new bike assessment

[BarendR]

Well, I went and did it.  Last Saturday I went and laid out 6K for a '99 black and red I/S.  I've found an Ultimate seat, CB, 90 degree valve stems, throttle boss, fog lights, what I believe to be cobra 6 into 6 exhaust and maybe more I don't know yet.  Paint is pretty good, some chrome issues mostly on the pax floorboards and I found one small crack on the right side pod, bit all in all not any worse then my old '83 Yamaha Venture.  
Now that I have some miles on it (more then the quick test ride I did back in January), I have the following observations: I think I could compare these bikes to a ten speed bicycle and a mountain bike; both cycles have comparable power, but the ten speed has the agility and acceleration, whereas the mountain bike has stability and solidity (if that's a word).  The Valk definitely feels more solid in the turns, but misses the pep of the (early) Ventures); I miss the throttle lock I had on my Venture; After yesterdays 400 mile ride I am not impressed with the Ultimate seat though I will consider that it's the first long ride we made in a while; I love the headlights, after the Venture this is like driving in daylight; I do like the sound of my unbaffled 6 into 6 pipes, they are fine for short hops like my half hour ride to work, but for long distance rides, .......they suck!!!!  My ears are still humming. ;  Fuel consumption was running about 36 on the slab going to and from work at about 65mph - still need to fill up after yesterday to see what I got on the slab (70mph) and in the mountains.

Where do I go from here?  First I made a good choice in buying this bike, I like the way it handles and rides.  There are some changes I would like to make:  adjust my old highway boards to make them comfortable and useable; install a throttle lock or cruise control; fix the clock (I can't select the clock set option, maybe some electrical cleaner); new brake pads before I judge the quality of the brakes; a real horn; do something about the exhaust, either baffles or find stock pipes.  I was told at a recent physical that I was deaf, no sense in making it worse! And finally the biggie, re-attach my sidecar so that my "might as well sell that damn thing 'cause I'll never ride in it" will be happy  
  

[sandy]

Cobra offers baffles for their pipes but if the Wife unit wants comfort, maybe stock pipes would be best. The brakes aren't the best for an 800 lb cruiser. My Wing (940 lbs) has triple piston calipers and stops better than my Valk Tourer at 750 lbs. Vista Cruise makes a $30 throttle lock which works very well. Have fun making more comfortable for you.

[olddog1946]

Welcome aboard. I do believe you will absolutely love your Valk, do the mods to make it your own and ride like you stole it.

DON'T FORGET TO POST PICS

[John Schmidt]

Re. the brakes, I'd also suggest some stainless braided lines in place of OEM. They will make the action feel much more solid due to no expansion of the lines under pressure.

[Jess Tolbirt]

ear plugs

[Red Diamond]

Welcome, If you have the Red/Black Interstate, of course you have the best looking color available and maybe not the fastest but next to it. I'm a stocker type, but the stock pipes will still drone a bit (ear plugs as mentioned above). I installed seats from a 2003 Standard w/Utopia backrest and like that combination. You will be surprised what a little elbow grease will do for these bikes that need it. Here is how much I like the Red/Black color scheme.

[BarendR]

Thanks for the feedback!  I think I'd prefer cruise but will probably settle for a throttle lock.  Almost jumped on the brakeaway listed in classifieds but didn't have the bike and didn't know if I could get it, so I let it slide. 
 It's actually me who wants to tone down the pipes, the "wife unit" thinks I should leave it alone,  Of course she already has tinnitus, so what does she care?!   Earplugs: yeah, about that .... can't stand the things, can't hardly get them in due to the shape of my ear canal and they allow water (sweat) build up behind them.  That being said I haven't tried shaped custom plug yet, so maybe that is an option.  Coming from the Venture (Yamaha's answer to the Wing) I'm used to quiet, wouldn't mind a tad more attitude but for long rides this is too much (for me).  Probably start with baffles unless I can get a good deal on stock pipes.  (btw I ride with a full face helmet)
SS brake lines is a good suggestion, had them on the Venture, does someone sell them ready made?  Are there upgrade options for the calipers?
Nice bike, did note that like many others I see a block under the kick stand,  it does seem to lean a tad, options?

