New Valk Interstate questions

[CowboyBlue]

I just graduated from a pristine VT1100C Spirit which I put 20K on. Just bought a 99 Valk Interstate. I have always wanted it. It's clean. Has 55K on the odometer. However it has been sitting for a season. I noticed the idle was a bit choppy (hopefully new gas will help clean out the cobwebs) but... It smells like it's got oil leaking into the intake area. I can't see any leaks. I don't see any smoke from the exhaust. The smell comes up from under the tank. This bike has exhaust extensions pushing the exhaust out past the rear bags. It's almost like the behavior you got when your old car hadn't had the air cleaner changed or there was a stopped up PCV filter in our air cleaner. Any ideas where to look? Is this common?

[SANDMAN5]

Congratulations! I would take the tank off and drain all the old gas
and make sure there isn't any rust, clogged fuel screen, water in
the tank, etc. Put some new gas and some Techron in it. Check or replace
the air filter while you're there.As far as
the oil smell...can't help you there. Unless it's just from where it's
been sitting for awhile. How many miles have YOU put on it?

P.S. With the Techron in, putt around below 2500 rpm's to make sure
it cleans the slow jets. A lot of people (me, too) have changed the
slow jets from 35s to 38s.

P.P.S. Might be a good idea to change out the fuel and vacuum lines.
Wouldn't hurt to clean/replace the spark plugs, too. If you know the PO,
ask him about his maintenance schedule.

[Ricky-D]

I would suggest to not over-react to the situation you are concerned with.

Better to get it running with some good gas and change the oil.

What is bothering you may simply "go away" with regular use of the bike.

If you cannot see anything that is obviously "not right" such as something leaking there is no need to do anything quite yet.

***

[CowboyBlue]

65 miles so far. Got it last night. Has a little issue with the low-beam rocker switch, but a good cleaning may help. This bike has great records. I will check the air cleaner first. Plugs of course will go in. It had almost no gas in it and I filled it up with good petrol last night. I'll add the Techron.

It has no mods. Of course I'm cutting the piggies soon.

There is some goofy painting on the back I want to remove and some hand pin-striping. But, all in all this baby is all mine and all good. The perfect motorcycle.

[Kingbee]

There's a vent line for crankcase fumes that should be connected to the bottom of the airbox.  If it isn't, you'll definitely get that smell.

[Joe Hummer]

To add to what Kingbee said...there is also a tee behind the alternator that need to be connected (originates in the same place).  

Congrats on the upgrade.  I too came from a Spirit 1100...but mine had a few more miles on it when I parked it.    

St. Louis...huh???  Do you know about the Missouri Fall Colors ride happening this weekend in Cuba, MO?  Check it out!  http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,32473.0.html

Also, if you ever need help with your IS...let me know.  I have helped a few of the local members with their bikes. 

Joe

[Chrisj CMA]

why "of course Im cutting the piggies"?  I would reconsider.  Many Valkyrie owners are trying to pit previously cut off piggies back on.  If it were me, I wold research alternitive exhaust systems and leave the stockers alone

[9Ball]

why "of course Im cutting the piggies"?  I would reconsider.  Many Valkyrie owners are trying to pit previously cut off piggies back on.  If it were me, I wold research alternitive exhaust systems and leave the stockers alone

I agree...too many seem to want to butcher the stock pipes.  If you want noise, look at aftermarket pipes (new or used)....just an opinion.

Enjoy the bike.

[The Anvil]

Cut the piggies and drill the first baffle. The Valk is way too quiet with the stock exhaust 100% intact.

[fudgie]

Cant believe i'm saying this, but I agree with Anvil.     
Like they say, if its to loud, your to old.   

[NCGhostrider]

Drive it for a couple of tanks with techron in it before attacking it.  Stale gas may be what you are smelling.  After you have driven it for a bit, see what it is doing and report back in for more advice.

