New Valk rider front end noise question

[spearcrow]

Hey guys and gals, just purchased my first Valk last week.  1999 Tourer with 48K miles.  Previous owner put the last 38K on the bike, but said it hadn't been rode in about a year.  Was stored in a metal building.

Every bike has it's own unique sounds and feeling, so I'm still trying to figure alot of stuff out.  I changed the oil and filter shortly after I picked it up, and have my local dealer scheduled to change the timing belts, air filter, and plugs as soon as parts are all in.  I haven't observed any problems with these, just some piece of mind stuff before riding season gets here in full swing.

One thing I have noticed is some noise coming from the front end while riding, which seems to go away under 10mph.  My dad said it kinda sounded like a dry cable and said I might put some oil in the speedo cable...my brother said it could be a dry bearing.  Reading through some old threads here, I also saw where people had some issues with timing belt tensioners and some "gear at the front wheel"?

Just curious where the best / cheapest place to start would be.  I don't wanna start throwing parts at it that is doesn't need.

Also, I noticed when I went and got the bike that there was a little oil on the front tire that seemed to be coming from the right fork (sitting on the bike).  It wasn't alot, but I doubt there is much in there.  Dealer wanted $500 do change out fork seals in both sides, so I'd rather not do that unless it's necessary.

As far as I know the other parts on the bike are factory original.  Previous owner said they hadn't had any mechanical troubles with the bike and had only had to do regular maintenance stuff.  Anything else that shoud be on my radar to keep an eye on or replace sooner rather than later?

Thanks, really appreciate the help!  I've only managed about 150 miles the last few days since getting the bike transfered, but it sure is a joy to ride!

[Skinhead]

Add your location to your signature, or post it here.  There may be a knowledgeable member nearby that can check it out and advise you.

As far as your oil leak goes, I would try a seal doctor or piece of 35 mm film before rebuilding.

When was your last spline maintenance performed?

[..]

Change the radiator coolant, brake and clutch fluids, synthetic gear oil in the final drive. All of these are fairly simple to do at home.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/

You can easily change the spark plugs yourself but it's unlikely you need new ones. Whip them out, clean them and check the gap.

https://www.championautoparts.com/Parts-Matter/automotive-repair-and-maintenance/how-to-read-spark-plugs.html

[JimC]

I would start with pulling the front wheel off. YOu can then check the front bearings by hand, any feeling at all of roughness means bearings.

You will also be able to check the speedo cable while the wheel is off, same there, it should be  smooth.

I would check the tire for out of round before I took it off the bike. Jack it up and hold a straight edge on the tire and spin it, raise the straight edge off the tire a little to see it it hits and misses, if so, tire is out of round.
I'm putting my money on bearings.

Jim

[Valker]

It seems cost may be an issue in your mind. If so, these bikes are really easy to work on yourself. Changing the belts (probably not needed), air filter, and plugs is an easy evening worth with a total cost of about $100 if you order the Gates belts from Amazon.

[spearcrow]

Thanks for the quick comments, suggestions, and links.

First of all, I'm in South Central Kentucky.

I'm not certain when the last spline maintenance was performed, previous owner didn't mention it.  I'm not really knowledgeable, but I know I've read about the red dust issue...  That's probably something I should look into trying to do or have done. 

I should be able to do the fluid changes fairly easy myself, thanks for the suggestion.  I'll see if I can read up on removing the front wheel and try to check the bearings and speedo cable.

[gordonv]

Since it's a low miles new to you bike, here are a couple of things.

Learn and read up on hydro lock, something to know about, not to worry.

When you do your plugs, check the drain holes at the bottom through the heads, make sure they're clear. A piece of copper wire, up from the bottom, easier to find the holes.

The mention of the red dust, yes, that and all to do with the rear drive. Something that can leave you stranded and out some real coin $. Shoptalk above, rear end service by ChrisJ, is a must read.

Service manual, PDF, I also like a paper copy, used come up from time-to-time.
http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html
Read over the Valkyrie Norway site while you're there.

I spent 8 months reading old posts in this Tech section, trying to learn about our bike, before I picked mine up. Trying to learn things I should know, problems and fixes for what might come.

At 48K miles, a 1/2 can of Berryman B-12 for your next 2 fresh tanks of fuel, should insure that the carbs are clean. Check your petcock operation the next time you're on the hwy, turn it off and wait for some sputtering, then back on. Just to insure it's working as it should, I do this once a week.

Not likely to find a knowledgeable mechanic/shop, so learn from the people here, ask questions first, like you've done. I like how you are asking already, what's the easy things to do first, before just going for the shop seal repairs.

[spearcrow]

Thanks for the great info and advise gordonv.  I am not familiar with berrymans, I'll have to check into that.  But I did put some seafoam in the tank with a full tank of gas this week, and I plan on running one more tank through it. 

Also, the petcock definitely works...I forgot to turn it on when I went riding this week and made it about 1 minute down the road after warm up before it died lol.  I immediately thought the worst, but quickly realized my mistake.

That rearend service powerpoint is amazing!  Not quite sure I'd be able to tackle that myself, but I might find enough friends to attempt myself!

Since it's a low miles new to you bike, here are a couple of things.

Learn and read up on hydro lock, something to know about, not to worry.

When you do your plugs, check the drain holes at the bottom through the heads, make sure they're clear. A piece of copper wire, up from the bottom, easier to find the holes.

The mention of the red dust, yes, that and all to do with the rear drive. Something that can leave you stranded and out some real coin $. Shoptalk above, rear end service by ChrisJ, is a must read.

Service manual, PDF, I also like a paper copy, used come up from time-to-time.
http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html
Read over the Valkyrie Norway site while you're there.

I spent 8 months reading old posts in this Tech section, trying to learn about our bike, before I picked mine up. Trying to learn things I should know, problems and fixes for what might come.

At 48K miles, a 1/2 can of Berryman B-12 for your next 2 fresh tanks of fuel, should insure that the carbs are clean. Check your petcock operation the next time you're on the hwy, turn it off and wait for some sputtering, then back on. Just to insure it's working as it should, I do this once a week.

Not likely to find a knowledgeable mechanic/shop, so learn from the people here, ask questions first, like you've done. I like how you are asking already, what's the easy things to do first, before just going for the shop seal repairs.

[Earl43P]

Inside of the front fender there are sound deadening rubber pads, glued.

They can make odd noise when loose.