Just bought a new 99 Valkyrie. Curious about upgrades and new gear.

[punk4hire]

Hello everyone. First post.

I purchased a 99 Valk a few days ago at what I believe was a great price. It rides like a dream, and I couldn't be happier.

I've owned a couple of GoldWings in the past (an 86 and an 84) and a Suzuki Marauder.

With this new bike I'm very curious about upgrades and such. The problem is, I don't know what on the bike is already upgraded. I'm not too sure what a stock 99 Valk looks like. I've Googled quite a bit, but come up with some very different images. I certainly won't use the bikes I see here on the forum as the standard.

This evening I purchased the RF amp and the db501 speakers along with a 12v cigarette power outlet for the handle bars.

My question is what would you suggest as some must-have upgrades?

Clearly, audio was a big choice for me and I'll work on that upgrade tomorrow.

Any input is appreciated.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I take it you have the interstate model ?

[Bagger John - #3785]

Seat and suspension would be at the top of my list, assuming they haven't been upgraded already.

[Crackerborn]

Post a picture on the general board and introduce yourself. You will get plenty of info on your new to you ride. Sadly, many upgrades are now made of unobtainium or require diligent modifications.

[Farther]

You don't need no stinken' upgrades.

[gordonv]

If you haven't found it yet, check out Dag's site.

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/Interstate%20NEW.html

Like mentioned, post a picture, and ask for feedback on what is after market.

[Tfrank59]

For me personally, before I went into big spending on seats or other external things, I would want to go through the whole bike mechanically and see where she's at.  That's basically what I did with my 98 tourer since last summer when I bought it.  If your bike has low low miles, that means it probably sat for a lot of years – that's generally bad for a bike, so it's going to need to be brought back to life especially the fuel system.  If the previous owner was using it as a daily driver, then she's got some miles on her, and probably needs to be gone through for that reason as well.  That's just my opinion though.  Welcome and good luck with her.  And yeah by all means post some pics, let's see what you got!

[punk4hire]

Thanks for all the replies.

Yes indeed, it's an Interstate Model.

I know I'm the third owner, and the original owner was out in Louisiana. The previous owner was in Connecticut.

Believe it or not, I'm pretty happy with the seat thus far, but I've only put 400 miles on her since Friday so that certainly may change. The suspension on the other hand is likely an upgrade I'll need. There are some bumpy roads out here in rural Connecticut.

And farther, I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone. Of course it doesn't need any upgrades. What I meant to say was "customizations". 

And TFrank59, she has about 30k on her now, but I know for a fact she hadn't moved 1 mile in a little over a year since the date I purchased her. The previous owner had a few bikes, and made sure she was started and tended to, but due to his physical limitations he couldn't ride anymore.

Here are some pics. I'll post in the General board too. Thanks for your help guys.

[BnB Tom]

  The only thing I see that's missing is a back rest. . . without changing the seats, I'm not sure how to do it on an Interstate.

Great looking.  AND the right color!  

  BTW, if you have problems getting used to that kick-shifter, I'll gladly take it off your hands.    

[punk4hire]

Thanks Tom. I'll be sure to keep your kind offer in mind.

I agree on the color for sure. Love it! She'll likely need a touch-up or perhaps a new paint job, and some of the chrome & handlebars and mirrors have some tarnish and need to be replaced. Overall, she still looks great.

That kick shifter took me some time to get used to, but I love it. Size 13 1/2 feet, so toe shifting isn't too easy for me.

[Bagger John - #3785]

For me personally, before I went into big spending on seats or other external things, I would want to go through the whole bike mechanically and see where she's at.  That's basically what I did with my 98 tourer since last summer when I bought it.  If your bike has low low miles, that means it probably sat for a lot of years – that's generally bad for a bike, so it's going to need to be brought back to life especially the fuel system.  If the previous owner was using it as a daily driver, then she's got some miles on her, and probably needs to be gone through for that reason as well.  That's just my opinion though.  Welcome and good luck with her.  And yeah by all means post some pics, let's see what you got!

