First ride on a valkyrie…ever.

[Devinci40]

My first impressions was definitely a mix of love and hate.  Pros I love the way the bike looks, the engine runs as smooth as any bike I’d ever been on, well balanced for such a heavy bike. That’s kinda we’re the pros end and the cons begin. First off what the heck is that deafening whining geez! The suspension seems stiff as a board, have to see where the shocks are set.  I had to stand up 3 times I got such horrible cramps in my hips. Any suggestions on how to make this a more pleasant ride please let me know I really want to love this bike. I know it’s 24 years old but damn.

[Pappy!]

Did you buy the bike? How is it set up? What kind of seat, shocks, handlebars, handlebar set back, aftermarket fork parts (?) etc. Reason I ask is that you are definitely in the minority in feeling the bike is not comfortable. Are you too tall, short, cramped, etc. The more information you bring to the table the better and more informative responses you will receive. Am betting you will win this one with these knowledgeable folks here helping.

[msb]

I agree with Pappy of course...there's some variables to consider. The 1500 Valk's riding position is actually very natural...great for all day riding. Now as you state...the bike is 24 years old, so it will more than likely have been set up for at least one and possibly more riders prior to you riding (or acquiring) it. Taller than average or shorter than average riders are likely to change out seats or rear shocks, or alter handlebar positions. Heavier riders will likely purchase heavier duty aftermarket shocks and/or have them set on the stiffest setting. So...it's probably not the bike itself that's uncomfortable per say, but more so any modifications that may have been made to it by previous owner(s) that were of a different stature than yourself. I'm 6' and 220 lbs and been riding mine for 21 years...most comfortable (and reliable & coolest) bike I've owned in my 47 years of motorcycling.
Floor boards (I have Cobra rider boards) and highway pegs are available additions which allow changing foot position on longer rides. As far as the excessive "whine", a better definition  (location, etc) may help, but one that I'm aware of is the transmission when the chrome covers are added without putting sound insulation on the insides. Also, the stock (unmolested) exhaust has a very distinctive sound especially at speed...and again, over the past 24 years there's a fair chance that it has been modified as well.
Good luck...I'm sure you'll figure things out and be happy with your purchase

[Devinci40]

The bike is completely stock except for the passenger back rear. I’m the second owner. I’m 5 ft 10 and weight 170 lb. I’m 61yo and been riding for the last 40 years. I’ve always ridden big v twins with forward controls so this bike is really foreign to me. I just looked at the shock setting and it’s set on 5. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

[Rams]

All I'm gonna say is, someone else had it set up the way they wanted it.

You're gonna have to make it yours.

Good luck with this project.   There's lots of help available here, all you have to do is ask.

Rams

[msb]

The bike is completely stock except for the passenger back rear. I’m the second owner. I’m 5 ft 10 and weight 170 lb. I’m 61yo and been riding for the last 40 years. I’ve always ridden big v twins with forward controls so this bike is really foreign to me. I just looked at the shock setting and it’s set on 5. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

I assume your bike is a Standard or Tourer model (24 years old = 1998). The Interstate model like mine came with heavier duty shocks....a lot of guys switched out to these when needing to replace worn stock ones on their Standards or Tourers...or preferred a heavier shock. Whichever stock shock, if you're riding mostly solo, then setting on 3 instead of 5 should help and will probably be more suitable for you. I switched to heavy duty Progressive shocks, as I do a lot of 2-up riding/touring with the Mrs. They're fairly stiff on mid-setting when riding solo.
 I like my Cobra floor boards instead of the stock pegs, as they allow me to adjust my foot position a bit when riding. The shifter arm can be adjusted to allow for the front of your boot to comfortably shift, as the floor boards reduce the amount of room somewhat to get under the shifter peg when its in the original position. I like my highway pegs to occasionally change leg position back and forth on long rides, but the natural sitting position is the way to go when really putting the bike through its paces in the curves and twisties, and is my preferred riding position. Having a good seat with rider's backrest also helps a lot...I know the stock ones for the 97's and perhaps 98's were not as comfortable as later models. I have a Corbin seat with backrest that sits me 1" lower than stock, gives me great back support, and makes my reach to the bars with stock risers perfect for me. A lot of guys like the Ultimate seats (3 different configurations for different sized riders), Mustangs, etc. I also have a glasspack/truck stack exhaust mod, so I no longer hear the transmission "whine"
I'm guessing you just need a couple minor adjustments in suspension and riding position...and of course, just getting used to riding the most awesome big cruiser ever made 

[The emperor has no clothes]

The whine is pretty common to these bikes. Especially at about 45-60 mph. It’s the nature of the straight cut gears (so I’m told). Changing to a synthetic oil will help a lot. I prefer Mobil 1. After riding this bike a while you won’t really notice it so much. Most guys that come over from Harleys hate the riding position of the legs. Personally I have to have hiway pegs so that I can stretch out every once in a while. The stock seats also suck. I prefer a Russell. Lots of guys really like the Ultimate seats. For your weight, I would crank the shocks down to a 1 or 2. If you can deal with these issues you will love these bikes. 

