poor handling at low speeds

[dreamchaser]

I am having problems with lack of balance and control  when coming to a stop, riding in stop and start traffic and slow manuvering in parking lots and gas stations.  I read in a thread in the archives that 6* raked triple trees will make it a dream come true in this area, but now am not able to access these threads, for some reason.  Is there some advanced experience or knowledge out ther that can help put the smile back on my face?  I have a 1999 std. with less than 12,000 miles.

[R J]

Contact Daryl at XF6, he is a paying vendor for this sight.    Has exceptional products.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,35346.0.html

PS:   I have one of his trees in my Chevy Trike.    Made it like Power Steering.

[sandy]

Raking the front will make your low speed handling worse. Take an advanced riding skills class. They will teach you  to find the friction zone and use trail braking to control handling.

[tank_post142]

and check your rear shock bushings. if the shocks are moving around it will be hard to steer and can cause vibrations or sloppiness at speed also.

[dreamchaser]

Thank you for your input, I will check the shock bushings.  It's not training my friend.  I have taken all the training and ridden an assortment of scoots for 50 years.  I thought it was me for 3 weeks, but I am pretty sure its the Valk.  Don't  get me wrong.  I love this bike after it's moving, on the Hwy, in my Oregon mountains or just down the street.  I will also be calling F 6 for a consult.  I welcome all input.  I'm the guy that's here to learn.

[BF]

The Valk can be a handfull at slow, parking lot speeds.  There is a learning curve. 

[Ricky-D]

The front tire condition has a huge influence on bike handling.

Not something to discount out of hand!

***

[Patrick]

Is this something that has been getting worse over time,, or,, are you just new to Valks ??
There is a learning curve to running these monsters,, but,, it'll come pretty quick..

[old2soon]

A lot of us overlook the obvious. Tire pressures mayhaps?? Once you get the mechanics sorted out and you get used to her and she you-well lets just say it WILL be worth the wait. Let us know what you find as your findings help the general pool of knowledge here. RIDE SAFE.

[Michvalk]

I thought mine was a bit hard to handle until I went to the Avon Cobra tire on the front. Made it feel like power steering. Maybe The front tire is the Issue? 

[KSDragonRider]

When i start having these issues, i start checking air pressures.  I have also noticed the shock settings i use for 2 up when im alone also make this worse.  riding 2 up i run #5, if im alone, i like #4.  but if i forget to change it either way before or after riding 2 up, it just seams like im pushing a truck around the parking lot.

[Fritz The Cat]

I went from a GL1500 Goldwing to a Valk. Slow speed handling is a dream compared to the Wing.

[Valker]

dreamchaser, I have found that when I am doing something that causes issues, I need an outside evaluation. I assume I am doing something wrong, but I have no idea what it is, because if I KNEW I was doing something wrong, I wouldn't do it that way. Most issues like what you are describing, can be remedied in a very short time if someone knows what to look for and can relate that to you. Try to find someone with the skills and knowledge to watch you and offer some suggestions.
I'd be glad to watch if we are ever in the same place. I may be in Eureka Springs, but it is very "iffy".
I'm not trying to imply it is anything about your riding, but even Tiger Woods has a swing coach.

[PAVALKER]

Front tire condition, tread and air pressure have significant impact.  My front tire was wearing thin and I recently put a new front skin on... (also added Ride On) and the handling difference was like night and day, even better with pressure at 41 front.  Granted, it was a different wheel, rotors and a new tire.... so something could have been worn on the bearings as well..... but I was very pleased and impressed with the ride improvement.

How worn is your tire?  What is your front tire pressure?   Did you check wheel bearings, steering head bearings, axle torque etc?

[dreamchaser]

Thanks guys.  I now have starting points to investigate the reason or reasons for my current handling delema.  This really frustrates me, as I always prided myself in keeping my feet on the pegs as long as I was moving at all and shook my head at those who didn't as needing more experience on a smaller ride.  Talk about eating crow fixed several different ways:  first I am seen on a fat lady and it is noted I like it and now I'm a foot dragger .  By the way, I have brand new Metzler Marathon 880's that the PO put on for me.

[0leman]

Chaser,
When I got my Valk, I too had a lot of issues with slow speeds.  Stopping at a Stop Sign/Traffic Light was a big issue.  Finally found that I had to just look straight head till stopped.  Letting go of the front brake in the last few yards before the actual stop.  Then look around.   Slow speed turning was a bear till I started doing a lot of parking lot work.  Going between the parking lot spaces help a lot.  I still have issues turning around on some narrow county roads, yes drag a foot every so often.

Where are you located at?  As you can see I am in southern OR. 

[pocobubba]

Same as Oleman especially with 2 up , full tank , and my Tour pack stuffed . Avons made a difference .

