My "possible" first Valkyrie.

[jnicks01]

Hey Guys/Gals,

I'm looking at a Valkyrie.  It will be my first one.  I've got an older BMW but now looking for a bit more power and better long distance tour bike.

I know "value" is what someone is willing to sell for and someone is willing to pay. 

I have a chance at a 2003 with about 11K miles.  It seems to be extremely clean with very few issues.  From the photos and what he is saying.  Seems like a pretty straight shooter.  I'm going this weekend to look at it closer and take it out for a spin.  I can't imagine that is could be destroyed with so little miles.  Assuming the PO took decent care of it, which it appears.

He is asking about 5K.  I'm obviously going to try and get a little back, but is that an unreasonable amount he is asking to start???  Comps say its somewhat market.

If it is a quality bike and he won't budge much, would I be crazy to pay that or close to that?  It's about what my window of purchase is.

Thanks!!

[Bagger John - #3785]

Original tires?

If not, have the driveshaft splines been lubed upon tire replacement? Has the bike seen much wet-weather riding?

How about the rest of the service items? It's about 1k miles early for an air filter change, valve adjustment and carb sync - but the bike's various fluids should have been changed at least a couple of times by now.

Look at the inside of the tank with a flashlight...any rust?

Accessories included or modifications done?

ETA: In 2008 I gave $8500 for an '03 with a fair amount of accessories, new tires and roughly the same mileage on it as the one you're looking at. I'd easily give $4-5k for another '03 were I in the market for a Standard (which some day I will be).

[Jess from VA]

They can be had cheaper, but that's not terrible for a low mile (very good shape) 2003.

The number one thing I'd be looking at on an old(er) low mile Valk would be the (6) carbs and ethanol (corn polluted) gas.  Low miles mean it has sat.  The number of Valks that have sat and have to have had the carbs gone through is high.  And that is a pretty big complex job, at least for a shade tree mechanic like me.  And if you can't do it, it's tough to find someone who knows how to do it, even at a Honda dealer (where the techs are younger than the bike).  Have him show you how to engage the choke (enrichner) on startup (there's a trick to it).  On test ride, go slow and fast looking for smoothness at all RPMs.  

The other thing to consider is accessories, like better seats, taller risers, extra chrome, racks, fuse blocks, GPS mounts and plugins, yada.  It can be a better buy to get a higher mileage Valk (and a well maintained 80K is no big deal at all), that has all the stuff you might like already on it, than to have to chase all that stuff down after you buy a basic low mile bike (much of which is now discontinued).  

Do you know how to read tire manufacture dates?  Old tires are not vintage in a good way.


Also, stick your location (city - state) in your signature avatar.  There might be a member close-by who would go with you to look at it (if you buy him lunch or something).



  

[hubcapsc]

You can get them cheaper, but a pristine Standard would be a great way to start.
You'd need to check all those issues the others mentioned. Maybe there's even
some hard-to-get extras on it. I spent a bunch on my bike when I got it because
the crash guards had been scuffed up, the shocks were rusty, there were a bunch
of rusty chrome bits... maybe the one you're looking at has none of that...

-Mike

[Glaserbeam]

That's a great price for the final year & low miles.  The most important check is regarding carbs - start the bike when it's cold, listen for even firing pulses, and every 30 seconds lightly touch all 6 header pipes - they should all warm up equally - indicates that the low-speed jets aren't clogged.

[Willow]

They can be had cheaper, ...

You can get them cheaper, ...

It's what I paid for a nice Standard with 11K miles in 2004.

It's a little much.  Low mileage has the advantage not much used parts but also the disadvantage of a good amount of sitting time and likely not the best of care.  A bike of that age should have at least 50-60K on it.

[da prez]

Post your location. There is a member near you that will take a look with you. Ask the seller I he is a member of the vrcc. A bike is worth what you are willing to pay. I doubt if you will be unhappy once you ride a Valk.
         da prez

[jnicks01]

Thanks for all the advice so far from all of you.  I get that sitting isn't ideal, as I've dealt with replacing lots of rubber bits and cleaned way too many carbs because of it.  I do have a decent amount of wrenching abilities, so most of that doesn't scare me too much.  
As for accessories, i'm not a huge fan.  I like more simple/streamlined bikes so tons of added chrome and novelties aren't so important.  As some said, I like more of a clean slate.  
Not sure if the PO is going to let me pull the rear end off to check splines so some of that stuff will just have to be chanced.  
Overall, unless there are obvious signs of neglect or issues during test startup/drive, I think some of you may have convinced me to take a chance on losing my Valkyrie virginity.  