Thanks!

[Willow]

A few observations:

Good price.  You got a good deal.

Pods can be repaired by a good painter.  A replacement pod will run $150 - $300.

Ninety degree stems are standard.  What you want are ninety degree all metal stems.

Ultimate makes saddles in three sizes.  Your comfort will depend on how your size matches the specific saddle model.

If you're missing the pep of the Venture you need some carb and or engine work done.

Sorry to hear about the sidecar.

Enjoy the wind and welcome to the madness. 

Of course, we will need pix.

[macdoesit]

Well, I went and did it.  Last Saturday I went and laid out 6K for a '99 black and red I/S.  I've found an Ultimate seat, CB, 90 degree valve stems, throttle boss, fog lights, what I believe to be cobra 6 into 6 exhaust and maybe more I don't know yet.  Paint is pretty good, some chrome issues mostly on the pax floorboards and I found one small crack on the right side pod, bit all in all not any worse then my old '83 Yamaha Venture.  
Now that I have some miles on it (more then the quick test ride I did back in January), I have the following observations: I think I could compare these bikes to a ten speed bicycle and a mountain bike; both cycles have comparable power, but the ten speed has the agility and acceleration, whereas the mountain bike has stability and solidity (if that's a word).  The Valk definitely feels more solid in the turns, but misses the pep of the (early) Ventures); I miss the throttle lock I had on my Venture; After yesterdays 400 mile ride I am not impressed with the Ultimate seat though I will consider that it's the first long ride we made in a while; I love the headlights, after the Venture this is like driving in daylight; I do like the sound of my unbaffled 6 into 6 pipes, they are fine for short hops like my half hour ride to work, but for long distance rides, .......they suck!!!!  My ears are still humming. ;  Fuel consumption was running about 36 on the slab going to and from work at about 65mph - still need to fill up after yesterday to see what I got on the slab (70mph) and in the mountains.

Where do I go from here?  First I made a good choice in buying this bike, I like the way it handles and rides.  There are some changes I would like to make:  adjust my old highway boards to make them comfortable and useable; install a throttle lock or cruise control; fix the clock (I can't select the clock set option, maybe some electrical cleaner); new brake pads before I judge the quality of the brakes; a real horn; do something about the exhaust, either baffles or find stock pipes.  I was told at a recent physical that I was deaf, no sense in making it worse! And finally the biggie, re-attach my sidecar so that my "might as well sell that damn thing 'cause I'll never ride in it" will be happy  
  

Yellow very hard to read,

   I have been thinking of going 6 into 6
Have stock might trade, my hearing is 75% loss across the board, so not real sure. I have (great) hearing aids don't wear while riding.

[old2soon]

Welcome to the insanity. How long was this Valkyrie sitting around doing nothing before it snagged you?? A good fuel system cleaner can go a long way in getting the proper performance back. Search the tech board-lotsa answers on your questions already there. And a wealth of knowledge here that everyone is willing to share. Again-welcome to the sandbox. RIDE SAFE.

[The Anvil]

ear plugs

Troo dat. I wear em religiously. Not even so much for the exhaust sound (and I have baffled 6X6's) but for wind noise.

The Ultimate just might not be for your ass. Not all posteriors were made the same. Some asses are fond of the Ultimate, some like Corbin (mine does) and yet others like the stock seat.

Oh and as Sandy said, the brakes are adequate but not great. Braided lines will make a big improvement in feel and feedback.

[buffalobill]

I have a set of baffles, full baffles and not cut down. You pay me for shipping and they are yours. Welcome to the Club.
Buffalobill

[B]

 
2 thumbs up on the Red/Blk. 

[BarendR]

I have a set of baffles, full baffles and not cut down. You pay me for shipping and they are yours. Welcome to the Club.
Buffalobill

BuffaloBill; PM sent!

Welcome to the insanity. How long was this Valkyrie sitting around doing nothing before it snagged you?? A good fuel system cleaner can go a long way in getting the proper performance back. Search the tech board-lotsa answers on your questions already there. And a wealth of knowledge here that everyone is willing to share. Again-welcome to the sandbox. RIDE SAFE.