"Upgrades" =/= "needed mechanical fixes". I agree with taking care of the basics first, and the shocks and fork springs would probably qualify in that regard.

Personally, I would investigate putting a stock (quiet) I/S exhaust back on the bike but that's just me.

[punk4hire]

Any suggestions on springs and shocks?

And as for the exhaust. This bike is incredibly loud. My old Marauder had some loud shotgun pipes on it, but this thing blows it away.

Also, I live at the very end of a cul-de-sac. I'm sure my neighbors are thrilled.

[Michvalk]

Aftermarket parts are very hard to find, as the bike has been out of production for a LONG time, and there never was a huge amount available in the first place. You actually have some of the best stuff already. Your seat is stock, and there are several options still out there. You will just have to hunt for other stuff. I agree with others, in making sure all services are up-to-date. Nice looking bike, and lots and lots of miles left in the old girl. Enjoy!!

[Tfrank59]

Well she is a beauty!  Yeah there's already a bunch of upgrades, but not everybody goes for the footboards and the heel and toe shifter.  I'm sure if you wanted to you could get back to OEM foot pegs and shifter – and that's actually going to be easier on your shifter shaft which undergoes more strain with all that linkage.  As for the pipes, I see stock Valkyrie pipes occasionally on craigslist for a reasonable price, and I'm sure there are people who would buy your six into six pipes.  Me, I knew the cobra pipes would be too loud so I shied away from bikes that have those. I have the stock exhaust and I like it.

[punk4hire]

Thanks for that. I already spotted a pair of stock pipes on eBay for $400. Not too bad.

Perhaps I'll post a trade for stock pipes for mine somewhere. The exhaust I have now seems pretty popular.

Thanks for your help.

[dragonslayer]

Sweet ride.Nicely dressed.I would look into suspension upgrades.As for the cobras,if you do a search for quieting down those you will find several tips that will make them quieter and you won't have to rejet the carbs plus the Phat girl looks so much better with 6 pipes.Get a shop manual,one's available at Dags site,totally worth the money"free" lol.One thing is a must a LOUD horn asap.Make yourself and the lady safe then work on the pretty part.

[Joe Hummer]

Your bike is beautiful...but then again...I am slightly biased.  

You seem to be missing the left side engine hanger cover...wonder why...

I would check into the air wings that go on the bottom of the fairing.  I have Baker Air Wings and while I love them...they have cracked the pods.  Since I don't have the fairing mounted wings, I don't know how they address buffeting from air coming over the tank.  I had also put on fork lowers and can now pretty much shut off all air flow in my face...or open the bakers and get full blast.  

Your pipes are 6 into 6 pipes...I believe Cobra...(but could be wrong).  If they are that loud...they probably don't have the baffles in them.  You can still get baffles for them and a search on the forum should yelid what others have done.  Personally, I modified my stock exhausts by installing a set of glass packs inside truck stacks.  Love the sound of them!

For suspension upgrades...Progressive has the parts you need.  Folks have been having good luck with the 444 HD shocks on back and their front springs.  

The only other upgrade I would recommend is in the lighting department.  The IS doesn't have the single headlight of the Standard/Tourer but they are still hard to see by cages.  Get you some driving lights or LEDs up front to make it more readily seen.  

I hope you enjoy the bike and give it a good home where it is ridden often.  Be sure to ask questions here.

Joe

[Jess from VA]

Welcome.  Nice bike. (I have two black interstates)

For me, that extra tall windshield would have to go, unless you are a tall dude and can look over it. They can be cut down right on the bike with a little careful work.

Another fairly cheap item is aftermarket wide blade chrome shift/brake levers.  The OE levers will polish up, but wide ones are much more comfortable on the hands.  You can get adjustable reach levers but they aren't really necessary unless you have small hands.  http://www.amazon.com/Kuryakyn-7429-Wide-Style-Lever/dp/B000GTUR8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432738884&sr=8-1&keywords=kuryakyn+wide+chrome+levers+for+valkyrie

You don't need to replace stuff, just get after the surface rust with manpower and good polish (you can use polish with OOOO steel wool, if you don't push/scrub too hard (which works pretty well on the wheels and exhaust headers).

