suggestions on 'graduating' t0 the Valkyrie?

[Locomotive]

Hello all- this is an embarrassing question, go easy on me... but I welcome suggestions since I assume some of you were "here" (or somewhere similar) at some point in your own past, even though that was probably distant past for most of you.

I'm at about the half century mark and have ridden motorcycles on and off, a substantial but not huge amount, most of my adult life. Much of my experience on two wheels has been on smaller and lighter bikes in the 300-500cc range- but I have spent the most time of all (10+ years, 9,000 miles) on a Ural sidecar rig with 750cc and with the whole rig weighing in at over 900 pounds. I joke that it has the weight, balance, and aerodynamics of a grand piano with the horsepower of an oversized yard tractor. As unusual as the handling of a sidecar rig is, I am familiar and comfortable with it. I did the MSF course along with my son a couple of years ago to brush up on my 2-wheeled skills.

I bought my Valkyrie in February but only just rode it home last Friday on account of waiting until the roads were clear of frozen mess and salt.  It turned out to be a rainy day and the 60 mile route had a lot of very poor condition pavement, which, on a new (to me) bike bigger than I was used to... was... less than relaxing.

I really like the Valkyrie and there is no doubt that I want to keep it and become proficient in riding it, but the learning curve is steeper than I'd hoped. It is extremely different from things that I have ridden before - to the point that I don't feel like I have an intuitive instinct/comfort with how it would act- and whether my 'inputs' will be 'on the mark' - to handle the bike well if something throws me a surprise.

My plan so far is to stick to riding mid-speed, low traffic, rural roads (of which there are a lot near my home) and just try to gain experience as I go, until I become more comfortable and familiar with it.

I welcome any and all suggestions on how to make the transition effectively and enjoyably.

Thanks in advance

[Pappy!]

First off....Welcome to the fold!! Congratulations on purchasing one of the best muscle cruisers in the world.
I had been out of riding for several decades.......
I remember coming on here and asking the same questions, got all kinds of varied responses.
My first bike when I did get back into it was a Vulcan 1600 !! A top heavy beast of a bike. Same boat you are in but that bike was so top heavy it wasn't funny.
I took that bike to parking lots and developments that had not been developed and worked on the low speed handling, tight turns, panic stops, figure 8's, you name it. I got used to the bike that way.
With the Valk you have the benefit of a low center of gravity. I would suggest you do the same in parking lots or wherever you can and get used to the bike. Once the bike is at speed it seems to lose most of the bulk and handles pretty darned good plus it has some of the best brakes in the business. Your first ride with the conditions you had would put fear in most folks picking up a new to them bike.
Hope this helps.

[Oss]

Practice your u turns and figure 8s in large parking lots and get more comfortable with that first.

Its ok to be nervous sometimes - just  work thru it

You cant truly have courage without some fear after all

Make sure the air is at least 42 front 44 rear if you are riding motorcycle tires and by the time Inzane rolls around next month you will be ready to come to Roanoke and join us

Do join us !

[DirtyDan]

Welcome aboard

Seek out other riders, follow them........

........then pass em

[..]

https://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-braking-tips/

[Locomotive]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions and encouragement! Re: InZane, I would love to go except (1) I am booked at work on something I can't back out of, and (2) it's my dad's 90th birthday. Hopefully I can make it to a future InZane.  I really appreciate all of the suggestions and encouragement.  After I get a bit more practice on the back roads with no other drivers around, I will hit some big parking lots and start practicing.

[Jess from VA]

For a big heavy thing, it is really easy to ride.  But it is 800lbs and 8 feet long.

Anything new is different.

You know about pushing the choke lever (enrichener) down all the way, right?  It's not choked at all until the last quarter inch of travel after resistance.  Then, don't forget to turn it off.  Some bikes start OK without it, not mine.  Longer (on) in cold, shorter in warm.

Many newbs report a problem coming smoothly to a stop, without wobbling a little at the end.  If you do, always using both brakes for all stops, start early and come in slow rolling, let off the front, and just drag the rear a bit just before coming to a stop.  This stops the wobble. 

