Valkyrie Motor Swap

[DragonRdr]

Happy Labor Day!   I was out and about on the bike today and after I got home started to wonder if it was possible to transplant a GL1800 motor into a GL1500 Valkyrie. I love my Valk, but I can't help but wonder how it would perform if it had an 1800 engine with fuel injection (and 6th gear). Just a thought but I'm sure it would probably handle alot like the GL1800 Valk. I've always prefered the looks and style of the GL1500 Valks. I'm curious if anyone has ever heard of someone who has done a 1800 engine swap? Just curious.

Again Happy Labor Day  

[Farside]

Happy Labor Day to you too.  I've been on here long enough to see where this question has been discussed. I haven't seen anyone say they have seen it done. I'm no  mechanic but must not work well. Seems there was a guy up north somewhere who was going to attempt it and folks said post the finished project. I never saw it posted.  

[DragonRdr]

Thanks for reply. I'm no mechanic either and I'm sure it would take a lot of engineering, electrical and fabrication expertise to make it work. And I'm sure it would take a lot of time and $$$ too. As I said just curious if anyone has attempted it.

Cheers 

[Chrisj CMA]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

[hubcapsc]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

I never saw it. I've  seen long threads about attempts that went a long way, but never
saw one where it was done...

-Mike

[Chrisj CMA]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

I never saw it. I've  seen long threads about attempts that went a long way, but never
saw one where it was done...

-Mike

Would a build like that ever be done? From what I saw there was one where the engine was in. Frame modified for the rear uni-shock and single side swing arm. As I remember he was having issues getting everything lined up but the major components were transplanted.

[DragonRdr]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

I'm happy with my 94 Goldwing and 00 Valkyrie for the time being. Just wondering if anyone had ever done an engine swap. I bought a 2008 Goldwing and put 8000 miles on it before I decided to sell it. I didn't like the front suspension and didn't feel like spending $3000 to get the the TRAXXION AK-20 suspension kit installed.  At this point I hate to say it but if I ever decide to get another bike it will probably be a Harley Road King or Electra Glide. I really don't like the new Goldwings, especially now that they are all DCT transmissions.

[Moonshot_1]

Would seem to me after all the time, re-engineering, and a budget that NASA would envy, all you would get is a Valkrystein and not a Valkyrie.

So get a nifty 1800 already done.

[DragonRdr]

Would seem to me after all the time, re-engineering, and a budget that NASA would envy, all you would get is a Valkrystein and not a Valkyrie.

So get a nifty 1800 already done.

I'm sure most people would or already have.

[Sorcerer]

2 vastly different platforms. Rather than trying to engineer a 1800 motor and rear suspension into a 1500 frame it would be “simpler” to hang the 1500 body work onto a 1800. The down side to that is you need to know how to TIG weld and understand the metallurgical needs of the aluminum frame 1800. Ether way you would have to have the skills of a fabricator to pull it off. Go for it.

[hubcapsc]

2 vastly different platforms. Rather than trying to engineer a 1800 motor and rear suspension into a 1500 frame it would be “simpler” to hang the 1500 body work onto a 1800. The down side to that is you need to know how to TIG weld and understand the metallurgical needs of the aluminum frame 1800. Ether way you would have to have the skills of a fabricator to pull it off. Go for it.

Honda put a "normal" metal gas tank on their 1800 Valkyrie...

-Mike

[Hook#3287]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

I really don't like the new Goldwings, especially now that they are all DCT transmissions.

Have you ridden a 18+ Goldwing?

[DragonRdr]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

I really don't like the new Goldwings, especially now that they are all DCT transmissions.

Have you ridden a 18+ Goldwing?

Yes I got to test ride one a couple of years ago at Cycle Design in Phillipston, MA. All they had was one of the DCT models and it rode okay but I did not like the automatic transmission. I don't need all the fancy electronics either. I don't need GPS and all the other stuff. I don't even use the radio on my 94 Goldwing or 00 Valkyrie. That's why I'm leaning towards a Harley Road King if I get another bike. I test rode one of those the same summer and I really liked it. We'll see, I'm retired and getting older and not sure how many more years I'll be able to ride anyway. 

[hubcapsc]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

I really don't like the new Goldwings, especially now that they are all DCT transmissions.

Have you ridden a 18+ Goldwing?

Yes I got to test ride one a couple of years ago at Cycle Design in Phillipston, MA. All they had was one of the DCT models and it rode okay but I did not like the automatic transmission. I don't need all the fancy electronics either. I don't need GPS and all the other stuff. I don't even use the radio on my 94 Goldwing or 00 Valkyrie. That's why I'm leaning towards a Harley Road King if I get another bike. I test rode one of those the same summer and I really liked it. We'll see, I'm retired and getting older and not sure how many more years I'll be able to ride anyway. 

If "hardbags and a windshield no fairing" is what you like about a Road King
then an Indian Springfield is worth looking at... I went and rode one.

Valkyrie handlebars and a Russell seat turned my goldwing/valkyrie into a
first class long distance curvy road fairingless flat-six.



-Mike

[Hook#3287]

It’s been done. There’s a whole thread documenting his build. It was quite extensive. Just buy a wing.

I really don't like the new Goldwings, especially now that they are all DCT transmissions.

Have you ridden a 18+ Goldwing?

Yes I got to test ride one a couple of years ago at Cycle Design in Phillipston, MA. All they had was one of the DCT models and it rode okay but I did not like the automatic transmission. I don't need all the fancy electronics either. I don't need GPS and all the other stuff. I don't even use the radio on my 94 Goldwing or 00 Valkyrie. That's why I'm leaning towards a Harley Road King if I get another bike. I test rode one of those the same summer and I really liked it. We'll see, I'm retired and getting older and not sure how many more years I'll be able to ride anyway.  

That shop in Phillipston seems like a nice family run store. I visited one day looking at a Africa Twin they had out front.

I'll admit the +18 Goldwing has its issues, as all machines do, but I didn't fully appreciate it's down right advantages until I had around 1000 miles in the saddle.

I was concerned I would miss the control and feel of shifting gears.  Turns out, I don't, at all.

The bike shifts so smoothly and at the correct moment, imho, that I only notice it when in Sport Mode (which is  phenomenal ) or when I seriously twist my right hand in Tour Mode.

Then you notice.

Besides, put her in manual shift mode and your left hand becomes the shifting appendix. (My left foot is only used to hold the bike upright when stopped or slow moving)

With the 4 different riding and 4 different suspension modes, you can really fine tune the ride.

The front suspension is a engineering marvel.

As far as all the electronic options go, I don't use the gps, as it is not user friendly and I have a Garmon
xT which is.

I have satellite music which I use from time to time.

All that being said, I feel a longer test ride might help change your opinion.

Maybe not.

P.S. As far as swapping out a Valk motor for a Goldwing motor, seems like a lot of work and money to get what Honda has done already in the 2014 Valk.

[DragonRdr]

Yes Cycle Design is a great dealership. I've been taking my bikes there for over 20 years for various repairs and service. As far as the 2018+ Goldwings, I might consider one of the earlier ones that doesn't have the DCT transmission.  If they ever get one as a trade-in I will definitely go check it out and ask to test ride.