Question for Super Valk owners ( Tail-light ) ....

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

If I buy the tail-light off a Standard and get the small wiring harness ( pigtail ) is this going to be a simple plug and play ? The Interstate has a plug for this wiring harness to plug in ?  If I need more parts would you please let me know ....Any tips and suggestions would also be appreciated...Thanks ...Smokin'joe

[mirion]

Joe, Here is a writeup I followed when I added the tailight. Not sure who the author was but it is accurate. You have to run a set of wires from the new tailight to a comvenient spot under the seat to splice into the existing wiring. There is a protective channel under the fender that you can tuck the wires into and then come out an opening that is already in the fender under the seat. This writeup also includes the steps to create a quick detachable trunk and at the same time you splice in the new tailight you can also add a "Trailer Plug" for the trunk wires. Just ignore the directions for the trunk demounting feature. Good luck.



INTERSTATE TRUNK MOD

 Step 1 – Removing the Trunk
1.   Remove the seat
2.   Remove the right side cover
3.   Undo the Antenna
4.   Undo rear speakers (if installed)
5.   If you have the CB, undo the left side CB cable, and the right side CB plug
6.   Undo Brake \ Running light plug, mark a spot where wires are under the seat area (for easy access to attach and detach), this is where the new trailer plug will go.
7.   Remove bolts inside trunk holding the trunk to the frame (6 bolts, have small round plastic covers over them)
8.   Carefully lift trunk, and place on soft blanket and cover (scratches easily)
9.   Remove trunk frame, 4 bolts, set aside (now you know why the “Quick Release” is worth it)
 
Step 2 – Tapping the rails
Doing one rail at a time is the preferred way as the other rail is left attached securing the fender.  If both are removed, support the fender by placing a block of wood between the fender and the tire.  2 people may be needed to reattach the fender.
Important – I recommend that you have a machine shop perform the cutting and tapping of the rails.  If you are uncomfortable doing this type of work, either take the part to a machine shop, or get help from someone familiar with these tools.
1.      Remove one rail
2.      Put on eye protection and gloves
3.      Locate both studs
4.      Place duct tape over the rail where cutting to help reduce scratching
5.      Using a cutting disc (Dremel moto tool with fiberglass cutting blades works well, an Air cutter works much better) cut the stud off next to the rail.  Be very careful about scratching.
6.      Repeat on the other stud.
7.      Mark the center where the old stud was
8.      Using a small, new, drill bit, drill a pilot hole (make sure to brace the rail so it will not move, use care not to scratch the rail), recommend you start smaller that 1/8”, depending on the power of the drill press
9.      Select the size bolt to tap for (Note: Finding metric chrome bolts is much harder than US sizes, use a similar US size ,if necessary, to get the right chrome bolts, verify they will fit through the trunk mount holes, lengths are 16 – 20 mm (length) front and 24 mm (length) rear, 2 each)
10.  Work you way up using successive drill bits to the size recommended for the tap you are using
11.  Repeat for the other mounting point (where the stud was)
12.  Tap the hole (if you do not know how to tap metal, get help, replacement rails are over $300 per set)
13.  Note: If the front hole does not hold a tap, drill out to a size larger than the bolt, and have a nut spot-welded on the inside of the trunk rail to thread the bolt into.
14.  Reinstall the rail on the bike
15.  Repeat for the other side
 
Step 3 – Brake, tail light, Turn signals, and Tag mount
Using the Std Valkyrie Tail light
1.      Remove the black plug on the rear fender
2.      Install the tail light
3.      Run the wires under the fender to exit where the seat rests
4.      Wire according to Step 4 Wiring Instructions.
 

Step 4 – Wiring Instructions
Wiring the Std Tail light
Cover the running, ground, and brake light from the new Tail light with protective shrink-wrap, run underneath the fender to come out under the seat, run wire out hole
Connecting the under seat wires
1.      Cut the brake, running light wire at the place you marked in step one (be careful to leave yourself room to attach and reattach the wires)
2.      Reconnect the connection end underneath the right side cover
3.      Connect the brake light (and running light and ground on the Std Valkyrie tail light) and the brake, running, and ground wires from the right side connector (in 2 above) to the 4 prong trailer Quick Connect, and solder (the bare prong should have no connection, or a ground only connection, otherwise it will short out)
4.      Connect the other Trailer Quick Connect to the trunk side brake, running, and ground wires, make sure the wires line up properly with the other side of the trailer Quick Connect, solder
5.      Test all lights
Step 5 – Reattaching the trunk
1.      Carefully position the trunk (avoid scratching), a towel, soft cloth, or sponge between the trunk and fender makes this an easy one person job.
2.      Place bolts through the trunk rail into the tapped rail and secure
3.      Run wires to the respective connections, and connect
4.      Connect the trailer Quick Connect
5.      Replace seat

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Very much appreciated mirion  

Thought has crossed my mind several times to sell my Interstate but the more I ride it the sweeter she get's .  I'm going to Super Valk it try that for awhile I already have the bracket mods on my yellow bike to remove the truck on it ...Again ...Thank You for the response  

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Hey Joe a friend of mine said he met you at the dragon about a week ago. His name was Dewayne and he was there but riding in an auto. He has the same color I/S you have back here in Texas.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Hey Joe a friend of mine said he met you at the dragon about a week ago. His name was Dewayne and he was there but riding in an auto. He has the same color I/S you have back here in Texas.