Use all stops (at lights) to practice your ultra slow rolling with good balance.

Keep your air pressures up in the tires (more than the manual said for the original tires) (like 41-2 front and rear).  The bike pushes, rolls and rides easier.  And the tires last longer.

Don't get flustered trying to get both feet down flat at all stops.  You may find that the old practice of rolling up to a stop with left down only, and right on the foot brake holding the bike from slow rolling back or forward (with just a slight lean left) is a more stable stop than with both feet down.  A hard crosswind might require both feet.  But one is all you need most of the time.  

Get familiar with the kickstand and clutch switches that will shut the bike off.  It's not uncommon to hit the right kill switch by accident adjusting the mirror (or something).  If you kill the bike, always check that first.  If you drop the bike, the tip over switch may not let you restart the bike after you power lift it back up, without turning the key off and on.

If you shut the bike down by putting the kickstand down, don't forget to turn the key off too.  20 minutes or so of headlight, and it probably won't start again.

You can push start your own bike on just a bit of downgrade (sitting on it).  On the flat, it's harder, and it's easy to dump the bike trying to jump on after pushing it to a roll (running beside it).

The bike runs around at higher RPMs than most other bikes.  Get used to it.  3K is not over revving.  Running at higher RPMs gives you an engine brake just by releasing or letting off the throttle a little, without having to touch the brakes.  Especially useful in winding twisting roads.  Don't be surprised if you shift for a nonexistant 6th gear from time to time; everyone does it.

Other than that, just get out and practice at your own pace.  You know why MSF is all inside the box?  Because it's the hardest riding there is.  You should easily be able to pull U-turns in any narrow 2-lane road (start your turn hard right away, not after using up half the roadway, or you won't make it).  After 45 years of riding, I still turn left better/tighter than right.  So if I have a challenging sharp turn in a tight space coming up, I set it up to do it left whenever I can.  I don't even think about it anymore.  

Look ahead, plan ahead.  

When parking, get used to looking for a spot you will not have to back the bike uphill (even a small grade can make you struggle, esp with short legs).

Be prepared for people to come up to you in the gas station and tell you you have a beautiful Harley.  Unless you want to have a long discussion, just say thank you.  I always sit on my bike to fill it up (just fill the tank, not your pants); I ride right in close this way.  If you're going to get off, leave enough room for it to lay over on the kickstand and not the pump (that's embarrassing, and you get pinned to the pump).

When a Hog rider comes up and looks at the engine and asks if you think you have enough motor on that thing, tell him it's only a little 1520, and that his 1900 is much bigger.

The bike has good power throughout the band.  But the very best place to be for your best launch, is 3K RPM in 3d gear.  Nail the throttle and hold on. Give me warp speed Mr. Scott.  

  

[MarkT]

Before I post my answer I read other's responses to see if they said what I'm about to say.  They did.  Parking lot practice is the key.  Get good at handling the bike there and you'll shine on the road.  More specifically - go to "Motorman"s site (Jerry Palladino) and get one of his DVD's on technique and learn that - you'll be superb. https://www.ridelikeapro.com/  Check out some of his online videos  first if you prefer - https://www.ridelikeapro.com/online-videos/  His Youtube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/profile?user=motorman857&view=videos

[The emperor has no clothes]

1) Front brakes are your friend
2) In comparison to smaller, lighter bikes you are used to the Valkyrie likes to be powered thru slow speed maneuvers. If you hesitate and back off the throttle in a slow speed turn, you will have difficulty.
3) It has much more torque than you are likely used to. It's a very smooth running bike. It's easy to get up to 100 mph without even realizing it.
4) You will likely come to find it to be the best bike you've ever owned, like most of us here do.
5) Relax and enjoy it.

 

[da prez]

Most all has been said from experience. Try to avoid braking in turns as it takes away the weight. Loose speed if a situation arises. You may not be at fault , but you will loose. Watch for the blind idiots that can't see you. Practice. I have owned many other bikes , but none as good as the Valk.
 Welcome to the addiction.

                     da prez

[Willow]

Many good suggestions.  Mine is ride, ride ride.

