Couple of quick questions

[ragincajun]

- Preferred type of fuel (87, 89 or 93 octane unleaded)?  I am thinking 89 minimum or 93 preferred.
- Place to find owners and service manual in a .PDF online?  Assuming these are available for a discontinued bike.
- Place to find tool kit (or, better question, should I just purchase individual tools as needed and compile my own set?)

[Valker]

Honda recommends 87 octane IIRC. I run the cheapest stuff I can find. It runs better on non-premium.
No owners manual pdf. that I can find, but Dag's Valkyrie Norway site has the service manual for download. (Google it)
CruzTools makes a nice kit, but I just put my own together. I have the stock tool kit in a drawer somewhere since it is typical cheap stuff. I do carry the plug socket from it though.

[hubcapsc]

Regular gas... I think the only reason to go to plus or high-test in any vehicle is if
the manufacturer sez to, or if your motor pings.

The Mini (supercharged) manual sez to use high-test, and if I don't it starts pinging right away.

The Valkyrie never pings on 87...

I like the OEM tool kit, I hardly ever use it because Valkyries don't break down on
the side of the road  , but it fits in the little space provided, and all the
appropriate tools are in there. I see them for sale on eBay sometimes... there's
one there now, but it is $55...

-Mike

[olddog1946]

I believe your manual question was addressed in one of your previous posts. Dag's site has it available for NADA. I get better mileage and performance using the 87 octane fuel. My neighbor uses the mid or premium in his, and gets 2 mpg less and mine out runs his. Which happens to be a 97 and supposedly faster than my 01...NOT

[PhredValk]

The manual on valkyrienorway is great, or you can order the Clymer guide from any decent auto parts place. I got the User's Guide for the CF1500T from the PO and for the 1500CF online, Google for it; except for the 97 any year guide will work for you.

I use regular gas, no problems.

I keep the tool kit in my bags, but never used anything in it except the shock tool. I have a full set of tools that I pieced together in a tool roll-up as well.
Fred.

[ragincajun]

Thanks all.

[salty1]

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html

[ryord]

I run 91 hi-test in my 2001 standard, I found a BP here in Kansas City area that has no ethanol in the hi-test. I do not want gummed up carbs. Give me your thoughts on that. 

[sugerbear]

been running 87 unleaded for entire time(7-8)years. never had a problem.
stock jets. bike sits 3-4 months a year. stabil in the tank. i don't drain the carbs in the winter. don't use a tender. bike sits in an unheated garage.

i put about 5-6 thousand mile a year. i DO buy from a high volume name brand gas station.

many here do the same thing. no problems. we just don't advertise it too much.

there are some here that will tell you how WRONG i am,....but it's ok.

[R J]

89 Octane Gasohol.   I run this whenever I can, when I'm outside of Iowa I have to go down to the 87 Octane.

I can't see wasting $$$$ in hi-test when it isn't going to do you one Iota in poop, idle, or HP.

Just my humble opinion.

Blast away at me but you will be talking to yourself, I'm not listening.

Have a nice week and a greater Weekend.

PS:  You do realize Christmas is less then 5 weeks away.
So get off your duff and buy momma something nice for the occasion.

[Gryphon Rider]

Unless you have a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Phillips-style screwdriver, I would suggest using the one from the original tool kit on any Phillips-looking screws on the Valkyrie, especially the clutch and brake fluid reservoir covers.  A standard Phillips screwdriver will tend to strip the screw heads.  Also, there is a wrench in the kit (I think it's 14mm?) that is slender enough to use on a lock nut inside the forks that a typical wrench is too thick for.  You won't need this until it's time to change fork seals.  The other hard-to-find tool in the kit is an 18mm spark plug wrench, although more common than a JIS screwdriver.

Conclusion:  It's worth it to find and OEM tool kit.

I think the manual recommends as low as 86 octane.

[Farther]

Also, there is a wrench in the kit (I think it's 14mm?) that is slender enough to use on a lock nut inside the forks that a typical wrench is too thick for. 

