Got the engine back in the 1200.

[John Schmidt]

With Jeff Parker's help, we got it done. Sure wasn't the easiest installation I've ever done and was thankful for Jeff's help. When we got done, I had to get the tank and bolt it on. Then set the stock seat on it....surprised it fits great with the Valk tank. The seat is huge and will be cut down/off right behind the back of the rider's cushion. I also plan to make the back area more vertical and would like to mount a Smuggler's Trunk on the rear fender right behind the seat. I'll also be looking for some shorter shocks, with the 14.25" OEMs I'll get a nosebleed every time I ride it. I'll mount the radiator next, if for no other reason than to get it off the floor where I won't keep bumping into it. If all goes well, later on I plan to replace the radiator with an aftermarket unit, just don't want to spend the $$ now but they're all aluminum and are about 33% more efficient....plus look great. My next step....wiring. I'll be removing anything not used in my version, but will still be a bit of a challenge. As a side note; does anyone have an old VW carb, model is a PICT 34-3. I'll be making a single carb intake manifold from PVC sometime down the road.

So, here's where I am at the moment. If the engine runs good like I'm hoping it does, personal experience tells me it will give the Valkyrie all it can handle. Looks like the tank could use some "love" about now, and Eddie....it still has the rattle in it and it ain't an acorn. I filled it with water and it still rolled around in there so I know it's something else.  

[flsix]

It's coming along John.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

Looking Good John. I Can't Wait To See It Done, Not Rushing You Or Anything ! I Will Check With A Friend Of Mine And See If He Might Have A VW Carburetor That You Mentioned.

[Flrider]

John

Great progress on your project.

Can't wait to see how it all turns out.

[Tundra]

You don't sit around doing nothing much. Great progress John.

[John Schmidt]

As it turned out I can't use the Valkyrie rear wheel(too wide with the brake rotor) so I ended up using the OEM forks/wheels. I could go through a lot of extra engineering and make it fit but now we're talking $$$. Kinda bummed me out but it will look OK, might just get the OEM's powder coated. I have Bert's spare handlebars on it right now, barely held in place after hogging out the saddle where it bolts down. Now that I've seen them in place, I'm not sold on the look so might experiment with something else....maybe some drag bars. I'd have to cut the protrusions off the top of the upper tree and drill it to mount that kind of bar. But for now, I want to get the wiring done so I can fire up the engine and check it out before doing anything else. When the engine is proved to be good, only then will I start rebuilding the forks, service the rear end, do something with the wheels, etc.  Right now the wheels look like they were hit with an ugly stick.....and were hit so hard the stick broke.  

Jeff was teasing Rita about how much room there is now with only one car. Plenty of room for a couple more bikes, a lift table, etc.  And Rita added "and an apartment."  Yet she knows there will possibly be other bikes along the way if I can find something to refurbish like the Valk I redid two years ago. She really doesn't have a problem with it, just some of the smells that hit her as she picks her way through the debris going to the car.

[larue]

great progress here, nice silver looking engine, you are almost there john, keep up the good work 

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

I think your correct . A lightweight 1200 should run very well . IIRC the HP is very close to a 1500 . not sure about the torque I seem to think the 1200 is 94HP and my Goldwing 1500 is 90 HP .The Valk maybe a bit more with all  them carbs   I just cant put my eyeballs on the specs in print.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

Here's The Website About The VW Parts.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/