My first Valkyrie was purchased 600 miles from home.  I flew out and rode it back.  Nice day.


I did have to learn that braking or slowing with the front wheel turned (at very low speed) is a bad idea.  It's embarrassing to gently put it on its side in front of several of your friends. It's also a good idea to be sure the sidestand is down before stepping off the bike.

You have the ingredients.  Let the real fun begin.

[msb]

Congratulatuons on your first Valk! Standard, Tourer, or Interstate? 
In addition to many of the other excellent suggestions made here, ensure that you are comfortable in your riding position. Depending on your height,  etc there are several seat and handlebar riser options ( search the Tech Board) that may put you in a position where you feel more comfortable handling the bike. Also make sure your tires are in decent shape...if the rear is badly cupped or has a noticeable flat spot it will affect the handling. Keep the air pressure up as others have said...it does make a difference. Same with rear shocks/bushings ....make sure they're in good shape.  And like others here say....just ride   

[cookiedough]

do not be like me for several months new owner as well unable to start my Valk I/S,  before reading this on here to push the choke lever ALL the way down last 1/2 inch or so is very hard to push down but some of our Valks when cold out been sitting awhile will not start without FULL choke on.  I thought for sure I had issues until this simple thing was pointed out to me.

Good idea as well mentioned to not park downhill in front have done it a handful of times and without reverse luckily had people near me to help me push back out otherwise if alone I would have to wait until someone came by to help me out push 800+ lbs. backwards uphill. 

the first few times out I was intimidated being not on a cycle for 10 years but after a few times out I was comfy driving,  handles well for such a large, heavy bike, just get some practice time in you will be fine more than likely.

[Jersey mike]

When pulling out in traffic and making a turn, do not snap that throttle wide open mid turn, the ass end will kick out on you. The same goes for toll plazas whether or not you are coming to a full stop,or a rolling stop, there’s enough crap laid down from cages (oil,antifreeze,grease,A/C condensation drips) in the pay area to make a hard acceleration out of the toll plaza a bit squirrelly.

[scooperhsd]

All the above have good suggestions - here's mine - if you're in any doubt about your ability to ride it - take an MSF advanced Rider course on your Valk. You WILL get better on your bike. My first ride was a test ride at the dealership I bought it from - after signing some paper work, they let me go off on my own (but I have ridden about 40 years now, mostly on 750CC - 800CC bikes - approximately 100,000 - 150,000 miles worth of riding). It did take some getting used to on that extra weight, but I rapidly adjusted.

I share the experiance that once you get this beast moving above 5 MPH, it seems to magically lose 200-300 pounds.  Also share the experiance that you should always park so you power out going uphill - The Valk could really use an electric reverse ala GW for these situations. MSF courses stress using both Front and rear brakes  to stop - consider it mandatory on a Valk. I Also share the experiances that they have GREAT BRAKES .

Did I mention that you need to RIDE, RIDE, RIDE - like Willow suggested ?

Keep the tire pressure up - I use 40 PSI front and rear. Tires last longer and the bike rolls easier. Downside -your speedometer will be off a little (you're going faster than indicated speed).

After you're used to it, you may want to consider using a car tire on the back - there are numerious threads on Darkside you'll want to check.

Welcome to the club and enjoy your bike.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I had the same questions after buying my Valk. As Mark mentioned, buy the Motorman's videos. I learned more from watching his DVD than I did from my first 20 years of riding.

When I first started riding my Valk I would make somewhat awkward stops occasionally, OK, often. I sometimes felt more like I was bringing her in for a landing than just stopping.

What I've learned is that you can ride a small bike with nothing more than experience and instinct. But with a big bike, you need technique. Number one, if riding seems to take a lot of strength, you're doing it wrong.

First off, learn that your bike goes where you look. If you don't want to hit that pothole, don't look at it, look beside it where you want to go. Remember as a kid getting too close to the edge of the sidewalk on your bike and then you would just ride right on the edge until you went off the side? That's because you were staring at the edge, don't do that. In a corner, don't look at the outside edge of the road, look where you want to go.