[ridingron]

I don't think anyone sells forward controls now-a-days so you'll probably have to get past the GYN feet forward riding other than cruising down the road.

I have only found 1 of 17 bikes that had a stock seat that was comfortable for more than an hour or so.

As mentioned, adjust the suspension.

[Patrick]

Use a 2000 seat with a backrest, set the shocks or get Progressives.

What is the whine ? Timing belts ? Check the setting/tension.

[Jersey mike]

The bike is completely stock except for the passenger back rear. I’m the second owner. I’m 5 ft 10 and weight 170 lb. I’m 61yo and been riding for the last 40 years. I’ve always ridden big v twins with forward controls so this bike is really foreign to me. I just looked at the shock setting and it’s set on 5. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

Your height /weight is pretty much same as I am…5/11 160#…57 yrs. Several years ago I got rid of the stock seat and upgraded to an Ultimate Lowboy, then set my shocks to #3 (I think). These changed the ride quite a bit for the better. The stock seat was not a comfortable seat for me and I like a stiffer suspension.

[Jess from VA]

Riding center controls after being on feet forward for years is always "different."  And the longer your legs, the more different.  Hwy pegs to stretch out on (back and forth) is the answer.

The Ultimate Seat site says the Lowboy (one inch under stock) is right for my size (69"), and I have one and like it, but the Bigboy (one inch over stock seat) is much better for me.  I still reach the ground fine, but the added height makes the center controls less different.  And the Bigboy is softer on the bottom than the lowboy.  Mustang Wide Vintage is also a good seat, with no rise in the nose like Ultimates (which bothers some) (and note Mustang is the only aftermarket seatmaker that doesn't vary seat sizes between interstates and stds/tourers (if you are shopping used).  

The 3 1/8" stock risers need changed to a 4" riser for almost everyone.  Or a one inch riser spacer, if you can find one.  And 4" risers require no alterations to stock hoses and wires, lock to lock.

I also prefer driver (Cobra) floorboards to pegs, and a heel toe shifter so I never have to fish for the small shift peg under the valve cover for upshifts.  Also, keep in mind the shift peg can be moved one spine up or down for small adjustment.

Get used to the gear whine, or get 6 X 6 Cobra pipes and never hear it (or anything else) again.    

[cookiedough]

if not wanting to spend big bucks on a new seat,  try buying for 60 bucks or so an airhawk seat cushion to lift you up just a tad off the seat, it helps some for me.  adjust shocks down to 2 as well 5 is way too stiff.   

[Devinci40]

Wow, a lot of great advise here. I ordered a clearview windshield mine is a bit foggy. The riser are a definite yes. I need the bars a little closer to me I’m a bit stretched. I’ve always used mustangs vintage seats but mustangs doesn’t make a seat for this bike so I’m going to order the lowboy ultima with backrest. I’ll set the shocks on 2. I don’t think the timing belts have ever been change and I’m sure the carbs have never been rebuilt. I do have an oem petcock. Wow the dollar signs are adding up. Anyone know of a good mechanic in the Columbus ohio area

[Willow]

... I’ve always used mustangs vintage seats but mustangs doesn’t make a seat for this bike ...

Did Mustang stop making a saddle for this bike?  There are a lot of Valkyrie riders on Mustangs.

If you're on the original 1998 saddle that's a big problem.  A 2000+ saddle is a big improvement for about $100.  Ultimates are good.  I like them.  For comfort a Russell Daylong is probably the best if you're willing to spend the money but they are ugly.

If you're trying to get the Valk to feel and sound like a Harley sell it and buy another Hog.  You can't make the Valkyrie sound, feel, or ride like a Harley Davidson (Thank God.).

