What is the diff between the 1997 and 2003 standard

[N7]

I am restoring a 2003. This will be my first bike i did a restore job on.  I am looking for parts parts for my 03, and i came across some 97 that are the same. is there any diff and what would they be.

[Valkorado]

I know the front wheels are different, and the required front bearings.  I'm sure there are some other differences.

[Jess from VA]

Besides wheel, bearing and rotor differences, there may be some carburetor differences too.

The time consuming thing is to use a Honda parts fishe for 1997 and 200X and look for different part numbers whenever you are concerned. (you cannot actually see the differences in the fish part picture/diagrams)

The only downside to that is, that at least for a few things, some old and new parts were combined into new parts only (that fit all bikes), but the different part numbers can throw you.  But for those few things, the old part should be listed as discontinued.

As an example, the older Valk rear wheel dampers came in two parts; the rubbers, and the metal inserts for each rubber.  The '99 interstate started selling those as one part, with the inserts already in the dampers.  It was a better, and cheaper part.  (I think) at some point, they stopped selling the 2-part dampers, since the unitized part fits all bikes.

It gets even more tricky as for instance if you use older parts in combination (like wheel and rotor together from an older bike), they will fit fine in combination on a newer bike (but not piecemeal).

I remember a thread or two on this in great detail in the past.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Front and rear wheels, rear gear drive are all polished and clear coated. Seats are better. Front wheel bearings are different as Valkorado said. The rear brake disc and wheel are different. Supposedly the ICM and or cams are different on the 97 making more power. But I'm not sure of that.

[hubcapsc]

I know the front wheels are different, and the required front bearings.  I'm sure there are some other differences.

Rear wheels are different too. All rear wheels will work on all bikes, but you have
to have the appropriate rotor to go with it.

-Mike

[Crackerborn]

Cams and carbs are different on CA models all years. There are different CA carbs on 97's that dropped in 98. As already stated, wheel bearings, wheels, rotors, wheel dampers (use onepeice) are the main differences. There is a rear bearing mod that was done to my CA Girl by a PO.

[Chrisj CMA]

The biggest and best difference (if you have a '97) is that they are the fastest.  Well, compared stock to stock. 

[vanagon40]

Different (but interchangeable) rider seats. I believe 97 (and maybe one or two more years) had
"Made in USA" on the rear seat. Engine block and maybe elsewhere also bore "Made in USA" stamps.

[I know although it is technically responsive to the question, probably not information the OP was looking for.]

[Robert]

6 years    Also a stamp on the engine and or seat that the bike is made in America.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I think I remember RJ saying the later bikes had better rubber covers over the starter relays which made them more water proof. My Valk is a 97 and I've had water corrode the fuse on the top of my relay and cause intermittent electrical glitches until I found the problem.

[Gary]

I also discovered the rear rotor mount bolts were different along with the wheel/rotor year change. Later models are recessed and I believe the pre-wheel/rotor change models were more of a surface mount.

So, if you get them all together (wheel, rotor, mounted) you should be OK but if you sourced them a la carte, you'll want to make sure they match.

I now need a set of the bolts for a back-up later model wheel and rotor a la carte combo I have. 
Sure makes it nice having that rear wheel all set up, with tire, when it's time for a tire change. 

[Gryphon Rider]

The first years of Valkyries has different, less reliable, circuitry for switching the radiator fan. My 2000 has the newer, better system, but I don't know which model year it was changed for.

The latter Valkyries had the wheel rims polished and clear-coated, which is better.  Again, I don't know when that started; after 2000 for sure.

The lower radiator hose protective slinky-like thing was made better 2000 or earlier (black became shiny stainless).  The horn was changed from black to chrome 2000 or earlier (or maybe a cover was added?)  The rear fender was strengthened 2000 or earlier.

[98valk]

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/MODEL%20DIFFERENCES.html