I am almost always amazed and appreciative of the individual knowledge of members on this forum!

[Bone]

Did you look at HDL ?

As you look for parts scroll down to the T's and click on Tools.
This link should take you to the tool kit in a 98 CT.
I have the kit and have used some of the tools including
the screwdrivers.




http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=2552482&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1998&fveh=132668

[hubcapsc]

Did you look at HDL ?

As you look for parts scroll down to the T's and click on Tools.
This link should take you to the tool kit in a 98 CT.
I have the kit and have used some of the tools including
the screwdrivers.


http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=2552482&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1998&fveh=132668

See that #6 allen wrench? It's "L" part is shorter than normal, it fits somewhere normal ones won't, seems like it is the
plugs on the bottom of the motor where the smogulator goes. I found it in there after I cut a normal one off to fit 

There's a thin locknut that holds the hotwire to the starter. I ruined a starter when I tried to loosen the top nut without
having a wrench thin enough to hold the bottom nut, I wonder if one of those wrenches would have worked?

I destroyed this plastic part inside the starter. It isn't available on the parts fiche...



-Mike

[Bone]

If I find a difficult reach or fit I always check the OEM tool pouch.

[Mallett]

Unless you have a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Phillips-style screwdriver, I would suggest using the one from the original tool kit on any Phillips-looking screws on the Valkyrie, especially the clutch and brake fluid reservoir covers.  A standard Phillips screwdriver will tend to strip the screw heads.  Also, there is a wrench in the kit (I think it's 14mm?) that is slender enough to use on a lock nut inside the forks that a typical wrench is too thick for.  You won't need this until it's time to change fork seals.  The other hard-to-find tool in the kit is an 18mm spark plug wrench, although more common than a JIS screwdriver.

Conclusion:  It's worth it to find and OEM tool kit.

I think the manual recommends as low as 86 octane.

Thank you, Gryphon Rider....what a nugget of info on the tool kit...need to make this a sticky...

[Oss]

If you get to ride in the rockies and see 85 octane use it

Best mileage I ever got was with 85 octane

I have been led to believe if you are running the trigger wheel which advances the timing you may need a higher grade

Are you stock?

80000 miles always the cheapest gas I can find,

[old2soon]

I have octane choices here in the Show Me. I M H O Anything more than 87 octane in a STOCK engine is a waste of money. And-yes-the only thing other than a M P G drop off with higher octane is purely butt dyno. And that be my .02 cents worth and most likely worth less.  RIDE SAGFE.

[Former BMW Guy]

I run exclusively 91 octane NON-Ethel fuel.
I consistently get between 39 and 41 MPG riding conservatively and the motorcycle runs flawlessly. If I can't find NON-E fuel then I will use 92 or 93 premium; burns more efficiently.
I don't anticipate gunked up or fouled carbs and fully expect the motorcycle to fire up easily next spring. I never use a conditioner or stabilizer. That just introduces more crap to the system.
I use the OEM tool kit and threw in a few specialty tools like a needle nose pliers.

Joe P

[donaldcc]

  i like having tools even if they hardly ever get used. 

[R J]

  i like having tools even if they hardly ever get used.  

All I have carried is the OEM bag and it has only been out of the compartment twice since 1997.    Both times as I was washing the crud off the battery and it's holder.    And that is 242K miles.    Now, he is a Road Smith Trike conversion.

[donaldcc]

  i like having tools even if they hardly ever get used.  

All I have carried is the OEM bag and it has only been out of the compartment twice since 1997.    Both times as I was washing the crud off the battery and it's holder.    And that is 242K miles.    Now, he is a Road Smith Trike conversion.

  on my '97 tourer most of right saddlebag has my tools.  medium size bag of tools, air compressor, tire repair and gauge, 1 gallon of fuel (i have used a few times) and cleaning supplies for trips.  have used them  to help fellow riders and a few emergency zip tie repairs for me.