[six2go #152]

Wow, a lot of great advise here. I ordered a clearview windshield mine is a bit foggy. The riser are a definite yes. I need the bars a little closer to me I’m a bit stretched. I’ve always used mustangs vintage seats but mustangs doesn’t make a seat for this bike so I’m going to order the lowboy ultima with backrest. I’ll set the shocks on 2. I don’t think the timing belts have ever been change and I’m sure the carbs have never been rebuilt. I do have an oem petcock. Wow the dollar signs are adding up. Anyone know of a good mechanic in the Columbus ohio area

Calling MAD6GUN! Mark Doenges in New Haven, IN would be a good guy to get in touch with. Great wrench and an honest person.

[DIGGER]

Ive got the Mustang seat and love it

[Patrick]

Oops, yep, forgot about the risers. I think I changed the pegs also. Its only been 22-23 years.

[DIGGER]

I have the Mustang seat and love it.   Also if you have a standard or Tourer Valkyrie if you can find a Valkyrie Interstate gas tank ( its bigger and will bolt right in) you can make a lot fewer gas stops.

[Jess from VA]

I’ve always used mustangs vintage seats but mustangs doesn’t make a seat for this bike

Maybe they quit making them for valk or maybe they just aren't on their website anymore.  If you want a wide vintage for valk, call them on the phone.  I bet they still do. 

[carolinarider09]

When I first read about them quitting making them I wondered, so I did a search.  Found the link below. 

Did not post at the time but since Jess made mention, I searched again and found this website.

https://www.denniskirk.com/seats-and-seat-covers/2002-honda-gl1500cd-valkyrie.mmy

The seat on my 2003 Valkyrie Standard is a Mustang seat, just the standard seat.  Its only about 16 years old (maybe older). 

OBTW,  I do not have any knowledge of the vendor in the link above. 

[Pappy!]

Don't skimp on a seat, it will just cost you more in the long run.
I am 5'9" and tried the Ultimate Lowboy and did not like the fit. Pushed on my inner thighs pretty hard. I went to the Ultimate big Boy I think. Much better but that is just my opinion. Somewhere along the line you should be able to ride a bike with one on it and make your own mind up.
Lesa has a Mustang on her Valkyrie and she loves that seat. I have ridden that bike and it is comfy a well.
On shocks. Many different lengths of shocks out there and we use a bunch of what is available. Should be able to find what you need used. I believe the stock shocks were around 12" or so but you may find you need a shorter shock.
By all means set the handlebars back! Huge difference and relatively inexpensive.

[Jess from VA]

Stock shocks are 13" and I personally would not go lower than 12.5" (esp if you enjoy leaning in the curves). 

[Pappy!]

If I remember right both Lesa's bike and my bike have 11.5" shocks with zero issues. Make the bike yours!

[Rams]

If you're trying to get the Valk to feel and sound like a Harley sell it and buy another Hog.  You can't make the Valkyrie sound, feel, or ride like a Harley Davidson (Thank God.).

That thar's funny, don't care who U R.   
BTW, I agree. 

Rams

[Rams]

Wow, a lot of great advise here. I ordered a clearview windshield mine is a bit foggy. The riser are a definite yes. I need the bars a little closer to me I’m a bit stretched. I’ve always used mustangs vintage seats but mustangs doesn’t make a seat for this bike so I’m going to order the lowboy ultima with backrest. I’ll set the shocks on 2. I don’t think the timing belts have ever been change and I’m sure the carbs have never been rebuilt. I do have an oem petcock. Wow the dollar signs are adding up. Anyone know of a good mechanic in the Columbus ohio area

IMHO, wouldn't matter what brand bike we're talking about if, it hasn't been maintained and is as old as your Valkyrie, it probably needs some attention.   I also run Clearview windscreens on my Valkyrie Trike and Bike.   Love them.   I'm also a fan of Ultimate seats but, asses vary and your's may find another version a better fit.   You noted previously that the bike runs very well.   Being and old maintenance guy, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.   But, that's your decision.   Preventative Maintence is always a good thing but, I wouldn't waste the time or money rebuilding a good running set of carbs.   That doesn't mean one shouldn't put a new timing belt on since you have no idea if or when it was replaced.   But, IMHO one should check out and service that rear drive train.  

Best wishes for many happy smiles/miles and I'll take this opportunity to invite you to next year's Mississippi Spring Fling. 31 March-2 April.  Be prepared to see some of the sexiest Valkyries from all over.   We also have the annual Lying Contest.   F6Gal has come close to winning once or twice.  

Sorry, I'm practicing for next year's event, that last statement was a lie.  

Rams