Glitches

[Muppit]

Hi guys,
        just a query being a new to the Valk rider. Are there any glitches to look out for? I have a 98 Standard. On my old GL1200 I had things like the wires to the stator etc. to sort out. Just want to tackle any problems that might crop up so I can concentrate on maintenance and riding the old girl!

[Fazer]

Not many.  Stock petcock failing with potential hydrolock is float needle on carb is stuck open and normal rear end maintenance at 10,000 mile or tire change interval.  There are always little odds and ends, but spending time on these boards will quickly gain you knowledge.  Lots of riders change seats, shocks, jets, exhaust, trigger wheels I guess, but the Valk will run great and for a long time with very little to go wrong.  At least that is my experience as a Valk owner of one whole year. 

I'm sure others will respond with opinions and suggestions.

[Fazer]

I think there is a list of "Known Valk Problems" in the Shoptalk section.

Should have also mentioned the start button.    Lots of guys, me included, have installed the BonS smart switch that diverts starting power from going thru the headlight and start button--not sure how it works, but Bon is a smart guy and if you visit his site, you can read how it works.  Search for Smart Switch.

Only other issue is weak fuel mileage, but then the trade off is everything else.

[Valkorado]

Not really glitches, Honda engineers pretty much did it right.  Search will give you more information on the below mentioned.
-starter solenoid fries out sometimes.  Not a bad idea to carry a spare.
-Fuse block a good idea too, esp if using extra accessories like heated gear.
-start button also can fry, Smart Switch would likely help there too.
-kickstand bolt and or springs have been reported bent or lost, usually due to curb hopping esp. w trailer.  Suggest spare or at least small bungee on road trip.
-maybe consider desmog to prevent potential for future vac leaks.
-maybe consider Dan-Marc electric fuel shutoff to help prevent potential for hydrolock.  
-As I have a Dan-Marc istalled, I recently rebuilt my petcock to make it manual flow (took the guts out).  No more spring friction, less wear and tear (literally) on the diaphrams.  Don't do this unless you have an electric fuel shutoff!
-Do spline maintenance every 10k.
-Maybe consider belts, tensioners if high mileage.

Others will chime in, but those are the only things I can think of offhand.  These bikes are solid.  Like any bike, basic maintenance items will come up from time to time -- fork seals, u-joint, bearings, maybe worn splines if improperly maintained or lots of miles, etc.

[gordonv]

ShopTalk Known problems.

I would only worry about the 10K maintenance on your rear drive. Do it yourself.

Also, each week I verify that my petcock is working, by turning it off while running down the Hwy till it runs out of fuel. If it doesn't, check the valve again that it is in the right place, and try again. If the fuel doesn't cut out, then there is a possibility of Hydro Lock. Look it up. It is not something you would want to happen.

The rest of the issues can be researched and learned about, and worried about when they become an issue (fix it when it breaks).

[Muppit]

Thanks for the heads up lads.  Belts were done first thing. Already looking at smart switch. Now thinking about petcock. Didn't buy the bike on it's fuel economy, so that's not an issue. Loving the beast so far. Looking forward to putting a few more miles on the clock. Still can't wipe the smile off my face every time I ride her! Thanks again.