u-joint went out

[longrider]

I don't post often but look here regularily.   2500 miles from home and after reading about the u-joint back order a while back it kinda makes a person nervous.  Well mine went out.    vibration yesterday and worse today.  49500 miles.     This is my second valk.  125000 on the last one.  At that time I had read about a few guys with u-joint trouble.  Ordered a new one and installed.  saved the old one ,  it's like new.  I even had it with me!   I'll be looking for a spare.  Those of you who found one can you give me an idea where to look?

thanks

warren

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Mike Terry has a few $140.00 for a used one 

www.valkyrieblingandmore.com

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I changed mine at 100k just for giggles and grins. And now the old one travels on trips with me in the saddlebag.

[98valk]

ebay. just picked up a spare with 31k on it for $60. It was a GW GL1500 auction.
U-joints same for GL1500 and Valkyrie
Drive flange the same and the ST1100 also

[Davemn]

If the parts are the same for the Valkyrie and Goldwing....why are they so hard to get?

[Kaiser]

If the parts are the same for the Valkyrie and Goldwing....why are they so hard to get?

Neither bike is made anymore.

[Kaiser]

If the parts are the same for the Valkyrie and Goldwing....why are they so hard to get?

I'm not sure the final production date for the GL1500, but the latest-and-greatest Valk hasn't been made in almost 8 years (2003).  Parts manufacturers have to go where the $$$ is, which isn't in a bike that hasn't been made in almost a decade.

The law of supply and demand is starting to become very evident in finding parts for the Valk, and will only get worse with the price of parts sky-rocketing as it becomes harder and harder to find them and our bikes get older and older.

I know some may think that Mike's price for the u-joint is high.  But I sure as heck would rather pay $140 for one now and KNOW that I've got one, rather than take the risk of either not being able to find one in a few years when I may need it - or worse...find one but have to pay $200, or $300, or whatever they cost then.  The way I see it - there is no guarantee that the back-order will be lifted in Feb.  I sure hope so - but all they have to do is say "sorry - now it's gonna be August" and everybody waiting for one is gonna get screwed over.  And who knows how many times that cycle may repeat before they actually start shipping the u-joint.  IMHO, $140 is cheap insurance.  (If you are having problems reading between the lines - I bought a u-joint from Mike and am justifying it to myself here.)

My .02 - stock up on all the parts you can find while the gettin' is good.

[Daniel Meyer]

Honda has never been this problematic on parts. Body parts of old bikes, sure...and some stuff that's easier in the after market...but basic engine/driveline parts?

I've been working on these things all my life. Never had any trouble getting parts for Hondas...until now. Just last year I bought driveline parts and a wheel for an 81 goldwing. New.

They are either going down, or are shifting their policy.

Though I'm wondering...they are moving their US production...maybe the move has disrupted things. I don't know.

Normally, I would expect no problem with getting basic valk mechanical parts for 30 years or so...

[wild6]

I agree.  Starting up new production for the Goldwings in Japan caused a model year skip.  Maybe this part will be made in the new plant.

[Bagger John - #3785]

The CB750 SOHC Four has been out of production since 1978, yet I can still get engine and drivetrain parts for them.

Ditto the GL1000/1100/1200 series, although some items (such as brake components for the various limited-run models) have been discontinued.

If an item remains profitable then Honda will keep making it. Should they get requests for 10 Valkyrie u-joints per calendar year, expect it to be discontinued or placed on long-duration backorder. 10,000 per year and you'll see them made 'til the cows come home.

I have owned Hondas since I started riding street bikes...many, many years ago. Their product support is what has kept me returning to the brand. Should Honda decide in the near term to NOT support their "legacy" products - even in the face of brisk demand for spares - I will offer up for sale five well-maintained, lower-mileage Valkyries and will no longer 'Ride Red'. Indeed, Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson will be getting the bulk of my business.

[F6Dave]

I agree with Bagger John.  Honda has a long history of providing parts long after the standard 10 years.  But lately their commitment to motorcycles hasn't been what is was.  The Valk's discontinuation is only one example of this -- nearly any dealer you talk to complains of a product line that has fallen behind the competition.

With their new factory and one great new bike (the VFR1200) there's hope they may be coming back.  But I think next year will really tell the story.  The Goldwing is their flagship and has owned the touring market for decades without a serious challenge.  But the new BMW K1600 6 cylinder tourers will blow the 1800 away and will steal a lot of sales.  If Honda doesn't respond with a major upgrade of the Wing, that will speak volumes about the future of their bikes.

[Valker]

Back when Soichiro was still alive and running things, a motorcycle magazine (this was in the early 80s) asked Honda corporate leaders about how they could buy parts for all these new models when they became old models. Corporate put their heads together, talked about a minute among themselves, and replied, "We guarantee all parts to be available indefinitely". I assumed this commitment changed when Soichiro gave control to a Board.

[bentwrench]

It's time for the 2ltr. F-8 I keep dreaming about
bw