors sell valkyrie's before and they are always very clean and in pristine condition. They do charge a higher price for their bikes as I have been in their store and checked out their bikes. I can go after work today if you want. Let me know.        

Hey man.

I just e-mailed Jake at Ultimate and he said your'e welcome to stop by.

They're open til 6pm.

Thanks again.  I O U 1

[Willie]

Welcome to the group...  I was captured this past December - 2002 Standard - am having a blast, and the folks here are really helpful...  Beware of Disco, rumor has it that there is a disco ball hanging in is garage....   

The only problem I see with the Valk you are wanting is that they ruined the paint job making it a slower Valk....  not sure why they would distort a beautiful machine with splotches of grey on the tank and fenders....  oh well, not everyone can have the fastest Valkyrie on the road....   

LoL

Willie

[Six Guns]

I just e-mailed Jake at Ultimate and he said your'e welcome to stop by.

I talked to Cowboy a little while ago and I'm going to pick him up after work to go look at the bike. Will report back to you later on tonight. We might even call you if we think it's necessary.   

[StretchPhoto]

Rockin.

You guys are too much.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[Houdini]

Custom Honda CB Radio System

What's a 'Custom Honda CB radio'?  Aren't they all just Honda CB radio's?

[StretchPhoto]

Custom Honda CB Radio System

What's a 'Custom Honda CB radio'?  Aren't they all just Honda CB radio's?

I reckon they're saying that it didn't come on the standard valk out of the factory in 1999.

[Joe Hummer]

Custom Honda CB Radio System

What's a 'Custom Honda CB radio'?  Aren't they all just Honda CB radio's?

And I loved the Custom Full Length Shield too...Appears to be a Memphis Fats from the angles I saw.  Maybe a National Cycle.  I bet the word "custom" is used a lot of that dealership. 

Either way...nice looking bike.  Price does seem a little high to me but maybe they will be willing to deal with you...if you don't show TOO much interest.    I know...too late for that...huh??

See how much they will take off the price if you pick it up...would make for a great trip home and story about how you had to go get the bike.  When you pass through St. Louis, drop me a line...you could have a home cooked meal waiting for you. 

Joe

[StretchPhoto]

Either way...nice looking bike.  Price does seem a little high to me but maybe they will be willing to deal with you...if you don't show TOO much interest.    I know...too late for that...huh??

See how much they will take off the price if you pick it up...

Definitely too late.  Just the fact that they'll deliver it to Illinois is super important to me.  I'm in Virginia now, but moving to IL in three weeks with the wife and dawg.  Too many details to go into, but there's just no time for the flight/drive until the first of August.

[chauffeur]

If you end up buying it, consider flying to Dallas/FW and riding it to Champaign.

I'll be riding my bike from the Fort Worth area up to northern Illinois on Saturday, July 9th.  I'll be stopping in Champaign to see my son.
 
It's about 800 miles.  It will be one or two days, dependent upon the weather.  

Not sure what your shipping costs are, but it might be cheaper and a whole bunch more enjoyable to fly in and ride.

You are more than welcome to join me.

BTW - the pearl white ones are the rarest of the breed.  

[StretchPhoto]

If you end up buying it, consider flying to Dallas/FW and riding it to Champaign.

I'll be riding my bike from the Fort Worth area up to northern Illinois on Saturday, July 9th.  I'll be stopping in Champaign to see my son.
 
It's about 800 miles.  It will be one or two days, dependent upon the weather.  

Not sure what your shipping costs are, but it might be cheaper and a whole bunch more enjoyable to fly in and ride.

You are more than welcome to join me.

BTW - the pearl white ones are the rarest of the breed.  

Thanks, Chauff... but the timing's not right.  We're moving from VA to C-U and the movers are coming here 7/18.  I can't get the bike before then due to a number of scheduling constraints.

I'm joining the UI faculty as a professor of journalism this fall.  If your son's a student there and you're in town to see him once in a while, I'll take you up on that ride! 

[Valkpilot]

Looks like a pretty good deal to me.  Low miles, in beautiful shape, and there's at least a grand of add-ons on the bike.  With the accessories and delivery, you're down in the range of what you could get it for private-sale -- without the fall back of a purchase from a reputable dealer.

Welcome to the family.

[StretchPhoto]

Looks like a pretty good deal to me.  Low miles, in beatiful shape, and there's at least a grand of add-ons on the bike.  With the accessories and delivery, you're down in the range of what you could get it for private-sale -- without the fall back of a purchase from a reputable dealer.

Welcome to the family.

Thanks, VP!  That's my thought process.  Awaiting an "on the scene" report from Six Guns & Cowboy.  Hope they don't buy it out from under me!   

