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Tyco
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« on: February 28, 2012, 10:17:06 PM » |
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Hello all,
I am a new vrcc member. I just bought a 1997 Valkyrie tourer. It has 60,000 miles on it but only one previous owner who I really think did a great job taking care of the bike. Now the maintenance will be my responsibility and I a mulling over exactly how much of the maintenance I want to take on myself. I am by all means no expert when it comes to mechanical servicing of cars or motorcycles but I am ready and willing to learn. The only thing that will be holding me back is that I don't have a whole lot of tools and to be truthfully honest, I am a little afraid I could screw something up. I have plenty of time on my hands and somewhat in need of a hobby. I was just wondering what your opinions were on the servicing you would recommend for a beginner to do and what might be better left for a pro to do. Thanks a ton and I look forward to hearing what everyone says. By the way, I have already spent like seven hours just browsing around on here. Its addicting!!!
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JC
Member
Posts: 321
The Beast
Franklin, TN
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« Reply #1 on: February 29, 2012, 01:17:53 AM » |
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Welcome to the nuthouse! Let me recommend these two resources for your reading pleasure. http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/http://www.valkyrienorway.com/1520manual/valkyriegl1500.zipShoptalk is a full of great maintenance information and references, and Dag has a wonderful website with a downloadable factory maintenance manual that is worth it's weight in gold. You can do most everything you need done yourself, just take your time and you'll be fine. |
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Damn thing gives me the grins every time I get on it!
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Michvalk
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« Reply #2 on: February 29, 2012, 02:13:06 AM » |
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There is no real reason you can't do ALL your own maintanance on your bike, given that you have the time. Valks just need some common sence items looked at from time to time, and can be done at your leisure. Look over the Shoptalk section, and start in with the most needed maintance items, and go from there. I have had my 99 Interstate for 7 years or so, and have only the regular items (grease splines, replace tires, Air filter, change oil, ect) to do. You probably will not spend any more time or effort doing maintance on the valk than you do on your car. Most maintance items can be done at the same time as other items on the list (while you have it apart) like tire changes together with spline inspection. Not that big a deal. The heavy duty items like valve adjust and carb sync are done infrequently and could be done at a wrench party get-together with other valk owners nearby. Keep watch on the board, and you will find some near you to join in on. Have fun with the Valk and safe miles  |
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« Last Edit: February 29, 2012, 02:17:08 AM by Michvalk »
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salty1
Member
Posts: 2359
"Flyka"
Spokane, WA or Tucson, AZ
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« Reply #3 on: February 29, 2012, 03:54:06 AM » |
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Welcome and congratulations on the "new" Valk. You certainly can change your own oil and filter. Then take on coolant replacement. All kinds of threads to look at for these items.  Who knows, you may surprise yourself like a lot of us have and dig deeper into the bike and it's maintenance. BUT, if it ain't broke don't fix it.  |
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My rides: 1998 GL1500C, 2000 GL 1500CF,2006 GL 1800 3A   |
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NC_Rob
Member
Posts: 182
VRCC# 21032
Sanford NC
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« Reply #4 on: February 29, 2012, 04:12:21 AM » |
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Hello all,
I am a new vrcc member. I just bought a 1997 Valkyrie tourer.
Welcome to the club! At 60k your ride is almost broke in |
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Rob
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Chiefy
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« Reply #5 on: February 29, 2012, 04:16:40 AM » |
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Welcome aboard.
Start with the more simple things. And if some job on the bike makes you feel nervous ahead of time, search shop talk or just ask on the boards. It doesn't matter what your bike needs, folks here have done it.
If you have a question about oil, try searching first. Oil questions around here are like powder kegs.....
Tip of the day: Ethanol can plug up your carb jets if you let the bike sit for a few weeks without any kind of gas treatment. So make sure you ride it!
PICTURES.....................
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 1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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olddog1946
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« Reply #6 on: February 29, 2012, 07:46:30 AM » |
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First off: Welcome aboard.
Secondly: I would agree with the folks so far, that there is no reason you couldn't do you own maintenance. You'd be amazed at what a little common sense can do for ya. Download Dag's manual, keep it on your 'puter or even print it out (400+ pages)..what ever works for you..
GO INTO YOUR PROFILE AND PUT IN YOUR LOCATION...you may have neighbors with Valks and I am sure willing to help you out.
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VRCC # 32473
US AIR FORCE E7, Retired 1965-1988
01 Valk Std.
02 BMW k1200LTE
65 Chevelle coupe, 1986 Mazda RX-7 with 350/5spd, 1983 Mazda RX-7 with FOMOCO 302/AOD project, 95 Mustang GT Convertible 5.0, 5 spd
Moses Lake, Wa. 509-760-6382 if you need help
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Tyco
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« Reply #7 on: February 29, 2012, 09:08:58 AM » |
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First of all, i wanted to thank everyone for the help and encouragement. I can't wait to jump in!
Olddog- i see that you are reitred air force? What was your afsc?
