Newbie with Questions

[oldthrower50]

I went from a 99 BMW KRS to a 97 Valk...it's like going from trying to fit in your refrigarator to driving your La-Z-Boy.  I could NOT be happier.  I am definately the type of rider that you see meandering down the road...and the BMW was not a good fit for that

Two questions, please
1) what do you use for a key chain?  The key disappears in my pocket, but I don't want to use anything that will leave swirl marks, or bounce off things around the ignition

2) (And this is a truly stupid noob question) How do you get on and off without scuffing across the seat?  I am a big, moderately mobile guy....but I feel like I am doiing something very awkwardly wrong...and I am sure I look like a complete new rider getting on and off.  HELP!

Did I mention I LOVE this big dang bike

[fudgie]

I leave the key in mine or I'll stick it in the seat latch. I have mine into a fob so no one notices it. As far as the seat. I still do it. If I try i can miss it but I'm short legged to.

[cookiedough]

I use a plastic square about 1" in size Honda keychain (blackwith red wings and in red says Honda against the black background) probably can pick up at some Honda dealers for cheap.  Honda dealer gave me it when bought the bike from them.  

I hear yah about scuffing the seat.  I'm only 5'10" stock OEM I/S seat and have a few times scuffed the seat with my tennis shoes getting off only.  What I have to do since not very flexible at 275lbs. and only 30" inseam is exit on left side (kickstand side) like most do and raise my right leg up and over the DRIVER part of the seat straight over and sometimes use my right hand and lift the back part of my calf up and over the drivers part of the seat.  This usually works but still sometimes catches the seat and scuffs it some, oh well as long as I don't rip it or tear it up some, scuffs aren't too bad.  

I have tried raising my right leg up, swing back, and then over the PASSENGER seat that is raised but I am not flexible enough nor tall enough to raise my right leg that high over the passenger seat area unfortunately.  On level ground since I have cobra driver floorboards, I cannot touch flat footed, but pretty close to it.  If I have the wife on back, then no problems touching flat footed on level pavement.  I would not recommend to anyone with a passenger on back to not be able to touch the ground flat footed since somewhat top heavy at stop signs with 200lb. passenger on back.  

I can tell you with near 500lbs. on the bike with passenger and driver along with 3 full I/S saddlebags full with another say 50-60lbs., I can definitely tell it is a little tipsy at stop signs a little but as far as pulling power, the beast never bogs down just is not as quick off the line is all.  

[olddog1946]

To get on the bike I stand on the passenger floor board and swing my right leg up and over my back rest.
To dismount I set the bike on the side stand , right foot on the ground and get off to the right side, I find it easier to lift the left leg with the foot pointed down. Use to do it the other way but this seems easier..
Having a K1200LTE, I hear ya about the being cramped. I feel like I'm on a sports bike not a touring bike and not sure I am going to get used to the top heaviness of that thing. Though I do like the 49+mpg , cruise, reverse, tunes, etc etc. and am amazed at how strong that bike is for a 1200.

[john]

i have my key on a black nylon loop lanyard off a small camera ...           
push key into pocket and let lanyard hang loose ...
easy to grab ... even with gloves on                   
i have seen keys with chrome knobs on'em left in the bike ...
unless you know where to look , what to look for ...                 
 invisable         

[sheets]

Key Fob - I use a small Monkey Fist, about 1.25 inch diameter.  It is woven from a soft durable twine. Picked it up several years ago at a Coast Guard museum. Lightweight. No sharp edges or corners. doesn't scratch the tank when flipping the gas cap open. Can easily feel it in my pocket so I know where it is. Thirteen years later still holding together just fine.

Getting astride the bike - I straight-leg it off and on from either side. To get aboard I raise the leg and support it a bit from under the knee to get my heel past the far side of the seat (no scuff), then slide the rest of the way over. Dismount - action in reverse.

Works for me. Yrmv,   

[Rams]

While I don't have an issue mounting or dis-mounting, I thought the comment about swirl marks from the key chain was interesting.  I actually have a small chromed flash light attached to my key and it does swirl around but it's been there the last two + years and there isn't a swirl mark on anything yet.  Maybe I've just been lucky.

[RainMaker]

I have a small garage door opener (1.5" square) attached with a small ring to the key.  It swings freely and has never contacted the tank, side cover or anything else.

