New member needs help deciding!

[big poppa pump]

Howdy y'all!

New members..1st post. Also new (to be) to Valkyrie's, but not new to the Honda world. I currently own a Honda Shadow Aero 750 and been riding over well over a year. However I've been bitten by the upgrade bug to get a bigger and a bad a$$ bike. Only thing that came to my mind was the Valkyrie.

I need the help of you wise folks to help me decide, which of the following options is a better choice. I have narrowed down my buying choices to 2 bikes:

1) A 1997 Valk Standard with 43k miles comes with cobra 6/6 exhaust and I believe K&N air filter. Bike has a few cosmetic blemishes. The Cobra does sound good, but I am not sure if the carbs have been rejetted. I also know that there is some loss of hp with the Cobras and rejetting does take you back to square one.

2) A 1999 Valk Standard with 15,000 miles with factory exhaust. I am wondering if I cut off the piggies, is there going to be any loss in hp. Also would I need to rejet? How comparable would it be soundwise with the cobras after cutting off the piggies.

TIA for your opinions.
BPP

[bscrive]

Firstly, I think you should get a little more experience under your belt before you jump on a Valkyrie.  I, personally, would go for choice number 2 and look at all your options for pipes.  Just realize that the speedometer only has 5 digits, the sixth is a 1/10th mile indicator, so the bike could have 115k miles or 215k miles, etc.  Even though these bikes can do that with no problem, you don't want to pay for a 15k mile bike and get something else.  What are the prices you are looking at, if you don't mind.

[Tropic traveler]

Welcome BPP!
Spoke with you over on the Shadow board.
Cobras= loud & you will lose power.
Piggies cut= no re-jet slight deeper tone.
Valkyrie means miles not important, condition everything.  

Your motorcycling life is about to change..... for the better!

[97ValkSteve]

I bought a 97 standard a couple years ago that came with Two Brothers six into six which are comparible to the Cobras. After a year, I bought and installed a set of stock pipes. I did notice an increase in power with the stock pipes and have decided to keep them on, unmolested.

I think there's a YouTube video of someone with piggies cut out. Still not near as noisy as Cobras. Lots of info on this site about exhausts. Do a search and good luck with whatever choice you make. Can't really go wrong either way. Steve

[MAD6Gun]

 Welcome to the club. The 97s have a little more power than the rest. I personally don't like the sounds of the Cobras but to each their own. I prefer the The Viking type or Mark Ts. So if you like them than go for it. I dont think you have to rejet for the Cobra's but I will let someone that has them comment.

 NO you do not loose any HP by cutting the piggies. You are just removing the little pipes that stick out of the muffler can inside the tips. Also no rejet required. NO they will not sound like the Cobra's. Just makes the stock pipes a little more mellow.

 I have a 97 with Viking pipes. (Vikings are no longer made). Either bike sounds like they would work for you. If it was me I would take the less miles better condition 99. But if you can get a good deal on the 97 got for it. Miles will not matter on a Valk if it was taken care of. I hope I was able to answer your questions. Hope this helps.....Again welcome to club for the BEST Cruiser ever made......

[big poppa pump]

4,500 for the '99
4,650 for the '97

[old2soon]

Now this be just me but if the 2 are close in price go with the lower mileage. On my 99 I/S I have cut the piggies AND drilled the back baffle ONLY. Not as noisy as cobras but it do have a tone. With the exhaust mods I have no loss of performance or M P G. And B T W-welcome to our little corner of the insanity.   You do realize once you fire up the Phatt Ghurl and throw a leg over-you WILL be forever changed.   RIDE SAFE.

[fantsybikr]

99...some say miles dont count..they do to me your better off with oem exhaust than cobras.imo

[Gavin_Sons]

I went from a magna to the valk, rode the magna for a month then straight to the valk. I did ride dirtbikes growing up though. It can be done just take your time to get use to it. Lots of back road country riding    now it's hard for me to get on smaller bikes.

