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big sky
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« on: September 10, 2009, 07:07:04 AM » |
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I just got my 1st bike, a 97 Valkyrie. I have been admiring these since they 1st came out.
I was hoping to get some ideas on what is a good cover to put over it until I get my garage finished.
Also is there anything I need to check out (deeper than visually) before I start riding it?
Also I see the rear shocks are adjustable, I am 6'8" 325lbs what setting should I set them on?
Thanks
Sky
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« Last Edit: September 10, 2009, 07:11:43 AM by big sky »
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asfltdncr
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« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2009, 07:58:31 AM » |
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Set them on the stiffest brother.
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2009, 08:06:25 AM » |
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Welcome to club. Make sure you brush yor teeth real good cause your gonna be grinning alot. As for as the shocks crankem up your gonna need them on high.  |
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Baloo
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« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2009, 09:21:02 AM » |
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Welcome aboard! What a great way to start riding by getting yourself a Valk! You'll find a whole bunch of very nice guys around here always willing to help you out. So don't be afraid to ask. As for the shocks, I have a 99 IS. I am 6 ft and 240 lbs. When I ride solo, I usually set them at the softest position. If I have a passenger, then I'll crank them up 3 notches. I guess it all depends on your riding style and your taste. I would suggest you experience and see what suits you best.
Cheers!
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Never ride any faster than your guardian angel can fly...
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Spirited-6
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« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2009, 09:43:38 AM » |
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I was kinda surprized to see that you picked a Valkyrie for your "first" bike when most start with a 650, 750, ECT. Then I read your size and know why .  You need the power of the Valk. With your size, 5 would were you should be on shocks. Go to TECH page and bone up on services for the bike. Unless the previous owner gave you service records, I would do most listed for "sevice" Welcome to VRCC and good luck. |
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Spirited-6
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big sky
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« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2009, 09:12:29 AM » |
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Probably not the best choice for a 1st bike, but I have always liked them, and came across an impossibly good deal. And it fits my size pretty good.
Thanks
Sky
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sugerbear
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« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2009, 02:11:48 PM » |
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let us know where you live, maybe someone close can help you through it. but with that handle, im sure im not close  |
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john
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« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2009, 03:02:59 PM » |
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find yourself a set of shocks off an interstate model valkyrie ... they are bigger and heavy duty for heavier loads ... ebay ... classifieds ... ask right here on this board ...  guys ? ... any i/s shocks out there for a newbie ? oh yeah ... gary ? ... he gonna need your bushings ! welcome to the asylum  |
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vrcc # 19002
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sheets
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« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2009, 04:02:47 PM » |
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Hope you figure out a cover soon. Hate to see the big gal sit out in the weather. She deserves better. Perhaps one of those portable tent-like things with plastic pipe framework for support, like ya see in catalogs for parking a riding mower and such in.
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JimC
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« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2009, 07:29:51 PM » |
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Welcome, Also, if I read your post correct this is your first motorcycle? If so, I would strongly suggest a riding (instruction) course or at the very least get a copy of "Ride Like a Pro" I have been riding for almost 40 years now, When I bought my first Valkyrie last June I received a copy of the Ride Like a Pro CD with the bike. I am glad I got it, it taught me a lot of new things, and also reminded me of a lot of things that I forgot about riding. Well worth the money. http://www.ridelikeapro.com/store?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=17Jim |
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Jim Callaghan SE Wisconsin
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Larry
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« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2009, 10:38:33 PM » |
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Welcome! I think the Valk is a perfect first bike! I would pull the back wheel and have a look see at the splines etc. and service things there along with the drive shaft. May want to check and service the front axel too. Check your brakes and brake/clutch fluids and replace if they are amber coloured at all. Change oil if needed. Check and or sevice the air filter. Make sure your tire pressures are up there, something like 42 front and 44 rear should be close. Depending on the miles you may want to do a carb cleaning at some point along with a synch. I know this is alot of stuff and you may actually want to ride the fat lady all over the place. Just pay attention to the sounds she makes and check into anything unusual. There is all kinds of help on this forum, I have learned alot myself and people will do their best to solve any problems for you as well as pitch in and wrench if in the neighborhood. Enjoy. |
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To Ride or Not To Ride? RIDE of course!!!
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big sky
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« Reply #11 on: September 13, 2009, 03:07:10 PM » |
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Looks like alot of good info. I am keeping her inside a shed but figured a cover for when I am out and about would be nice. I am scheduled to take a safety course next week and appreciate the link on the dvd. I have changed all the fluids and so far everything looks great. Rode for a while today and loved it.
Looking forward to reading more post and possibly meeting a few folks.
Thanks
Sky
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F6CTrider
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« Reply #12 on: September 14, 2009, 08:21:11 AM » |
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Big Sky
As one big brother (6'5" 290#) to another, Welcome aboard!
Some other mods you may want to consider if your bike does not already have them. I also bought mine used and it had a lot of mods already in place. I have made some adjustments.
I switched out a Corbin low something or other for the Ultimate King Big Boy. The old seat had me too close to everything. Really like the Ult. It makes the normal riding position good for hours.
I have lowered foot pegs, don't know what the standards would be like, but I can not imagine they would be better for me.
I also have some hwy pegs out on the crash bears so I can stretch the legs when needed.
I am still experimenting with the handle bars and risers. I put in some spacers that added 1 inch and did not require any changes to the cables. This has helped the riding posture. Still a work in progress.
Good for you on the safety course. More than anything you need to practice. If you don't already have some riding buddies you might try meetup.com or yahoo groups. Not only is there some safety in numbers but I am sure you can benefit from riding with experienced riders. I also recommend you work on some low speed stuff like figure eights in parking lots. The Valk is easy at speed but can be a handful going slow. I often take an extra 30 seconds or so to do some figure eights when I am leaving work. Enjoy!! Be safe!!
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Ken Tarver
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« Reply #13 on: September 14, 2009, 08:57:16 AM » |
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big sky
my son's first bike was also a valk. friends of mine questioned the smartness of that (especially since i gave it to him).
but he, like you, is a big boy. he's 6-4, and well over 200.
we spent a couple of days on a parking lot learning the basics and slow speed manuvering stuff and then hit some light traffic areas, then went to Daytona!
Seeing pictures of him on the bike,, he actually looks too big for it! Glad did not start him on a 750.
congratulations on your ride and welcome to the vrcc.
by the way, mine and the son's are '97's.
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