7000 miles bike is smoothing out nicely

[Robert]

Well someone here said that with 7k miles on their bikes the sound, shifting and running were smoother and quieter and I have to agree. Went on a 300 mile ride since it was so beautiful today and at a light I was listening to the engine and even the shifting and couldn't help but notice how much quieter and smoother the bike was. Its also easier to shift into and out of gears so much so that I am having to watch my driving. I am starting to treat this bike like a sport bike of sorts instead of a cruiser. I have to start to watch what I do because the bike builds confidence in driving it. Heck speed is always a problem with this bike its just so easy to keep 80 like its nothing. I must say that cruising 27 at speed  in the Everglades watching the sunset experiencing the different smells and temps as you drive along, the bike just humming under you, its really easy to get lost in the moment.

   So to get back to the original idea of this post I wanted to tell all who complained of strange noises or rough shifts that it will break in and become a real joy to drive. I too was worried in the beginning of driving the Valk. Hearing strange noises and shifts that were not as consistently smooth as I would like, but like all the Wings I have heard, this bike settles down to some smooth quiet pleasant running.

[TallRider]

Hey Robert. Was out close to your neck of the wood yesterday. Made it to Cleweston for lunch and back here. Only put about 175 on. Bike does seem to be dialing in as the miles climb. Find you need the right combination of clutch power and shift. If you hit it right won't hear a sound. Feels like an automatic trans. Best shifting though is aways under exceleration. Reduce throttle about 10% depress clutch  about 1/3 rd and click. Sincronize it right won't hear a sound.

[dans2014]

  Think how smooth they will be at a 100,00 miles

[Robert]

Hey Robert. Was out close to your neck of the wood yesterday. Made it to Cleweston for lunch and back here. Only put about 175 on. Bike does seem to be dialing in as the miles climb. Find you need the right combination of clutch power and shift. If you hit it right won't hear a sound. Feels like an automatic trans. Best shifting though is aways under exceleration. Reduce throttle about 10% depress clutch  about 1/3 rd and click. Sincronize it right won't hear a sound.

I wasn't to far away actually I took 84 from 75 to 27 north and went through Belle Glade had to pick up gas, then 98 to Palm Beach. Stopped at the 27 gas station when I first got on 27 and looked around a bit took a look at some of the bikes and some came up to me and were admiring the Valk. Its always interesting around there between the bikes the cars and the people there's always something interesting to see.There was a 32 MG there all different bikes and one 6 foot girl dressed in black leather with high heals riding a bike.  Couple of people on horse back on 84 the water was real high in the everglades, really made for a beautiful ride. I was a bit late in the day though around 3pm was at the 27 gas stop. Should have filled up there hate doing that 27 north run without a full tank. But still had a gallon left as I was filling it up. Normal run is the 95 to Bee Line Hwy to the Port Mayaca Lock back down to South Bay and Belle Glade. A few weeks ago I was actually in Clewiston had never seen it and was going to go around the lake but decided to go back. Harvest time in the cane fields and there was plenty of trucking on 27 and there was plenty of air boats on the water.

  What you describe on the shifting is exactly what I found also. It takes a 1st to second still has a bit of a bump most times but like you said feels like an automatic sometimes. Also found out something else interesting about our bikes, if you pull the clutch all the way in it dumps the oil going to the clutch basket. You see these engines use oil pressure to help hold the clutch tight and keep it from slipping. If you only partially hold the clutch it does not drop the oil pressure to the clutch.

[TallRider]

Never use 1st gear except by accident if I loose track downshifting sometimes. Funny, I was talking to the guys I ride with mostly BMW guys. Was talking about how well Honda engines hold up. Some guys are getting 200,300K+ miles out off the engines and they say "Ya Sure!!" One of the guys just traded his 1600 BMW for a new Gold Wing. Complained about it but said it was a lot more comfortable to ride. Engine was good. He complained he didn't get readout of milage, miles left on tank, ride adjustment tweaks. Coming of off 78 onto 27 toward Moore Haven Sat the 2 lead guys got ahead of us on the stop I cracked it and cleared the carbon a little not quite full throttle looked behind me and guy with the 1200 BMw was right with me. Funny the guy leading our group is 86 rides an older kaw. 800 twin. I have to keep on it to keep up with him. Just had a pace maker put in, must be why he is running so well. Hope I can do it that good at that age. Every ride with this group they head out Saturday mornings on anywere from 150 -200 mile runs get lunch back home by 2-2:30. They also meet and go out every Wed. Never run with them on that day though.

