Is this a problem?

[ucjb]

I bought the bike Dec 22 and I am Valk noobie. As I was looking it over I saw this and wasn't sure how concern I should be about it. It's a plastic ring? that is on the right-side of the rear wheel. There's a small piece that kinda pull away from the ring. Any help\ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Thunderbolt]

That in itself should not be a problem.  Looks like someone drug in on concrete or similar.  That part might be cause for concern.  It is just a plastic ring as you said.

[ucjb]

Thanks for the reply. I have ridden it about 500 miles and it seems solid. I just wasn't sure and wanted to be careful.
-Jim

[wizard -vrccds#125]

Plastic is not the problem, but what is coming out and hanging could be. Could be metal shavings from the flange . I would pull the wheel , inspect and service ! It should be done every 10 to 15 K anyway!       

[Skinhead]

Are those cobwebs??

[pancho]

Are those cobwebs??

That's what it looks like to me.     You really should pull the wheel anyhow and do an inspection and the maintenance anyhow.  THat area can be a problem in not serviced correctly. TIme to check the flange, splines, pinion cup and dampers.  There are some areas of this bike that you will need to learn to service if you expect to keep it for awhile and want it to be troublefree. THe first thing you need is a service manual... I will see if I can find the link to the downloadable one on the Norway site.....  You will love this bike.

Here is the link to the downloadable manual........ http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html     Dag did a good thing getting that scanned and available to us.

[da prez]

Follow the info from the board. The Clymer manuals are guidelines. The tech on here is the voice of experience. See if there is someone near you if you are unsure about doing the service. I just showed a brother how to service and tire change his Valk. Also A L S O  do not use the oem valve stems. If you have them , change them while doing the service. You do not have to dis-mount the tire. The rear tire will be off , so it will be easy.

                                        da prez

[Crackerborn]

I'm thinking steel wool from someone trying to clean the rims. I would still pull the tire and inspect/lube the final drive. When I got mine, she had 32k and lube had never been done based on condition of grease and u-joint

[BF]

Dust bunny?

[ucjb]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I'll pull the rear wheel and inspect and lube it. Since I don't really know the history of the bike I'll probably have to do a lot of inspecting. It has 59,000 miles on it and the Guy I bought it from was a car mechanic. He said he had recently changed the oil and tune it up. The bike seems to run good, starts easy and runs smooth. Any other suggestions as to which important parts that might need inspecting?

Thanks for the link pancho

-Jim

[pancho]

You bet ucjb,,,, yes there are some other other areas that will need attention, but one thing at a time, you will hear all about it if you visit this board. That rear drive, splines and pinion cup are probably the most critical inspection/maintenance need at the mileage on the bike,,,  and valve stem replacement as was mentioned.

Look at the bottom of the intake tubes to see if there is any brown staining oozing from the area,,, the orings are due for replacement as are vacuum hoses and rubber nipples on the intakes.

[ucjb]

I might just take it to a shop this time and let them inspect it, it will surely be more expensive than DYI but in the long run it would give me more piece of mind and possibly prevent something major from happening that might cost an arm and leg literally and monetarily.

-Jim

[pancho]

Don't mean to throw a monkey wrench into your plans Jim,,, but a lot of the problems many have had with their Valks came from trusting others who did not know these bikes to do the work/maintenance.

[ucjb]

I understand but I know this guy. He's not a dealer and I trust him. I guess it's kind of a crap shoot either way. I just spoke with him and he said he has a lot of Valk experience.

-Jim

[pancho]

Your fortunate to have him,,,       WELCOME

[ucjb]

Thanks for the help!

[Kep]

Looks like a dingle-berry ...don't eat it !

[HayHauler]

First of all, welcome to the asylum.  Our little corner of the internet.  We are a somewhat dysfunctional family, but family none the less.

Using your buddy mechanic is ok, only if you tell him this little tidbit of advice.
"While reassembling the rear end and torquing the axle nut, make dang sure that the 4 nuts on the swing arm are loosened (finger tight)."
This allows the splines, bearings, and other parts to align correctly.  AFTER the axle nut is torqued, the 4 nuts on the swing arm can be tightened.

If he, and you at a later date, follow this advice, you will have many more trouble free miles from the rear end on the Valk.

There is a wealth of knowledgeable people on this board and they ain't afraid to share.

P.S.  We need more pics of your ride.  <<<<------  Purely selfish request... 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[IamGCW]

Do a search on the forum and find Dags web site.  Download the service manual from there.  Replace the O rings and re-grease the splines.  Check the u-joint while in there.  Not a tough job if you have a Jack and Jack adapter (you can build a wood one or buy one),  Replace the Shock bushings if they are bad and inspect/replace the wheel dampers. 

When you need help or are confused, post the question and get ready for help. 

Welcome aboard.

Gil