[Six Guns]

That's awesome, Six.  And very generous of you to offer your time.

I'll let Jake & Mark, the guys at Ultimate, know you'll be dropping by.  Here's the 411 on the bike, from their e-mail to me:

A 1999 Standard, 29k miles, $8,189.00 including all fees, delivered via enclosed transport, fully detailed, ready to ride and directly to my door in Champaign, IL.  Dealer says "Valkyrie is PRISTINE and there will be no disappointments whatsoever."  Here is the list of upgrades:

Custom Full-Size Windshield With Chrome Frame
Custom Chrome Front Fender Railing/Bumper
Custom High Intensity Driving Lights With Chrome Housings And Integrated Visors
Custom "LeatherLyke" Saddlebags With Integrated Brackets
Custom Chrome Radiator Shroud/Grille/Radiator Cap
Custom Chrome (Matching) "Kuryakyn" Handlebar Grips/Driver Footpegs/Passenger Footpegs And Highway Footpegs
Custom Mustang Two-Position "Touring" Seat With Integrated/Adjustable Driver Backrest
Custom Chrome Sissy Bar With Integrated Passenger Backrest
Custom Chrome Luggage Carrier
Custom Honda CB Radio System
Custom Chrome Tri-Outlet Tipped/High Performance Dual Exhaust System
Excellent Front And Rear Tires
Pristine Paint

My e-mail is stretch@stretchphotography.com.  Phone is 804-643-6747.  Feel free to call or e-mail any time.

THANKS!

O.K., here is Cowboy's and my report on this valkyrie. First things first; Mark from Ultimate Motors stated that the bike has not yet been detailed. The bike is as they took it on trade in from the second owner (79 year old man). If you look at the pictures you sent of the valkyrie you will see that the top of the engine is blacked out. It looks good from afar and then we noticed that it was hand painted on top of the engine and they quit painting it below the exhaust headers. You can see if you look under the exhaust where the brush strokes just stopped. I told Cowboy that I thought the engine might have been out of the bike for some reason or other. Cowboy told Mark that he thought the engine had been taken out of the bike and Mark agreed that he thought the engine had been out of the bike. It could have been hydrolocked and they took the engine out but I don't know. I removed the left side cover and it was filthy behind there but could see the coolant level was good. I took the right side cover off and it was clean as a whistle behind the cover. The shifter seal is leaking oil, but that is an easy fix. The bike started easy and settled into a nice idle after about a minute.
I made some changes to the list that you sent me concerning the accessories on the bike.

Custom Full-Size Windshield With Chrome Frame (National Cycle SwitchBlade)
Custom Chrome Front Fender Railing/Bumper
Custom High Intensity Driving Lights With Chrome Housings And Integrated Visors
Custom "LeatherLyke" Saddlebags With Integrated Brackets
Custom Chrome Radiator Shroud/Grille/Radiator Cap
Custom Chrome (Matching) "Kuryakyn" Handlebar Grips/Driver Footpegs/Passenger Footpegs (not Kuryakyn)and Highway Footpegs
Custom Mustang Two-Position "Touring" Seat With Integrated/Adjustable Driver Backrest
Custom Chrome Sissy Bar With Integrated Passenger Backrest
Custom Chrome Luggage Carrier
Custom Honda CB Radio System
Custom Chrome Tri-Outlet Tipped/High Performance Dual Exhaust System
Excellent Front And Rear Tires  (About 30 to 40 percent tread life left on front and rear tires).
Pristine Paint

I couldn't check out the splines, pinion cup, driveshaft, or u-joint, but don't think those are a problem. I'm trying to be as objective in my report as I can. You have to make up your own mind if you want to buy this bike but Cowboy said that he would not buy the bike at that price. Here is the license plate # in case you want to look up the previous owner and ask him about the bike.

TX 4FB693

I hope this helps you decide. Good luck in your decision.
  

[chauffeur]

Congrats on the new job !!  

You'll enjoy Champaign.  It's a great college town (yep, good scenery).   i'm sure you know how highly rated the unniversity is.

Son graduated this year (yep, another engineer in the world), but will be hanging around Champaign for awhile (yep, girl friend).   I'll probably head down that way to see him a couple more times this summer, but the bike and I will be back to Texas before it gets too cold.  And trust me, it will get cold.  

I'll send y'all a pm when it looks like I'll be down that way.     

[StretchPhoto]

Six & Cowboy, thanks so much for that report.  Our power is out here and I'm having to respond on my iPhone.  Will write more tomorrow.  But for now I just wanted to say thank you!

