New Member Introduction, Michigan

[grepper]

Hello fellow Valkyrie riders,

I've been into vintage Japanese Motorcycles for several years (See other bikes in Signature) and have done a few restores and engine rebuilds, so I'm no stranger to working on bikes.

I recently inherited a 2000 Honda Valkyrie interstate.

My wife's uncle bought this bike new. He road it a it a little, but lost his license due to too many DUI's.  Over the years he's had lots of people offer to buy it, including myself, but he was dead set on keeping it. So it sat in his garage, looking like it did off the showroom floor, collecting dust with only 3K miles on it.  A couple of years ago he thought he was going to be able to get his license back, so he had the local Honda dealer pick it up, go through it and make it road worthy again. Things didn't get much better for him. Since his mother died he got back on the Vodka.  A few weeks ago his liver, kidneys and what ever finally gave in. Pretty sad, he just gave up on life and crawled into a bottle.
 
After draining and putting in some fresh gas and seafoam and charging up the battery, I got it running and road it home.  After the tires warmed up and worked the dents out, it road great.

When I got it home, the battery was dead, so I put a new AGM battery in.  I gave it a halfway decent wash, changed the oil and flushed the antifreeze.  I've put a couple of hundred mile on it and getting used to it.  It's twice as big as anything I've ever ridden.

I plan on getting some new tires (Avons) and flushing the other fluids over the winter.  I've also been searching for some highway pegs and head sets for the intercom system.  I've been doing a lot of reading here, so I thought it was time to post.

Here it is

[Michvalk]

Welcome!! Nice bike, love the color. Too bad the way you came by it, but, at least she has someone to pay attention to her. You'll love it!

[sandy]

Go To www.GL1800riders.com and sign up. The classified ads frequently have highway pegs and other bits that will work on an I/S Valk. When you get new Avon Cobras, run them at 42F and 46R and you'll get great handling and mileage out of them.

[72cutlassdude]

Welcome from Ortonville,MI.

[larue]

great looking machine love the color combo too, welcome from florida brother 

[Jess from VA]

Welcome.  Nice looking bike. 

[Savago]

grepper

Welcome! You got one of the favorite colors (pearl white + blue), IIRC they only made it on this color for a single year.

The I/S is a comfortable and reliable motorcycle, built to go the distance (last June/July I rode mine for over 3300 miles through Northwest for 2 weeks with no problems whatsoever).

Cheers


Savago

[BonS]

Greetings and welcome to the madness. If you want to use the factory intercom on your IS I'd recommend http://www.edsets.com/. It's a wired system that plugs right into the intercom. I'd recommend calling Ed himself and make sure you get all the bits and pieces the first time. There are other options for sure, it's just that EdSets is my favorite.

[Momz]

Hello 

[WoodyFL]

Welcome! Love the color, but then I'm biased 

[grepper]

Thanks for the replies,

Like I said, this bike is SO different than my other bikes.  I'm used to getting crammed into the gas tank when riding with a passenger, plus drastic changes in handling.  When I took my 13 yo son for a ride, I could hardly tell he was there.  After after I took my wife for a ride, she joked that she would like to attach her IPad to the back of my jacket because it's so comfy and roomy back there.  It will be nice to be able to take long trips.  I've done a couple of hundred miles in one day on my xs650, after a 60+ miles I need a break and at the end of the day I'm whipped.  On the Valkyrie, the miles just melt away.  My wife and I have been talking about doing some touring next summer.  Our first will probably be around Lake Erie, stopping in Cleveland, Niagara, and someplace in Canada.

I wrote an email to EdSets, looking for product advice.  I understand pretty much any 5 Pin Honda comparable headset will work, and J&M is the brand Honda sells.

As for foot pegs, it appears that the Kuryakyn 4050's bolt to lower part of the the engine guard. And I've read mixed results about Kuryakyn 7966 bolting to the upper curved part of the engine guard.  I'm torn on what to buy.  I would like just some small pegs off the upper curved part of the engine guard.  Suggestions?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks for the replies,

Like I said, this bike is SO different than my other bikes.  I'm used to getting crammed into the gas tank when riding with a passenger, plus drastic changes in handling.  When I took my 13 yo son for a ride, I could hardly tell he was there.  After after I took my wife for a ride, she joked that she would like to attach her IPad to the back of my jacket because it's so comfy and roomy back there.  It will be nice to be able to take long trips.  I've done a couple of hundred miles in one day on my xs650, after a 60+ miles I need a break and at the end of the day I'm whipped.  On the Valkyrie, the miles just melt away.  My wife and I have been talking about doing some touring next summer.  Our first will probably be around Lake Erie, stopping in Cleveland, Niagara, and someplace in Canada.