You won't regret trying this (all metal polish, esp aluminum).... http://www.captainrichardsbest.com/index.php/products?page=shop.product_details&category_id=6&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=20

It looks like you have original Honda shocks; before you replace them see if they are up on the 3rd or 4th setting (1-4), they are actually pretty good shocks if they aren't worn out.  

Those are not stock mirrors (but look good and are large).

That Show Chrome replacement oil dipstick may or may not have an accurate fill line.  It generally does not matter as you drain a gallon and put a fresh gallon in (and filter), and you are done.  No need to check oil, they don't leak or burn any.  When checking oil level you center the bike sitting on it, and drop the stick in, but do not screw it in (at least that is what you do with the OE plastic dipstick).

Another nice upgrade is to add the Standard/Tourer Honda taillight assembly in the knockout on the rear fender under the trunk.  A CB radio under there will interfere with the lens if you have a CB under there.  I have the parts list (about $135).

If you intend to get into the fairing on your amp-speaker upgrade, you may find some anchors spinning in the fairing plastic on disassembly.  IF so, don't keep turning them and auguring out the holes, they need to be yanked out and JB welded back in, and clean the screw and anchor threads and use copper anti-seize on them.  Here is some info:

(their anchors apparently don't spin, so it's not covered)
https://www.f4customs.com/index.php?route=videos/instruction&information_id=17

Speakers:

Rear: http://s161.photobucket.com/user/wixthedog/library/Rear%20Speaker%20Upgrade?sort=4&page=1

Front:  http://s161.photobucket.com/user/wixthedog/library/Front%20Speaker%20Upgrade?sort=4&page=1

Std tail light added to interstate (prices are old, as is post).
http://forums.delphiforums.com/valkyrie/messages/?msg=11596.1

Adjustable lever install.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/valkyrie/messages/?msg=13360.1

You absolutely want to get rid of the OE Honda tire valve stems (and elbows) at your next tire change.
Replace with all metal 90* stems.

Scroll down to read necessary mod to aim stems to high side (cutting off the elbow Ts)
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

Or cheaper 90" metal stems (some bolt on inside the wheel, others bolt on (and can be snugged up) outside the wheel - better)

[Bagger John - #3785]

Some additional observations:

1) If you replace the exhaust with OEM and want to run full-length tips, make sure you get the I/S-specific setup. Its "piggies" (extension tubes) are horizontal instead of vertical (as in the exhaust which was used with the Standard/Tourer).

2) eBay's yer buddy for a lot of the things you're after, including the missing engine hanger cover. Or buy a reproduction set from one of the various VRCC supporting vendors.

3) The only "missing" things I can see which may or may not be available from time to time are the Hondaline fork leg covers, speaker/armrest pads and fog lights. Incidentally, a complete set of black pods, lights and crash guards was just sold on eBay.

4) CB radios come up for sale from time to time, and you can make your own antenna mount from a GL1200 antenna arm. Search the Tech Archives for details.

5) Rusty and/or pitted pieces may be removed and re-chromed. There is still a lot of that stuff kicking around if you know where to look.


One of these days I'm going to open up my basement and sell off all the unneeded "spares" I've collected, most of them new-in-box. I imagine there are other Valkyrie enthusiasts with similar stashes.

[old2soon]

You have some high dollar add ons already. Cobra boards kury road pegs saddle bag guards 6 into 6 exhaust and some chrome and the heel/toe shifter. The classifieds had a back rest for sale recently?? I believe. Run some B-12 ChemTool in your gasoline and keep the revs below 2000 fer awhile and let her sit overnight. Do that again. WATCH you don't get B-12 on your paint. Oh-tire pressures-Front at 42 to 45 P S I Rear 40 43 P S I on M/C specific tires. Come to Inzane in Spearfish S D next month. Lotsa other Valkyrie types WILL be there!  Nice lookin bike ya got BUT not quite as noticeable as green and silver!  RIDE SAFE.

