New to Valks

[keepinon]

First, a thanks to all the owners that have posted their trials & tribulations on these machines. I've been a 'Wing owner / wrencher for many years, usually acquiring my bikes from owners that have neglected / forgotten them. My new-to-me '97 Valk standard is no different, just a few different maintenance quirks.

This bike has set up for the last three years, was only ridden a grand total 4K miles in the three years prior to that. Previous owner logged 54K miles, last owner the 4K. I've started to bring her back to life. The saving grace was, the guy knew it would be a hard sell if it wouldn't start, so he paid the local stealer $900 to rebuild the carbs. (Whew, I hate carb work.) But it still would not run for any distance. After a few miles, it would starve for fuel & die, so he assumed electrical probs and was reluctant to spend more $. I rode it, bought it for cheap, & found a dirt dauber had plugged the vent tube, cheap fix. I like cheap.

I pulled the rear tire & drive shaft yesterday, tire was dry rotted, replaced with a new Metzler. However, the flange gear & final drive teeth are about 50% width of new. I had a replacement flange from a 1500 wing which I went back with. I also have a complete final drive in good shape from a '94 wing. Flange part #'s matched, I'm unsure of the final drive. So, a good dose of moly and she's back together. Reckon I'll have any problems? Or should I replace the final, too. I was just unsure of the ring/pinion ratios. I don't want to slow her down. 

Next is the timing belts (done many on wings) and a leaking fork seal (watching Baloo's thread about them)

I've always loved the naked bikes, that's why I've kept the old '81.  But I love the torque of the flat six. I think I've found my last ride.

[wizard -vrccds#125]

Good work, sounds like you are doing it right. The wing final drive ( I have been told ) has a different bolt pattern where it mates to the drive shaft housing. 3 match and one is out of the Valk pattern.  Bring her back to life and post some pictures !   

[Bone]

Hi keepinon, if your not familiar with the VRCC tech site scroll up. Near the top of the page is Shoptalk. Click on that and you will find answers to many questions. The Old Tech Archives can be searched by subject, author or date and contain lots of info on almost any problem or improvement.
Have fun

[keepinon]

Hi keepinon, if your not familiar with the VRCC tech site scroll up. Near the top of the page is Shoptalk. Click on that and you will find answers to many questions. The Old Tech Archives can be searched by subject, author or date and contain lots of info on almost any problem or improvement.
Have fun

Yes sir, getting an education, especially on the DS tire issue. That Metz was $219 at the stealer. I could have bought cheaper on-line, but you know how it is when you want to get riding.

[Bone]

My 98 Tourer is on it's 3rd DS tire. Goodyear TT the last 2 and I'm very pleased. I'm 62 so my riding has become more relaxed. Just rode from Michigan to New Mexico last month. The TT was a very good rear tire especially riding for half a day in some rain.

[keepinon]

My 98 Tourer is on it's 3rd DS tire. Goodyear TT the last 2 and I'm very pleased. I'm 62 so my riding has become more relaxed. Just rode from Michigan to New Mexico last month. The TT was a very good rear tire especially riding for half a day in some rain.

The triple tread seems to be about the most popular DS tire. One I'll surely look at.  I'm pushing 60 next year, have learned that paying speeding tickets and higher insurance bills don't help the retirement  account, so I've slowed to speed limit, plus 5 usually. I'm generally not too far behind most. 

[sandy]

A Wizard said: The only thing that prevents the wing drive from working is the bolt pattern on the swingarm. If you're in an emergency, "I believe" that you could cut off the 4th bolt and use it. Ratio is the same. I have a spare final and a local shop asked me to bring it in for a 1500 wing comparison. We went over it carefully and the above info is what we found. And "NO" my final drive is not for sale.

[valkMJ]

Yes sir, getting an education, especially on the DS tire issue. That Metz was $219 at the stealer. I could have bought cheaper on-line, but you know how it is when you want to get riding.

Not to hijack the thread, but where do you typically buy tires online?  I've been looking around for a new front tire, but it's hard to know which sites aren't going to rip you off.   ???

[fudgie]

Yes sir, getting an education, especially on the DS tire issue. That Metz was $219 at the stealer. I could have bought cheaper on-line, but you know how it is when you want to get riding.

Not to hijack the thread, but where do you typically buy tires online?  I've been looking around for a new front tire, but it's hard to know which sites aren't going to rip you off.   ???

Dennis Kirk was cheaper then HDL for my Metzler front. Sometimes HDL has good sales going on.

[tybme]

I've found bike bandit to have some good prices and I havnt had any problem ordering from them.

[Dave Weaver]

here lately, jakewilson.com has been beating everyone on tire prices.  I received the last 2 I ordered in 2-3 days, also.  Google jake wilson coupon codes for additional savings

[keepinon]

I've been buying 'Wing tires from americanmototire.com , I have not looked at HDL or Jake's, YET.

[valkMJ]

I ended up ordering tires from JakeWilson.com this time 'round.  Their website is very professional and easy to use, and I found a coupon code for $20 off the order (Thanks, Google!)   

So we'll see how the fulfillment goes.   

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Just bought a new front tire for my sons busa from jakewilson. It was 108 dollars with FREE shipping and was at the house in three days. I'm gonna be doing more business with them in the future.

[nors]

The best place by far to buy MC tires is Motorcycle Super Store,  because of good prices, but
mainly because they give the Labor Rates and customer reviews at most of the MC repair shops in most cities.  In my area in one city rates vary from $35 to $80 bucks an hour. They give free shipping for purchases over $75.

[lee]

Just for information:
All the parts inside the 1500 wing pumpkin are the same as the Valkyrie pumpkin.
This means Bearings, Seals, Ring gear & pinion, (same ratio) pinion nut and O-ring, Wave washer,
even the inside section of the housing.  The only difference is the outer half of the housing, and
maby the center spacer.  (not sure about the spacer).  If you look up part numbers you will find
some different numbers due to improvements in seals.  Later model 1500 wings used the same
pinion cup.  Not sure about early models.  Even the little wire that holds the pinion bearing in
is the same.  BELIEVE IT OR NOT.