When stopping, unless it's a fast stop, get off your front brake in the last foot or two. As in, keep your front wheel straight, look up, not down and finish the stop with your back brake. If your front wheel is turned and you are on the front brake your bike will want to hit the ground and you'll have to jab a foot down to prevent it. :-) Your bike will always handle better with your feet on the pegs, keep them there as long as you can and when possible, keep your right foot up and on the brake when you stop.

At parking lot speeds, slip your clutch, rev your motor slightly and drag your back brake slightly. That combination will give you amazing low speed balance.

Above all, your bike goes where you look so control your eyes if you want to control your bike. When doing a U turn, crank your head around and look where you want to go. You will get it, just takes the right kind of practice. Practicing bad habits won't help, you have to learn and practice the good ones.

[f6john]

When I bought my Valkyrie in 2000 I had not been on a motorcycle since 1978. I was careful but not intimidated. I’m not a hotdogger but I like riding to “my” limits. The Valkyrie was a natural fit for me. You have been given plenty of good advise, I would only add, ride it like you stole it up to your limits.

[Locomotive]

Thanks for so much great advice! I should definitely check the tire pressures. The seller, a knowledgeable and conscientious guy, said he aired them up to what the manual said earlier in the same day that I picked it up, but it sounds like I can and should go to higher PSI. I will look for and utilize those videos. Along with all of the great information above, thanks most of all for the upbeat encouragement. Much appreciated!

[Hook#3287]

Thanks for so much great advice! I should definitely check the tire pressures. The seller, a knowledgeable and conscientious guy, said he aired them up to what the manual said earlier in the same day that I picked it up, but it sounds like I can and should go to higher PSI. I will look for and utilize those videos. Along with all of the great information above, thanks most of all for the upbeat encouragement. Much appreciated!

I'm a little late to the party here, but my advice is the same as Willows.

Git onner and ride.

You'll be fine.

[Hooter]

Give us the type of Valk, (IS, Tourer, Standard) along with miles and you should get more information.  Ride it and maintain it and it will last forever.

Has it been maintained?  A poor running bike will discourage riding. Make sure brakes are top notch! Tire pressure like has been said and an oil change. Won't hurt to dump some Sea Foam or Berrymans B 12 in a fresh tank of gas. Make sure exhaust nuts are snug (don't over tighten!) . Make sure clamps on the intake boots are snug as well. Go over the bike as a whole and make sure it's ready to ride. There's my 2 cents. Welcome to the forum!

[Valkorado]

I wrote a long reply last night and my tablet battery died just as I was posting it.  

In a nutshell, about all I have to add is a well maintained (that's key) Valkyrie is a true joy to ride.  The above suggestions regarding low speed handling should be heeded, but for the most part the transition from a smaller bike should be fairly smooth.  If the bike doesn't feel like it is handling "right" (wallows, shimmy, etc.) it is A Valkyrie and it should.  Since the bike is new to you, check out the maintenance (rear end maintenance, etc.) and things that can make the handling a bit off like old shock bushings or a flat square car tire on back.  If you have one of those pull it off and put on a nice, round car tire or something you like. Tech board is your friend.

As others have said the parking lot training is a good idea, as is tooling around on the back roads until you feel comfortable with the bike.  Get acquainted with her.  I have a feeling you're gonna love your new to you Valkyrie!

[old2soon]

Got mine shortly after I retired and had been riding sporadically prior to retirement. My Phatt Ghurl wuz 125 miles from my casa and after a 1 mile "test ride" I filled her up got on I-44 and was up to highway speed quickly. Comin up on 8 years with her and even now I have zero/none/nada idea Where in the hell the weight goes when I put her in gear and ease the clutch out. You've gotten a lot of good suggestions here and mine is to reinforce a couple of em. Do the slow speed parking lot stuff FIRST so when you are out on the roads you will have a much better idea what is required stopping and starting. As Willow and others have stated Ride Her. When you git proficient ride er like you stole er.  Tire pressure and maintenance and the tech board. Course asking questions help. You do have PROOF right here. Now REALLY git yer feet wet. Ask bout tires and oil!  Welcome to our sandbox. And if you need help in person icy cold adult beverages and Good BBQ go a long ways towards that end!  Oh-fegitted to rekemember-i turned 73 Feb of 18. RIDE SAFE.