Old2soon, I first saw the bike at the local dealer in December, asking price was 7200, they just didn't move it and I just had too much going on until recently.  Like to think it was meant to be mine 

[texaninsouthfl]

ear plugs

I'll second that... I also have the aforementioned unbaffled Cobras... Love love love em... they don't bother me at all at highway speeds but I wear ear plugs for the wind noise. I find I am MUCH less beat up feeling at the end of a long ride. I found a container of 50 pairs of foam ear plugs at Harbor Freight for 5 bucks.

[Chattanooga Mark]

Welcome to one of the best touring motorcycles available, period. The black/red Interstates are absolutely beautiful too. You'll find there is an unbelievable amount of excellent information available on this forum. These are some of the nicest people you'll meet as well.

As far as the gas mileage, I'd say 36mpg at 65mph or so is between very good and about right. I would certainly try to find a good set of oem pipes or trade with someone who likes the noise of the Cobras. I'd also add a can of SeaFoam to your next tank of gas and run it through. It does a great job of cleaning up the gum and varnish in the carbs. I have a Brake-A-Way throttle lock on my Interstate and love it. I also have an Audiovox cruise control system I have yet to actually install. Sounds like you got a great buy on your fat lady too. Stainless steel brake lines is a great suggestion. Do a search on here to find out more info about who has what. Likely Goodrich or Galfer has a ready made set. Regarding the Ultimate seat. I had an Ultimate Big Boy and hated every mile I sat on it. At last years Inzane, Des from Ultimate made me a great deal on a King Big Boy set and I must say, that seat is simply awesome. Des even sold my other seat set for me while I was out on a ride. Ultimate is an excellent company so maybe you just don't have the right one for you. For me, the steep rise at the front of the Big Boy placed WAY too much of my weight directly on a place I'd rather not have that much pressure on. I went numb in a matter of minutes. The flatter King Big Boy fit me like a glove and still leaves a bit of room for me to move around. Regarding the oem horn, yes, it's awful and embarassing. I just installed the Big BF Quad Horn set and now the big girl sounds like it should. Those horns will get attention. For me, installation was a bit of a PITA though.

All the best,

Mark

[flcjr]

just my opinion I had cobras baffled and open and not a huge difference. I bet they will still be too loud for you. I was like you liked the sound around town on short trips but all day on the highway yuck. I have a set with baffles collecting dust in the garage.

[Chattanooga Mark]

This is an awesome thread to read for anyone new to the Valkyrie Interstate. I found it over the weekend and have read it through twice already. Excellent information with excellent pictures.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21439.0.html

All the best,

Mark

[BarendR]

Of course, we will need pix.

Photostash says I need a number, I got a number?????  Y'all are waaaaayyyyyytoo complicated with that!  Just saying ......

[B]

just my opinion I had cobras baffled and open and not a huge difference. I bet they will still be too loud for you. I was like you liked the sound around town on short trips but all day on the highway yuck. I have a set with baffles collecting dust in the garage.

I pulled my baffles and wrapped them with fiberglass baffle blankets ($10 ea at local dealer; on pkg per two pipes) ... Cut the volume some and gave it a deeper less 'tinny' header sound. I didn't mind the pipes unwrapped except when towing; too much echo off the trailer.

[KSDragonRider]

I think your bike is beautiful! 


I have not tried out the ultimate seat, but did get a good deal on a Mustang extra wide touring with backrest.  The seat was hard as a rock when I first put it on, and I hated it.  Now about 2000 miles later, it feels great.  I dont know if my butt got used to the seat, or the seat got used to my butt.

You will look around here at the things the others are doing, and find that the piles of chrome and add on stuff just keeps adding up.  Good luck and ride safe!

[BarendR]

pictures, finally!

https://picasaweb.google.com/114801244607247433063/1999HondaValkyrie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMuLitq01vfrKQ#5725077141916301250

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-utbBC7ODz7U/T3OPC1euWzI/AAAAAAAAAAw/393XJc57fHk/s128/IMG_20120319_165748.jpg

[Beer van Huet]

As for the cruise control, you can also get http://www.mccruise.com/ . Considerably more expensive but identical to the one in your car. I bought it 12 years ago and still use it all the time. It is safer than a lock and reliable. Service is outstanding. I messed around with my control and broke the circuit board. Since it was no longer in production, they re-manufactured it for me within a week for the same price .
BTW, no affiliation.

