Dilemma

[joker]

 I have a dilemma, I would appreciate some input. I have a 99 Interstate that is in, fair condition. Vacuum hoses are dry rotted carburetors dirty, need carb sync. Clearcoat is peeling off the paint. All in all, the bike is in lousy shape even though it’s still rides. I was looking To maybe buy another bike, maybe a V twin. I was looking at a Yamaha V star 1300, but honestly after riding the Valk,  nothing else compares. It occurred to me that instead of investing six or $7000 into another bike, why don’t I invest some of that into bringing the Valkyrie up to par again. What are your opinions? It’s going to be new paint job engine work so forth.

[DirtyDan]

Mechanically I’d say fix it

Aesthetically..........

Well I am dirty Dan 

Dan

[Rams]

Mechanically I’d say fix it

Aesthetically..........

Well I am dirty Dan  

Dan

I tend to agree with Dan.  But, it really comes down this, is this a show bike or a rider?   We all want our bikes to look great.

Kind of depends on what you can live with.   Paint is expensive but, can be done reasonably if you keep it a basic paint scheme.   IMHO, nothing beats riding a Valkyrie.  

Rams

[Avanti]

There are plenty off Interstates for sale. Buy one you like and part yours out keeping the hard to get parts for yourself, or sell it.

[Westernbiker]

Take apart carbs and clean, new vacuum hoses, carb. sync. approx. $275 per carb. = $1650
Paint, single color is cheapest, for a real good job, approx. $3150
At least that's approx what it would run around my neck of the woods.
And I know a couple of guys. 

[Disco]

Restore the one you already have to mechanical roadworthiness, then decide how pretty you want it to be.

[hubcapsc]

I'm glad I fixed my tired eBay Valkyrie back up...
I've been riding it ten years now, it's worth nothing
and I wouldn't sell it. When I'm riding it, I never find
myself wishing I was riding something else...

-Mike

[Willow]

There are plenty off Interstates for sale. Buy one you like and part yours out keeping the hard to get parts for yourself, or sell it.

I personally don't approve of anyone parting out a running (not wrecked) Valkyrie.

Fix it or sell it.

[3fan4life]

Get in touch with Big BF and see if he's planning to get back out on the road and when.

I'm not sure what his schedule is but he'll come to you and mechanically the bike will be right when he's done.

If you're willing to pull the pieces that need painting you can probably find a local guy that will do it and save you some $$.

[Chrisj CMA]

I have a dilemma, I would appreciate some input. I have a 99 Interstate that is in, fair condition. Vacuum hoses are dry rotted carburetors dirty, need carb sync. Clearcoat is peeling off the paint. All in all, the bike is in lousy shape even though it’s still rides. I was looking To maybe buy another bike, maybe a V twin. I was looking at a Yamaha V star 1300, but honestly after riding the Valk,  nothing else compares. It occurred to me that instead of investing six or $7000 into another bike, why don’t I invest some of that into bringing the Valkyrie up to par again. What are your opinions? It’s going to be new paint job engine work so forth.

Joker, how many miles is on this fixer-upper?

[Moonshot_1]

I have a dilemma, I would appreciate some input. I have a 99 Interstate that is in, fair condition. Vacuum hoses are dry rotted carburetors dirty, need carb sync. Clearcoat is peeling off the paint. All in all, the bike is in lousy shape even though it’s still rides. I was looking To maybe buy another bike, maybe a V twin. I was looking at a Yamaha V star 1300, but honestly after riding the Valk,  nothing else compares. It occurred to me that instead of investing six or $7000 into another bike, why don’t I invest some of that into bringing the Valkyrie up to par again. What are your opinions? It’s going to be new paint job engine work so forth.

I'd look at the bike as a blank canvas. If I had a "budget" of 5-7k and I was in your position I'd put it into the Valk. Not much else out there compares to it as you said. Put the money now into the mechanical stuff even if you have to wait a bit for the cosmetic. You'll not find a better bike for $7k anywhere.

[old2soon]

       While my paint is NOT fading and peeling she do on the other hand have some minor nicks and dings BUT she are 19 year old soon to be 20 year old. And showin bout 130 G on the clock. And when you twist her tail she STILL goes like a batoutahell.  And throwin a leg over firing her up and snickin her into gear STILL puts a smile on my face AND I've had her 8 comin up on 9 year. Either fix er up or sell it to someone who will. Simple really. BUT there are some here who have gotten rid of their Valkyrie and sellers remorse SOON sets in.    Ain't nuttin else like our 1520 CC beasts.  RIDE SAFE.