[Fastera]

Interesting Read.
I am a new member....Just bought a 2000 VAlk from Ohio and had it shipped to my home state of CA.  I have over 30 years experience as a Fuel Quality Director for a major oil company that has supplied NHRA, Nascar, IMSA, ALMS race teams for many years,  Octane requirements for a VALK and any other vehicle will vary depending on location (altitude), load (weight and throttle input), and fuel formulation (Conventional vs Reformulated).  The lower the octane, the higher the BTU content.  Ethanol has a lower BTU content then Clear gasoline, so clear gasoline with the lowest practicle octane is always better.  However, each vehicle will have a base octane where the fuel in the combusion chambers starts to detonate (and cause damage).  Most vehicles can run 87 (85 in the rockies due to altitidue) but many have an increased Octane appetite because of driving conditions and compression ratios.  I use only Branded gasolines for my vehicles: 91 Premium-VAlk, 91 Premium-Panoz Esperante, 91 Premium-Mercdedez E320, 91 Premium-Lincoln MarkVIII.   The extra $0.20 cents per gallon is cheap insurance against detonation in my book.       

[PharmBoy]

Fastera, Welcome to the club and thanks for your "experienced testimony" on fuel.  My I/S has a 4 degree trigger wheel and I have used 91 octane in it ever since the change.  The '97, however, is stock and it gets a diet of 97 octane (always non-ethanol in both around home).  Your info on the BTUs in gasoline engines just confirms what I have always believed.  There are members here that know these bikes from stem to stern, so if you ever need help, it is available here.  Not all views will necessarily be the same, but the correct ones usually stand out.  Again I say welcome...Jim

[R J]

Welcome aboard the huge sandbox Fastera.

Always nice to get new members in the club.

[Former BMW Guy]

Fastera, Welcome to the club and thanks for your "experienced testimony" on fuel.  My I/S has a 4 degree trigger wheel and I have used 91 octane in it ever since the change.  The '97, however, is stock and it gets a diet of 97 octane (always non-ethanol in both around home).  Your info on the BTUs in gasoline engines just confirms what I have always believed.  There are members here that know these bikes from stem to stern, so if you ever need help, it is available here.  Not all views will necessarily be the same, but the correct ones usually stand out.  Again I say welcome...Jim

97 octane?
I could use some of that!

JP

[wolf]

here in ky i generally use 87 octane and as for the tool kit and manuel i had both on my  97 standard plus i downloaded dags manuel on a nook so i am covered if anything should ever happen out on the road.

[HayHauler]

Welcome to the asylum Fastera.  And thanksfor the professional info.

Hay
Jimmyt

[PharmBoy]

Hey BMW Guy, I could fill you up multiple times with some 100 octane (non-ethanol) out my airplane.  That should be even better for ya.  Sorry about the typo, but I am sure that most here understood.  I'll try to proof read more carefully in the future...Jim

[John U.]

+1 on the recommendation for JIS screwdrivers. The carb bowl screws in particular can be destroyed in a hurry by the use of a non-JIS tool.
Screwdriver bits can be purchased here: http://www.rjrcooltools.com/vessel.cfm

[Former BMW Guy]

Hey BMW Guy, I could fill you up multiple times with some 100 octane (non-ethanol) out my airplane.  That should be even better for ya.  Sorry about the typo, but I am sure that most here understood.  I'll try to proof read more carefully in the future...Jim

Oh....not to worry about the typo's...I was just yankin yer chain.
I'd take you up on the AV fuel offer but as you know it contains tetraethyl lead and there is a stiff fine if dispensed in licensed street vehicles. Illegal since 1996 I think.

JP

[PharmBoy]

Oh, I wasn't going to burn it.  I was just going to be sure that the E.P.A. knew who was...Jim

[Pappy!]

So, what would be the octane recommendation for a 6 degree trigger wheel?

[R J]

So, what would be the octane recommendation for a 6 degree trigger wheel?

I've run 89 ever since I put in my 6* 10 years ago well over 175K.

Put in 89, run that tank out.  Pull the plugs and look for little aluminum balls onthe plug tip.   If ya find them it has been pinging, if no balls, it is a OKAY.