At the end of the day, my happiness is worth the small investment and wrenching.  I need to fill the winter hours with some hands on work anyways.

[mello dude]

When I'm looking for a bike, I always look for the cleanest and lowest mile example I can find.
For me, whether a bike has 10k miles or 60k miles, I know I will still tear the thing apart and wrench it up to my satisfaction..... That said, if the Valk you are looking fits my low mile and clean description..
make a deal!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks for all the advice so far from all of you.  I get that sitting isn't ideal, as I've dealt with replacing lots of rubber bits and cleaned way too many carbs because of it.  I do have a decent amount of wrenching abilities, so most of that doesn't scare me too much.  
As for accessories, i'm not a huge fan.  I like more simple/streamlined bikes so tons of added chrome and novelties aren't so important.  As some said, I like more of a clean slate.  
Not sure if the PO is going to let me pull the rear end off to check splines so some of that stuff will just have to be chanced.  
Overall, unless there are obvious signs of neglect or issues during test startup/drive, I think some of you may have convinced me to take a chance on losing my Valkyrie virginity.  

At the end of the day, my happiness is worth the small investment and wrenching.  I need to fill the winter hours with some hands on work anyways.

I think it's unlikely the rear splines would be messed up with only 11k on the bike. But it's certainly possible. If you are not interested in extra aftermarket accessories, I think you can do much better than that price. But, what really matters is, what's it worth to you ?

[gordonv]

Welcome.

And read this, from Shoptalk.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/Known%20Valkyrie%20Problems.htm

You want the Proper rear service, and to know about hydro lock. Newer tires as mentioned.

I wont say anything about the price. Not sure of which model you're looking at, Std or Tourer, but I'm partial to the extra room and goodies on an IS.

Look at some of these (page seven, recent posts).
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,103795.240.html

Personally I would buy a higher mileage bike for less money, not wanting something sitting too long for the age of the vehicle.

[jnicks01]

now I have re-evaluated my thinking in that maybe a little cheaper with a few more miles is more ideal.  Still going to check out the original one, but looking at a few more with a tad bit more mileage.  Figure any money saved can go to repairs, if needed.  Not trying to be an oil tread....

I'll report back on what move I end up making!!

[Gryphon Rider]

Sometimes paying a premium for the right vehicle at the right time is worth it.  Is it worth it to pay an extra $500 for the "right" Valk when you don't know if another "right" one will be available in the next month or two or five?  Maybe that $500 is worth it to be riding it now.

[Jess from VA]

My first one, I drove up 3 1/2 hours to ride it home.

My second one, I got on the Amtrak train with a bag of riding gear up the east coast to the strange state of Massatwoshitts and got picked up by the owner and stayed over at his house and rode home the next day.  He was a friend, and it was a great bike with no surprises.  I did have to ask him take the two bottles of nitrous oxide and wet shot plumbing for it off since that is illegal in VA.

Take your time and be patient, you can get a good one.  At least widen your search to whatever distance you are willing to travel.  Cars, and trains and buses and even planes (with a bag of gear) works.

We have also had requests for our members, local to the sale, to go and look it over for a prospective buyer work. 

[jnicks01]

Oh, i've been patient and looking at many options for quite a while now.  Doing homework and reading up in the awesome forum.  I even created a point system matrix for each one to help me determine which is best for the $$$..  +1 point for this good thing.  (-2) for that issue, etc..

 I just happened to find 3 within my 500 mile radius that look beautiful.  One happens to be cheaper, but I would pay more if the choice ends up being the best one.  I'm a long term kind of guy.  Well maybe not with girlfriends...

[CoreyP]

I'm going to pick this up tomorrow for $3,600. 32K on it. Tires are ok and the battery is ok everything else seems to be working right. This has glass packs and custom painted tank along with some extra stuff.

I'm new to the board so you might be hearing from me as I take this guy apart and make sure everything is lubed, adjusted and checked.

This site is very old and I can't remember how to post a pic so until I do ...

Maybe this will work?

Oops looks like link also will open my account.

[Jess from VA]

 CoreyP I think you chose wisely.