[RainMaker]

I'd find a used I/S and just buy it looking good and running well and then sell or part out the one you have.  Cleaning the carbs and putting new vacuum hoses on it isn't that expensive and will get it running well enough to sell if you do it yourself.  The trick with part selling is what are the good parts?  The tank - good money if no rust inside.  Trunk?  That's a good item.  Bags?  Again, good money.  Pods and pod lights?  Yeah!!  So parting out the unit you have could seriously offset the cost of a nice used one. 

If you put $7000 into your current Interstate, at the end of the day you will have a $5000-$6000 interstate.

[Avanti]

There are plenty off Interstates for sale. Buy one you like and part yours out keeping the hard to get parts for yourself, or sell it.

I personally don't approve of anyone parting out a running (not wrecked) Valkyrie.

Fix it or sell it.

Used parts come from somewhere

[joker]

I have a dilemma, I would appreciate some input. I have a 99 Interstate that is in, fair condition. Vacuum hoses are dry rotted carburetors dirty, need carb sync. Clearcoat is peeling off the paint. All in all, the bike is in lousy shape even though it’s still rides. I was looking To maybe buy another bike, maybe a V twin. I was looking at a Yamaha V star 1300, but honestly after riding the Valk,  nothing else compares. It occurred to me that instead of investing six or $7000 into another bike, why don’t I invest some of that into bringing the Valkyrie up to par again. What are your opinions? It’s going to be new paint job engine work so forth.

Joker, how many miles is on this fixer-upper?

76,000. Had her since mile 1

[joker]

Lotta good ideas here. I just didn’t know if it was wise spending $5,000 +- on a bike that won’t sell for $2,000

[Willow]

There are plenty off Interstates for sale. Buy one you like and part yours out keeping the hard to get parts for yourself, or sell it.

I personally don't approve of anyone parting out a running (not wrecked) Valkyrie.

Fix it or sell it.

Used parts come from somewhere

Wrecked bikes are fine for providing used parts.

[Chrisj CMA]

I have a dilemma, I would appreciate some input. I have a 99 Interstate that is in, fair condition. Vacuum hoses are dry rotted carburetors dirty, need carb sync. Clearcoat is peeling off the paint. All in all, the bike is in lousy shape even though it’s still rides. I was looking To maybe buy another bike, maybe a V twin. I was looking at a Yamaha V star 1300, but honestly after riding the Valk,  nothing else compares. It occurred to me that instead of investing six or $7000 into another bike, why don’t I invest some of that into bringing the Valkyrie up to par again. What are your opinions? It’s going to be new paint job engine work so forth.

Joker, how many miles is on this fixer-upper?



76,000. Had her since mile 1

We all know 76K is just the break-in period for these bikes, but I see a bunch of lower mileage bikes going cheap, Id fix that one up since you've had it its whole life.  However if you aren't going to fix it you would definitely get more for the parts than trying to sell a beauty challenged beast with 76K miles on it in today's market.  I don't think selling it will bring a satisfactory prize. 

[Bigwolf]

With a $7K budget, why not buy a “good looking” used Valkyrie under $4K and use the remaining $3K to put your current Valkyrie back in top mechanical condition.  That way you will have a bike for show and a sweet running bike to run around on when conditions might not be the best.

[Willow]

My position on parting out running Valkyries or encouraging others to do so is based upon the rerality of a limited number of Valkyries available and no new ones being produced.  A running Valkyrie is a diminishing resource.

[da prez]

  Joker , contact Atticrat for the carbs. I'll do them for $1650.00. Bob is more reasonable and he is the best as far as I am concerned. I have an interstate I will sell you and take yours in trade. I have only parted out one ,it was in a fire. I have saved at least six so far. E-mail me if interested.
  Contact Bob (atticrat) if you want the best carb work done.
  As far as paint , find a good body / paint shop and start asking questions. Maybe yours could be clear coated if the paint is good. Do not part it out , save it or contact me.

                                  da prez 

[Davemn]

It’s crazy to put that kinda money into a bike worth less than $3,000. Lots of great used bikes out there. Personally I have a Triumph Tiger that I love. My Valkyrie is perfect and barely gets ridden. It’s not worth much so I just keep it.

[Avanti]

My position on parting out running Valkyries or encouraging others to do so is based upon the rerality of a limited number of Valkyries available and no new ones being produced.  A running Valkyrie is a diminishing resource.

This of course makes good sense and is good advice.

I however would rather see those who understand the greatness of the Valkyrie and have a passion for riding them control the market rather than the dismantling outfits.

[DIGGER]

Lotta good ideas here. I just didn’t know if it was wise spending $5,000 +- on a bike that won’t sell for $2,000

I look at things based on "Pleasure Per Dollar".   I drive a 17 yr old motorcycle that isn't worth much.   When getting new tires I spend  approximately 10% of the value of the motorcycle.    When bearings get old I get them changed out.    I get preventive maintenance done on parts that are more likely to go out than others.   I pump more money into my Valkyrie than most people.  But I really like my 2001 Valkyrie.  I get more pleasure per dollar out of it than I would get out of a new bike.

