I Had No Idea that A Valkyrie Could Run So Well!

[Stratnick]

Today I completed a major job that included a desmog, new carb jets, new vacuum hoses, new spark plugs, petcock rebuild, oil change, and all associated o rings and gaskets.

A few weeks ago my Valkyrie suffered a hydrolock. I knew the carbs were dirty and jets clogged, so I just jumped into it with both feet and killed several birds with one stone. Thanks to an experienced board member, I saved myself lots of frustration by seeking his "wise counsel" and am very appreciative to him for sharing some expertise with me.

I thought my Valk ran well before doing this job, and I was not prepared for the sweet, smooth way it runs now. WOW!! Temps in the 60s here tomorrow, so.....

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Nice to hear.  Always good to have two sets of eyes and hands and someone who has done it.  I have kicked doing the desmog for a while now but just havent had the need.  Though its winter starting now and I would be more inclined to do it too if someone in my area has some expertise in it.  I'll supply the beer or homemade red.....

[YoungPUP]

The desmog's easy, just follow the instructions from shop talk. Have a good set of ball end metric allen wrenches for the lower air tubes,(don't need to pull the exhaust that way) and a good way to cut the air tubes to sneak them out from behind the timing covers,(used a pair of dike pliers, and strong hands). I JB welded up the lower tubes, but will be making the aluminum plates this winter. Here ya go http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/desmog.htm 

[Patrick]

Good, nice to hear its running so well, musta been the oil change..

[art]

Did you clean an polish it? My valk always runs better after I do mine.Just like a car with a new paint job

[john]

Did you clean an polish it? My valk always runs better after I do mine.Just like a car with a new paint job

weird huh ?

[Davet261]

Just curious, is the only reason to desmog a Valkyrie is to stop the gurgling/poping?  (mine does neither) Are there any other benefits? more power, better fuel mileage, etc??

[Patrick]

There are no performance or fuel mileage benefits to a de-smog.. It just cleans things up and tends to eliminate possibilities of vacuum leaks if good quality caps are used..

[hubcapsc]

so I just jumped into it with both feet and killed several birds with one stone.

Well dang, sounds like it's fit as a fiddle now, I bet it spins like a top  ...

-Mike

[Stratnick]

so I just jumped into it with both feet and killed several birds with one stone.

Well dang, sounds like it's fit as a fiddle now, I bet it spins like a top  ...

-Mike

took it out this morning for a spin to the gas station and there's a definite difference in power and performance. No more popping, stumbling, missing, or any other odd behaviors like before. It just runs smooth as silk at any speed. I'm not sure exactly what fixed it, probably a combination of several things. I did the desmog because I had the carbs out and it was really easy to do at that point. I didn't want to tear it down again to do it later if one of the pair valves failed. It was definitely worth the time and trouble.

I know I'm repeating what's already been said on here, but if you experience a  hydrolock, CHANGE YOUR OIL. Mine had gasoline in it and it was very thin. Had I run the engine, would have experience major engine damage.