Dealer service

[TW]

Hello folks:  I’m an old guy and long time Valkyrie rider.  My 97 Valk trike’s starter failed this week so I cleaned it up some and got it running but decided I wanted my Honda dealer to either fix the starter switch or replace it.  I was told that my Valk was too old and they  wouldn’t work on it.  The main problem was the fact that I had triked the motorcycle.  They are no longer working on trikes. 
I wander if anyone has dealt with this.
I think I will be able to  fix my starter on my own but if not, can anyone recommend a shop in the Dallas area. I actually live near Tyler but will probably need to take it to Dallas  if needed.

Thanks in advance
Elliott

[Hook#3287]

Seems the 10 year old non service rule has hit many dealer service shops, not just Honda motorcycles.

Kinda sucks, but it is what it is, it makes for a secondary/private mechanic shop to be more successful.

The starter is not difficult to remove for repair or replace, but the 3 long bolts can be stubborn.

I think it was Christ CMA that years ago suggested running the bike first to heat the bolts up and maybe help free them.  Sounds like good advice and better that a torch that will probably discolor the motor.

I'd spray them down first, overnight.

Changing the start/stop switch set is easy.  Repairing it takes patience.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/VSGPages/starterbutton.htm

Check this out for guidance.

[Pluggy]

The 10 year policy is likely about parts.  Vehicle manufacturers must supply parts for 10 years after the vehicle is made.  On an older bike, a repair facility may start into a job, find a part is needed, and can't get it.  Nobody will be happy.

A hobby mechanic has time to search for used or aftermarket parts.  A dealer's shop doesn't.  An independent shop may not want the job, either.

[Rio Wil]

In the history of the Valk, I don't think there has ever been an instance of a actual starter failure.  Given that, why don't you give us the exact details of what is happening, its likely you will get enough info to fix it yourself.  It might be as simple as a bad battery, often time it will spin the starter but the voltage is too low to let the coils fire.....so details.......

[HayHauler]

It sounds like it is the starter switch.  He says that he cleaned it up a bit and got it running.  Sounds like he just needs some instructions with pictures to help him clean it up properly.

My $.01875

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Pluggy]

If cleaning the switch is not the fix, the problem could be the starter relay.  These do fail.  Replacements are not expensive and easy to install.



https://www.walmart.com/ip/Starter-Solenoid-Relay-for-Honda-M-C-1500-GL1500-VALKYRIE/15581158979?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101650363

[HayHauler]

If cleaning the switch is not the fix, the problem could be the starter relay.  These do fail.  Replacements are not expensive and easy to install.



https://www.walmart.com/ip/Starter-Solenoid-Relay-for-Honda-M-C-1500-GL1500-VALKYRIE/15581158979?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101650363

Pluggy, in your opinion, should I go ahead and replace the starter relay?  My bike has 104k on it and the starter relay is the original.  Just replaced the original alternator last night....
The nut on the front of the alternator came loose.  This is the 2nd time this has happened to me.  At least THIS one has 104k miles on it... 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Pluggy]

If cleaning the switch is not the fix, the problem could be the starter relay.  These do fail.  Replacements are not expensive and easy to install.



https://www.walmart.com/ip/Starter-Solenoid-Relay-for-Honda-M-C-1500-GL1500-VALKYRIE/15581158979?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101650363

Pluggy, in your opinion, should I go ahead and replace the starter relay?  My bike has 104k on it and the starter relay is the original.  Just replaced the original alternator last night....
The nut on the front of the alternator came loose.  This is the 2nd time this has happened to me.  At least THIS one has 104k miles on it... 

Hay 
Jimmyt

It's not the number of miles so much as the number of starts.

Jimmy, you can test that relay by disconnecting the wire to the starter motor and pressing the starter switch multiple times. Click, click many times.  Honda has used that style of relay on about everything for decades.  I had one fail on my 1980 Honda and it is very similar to Valkyrie.  I replaced it with an eBay cheapie that has worked well for years.  It cost about $10.

[HayHauler]

If cleaning the switch is not the fix, the problem could be the starter relay.  These do fail.  Replacements are not expensive and easy to install.



https://www.walmart.com/ip/Starter-Solenoid-Relay-for-Honda-M-C-1500-GL1500-VALKYRIE/15581158979?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101650363

Pluggy, in your opinion, should I go ahead and replace the starter relay?  My bike has 104k on it and the starter relay is the original.  Just replaced the original alternator last night....
The nut on the front of the alternator came loose.  This is the 2nd time this has happened to me.  At least THIS one has 104k miles on it... 

Hay 
Jimmyt

It's not the number of miles so much as the number of starts.

Jimmy, you can test that relay by disconnecting the wire to the starter motor and pressing the starter switch multiple times. Click, click many times.  Honda has used that style of relay on about everything for decades.  I had one fail on my 1980 Honda and it is very similar to Valkyrie.  I replaced it with an eBay cheapie that has worked well for years.  It cost about $10.

I have one in my spare parts, so I think I will go ahead and replace it just to make sure I don't have any issues while a thousand miles away from home.  It should probably be cleaned up and dielectric grease the connections just in case.

Thanks for the response.
Hay 
Jimmyt

[TW]

Thanks for the information. I  have about 75,000 miles on the bike so I may go ahead and replace the relay.   Thanks a lot ….  Great site