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Ferris Leets
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« on: August 07, 2009, 12:00:39 PM » |
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I've only had this valk for a month I already had to leave it home twice. Went out this morning to an almost flat tire!!! This never happened with my Nomad. The other time it was almost out of gas.
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2009, 12:22:41 PM » |
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I ALMOST think you're just wanting to see your words in print! Suggestion: Sell the Valkyrie and stick with a car/truck.  |
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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humshark
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« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2009, 12:31:01 PM » |
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almost out of gas. never happened with my Nomad. Ha - Now I now yer lyin'! The Nomad did not get particularly great mileage, and had a small tank, especially early models! My standard out distanced it, and my Interstate, well it could loan gas to the nomad! Seriously - anytime the Valk sits in the garage is a bummer! |
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99 Interstate
05 FJR
97 Vulcan '88' Hacked
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9Ball
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« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2009, 12:33:05 PM » |
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that's some funny stuff....keep it up.  |
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« Last Edit: August 07, 2009, 01:37:00 PM by jrhorton »
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VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000
1999 Standard
2007 Rocket 3
2005 VTX 1300S
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Ferris Leets
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« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2009, 12:46:28 PM » |
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That is ONE of the great things about the I/S. I can now fill up on my schedule instead of the Nomad's. I had to refill every other day just goin' to work. Now I can go a full week IF I just ride to work.(not likely) 3k in the one month I've had it.
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KCvalk
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« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2009, 01:21:08 PM » |
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The fact that you had it a month would indicate that the bike wasn't properly taken care of by the previous owner...
rather than all Valks being a piece of junk. You really have to examine a seller when you buy a used bike.
having problems on a new purchase sucks no doubt! but should be expected to some extent.
Rather than bitch about the bike why not ask for help in fixing what are prob small problems
more informed people on here that are willing to help than you would believe.
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the armor of the Valkyries "sheds a strange flickering light, which flashes up over the northern skies" making the aurora.
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9Ball
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« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2009, 01:38:17 PM » |
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The fact that you had it a month would indicate that the bike wasn't properly taken care of by the previous owner...
rather than all Valks being a piece of junk. You really have to examine a seller when you buy a used bike.
having problems on a new purchase sucks no doubt! but should be expected to some extent.
Rather than bitch about the bike why not ask for help in fixing what are prob small problems
more informed people on here that are willing to help than you would believe.
He's kidding....give him a break.  |
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VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000
1999 Standard
2007 Rocket 3
2005 VTX 1300S
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Ferris Leets
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« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2009, 01:39:48 PM » |
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KCvalk,
My tongue was firmly in my cheek when I posted that.
The previous owner gave me no history and if you have read my posts I am catching up on the unknown maintainance stuff and asking lots of questions. Which have gotten me great answers.
Already had to rewire the air horn because it was done wrong, I have a bolt scrapping my rear tire which may be the cause of the leak, I have one shock mounted backwards, someone mounted driving lights on the bottom of the front crash bars, and I have a very strange rub mark on the front tire that I have to figure out. This weekend is going to be a major maintainance/repair project.
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Ferris Leets
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« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2009, 01:54:56 PM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
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greggh
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« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2009, 01:59:34 PM » |
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I have had several flats with my Valk - Course it is always o the road and Not in my garage.
Run out of gas, not if I can help it.
They are built to ride ride ride ride ride for as far as yer but can take it.
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2009, 02:03:44 PM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
Put a mudflap on the front, and tell me where I can pick the bike up to relieve you of this grief. |
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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98valk
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« Reply #11 on: August 07, 2009, 02:40:55 PM » |
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I've only had this valk for a month I already had to leave it home twice. Went out this morning to an almost flat tire!!! This never happened with my Nomad. The other time it was almost out of gas.
it was the chinese air from the chinese air pump. The Japanese and the chinese have hated each other for centuries. |
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C 10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp
"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
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Ken Tarver
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« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2009, 03:38:18 PM » |
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Ferris
"a strange rub mark on the front tire"...........mmmmm...... i did too. there are some flat sheets of rubber glued to the inside of the fender. it may be that one or more have come loose and rubbing on the tire. i took my fender off and reattached the rubber with silicone adhesive caulk.
