valkyrie 1997 hard to start

[HOGHIDEMAN]

HI,I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY 1997 VALKYRIE. IT SET A WHILE WITH OUT BEING CRANKED. WHEN I TRY TO START IT IT HAS A HARD TIME STARTING. SEEMS I HAVE TO JUST GIVE IT A LITTLE THROTTLE AND AFTER A WHILE IT WILL COME TO LIFE.IS IT NORMAL TO HEAR CLINKING SOUNDS FROM VALVE COVERS?.I ALSO HEAR NOISE AROUND THE CLUTCH AREA. I LOVE THIS BIKE AND HAVE OWNED MANY GOLDWINGS.THE BIKE HAS 62,000 MILES.IF YOU WHERE GOING TO HAVE IT SERVICED,WHAT WOULD YU'AL DO TO IT? THANKS HOGHIDEMAN MY EMAIL IS CAMCO5747@YAHOO.COM

[hubcapsc]

I was sure all the sounds I heard coming out of my Valkyrie indicated that it was about to
blow up when I got it. That was 35,000 miles ago. I'm pretty sure all those sounds are normal
now. There's a lot of stuff happening under your valve covers, and that's a big old clutch spinning
around in there... Your problem is probably something simple, like a battery. If it sat a while, maybe
run some Techron or something through it.

-Mike

[Patrick]

He is asking a question and at the same time YELLING at us ??!!

[asfltdncr]

It sounds like the bike is rather new to you and maybe you just aren't pushing the choke down far enough-it's a tough push to the fully choked position.Techron's a good idea.  If you have no service records, then a priority might be to have valves checked/adjusted, rear drive and driveshaft serviced and greased (actually a paste is called for), fluids changed, to included fork oil, brakes, clutch.You probably can see if the brakes need replacing yourself. 
Perhaps you didn't hear these things on your wing because it is covered with plastic muffling some of the noises that they, wing and valk, share.
Don't be discouraged.

[Pete]

Goldwings are dramatically quieter than a Valkyrie.

As for the starting issue (after sitting) usually carb issues, try Techron or Berrymans, if that does not do it clean and service the carbs.

[Snoopy]

I have the same problem with wife 98 only if it sit for a couple weeks and then when you do get it started it runs really rough like you were running out of gas and switch over to reserve there is a spell where it splutters. Thats the way mine does when allowed to sit for a extended spell. I asked on here so want asked anymore because of the smart ass answers I got. Hope you dont get the same

[hubcapsc]

I have the same problem with wife 98 only if it sit for a couple weeks and then when you do get it started it runs really rough like you were running out of gas and switch over to reserve there is a spell where it splutters. Thats the way mine does when allowed to sit for a extended spell. I asked on here so want asked anymore because of the smart ass answers I got. Hope you dont get the same

I can't promise to find the problem, but I'll help you look at it next time you have it in Pickens if you want.
People are really helpful around here, and jokers too, you might have mistaken the intent of
whatever smart-aleckry was sent your way...



-Mike

[Ricky-D]

I have the same problem with wife 98 only if it sit for a couple weeks and then when you do get it started it runs really rough like you were running out of gas and switch over to reserve there is a spell where it splutters. Thats the way mine does when allowed to sit for a extended spell. I asked on here so want asked anymore because of the smart ass answers I got. Hope you dont get the same

Old and cranky is what I calls it!  I guess with old age comes thinner skin!  Some answers you may consider "smart ass" may be simply smart and more cogent that what you realize!

As to your problems, it seems to me that two week of sitting with the quality of the gasoline we are now having to run in our motorcycles, your Goldwing and your SO's Valkyrie is pretty much to blame.

My suggestion is to get some additive and put a little in the gas tank every now and then. It can't hurt and it may possibly cure the problem(s).

[spudinsky]

Alot has to do with temp, etc.  When I lived in Pittsburgh, I had to choke her hard to start her up...now in San Antonio, she can sit for a week and will start up with no choke at all.  Temp?  Humidity? I dunno, but she cranks now without touching the choke.

[R J]

Check the battery voltage, before cranking, and after you get it running.

Try srarting it with a jump off of your car/truck.  DO NOT have that vehicle running, all ya want is the battery.

Choke, if ya use the choke  make sure it is on.    NOW, this is where you are getting ur smart assed comments.   We tell ya to push it all the way on, you come back and say it is all the way on, but later you discover it will go on farther and start.

We also tell you to keep ur firkin fingers off of the throttle, ya no listen, so we get adgitated.   Big circle here, you no listen and we get smart assed about it.

So, the only solution I see is let it roll off our back.    If I have pissed ya off, sorry, but you startd it by yelling at us.   ALL CAPS IS YELLING.

There is a lot of good help on this site, just listen and pay attention.   You can and will learn something.

If ya want to go off board and talk, send me an email   rjb448@gmail.com.

Put VRCC in the subject....     See ya Bro, hope ya get it resolved.

Oh, yeah, if it starts right up on the jump start, just go get a new battery....   Yours isn't holding enough voltage required for the Phat Lady, actually to lite up the coil(s).   Another way to check out the battery is to spin the starter, no fire, but the instant you release the starter button she sputter or fires..   

Oh yeah, once again, if I'm one of those that pissed ya off, sorry.     

Remember, you can also search the archive posts........  If ya want to use that feature, I'd enter 'starting' and see what comes up, then enter 'battery' and or any other word referring to the starter circuit...

Stop by and ask any time, we do like to pick on some of our members.   If you happen to be one of those, we feel you are a good brother and can handle it.

Have a good day.

Keep us posted. OK?   Let us know what ya find out or figure out.   That helps anyone doing the search function, and helps us part time mechanic's learn by guessing also.....    See, I'm pickin on ya.........

I could go on for a few more little digs, but I think we have picked on ya enough for one day.           

[HOGHIDEMAN]

i just wanted to post a note that the problem i had was a bad battery. low voltage. you guys are so smart! ha ha. thanks again hoghideman

[Snoopy]

My battery tested good