Wrenchers in DFW?

[lricker]

Shy of a dinner meet-up this month to ask at,  I'll throw this out here, is there anyone in DFW that likes to wrench, teach, and make a little $$?

Due to recent "relationship status change", I find myself without a garage to work in.  I'm not afraid to try, but under the pecan trees isn't a good place for trial and error.

I have a '99 I/S, that needs front fork seals done.  I'd love to work with someone to learn how (I also have a '98 Standard project bike that I'll need to do as well).  Someone that can talk me through what to order ahead of time, and not only knows how to do it, but isn't afraid to have me around to help/learn.
At the same time I'd like to change the tire since its off (I'll also change brake pads).

This is just the beginning of a few projects I'd like to tackle.
I'm willing to pay in cash, beer, pizza, whatever.
Anyone?
Cheers,
Lon

[RainMaker]

Sounds like a plan.  Disco Dave can tell you what you need for the seals.

[Disco]

Here's a tutorial by our adopted Texan in Norway.

http://valkyrienorway.com/forksprings.html

He shows how to do it without completely removing the forks.  I think most of us go ahead and remove them.

If you don't have a service manual, click the link to download a copy.  http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

The important parts to purchase are 2 each of the bushing guides, bushing sliders, and oil and dust seals (sold as a kit).  You'll also need approximately 50 ounces of Pro Honda Suspension Fluid SS-8 fork oil.

51414-MT7-003 Bushing Guides
51415-MCH-003 Bushing Sliders
51490-MWO-003 Seal Kits

Your local dealer will usually match online pricing.  The brown truck will also be happy to deliver.  Partzilla has good prices.

I still have a pair of forks to reassemble.  I also have the special tools.  Maybe we can conjure up the LuckyOne to reign over another wrench party before it gets hot.

[lricker]

Thanks for the parts list!  I have shop manual and even Clymers and I think an online version.   You're tempting me to finally buy a lift, make the valk adapter and get them pulled.
Would love to get them rebuilt in the next couple weeks before heading to the gulf coast sometime at the end of the month.

Who is this "LuckyOne" you speak of, and what does it take to lure him/her out of hiding? Beer?  Pizza? Frozen Custard?

[Houdini]

I have 38 oz of Pro Honda SS 10W fork oil I will donate to anyone needing to rebuild forks, I don't foresee using this oil any time soon.

I also have a fork tool if needed.

[lricker]

Now is where my novice fork fixer confusion comes in - is there a difference between the ss-8 and ss10 (obviously there's a difference but does it matter)?

Also, given that I don't really know the history of this bike (37,000 miles), which seems to be ridden hard, do I order new springs, or wait and somehow measure them?

Thanks guys!
Lon

[Valkpilot]

Now is where my novice fork fixer confusion comes in - is there a difference between the ss-8 and ss10 (obviously there's a difference but does it matter)?

Also, given that I don't really know the history of this bike (37,000 miles), which seems to be ridden hard, do I order new springs, or wait and somehow measure them?

Thanks guys!
Lon

It's a good time to upgrade to Progressive fork springs.  https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1465/fork-spring-kit


If I recall, Progressive recommends a different weight oil. https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/5973/fork-oil

[Houdini]

is there a difference between the ss-8 and ss10 (obviously there's a difference but does it matter)?

8W is a lighter oil than 10W, the difference is so slight you may not be able to tell the difference.

do I order new springs?

Definitely upgrade to Progressive springs, that will be a noticeable difference.

[lricker]

Thanks for the recommendation, and the link!  For $97 it seems the right thing to do.
Thinking to go with the Heavy oil, over the Standard, again, since I'm doing it?

Do I need the busing guides and sliders that Disco gave me part numbers for, or are they part of the Progressive shock "kit"?

Really appreciate all the help.
My plan now is to pull the forks off the bike, and hope I can find someone with the tools/know-how to help me rebuild them?
Cheers,
Lon

[Houdini]

The springs come by themselves, you should change all of the parts that Disco listed, do it once, do it right.

[lricker]

Thanks.  Totally agree that while in there, I'll do it all.  But the Progressive site calls it a "fork spring kit" and pictures show other parts?
https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1465/fork-spring-kit

I guess I'll ask when I call to order the parts.
Lon

[Houdini]

Those are preload springs and washers, I have never seen those on a Valkyrie; but I am far from a Fork expert.  FYI, none of the parts pictured are the wear parts that Dave mentioned you should replace. 

