New 98

[mnccnm]

Hello,
My name is MIke and I'm new to owning a Valkyrie and to the forum.  I just picked up a 98 and am trying to learn more about the bike.  The bike sat for a bit, runs, but is missing.  I have a carb kit on the way.
Anything special I need to know about this bike?
I see references on here about "standard" and "interstate", how do I determine which is what I have?

Any useful info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Ron]

Welcome Mike

I'm right next door in AZ and have rode with SOCAL group alot of times and they are a great bunch of guys to ride with. BigMac is going to have to help you on the carb rebuild, but here is a little history on the Valk.

introduction in 1997, a naked Standard and later, a Tourer model were offered. The Tourer included a windshield and lockable hard saddlebags.
In 1999, the Interstate model was added to the lineup, which included a fork-mounted fairing along with a larger capacity fuel tank and a trunk at the rear of the motorcycle.
As sales eventually dwindled, the Interstate and Tourer models were dropped after 2001, leaving only the Standard model remaining. 2003 saw the Standard offered only in black and was the last year of the original Valkyrie

[mnccnm]

Sounds like I have a tourer.  Thanks for the reply.

[BigMac (SoCal)]

Yes Mike the carbs are a bit of a problem if the bike sits for any length of time. Although they are simple carbs they all have to be right. I've had to take them out of a bike as many as 3 times before I got them right. Usually the problem is the slow jet which cannot be removed. You have to have a small wire or drill to clean it out properly. I have a 158,000 miles on my bike and the carbs have never been off the bike. But I do try to ride it a bit every week to keep the carbs clean. As far as the rest of the bike is concerned I would change all fluids and give it a complete service. Get your self a shop manual if you don't already have one. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Dave

[mnccnm]

Thanks Dave.  I'm not a mechanic, but not a stranger to turning a wrench on my stuff either.  A manual is on the way along with a viton carb kit and some float needles.  I saw a pretty good video on line on rebuilding the carbs and it doesn't look to involved.  I appreciate the offer for help, don't be surprised if you hear from me in the near future.
The bike starts and runs now, and although it will still not tip over the nickel, I can hear it's missing a little.

[Glaserbeam]

Hi Mike,

Did you rebuild your carbs yet?  How did it work out?

Where in SoCal are you?  I'm in O.C. and I need to rebuild mine too.

Ken