[dans2014]

  Synthetic oil helped mine do everything smoother

[AdrianR]

Synthetic oil helped mine do everything smoother

Exactly.  Switched over to full synthetic around 2K miles...and with about 3600 now the bike is amazing...  I never heard weird sounds or loud shifting noises. This is hands down the smoothest, most powerful bike I've ever ridden.  I just cannot imagine it getting any better....

[CajunRider]

Exactly.  Switched over to full synthetic around 2K miles...and with about 3600 now the bike is amazing...  I never heard weird sounds or loud shifting noises. This is hands down the smoothest, most powerful bike I've ever ridden.  I just cannot imagine it getting any better....

I'm at close to 18K on my '14 Wing....

You may not be able to imagine it, but it does get better on the top side of 10 or 15 thousand. 

  

[dinosnake]

Synthetic oil helped mine do everything smoother

Exactly.  Switched over to full synthetic around 2K miles...and with about 3600 now the bike is amazing...  I never heard weird sounds or loud shifting noises. This is hands down the smoothest, most powerful bike I've ever ridden.  I just cannot imagine it getting any better....

I think it might be specific oil or oil weight: my first oil change was to Honda HP4 at 1,000 miles and I definitely noticed more missed shifts.  At 4,500 miles I went to Shell Rotella T6 and my missed shifts disappeared, yet both are synthetic.  Either my bike didn't like the Honda oil's chemical makeup or it was the weight factor.

[NeilKate]

2,000 miles on my 2014 Valkyrie, and I don't think the 1st-2nd shift will ever be "smooth", but what a fantastic bike!

[AdrianR]

2,000 miles on my 2014 Valkyrie, and I don't think the 1st-2nd shift will ever be "smooth", but what a fantastic bike!

That is the toughest spot to get smooth...You are passing through neutral in which is more 'index' to travel...  Usually you can get it smooth by shifting just at the right rpm/movement...even still, I have noticed the shifting improve as the miles add up, including 1st to 2nd..

[TallRider]

First gear is a useless gear. Unless you are doing a hole shot not needed. I have only used first about 3 or 4 times in the year I have had it. The last few by mistake. The engine is so smooth and strong it will take off at an idle. Don't twist the throttle till clutch engaged. Believe me, I don't baby the bike. Don't slip the clutch. Have never stalled the bike. As to the oil synthetic 20w50 after 1000 miles.

[AdrianR]

Just got back from my first ride of the season.  KICK ARSE!

Man I simply cannot believe Honda stopped making this bike.  It's incredible...

6,000rpms and this thing sounds like a throaty jet turbine...and pulls like one!...

Just getting smoother and faster all the time...

[Robert]

Adrian have another pair of Micheline s waiting in the wings for when these start to get worn down. I don't remember the exact mileage when I put them on but Id say 4k and they still look really good. Glad you were able to get out a bit 

[AdrianR]

Adrian have another pair of Micheline s waiting in the wings for when these start to get worn down. I don't remember the exact mileage when I put them on but Id say 4k and they still look really good. Glad you were able to get out a bit 

Good to hear about the tires.  I've only got about 1K on mine..and they look brand new yet.  It was a freaky warm day in Feb., which is rare around these parts in far northern Ill.  Riding though country vistas of frozen lakes and streams...every thing brown and matted down from the freshly melted snow cover.  It felt good to be riding again...  Unfortunately we will most likely have several more snow events before it's over for good.  I just have to feel lucky I got out when I did.

You year round riders have no clue, (or maybe you do) of how fortunate you are.