I wrote an email to EdSets, looking for product advice.  I understand pretty much any 5 Pin Honda comparable headset will work, and J&M is the brand Honda sells.

As for foot pegs, it appears that the Kuryakyn 4050's bolt to lower part of the the engine guard. And I've read mixed results about Kuryakyn 7966 bolting to the upper curved part of the engine guard.  I'm torn on what to buy.  I would like just some small pegs off the upper curved part of the engine guard.  Suggestions?

The ones that are in WoodyFL's pic are the most popular. They are highly adjustable !

[Dagwood]

Welcome, good looking bike 

I'd be a tad wary on the dealer "going through it". Since you are going with new Avons, great time to do the rear end maintenance. My daughter lives and works in Ionia so I pass through your area pretty often from Comstock Park. Let me know if you want to wrench sometime.

[grepper]

So what Highway Pegs are on WoodyFL's Bike?

I did get the Factory Service Manual off this site, Great Resource.

Dagwood: I assume when you say 'rear end maintenance', you mean change out the final drive oil.  I was planning on that.  Plus inspecting the seals and such.

It's kinda weird for me to pick and choose things off the Maintenance Schedule.  Like I said, it's only got 3K miles on it, but it's 15 years old.  I pretty much plan of doing almost everything up to the 12K, including inspecting the belts.  I'm used to picking up a 30 yo bike that's been sitting and doing a full frame off restore, from rebuilding the engine to re-lacing wheels and making it new again. 

Dagwood: I lived in Ionia for a year, Portland before that.  My wife works in Comstock park.  I'll let you know If I need any help.  I'm still trying to figure out how to operate the radio and what all the auxiliary outlets are for.  I'm used to much simpler machines.

[Gryphon Rider]

Dagwood: I assume when you say 'rear end maintenance', you mean change out the final drive oil.  I was planning on that.  Plus inspecting the seals and such.

It's kinda weird for me to pick and choose things off the Maintenance Schedule.  Like I said, it's only got 3K miles on it, but it's 15 years old.  I pretty much plan of doing almost everything up to the 12K, including inspecting the belts.  I'm used to picking up a 30 yo bike that's been sitting and doing a full frame off restore, from rebuilding the engine to re-lacing wheels and making it new again.  

After who knows how many years and miles of collective experience, we as a group have a good idea what needs regular attention, and rear end maintenance is at the top of the list.  This should be done every time the rear tire is changed, except if you are running a car tire which gets significantly more mileage than a motorcycle tire, in which case you should do the rear end maintenance once in between tire changes.  What is meant is:

• Inspect the wheel bearings (smooth motion with some resistance when turned by your fingers).
• Remove the three O-rings used in the wheel-to-final-drive connections.
• Clean out all old grease/paste in the wheel-to-final-drive connections, specifically the splines, and inspect the splines for wear.
• Remove the final drive from the swing arm.  Clean, inspect, and re-lubricate the splined connections at both ends of the drive shaft.  The drive-shaft-to-pinion-cup connection (where the drive shaft connects to the final drive) is especially subject to excessive wear and failure if not regularly and properly lubed.
• Re-lubricate the wheel-to-final-drive connections and install three new O-rings.
• Reinstall the rear wheel, paying close attention to tightening procedure.

All of these procedures and the use of the proper lubricant in the proper place should be well researched using the service manual and the advise found here and on the Shop Talk pages.  Be sure to read the Elusive 3rd O-Ring page.

If the dealer hasn't changed the final drive oil, then do it yourself, otherwise just check the level and follow the maintenance schedule for replacement.

[hukmut]

Hello and welcome from Wiggins, MS!     You now are the owner of the best bike on the planet!    With this forum, and its members, you should enjoy MANY miles of s m o o t h riding pleasure. 
Might I suggest you meet us at the next Inzane (w hich, by the way) is going to be in June in Morgantown, WV.
There you will meet many of your new forum friends plus, maybe, if he is there, meet with Big BF who usually travels to our gatherings. He is an excellent Valkyrie technician. (He dialed in mine)
Also, be sure to peruse the forums archives.
This is a great bunch of folks who are willing to help with almost any question you may have. Bike related or not.

[WoodyFL]

grepper,
The peg I have are the Kuryakyn 7966 offset dually pegs. Quite a range of positions. Love em! 