Ken
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Robert
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« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2009, 04:15:04 PM » |
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The gas tank will stay full if you don't ride it and the tires will only go flat on the bottom  |
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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alph
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« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2009, 04:25:36 PM » |
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YEAH, I FEEL YOUR PAIN!
I just put a new tire on yesturday, and filled up the tank! it would be nice if i could just keep my hands off this bike and not ride it soooo much!! good thing for long wisconsin winters, that's when i get back in touch with the wife and kids!!
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Promote world peace, ban all religion. Ride Safe, Ride Often!!  |
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junior
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« Reply #15 on: August 07, 2009, 04:30:22 PM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
dont ride it.lol |
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Ferris Leets
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« Reply #16 on: August 07, 2009, 04:48:29 PM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
dont ride it.lol THAT is not a resonable suggestion! I found a 2.5" long deck screw in the tire, I suspect that was causing the air loss. I removed and plugged the hole. I was going to tell you I used a bigger screw to plug the hole but, someone might have taken me seriously. Fortunately it was way off center but not close to the side wall, outside the normal contact patch. The tire has a lot of miles left in it so I am going to use it. The gas tank problem could be a leak but it is more likely over use. The hang up with that is every time I go to a gas station they expect me to PAY them. |
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Robert
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« Reply #17 on: August 07, 2009, 04:58:02 PM » |
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About the gas situation get a belly tank and you wont have to go so often if not riding is not realistic. I did that and now can go 225 miles before filling up. |
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2009, 05:00:02 PM » |
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I found a 2.5" long deck screw in the tire, I suspect that was causing the air loss. I removed and plugged the hole. I was going to tell you I used a bigger screw to plug the hole but, someone might have taken me seriously.
I always use a bigger screw because if you use a smaller one, it just shoots out when you air the tire back up. As for the gas tank problem, have the same problems. After 180 miles or so, the tank goes to reserve and I have to go and BUY more. Geeze!! RainMaker |
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2009, 05:13:04 PM » |
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THAT is not a resonable suggestion!
I found a 2.5" long deck screw in the tire, I suspect that was causing the air loss. I removed and plugged the hole. I was going to tell you I used a bigger screw to plug the hole but, someone might have taken me seriously. Fortunately it was way off center but not close to the side wall, outside the normal contact patch. The tire has a lot of miles left in it so I am going to use it.
The gas tank problem could be a leak but it is more likely over use. The hang up with that is every time I go to a gas station they expect me to PAY them.
[/quote]
Tire plugs will work in a pinch but I prefer to slather a 1/4" bolt with tar, push it into the hole and put a square nut on the inside of the tire. Carriage bolts provide a smoother ride and four in each tire seem to help the gas mileage.
Make sure you keep the valks spokes tight too. Otherwise you’ll get a tank slapper which may crack the battery. This will not happen if you switch to an ac battery.
You might also consider swapping out the alternator for a 60hz generator or a 50hz if you plan on visiting Europe.
For more valk tips and tricks talk to the local Amish electrician.
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964  |
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Wetrudgeon
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« Reply #20 on: August 07, 2009, 05:18:30 PM » |
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Ferris:
We have further bad new regarding the Valkyrie's reliability. If you ride the bike much at all, it tends to get dirty. At least ours does.
Sorry...
We trudge on.
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Ferris Leets
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« Reply #21 on: August 07, 2009, 05:34:16 PM » |
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I appreciate the carriage bolt suggestion. But wouldn't only one cause a tire balance problem? Four might not be a bad idea on the icy roads up here.
A dirty bike can not be seen from the saddle. I prefer to ride a dirty bike than sit in the yard cleaning. Cleaning is for days I can not ride. Even the Nomad got dirty every few thousand miles. I cleaned this one a couple of weeks ago and only 3k later it is dirty again.
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #22 on: August 07, 2009, 05:51:58 PM » |
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The main advantage to using 4 carriage bolts is that if you magnetize the axle you can generate electricity as you ride.
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964 |
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Ferris Leets
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« Reply #23 on: August 07, 2009, 06:12:02 PM » |
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Generate Electricity wow, who would have thought.