I would order the Honda wear parts and just the springs from Progressive.

[Valkpilot]

Thanks for the recommendation, and the link!  For $97 it seems the right thing to do.
Thinking to go with the Heavy oil, over the Standard, again, since I'm doing it?

Do I need the busing guides and sliders that Disco gave me part numbers for, or are they part of the Progressive shock "kit"?

Really appreciate all the help.
My plan now is to pull the forks off the bike, and hope I can find someone with the tools/know-how to help me rebuild them?
Cheers,
Lon

I used BelRay 15W fork oil in mine.  Still have a quart if you need it.

Note:  I prefer the suspension to be a little stiff.  Soft doesn't do it for me in the curves -- can't feel what's happening at the interface of road and tire.


Some more on fork oil: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,74950.0.html

[Valkpilot]

Thanks.  Totally agree that while in there, I'll do it all.  But the Progressive site calls it a "fork spring kit" and pictures show other parts?
https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1465/fork-spring-kit

I guess I'll ask when I call to order the parts.
Lon

Those pictures aren't specific to the Valkyrie.  All that came in the box for me was the springs.

[lricker]

Thanks for the heads up.  I really need to get everything ordered.
I've read (probably on FB forum) about the Shinko front tire (I run a CT in the back).  Frankly, my days of heavy peg scraping in the hill country, while pulling a trailer, are behind me, so I'm looking for mileage first, and then performance.
Anyone with experience, especially on an I/S?
Thanks,
Lon
PS - yes, I realized I'm building up quite bar tab with all my questions.

[RainMaker]

Thanks for the heads up.  I really need to get everything ordered.
I've read (probably on FB forum) about the Shinko front tire (I run a CT in the back).  Frankly, my days of heavy peg scraping in the hill country, while pulling a trailer, are behind me, so I'm looking for mileage first, and then performance.
Anyone with experience, especially on an I/S?
Thanks,
Lon
PS - yes, I realized I'm building up quite bar tab with all my questions.

Running a shinko on front of my I/S now.  No problems.

[lricker]

Thanks everyone!  All parts have been ordered, including a Shinko from Cycle Gear, where I'll take the wheel once I pull it.  I even picked up a lift with the intention of making the adapter this weekend and begin to pull the wheel (I've cleared some space in my 'storage shed').

I know I'll need to pay attention to details when reinstalling everything (like torque, etc), but are there any tricks I should know about to pull everything?

Also, anyone game to "teach me" how to rebuild forks this week anytime?

Thanks for all the encouragement already.
Lon

[Disco]

If you don't have a hard copy of the service manual, refer to my first post and download a copy.  Disassembly, reassembly, and torque values are all in there. 

I consulted with the LuckyOne and the best we can do schedule-wise for a fork rebuild party is Saturday 13 April, near Denton.  If you can hold out that long, our go-to guy and the Chapter's special tool will be on hand.

[lricker]

Cleaned the shed, bought a lift and made the adapter and 'loaded' the bike last night.  Pulled out the Clymer and Honda manuals last night as well, and realized I have a CD with it too!

Thanks for checking with the LuckyOne.  Unfortunately, I'm hoping to have it back together for a ride to see a friend that will be in Beaumont in the next couple weeks.  Planning to pull everything off today, and the rest of the parts should be in tomorrow (also waiting on call from Cycle Gear, to take the wheel for a new tire).

Anyone else in the DFW area with the expertise/time that I could show up with forks and parts and 'learn from' (pay, bribe, etc)?  Hopefully sometime in the next week?  Or, perhaps I don't learn this time, but rather pay someone to do them (trying to avoid the shop)?

Thanks,
Lon

[Disco]

It may be a moot point, but I must cancel anything local the weekend of 12-14 April.  That's MotoGP weekend at COTA in Austin.

[lricker]

So you probably want to work on my forks sometime this week, instead.  LOL

My sister's boss invited me to the MotoGP as well.  Not sure I'll be able to make it, but sure would like to.  Definitely understand you not scheduling anything else.
Lon