Tech overload

[.]

I've been going through the tech forum and I've gotta say there are some impressive wrenchers on here. Probably nothing to be done about it but I hope you guys have some idea of just how terrifying all of this is to a newbie. 

The upside is, however, that the more complex the engine on my Valk seems, the simpler the V-twin on my ACE is looking. Soooooo, I'm thinking that by careful study of this section along with a few successful forays into my ACE engine for maintenance and repair stuff that I don't want to pay a shop to do, I may soon have my confidence level boosted to the a point where I can be at least minimally qualified to put air in the tires of my Valk. 

Keep your fingers crossed.

[old2soon]

The stuff a lot of us take care of is pretty much straightforward. BUT just reading about things can make it SEEM overwhelming. As i had mine a couple years now(3 yrs this June)I kinda know what i need ahead of time and order my parts/repair stuff AHEAD of time so i'm not left(hopefully)on the lift waiting on parts. Make a list of what you want to do figure out if you need parts(tires O-rings filters oil etc etc)and order BEFORE that maintenance starts. I just recently R&Rd my front tire. The FIRST time i did it i had the manual on a milk crate right next to the front end. Manual stays on the bench now BUT i still follow it. DO NOT freelance the manual-BUT there are exceptions to that also. I've mentioned to some folks that have gotten Valkyries after i did-if you know which end of the wrench to hang onto and can follow instructions it really ain't that bad. On the front and rear tires on and off-SEQUENCE of bolt tightening is EXTREMELY important. Also show where you are in your avatar-help could be on the other side of town. And B T W-welcome to the insanity from the Ozarks. RIDE SAFE.

[old2soon]

And i see you are located in the Rock. My bad.  RIDE SAFE.

[silver337]

Quit this site right now! The more you read the more it will cost you, great information that covers about everything you can think of for a Valk. Welcome

[.]

Quit this site right now! The more you read the more it will cost you, great information that covers about everything you can think of for a Valk. Welcome

Believe me, I am familiar with this affliction of which you speak. I also have an absolutely beautiful, meticulously maintained, thoroughly blinged-out 2001 Honda Shadow ACE 750 that I've easily sunk $5500 into the last 2-1/2 years (including purchase price). And what an investment! I think I could easily sell it today for every bit of $2000, if not $2500.  

I know, it's not a Valk, but give me time. Surely, on the basis of that info I'd be allowed to attend your 12-step Valkoholics Anonymous meetings. But be warned, if I hear any word on how to recover from this cursed affliction, I'm walking out. I want more relevant information, like how to get into pimping, drug dealing, stock manipulation or Ponzi schemes so I can afford all the stuff I already want for my baby, and I'm wanting more every day.

Mase-I ran across and downloaded a shop manual just this morning (damn, I seem to be living a charmed life here lately-sure hope it holds).

And by the way, old2soon, the Rock is but a few short country miles from the Ozark foothills and from there, the world awaits.  

[saddlesore]

All of the information can be overwhelming. But this shows that you want to know more about the bike because you want to take care of her properly.
I got my Valkyrie,new 1999, got a manual and never had it in the shop for anything. Then last year I came here and I learned so much more about maintenance and how to fix the problems that come up.
A manual, a great bike and a bunch of smart guys that share their knowledge is all you need.       

[pastmast95]

Don't feel bad, I checked out this fourm for a long time before I got my Valkyrie, I almost didn't get one because reading all these posts it makes you think Valkyrie's are a maintenance nightmare! They are a really great bike tho, I really only do routine maintenance. And this fourm is great for information on how to do maintenance and repair. So don't be afraid! Enjoy your bike!

[Michvalk]

Don't worry about fixin' it until it breaks. Just do the regular maintance, and ride it

[Black Dog]

I've been a part of this big ol' goofy family for many years, and one thing thats for sure, is that you will never be without a helping hand (or post) for long.

As you know, from working on yer Ace, there is nothing quite as satisfying as doing a mod, or fix with yer own two hands.  Yer baby will love ya for it, respect ya more, and will pretty much purrrrr, after some good ol' TLC.

This is a great buncha folks, some willing to give ya the shirt off their backs to getcha back on the road.  Two things will keep ya in the good graces of the bunch - Remember, 'Search' is your friend, and if someone posts something that ends up being the 'fix' or the 'answer', let everyone know what the end result is 

Welcome

Black Dog

[.]

I just noticed this thread was moved from the Tech Board to the General Board. Sorry, I wasn't quite sure where it might belong but took a wild guess on Tech. Yeah, I'm probably the guy you want in a poker game with instincts that sharp. 

I'll try to do better.

I sure appreciate all the feedback I'm getting here. My experience on the ACE forum has been very positive, helpful, and has helped me keep her running in fine form despite all of my best efforts and half vast mechanical aptitude, and I've made a lot of friends there. When I bought the Valk, MacDragon (who is one of my best friends from the ACE forum) told me I needed to join this one and I'd get the same positive experience from a bunch of great people who have collectively experienced every possible hairball the Valk can cough up and who are a hell of a lot of fun to boot. I'm glad to be here and I'm tickled to death to be parking a Valkyrie in my garage. 

[MacDragon]

good to see you're getting to know your phat gurl Dale.  She's looking pretty darn sweet.  Knew you'd fit right in around here. 

[old2soon]

Yup-aint that damn fer from Willow Springs on down to the Rock. With the weather warming up more and more-well don't be surprised iffin i say i'm headed yer way.  RIDE SAFE.

[Tropic traveler]

I don't know about a V-twin being any simpler to work on than a Valkyrie!


Having 3 Valks & all the maintenance that they require seems pretty simple compared to fixing the Shadow! IMHO of course.