I scuff the right saddlebag lid with my boots and just get out the polish and clean it up every so often.  I think standing on the left peg or floorboard (with the kickstand down) and then swinging the leg over sounds like a good solution.

Welcome to the club!

RainMaker

[old2soon]

I have a back rest on my I/S and i are right at 6' 2". Not zackly height challenged but the bones are a tad over 67 yrs of abuse. I do have to pay attention how i mount and dismount-especialy towards the end of a long hot day. You play with it long enough you will come up with a way that wurx. Also have a sheepskin on my seat so that helps in the scuffing dept. RIDE SAFE.

[Thespian]

 +1 on right side on and off. Only bike that this has worked better for me though. odd.  ???

[czuch]

Welcome aboard. Have a nice cool glass od inzanity
I have a leather fob on the keys and no problem with it flopping around.
As for mount and dismount, Cavalry style from the left. I hook my finger into the cuff of my pants and just help it over. Sometimes the left saddlebag gets a scuff but thats nothing to fret about.

[Michael K (Az.)]

And then there's this!

https://picasaweb.google.com/108913941249965138010/June222012

Click on pic and watch.

[steve 3054]

the last key cover is sweet!!!   Where do I get one ???

[Michael K (Az.)]

Made it! Bought chrome knob at The Chrome Shop on I-75 in Fl., had extra key made, measured length needed to engage all bike locks, cut key to PROPER length, glued to knob inside, done.

[santa]

Getting on or off I stand on the Driver left foot peg, it raises you up enough to get your leg over the seat.
santa

[bscrive]

Michael, that is a really cool idea.  I will have to steal that idea from you...sorry.   

[Michael K (Az.)]

Michael, that is a really cool idea.  I will have to steal that idea from you...sorry.   

OUTRAGEOUS! I WON'T STAND FOR IT! guess I'll just sit down.

[oldthrower50]

Michael K!  THAT is exactly what I am looking for!  Since I wont be getting to Fl anytime soon, any guidance on what type of knob, or where to buy?  I WANT THAT!!!!

I like the video...I guess it's the pillion backrest that adds complexity!

[Jabba]

You can use the end cap from the stock grips for that piece.  That's what I have seen done.

I don't like leaving my key in the bike... no matter HOW covert.

Jabba

[Michael K (Az.)]

You can use the end cap from the stock grips for that piece.  That's what I have seen done.

I don't like leaving my key in the bike... no matter HOW covert.

Jabba

I only leave the key in when it's in the garage.
@ oldthrower50: I have both rider and passenger backrests. I bend @ the knee when getting on, foot's out of the way.

[oldthrower50]

OK, so it's my complete lack of flexibility that makes it awkward   

Still must make that knob key cover...

[TimG]

Along with some others-I stand on the left drivers foot peg to mount/dismount. When I have my backrest installed, I just fold it down, mount, and then reach behind me and flip it up. Enjoy your "new" bike!

[da prez]

 Just get  one of those pet stairs that will allow the buggars on the furniture.  Put a leash on it and pull it up to the Valk. WELCOME BROTHER.
                                                                            da prez

[forjj]

Michael K!  THAT is exactly what I am looking for!  Since I wont be getting to Fl anytime soon, any guidance on what type of knob, or where to buy?  I WANT THAT!!!!

I like the video...I guess it's the pillion backrest that adds complexity!

Try bolt covers from tractor trailer style chrome shops, thats what I used for mine.  I did basically the same as Michael K, just used a little smaller bolt cover.  You should have a pretty good selection at any decent chrome shop.  If you can't get to a chrome shop, try iowa80.com or something like that.  I swiped one from my fathers leftover truck parts... 

[GreenLantern57]

Welcome to the club. I have 32 inch inseam and driver's backrest. I have to stab my foot over the seat in front of the backrest.  At 54, I still have enough flexabilty to do this from the left side.  But before I found the right way to do this, I got stuck several times.  Kinda embarasing at the gas pump. 

[OverdueBill]

I used a 1/2 inch SS cap nut to glue a key stub into.  I'm jealous of you guys that have knees that bend.  Will have to try the left peg mount method.  Didn't go well doing it on the right side.  The bike stood up.

[john]

                                    pet stairs                         

[J.Mencalice]

Two words: Roy Rogers.

[oldthrower50]

as soon as I remember to measure the barrel of the ignition, I am ordering a nut cap and making a cover.  It's not so much to hide the key, but to give the key some heft while in my pocket, without having a keychain flopping about.

