Help - I need a Valk mechanic in NJ (Clunk Issue)

[kyllini]

Unfortunately, my bike is still clunking (around pinion, driveshaft area???)
Replaced rubber wheel dampers & U-Joint last year and thought it got better, but it's still clunking.
I bought a new pinion, & driveshaft with the intention of replacing them - but an injury at work last year prevents me from being able to do this alone.
Damn thing is just too heavy - especially with a dark side on the rear.
I would appreciate any help from knowledgeable Valk riders or mechanic and would be willing to pay.
Just can't justify bringing it to stealer at this point.
I'm located around exit 116 off the GSP (Jersey Shore).
I have a bike lift and many tools but don't have an impact gun for the pinion.
Any help would be deeply appreciated (hate to miss out on another riding season - if I can still ride).
Thanks in advance.


 

[G-Man]

Wish I were closer.  I'm in White Plains, NY. 

[kyllini]

Thx G-man - wish you were too.

[gordonv]

If the u-joint and the dampeners done, then isn't the only thing left is the bearings? A bad pinion would have been notice when the rear was out for the u-joint.

I forget if it was Chris or Gryphon who mentioned to raise the rear end, and grabbing the tire, try to push/pull to the side and see/listen for any movement.

[kyllini]

GordonV - i remember when I had this thing off that I noticed grease on the rim. Looked like it had come out of the hub area. Didn't check to see if the wheel moved side to side.
I have noticed that everything I've taken out to date - looked to be in very good condition.
The bike only has 7500 miles on it.

[Bighead]

7500 miles? I would think something is loose rather than worn out with that few miles on it.

[Jersey mike]

Killini,

I'm in Brick and I had some issues last summer with my '98.  I had it serviced at Xtreme Machines in Millstone Twp. They have a former mechanic from Freehold Honda that closed and knows the Wings and Valkyries very well. My bike came back running great and looking fantastic.

Here's their link;

http://www.xtrememachines.us

A great bunch of people and very professional, they just added a Honda showroom to their dealership.

[98valk]

and they use a factoryPro dyno

http://www.xtrememachines.us/miscpage_009.asp

[Ricky-D]

A little clunking in the driveline is necessarily gonna be there because of the design of the drive train.

It is especially noticeable (the clunking) at low speeds in top gear.

You may be repairing and replacing parts unnecessarily.

Especially so, in view of the low mileage.

***

[kyllini]

Not sure what would be loose.
Everything I took out looked pretty good (not much wear at all).
I did ride the bike about 2 k miles prior to the clunking so I know it's not normal.
At this point - just can't take it apart alone.
If I can get the rubber boot on again (major PITA) perhaps I can ride it to Millstone (assuming their rates are reasonable).
Never checked the wheel bearings - so can't be sure about that, but not sure it would produce the clunk I'm feeling.
major frustration!

[Jersey mike]

If the bike isn't rideable they do pick up.

As far as their rates, well that's all relative.

[Jersey mike]

Kyllini,

if you can do the mechanical part and just need a helper I might be able to help out. I'm not a mechanic by any means. I know my way around tools and such, not afraid to get my hands dirty but like I said i'm not a mechanic.

mike

[kyllini]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate the offer & may take you up on it.
First I need to get a better idea of what may actually be wrong with it.
I keep changing things that may not be necessary, and after buying all new parts, it may be cheaper just bringing it to a dealer.
I'm really perplexed at the problem, as it doesn't seem to be caused by the most common culprits.
I may also call xtrememachines and see what they say (& what they charge).
Still open to suggestions....

John

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

You haven't really described the condition enough for the knowledgeable members to give better feedback. When is the clunking happening? acceleration? Deceleration? Normal driving? Be as specific as possible and perhaps someone here could give you a better idea of possibilities. Also talk about pinion cup looking good but what about the ring gear and hub?

[kyllini]

Ky,Dave - trust me when I tell you I've described it detail.
It's on a previous thread (last year) - that I didn't want to resurrect - you're welcome to look it up & I have pictures showing the condition of everything.
This thread was more or less to find a good mechanic in NJ to help me fix this thing.

John

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Ky,Dave - trust me when I tell you I've described it detail.
It's on a previous thread (last year) - that I didn't want to resurrect - you're welcome to look it up & I have pictures showing the condition of everything.
This thread was more or less to find a good mechanic in NJ to help me fix this thing.

John

Gotcha, Hope it works out for ya 

[98valk]

A little clunking in the driveline is necessarily gonna be there because of the design of the drive train.

It is especially noticeable (the clunking) at low speeds in top gear.

You may be repairing and replacing parts unnecessarily.

Especially so, in view of the low mileage.

***

Agree, also known as drive-line lash, and shaft drive bikes always have it to different degrees.

Also check your upper shock bushings, they are known to fail, even at low miles.

[andym]

Im off exit 117 in Aberdeen if you need a set of hands, but Im NO mechanic either and I have some back issues . If however you just need a second pair of hands , Im happy to help when I get back from Fla on May 11 or later.

Andy Marino

[kahnma]

I have a guy that knows the Valk's very well, problem is he is located near me in Albany, NY. If you are in the mood for a hike you could trailer the bike down and we could get it up and running for you. Shoot me a PM if its something your interested in and i can give you contact details.

-Matt