[mello dude]

Super nice bike!   Curious, what are the mirrors on it?

[hubcapsc]

CoreyP I think you chose wisely.

Yeah, that looks like a well cared for, nicely set-up Valkyrie... CoreyP - do you live
in South Carolina?

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm going to pick this up tomorrow for $3,600. 32K on it. Tires are ok and the battery is ok everything else seems to be working right. This has glass packs and custom painted tank along with some extra stuff.

I'm new to the board so you might be hearing from me as I take this guy apart and make sure everything is lubed, adjusted and checked.

This site is very old and I can't remember how to post a pic so until I do ...

Maybe this will work? https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/857496857929713/?surface=product_details

very nice. I don't think I've seen those carb toppers before.

[Valkpilot]

now I have re-evaluated my thinking in that maybe a little cheaper with a few more miles is more ideal.  Still going to check out the original one, but looking at a few more with a tad bit more mileage.  Figure any money saved can go to repairs, if needed.  Not trying to be an oil tread....

I'll report back on what move I end up making!!

Consider this one: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,108330.0.html

 

[The emperor has no clothes]

now I have re-evaluated my thinking in that maybe a little cheaper with a few more miles is more ideal.  Still going to check out the original one, but looking at a few more with a tad bit more mileage.  Figure any money saved can go to repairs, if needed.  Not trying to be an oil tread....

I'll report back on what move I end up making!!

Consider this one: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,108330.0.html

 

From reading Valkpilots posts over the years, you can be guaranteed that bike has been well maintained and taken care of 

[sandy]

Super nice bike!   Curious, what are the mirrors on it?

The mirrors are off a VTX; factory stock.

[CoreyP]

CoreyP I think you chose wisely.

Yeah, that looks like a well cared for, nicely set-up Valkyrie... CoreyP - do you live
in South Carolina?

-Mike

Yes I live in Bluffton SC.

Bought the bike and it had a 2 boxes of goodies. Full set of brake pads, full set of exhaust gaskets, old jets(this guy has been re-jetted for the exhaust), has all the right options, lots of extra chrome. As I thought old man who put this bike together knew what he was doing, son who ended up with the bike didn't know what he had.  Put 120 Miles on it today with some parking lot figure 8's etc. My problems are a clutch lever that is too easy compared to my usually ride and the shifting level is hard to get at with my boots on. I ride a forward control bike so the feet under me thing is off to me even thought I rode bikes with mid controls for decades. LOL.  Full, I mean full documentation, old guy had a 3 ring binder with everything he ever did to the bike. 

I think I got this bike at a steal and the guy who sold it to me said he was glad someone who knew bikes like his dad was going to buy it. Basically the seller just wants the bike to be back on the road. I'll do that for sure.

[CoreyP]

Super nice bike!   Curious, what are the mirrors on it?

The mirrors are off a VTX; factory stock.

Thanks I have no idea where some of this stuff came from, I do have receipts but they have part numbers not what exactly things are. Don't really care, I'm liking the look that someone else did.

[mello dude]

Super nice bike!   Curious, what are the mirrors on it?

The mirrors are off a VTX; factory stock.

Thanks I have no idea where some of this stuff came from, I do have receipts but they have part numbers not what exactly things are. Don't really care, I'm liking the look that someone else did.

Kinda silly details, the Valkyrie design is full of rounded curves everywhere, so I've always thought the rectangular mirrors look out of place.

[Jess from VA]

The shift lever can be rotated a notch up or down on the spline to better fit your boot.  You may want to scratch a small benchmark across the spline end and shifter to show where it started.

I spent most of my life on mid-control bikes.  Necessary on the Valk because of the valve covers, and why the Hwy pegs are extra nice... once you're in the gear you need. 

Those mirrors may be VTX, but they also look like my (same teardrop) Yamaha mirrors (and aftermarkets of the same design are available, like Emgo).   Because the stems are a bit short, mine have the stems rotated nearly straight up, sort of crooked looking, but it moves the mirrors up closer to my line of sight.

https://www.denniskirk.com/emgo/lill-cruiser-mirror-20-86835.p391945.prd/391945.sku?utm_source=google&utm_medium=csecid=203602477&aid=47293617829&keyword=%7Bpla%7D&kid=293946777986&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzcO3ncn15AIVw8DACh2jEwxjEAQYAyABEgJmx_D_BwE

[MarkT]

Pretty sure those are my pipes.  Early build from 2004 and installed here.  Owner at that time lived in Nebraska.