 Anyone know what the appropriate diameter nut would be?

FYI, I ordered a similar type knob for the BMW key from Wunderlich in Germany...I think it was $20. Everything for that bike was expensive... I love my Valk!!!

As far as getting in the saddle, I do it similar to most of you, I just didnt want to be doing something that made me look like the noob that I am!
Thanks!!!

[fudgie]

I bet most on here have boot drag marks on their seat. Your good. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

i stand on the right side and throw my leg over the seat and then slide onto it,,,

[Hef]

I am glad I am not the only old fart to have a little difficulty mounting the Beast. I do manage but to quote my old buddy "It ain't always a purty sight"!

[Michael K (Az.)]

as soon as I remember to measure the barrel of the ignition, I am ordering a nut cap and making a cover.  It's not so much to hide the key, but to give the key some heft while in my pocket, without having a keychain flopping about.

 Anyone know what the appropriate diameter nut would be?

FYI, I ordered a similar type knob for the BMW key from Wunderlich in Germany...I think it was $20. Everything for that bike was expensive... I love my Valk!!!

As far as getting in the saddle, I do it similar to most of you, I just didnt want to be doing something that made me look like the noob that I am!
Thanks!!!

I remember lots of folks were using a radio or some kinda knob from a 1500 Wing.

[Fudd]

I've made a couple dozen like this one out of chromed brass faucet parts with a cut down key held in place with JB weld.  I don't sell them on this board, but I do bring them with me to bike rallies.

[oldthrower50]

My bike now has a key knob!  My first accessory, and I know it will always be my favorite.  Make one if you can find the parts, buy one if you can't!  It should be OEM equipment!

On to the next accessory!!!

[miscott]

 Well, being a newbie to Valkyries myself, I was kinda concerned about having a key chain flopping around down there myself. After looking long and thinking hard, I just had to go with one of these...

  

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Valkyrie-Key-chain-Keychain-ring-1520-F6C-2000cc-NRX1800-GL1500-GL1500C-/271024315649?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&hash=item3f1a4edd01&vxp=mtr


  Course, depending on your tastes, you could also spring for one of these...

  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Keychains-VALKYRIE-AM-Viking-Vintage-Nordic-Jewelry-/130520557910?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e63a1a956

But then you'd still have the problem of having a key chain flopping around down there, scratchin` up all that gorgeous chrome, not to mention the noise of metal on metal. Still, a small price to pay for fine art, no?

  If there's one thing I've learned in my few months of owning a Valk, it's that the VRCC forums, and E-Bay, are your friends!

Michael, I'm really likin` your solution to the key chain problem! MORE CHROME!!  

As for mounting the beast, I must not be as stiff as I thought I was. I stand on the right side, hold onto the throttle grip and throw my left leg over and slide on. I have felt my foot slide across the passenger seat occasionally, but haven't noticed any scuff marks to date. Dismount the same way. 33" inseam.

From one newbie to another, Welcome to the group.
  



  

[Hoser]

I went from a 99 BMW KRS to a 97 Valk...it's like going from trying to fit in your refrigarator to driving your La-Z-Boy.  I could NOT be happier.  I am definately the type of rider that you see meandering down the road...and the BMW was not a good fit for that

Two questions, please
1) what do you use for a key chain?  The key disappears in my pocket, but I don't want to use anything that will leave swirl marks, or bounce off things around the ignition

2) (And this is a truly stupid noob question) How do you get on and off without scuffing across the seat?  I am a big, moderately mobile guy....but I feel like I am doiing something very awkwardly wrong...and I am sure I look like a complete new rider getting on and off.  HELP!

Did I mention I LOVE this big dang bike

As long as it is on the kickstand, why not step on the drivers footpeg and swing over the backrest with your right leg?  I have always mounted and dismounted that way. Just like getting on a saddled horse.

[Oss]

wow

If you are too short you can just have the Valk driven here and I will ride it for you until it wears out in twenty years or so

 

scuff marks are no big deal, just ride it like ya stole it and enjoy

when I get off the 1150rtp and then on the Valk I also appreciate the difference

Welcome to the family

[Hoser]

Well geez, Oss, you probly got a 40" inseam!  Hoser  

[Jess from VA]

Besides blowing around and maybe scuffing other parts, having a heavy, wind-catching keyfob will stress the key on the lock tumblers over time, and you could find yourself somewhere and the key will no longer turn.