[old2soon]

And while yer at it IF you have not bought one yet-have a look see at the classifieds on this very board. You MIGHT get a similar deal with some bling that is getting harder by the day to come by in some cases. There is some stuff that simply is not made anymore and if it do come up fer sale it goes for a SUBSTANCIAL amount of loot.   RIDE SAFE.

[Willow]

I bought a 97 standard a couple years ago that came with Two Brothers six into six which are comparible to the Cobras. After a year, I bought and installed a set of stock pipes. I did notice an increase in power with the stock pipes and have decided to keep them on, unmolested.

I don't mean to be too harsh, but TBR 6X6 are NOT directly comparable to Cobra 6X6 pipes.  In actuality, when Two Brothers produced their pipes they advertised a slight horsepower increase over stock pipes.  Cobra has always confessed a horsepower decrease.

If you experienced a horsepower increase going from TBR to stock you seriously need to check your dyno for accuracy.

As to the original question, price and condition are your factors that matter. Ride them both.

[big poppa pump]

Thanks, I did see the classifieds, some very nice bikes, but there is no way I have the time or the extra money to take a road trip or get the bike shipped. One of the reasons why I am shopping locally.

[proimage1]

I'm still fairly new to the Valkyrie world but not to riding and owning bikes !
If it were me I'd go for the lower mileage one if its taken care of !
I flew to Tulsa to buy mine, then rode it home back to Florida - the ride back was ALMOST as great as the bike !
As someone else mentioned - buying one from here on the forum would be the BEST option - that's what I did and I'm very, very happy with mine !  I do understand the time and money dilemma however that prevents you from doing that !
Once you do get one - just take your time getting used to the weight and power.  It truly is a beast !

[big poppa pump]

'99 with 15k miles:


'97 with 43k miles:

[Willow]

The '97 looks much less suspicious.  They both have reasonably low miles.

[big poppa pump]

I do like the '97 however there are a few things that bother me. I see a few rust spots underneath the engine where the exhausts come out. It's also missing the petcock cover and the right side cover is broken and also has a hole in it (PO drilled a half-a$$ hole to install switch of led lights). The Cobra exhausts also have quite a bit of yellowing to it.

[dragon_slayer_129]

It looks as if the '97 has been "tail of the dragon" tested and survived with no damage.  If you have no clue what I'm talking about check out the little purple dragon on the front fender then go here www.tailofthedragon.com    Has 318 curves in 11 miles.....for the old timers it's only known as "the gap" but that was back before there was 15 different websites promoting it or selling wares - people taking pictures all along the road and selling them.  It was about Pete at the gas station selling some gas and a few sandwiches and cold drinks to all the locals and visitors to the road.......ahh the good old days

dragon slayer 129

[Tropic traveler]

I do like the '97 however there are a few things that bother me. I see a few rust spots underneath the engine where the exhausts come out. It's also missing the petcock cover and the right side cover is broken and also has a hole in it (PO drilled a half-a$$ hole to install switch of led lights). The Cobra exhausts also have quite a bit of yellowing to it.

I say '97.
The side cover can be fixed, petcock cover is small potatoes, the rust is minor & fixable I'm sure, & I doubt you'll keep the same exhaust on it anyways.
The '97 looks more complete & less "molested".
Really can't go wrong either way, they are both decently priced.  

I told you you would get some responses here! 

[big poppa pump]

The '97 does come with the Cobras. I really don't care for the weed wacker sound of the stock exhausts.

[Rams]

As to the original question, price and condition are your factors that matter. Ride them both.

What he said.  

