Bought a 99 Interstate.

[KyGearJammer]

I bought a 1999 Interstate. She starts/runs/drives like a scalded dog, but she sat in the back of a garage and the paint on her is rough. She also hit a deer/Harley running about 65MPH.

The whole thing looks good from ten feet away, but once you get up on it, you see some of the rash and old spots in the paint. I was just kinda looking for suggestions on what to do to spruce it up and get it back to where it was.
The previous owner bought it new, and put 72K on it. He gave me a box with the original final drive it it, so I have a reasonably optimistic suspicion that it’s good. What else do I need to check on this thing? I’m planning on taking a trip on it at the end of the month, so I’m going to change the fluids and roll with it.

I also need some new speakers for the rearend, I was given two sets of 4.5” 3 ohm resistance speakers, but they won’t work.
And yes, I know I need to change out the mismatched mirrors.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Steel cowboy]

Check the DOT date code on the tires.

[Foozle]

06-14

Good tires (per the previous post) and fresh fluids (which you've done) seem like the immediate issues re: safety and performance.  You can always deal with the cosmetics at some later point.  Since it runs well now, new plugs, air filter, etc. can probably also wait.

Assuming it also stops OK, you may wish to check the brake pads and and, if needed, clean the calipers.  The last Valk I purchased that had sat for a while had the front pistons gummed up - causing the pads to rub the rotors.  On front and rear calipers, you can replace the interior rubber o-rings easily and inexpensively.  You might also lube the push/pull throttle cables, if they seem sticky.

Lastly, if you're running the stock petcock, something else to consider in the future is to replace the "cover set" (part no. 16953-MBZ-B51) or, others would argue, ditch the OEM petcock entirely.  These engines tend be pretty bullet-proof, but can be damaged if hydro-locked. As far as I know, this is the Valk's only real Achilles' heel.

Congrats on a nice rescue.

Terry

[Tfrank59]

I never knew deer could run 65 miles per hour. What you should do is go to the shop talk page of this forum and see all the general maintenance procedures and go through them one by one probably starting with the fuel system because you say it sat for many moons. Also what has been suggested about replacing the tires right away is wise.  This will require you to construct or acquire  a lift adapter for the bike  and also to get into  wheel removal and reinstallation procedures  which is a big deal. The shop talk pages cover all of it. Congrats on your purchase of the best motorcycle ever built.

[old2soon]

       All the services and TIRES. It IS yer azz in the saddle-if those tires are dry rotted or weather checked or over 5 years old-REPLACE. Also notice it Still has a stock meep meep horn. I've benn known to fart louder then that stock horn on any given day.  Run a can of B-12 Chem Tool with a tank of fresh gasoline. Fresh battery a good idea if you ain't sure of the one in her all ready. Clean the main battery terminals and where the ground cable bolts up to the engine block. If she hasn't already been desmogged guessin the stock vacuum lines are dry and crumbly which would manifest as popping and farting from the exhaust on deceleration. And Welcome to our sand box and the insanity from The Missouri Ozarks!  RIDE SAFE.

[gordonv]

What's already been said.

Also in Shoptalk is Known Valkyrie problems. Read up on that and learn about what you might expect and how to fix it.

I think that beer is kind of old, so make sure you replace it.  

The biggest one I always recommend is to learn about hydro-lock, how to recognize it and what to do if you have it.

Test your petcock weekly. I do once a week when I go out for a ride, or every time out on a trip.

The other is the rear end maintenance as soon as possible. That and the yoke, too many people don't know how to do it right, and it can cost you if it wasn't done properly.

You can't see what the bike looks like while you're riding it, so enjoy. It's something you can do during the off season, or after all the other work is done.

Just that 1/2 can of B-12 in the clean fuel, highly recommended, also at the start of each years riding. My first fuel of choice is Chevron for the added Techron, but any gas will do. Others highly avoid all ethanol fuel.

One other thing. Replace those valve stems on the rims.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/myers-90%C2%B0-tubeless-chrome-valve-stem-p

Even though it runs well, that air filter is a good place to look at, to insure there are no mice nests in there. An empty tank is lighter, and a good time to test your petcock. A lite vacuum on the back of the petcock is all that is required, to open the valve.

Enjoy and safe riding.

(if you try to remove the rad cap, there is a screw locking it on)
mirrors are interchangeable and are the same from other Hondas too. Like the Shadow.

[BIG Bopper]

New tires is the cheapest form of insurance!

[txtriathlete]

When you get time you should bleed the brake and clutch lines. Its an easy and quick process that will enhance the feel if your levers are soft or spongy. Brake fluid (also used in the clutch) absorbs moisture over time so its a good idea to change it out periodically.

[Gnarly]

Nothing of substance to add, that hasn't been covered well here already....except Welcome! to a fellow KY rider!

And a hearty Amen! to TFrank59's last sentence, above.

[KyGearJammer]

I just wanted to give an update, pretty much everything checks out, ordered a couple of thrust washers and will be doing a full read end service just for piece of mind. Thanks everyone for the help so far!

[Hook#3287]

Is that really the same bike?

Great job, she's beautiful.

[gordonv]

Nice, very nice. Custom colour and pattern. I like the chrome painted.

How long have you been riding it now? How are the E4, front and back?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I just wanted to give an update, pretty much everything checks out, ordered a couple of thrust washers and will be doing a full read end service just for piece of mind. Thanks everyone for the help so far!

Very cool ! I really like the painted chrome garnish. I'm thinking some bag guards and trunk guards also painted black would really look good.

[Jess from VA]

Wow, a bright red Cherry Bomb interstate.   

[pancho]

I agree about the bag and trunk guards needing to be black, it's like you did an enormous amount of work and forgot the last 1 percent. Good work in one month, looking good.

[Pluggy]

Did the seller let you know if the bike has been modified in any way?  If there was anything changed in the electrical system,  examine that carefully.  DIY wiring mods can leave you stranded.  Not everyone has the ability to do that correctly.

[Valkorado]

Nice!   

[KyGearJammer]

Did the seller let you know if the bike has been modified in any way?  If there was anything changed in the electrical system,  examine that carefully.  DIY wiring mods can leave you stranded.  Not everyone has the ability to do that correctly.

It doesn’t even have a 12 volt outlet on it. That’s something I plan to tackle whenever I have time.

The only thing he did was change tires and put chrome on it. It seems like it runs rich at start up, but it’s smooth enough to start and rev with a nickel on the engine if that makes a difference. I took it out with my wife on it and it will pull the front wheel off the ground. Haven’t tested fuel mileage yet, but reset the trip odometer on this tank. The fellow gave me a chewed up final drive and told me to make sure to pack it full of grease when I took the tire off. I imagine it’s okay, but I won’t feel right until I make sure that thrust washer is in it.
I want to do the starter switch service and will probably see about installing a relay, but I’d like to make a trip before the wife and kids go back to school.

[gordonv]

I want to do the starter switch service and will probably see about installing a relay,

No reason. You have an IS, it already runs through a relay.  

I did buy a Smartswitch (?) from BonS (?, no longer makes them) for my IS. Wires the head lights directly to the battery via relays (there is also a how-to or post on how to do this). More power, brighter headlight. But I run a headlight modulator, and it wouldn't work with the Smartswitch.

[Jess from VA]

I seem to recall that Interstate lights/fairing has two relays.  I've never had the infamous starter switch problem on either of my Interstates.