[gordonv]

When I had my IS, I rode it with my wife and myself. Pushing over 440 lbs, and the shocks set to 5, I never felt it needed or was lacking anything.

Drive it for a while to see if you think it needs anything changed, take care of the maintenance. Offers for swapping for OEM items is a good way to go (like with the pipes, or the trunk rack swap the lid, no holes then).

I always recommend you learn about hydro lock and rear drive lubrication.

You might also want to add your Location to your profile, easier to get help or meet up with others.

[Bagger John - #3785]

When I had my IS, I rode it with my wife and myself. Pushing over 440 lbs, and the shocks set to 5, I never felt it needed or was lacking anything.

Shocks and fork springs wear, especially with heavy loads and high mileage.

Case in point: First I/S (stock suspension) run two-up about 50% of its 33k miles, compared to second I/S (stock suspension) which never had a passenger aboard for any of its 11k miles. Jumping from one to the other, the difference was literally light night and day: The first one just felt "sacked". I was quite surprised in the ride quality between them.

I moved the shocks from the second I/S to my second Tourer when I put the I/S trunk on it, and with about 25k on them they're becoming candidates for replacement.

[punk4hire]

Very cool to come home from work to these great replies.

I'll get right to those shocks. I'm not too sure I have the original toolkit along with the adjustment tool, but I'll look for that, as well as a place that tells me how to do it. I'm sure there's something here in the forums.

I have no idea what hydrolock or rear drive lubrication is. I shall investigate fully. Google is my friend.

I'll be doing the majority of my riding alone, but occasionally I can count on my wife to come along. She would ride with me all day if our kids weren't small, she loves her perch back there.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for that back rest too. I have some other miscellaneous rusty parts I'll toss or give to a good home. I'll post a photo.

I'll grab that b12 chemtool right now online. How much do I put in? I'll be careful with the paint too.

Also just added my location to my profile. I'm in Connecticut.

I'll likely swap these pipes out if I can't get baffles for them. They're pretty, but too loud. Like I said previously, I really wouldn't mind the loud pipes if it weren't for being at the end of a cul-de-sac in a State Forest.

I'll keep my eyes on eBay from here on out. Never know what I may come across.

I'm not to keen on the handlebars and the mirrors as they're a bit aged and have some tarnish. So I'll be looking for them too.

The windshield doesn't bother me. I'm 6'6" so I can see over it even while reclining a bit.

I want those optional lights on the back. As many lights as I can get to be seen. I've already looking into hid and led options for the headlights, but reviews seem to be mixed and I'm not sure what my best options are at the moment. Perhaps someone can clarify?

I'll need a longer clutch lever. This one is too stiff, and can give me temporary arthritis after riding for awhile.

I didn't even realize about the engine cover. I've already spent some time looking around, but haven't found anything yet. I'll keep my eyes peeled. If you know somewhere that sells them, or a reproduction please let me know, and I'll get right on it.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[Savago]

Dear friend

Congrats on your new I/S, it is a nice bike and as other forum members have commented, it already has some nice chrome and accessories installed.

If it was me, I would add fog lights + CB radio.

The I/S comes with Showa shocks that are pretty good, unless the previous owner rode it fully loaded all the time, I don't see the need for changing the shocks with such low milage.

Concerning mechanical maintenance, the basics:

a) Oil + filter change;
b) Flush coolant (use the Honda pre-mixed fluid);
c) Final drive oil change;
d) Flush brake fluid and the clutch.

It may be worthwhile to check the forks oil level (and maybe flush it, as it is at least 14-16 years old bike).

Best regards


Savago

[punk4hire]

Here's a picture of the other crap I received with the bike.

