changes in valkyries by the year made

[zoomerboomer]

I am a Goldwing looking to buy a Valkyrie, But I can't find any differences from year to year.  Is there any place I can this information out?
ZoomerBoomer
Sheboygan WI

[hubcapsc]

I am a Goldwing looking to buy a Valkyrie, But I can't find any differences from year to year.  Is there any place I can this information out?
ZoomerBoomer
Sheboygan WI

They're almost all alike... there's some different bearings in the 97 front wheel. Shiney (instead
of painted) final drives on some later ones. Functionally equivalent (but not interchangeable)
differences in the way rear wheels mated to rotors midway through... just a few things like that.

There's hardly anything worth knowing about Valkyries that can't be found here: http://www.valkyrienorway.com/

-Mike

[F6Dave]

I can think of a few others, like the water temp sensor improvement and better seat around 2000, and the higher HP (according to some road tests) of the '97.  IMO none of the changes were significant enough to favor one year over another.  Mileage and condition are more important.

[Jess from VA]

Also, there is no historical evidence that any model year(s) were less reliable than others. The few minor issues like petcock, starter switch are universal as well.

As stated above, pick the model and bike you like (with as many aftermarket accessories as possible you like), and you won't go wrong.  

[hubcapsc]

I can think of a few others, like the water temp sensor improvement and better seat around 2000, and the higher HP (according to some road tests) of the '97.  IMO none of the changes were significant enough to favor one year over another.  Mileage and condition are more important.

I shouldn't have forgotten that one... the 2000 seat is actually usable 

-Mike

[Ricky-D]

I'd recommend caution when looking at a Valkyrie that has a lot of aftermarket accessories.

The possibility of reliability problems are huge when addressing the installation of accessories,

and while mainly related to electrical type problems, mechanical modifications have been

noted to have their share of resulting problems also, going down the road.

The best value Valkyrie would be the bike closest to stock condition with low miles.

***

[Jess from VA]

I was talking about heel-toe shifters, floorboards, handlebar risers, bolt on chrome/racks/bag rails, upgraded seats; none of which affects the operation of the bike whatsoever.  If it was me, I'd want stock exhaust for sure (with no more molestation than a piggie cut).   

[hubcapsc]

The best value Valkyrie would be the bike closest to stock condition with low miles.

Unless that's nothing like what you want, in which case it is the worst Value.

Valkyrie accessories co$t a giant amount of money...

-Mike

[98pacecar]

The best value Valkyrie would be the bike closest to stock condition with low miles.

Unless that's nothing like what you want, in which case it is the worst Value.

Valkyrie accessories co$t a giant amount of money...

-Mike

Zactly why,,,, I bought, dis,,,, one......   



Figured it had bout every goodie in place.... that I would ever..... want...   

[BF]

I'd recommend caution when looking at a Valkyrie that has a lot of aftermarket accessories.

The possibility of reliability problems are huge when addressing the installation of accessories,

and while mainly related to electrical type problems, mechanical modifications have been

noted to have their share of resulting problems also, going down the road.

The best value Valkyrie would be the bike closest to stock condition with low miles.

***

You talkin' 'bout me?  

I am a Goldwing looking to buy a Valkyrie, But I can't find any differences from year to year.  Is there any place I can this information out?
ZoomerBoomer
Sheboygan WI

To specifically answer your question, here's the list of specific differences......

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/MODEL%20DIFFERENCES.html

[custom1]

The best value Valkyrie would be the bike closest to stock condition with low miles.

Unless that's nothing like what you want, in which case it is the worst Value.

Valkyrie accessories co$t a giant amount of money...

-Mike

Zactly why,,,, I bought, dis,,,, one......   



Figured it had bout every goodie in place.... that I would ever..... want...   

 That's nice. Looks like it even came with a satellite dish. How many channels do you get with that? 

[98pacecar]

The best value Valkyrie would be the bike closest to stock condition with low miles.

Unless that's nothing like what you want, in which case it is the worst Value.

Valkyrie accessories co$t a giant amount of money...

-Mike

Zactly why,,,, I bought, dis,,,, one......   



Figured it had bout every goodie in place.... that I would ever..... want...   

 That's nice. Looks like it even came with a satellite dish. How many channels do you get with that? 

Hey,,,   yer a smart guy....   

Dat pic is at the previous owners house, n' da first few looks at it, I thought da dish,,,,,

 was something on,,, the backrest... 

[BF]

There's one other change that I can think of that's not listed here......

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/MODEL%20DIFFERENCES.html

....and that's the speedo's and tach's on the Standards and Tourers.  Some have green illuminated numbers and others have orange illumintated numbers.  