I rode down to "Bike Night" here in Frankfort tonight, it happens every Monday rain or shine during the summer.   There was one other Valkyrie there.  It was as if someone shot off a pistol when I rode through the maze of bikes.   All heads turned my way, all discussions stopped as I motored through the bikes and people.   I don't go often but, I gotta tell ya, it's a tremendous feeling knowing all those V Twin riders are looking and admiring the fat lady I rode in.     As I was taking off my gloves and helmet, I notice three guys wearing typical HD stuff just standing there looking at my fat lady.   They were speaking in very low voices but, I could tell they liked what they saw.   I got off of her and made my way to where I knew the other Valk rider was.   As I turned back to look at the fat lady, I saw those three and another six or seven walk over and start pointing and going over her with envy in their eyes.   Yeah, she's a lady that draws attention.    This same scenario occurred several times during my short stay at Bike Night this evening.   Makes the chest swell and the heart warm when it happens.    

Ride them both and then make one or both yours.   You will not regret it, either way.

[f6john]

   You really need a local Valk owner to look them over and take them around the block. That will answer most questions that will come up. I have been on several bike buying trips with friends and I was there to compare the sale bike to my experience with my bike. Now I'm no expert, but when you jump on a different Valkyrie and put her through her paces the differences, good or bad will shine through.

[BF]

I'd suggest that you post your location and find a member close to you and have them go with you to check out both bikes.  

If there's nothing wrong with the '99, I'd go with it.  Assuming that it's a good solid bike, it will serve you better as a blank slate to make it into the Valk that you really want.  Trust me when I say there are options.  

As far as cutting the piggies off, I STRONGLY advise that you buy the bike first, ride it for a while....a long while, get used to it, learn about it, and read everything you can on this board about exhaust modifications and the ramifications of them BEFORE you start taking a hack saw to your exhausts.  

As far as how they sound, Cobras vs cutting the piggies off, there's no comparison.  Cobras are....well, Cobras, you've heard them.  Pipes with the pigs cut are NOT any louder, it's just a slightly deeper tone to the exhaust note.  No loss of power with the pigs cut...no need to rejet.  

However, starting with cutting the piggies off, can and will start to induce drone.  You can search for that....or start a thread asking about it.

My vote is the '99.  

[big poppa pump]

Anybody here from San Antonio or nearby willing to help me out?

Thanks.

[cookiedough]

The 99 doesn't have OEM paint job and no rear seat for riding 2-up, etc.  Wonder why it was repainted? 

I'm not giving you either one for suggestions since I wouldn't buy either one although both decent priced.  Do you like the loud exhaust note?  Most after awhile get sick of it but you may not and like the cobra exhaust note for life? 

I wouldn't cut the piggies but that is just me.  You can always buy cobras aftermarket and swap them out but once you cut piggies,  no going back and you may not like the note.

As far as someone commenting going from shadow to a Valkyrie, you should be fine. I went from a 1984 honda magna last drove a cycle in 1997 when I sold it and 10 years later hopped back on a Valkyrie I/S and after ONLY a few rides,  found it very easy to drive and handle.  But, everyone is different.  It demands respect and the pickup speed and power is very misleading since for such a big bike and very quiet stock I/S, the speeds pick up in a hurry before you even realize how fast you are actually going.   

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

 Get over on the Texas board lot of good people in the San Antonio area. Welcome to the club and looking forward to meeting you. Myself I'ld go with the 97. more complete bags and stock paint job. I do like the color of the 97 the best. Milage to me is not a problem as I would rather have a bike that has been ridden than parked. I bought my 2000 I/S with 59,000 miles on it 9 years ago. It now has 165,000 on it and I've had very little trouble with it. Replaced an alt. at 94k and a clutch at 160k. a bunch of tires and brakes and some wheel bearing, did the timiming belts at 100k just for giggles and grins.  Take care of which ever one you buy and she'll take care of you.

[big poppa pump]

I personally prefer loud bikes. My current bike (Aero 750) is fitted with a V&H Shortshots and BCT Monster baffles. I love the growl from my bike when I roll the throttle. One of the reasons I am really leaning towards the '97 with Cobra pipes. The only thing holding me back are the few RUST SPOTS I see underneath the engine. Any recommendation to take care of the rust spots?

I do like the Majestic Purple colour on the '97. The Gun metal color on the '99 looks too plain and bland.

