My SIL and I went to look at an I/S today.

[John Schmidt]

Was on Craigslist originally for $4k, then dropped to $3500. We drove an hour south of Green Bay to look at it, seemed pretty much as described. Had 151k on the clock but ran good, the miles didn't bother Andy(SIL). It needs some attention for sure, he took it for a good ride and was generally pleased with the results. We(I) will be spending some time on it, "teaching" how to do various things like servicing the rear end in particular. Andy asked me if he should pay the full $3500, I told him to make a $3k offer. He did and the guy took it. He could hardly contain himself, so after the paperwork he headed off for home via backroads with me in hot pursuit. About 50 miles later he pulled in the driveway, turned and looked at me with a big silly grin on his face. He had just sold an old '83 Wing which I had worked on and cleaned up for him, had asked $1900 and got $1650. That went towards buying the I/S, his first Valkyrie. He had wanted one ever since he rode mine a number of times, his comment after the first ride on mine; "that sure isn't a Harley." We'll go through it from front to back, this winter he plans to have it repainted from the black/red OEM colors to solid black. I helped him make up a list of things needing attention and helped prioritize them. The PO broke the tabs on the center cover and side covers so we'll be watching for a set of good used ones. All in all, he got a pretty good deal considering how it drives/rides. As for Andy....he's like a kid with a new toy. He told me he's actually looking forward to spending time with me working on it, kinda makes the old man feel kinda good. We don't plan to tear it all down at once cuz he wants to ride it and take my daughter Toni...who has already asked how soon that will happen. The front tire needs replacing badly so will probably be first on the menu. Needs shocks real bad so that will be next before any rides. From there on, each area addressed will be a weekend project, allowing Andy and Toni to use it in between projects. Gonna be kind fun I think....a lot of work, but fun nonetheless.  

When I left this evening his parting comment was; "now you and I can take rides together, I've been wanting to do that for years."  Me....I can't wait.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

  that's great John. Wisconsin is looking up. 

[Bret SD]

Was on Craigslist originally for $4k, then dropped to $3500. We drove an hour south of Green Bay to look at it, seemed pretty much as described. Had 151k on the clock but ran good, the miles didn't bother Andy(SIL). It needs some attention for sure, he took it for a good ride and was generally pleased with the results. We(I) will be spending some time on it, "teaching" how to do various things like servicing the rear end in particular. Andy asked me if he should pay the full $3500, I told him to make a $3k offer. He did and the guy took it. He could hardly contain himself, so after the paperwork he headed off for home via backroads with me in hot pursuit. About 50 miles later he pulled in the driveway, turned and looked at me with a big silly grin on his face. He had just sold an old '83 Wing which I had worked on and cleaned up for him, had asked $1900 and got $1650. That went towards buying the I/S, his first Valkyrie. He had wanted one ever since he rode mine a number of times, his comment after the first ride on mine; "that sure isn't a Harley." We'll go through it from front to back, this winter he plans to have it repainted from the black/red OEM colors to solid black. I helped him make up a list of things needing attention and helped prioritize them. The PO broke the tabs on the center cover and side covers so we'll be watching for a set of good used ones. All in all, he got a pretty good deal considering how it drives/rides. As for Andy....he's like a kid with a new toy. He told me he's actually looking forward to spending time with me working on it, kinda makes the old man feel kinda good. We don't plan to tear it all down at once cuz he wants to ride it and take my daughter Toni...who has already asked how soon that will happen. The front tire needs replacing badly so will probably be first on the menu. Needs shocks real bad so that will be next before any rides. From there on, each area addressed will be a weekend project, allowing Andy and Toni to use it in between projects. Gonna be kind fun I think....a lot of work, but fun nonetheless.  

When I left this evening his parting comment was; "now you and I can take rides together, I've been wanting to do that for years."  Me....I can't wait.  

What a great story, my son is 18 and talking about getting a bike, he'll likely go dual sport.. he needs to save for it, and I'll help out but haven't told him yet.. man I'd love to take a road trip with him one day. 

[Pluggy]

Happy for both of you.  And, that bike is a rare find.  John, the guys you roll with have Interstates, but finding one for sale is about impossible.  The bike ads for this area rarely have a Valkyrie, any version. 

You know this Summer there was a Valkyrie trike for sale around here.  As rare as a passing comet.  Anyway, you guys have fun with that bike.

[..]

 

[John Schmidt]

Happy for both of you.  And, that bike is a rare find.  John, the guys you roll with have Interstates, but finding one for sale is about impossible.  The bike ads for this area rarely have a Valkyrie, any version. 

You know this Summer there was a Valkyrie trike for sale around here.  As rare as a passing comet.  Anyway, you guys have fun with that bike.

