newbie with questions about a valk that's been sitting for years

[butternut82]

Long time motorcycle rider here. I've been riding for close to 20 years now.  I've ridden lots of bikes. Currently I have a 95 honda nighthawk 250 and a project 72 honda cb175.  I have a new job now with a much longer commute. 30 miles, about 40 min mainly on two lane 55 speed limit highways.  I need a bigger bike for commuting and my dad has a Valkyrie that's been sitting in his garage a while.

So I am asking for some advice on what maintenance would be needed before I start riding it.  (This is hoping my pops will let me have it, which i'm pretty sure he will.). I've got to figure out how much it would cost to get it roadworthy, before I ask the wife if I can have another bike.  I'm not sure what year the valk is. It is one of the first few year models.  It is a crimson and cream tourer model with a windshield and the hard leather saddlebags.

Its been sitting for probably 5-6 years, as my pops only rode his bmw sidecar rig.  I know he put fuel stabilizer in it and its probably still on a battery tender.  It's been stored in a garage out of the weather.   

Here is the list of things I think it will need.
1.Carbs and fuel tank drained and cleaned.  Hopefully he ran the fuel with stabilizer into the carbs and filled the tank completely. Otherwise it may need the tank lined if it has surface rusted.
2. New tires and battery
3. Oil and filter change. New air filter
4. Driveshaft splines lubed when tires installed.

Now the things I'm not sure about.
5. Coolant drain and flush?
6. Radiator hoses replaced?
7. Brake fluid drained and refilled?
8. Any other rubber I should look at for deterioration?
9. Fork oil change? Fork seal replacement?
10. Valve adjustment?

What else do you guys think it will need?

I appreciate your help here. After some searching it seems I may just be able to drain the fuel out and clean the slow jets? But should I take it to a shop and have the carbs ultrasonic cleaned?

I would love to get it on the road for this summer. But it'll probably need over 500 bucks to get it going, maybe closer to 1000. Which means it probably won't be in the budget till the fall.

Thanks in advance.

Tim

[Ricky-D]

Holy cow.

Just put some fresh gas in it and see what happens.

Looking forward to your next novel!

***

[old2soon]

I'm with Ricky-D on this one-fresh gasoline and see if it will fire up. And if the battery is that old and may turn the engine over it may not fire up. In that case jump from a car or truck with the engine OFF. And if you hit that starter and hear a clunk-DO NOT HIT the starter button AGAIN. And the list you laid out sounds good but see if it will start. RIDE SAFE.

[Former BMW Guy]

I concur.....fire it up!!
Ride it to the dealer....buy some oil and a filter....ride home....change the oil and filter and go ride!!

JP

[timmer]

If it were me, then I would drain all the old gas from tank and carbs, remove the gas tank and air filter box, inspect/replace vacuum lines (more than likely they are dried out and cracked-also option to desmog it at this time) reinstall air filter box. Pull the plugs and check for gasoline in each cylinder before attempting to start (should be none) then I would squirt WD40 in each cylinder and hit the starter for a few seconds, the cylinder walls have to be dry after that long of time sitting and WD will help with lubrication and is also flammable. Reinstall the plugs, hook up a small temp fuel bottle with fresh gas and try and start it. More than likely the carbs will have to be tore down and cleaned even if you do get it started after having sat for so long. Along with the oil change I would also changeout the brake and clutch fluids as well, the sight glasses are more than likely a very dark amber color by now.
Remember an oz of prevention is worth a pound of cure so take it slow.   
My 2 cents, good luck you won't be disappointed in the Valkyrie!

timmer

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

 before I ask the wife if I can have another bike.  
Tim

I could not or would not live like that .

[salty1]

If it were me, then I would drain all the old gas from tank and carbs, remove the gas tank and air filter box, inspect/replace vacuum lines (more than likely they are dried out and cracked-also option to desmog it at this time) reinstall air filter box. Pull the plugs and check for gasoline in each cylinder before attempting to start (should be none) then I would squirt WD40 in each cylinder and hit the starter for a few seconds, the cylinder walls have to be dry after that long of time sitting and WD will help with lubrication and is also flammable. Reinstall the plugs, hook up a small temp fuel bottle with fresh gas and try and start it. More than likely the carbs will have to be tore down and cleaned even if you do get it started after having sat for so long. Along with the oil change I would also changeout the brake and clutch fluids as well, the sight glasses are more than likely a very dark amber color by now.
Remember an oz of prevention is worth a pound of cure so take it slow.    
My 2 cents, good luck you won't be disappointed in the Valkyrie!

timmer

+1 very good advise timmer! Your list was great. In the not sure column butternut82, definitely get around to the hydraulic fluids and change them out.

[B]

Do yourself a favor...
Pull the rear, grease your splines and u-joints. When these bikes were new grease wasn't as durable (not sytehetic) and tended to harden from non-use.
Also front and back wheel bearings. I know some will argue but I found out the hard way when I bought my Valk in '07... you DO NOT want a catastrophic UJoint or WhlBearing failure in the desert. Neither was fun.
Enjoy your ride.
B

[custom1]

Ha Ha Ha!!
Aren't these guys great. You got every opinion we could possibly cover. From tear it completely apart and sell it to me in a basket to start it up and ride. And by the way you're henpecked. LOL 

You seem to have a good handle on it. I would check the cylinders for fuel, just because hydro-lock is expensive. Then from your list I would do the oil change, check the tires for dry-rot and date code. Do the splines and the brake/clutch fluid. The rest of it, only if it needs it. If it ain't broke....

BTW welcome. Where are you located. Someone may be willing to go over it with you. Or you might be near a known wrench party area.