Bob

[salty1]

Welcome to the asylum grepper! Your going to love it. It's a great cruiser. Like your color too! Found mine a little over a year ago in The Dalles, OR.

[BradValk48237]

Welcome to the fun Grepper!!!!..

Oak Park MI here... there are a bunch of us here in MI.....

Look Forward to seeing you on the road


As far as additional footpegs, I have the Kury ISO's mounted on the curved part... I used clamps from somewhere else...... the pegs were originally the ones with the arms mounted to one of the lower engine guard bolts, but were too far back and too low for me. Took the arms off and direct mounted to the clamps... even up on the curved part of the engine guards they still drag on hard turns....


Brad

[Momz]

The best, or should I say the most comfortable auxiliary foot rests I've found are the "Mick-O-Pegs".

I have used Kury's and ShowChrome highway pegs and mounts, but I sold them after finding a set of MOPs. They do not put your feet outward, rather your legs are extended somewhat downward on a set of spring loaded foot rests.

They are particularly effective if you have hip and knee issues. And you will not feel as if you are riding a Gynocologist table.

They are Michigan made, by a fellow VRCC member.

Contact Jim Mick at: http://www.ridingiswonderful.com/

[grepper]

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

I spent some time reading through the tech section.  Some great tips and How-To's there!  I especially like the plans for the lift bracket.  On all my other bikes, the frame rails ride below everything else, so I've never had an issue.

Even though I'll be changing the tires, I don't think I'll do that full rear end maintenance. Not that I don't believe that it's important.  It's just that the bike only has 3K miles on it, and it sat in a garage. The tires on it look fine, it's just that they are old, and I'm weary of old rubber. Sure, I'll change out the oil and lube what I can, but I can't see how all those other seals could be worn out already. I don't even think the bike has seen much rain. I will for sure on the next rear tire replacement.

As for Pegs:  Those Mack-O-Pegs do look nice, but I don't see using them a lot.  I just want to move my feet occasionally on long highway trips.  I think I'm going to go with the Kuryakyn 7966's with 1 1/18 clamps.  From what I've read here, I may need to shim them with rubber and crack them down tight.

As for the Intercom system:  I'm suffering sticker shock here.  To get two sets from EdSets will be $400.  I've bought entire bikes for less.  Maybe I could justify it if I've used other headsets before, use them often, and been disappointed. Actually, I'm kinda getting sticker shock for a lot of the accessories for this bike.  I'm sure the chrome loving cruiser crowd is used to it, but not me.  I'm used to getting parts and accessories from swap meets, forum members, and ebay.  About the only things I buy new is riding gear and parts you should buy new (brake pads, bearings, seals and the like).  Also, I still plan on riding my other bikes, the Valkyrie will be for touring.  Given all of that, I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.  I'll be watching the classifieds and ebay.  If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

I spent some time reading through the tech section.  Some great tips and How-To's there!  I especially like the plans for the lift bracket.  On all my other bikes, the frame rails ride below everything else, so I've never had an issue.

Even though I'll be changing the tires, I don't think I'll do that full rear end maintenance. Not that I don't believe that it's important.  It's just that the bike only has 3K miles on it, and it sat in a garage. The tires on it look fine, it's just that they are old, and I'm weary of old rubber. Sure, I'll change out the oil and lube what I can, but I can't see how all those other seals could be worn out already. I don't even think the bike has seen much rain. I will for sure on the next rear tire replacement.

As for Pegs:  Those Mack-O-Pegs do look nice, but I don't see using them a lot.  I just want to move my feet occasionally on long highway trips.  I think I'm going to go with the Kuryakyn 7966's with 1 1/18 clamps.  From what I've read here, I may need to shim them with rubber and crack them down tight.

As for the Intercom system:  I'm suffering sticker shock here.  To get two sets from EdSets will be $400.  I've bought entire bikes for less.  Maybe I could justify it if I've used other headsets before, use them often, and been disappointed. Actually, I'm kinda getting sticker shock for a lot of the accessories for this bike.  I'm sure the chrome loving cruiser crowd is used to it, but not me.  I'm used to getting parts and accessories from swap meets, forum members, and ebay.  About the only things I buy new is riding gear and parts you should buy new (brake pads, bearings, seals and the like).  Also, I still plan on riding my other bikes, the Valkyrie will be for touring.  Given all of that, I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.  I'll be watching the classifieds and ebay.  If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open?