[dreamchaser]

Hey Oleman.  I'm on the Island in between Portland and Vancouver Wa.  Hayden Island.  Off I-5 .  We are at opposite N/S borders.  too bad.  I have a hunch you know exactly my concern.  When I first got on the bike I had to go about 30 ft down a really steep driveway, turn right on a narrow residential street for a hundred feet or so, stop at a stop sign and turn left.  I was not comfortable or in the least confident until I got on the freeway.  Yes, it has been getting better.  I rode her for 2 or 3 days solo before I would allow my wife on the back and then I had to teach her to sit still and blend in with her backrest.  It is getting better, but I am impatient by nature and want it to be right NOW!  Cranky old men are like that.  Although I am a lot more patient than 10 years ago.

[valkyriemc]

Baring any mechanical issues, you might eyeball this;

https://www.ridelikeapro.com/

[Led]

I bought my '99 new.  Yes, She is a handful at low speeds as She weighs three to four times, what I do!

But when my front tire started wearing out at about 7,000 miles, any sharp turn felt like the front end was going to slide out from under me.

These Valk's just LOVE new rubber!!!!   I just cannot afford new tires every year!!   But.....if I COULD......

[art]

I have 140000 miles on my standard and still have problems every so often but I practise as much a i can.I do the u turn on narrow roads and try to keep my feet up.I too have a steep driveway and it can be troublesome.I usually back down onto the sidewalk two up out of the garage with no problem.It just takes practise.I have a car tire on the back and find that I can do the u turn very easy and also do a u turn at a very slow speed while keeping the valk straight up.I think the flat bottom of a ct allows me to do this.As far as stopping at the intersections if the road is rough or badly worn it is a real headache due to the ct so I must always be careful.I don't want to drop the valk at an intersection.Art

[Davet261]

IMO the Valkyrie is cumbersome at very low speed, you have quite a bit of weight sticking out past the gas tank, your knees to your feet are not at 90 degrees because of the footpeg placement, it will not gyroscope until 15 mph or so.  When I first got mine I got leg cramps too, but trust me after a while you do get used to it, there is a learning curve between riding a F6 and a V twin.  Most all of us here have told you the same things, and probably most of us had to get used to riding the Valk, its different, that is why we love them so much. 

It will come to you, and you will get comfortable on it, and they are a pleasure to ride.  A Valkyrie can do a lot of things to bring you home safe, if needed you can almost lay one down in corners if you come up on a curve and you hit it too fast, you just have to learn to trust it.

[dreamchaser]

OK guys, I feel much better now.  I thought at first I was not only over the hill, but had slid down the other side, then I was worried about what horrible thing was wrong with my new scoot.

I will practice practise!  The front tire was way low and the rear was a little low.  I will continue to check out my list.  Lucky the bike was in a popular after market shop getting it's "yearly check up" just before I bought it.  Not having the receipt, I don't know all that was performed, so I will pretend it only got an oil change and trust only what I discover.

Thanks all for your reassurance & letting me know that I just need to learn how to ride all over at slow speeds.  It's just an every day wake up call.   Gary

[BF]

I am having problems with lack of balance and control  when coming to a stop, riding in stop and start traffic and slow manuvering in parking lots and gas stations.  

Odds are, I'd bet that there's nothing wrong with your bike.  Riding a Valk is just.....different.  Not bad, just different.....it can be a handful in tight manuvers without some experience with it. 

I work on an Air Force base.  The gate guards check every ID on the way in.  It causes a major cluster ____ every morning trying to get to work.  I see ALOT of stop and go traffic.  

In all of that stop and go traffic, I see alot of Harley guys, sport bike guys and others doing the duck walk with both feet on the ground.......picking their feet up and moving a couple feet and putting both feet back down.....then more duck walking.  

Personally, I find it slightly more difficult to maintain control of the bike like that......picking up and putting down both feet all the time.  

What I do is keep my right foot on the right peg so I have control of the rear brake with my right foot at all times.  Then I put down only my left foot and use it for balance in the stop and go stuff.  During all of that stop and go stuff, about the only time both feet hit the pavement is when I'm stationary for extended periods......and even then, the bike is in gear with the clutch pulled in.  

As for slow speed manuvering in the parking lots, gas stations and the like, I've got two words for you.......drag brake (keeping your foot on the rear brake).  Learn it, use it, benefit from it.  

It actually works....it will help you stay upright, and is an invaluable tool.....especially when making u-turns on a highway or simply negotiating a parking lot or gas station.  

[BradValk48237]

Nice thing is, once you get used to the Valk everything else seems like a mini bike!

Took me Several months to get used to it, but now its just habit. You'll get there before long.

Brad

[dreamchaser]

I adjusted the air pressure in my Metzler tires to 41 F  46 R.  Wow!  What a difference!!  I feel really foolish, but I can do the Harley slow race once again.  Tire pressure and drag the rear!  It is like FM! What a relief,  I took the wife for a ride and ran some errands on the Valk and I am truely amazed.  Of course I feel like a fool that I felt so easily defeated, before investigating the obvious.  I think it's altzheimers!  My memory deserted me and now I feel child-like 

[98valk]

u can raise the forks up thru the triple trees slightly. it helps and is what I did. putting a rear conti-go tire on the front helped even more. has to do with the different tire profile.