[Ramie]

Well, it's only a few years since I switched to the Valk so I remember a little.  

Low speed was different at first but I discovered later I had a low tire pressures (from a pinholed tire) rear cupped tire caused by the low tire pressure and bad rear shock bushings.  Once all those were taken care of it made a big difference.

The riding position was different then what I was used to but I quickly acclimated to it and can ride for hours with out a problem.  I think the back rest I installed helped a lot with that.

I added the bag guards simply because with previous rides I have stepped off the bike with out putting the stand down on occasion.  

Good luck and enjoy the ride, I couldn't imagine riding anything but my Valk.

[Jess from VA]

If you have a spouse or SO, do not take her for a ride till you are confidant.  (And make her wear some gear, esp. including gloves.)

Scaring spouses or SO's is a good way to get them not to ride with you.  That can be either a good or bad thing, depending on your feelings on the matter.

Many moons ago, I dumped my (one day old to me) dresser Hog in a base housing super narrow street (one lane wide) with the wife on back.  My Uturn to park in front of my base house was ill advised.  She tore her leather mini and threw a rock at me.  I don't know why she was so mad, I rubbed the curb and dumped her off in nice soft grass. 

That mini got fixed; it was good for dancing or standing, but sitting in it was indecent (I liked it). 

[hubcapsc]

A backrest, good seat and highway pegs on an otherwise plain-jane
Valkyrie should be all you need to ride. There's tons more you can
do to a Valkyrie for bling and for functionality, but riding all day and
being comfortable was the first big thing for me. I went on some weekend
rides with a 97 OEM seat, no backrest and no highway pegs and it
was not good.

-Mike

[northernvalk]

Well, it's only a few years since I switched to the Valk so I remember a little.  

Low speed was different at first but I discovered later I had a low tire pressures (from a pinholed tire) rear cupped tire caused by the low tire pressure and bad rear shock bushings.  Once all those were taken care of it made a big difference.

The riding position was different then what I was used to but I quickly acclimated to it and can ride for hours with out a problem.  I think the back rest I installed helped a lot with that.

I added the bag guards simply because with previous rides I have stepped off the bike with out putting the stand down on occasion.  

Good luck and enjoy the ride, I couldn't imagine riding anything but my Valk.

WOW, that is a nice looking bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Daniel Meyer]

Not insulting but a question,

Have you had formalized rider training?

If not, go take the basic MSF rider's course.

If you have, go take the MSF advanced rider's course.

Bonus: Insurance discount!

Those courses are the single most effective thing to be done to prevent motorcycle accidents and deaths. The stats are amazing.

The Valk is a long, heavy beastie, but amazingly nimble if you know how to push it. Counter-steering, head position, etc are crucial to safely operating a big (or any) bike.

If you've had the formalized training, get a refresher (I take the advanced course every couple years or so and I've somewhere over a million miles on motorcycles).

And then, ride ride ride!

Welcome to the club!!

[KUGO]

I was going to just quote Jess to help pad my own answer to try to help Locomotive, but thought I'd better wait until I'd finished the entire thread. Glad I did.  I've got to say, after subscribing to every single frickin' motorcycle mag since I could read, (it's been several years now), I thought that his was a very concentrated and valuable page of solid advice, more than worthy of any single article I'd read in said mags that I'd paid good money for.  And then I saw Frye's and several others' comments who also had great tips for someone with their first heavy/large/torquey bike. Locomotive: listen to them.  (And welcome to a wonderful two-wheeled experience like few others.)  My only point is that if someone wants to learn absolutely everything they possibly can about improving their personal riding experience with a Valkyrie, this is the place to cull the pearls.

[Rams]

A wealth of great advice.  The only thing I'll suggest is ride it to Inzane and observe how the cool kids do it.        You and I both know that confidence comes with experience.     Ride that fat lady.   If you happen to get to central KY, give me a shout.   We'll do something even if it ain't right.   