[jammer]

Tourers do not have leather baqs, hard or otherwise.  Should have ABS bags. that hinge in front.

[butternut82]

 Thanks for the advice. I had not thought about hydro lock from gas in the cylinders. And good call on lubing the rear splines with better quality grease than what came with it.  The more I think about it, I would rather do everything, and not have to worry about it.  Ideally I would be using it as a commuter to work, so I would have more peace of mind if everything was done.  I would be putting 350-400 miles a week on her. I better start pricing parts so I can start saving.

Thanks for the help guys!

[Brian]

If you are not pulling the carbs I suggest you at least remove all the intakes, put gas in the carbs using a vacuum source to open the stock petcock, if you still have one. You can open the drainline on each carb to let you know the gas is flowing. to check that gas is not not draining thru the needles valves. As another FYI, when I bought my 97 it too had sat a long time. The tank need cleaned and the stock fuel screen over the tube was covered with gunk. I had three carbs leaking straight thru. I replaced all the fuel float needle valves. I was lucky that I caught in time before hydrolock. I was not a member here at that time. Just school of hard knocks.

Check the operation of that OEM gas petcock while you at it.

Good luck. You will love that bike once you get her running. You might even sell the others to buy bling for this one.

Keep us posted.

[salty1]

Thanks for the advice. I had not thought about hydro lock from gas in the cylinders. And good call on lubing the rear splines with better quality grease than what came with it.  The more I think about it, I would rather do everything, and not have to worry about it.  Ideally I would be using it as a commuter to work, so I would have more peace of mind if everything was done.  I would be putting 350-400 miles a week on her. I better start pricing parts so I can start saving.

Thanks for the help guys!

+1 good thoughts!            

[butternut82]

I'm not sure which model valk it is. It has a standard windshield and saddlebags. I can't remember if it has leather or abs plastic saddlebags.  It does not have a trunk or the batwing fairing. 

[RP#62]

I'm not sure which model valk it is. It has a standard windshield and saddlebags. I can't remember if it has leather or abs plastic saddlebags.  It does not have a trunk or the batwing fairing. 

What's the first 8 digits of the VIN?

-RP

[Tropic traveler]

Here is a pic of the wife's "crimson & cream" 1998 Tourer.


If it is just like this one {except for the Corbin side covers} it is a 1998 Tourer. If it has different bags & a different style windshield it is a Standard with those items added. I believe that color scheme was 1998 only & available in both Tourer & Standard models. No Interstate made until 1999 & as far as I know not in those colors.
Whatever it ends up being, grab it & go. The advice given so far is very good.  

[Brian]

Here is a pic of the wife's "crimson & cream" 1998 Tourer.


If it is just like this one {except for the Corbin side covers} it is a 1998 Tourer. If it has different bags & a different style windshield it is a Standard with those items added. I believe that color scheme was 1998 only & available in both Tourer & Standard models. No Interstate made until 1999 & as far as I know not in those colors.
Whatever it ends up being, grab it & go. The advice given so far is very good.  

Awesome looking scooter Tropic Traveler.

[salty1]

Like those Corbin side covers! They add significantly to the styling of the bike!  Pardon me for saying so, but your wife has a nice "scoot"! 

[Crazyhorse]

Butternut82 where do you live ? May be someone near by that can give you a hand.

[john]

" You got every opinion we could possibly cover. From tear it completely apart and sell it to me in a basket to start it up and ride. "                
             mileage ?             ???
             start it up and ride.          

[ricoman]

 before I ask the wife if I can have another bike.   
Tim

I could not or would not live like that .

maybe he has a real partnership with his wife and the life they share is not all about him and what he wants

[Dr Bobs Patient]

Hey Butternut82, welcome.  I can't give any advice as everyone else has covered it, but would surely like to see before and after pictures.  You sound like a solid wrench to me.  I've been riding my 99 I/S for about 6 months now and am getting ready to do the whole drive train inpspection, replace u-joint and lube spline deal.  Never did catch where you live. I'm in the Savannah GA / Hilton Head SC area if ya need any help.

DBP

[butternut82]

I'm in columbia SC.

I appreciate all the advice. 

I think this project will have to wait.  I don't think I'll have enough extra cash for a while. And I have a training class at work that's gonna last the next 6 months.  So I don't have much free time.

But I have a good idea where to start now. 

I may call the local honda dealer to see how much they would charge.  Just for shucks and grins.

I will definitely take before and after pictures.

[ricoman]

I'm in columbia SC.

I appreciate all the advice. 

I think this project will have to wait.  I don't think I'll have enough extra cash for a while. And I have a training class at work that's gonna last the next 6 months.  So I don't have much free time.

But I have a good idea where to start now. 

I may call the local honda dealer to see how much they would charge.  Just for shucks and grins.

I will definitely take before and after pictures.

don't get discouraged
the biggest cost will be tires and battery
think about doing it in stages, get it running well, all lubed and fluid changes. Then do the tires
once you feel/hear it run you will be hooked on Valkyries!
the dealer prices will open your eyes. Better to do it yourself with help from here.

[Dr Bobs Patient]

I'm in columbia SC.

I appreciate all the advice. 

I think this project will have to wait.  I don't think I'll have enough extra cash for a while. And I have a training class at work that's gonna last the next 6 months.  So I don't have much free time.

But I have a good idea where to start now. 

I may call the local honda dealer to see how much they would charge.  Just for shucks and grins.

I will definitely take before and after pictures.

Columbia is only a couple of hours away!  And I understand about the cash.  My next two paychecks are spent already and I haven't even earned them yet!