[Russell Rice]

the light bar is a National Cycle light bar and the wind shield looks like it is a National Cycle Switch blade.
You have to like the color

[StretchPhoto]

Thanks again, Six. 

Here's my question to you -  When you first saw/touhed the bike, what was your FIRST reaction to it?  ie. What did your GUT tell you, on instinct?

[Six Guns]

My gut told me that is a very clean looking bike that had not been abused. I forgot to mention last night in my report that the bike has not been desmogged. The first thing that I saw when I laid on the floor to look underneath the bike was the leaking shifter seal, which is a very minor deal. My only concern is that I'm not sure if that engine has been taken out, and if it was, why was it taken out. Mark said that they would go through the bike and fix anything that they saw wrong with the bike and detail it. If the bike had been hydrolocked and they fixed it along with what caused it, there should be many more trouble free miles left on that bike. As I said earlier in my post, the bike looks good. I just don't think I would pay that price. If there is anything else you want to ask me please feel free to do so.        

[RainMaker]

I'd be looking at something like this for that kind of money:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Valkyrie-Gl1500-Interstate-2000-HONDA-GL1500-VALKYRIE-1500-INTERSTATE-TOURING-/150623801911?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2311e0d237#ht_3896wt_1084

Those fog lights are hard to find and expensive when you do.  Already has the transmission covers, hangers and this looks like a garaged I/S due to how the finish looks.  

Just my opinion.

RainMaker

[StretchPhoto]

Thanks, Rain.  I really appreciate your input.  Two points:

1) The $6500 is the current bid.  I called the dealer and the reserve is $9,995.

2) The guys in NH will charge $600 to deliver the bike to Champaign, IL, which is where I need it to be.  This brings us to $10,600 for the I/S.

Theoretically, do you still feel this is a better deal than the $8200, delivered, Standard?

[Houdini]

Drive over to Chicago and buy this one and save a ton of money

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/2464747962.html

More here

http://chicago.craigslist.org/search/?areaID=11&subAreaID=&query=valkyrie&catAbb=sss

Chicago too far?  Choose your 'burb

http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/il

There's plenty of Valk's in your new neck of the woods, why buy one from Texas with an iffy history.

[RainMaker]

Actually, I don't, but there are better deals out there, including some in Chicago when I looked.

I think that my I/S (looks like the one I sent) is worth every bit of 10K or more.  That isn't the market, though.

You will be getting a good motorcycle for $8200 if you go ahead with the one in Fort Worth.  I also think you could find a good one closer to 6K.  The Valk is pretty much bullet proof.  Even with 80K miles, a Valk is just getting broken in well.  There are some out there with over 300K on theirs and 100K Valks are very common.

SixGuns and Cowboy did a good analysis.  They know Valkyries.  Cowboy used to buy and salvage them, selling the parts on ebay.  He has one of the most beautiful paint jobs you will ever see on his.  SixGuns has two Valks.  His Tourer is immaculate with Corbin bags with the teal/black paint scheme.  He also has a black Interstate he bought for $3000 in good condition that he did some maintenance work on and now it's beautiful, too.  So they know prices and Valk values.  You could not have had two better guys for the task.

It's your decision and your money. But with the questions about that engine being out, the strange paint on the engine and the relatively high price (by market standards) it could not hurt to look around a while more.

RainMaker

[Westsider]

Drive over to Chicago and buy this one and save a ton of money

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/2464747962.html

More here

http://chicago.craigslist.org/search/?areaID=11&subAreaID=&query=valkyrie&catAbb=sss

Chicago too far?  Choose your 'burb

http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/il

There's plenty of Valk's in your new neck of the woods, why buy one from Texas with an iffy history.





++1good report six guns...good inspection...

[Westsider]

that 97 bumble bee on chi town craigs list looks like the deal to me....add a set of late model hd hard bags 

[Disco]

What RainMaker says.   

[StretchPhoto]

SixGuns and Cowboy did a good analysis.  They know Valkyries.  Cowboy used to buy and salvage them, selling the parts on ebay.  He has one of the most beautiful paint jobs you will ever see on his.  SixGuns has two Valks.  His Tourer is immaculate with Corbin bags with the teal/black paint scheme.  He also has a black Interstate he bought for $3000 in good condition that he did some maintenance work on and now it's beautiful, too.  So they know prices and Valk values.  You could not have had two better guys for the task.

Don't know 'em, but I agree 100% !

[StretchPhoto]

that 97 bumble bee on chi town craigs list looks like the deal to me....add a set of late model hd hard bags 

The bumble bee is about the only paint scheme I really like, for myself, other than the black & silver...