Yes I remember him we had a good talk about Valk's....Nice guy I told him to get on the VRCC and make some of the rides. I've met folks I'll call friends the rest of my days thanks to this site and the Valkyrie.

[Willow]

Very much appreciated mirion  

Thought has crossed my mind several times to sell my Interstate but the more I ride it the sweeter she get's .  I'm going to Super Valk it try that for awhile I already have the bracket mods on my yellow bike to remove the truck on it ...Again ...Thank You for the response  

Joe, I was so hoping you wouldn't Super Valk that bike.  I guess my chances are slipping away now. 

If you were to cut that windscreen down to a reasonable height you'd undoubtedly love it too much to ever sell.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Very much appreciated mirion  

Thought has crossed my mind several times to sell my Interstate but the more I ride it the sweeter she get's .  I'm going to Super Valk it try that for awhile I already have the bracket mods on my yellow bike to remove the truck on it ...Again ...Thank You for the response  

NOooooooooooo ! Don't be messin with my bike Joe.  I may have the greens for it somedxay. 

[mirion]

Yeah, I know it seems kind of greedy but having two Valks is really great, different moods, different bikes, the Super is great for long rides and the Standard for the Poker Runs. (plus I'm single and Valks are my only vice  )

Brockway Mountain-Copper Harbor, Michigan

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Very much appreciated mirion  

Thought has crossed my mind several times to sell my Interstate but the more I ride it the sweeter she get's .  I'm going to Super Valk it try that for awhile I already have the bracket mods on my yellow bike to remove the truck on it ...Again ...Thank You for the response  

Joe, I was so hoping you wouldn't Super Valk that bike.  I guess my chances are slipping away now. 

If you were to cut that windscreen down to a reasonable height you'd undoubtedly love it too much to ever sell.

Lucky 13 has his cut much like the one was on your Interstate Carl.He's good about helping me out I've already thought about that 
I've got too much in that bike and did'nt figure I'd get what I need out of it however I would sell it for $10,000 I've got around $10,500 in it with all the Hondaline accessories on it that was bought after Honda  stop making them so it goes without saying I paid too much for the bling.

[Willow]

I've got too much in that bike and did'nt figure I'd get what I need out of it however I would sell it for $10,000 I've got around $10,500 in it with all the Hondaline accessories on it that was bought after Honda  stop making them so it goes without saying I paid too much for the bling.

Joe, when the time comes for me to buy another Interstate (hopefully this Spring) if you've still got that one, I'd probably give you your asking price just because I know where it's been and how it's been cared for.

She's one fine piece of machinery.

[BamaDrifter64]

Very much appreciated mirion  

Thought has crossed my mind several times to sell my Interstate but the more I ride it the sweeter she get's .  I'm going to Super Valk it try that for awhile I already have the bracket mods on my yellow bike to remove the truck on it ...Again ...Thank You for the response  

Joe, I was so hoping you wouldn't Super Valk that bike.  I guess my chances are slipping away now. 

If you were to cut that windscreen down to a reasonable height you'd undoubtedly love it too much to ever sell.

Willow....how tall is your windshield in the middle in this picture?  I've got an old OEM shield that I'm going to do that to and then tint.  Thanks!

Dave

[Willow]

Willow....how tall is your windshield in the middle in this picture?  I've got an old OEM shield that I'm going to do that to and then tint.  Thanks!

I believe at that time it was eight inches above the garnish.  What works will depend not only on how tall you are, but how you sit in the saddle.

I used a very flexible antenna to define the arc and I actually cut it several times.  (Truthfully, I cut it once.  Mama cut it several times.  She has a very steady hand.)  It's easy to cut more off, but most difficult to put it back on.

Use plenty of blue masking tape and a good sharp metal cutting jigsaw blade.  Cut and ride; cut and ride.  After you're done you can use a fine file and/or sandpaper to bevel the edge.   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Very much appreciated mirion  

Thought has crossed my mind several times to sell my Interstate but the more I ride it the sweeter she get's .  I'm going to Super Valk it try that for awhile I already have the bracket mods on my yellow bike to remove the truck on it ...Again ...Thank You for the response  

Joe, I was so hoping you wouldn't Super Valk that bike.  I guess my chances are slipping away now. 

If you were to cut that windscreen down to a reasonable height you'd undoubtedly love it too much to ever sell.

Willow....how tall is your windshield in the middle in this picture?  I've got an old OEM shield that I'm going to do that to and then tint.  Thanks!

Dave

Tint will not stay on....I took mine to one of the best in my area and he told me ....Don't waste the money it won't stick.

[Dave Weaver]

Joe,
After you take that trunk off, send it north and this Yankee will store it for you until you need to put it back on.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe,
After you take that trunk off, send it north and this Yankee will store it for you until you need to put it back on.

Thats why I like you Dave ...Always willing to help a brother out 

[Hook#3287]

Talk about resurrecting an old post.

Joe, I see you cut the screen down, but did you do the "Super Valk" work?

If you didn't , was there there a negative that stopped you?