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paps350
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« Reply #8 on: February 29, 2012, 02:32:24 PM » |
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Welcome Boomer, as everyone said before maintenance on the Valk is not too big a deal depending on how deep you want to dig into it. If maintenance and light repairs are your concerns get yourself Metric: Combination wrenches, 3/8 Socket set, Allen wrenches, Torque wrench and a repair manual. (I opted for a 3/8 drive torque wrench due to its smaller size). These will help you tackle whatever you feel comfortable doing, and the best tool that will help the most is this site. Good Luck and welcome.
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old2soon
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« Reply #9 on: February 29, 2012, 03:34:05 PM » |
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Boomer-Welcome to the insanity. :2funny:I'm an old retired truck driver that had not turned a wrench in awhile.  Since i've been on this board i've changed the oil 4 times with a new filter each time i've seviced the splines twice had both wheels off the bike twice rebuilt the rear brake caliper and replaced the timing belts-all with help from these board members and the maintenence suggestions you'll find on this board. And built the wooden jack adapter the plans for which are available on this board.  In short most of the folks here have been there done that and are very willing to share. Somebody on this board has the answer or an opinion on what ever yer workin on. Again-welcome and RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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RP#62
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« Reply #10 on: February 29, 2012, 04:54:29 PM » |
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Go for it Boomer. You got 24/7 on-line tech support right here.
-RP
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sandy
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« Reply #11 on: February 29, 2012, 04:57:25 PM » |
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Boomer: I thought it was against the law to own a "JAP" bike in Milwaukee. As was said, post for some help in the area. Someone may have time to help with info and tools till you get more confidence with old girl. Oh yeah and post a pic.
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sugerbear
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« Reply #12 on: February 29, 2012, 06:37:12 PM » |
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#1 buy an OFFICIAL honda manual, or download one from dags site. http://www.valkyrienorway.com/#2 buy a good set of metric wrenches, screwdrivers, long nose pliers. #3 read, read, read, ask, ask, ask, no question is stupid if you don't know the answer. #4 tabs on the side covers break really easy. :'( #5 enjoy |
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Tropic traveler
Member
Posts: 3117
Livin' the Valk, er, F6B life in Central Florida.
Silver Springs, Florida
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« Reply #13 on: February 29, 2012, 06:47:24 PM » |
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#1 buy an OFFICIAL honda manual, or download one from dags site. http://www.valkyrienorway.com/#2 buy a good set of metric wrenches, screwdrivers, long nose pliers. #3 read, read, read, ask, ask, ask, no question is stupid if you don't know the answer. #4 tabs on the side covers break really easy. :'( #5 enjoy Damn good advice! Here's my bought at 57K '97 Tourer which now has 112K & still going strong!  Welcome to the madness! |
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'13 F6B black-the real new Valkyrie Tourer
'13 F6B red for Kim
'97 Valkyrie Tourer r&w, OLDFRT's ride now!
'98 Valkyrie Tourer burgundy & cream traded for Kim's F6B
'05 SS 750 traded for Kim's F6B
'99 Valkyrie black & silver Tourer, traded in on my F6B
'05 Triumph R3 gone but not forgotten!
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Tyco
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« Reply #14 on: February 29, 2012, 07:34:56 PM » |
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I just wanted to say thanks again for the tips. I am now itching to get out there. Riding season can't come soon enough up here is WI! I can't wait for the first harley guy to give me crap and I can tell him the my valk is just as if not more American!  I am trying to post a picture of my new baby but I dont really know how... A help would be appreciated |
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PhredValk
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« Reply #15 on: February 29, 2012, 07:53:37 PM » |
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Welcome, and hey! 'Made in USA' should be stamped right on the engine casing (ask your HD buddies to show that to you on their bikes). Some of the stuff you need done can be done at the dealer, but many have had maintenance items done incorrectly by dealers, especially rear end lube.
Get a manual, get some tools, get to know your Fat Lady from end to end.
Fred.
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
VRCCDS0237
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Bone
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« Reply #16 on: March 01, 2012, 04:13:02 AM » |
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boomer88 sent you a PM (personal message).
You will find it by clicking on "My Messages"
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Tyco
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« Reply #17 on: March 01, 2012, 05:04:44 AM » |
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 Alright, got the picture thing working. Here is a pic of my very own fat lady:) |
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Chiefy
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« Reply #18 on: March 01, 2012, 05:09:43 AM » |
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Nice bike Boomer!
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1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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JimmyG
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« Reply #19 on: March 01, 2012, 06:23:56 AM » |
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Welcome to the board. Lots of information here and everyone willing to help out. Good luck.
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BigBod
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« Reply #20 on: March 01, 2012, 07:59:21 AM » |
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Clymer manual is my best friend.....I had to learn the hard way when I had my 1200 Wing. The alternator went bad and the engine had to come out to change it. Labour charge at a bike shop was way more than I could ever afford so I had to set to and do it myself. Very satifying once it's all done. Thing is now my friends know I've done it, I've done a few more since for them....I now do all my own spannering, whatever it is...
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salty1
Member
Posts: 2359
"Flyka"
Spokane, WA or Tucson, AZ
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« Reply #21 on: March 01, 2012, 02:32:53 PM » |
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Nice looking ride you got there Boomer!!! |
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My rides: 1998 GL1500C, 2000 GL 1500CF,2006 GL 1800 3A |
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