Strange issue re. engine hanger bushings/inserts.

[John Schmidt]

On the Wing motor I acquired solely for the reverse function, it had removeable bushings which I was able to press out of the engine hangers. I then went looking for the same thing for a Valk to install in the Wing motor so I can mount it in the trike. They're not listed as a separate item on any Valk illustrated parts breakdown...or IPB. They're simply shown installed with no p/n available. However, they're shown as a separate item & p/n on Wing IPB's...although no longer available apparently. It looks like I'll have to wait until I pull the current Valk motor and r&r those items. I was hoping to have everything converted on the Wing motor, making it ready to pop right in without delay...guess that's a pipe dream. I originally was going to try and r&r the motor without pulling the carbs, airbox & tank. However with the larger(longer) starter and the associated wiring needed for the reverse function, it may be to my advantage to go ahead and remove all the items mentioned, if for no other reason than for ease of access. I'm still wondering why the engine mount inserts/bushings aren't listed on the Valk IPB's.

[98valk]

std/tourer engines are hard mounted, so I guess they figure they don't wear out.
the I/S  is also hard mounted except for the rear is a rubber mount.

they are listing same part for all models
see #6
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/2000/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/frame

see #5
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/2000/gl1500cf-a-valkyrie-interstate/frame

[steveB (VRCC UK)]

John - I removed the wing rubber bushes by pulling through with a threaded stud through a suitable size socket (the socket big enough to bear on the motor mount). The Valk mounts appear to be an interference fit in the motor and I've never attempted to pull them for fear of damaging the mounts. I would not attempt to remove without heat and certainly not by driving them out with hammer and punch. I measured the mounts and then made new bushes on my elderly lathe testing for fit as I progressed. Worked on a tight tap it in fit. Local machine shop should be able to do these if you can give them accurate dimensions. You are correct never seen Valk bushes listed separately. - SteveB

[John Schmidt]

Steve, I used the same method of pulling/pressing the Wing units out. Came out rather easy. Now what you're telling me is it might be a problem for me when it comes to installing a Valkyrie style in the engine hangers. Is it possible they can be removed from the current Valk motor in the trike and installed in the Wing motor using some heat on the hangers and freezer compartment on the liners...like overnight. Then use a reverse application of pressing/pulling the Wing units out, doing that to install them into the new motor going in? Guess I'll find out...don't really have a choice! 

[steveB (VRCC UK)]

John honestly don't know. I was wary of trying to pull the bushes out of the Valk cases so went with making my own, just didn't want to break the crankcases. Easy for me having the equipment maybe not so in your case. Let me know how it works out.

[John Schmidt]

I'm curious...just had a thought (dangerous) why couldn't I simply use the Wing inserts? If it works for the Wing installation why not the Valk?

[steveB (VRCC UK)]

Whoa - I try thinking now and then but it just makes my head hurt. My take on it is the frame type. Wing is a loop frame and wraps around the motor, so the motor is free to move (slightly) without affecting the handling. The Valk frame is a diamond with the motor acting as stressed member. The removable frame rails along the bottom left and right sides, again tie the motor using the crankcase as part of the structure. I would think using the rubber mounts would adversely affect the handling on a solo but maybe not on the trike. Weirdly the Interstate uses rubber mounts in 2 locations (as you've pointed out) but Honda moves in mysterious ways.
Probably worth a try but a pain if the motor has to come out again or if it breaks something.