I would really recommend doing the rear end service when you have the wheels off. $5 worth of O-Rings and grease is pretty cheap insurance. As for the headsets, I have the J&M that I purchased from Wingstuff for about $70 each. They are good 

[BradValk48237]

Ditto on the rear end.... ya never know and you will already have it apart.... and the Gear oil should be changed if it never has been.....

As far as the clamps.. don't use rubber as it may still slip due to the pressure put on them by your feet...

Depending on where you mount them they may fit better or worse.. but if you do need to shim.. just cut pieces out of an aluminum can.. beer or whatever.. works great and no slipping that you could get with tape or rubber...

B

[Earl43P]

The best, or should I say the most comfortable auxiliary foot rests I've found are the "Mick-O-Pegs".


Contact Jim Mick at: http://www.ridingiswonderful.com/

^That X 100.
Keep an eye on Craigslist if you want, to look for intercoms/helmets. I've seen some offered occasionally, both without and with a decent helmet. You'll see older Goldwing 1500's for sale WITH helmets/headsets. Might get a set from one of those sellers. Can't hurt to ask. Many of those 1500 sellers just got old and quit riding.

I have a set of J&M in a Shoei helmet that I like (mostly use it in cold weather), but frankly, I use my bluetooth Sena10 in my modular helmet far more often (so I can answer the phone).

If your smartphone does voice commands, you can talk to text as well as make calls and listen to music. For true intercom with your passenger though, it's hard to beat those wired headsets, but again the Sena will pair with another Sena and work nicely, if desired to have no tethered wires.

http://www.sena.com/

This is what I got:  http://www.amazon.com/Sena-SMH10D-11-Motorcycle-Bluetooth-Microphone/dp/B0087NB0ZQ/ref=sr_1_1/181-0780667-7132002?ie=UTF8&qid=1445343819&sr=8-1&keywords=sena+bluetooth+headset

When you replace the rear tire, you're CRAZY not to clean, inspect and grease those splines. All the splines. Really.

[dieselforce]

Welcome from Grandville, MI. I just picked mine up on Monday. You have a sharp looking bike.

[Valk-Obsessed]

Welcome, I too recently acquired a '99 Interstate and love all the tips, tricks, and advice I found on this site!  I have plenty of things to check out over the long winter.

[firea100]

Welcome to the site From East China Mi. I have a 1999 Standard and a 2000 Interstate Trike! Our site has a wealth of informaton on our bikes.
Again, Welcome!!

Larry in East China Mi.

[Pappy!]

A hearty welcome from another Florida boy!
Would also highly recommend you do the maint. on the rear while changing the tires, if for no other reason than to get used to what you are seeing. Nothing worse than dry splines when it didn't have to happen.
Also, caught the comment about your significant other wanting to do some touring when the weather warms up.
Come to InZane, in West Virginia in June and meet a bunch of great folks with similar interests! Put faces to names. Guarantee both of you will enjoy it.

[hukmut]

And, BTW, when you do remove your tire, be sure to replace that oem valve stem with a metal one. If you don't, and it fails on you out in the middle of, well, you know where, you will wish you had. Just sayin'.
Ride safe.

[gordonv]

Here is the one most often recommened, and at a good price.

https://www.jakewilson.com/p/1753/-/162103/Myers-90%C2%B0-Tubeless-Chrome-Valve-Stem

I like the tightening nut on the outside. Never know how tight to make it. Just snug or?

[grepper]

Thanks everyone for the great Advice!

I was able to get an underside lift bracket from a fellow forum member for a good price.
Hopefully after I recover from all the Holiday shopping I can spare the cash for the new tires.  From what I've read I think I'm going to go with Avon Cobras, plus new metal valve stems.  I guess I will do that rear end maintenance after all, it doesn't look to hard.  I'm considering a taller windshield.  I get a little wind hitting the top of my helmet that immediately goes away when I lower my head an inch or two.

I've put a few hundred miles on it so far and getting used to it.  Funny, I road my 78 Yamaha xs650 a couple of weeks ago and that now feels like a light and nimble dirt bike.

[97BLKVALK]

Welcome to the VRCC.  You should definitely look at riding to West Virginia next June for our annual ride in.


Michael

[PhredValk]

Sorry if I missed it and am repeating someone else, but the best place for O-rings is http://www.carolinabikeandtrike.com/ORings.htm
Final drive O-ring kit.
5 sets for under $15.
Fred.

[Gideon]

Welcome ! You will enjoy this group. You have a good looking ride.