[Ramie]

Welcome to Valk mania Corey.  Nice looking bike.

[CoreyP]

Pretty sure those are my pipes.  Early build from 2004 and installed here.  Owner at that time lived in Nebraska.

Damn. He was from Nebraska.

Are you HorseApple Ranch in CO? His name was Don Rice looks like he ordered them 8/14/2003.

[MarkT]

Pretty sure those are my pipes.  Early build from 2004 and installed here.  Owner at that time lived in Nebraska.

Damn. He was from Nebraska.

Are you HorseApple Ranch in CO? His name was Don Rice looks like he ordered them 8/14/2003.

Yep.  That's the invoice I found.  There's a clue I spotted in the photos indicating an early build.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Pretty sure those carb toppers were from "Pops" (in Canada), and I'm also pretty sure I've seen that bike in the Just Pics area of the site.

[h13man]

I'm going to pick this up tomorrow for $3,600. 32K on it. Tires are ok and the battery is ok everything else seems to be working right. This has glass packs and custom painted tank along with some extra stuff.

I'm new to the board so you might be hearing from me as I take this guy apart and make sure everything is lubed, adjusted and checked.

This site is very old and I can't remember how to post a pic so until I do ...

Maybe this will work?

Oops looks like link also will open my account.

I see you found the Fat Lady club CoreyP! Welcome.

[Medina]

Hey Guys/Gals,

I'm looking at a Valkyrie.  

HAHAHAHAHA, you're fecked!!

I got mine for a deal, super early season, needed things...several thousand miles later, i have bought and sold three bikes...its still in the garage. There is NOTHING like a Valk. period, just get it...if its super clean, go for it. I didn't read the rest of the threads, cause........i know..you're fecked... Jeez, someone tell him about the penny test!!! Tell him stories about the "uh..is that a car engine" or my favorite, "Hey! nice Harrrrr...wait, what is that", no, no..maybe my favorite when someone says something derogatory, like 'oh thats too wide to handle'...I look at their bike, smile and say "oh, how quaint, TWO cylinders"!! 
 or going to a parts store to buy an alternator for it.
Do it. Just do it.
Welcome to The Club.

[jnicks01]

Officially checking out out tomorrow....

I bet I know the outcome!

[jnicks01]

Well I put my toe in the water...and fell right in.  I'm am now the proud father of a 2000. 

Took off a few bits so I can do some cleaning and maintenance, but here she is.  I've been a BMW guy (and still will be), but look forward to my Valkyrie too and getting to know her.

I look forward to all your input on any questions I have during this new journey!!!

[hubcapsc]

Is this before cleaning, or after?



-Mike "because it sure is clean"

[-mike-]

Well I put my toe in the water...and fell right in.  I'm am now the proud father of a 2000. 

Took off a few bits so I can do some cleaning and maintenance, but here she is.  I've been a BMW guy (and still will be), but look forward to my Valkyrie too and getting to know her.

I look forward to all your input on any questions I have during this new journey!!!

Congrats!

The Valk is the better BMW anyway - that coming from a guy who has worked for BMW at FIZ in Munich

[jnicks01]

Well I put my toe in the water...and fell right in.  I'm am now the proud father of a 2000. 

Took off a few bits so I can do some cleaning and maintenance, but here she is.  I've been a BMW guy (and still will be), but look forward to my Valkyrie too and getting to know her.

I look forward to all your input on any questions I have during this new journey!!!

Congrats!

The Valk is the better BMW anyway - that coming from a guy who has worked for BMW at FIZ in Munich

Hey now.  Those old airheads are pretty sweet.  Plus it's my first bike ever, so i'm somewhat biased.

 

[..]

Well I put my toe in the water...and fell right in.  I'm am now the proud father of a 2000. 

Took off a few bits so I can do some cleaning and maintenance, but here she is.  I've been a BMW guy (and still will be), but look forward to my Valkyrie too and getting to know her.

I look forward to all your input on any questions I have during this new journey!!!

Congrats!

The Valk is the better BMW anyway - that coming from a guy who has worked for BMW at FIZ in Munich

Hey now.  Those old airheads are pretty sweet.  Plus it's my first bike ever, so i'm somewhat biased.

 

Nice Beemer.