[Led]

Nice thing is, once you get used to the Valk everything else seems like a mini bike!

Took me Several months to get used to it, but now its just habit. You'll get there before long.

Brad

You can say THAT again!!!!

Me and a Buddy swapped bikes once, just for grins.  He had a top of the line full bagger Harley.......and it struck me as being TINY!!!  I could NEVER figure out, how He could ride "Cross Country" on that "small" of bike.......TWO UP no less!!

 He never did tell me how He TRUELY liked the Valk, being the hardcore Harley Guy and all...........but he just HAD to have loved it, as this Man is HUGE!!!   Not "fat".....but HUGE!!!  Like 7' tall and 325 pounds!!   Plus toting His Wife on the back end of that Hog all those miles........

The Valkyrie is an absolute "lazy boy" LOUNGE CHAIR, compared to ANY other bike!!!      

[Gavin_Sons]

I had the same problem with mine. Then I figured out that you dont ride a valkyrie, you sit on her and guide her in the direction you want to go. It seemed like the more I focused on coming to smooth straight stops the squirrelier it got. So I just relaxed and enjoyed the ride and it all came to me. These are different machines and the people that ride them are a different breed. Just relax a little and it will come to you.

[houstone]

Come to the darkside.... 

[CASABROKER]

You mentioned 50 yrs of riding, just remember we aren't 25 anymore.  I'm 60 and the valk is a big ass bike and
 IT GETS BIGGER EVERY YEAR

[dreamchaser]

You guys are great.  I have put on a couple thousand plus now and things are starting to feel more natural.  Its a lot easier solo, cuz my wife seems to want to "squirm" around at the oddest times.  Adjust this, replace that , drag brake and yeah, I'm not in my 20's (rub it in).  What, exactly does a standard with a fats windshield and 25# of extra acc. weigh, anyway?  750 ? 800 ?  Thanks again... Gary

[old2soon]

I have an I/S and at a guess with all my gear and drinking water aboard i'm probably grossing between 1100 and 1200 pounds. BUT once i let the clutch out i'm STILL trying to figure out where in the h3ll all that weight goes!! Go out on a parking lot and practice your slow speed stuff. I do figure 8s at idle both feet on the pegs. And that did NOT happen the first time i tied that.  I've been riding on and off for over 50 years myself. I'll be 68 next Feburary and have no plans to quit just yet. And B T W-these are big motorcycles-some of my H/D riding buds can't get over how big my Valkyrie actually is. Long as they remain civil i try not to give them a LONG distance look at my tailights.  And the answer to the unaked question is yes-this is my last motorcycle. It will more than likely outlive me.  RIDE SAFE.

[bagelboy]

I know this may not relate to your situation, but when I got my Valk, The previous owner who had it was meticulous. I mean this guy wiped the underside to the bike after every use. The only problem is when I rode it I felt the front to be very very hard to steer. I had had two goldwings prior to this, so I was used to good size bikes! Turns out that even though he was very meticulous, keeping it clean, doing the oil changes, and having it serviced regularly, he somehow forgot to check the air pressure regularly. I bought the bike, figuring I could get it to my liking. You could imagine what happened when I got home and found the air pressure in the front tire to be at 10 psi s. Tire looked absolutely fine, but only had 10 psi s. I filled it up, haven't had a problem since! You can better believe I'm on my bike now, I check the air pressure more regularly!

[dreamchaser]

Close to the same, Bagelboy.  There was 20# in the front and about 30 in the rear.  I think people let tire pressures get that low due to not putting hardly any miles on.  I'm a pressure checker.  It is important and it varies from bike to bike and rider to rider.  Gross weight and speeds driven are the determining factors for me.

[HayHauler]

It just takes practice, practice, practice...find a parking lot near your house and go out there and practice.  I do a bunch of tight circles and figure 8's until I am scrapping the pegs lightly. 
The parking lot I use doesn't have those concrete car stoppers in it.  Makes it easier to practice.
Don't go too fast and don't try to lean too far too quickly.  Take your time and have fun.

Hay
Jimmyt

[sugerbear]

You guys are great.  I have put on a couple thousand plus now and things are starting to feel more natural.  Its a lot easier solo, cuz my wife seems to want to "squirm" around at the oddest times.  Adjust this, replace that , drag brake and yeah, I'm not in my 20's (rub it in).  What, exactly does a standard with a fats windshield and 25# of extra acc. weigh, anyway?  750 ? 800 ?  Thanks again... Gary

i put my wife on the back of our I/S. told her to push on one foot rest of her choosing
let her see that she could steer from the back and by twisting around DID affect where the bike went.  she's learned to wiggle around with both feet equally.  helped a lot.   yep it's all good

[Bone]

dreamchaser the manual has Curb weight (49 state/Canada type)

GL1500C     334 kg (736 Ibs)