1998 valk compared to 1993 Gwing

[CG]

Came across a 1993 Gwing very affordable and had to pull the trigger.  Interesting observation(s) compared to my Valk.   Valk(standard 1998) is faster and lighter, to be expected.  Gwing is buttery smooth(motor, gear box and ride).  Valk has 32k miles while the Gwing has 60k miles.  That said, here's what both confused me and concerns me:
Gwing's engine is so smooth regardless of the RMP and gear.  I can be going 40 in 5th gear, lay on the gas and it's smooth.  Valk seems to vibrate more and you can hear it in the engine(not exhaust) when it happens.  It's more associated in 4th and 5th when I roll on the gas at about 2500 RPM.  If I roll on the gas slowly and smoothly it doesn't shake or vibrate and I don't hear it growl.  If  I keep the shift points at about 3500 RMP or above going into 4th and 5th I'm fine.  If RPM gets around 2500 or even near 3k and I roll on the gas in 4th, 5th the valk will let me know about it.  I'm guessing the Valks cam?  I always experienced it before the Gwing but had nothing to compare it too. Now that I do have something to compare to I cannot help but wonder?   Both engines are 1500s.......Both run fantastic.  Both will really go with the valk pulling a bit stronger, likely because of the cam, 6 carbs and lighter.
I can't help wonder though if the timing is off on the valk or if it has one of those timing wheels on it?(bought it used) about 4 yrs. ago......It's really not a problem just more noticeable now having rode the Gwing.  Thoughts?

Comparison: Valk is like a vet, sporty, light, fast and fun.  Gwing is like a limo, definitely desireable on longer weekend type rides.

[John Schmidt]

Sounds to me like you're lugging the engine a bit in those gears at that RPM. That will make it feel like it's shuddering although you might want to look at carb sync on the Valk if it hasn't been done. The two bikes fill two different purposes and are built different. Not really fair to compare them that way.

[CG]

I agree......Nice seat by the way!

[olddog1946]

Valks do have a more aggressive cam to go with the carbs. Both my Valks have a bit of a vibration when at lower rpm and you crack the throttle open. It doesn't last but a second or so, but better off down shifting or a slower crank of the wrist.
I personally found that I like the Valk for trips over the 98 wing I had. Always felt like I was in a gynecologist's chair when using the highway pegs on the wing. Fuel consumption wasn't any better than the valk, but did have better wind protection and cruise....BUT the Valk is more fun,lol.

[CG]

LOL liked your analogy on the seating position.........I do like the valk for around town runs with the valk group and pretty much through out the week.  It is a blast to be sure. 

For longer events, I do like the comfort of the wing, even though mine is older.  Surprisingly for the weight and milder tuned motor, the Gwing will go.  Just not quite as fast as the valk.  Appreciate your comments on the vibration as it was comforting to know mine is not the only one....It really isn't an issue but when I rode the Gwing there definitely was a difference.

Right now, honestly, I wouldn't trade either for the world ...............Love that valk however

[gordonv]

I think  you have some clogged jets, and need a nice carb clean. I would change your fuel to Chevron, add a can  of carb cleaner to a half full fuel tank, and take it for a ride.

You might need to try this a few times, but you should notice something better.

I could be wrong, but I had a low mileage IS and now own a 88' GW. I do remember a little more "vibration" in the Valk, but felt this was more a thing of the mind because of the exhaust, than anything else. Also like John mentioned, a little lugging of the engine too. I do this a lot, since I live in a flat area, and drive at low speeds in high gear.

[Mapper]

I get a little vibration when opening the throttle wide open.  Haven't run carb cleaner through in awhile, good idea!  I remember always having a little vibration though....

[Paxton]

"... I remember always having a little vibration though...."
     ================================
     They are good, good, good vibrations!

In the GW the plastic insulates the engine and trans noise. My 1997 1500-GW is a 5-speed-Overdrive.
She hauls ass and feels like butter even at 110 MPH. I still prefer the I/S over the GW.

Remember, the Fat Lady is a pissed-off Gold Wing.... and she sounds, looks and behaves like so.

RIDE SAFE

[98valk]

the ignition advance and the cheap ICM the valkyrie has causes the vibration under load.
The GW has Zero advance at idle the ICM has vacuum advance, the valkyrie 3.5 degrees and no vacuum advance just a fixed curved.
This is why the 6 degree TW works so well for a GW and not the Valkyrie unless higher grade gas is used.
The GW ICM provides more advance at highway speeds for better mpg than the valkyries ICM.
The valkyrie has a superior carb system for HP, lbft and mpg compared to the GWs two carbs, but has an inferior ICM compared to the GW.

[CG]

guys,
thanks to all for your input...........The valk is running great and goes like a bat and I run sea foam through it every so often so I think I'm good there.  Good to know other's Valks do it as well and the last post likely hits it on the head.....It does feel like a timing issue to me not to the point something feels wrong, just different from the Gwing.....Thanks again VRCC

[1500Rider]

Have a '97 Valk and a '98 Wing. Your comparison is pretty close to what I experience as well. Keep in mind the 'Wing's engine is mounted with mounts that isolate the engine vibration more so than that in the Valkyrie. As well, the Valk's engine produces slightly more power and is tuned for quicker, more aggressive throttle response. I've found that the RPM vs speed to be about the same on both bikes but the Valk has far more roll-on power regardless of speed/gear. That, coupled with the lower weight of the Valk, provides a lot more grins on the road.

Both are exceptional machines for their respective missions. Couldn't imagine being without either one!

[Daniel Meyer]

VERY aggressive cam in the Valk...

[JimC]

Have you had your carbs synced?

I know mine accelerated much smoother after I had them done, and it only had about 8,000 to 9,000 miles on it at the time. you should be able to "roll on"(slowly giving more and more throttle)  from 25 to 30 mph up to red line without hesitation.

I would not trust just anyone to do it though, find someone that is used to working on the Valk.

Jim

[zzed28]

Old thread, I know.      Like Jim, I have no problem rolling the throttle on in high gear at 2k without a shudder, but I dont snap it open, so maybe thats the difference. Since I am rather a heavy rider, it seems as if I would have problems as much or more than others.
Jim, I am curious, about why an expert is needed to synch the Valk, my valk is new to me, I havnt synched it yet, I have had extremely good results from synching other multi cyl bikes, and am curious , is there something special about six cyls?