Soon to be New Valk Owner

[Dubsvalk]

In a few weeks I hope to purchase a 1997 Valk Tour.  It is in pristine condition and the owner has maintained it excellently since he purchased it new.  It will need new tires shortly and I have been considering a car tire for the rear and a rear tire for the front.  I would appreciate recommendations on sizes and brands for the front and rear of this wonderful bike.  I would like the CT to match the height of the MC tire so the speedo will be correct.
Also any other information about what needs special attention on this bike will be greatly appreciated.  Items such as wheel bearings, oil, filters etc.  Also, as a current owner of a 2004 Vulcan 1500 I love bikes with floorboards and the heel and toe shifter.  What is the best manufacturer for running boards with the heel/toe shifter, as this bike does not have them.  I ride all year so I will be installing a lead off the battery for heated clothing.  For those that use them where do you locate the plug for your heated gear? On my Vulcan I have it in front of the seat.  I do most of my own wrenching and am particularly interesed in maintenance tips and other things I should keep up with. 
So far, I have enjoyed this forum.  Everyone seems to be more than helpful and eager to ride.  I ride as much as I can locally when I'm not teaching MSF classes on weekends.
Thanks for any help and advice you can give this Valkyrie Newby!
Bernie

[Jabba]

The speedo runs off the front tire.  The CT height will have no effect on that.  I run a 205-60-16 ct on omy 2 valks and the RPM's are pretty close to normal.

I ran a kenda rear tire on the front and the speedo was WAS off.  It was too small of a tire. 

180-70-17 I think.  Whatever it was... it did not work for me because of the change in angle, and the WAY WAY off speedo. 

Jabba

[HayHauler]

Welcome to the asylum....you're gonna like it here...  I admit, I'm addicted..   

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/

There is much to read and learn at the above link.

Being from Knoxville, you have probably already ridden some of the best roads in the country and the Fat Lady will just make them that much better.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Dubsvalk]

I grew up riding West Virginia roads.  And the Tennessee roads are fantastic from my front door in every direction.  But I haven't been on a road I didn't like as long as I was on two wheels!
Thanks for the help!  I will check out the shop talk site when I get home.  I love riding my Vulcan and I know I will enjoy the Valk just as much!  I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone on the forum as time allows!
Bernie

[czuch]

I mounted the control for my jacket on the bolt in front of the gas tank. I bent a piece of sheet metal, painted it and velcroed the switch. Its easily visible and accessable. I trimmed the gasket on the saddlebag so the pig tail rests in there when not in use. That way also it dosen't get dirty on the dirt road. I put a vacuum cap on it also, when not in use.
It took about 2 hours, with beer. Dont do it in front of the wife on a hot day in Arizona because you'll get a sunburn and she'll call you a sissy.
Thats some of the best money I've ever spent bike clothing wise.
You're about to rock your motorcycle life!

[Dubsvalk]

Czuch,
Thanks for the ideas for the controller and pigtail!  I have just clipped the controller to my chaps but I like your idea much better!  I do believe that I will love riding the Valk!  The worst thing about the bike as it sits is the windshield top is right in my line of sight.  I will have to cut it down a couple inches to have a clear view of the road.
Bernie

[Spirited-6]

In a few weeks I hope to purchase a 1997 Valk Tour.  It is in pristine condition and the owner has maintained it excellently since he purchased it new.  It will need new tires shortly and I have been considering a car tire for the rear and a rear tire for the front.  I would appreciate recommendations on sizes and brands for the front and rear of this wonderful bike.  I would like the CT to match the height of the MC tire so the speedo will be correct.
Also any other information about what needs special attention on this bike will be greatly appreciated.  Items such as wheel bearings, oil, filters etc.  Also, as a current owner of a 2004 Vulcan 1500 I love bikes with floorboards and the heel and toe shifter.  What is the best manufacturer for running boards with the heel/toe shifter, as this bike does not have them.  I ride all year so I will be installing a lead off the battery for heated clothing.  For those that use them where do you locate the plug for your heated gear? On my Vulcan I have it in front of the seat.  I do most of my own wrenching and am particularly interesed in maintenance tips and other things I should keep up with. 
So far, I have enjoyed this forum.  Everyone seems to be more than helpful and eager to ride.  I ride as much as I can locally when I'm not teaching MSF classes on weekends.
Thanks for any help and advice you can give this Valkyrie Newby!
Bernie

Bernie I would think you are in the "gettup and go mode". I would stop and see how the bike was serviced before I did anything. Records are great, but you need to look and see if items w proforned. When I bought my 98 Tourer the PO would not respond to any requests on servive done on Valk. so I did all service suggested by the "book" In a lot of case`s , do all and know where you are.

[Gator John]

The worst thing about the bike as it sits is the windshield top is right in my line of sight.  I will have to cut it down a couple inches to have a clear view of the road.

Before you get too carried away cutting down the windshield, consider putting a pad on the seat to raise you up enough to see over the windshield.  If you're tall like me, you'll appreciate the extra leg room you pick up and you will improve the cushioning for the bumps.  There are all sorts out there: sheepskin, gel, air, foam, and combinations thereof. I have an Air Rider Gel seat that I have added another 2-3" to with a piece cut out from a pool floating lounge.  It takes me up about 4" total and helps me with line of sight and leg comfort.

[Dubsvalk]

John, I'm 5'9" so I really don't want to grow in the seat anymore.  My feet hit the ground firmly now.  I will try a pad though just to make sure if my feet will still be flat on the ground and go from there.
Bernie

[Quicksilver]

You may want to get an Ultimate seat, that is 1" higher. If you can still touch the ground with it you're gonna appreciate the comfort.

[Dubsvalk]

Quicksilver,  It has a Corbin seat with back rest on it now and although it is harder and slick I will try it for awhile.  I have heard that the Ultimate seats were the best.  I would also like other's opinion of any aftermarket floorboards with heel/toe shifter too.  I had them on an '83 Wing and hated them (they were aftermarket) but love the ones on the Vulcan.
Bernie

[Gator John]

Spent an hour on a floorboard reply, then all lost when there was a problem with the site when I tried to post it.  Don't feel like tying all over.  Pls send me an email (john3xv1@netzero.net) and I'll contact you with some suggestions. (I'm not selling anything).

[Dubsvalk]

John,  Thanks!  I sent you an email.
Bernie