Parts for a Valkyrie

[Tx Bohemian]

Not sure if this is the right place to do this, if not I guess the moderators can move it. 

this is my first post in case you can't tell...

I always thought the Valkyries were one of the best bikes made. I have an opportunity to buy a '99 Standard (I think) Valkyrie with 12K miles on it. Right now I have a '05 Suzuki C50.

The wife and I would like to do some traveling/vacationing on a bike and I think a Valkyrie would suit the bill very well, hopefully for a long time.

One thing concerns me though and hoping someone here can answer this.  (and I hope it's the right answer)

How is the avaliability of parts for these things since they are not made anymore??  Having a past career in the automotive repair field I know about 10 years after production of a vehicle stops they quit making spare parts.  Isn't '02 the last year Valkyries were made?

Or are the parts the same as a Gold Wing?  Or are there reliable "after market" companies that produce needed  parts.

[Gear Jammer]

'03 was the last year made.  And parts are getting more difficult to find in some cases.  Some Hondaline parts are no longer made, and many of the aftemarket mfgs. discontinued their part production as well.  There's still some things available at a reasonable price.  Then there are those parts that require a bank loan and your first born son.  In some cases, that might be a good deal !!      It took me almost two years of searching for different parts, but I found most of the ones I wanted, but they were pricey in some cases.  If you're going to buy and ride the best MC out there, then you should expect to pay for the privilege.      

[T-Bird]

Like Gearjammer said Honda accessories are drying up fast, there are still some after market companies that are still producing things.  Honda will still make parts to keep them running for a long time.  I restored a 1972 cb 450 a couple years back, and was still able to get plugs,points,carb kits, brakes etc. from certain honda dealers. There are a lot of people parting out bikes for the accessories, and there are a lot of drivetrain parts out there.

Just my opionion 

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Don't get the wrong idea from the other posts. The only parts that are "difficult" to find are the chrome genuine Hondaline accesories. The stock parts are not a problem at all.

There is little reason for worry anyway as the Valkyrie is a stout reliable machine good for more than 300,000 miles. Not much needs replaced except standard wear items.

A Valkyrie IS THE choice for 2 up riding comfortably. Most of us here on this board prefer the Valkyire even over a Goldwing.

Go find one and ride it 350,000 then start worrying about parts.

Raymond

[SteveL]

And, the Valkyrie has much more "motorcycle" built into their character than the Wing.  For two up riding look for one with hardbags, floorboards, riding lights and other functional accessories.

The Interstate model is really the bike to go for if your into 2-up distance touring.

They are fine motorcycles.

[stude31]

Bohemian,

First of all let me take the time to say "welcome to the VRCC board" and thank you for signing up to be a member of such great folks on here.  It won't be long before you understand that your not just buying one amazing piece of machinery but you are looking to belong to one awesome and fun loving group of folks that are more than willing to provide you with the know how to fix or diagnose your bike problems or your vehicle problems.  Heck, they may even stop by to help you work on your bike  

Parts for these things are not a problem for regular repairs... I bought a new cowl for my Interstate a year ago from Honda.  It was painted and ready to be put on... So they still "make" parts for the bike but like others have said the chrome parts are getting a bit harder to find...

The tech board is where you need to go for bike problems and help on the bike.. .General board is just that... if your not sure where to post most here are on both so we would be glad to help... I would encourage you to look for you for an Interstate.. Your passenger would love you for your choice in the Interstate...

Any questions about a bike you find just provide us the info and would be glad to help you....

Welcome aboard 

[JimC]

I don't think you need to worry about parts, as said before, the drive trains are just about bullet proof.

Prior to buying the Valk, I was into the first series goldwings (1000 cc from the 70's) With the internet there is not much that you can't find for them, and I feel certain that the Valkyrie will be the same. If someday down the road we find that there is a part needed, this board will figure a way buy, build, or improvise enough to get it done.

As someone else stated in a post I read a long time ago, we are riding the equivelent to the 57 Chevy's in a motorcycle. Someday (in the not too distant future) people will realize what the Valk does, and all the collectors will want them. I will let my wife and kids worry about resale, in the meantime, I plan to ride the snot out of it and not worry!

Jim

[Gear Jammer]

I plan to ride the snot out of it and not worry!

That there's some HARD riding !!   

[laserpat]

What part of the great state of Texas do you hail from?

[Tx Bohemian]

What part of the great state of Texas do you hail from?

Victoria, Tx (I need to figure out how my town will show up on these posts)

If you draw a line between Houston and San Antonio, find the midpoint and drop down south about 50 miles that's were I am.

Thanks for all the responses.  I've heard this was a great site, this just proved it.

The reason I'm looking at a Standard is my daughters father-in-law has one that he quit riding about 3 years ago and is selling it for what I think is a good price.  And as I said I always were fasinated by these things. I test drove it about 6 months ago, first time on a Valkyrie,  and was really amazed and taken in by the ride.

He did a bunch of "personal customizing" that for me would need to be "re-customized" for my taste,he still has all the old stuff.

Plus he did a lot of Chrome plating when it was new and now is flaking/corroding that makes these parts look bad.  Something would need to be done there too. (hence the question about parts availability)

Although I'm excited about the bike the deal is still in the works.  One good thing my wife agrees we need a bigger bike and thinks this one will work too.

[Daniel Meyer]

12,000 is pretty much "new" for a valk

And I still buy new Honda parts from Honda for my bud's 81 goldwing.

Cosmetic stuff and body parts can get difficult, but engine parts/etc are still available some 28 years later.

[Rocketman]

Victoria, Tx (I need to figure out how my town will show up on these posts)

We have our Houston-area meetings in Katy and Pearland(?) periodically.  Maybe you will decide that's close enough to join us every once in a while.  Come on over to the Texas board, and pipe up there if you want some local help.  Our wrench parties are usually held in the Manvel area, and that's heading down your way.  You can come out and peek at all the other bikes we have, and that might help make your decision for you.  PM or email me if you want to get on the email list.
I have found that looking at other Valkyries, owned by a friend or at least a nuetral party, would have helped me decide which one to buy.

As for getting your town name to show up:
Go to "Profile" (near the bottom of the header section of the forum page, where you see "Home", "Help", etc.).
Then "Forum Profile Information"
Then input what you want in "Location"

[Tx Bohemian]

Victoria, Tx (I need to figure out how my town will show up on these posts)

We have our Houston-area meetings in Katy and Pearland(?) periodically.  Maybe you will decide that's close enough to join us every once in a while.  Come on over to the Texas board, and pipe up there if you want some local help.  Our wrench parties are usually held in the Manvel area, and that's heading down your way.  You can come out and peek at all the other bikes we have, and that might help make your decision for you.  PM or email me if you want to get on the email list.
I have found that looking at other Valkyries, owned by a friend or at least a nuetral party, would have helped me decide which one to buy.

As for getting your town name to show up:
Go to "Profile" (near the bottom of the header section of the forum page, where you see "Home", "Help", etc.).
Then "Forum Profile Information"
Then input what you want in "Location"

Thanks for the info, how do i get to the Texas board?

I have a bro-in-law in Katy.  He lives in a neighborhood called "The Lakes" I think, it's a new place (4-5yrs old) with 3-4 ski lakes on it.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/board,3.0.html