I personally would not cut the piggys, trade with some one that might want stock pipes, or do something else.  I may be old, but I do like hearing the radio blasting over the pipes...install sirius or something to enjoy those longer rides.  When my ears ring, it is because the volume is turned up on the radio, not the continous drone of loud pipes.  02. for what it is worth.

The interstate is a great bike, I am on my second one.  They are unique in many ways,  can't imagine what I will do when need another bike with the same capabilities...

Craig
99 I/S

[Bebop]

Look on eBay right now and you will find a couple of sets of stock pipes. Get a set of those and cut and drill away. Or do what I did and buy a set of Dragons and let everyone know your coming! Leave the stock pipes alone cause you never know.

[CowboyBlue]

I gutted EVERYTHING including the front spark arrester on my old Spirit. I loved starting it next to any Hog with less than straight shooters. You could hear me for 3 miles. Car alarms would go off even at idle. So much fun. They were impressed.

However, this is no twin. I like the sound of the smooth rumbley v6. I'm looking for tone more than loudness.

BTW, it has a K&N in it. It appears fine. K&N recommends a 50,000 mile cleaning interval. So that aint my WOT lean-ness. What I found was old gas, and some gumminess to the carbs. A little elbow grease and all seems to be improving. I added some fuel cleaner and new petrol, rode the tar outta her for 100 miles, and she's getting better. I am concerned with what I read of the petcock diaphram issues. And I'm going to go over every dang vacuum line just for good measure. I've got 500 miles planned this weekend, no wife, no kids. Hot dang! I'll letcha know.

As of now, this is like finding out the prettiest girl in school has been eyeing you. One date and yer hooked. What a fine piece of machinery.

Oh, and I come from HDs originally. Anyone comparing these F6 bikes to HDs is misinformed. They are 2 totally different worlds, both respectable for their own rights. This world however is much more satisfying to me.

[John U.]

If the bike sat for a long time with almost no fuel in the tank, the suggestion to check the tank for rust is a good one.
A flashlight and an inspection mirror (and cleaning the tank if needed) could save you much misery with the carbs.

If you find rust, I'd suggest that you replace the petcock screen and drain the carb bowls to get rid of as much rust as possible. Consider a separate fuel filter. Golan or pingle make good ones.
You should take rust seriously. Rust can cause clogged jets and leaky float valves which are one of the causes of hydrolock.

[Novavalker]

Drive it for a couple of tanks with techron in it before attacking it.  Stale gas may be what you are smelling.  After you have driven it for a bit, see what it is doing and report back in for more advice.

I personally would not cut the piggys, trade with some one that might want stock pipes, or do something else.  I may be old, but I do like hearing the radio blasting over the pipes...install sirius or something to enjoy those longer rides.  When my ears ring, it is because the volume is turned up on the radio, not the continous drone of loud pipes.  02. for what it is worth.

The interstate is a great bike, I am on my second one.  They are unique in many ways,  can't imagine what I will do when need another bike with the same capabilities...

Craig
99 I/S

+1
Well said. I ride an Interstate and totally agree with your points.

[CowboyBlue]

I rode her for 500 miles this weekend. Like a Lazy-Boy recliner with a jet engine attached. Holy cow! I never imagined how some HD riders might take to her. Some were impressed. Others turned up their noses. Some came and asked what it was. Some weren't interested. Who cares? But the Fatlady earned some respect this weekend at the Saint Louis Bikers for Babies Ride.

Anyway, the K&N was filthy, and a PITA to get out. I found that there is an aftermarket crankcase breather/filter attached right under the tank. I cleaned both. Made sure all vacuum was hooked up. Took a while but it went without a hitch. Lucky for me I have the Honda Service manual for the bike.

Mileage (mostly my fault I suppose) is horrendous. 140miles on a tank. Still has the WOT issue. But it only happens now in 5th. So. I'm going to pull the plugs. It has 55K on it and I'm 99% positive it's a plug issue at this point. It needs them anyway. Airflow is fine. Any suggestions?

[Hoser]

You might try removing that aftermarket breather filter, I have never seen or heard of such a thing.  Hoser  ??? 