I've been told before that the early year models Standard and Tourers have the green and the later years have the orange.....however, I don't know if that's true or when and what model year that there was a change.  

Other than that and what's listed on Dag's site, there's really no difference for other parts and tins.  You can mix and match pretty much anything from one year to another.  

My bike for example (a '97 Standard) has a front fender from an Interstate, a rear fender from a tourer, and tank from a 2000 tourer, side covers from an Interstate and aftermarket bags and trunk.  

[F6Dave]

I can think of a few others, like the water temp sensor improvement and better seat around 2000, and the higher HP (according to some road tests) of the '97.  IMO none of the changes were significant enough to favor one year over another.  Mileage and condition are more important.

The 97 thing is a myth.

That could very well be true, as I've never read anything describing what changed on the '98 and later models to make them slower.

On the other hand, there were magazine road tests that showed a significant difference.  I kept scans of some numbers in MCN.  They tested a Standard in July of '96 that had rear wheel dyno readings of 100.0 HP and 102.3 lb/ft.  It ran the 1/4 mile in 12.02 sec @ 110.7.

A Tourer they tested in March of '99 registered 93.2 HP and 92.5 lb/ft on the dyno, and ran the 1/4 mile in 12.52 sec @ 103.9.  The Tourer's windshield could account for the lower 1/4 but not the dyno readings.

It's possible these were just normal variations, as I've read Valkyrie power output tested on bike rally dynos varied quite a bit.  So it may be a myth, but it's also a mystery.

[98valk]

I can think of a few others, like the water temp sensor improvement and better seat around 2000, and the higher HP (according to some road tests) of the '97.  IMO none of the changes were significant enough to favor one year over another.  Mileage and condition are more important.

The 97 thing is a myth.

That could very well be true, as I've never read anything describing what changed on the '98 and later models to make them slower.

On the other hand, there were magazine road tests that showed a significant difference.  I kept scans of some numbers in MCN.  They tested a Standard in July of '96 that had rear wheel dyno readings of 100.0 HP and 102.3 lb/ft.  It ran the 1/4 mile in 12.02 sec @ 110.7.

A Tourer they tested in March of '99 registered 93.2 HP and 92.5 lb/ft on the dyno, and ran the 1/4 mile in 12.52 sec @ 103.9.  The Tourer's windshield could account for the lower 1/4 but not the dyno readings.

It's possible these were just normal variations, as I've read Valkyrie power output tested on bike rally dynos varied quite a bit.  So it may be a myth, but it's also a mystery.

the mags I surmise had a pre-production modified model from honda. I have a set of untouched '97 exhaust pipes, no difference than my '98 pipes. Have only seen stock '97s dyno in the mid to high 90s hp. yes there are tricks a dyno operator can do to bump the HP into the 100HP range. with a factorypro dyno that can't be done. according to a few mags all '98s had the ca cams, hence why '98s dyno'd in the low 90s. with glass pacs, dial-a-jet and airbox mods, my '98 dyno'd 100hp. remember most mags are in ca and used a '97 ca model for their 100hp dyno reports. the mags were testing '99s in the mid to high 90s.
All dynos are different and various variables can effect the numbers including tire pressure.

[97BLKVALK]

I can think of a few others, like the water temp sensor improvement and better seat around 2000, and the higher HP (according to some road tests) of the '97.  IMO none of the changes were significant enough to favor one year over another.  Mileage and condition are more important.

The 97 thing is a myth.

I like the myth

Michael

[Jack B]

P.M sent

[santa]

Zoomerboomer
I'm originally from Manitowoc born and raised. Now living in Alabama. Loved the BRAT fest and beer back in the 60"s

Santa

[Tx Bohemian]

Let's not forget one HUGE change (at least for me) is that '99 was the last year Honda was able to cast "MADE IN AMERICA" (or is it USA?) on the right side of the block.

Always gotta point this out to my HD buddies. (I guess I don't "gotta", but I do anyway)

I painted it black then sanded across the top of the letters so it really stands out!!
I also painted and sanded the "1520" too.

[Ricky-D]

2000 Interstate



This is the original motor that was in the bike when I bought it brand new in 2000 from the local Honda dealer.

Checking the ID tag on the neck:  2000 model Honda - date of manufacture: 8/99

***

[PhredValk]

That may be a replacement engine. I have a late 99 IS and it isn't stamped 'Made in USA'.
Fred.

[Red Diamond]

That may be a replacement engine. I have a late 99 IS and it isn't stamped 'Made in USA'.
Fred.

Yep, mine rolled off the assembly line on 3/99, doesn't have Made in USA on it.