[Hoser]

If you trade your cobras for woody's stock exhaust you will regain some of the power loss you seem to be having. The Valkyrie shoud run as good as a Venture, even the old model. Hoser

[Tailgate Tommy]

I think your bike is beautiful! 


I have not tried out the ultimate seat, but did get a good deal on a Mustang extra wide touring with backrest.  The seat was hard as a rock when I first put it on, and I hated it.  Now about 2000 miles later, it feels great.  I dont know if my butt got used to the seat, or the seat got used to my butt.

You will look around here at the things the others are doing, and find that the piles of chrome and add on stuff just keeps adding up.  Good luck and ride safe!

+1
Most beautiful!

[texaninsouthfl]

I think your bike is beautiful! 


I have not tried out the ultimate seat, but did get a good deal on a Mustang extra wide touring with backrest.  The seat was hard as a rock when I first put it on, and I hated it.  Now about 2000 miles later, it feels great.  I dont know if my butt got used to the seat, or the seat got used to my butt.

You will look around here at the things the others are doing, and find that the piles of chrome and add on stuff just keeps adding up.  Good luck and ride safe!

+1
Most beautiful!

As much as I love my black and chrome Standard... I would love to add a black and red IS to the stable someday... the best TWO TONE color combo by far IMHO.

[Paxton]

Nice Bike!

Performance issues? Nobody here has had the guts to tell you but the only solution is to paint it Black.
It is indeed the FASTEST color! 

[hubcapsc]

You may want to consider taking your calipers off and cleaning them up...



-Mike

[BarendR]

If you trade your cobras for woody's stock exhaust you will regain some of the power loss you seem to be having. The Valkyrie shoud run as good as a Venture, even the old model. Hoser

I received some baffles from BuffaloBill (Thanks Bill! ) They have taken the edge off and the bike seems to run better as well.  I'll run this for a while before I'll consider whether I want to go OEM.

As for the cruise control, you can also get http://www.mccruise.com/ . Considerably more expensive but identical to the one in your car. I bought it 12 years ago and still use it all the time. It is safer than a lock and reliable. Service is outstanding. I messed around with my control and broke the circuit board. Since it was no longer in production, they re-manufactured it for me within a week for the same price .
BTW, no affiliation.

Ouch, let me win that lottery first 

If you trade your cobras for woody's stock exhaust you will regain some of the power loss you seem to be having. The Valkyrie shoud run as good as a Venture, even the old model. Hoser

Hoser, since you seem to be familiar with the Ventures you should know that the 1st Gen is waaayyyy faster then the newer 2nd Gen's 

[Karen]

Try some contact cleaner in the left side switch area, my clock set can be cranky also. Good luck, you got a great machine at a very good price.

[Sodbuster]

pictures, finally!

https://picasaweb.google.com/114801244607247433063/1999HondaValkyrie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMuLitq01vfrKQ#5725077141916301250

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-utbBC7ODz7U/T3OPC1euWzI/AAAAAAAAAAw/393XJc57fHk/s128/IMG_20120319_165748.jpg

Nice looking bike !!  You may want to do a little research, if the emblem on the tank is correct it is a 2000 or newer bike.

[FPG52]

Nice ride... good luck with the lady... just bought mine last year and love it.  Ditto's on the seat comments... if you can try others first it helps.  Had mine reupholstered last year because I wanted brown leather on the seat.  Anyway the shop cut, scraped and basically customized the seat to fit my backside... huge difference so now I ride the stock seat with modifications and it is great.

Ride safe enjoy your lady
FPG

[Hoser]

"Hoser, since you seem to be familiar with the Ventures you should know that the 1st Gen is waaayyyy faster then the newer 2nd Gen's"

That is true, but it's not faster than the Valkyrie.    The newer Venture  is a beauty, though.  Hoser