The wife told me couple yrs ago "You are getting older and driving an old motorcycle so why don't you go get a new one"?.  I told her that the Valkyrie gives me more pleasure per dollar than a new one would.      If it was me I would fix the Valkyrie......unless I thought I could get "More pleasure per dollar" riding something else.

[Robert]

You said something, "there is nothing like it" sometimes you have to pay for what you want and resale price is not an issue since its not going to be sold and again its what you like. You have had it since new, the bike will go for thousands of miles more, it is nice to have something different and ALL bikes will need maintenance. So what happens if you buy another bike and it needs 1k in maintenance, you will have essentially replaced something you like with something that you can get by with and still have maintenance.

At this point the bike becomes irreplaceable since there is more to like about it than dislike and there is nothing around like it. You dont get rid of a house when you need to renovate, so why get rid of something you like that will still run good for thousands of miles more. Someone will pick up a great bike and ride it forever.

I think your cost estimate to fix is a bit high also. If you have ever wanted to do something to the bike to make it uniquely yours, now is the time. There is nothing like when finished riding something you have enjoyed down the street in show condition.

[Jersey mike]

My thought on this is if you like riding/owning a Valkyrie then get it running as it should. Take care of all the mechanics on the bike. After that then decide if you want to keep it as an I/S or just turn it into a cruiser or a standard, especially since you would consider a V-twin cruiser.

Sometimes a bike will look worse to the owner than to everyone else, if you post a few photos of the bike pointing out what you don’t like about it some feedback from people here can help out.

Painting just the tank and side covers is less expensive than painting saddlebags and fairing and adding a Clearview shield with stock mounting hardware will ease any wind issues.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

My position on parting out running Valkyries or encouraging others to do so is based upon the rerality of a limited number of Valkyries available and no new ones being produced.  A running Valkyrie is a diminishing resource.

I agree. When I sold my Valk my main concern was selling her to someone who intended to ride her, not part her out. And I did.

[cookiedough]

fix mechanically and skip the paint job, that is what I would probably do.

Or, sell it if too much money to fix and time invested. 

One of these days I might splurdge and get a newer but used goldwing, but my 2 Valkyries have not nickled and dimed me just yet but the one with 80K miles does need some work but I just tend to drive it instead not investing the money into it just yet.    If I fix the items, you will never get that money back if trying to sell it first.

You have to weigh the cost vs. reward factor and ask yourself personally is it worth it?

[_Sheffjs_]

I have the feeling that the amount of Valkyries available will only grow, evidenced by the huge amount FS on C List for next to nothing and the amount of people willing to grab one and deck it out is less and less. We really have a gem with our very own Grumpy as I doubt anyone is as reasonable for carb work! I like the suggestion to make it mechanically sound and ride it then decide on the paint. Look for someone who is reasonable on the work. I like the v-stars and I have two V-twin Kawasaki Drifters 800 and 1500. Sorry, the Valks win the all around hands down. 

[joker]

Thank you all for the good advice. I’ve decided to keep her. Now, do I let a Honda dealer do the work or a small bike shop?  Descisions descisions.

[da prez]

Take it to Honda if you want it done wrong. There are many on this board who know better.

        da prez

[baldo]

Mechanically I’d say fix it

Aesthetically..........

Well I am dirty Dan  

Dan

I tend to agree with Dan.  But, it really comes down this, is this a show bike or a rider?   We all want our bikes to look great.

Kind of depends on what you can live with.   Paint is expensive but, can be done reasonably if you keep it a basic paint scheme.   IMHO, nothing beats riding a Valkyrie.  

Rams

Words to live by.....

[cookiedough]

Take it to Honda if you want it done wrong. There are many on this board who know better.

        da prez

my experience is most, not all, HOnda dealers are overpriced and more often than not are worse in repairs than a local smaller repair shop, if you can find one that is local.   Ask around you may get lucky finding someone or a smaller place even if it means driving say 100 more miles out of your way. 

[CleoBen]

My position on parting out running Valkyries or encouraging others to do so is based upon the rerality of a limited number of Valkyries available and no new ones being produced.  A running Valkyrie is a diminishing resource.

Take it to Honda if you want it done wrong. There are many on this board who know better.

        da prez

Putting these two statements together equals a diminishing number of experienced Valkyrie mechanics working at the stealerships.  Decreased experience equals the customer paying as much for their learning curve as for the inaccurate troubleshooting and repairs. 