Please don't berate me about my ignorance. I've never had any friends that ride, and I'm not really a "scenester" when it comes to motorcycles. I just love to ride.

It's quite possible you could catch me riding around with sneakers, a Batman shirt and singing Taylor Swift along with my 5 year old daughter on the back.

Do I want any of this stuff. I know I don't want the trailer hitch for sure. So if anyone else wants it, just give me a heads-up.

What do I have here?

[punk4hire]

Savago, it's likely a good idea to make sure everything is up to speed in regards to the maintenance first. I'll have it taken in within the next few days for those services you mentioned. I'll also have them keep their eyes open for anything else.

[RainMaker]

Looks like you have a backrest, baker air wings, a hitch and a dog...... 

He threw the dog in?

[punk4hire]

That's not a dog you son of a bitch. That's my wife! 

Should I use those air wings?

JoeValkIS mentioned earlier in this thread that is what he uses.

[Bagger John - #3785]

If you do use the pod-mounted Air Wings, be careful mounting them. Might want to put some reinforcing washers on either side of the pod plastic to prevent cracking.

Search the Tech Archives for details regarding how the condition occurs. FWIW, I ran mine for most of the time I had my first I/S with no problems at all. Other members had different results.

Should you take the forks apart to drain and refill the fork oil, drop a set of Progressive Suspension springs in while you're at it. You'll thank me.

[BF]

Cup holders dude....cup holders.   

http://www.barefootwillies.com/

[punk4hire]

Cup holders are mandatory. I'll buy the ones in the link now.

Any suggestions for passenger cup holders, or other accessories? Gotta make sure they're comfortable too.

[gordonv]

I'll grab that b12 chemtool right now online. How much do I put in? I'll be careful with the paint too.


I want those optional lights on the back. As many lights as I can get to be seen. I've already looking into hid and led options for the headlights, but reviews seem to be mixed and I'm not sure what my best options are at the moment. Perhaps someone can clarify?

B12 should be found at most auto stores.

Brake/rear lights. Look into these.
http://hyperlites.com/stdsf.html

That's not a dog you son of a bitch. That's my wife!

Got a good laugh from this. But just in case, with the written word, you can't get feeling other than what is there, and that was some strong words. Use those smiles found above your post.   They'll add some humor or feelings to your words. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'll grab that b12 chemtool right now online. How much do I put in? I'll be careful with the paint too.


I want those optional lights on the back. As many lights as I can get to be seen. I've already looking into hid and led options for the headlights, but reviews seem to be mixed and I'm not sure what my best options are at the moment. Perhaps someone can clarify?

B12 should be found at most auto stores.

Brake/rear lights. Look into these.
http://hyperlites.com/stdsf.html

That's not a dog you son of a bitch. That's my wife!

Got a good laugh from this. but just in case, with the written word, you can't get feeling other than what is there, and that was some strong words. Use those smiles above.  They'll add some humor to your words or feelings.

Now that there is funny  If P4H is married to his dog we are going to have to rename our club 

[punk4hire]

Thanks for the pro tips guys!

Gordonv, I thank you for your advice and my previous post has been properly edited. 

I'll grab the b12 later today. Any idea how much I dump in there? And there was an earlier mention not to rev the bike over 2k. Is that good advice?

As for the brake lights, I like them a lot. I'm just curious about the legality here in Connecticut. I know years ago I had to remove my flashing brake lights from my bike, but of course it was fine to ride with no turn signals. Good ole government!

Meathead, at this particular moment I'm not prepared to confirm or deny anything. Unless my wife finds this post of course. Then, I'm a dead man.

[Joe Hummer]

I'll grab the b12 later today. Any idea how much I dump in there? And there was an earlier mention not to rev the bike over 2k. Is that good advice?

Revving over 2k is to keep the bike in the slow jets...the ones most likely to plug...but...they don't actually start coming into play until closer to 3k.  Basically, if you are wide open throttle all the time, you aren't doing any good on the slow jets other than soaking them a little. 