[Steve K (IA)]

You might try removing that aftermarket breather filter, I have never seen or heard of such a thing.  Hoser  ??? 

Yes, what Hoser say's.  I am guessing that what you are referring to as a crankcase breather filter is probably attached to what we all call the "Dragon Drool Tube".  To find out, from the right side of the bike, look underneath and you should see (3?) hoses.  One should have a black plug in it.  If you see that one, pull the plug to let any cruddy oil/water out.  Use a rag or small pan to catch the drippin's. 
If you don't see the plugged hose, that is probably the one that "filter" is attached to and will eventually get pretty slimy.
If I am wrong, I am sure someone will correct me.   

[VALKIFIED]

65 miles so far. Got it last night. Has a little issue with the low-beam rocker switch, but a good cleaning may help. This bike has great records. I will check the air cleaner first. Plugs of course will go in. It had almost no gas in it and I filled it up with good petrol last night. I'll add the Techron.

It has no mods. Of course I'm cutting the piggies soon.

There is some goofy painting on the back I want to remove and some hand pin-striping. But, all in all this baby is all mine and all good. The perfect motorcycle.

Mine are cut and looking for complete stockers. PM me if your interested in a trade.

[CowboyBlue]

yes, right out of the block, a tub was clamped on and a breather filter was added. That should be a tube running down to the ground, working both ways right?

[John U.]

That hose has to be plugged or you will suck unfiltered air into the carbs. It will probably also mess with the airflow design of the airbox, which functions well and should not be modified.

[CowboyBlue]

That hose has to be plugged or you will suck unfiltered air into the carbs. It will probably also mess with the airflow design of the airbox, which functions well and should not be modified.

Let me try and explain until I get a pic. This has replaced the Drool Tube that should be there. I realize this may allow water to get into the crank case. However, I'm not sure it would allow unfiltered air?

My mileage is going up. Also, the WOT lean is becoming a smaller and smaller spot in my accelerator. But the temp was 60 degrees this morning on the way to work. And the idle is improved. I'll give her more time.

I really wish she had the rumble at stop lights I've heard from those 6 into 6 pipes, but I do like the quietness she has on the highway. I would love to have some pipes that would come alive when I wanted them to...

[Cruzen]

Anyway, the K&N was filthy, and a PITA to get out. I found that there is an aftermarket crankcase breather/filter attached right under the tank. I cleaned both. Made sure all vacuum was hooked up. Took a while but it went without a hitch. Lucky for me I have the Honda Service manual for the bike.

It sounds like you are doing all or most of this work yourself and I asume when you rode HD you did most of the work on that yourself.  It would be interesting to hear your opinion as to which bike is easier to work on or from your view point which bike might have more extensive service requirements.  One of the things that bothers me about the Valk is the vacuum hoses and items like that which require periodic inspection and replacement.  Everyone makes a big deal about the 1500 running for miles and miles but what about all the suplemental devices that need attention.  What do you think of the Valks wiring verses the HD?  Look forward to hearing your opinions.  Don't feel bad about hurting anyone's feelings now they will get over it.

[CowboyBlue]

I am no expert. Although I do fix my own stuff unless I feel lazy or time is an issue.

Example: My Spirit clutch took me 1.5hrs. Literally goofing off and drinking beer while doing it. So easy. This Valk clutch will be way more time intensive, and compared to an HD? HD's have less moving parts.

I look at it like this. Take a 57 Chevy vs. a Mitsu Evo. Which has more moving parts? Same idea.

[Cruzen]

I am no expert. Although I do fix my own stuff unless I feel lazy or time is an issue.

Example: My Spirit clutch took me 1.5hrs. Literally goofing off and drinking beer while doing it. So easy. This Valk clutch will be way more time intensive, and compared to an HD? HD's have less moving parts.

I look at it like this. Take a 57 Chevy vs. a Mitsu Evo. Which has more moving parts? Same idea.

Considering I have a restored to original condition 55 Chevy in my garage sitting next to a 98 Corvette, I understand.