We looked at an all black one Sunday afternoon. I had a picture of a sign the old guy had showing $3000 OBO. It also had a side-car attached. When we got there, the sign wasn't around and he wasn't budging on $5500, said he was sticking to the KBB. I told him to toss that idea cuz the Valks just aren't bringing that kind of money. He didn't care, wouldn't entertain an offer below $5500 so we left. It needed work so my SIL decided he wasn't paying top dollar and still have to put another $1500 in it to make it right. Then yesterday we looked at the one he bought, for $3000 he can now spend a little extra to make it right. It's actually in better shape than the first one and has 3 times the mileage on it.

[Gideon]

John,, you are blessed. It is great to have a good relationship with our Kids. 

[henry 008]

 

[Willow]

Good find!

Tell him to hold off on the repaint.  When I got my first Valkyrie I didn't like the paint and thought I would soon redo it.  The more I rode it the more I liked the paint scheme and it's still today the blue and white I bought.  I like the red and black.  Maybe he will learn to also.  Get him around some other Valkyries.

[Charlie McCready]

Very good John. I know you're tickled. Maybe you and Andy could make a ride to Tennessee next spring/summer.

[old2soon]

        Carl hit it on the color combination. When I bought my 99 I/S the green and silver were NOT my first choice in colors. But over the years and folks tellin me how Good it looked the colors Have grown on me a bit. And when She is all shined up and clean and yer in the saddle and twist her tail Hard and She snarls-well you just KNOW! Mention to SIL do NOT git in a hurry fer repaint. Sounds like you two had a Danged GOOD Day trackin down a decent used Valkyrie. And the comparison to a h/d-there Is NO comparison other than most being on two wheels!  Tell SIL welcome to the insanity. RIDE SAFE.

[Pluggy]

Happy for both of you.  And, that bike is a rare find.  John, the guys you roll with have Interstates, but finding one for sale is about impossible.  The bike ads for this area rarely have a Valkyrie, any version. 

You know this Summer there was a Valkyrie trike for sale around here.  As rare as a passing comet.  Anyway, you guys have fun with that bike.

We looked at an all black one Sunday afternoon. I had a picture of a sign the old guy had showing $3000 OBO. It also had a side-car attached. When we got there, the sign wasn't around and he wasn't budging on $5500, said he was sticking to the KBB. I told him to toss that idea cuz the Valks just aren't bringing that kind of money. He didn't care, wouldn't entertain an offer below $5500 so we left. It needed work so my SIL decided he wasn't paying top dollar and still have to put another $1500 in it to make it right. Then yesterday we looked at the one he bought, for $3000 he can now spend a little extra to make it right. It's actually in better shape than the first one and has 3 times the mileage on it.

Valkyrie shopping?  You are the man to have along.  You know what to look for and BS will not work.

[Ramie]

Just checked Craigs list here this morning.  Two interstates for sale.  $4400 for one with 77k  and $6900 for one with 22k.  Strangely almost identical bikes, same color scheme, both 99's

[_Sheffjs_]

Good post, Actually I needed something good about now.     

[John Schmidt]

Good find!

Tell him to hold off on the repaint.  When I got my first Valkyrie I didn't like the paint and thought I would soon redo it.  The more I rode it the more I liked the paint scheme and it's still today the blue and white I bought.  I like the red and black.  Maybe he will learn to also.  Get him around some other Valkyries.

It's kind of a funny situation re. painting. The fairing has a couple dings that can't be rubbed out and he was talking about just attending to the damaged spots. Then Toni walked out to look it over, after looking it over and saying nothing the first thing out of her mouth was...."it needs to be painted all black." Andy looked at me and you could tell that was not his idea. His thoughts were simple; wasn't crazy about the red/black paint scheme but if it's generally in good shape then just take care of the bad spots and leave the rest alone. A deep sigh then he comments...."looks like I have a winter project after all."  Sure glad she's his wife and not mine! They're a good match though. 

[gordonv]

What a great story, my son is 18 and talking about getting a bike,

I don't know what Stats are like other places, but here, riders under 26 made up 10% of the riders, and 90% of the fatalities on MC. 26> made up 90% of riders and only 10% MC fatalities.

Nothing I would like to do than ride around with my spawn, like Serk does, but getting 10 years under your belt to learn driving skills, goes a long way to learn the road. Of course, like Serk, having them under your wing and teach them right helps a lot too. One reason I ride with the old(er) GW riders on a regular bases (I'm now 57, ridding since 07').

[3fan4life]

Hey John,

I sent you a PM.

Did you see it?

[John Schmidt]

Hey John,

I sent you a PM.

Did you see it?

Yes, told my SIL about it but didn't really get any reaction. I'll let you know later, seems like a big job to me but if he's interested.....