Apparently the administrator (Willow?) is very serious about keeping the general and the technical separated. I was sort of offended when he moved my original post. Looking back I now see that that could very easily have developed into a Newbie bashing session. Now that we are actually talking technical stuff maybe he will move it back.
Since I seem to have found a group of obviously intelligent and thinking people. I have a couple of thing s to discuss.
Gas mileage is one of my areas of expertice. Weight is the big enemy so here are some tips for you. Only put enough gas in to get you to where you are going. When you change oil start the bike and only fill it until the oil light goes out. Same goes for things like brake and clutch fluid. Fill tires with Helium (40 lbs of air seems like a lot of extra weight to carry around). Use restrooms frequently and use a laxitive (carefully).
I have had several people that don't think I am serious enough they think I should be more commited. Usually they suggest I should be commited.
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Ghillie
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« Reply #24 on: August 08, 2009, 04:09:37 PM » |
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I've been committed for years. Usually I am committed to my lack of commitment. I find that being noncommittally committed to being noncommittal leaves me more time to ride my motor sickle.
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When the people fear government, there is tyranny. When government fears the people, there is liberty.  |
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Charlie McCready
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« Reply #25 on: August 08, 2009, 07:17:03 PM » |
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"THAT is not a resonable suggestion!
I found a 2.5" long deck screw in the tire, I suspect that was causing the air loss. I removed and plugged the hole. I was going to tell you I used a bigger screw to plug the hole but, someone might have taken me seriously. Fortunately it was way off center but not close to the side wall, outside the normal contact patch. The tire has a lot of miles left in it so I am going to use it.
The gas tank problem could be a leak but it is more likely over use. The hang up with that is every time I go to a gas station they expect me to PAY them.
[/quote]
Tire plugs will work in a pinch but I prefer to slather a 1/4" bolt with tar, push it into the hole and put a square nut on the inside of the tire. Carriage bolts provide a smoother ride and four in each tire seem to help the gas mileage.
Make sure you keep the valks spokes tight too. Otherwise you’ll get a tank slapper which may crack the battery. This will not happen if you switch to an ac battery.
You might also consider swapping out the alternator for a 60hz generator or a 50hz if you plan on visiting Europe.
For more valk tips and tricks talk to the local Amish electrician."
Frye, my friend, I believe you've lost it !!!
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #26 on: August 08, 2009, 08:50:59 PM » |
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Frye, my friend, I believe you've lost it !!! Naw, I'm Ok. They gave me a paper when they let me out that says so.  |
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964 |
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RoadKill
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« Reply #27 on: August 08, 2009, 09:14:11 PM » |
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Are you wearing the foam helmet with the chinstrap they gave you on the way out,Frye ? If you dont change to copper spokes you will never generate enough current to keep an ac battery charged and you HAVE to change the slap valve to A/C also ! No wonder you get tank slap! Amish troops have known this since before the great menonite nuclear revolution.And only then(if done "by the book" )You can also solve tire balance issues with a rheostat hooked to 2 pnp transistors if a knuter valve of sufficient size can be hidden inside the bellytank.
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SlowRoad
Member
Posts: 368
Heart of a Legend with a whole lot of Soul
Hartselle AL
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« Reply #28 on: August 08, 2009, 11:56:43 PM » |
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #29 on: August 09, 2009, 02:57:25 AM » |
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Are you wearing the foam helmet with the chinstrap they gave you on the way out,Frye ? If you dont change to copper spokes you will never generate enough current to keep an ac battery charged and you HAVE to change the slap valve to A/C also ! No wonder you get tank slap! Amish troops have known this since before the great menonite nuclear revolution.And only then(if done "by the book" )You can also solve tire balance issues with a rheostat hooked to 2 pnp transistors if a knuter valve of sufficient size can be hidden inside the bellytank.
