Searching for a good Valkyrie Mechanic

[Mapper]

I'm new to the Valkyrie and looking for a good mechanic in the Monterey, CALIFORNIA area (also new to the area).  Local shop seems okay, but if getting carb work done, would like someone who really knows Valkyries.

Bought a '97 Valkyrie a couple of months ago, 40,000 miles, and seems to be in excellent condition.  PO stated oil change was up to date, but clutch and brake fluids were gel.  Took to local dealership for fluids, they also stated it was running lean and adjusted the fuel screws, which seemed to improved the throttle response a little.  They did a complimentary dyno that shows a squiggly line with a peak of 93 HP (they didn't do the torque, said they would have to remove the tank, not complimentary).  Says it runs lean and needs new jets and a carb sync.

PO didn't know if it had ever been re-jetted after putting Cobras on, but has a K&N air filter.

Basically, I just want the Valk to run smooth and strong and not pay someone hourly to "figure it out."  Someone who is a Valk enthusiast and is happy to see another one on the road.  Any recommendations???

[Chattanooga Mark]

I don't have Cobra 6 into 6 pipes but have always read that the carbs really sgould be re-jetted after installing them.

All the best,

Mark

[MP]

Your 93hp is where a lot of Valks come in.  I think you are OK.

 Having to remove the tank to do torque??  I have had several dyno runs done.  All have torque, in fact, that is what they are measuring, then add in the rpm to get hp.  NONE have to remove the tank.

Someone does NOT know what they are talking about if they can do a hp dyno run, but need to remove the tank to get a torque reading.

MP

[Mapper]

Thanks for the info guys.  MP: ever get that feeling that you've been screwed???  Guess I'll be swinging by and seeing what they have to say about the dyno... still need to find a Valk mechanic though.  Can you think of any reason they would have given me HP and not torque?

Closest thing I found was the Factory Pro guy about 2 hours from here.  93HP or not, I want to know the health of my bike.

[sandy]

Run some Seafoam thru the tank to make sure the slow jets are clean. Cobras tend to lean out the carbs so the pilot screw adjustment might be all you need to do. Good luck finding a local wrench.

[Chrisj CMA]

mine ran rich with Cobras so I put the K&N filter on and that improved things.  I would return to a OEM filter and see if that doesnt fix the lean issue

[Patrick]

How does the bike run ? If it runs good at both low engine speeds and high engine speeds then I would think you're good to go. If it runs a bit rough or doesn't the power it should at low engine speeds then the low jets could use a cleaning [ heavy doses of Sea-foam for a few tanks]. If it runs good, but idles a bit rough then a sync is in order.
One of the first things I'd recommend is checking where the 'fuel screws' were set. The pilots should be set at 2.25 turns out from very lightly seated position if it has original 35 low jets.

[9Ball]

I would pull one needle and see if it was stock or adjustable.  If it has the clip and 5 notches, then you can move the clip one notch and see if that fixes the midrange issues.  Typical setup for the Cobra 6x6 is in the middle notch (3rd).

This is an easy check and only requires a screwdriver to explore.  If you need help one of us here can guide you through the process.  You can do this check in less than 10 minutes.

[Willow]

You may want to post on the Southern California board for a good Valkyrie wrench.  SoCal Regional Board

Big Mac is an excellent Valkyrie mechanic but he may not be the nearest to you.

[Mapper]

Thanks again guys! 

Sandy, I did the Seafoam on the way home today at low RPM, then filled the tank and will do it again tomorrow.  I did this at higher RPM a couple weeks ago, but not the lower RPM.

JRHorton and Patrick... I'll have to wait for a long weekend on your wrenching advice (will be my first time operating on a MC     From what you suggested, seems pretty straightforward.

As far as the bike runs... pretty good.  Noticed that it won't start up on the first try without gassing it ever since the local mech. adjusted some things.... however his adjustments also resulted in a little better throttle response.  Could this be the "fuel screw" adjustments causing both?  This is part of what convinced me I need someone with a specific interest in Valks. 

[rocketray]

casey at B.R.G. racing was recomended to me   he has a 13 year honda certified mechanic  bay area  925-672-5789

[fordmano]

If you just want a Carb synch and basics I could probably help you out I am in San Jose so about an hour closer than B.R.G. And a few hours closer than Big Mac.

I just finished Helping Mike(mike4sho) install a belly tank, pingel petcock, shiny full desmog, and wiring trunk and trunk wing lights all on his 97 Standard. We also did a Carb synch before and after everything else was done. Mike is down in your area, Salinas-Monterey might be able to hook up with him and we could try our hand at having a wrench party.

[Mapper]

Fordmano, would definitely be interested in meeting up with you guys!  I haven't had the chance to see  another Valk on the road yet, that alone would make it all worthwhile.  I've got a lot more to learn than to offer, I'm afraid to say.  I've never worked on a motorcycle.

[fordmano]

Oh my GOSH!!!!

I have just found another chance to share all my projects and repairs over the last few years...

If you haven't seen my MultiPoint projects thread then this will be fun...
Someone stop me from showing off the most viewed thread in the tech board ever!

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21439.0.html

There ya go no one can stop me from patting myself on the back.
ONLY check out my link to my old thread IF you have a bunch of time since it is linked to over 1,000 pictures and a 1/2 dozen little videos...

Now I am really sorry that Mike and I did not take the time to take a single picture over the last two days during all the work we just did on his 97...

[Mapper]

That's the first thread I've seen with over 3 pages!  Checked out the first page so far, pretty awesome! 

[fordmano]

Over -19,500 views to date,,,, yep I would say some people have browsed it I few times.

The last page I believe has the links to the pictures and movies and if you want you can view the pictures as a slide show.

If you can take one primary thing away with you from my thread is that I am FRIGEN slow....

[john]

                    " ever get that feeling that you've been screwed???" 
                     WHAT ?   
   
                                                                          ???                                         

[Mapper]

                    " ever get that feeling that you've been screwed???" 
                     WHAT ?   
   
                                                                          ???                                         

I know, never happens, right?