If the bike doesn't run right after a few treatments, they need to be rebuilt.  There are posts about it if you are so inclined but I took mine to an independent mechanic and he done it for me (this was before I knew more about the bikes...I might try it now if I had to...).  It ran MUCH better after that.  My bike actually sat for 2 years prior to my buying it and it was not put away properly.  Gas was left in the carbs and it wasn't started...so things were pretty gummed up.  Because they were gummed up, I had to remove them from the bike and took the bowls off and shot carb cleaner every where I could.  It would run ok once I got it started...as long as I didn't want it to idle too long...which wasn't really a problem most of the times...   The mechanic took the carbs apart, let them soak in a sonic bath overnight, and reassembled them.  BIG IMPROVEMENT!  Since then, it hasn't sat long enough to have issues. 

Joe

[RainMaker]

That's not a dog you son of a bitch. That's my wife! 
 

So, the guy who sold you the Valk also threw in your wife?   

Actually, great reply by you.  I think you're going to fit in this group just fine. 

(unless, of course, you were serious..... ??? )

I'd put the backrest back on.  Lots of people like the air wings and it's a good chance the holes used to attach them are still on the pods.  But as others have said, watch out for cracking due to stress.  I'd think that using larger washers would spread the pressure out over a larger area and keep this from happening, but I don't have the bakers - I have the hondaline air deflectors (unobtanium) on mine.

RainMaker

[punk4hire]

That's my puppy. I assure you my wife is prettier than that! A little.

I'll toss that backrest back on there tomorrow. I'll need to go to work on some of that rust. If it looks good enough I'll give it a go. If I can't get it to look good enough it's going in the trash.

As for those air wings, I'll see what I can do. Looks like there's two sets of them, and I have no reference for where to put them. Clearly at the front of the bike somewhere, but I'll let you know how I make out.

As for the trailer hitch. I'll give that away in the classifieds if anyone wants it. I'll likely never use it.

I'll use your washer trick too. I'll take some photos when it's done.

[Jess from VA]

Stick a half can of B12 in two partial tanks.  Strong doses won't hurt, and non ethanol gas won't hurt either, if you can get it.  I often put a half can of B12 or Seafoam in a half tank of gas for a couple early Spring rides (though I dose full to top tanks of gas with Marine Stabil, Startron (ethanol treatment), and Seafoam/Berryman's or Techron over the winter).  Then I tend to do smaller (regular X per gallon) doses periodically during the year.

This may be overkill, but I lack the skills to take my carbs off and repair them, and I've never had to with this practice.

I don't do cup holders, but someone posted up a really nifty passenger interstate cup holder mounted to the trunk hinge hardware about 4-6 months ago.

[Bagger John - #3785]

As for those air wings, I'll see what I can do. Looks like there's two sets of them, and I have no reference for where to put them. Clearly at the front of the bike somewhere, but I'll let you know how I make out.

Smaller ones go on the fork via (possibly absent) Hondaline hardware, and the larger ones - Baker Air Wings - http://www.bakerbuilt.com/bbairwings/h15awupaa.html should give you an idea of where they go.

Reach out to the Bakerbuilt crew for instructions - they're very helpful.

[old2soon]

On most fuel treatments wally wurld usually has the best price-unless your favorite parts house has a sale.  wally wurld generally has the best price on oil and filters unless you favorite parts house has a sale.  NOT tryin to tell you HOW to do business BUT that trailer hitch is worth an easy $125.00 $150.00.  Some body has already used this word but yer fixin to hear it a lot concerning our Valkyries-unobtainium.  For salvage parts check pinwahl in Ohio-BUT use caution buying from them. Our classifieds have a wealth of some stuff. AND if it's mechanical a lot of our riders are good wrenches and have been there done that got the T-shirt PLUS they post about WHAT they found out. Most anything about our Ladies can be found in the tech section. Good luck and welcome!  You are welcome to either one of my ex wives-just take over payments!  RIDE SAFE.