Rate this valkyrie: 1998 Tourer

[Savago]

An update: I flushed the clutch fluid and it improved the feeling of the clutch and I hope it will help to address the slipping issue.

I can't at this moment go for rides on it, given that the front brake caliper is locking (even when left unused for 1 or 2 days).

Basically I can unlock it temporarily by draining a bit of fluid from the right side caliper, but then in 1 or 2 days later, it will lock the brakes again (really weird).

I've ordered the parts for rebuilding the front caliper, should receive the parts later this week.

I wonder if would make sense to get some braided lines (e.g. Galfer) and if they are still available?

[Savago]

Start with the simple stuff first. New oil, new brake fluids, check operation of all.



What happened to f) ?   

LOL! Fixed.
 

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

If opening the bleeder screw or cracking the brake line fitting on the caliper releases the "frozen" brake, the pistons aren't the problem. If the small hole in the bottom of the front brake reservoir is clogged, it will keep pressure from being able to release back into the reservoir fully. Happens more on bikes that have been sitting or have had little to no fluid services done to the hydraulic systems. I searched for a video to show what I'm talking about and found this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OznJz6EnBQI

[luftkoph]

Savago I bought a bike once that had detailed service records, everything done when it was supposed to be including brake and clutch fluid changes, and even tho the fluid was clear and it had always been maintained one of the things I did was completely rebuild the brake calipers and master cylinder, same with the clutch, you would be surprised at the smegma goop that was in the calipers, same with the slave cylinder..

[Savago]

An update: I had the bike towed to Evolution motorcycles in Santa Clara to install new tires and have them figure it out what is happening with the front brakes.

It turns out that the return line of the brake fluid apparently was clogged and they rebuilt the front brake master cylinder.

I got the bike and was happily riding my way to Alice's restaurant but the clutch started slipping *again*.
:-(

I had the bike towed back to the shop and they will try to figure it out what is happening with the clutch.

Fortunately, I managed to fix my I/S back in June (http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,125270.msg1286341.html#msg1286341), so it is not like I'm in a 'valk-less' state.
 

I got say this project is taking much longer and it is getting way more expensive than I initially hoped.

Let's see what happens next.
 

[Jess from VA]

Oil with friction modifiers makes a Valk's clutch slip.

[hueco]

Wow. A lot of gremlins lurking around in that $3100.00 Valkyrie. Can't blame it on the color. That's my Valk's color. Lots of luck. Be safe.

[Rams]

Wow. A lot of gremlins lurking around in that $3100.00 Valkyrie. Can't blame it on the color. That's my Valk's color. Lots of luck. Be safe.

Yep.   I went back and re-read the entire thread.   Unless I missed this bit of information somewhere, it wasn't noted the bike had been in storage and not ridden for four years prior to the sale.   

Most of the issues needing to be addressed are directly related to that "storage" IMHO.   The "Rat" bike I brought back from 2.5 years in a open field in Arkansas had several of the same issues.  But, with the help of a couple of experienced wrench-turning friends, we addressed the brakes, clutch issues, tires, exhaust and carbs before we ever tried to put it on the road.   

I still think you got a nice bike for a very good price.   A bike that if ridden regularly will give you years and miles of smiles in the future (once those bugs have been worked out).

Rams

[Savago]

Gentlefolks

I have being pretty busy with work and couldn't post updates and I personally hate threads that never come to a conclusion.
:-)

So the guys at Evolution Motorcycles rebuilt the clutch master cylinder and the bike was ready for pickup... but then they noticed an air leak on the front tire (I had both old and cracked tires replaced for new Metzeler's 888, together with the faulty Honda OEM valve stems).

I was told that they had to order a water tank to place the whole wheel under water and identified a really small hairline crack on the front wheel.

As a result, I had to source a replacement front wheel and ordered from the good folks at pinwall (paid $121 bucks including taxes and shipping). The donor bike was a Tourer with near 25K miles.

So after having the front brake master cylinder rebuilt, the clutch master cylinder rebuilt, new front wheel and new tires the bike was good to go.

I still have to figure it out why the auxiliary lights are not working (my guess is the relay) but the bike is now in a rideable state.

I rode to Sacramento and back (around 130 miles) with no issues.

It is also running a bit rough (specially when cold) so I guess it may make sense to regulate its carbs but I will get there eventually.

I would consider this bike rescued by now, since it can be ridden safely and it is kept in my garage in good company with her I/S sister.
:-)

I also had some other parts changed/replaced (e.g. the mirrors were replaced for Honda OEM, etc) and properly registered (that alone was wooping $600 bucks thanks to Cali DMV since I got also pay sales taxes...).

The final bill for the 'Valkyrie Tourer rescue mission' was $5970.13, counting everything (i.e. bike, uhaul truck, gas, parts, tires, labour, taxes, registration, etc).

I guess I barely broke it even, but I see it as a work of love: keeping another of this great bikes alive and riding on the great North-West roads.
\o/

[Rams]

The final bill for the 'Valkyrie Tourer rescue mission' was $5970.13, counting everything (i.e. bike, uhaul truck, gas, parts, tires, labour, taxes, registration, etc).

I guess I barely broke it even, but I see it as a work of love: keeping another of this great bikes alive and riding on the great North-West roads.
\o/

You did well my friend, you did well!!   
The "Rat" bike I helped bring back gives me all kinds of smiles with every mile.   

Rams

[Serk]

Even if not necessarily the fiduciarily responsible course of action, still love seeing a Valk being saved!

Also gives me a reminder when I'm choosing between my purchased brand new out of the crate '98 Valk and my Plastic Fantastic Goldwing, make sure I choose the Valk a little more often, besides the bigger smiles and woahhhhhh factor, make sure she doesn't sit too long!

[Savago]

@Rams: that is the plan, I hope now the bike will service me well in smiles per mile.

@Serk: The financial damage was slightly cheaper than buying a Valk Tourer in my neck of the woods.

They seem to go for over $6K (https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/d/gilroy-1999-honda-valkyrie-tourer-low/7697042062.html) in my area, but without all the cool accessories that I have on the rescue bike.

[Willow]

@Rams: that is the plan, I hope now the bike will service me well in smiles per mile.

@Serk: The financial damage was slightly cheaper than buying a Valk Tourer in my neck of the woods.

They seem to go for over $6K (https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/d/gilroy-1999-honda-valkyrie-tourer-low/7697042062.html) in my area, but without all the cool accessories that I have on the rescue bike. 

I hope you're not just looking at asking price rather than selling price.  They don't usually sell for nearly that.  I have a Tourer to sell.  Maybe I should take it to my son's place in Sacramento to sell it.   

My evaluation is that if you are planning to resell the bike you have invested more than is reasonable.  If you are planning to keep and ride it was a good investment of money and time.

[Savago]

@Willow: you are right, specially if I factor in the many hours I've spent on this project.

But the plan is to keep her for good. I like valkyries way too much for my own good and it is nice to have a 'spare' in case my I/S goes bad again.
 

[Willow]

...
But the plan is to keep her for good. I like valkyries way too much for my own good and it is nice to have a 'spare' in case my I/S goes bad again.
 

   Then it is money and time well spent.