CB

[Willow]

My position on parting out running Valkyries or encouraging others to do so is based upon the rerality of a limited number of Valkyries available and no new ones being produced.  A running Valkyrie is a diminishing resource.

Take it to Honda if you want it done wrong. There are many on this board who know better.

        da prez

Putting these two statements together equals a diminishing number of experienced Valkyrie mechanics working at the stealerships.  Decreased experience equals the customer paying as much for their learning curve as for the inaccurate troubleshooting and repairs. 

CB

Which would be why a lot of us avoid using the mechanical services of dealerships.  Dealers are geared to selling and servicing late model vehicles.

I use an independent and rather small (1 man) shop.  I'm pleased with the skills there. 

[CleoBen]

Which would be why a lot of us avoid using the mechanical services of dealerships.  Dealers are geared to selling and servicing late model vehicles.

I use an independent and rather small (1 man) shop.  I'm pleased with the skills there. 

I agree, and I do the same for the things I can't do it myself.

CB

[ridingron]

A lot of dealers will not work on an older bike. Quite often the bill exceeds the bikes value. When was the last carbureted bike sold? How many dealer mechanics have seen a carb. on the bench or tore one apart? Then put it back together correctly? How about 6 and got them to all work together properly?

[cookiedough]

CB
[/quote]

Which would be why a lot of us avoid using the mechanical services of dealerships.  Dealers are geared to selling and servicing late model vehicles.

I use an independent and rather small (1 man) shop.  I'm pleased with the skills there.  
[/quote]

Not just HONDA dealers, but get this one:  Yesterday I took my 2014 Hyundai santa fe to a smaller, more local, and cheaper,  tire/repair shop to put on new front struts, sway bar links, (both ordered online thru rock auto) and also got few days prior new top strut bearings at an authoried HYUNDAI dealer parts dept.  since ran out of time and only 30 bucks cheaper online.  I figured the HYUNDAI dealer knew what he was talking about, NOT!!!  The new top strut bearings which they told me have been revamped with new part number and I asked if they would fit in the top strut mount.  They said they should since the schematics does not dictate ordering new top strut mounts.  Guess what,  after repair shop took it all apart,  the newly revamped bearings bought at a HYUNDAI dealer NO LESS does not fit into the top strut mount - too big.  BOY, I AM PISSED!   Taking the darn things back tomorrow and pretty sure I can get the OLD design bearings ONLINE like I should have done originally since HYUNDAI dealer supposedly CANNOT for some odd reason get the OLD OEM top strut bearings which I say is B.S...  and am NOT paying 140 bucks EACH just for the top strut mount which is more than the struts and bearing and sway bar links cost each side.  I am going to demand HYUNDAI dealer or more than likely HYUNDAI mfg. to pay for my local repair shop labor time, since their schematics do NOT show proper parts needed to change a simple strut job at a HYUNDAI dealer,  to take the new struts off again on top only and order online old oem bearings that should fit.  Hyundai dealer should KNOW THIS since it is their vehicle - IDIOTS!!!!  What a crock of crap having to pay double labor time almost (or at least 1 hour more) for a simple 20-25 dollar top strut bearing which could have and SHOULD HAVE been done right the first time if ONLY the HYUNDAI dealership parts dept. knew how to service their own vehicles.

They are getting an earful from me returning their useless parts to them this week going right up their ladder to parts and service mgr. both and if they refuse to get me labor reimbursement of say at least 70 bucks per one hour then how about free front brake pads for both of my 2 Hyundai vehicles.  If not,  those maybe the LAST Hyundai vehicles I buy.  I should tell them to make them take apart the strut mounts on top for free using my online old OEM hyundai bearings since they screwed up not informing me the correct parts needed to do a simple strut/bearing replacement.    It is a rat race at any dealership with my experiences you go in for 1 thing and come out 100's of dollars out of your pocket due to them not informing me, the customer, upfront of how they need to repair their own mfg. vehicles.   Waste of time and money especially since having to go back to the HYundai dealer thru rush hour traffic stop and go for 30 minutes extra is B.S. what a pain in the keester.

[JimmyG]

I noticed you are from New York, and a lot of the comments are from folks  north of the Dixie line.
I have met a few guys on this board who can strip a Valk down and rebuild them and put them back better than they were.  One lives in Indiana and Tennessee, one lives in Louisiana, one in Mississippi, one in East Tennessee, and so on. My point is that there are guys around that can do anything to these bikes. Forget Honda dealers, they screw things up. Find one of these guys on this board and strike a deal with them to get your bike back in tip top shape.  Heck, even I have torn mine down and done a lot of my own maintenance, with advice and help from these guys I'm talking about.   As far as paint, I took mine apart and did some body work and painted her flat black. My intentions are to put a nice paint job on her one of these days.  It rides just as good without fancy paint.