I’m wearing the ice cream bucket helmet with the eye holes, the red handle makes a great chin strap. It does catch the wind on the interstate a little bit though. It’s pretty handy for cleaning up after the mule too. |
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964 |
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junior
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« Reply #30 on: August 09, 2009, 03:05:27 AM » |
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dont even get me started on the armish................... i have seen them at work  |
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« Last Edit: August 09, 2009, 03:35:01 AM by junior »
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Thunderbolt
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« Reply #31 on: August 09, 2009, 04:07:19 AM » |
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is as mentioned above, probably the rubber strips glued inside the fender. They tend to come loose and make dark slick strips on the tire, just pull it out and next time you have the tire off, glue it back in.
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Bagger John - #3785
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« Reply #32 on: August 09, 2009, 04:25:20 AM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
Don't ride in the center of the road. Ride in one of the two tire tracks and let the other vehicles "sweep" it for you. |
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Jeff K
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« Reply #33 on: August 09, 2009, 04:49:33 AM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
Don't ride in the center of the road. Ride in one of the two tire tracks and let the other vehicles "sweep" it for you. And... Stay off of the shoulder of the road! Man there is tons of tire poking debris on the shoulder. I hate having to pull off the road. |
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RoadKill
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« Reply #34 on: August 09, 2009, 11:19:49 AM » |
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I’m wearing the ice cream bucket helmet with the eye holes, the red handle makes a great chin strap. It does catch the wind on the interstate a little bit though. It’s pretty handy for cleaning up after the mule too. [/quote] THATS NOT THE WIND! Check your aluminum foil liner and repair if necessary! they are stealing your brain waves  . And turn the eye holes to the rear...then you can remove the mirrors for weight savings and fuel conservation. |
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Dogg
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« Reply #35 on: August 09, 2009, 02:10:38 PM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
dont ride it.lol THAT is not a resonable suggestion! I found a 2.5" long deck screw in the tire, I suspect that was causing the air loss. I removed and plugged the hole. I was going to tell you I used a bigger screw to plug the hole but, someone might have taken me seriously. Fortunately it was way off center but not close to the side wall, outside the normal contact patch. The tire has a lot of miles left in it so I am going to use it. The gas tank problem could be a leak but it is more likely over use. The hang up with that is every time I go to a gas station they expect me to PAY them. Dont ya hate that??? always got their hand out.... |
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Cruzen
Member
Posts: 491
Wigwam Holbrook, AZ 2008
Scottsdale, Arizona
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« Reply #36 on: August 10, 2009, 10:54:42 AM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
Use the Harley owners solution for these problems. Put it on a trailer and tow it around with your Ford made, Harley logo truck. |
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The trip is short,
enjoy the ride,
Denny
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RoadKill
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« Reply #37 on: August 10, 2009, 11:39:51 AM » |
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On the other hand.....
If someone can tell me how to keep my gas tank full and not get flat tires I would appreciate the advice.
Use the Harley owners solution for these problems. Put it on a trailer and tow it around with your Ford made, Harley logo truck. If you use an enclosed trailer and paint West Coast Choppers logo on the side you save the expense of even buying a motorcycle! just keep it closed up and think of all the fuel savings hauling an empty one ! you could even go to sturgis,get a t-shirt and tell every one about the wild ride to the black hills. |
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Ferris Leets
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« Reply #38 on: August 10, 2009, 11:56:28 AM » |
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You mean that I could just walk into any HD shop and BUY a shirt? That would save a ton of money! Then all I would have to do is practice my excuses, can't ride because-it might rain, need an oil change, boots are dirty, might get bugs on it, need to change air in the tires for summer.
Very cool except, I actually like to sit on a motorcycle, and if I am sitting on it it is running and if it is running it is moving. So I guess I'll pass on the HD shirt idea.
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RoadKill
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« Reply #39 on: August 10, 2009, 12:03:29 PM » |
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You mean that I could just walk into any HD shop and BUY a shirt? That would save a ton of money! Then all I would have to do is practice my excuses, can't ride because-it might rain, need an oil change, boots are dirty, might get bugs on it, need to change air in the tires for summer.
Very cool except, I actually like to sit on a motorcycle, and if I am sitting on it it is running and if it is running it is moving. So I guess I'll pass on the HD shirt idea.
All the excuses are accepted by the harley guys, tell them to just pick one they like.  For the rest of us there is VALKYRIE ! |
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