Rams

[Locomotive]

Thanks again to everyone for the great suggestions and encouragement- in response to a few of the questions:

My Valk is a 99 Standard, just shy of 19,000 miles, and in near-showroom condition. No sign of anything amiss. I have ridden a lot of beater bikes and this is thankfully not in that category. Prior owner set the tire pressure 'by the book' and I can and will go up to what others of you recommend in the low 40s.

I took the MSF basic course in Spring of 2016.

Probably one of my challenges is that I have spent the biggest and most recent amount of time on a bike on a 3 wheeled sidecar rig, which you have to steer, not countersteer, and that you cannot lean. I can get on a 500cc and immediately bring back all of my riding technique & confidence for 2 wheels. But somehow on the Valk once I start to (intentionally) lean I am over-conscious of the sheer weight of the thing and have an irrational worry that it is going to start to lean too far and that I won't be able to pull it back under control. I think that time and familiarity with how the Valk behaves will start to make me more comfortable with the way it responds in various conditions.

I'm definitely going to look into and invest in some of the 'motorman' DVDs.

Thanks again

[bagelboy]

Like everything else in life, just get out and practice! And have fun!

[Firefighter]

Don't let it sit too long as it has six carburetors to gum up. These engines are bullet proof and with maintenance that you will learn how on this site the bike will out last you. Buy a repair manual as there are torque values and assy. sequences. Read on our club site and you will learn anything and everything about these machines.

The bikes are heavy and as others have said keep at least 40 psi in the tires or they will cup. make sure you have metal valve stems. Get off the front brake in a sharp intersection turn as the front can slide in gravel or wet pavement. Lots of torque compared to a v engine so practice your slow turns dragging the rear brake. You can go full handlebar to the lock this way and the engine will not stall easily.  I used to be able to do this anyway. I have learned the hard way to ride a little slower than the edge of my personal limitations. If I ride at my personal edge and something unexpected presents,, I get hurt! Let us know when you have questions, and welcome to a most fantastic club.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks again to everyone for the great suggestions and encouragement- in response to a few of the questions:

My Valk is a 99 Standard, just shy of 19,000 miles, and in near-showroom condition. No sign of anything amiss. I have ridden a lot of beater bikes and this is thankfully not in that category. Prior owner set the tire pressure 'by the book' and I can and will go up to what others of you recommend in the low 40s.

I took the MSF basic course in Spring of 2016.

Probably one of my challenges is that I have spent the biggest and most recent amount of time on a bike on a 3 wheeled sidecar rig, which you have to steer, not countersteer, and that you cannot lean. I can get on a 500cc and immediately bring back all of my riding technique & confidence for 2 wheels. But somehow on the Valk once I start to (intentionally) lean I am over-conscious of the sheer weight of the thing and have an irrational worry that it is going to start to lean too far and that I won't be able to pull it back under control. I think that time and familiarity with how the Valk behaves will start to make me more comfortable with the way it responds in various conditions.

I'm definitely going to look into and invest in some of the 'motorman' DVDs.

Thanks again

That's natural on your first heavy bike, but think of this:  That 800lbs (without you) is pushing down on two big beefy tires, including a 150 front that is pretty rare for bikes.  Assuming you have good tires (which is only the single most important safety feature of any motorcycle), they will stick in those leans better than many lighter bikes with smaller tires.  (assuming you aren't turning on gasoline, wet leaves, gravel, sand or ice). 

The practice for this is the parking lot.  Start doing nice controlled turns (circles) at a rolling speed, then go wider and faster, then narrower and slower.  Practice your leans and tight radius', and look through your turns.  And change directions.  Build confidence and skill.

I drag my floorboards nearly every time I ride.   

Most of the sliding I've done is from hard braking on hot tires and pavement, not on the road surface (wet or dry) just riding around.

[Moonshot_1]

Apparently practicing in the desert can have you riding like this in no time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iOE_3grDKU

[MP]

Locomotive

I had pretty much not ridden for a couple decades.
I bought my 97 down in South Carolina. Flew down, and rode it home.
Three days. 1600 miles.
Loved it.
Found out by day two ultimate low bow was not the seat for six foot guy!