[jimmytee]

I personally prefer loud bikes. My current bike (Aero 750) is fitted with a V&H Shortshots and BCT Monster baffles. I love the growl from my bike when I roll the throttle. One of the reasons I am really leaning towards the '97 with Cobra pipes. The only thing holding me back are the few RUST SPOTS I see underneath the engine. Any recommendation to take care of the rust spots?

I do like the Majestic Purple colour on the '97. The Gun metal color on the '99 looks too plain and bland.

If seems mechanically sound and runs good, go for the '97 then. I'm not sure where exactly the rust spots are you speak of. The only thing I can really think of under the engine that might develop rust spots is maybe the exhaust headers and bolts. those can be cleaned/minimalized or replaced if needed.
A couple of the key maintenance issues with these beast are proper care for the fuel system. Mainly don't let her sit for long without fuel treatment. I keep mine running throughout the year. Also the has the rear driveline had the proper routine maintenance?

[Hook#3287]

Buy both 

I'd have a hard time choosing between them, both have + & -.

Either one. Then make it yours.

[big poppa pump]

If seems mechanically sound and runs good, go for the '97 then. I'm not sure where exactly the rust spots are you speak of. The only thing I can really think of under the engine that might develop rust spots is maybe the exhaust headers and bolts. those can be cleaned/minimalized or replaced if needed.
A couple of the key maintenance issues with these beast are proper care for the fuel system. Mainly don't let her sit for long without fuel treatment. I keep mine running throughout the year. Also the has the rear driveline had the proper routine maintenance?

Yep! That's about where the rust spots are.

[Hooter]

   I guess I would have to hear both run, and ride both as well....A 99 with 15 K makes me wonder how much this thing has set. Thats only an average of roughly 1000 miles a year. May run fine but  with the gas of today, how are the carbs? The 97 is older sure, but with that many miles at least it has been ridden some. I personally won't buy a thing without riding it if that is possible? A smoke test is the best. As for the 6s, that is something you may like? Buy one or the other and wait for winter to make the changes you want to make it yours.
   Anytime you buy used its somewhat of a gamble...but do some homework first. Ride both, then make up your mind.

[Hoser]

If you like noise, get the 97, if you don't, get the 99.  Simple.  Hoser 

[Texas Jimbo]

I went from an '87 Super Magna to a '97 bumble bee Valk with Cobras.  I LOVE the sound and there's still plenty of giddy up and go for me, but to each his own.

I'd be curious about the repaint on the '99.  Also, accessories can/will eat you alive over time, so if you like the add ons the '97 has, and it's in good condition, that's the way I'd go.

It took me 5 years to find the exact bike, with accessories, mileage, pricing that was my target zone.  When I saw it, I jumped immediately and haven't regretted the decision.

[Willow]

If you like noise, get the 97, if you don't, get the 99.  Simple.  Hoser 

Pipes are easily changed.  They should not be the reason for a decision on the bike.

[BF]

If you like noise, get the 97, if you don't, get the 99.  Simple.  Hoser 

Pipes are easily changed.  They should not be the reason for a decision on the bike.

Ditto.   

[big poppa pump]

I did find a nice Valk here on the classifieds and it's located around DFW area. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58368.0.html

[Hoser]

I did find a nice Valk here on the classifieds and it's located around DFW area. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58368.0.html

Well now, there you go. Low miles, rare, and loud. And reasonably priced, owned by a member!   Hoser

[Swartzy]

That sounds like a real nice one and heck, you can't beat the price!

[Chippy01]

I went from an '87 Super Magna to a '97 bumble bee Valk with Cobras. 

I went from an '88 Super Magna to a black and chrome '98 Standard, and then put TBR 6/6's on her.
The only trouble was, I couldn't bear to be parted with the Super, so I kept her as well.
Can you imagine the choice I have to make every time I open the garage??

Apologies for the hijack ...

[Momz]

Out of the two,....just buy the Valkyrie.

[big poppa pump]

Out of the two,....just buy the Valkyrie.

Now why didn't I think about that before.... ???