Valkyrie and the Pressure of Ownership

[Calboy]

Does any of you feel the pressure of riding a bike that hasn't been in production here in The States for 16 years?
I bought one three months ago because I had always wanted one but got distracted chasing other dreams on two wheels so to speak.

[Moonshot_1]

Does any of you feel the pressure of riding a bike that hasn't been in production here in The States for 16 years?
I bought one three months ago because I had always wanted one but got distracted chasing other dreams on two wheels so to speak.

Our Valks are of a timeless design. Nothing like it. No pressure. Just Joy.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Does any of you feel the pressure of riding a bike that hasn't been in production here in The States for 16 years?

Nope.

...other dreams on two wheels...

I have those too. They're called Concours 14s, and will likely be joined by a KTM 1290 Super Adventure as soon as I get more garage space. Possibly a pre-2008 Road King and Road Glide too.

As long as I can get service parts - OEM or aftermarket - I'll enjoy my F6s. I budget so much per month for the spares fund (equivalent to a bike payment) and order the various OEM gaskets, seals, O-rings, carb and other engine components, electrical and chassis stuff...in short, everything known to go bad on these bikes or which is required as part of a service procedure.

No other highway machine really captures my fancy or fits me as well as these bikes. C14s, the S-A each have a purpose in the stable but it's not fair-weather touring. I'll ride and maintain mine right up until I can't.

FWIW, I know a few people riding GL1000s on a frequent basis. Another riding buddy used to run around on a chopped '49 Panhead - it was his daily ride. Yet another had an '82 GL1100 until said bike was involved in an accident and the frame was damaged.

[Big Rig]

If by pressure, you mean pure riding enjoyment and a toy that brings a grown man happiness...then I am pressured to the point of being stressed out. 

[Gryphon Rider]

I'm not sure what you mean by pressure.  Pressure to do what?  Anxiety about what?  I remember once someone pointed out water spots on the valve covers after I did a quickie wash without drying it right away, so I suppose there is some pressure to keep it clean so it represents well, but not enough for me to clean it when I otherwise wouldn't.  That has nothing to do with the bike's age, though.

Pressure to have the latest and greatest?  Nah... I drove an '81 GMC pickup until a couple of years ago, when it was going to cost too much money to get it roadworthy, replacing it with a 2002 Dakota.

[Chrisj CMA]

I'll tell you when there's no pressure. When you ride a 22 year old motorcycle that has 165,000 miles to the motorcycle museum and it's as clean and right as the one with 10 miles 

[Gnarly]

Not positive I understand your question, but my answer is found below, in my 'signature line.'

[tcblack]

The only pressure I feel is the pressure not to crash it.  But then, since my spare parts are more rare than spare parts for my Valk - I think the real pressure is on me alone.

Honestly, no pressure.  I love the bike.  I also ride a 43 year old Bike and a 45 year old bike.  No pressure their either.

[Valkorado]

The pressure of having two and deciding which one to ride goes away once I pick one and ride!

[Jess from VA]

The only pressure I ever felt was when it leaned over on my foot. 

[Pappy!]

Typical Valk riders are not pressured to ride something else. We already are!

[Rams]

Does any of you feel the pressure of riding a bike that hasn't been in production here in The States for 16 years?
I bought one three months ago because I had always wanted one but got distracted chasing other dreams on two wheels so to speak.

I have no idea of this "pressure" you're asking about.   Chasing other dreams on two wheels?   All I can say is ride what makes ya happy.   I love my fat lady and when I recently had the opportunity to replace a crashed one, I searched and found another that filled my heart with joy.   Pressure?   Ya got me, I have no idea what you are eluding to.  The only pressure I feel is when I look for certain bling and I feel my wallet tightening up. 

Rams

[Oss]

Actually, yes I did

So I bought NJF6Cowboy's Interstate
another shot 

Can never have enough Valkyrie's

Oss

But I do have a nice collection of spare parts, nothing like TroutDude though, just an alternator, spare rear wheel and pumpkin, levers, oil filters, spare bags and rear fender and swingarm.  You just never know.....

[f6gal]

Does any of you feel the pressure of riding a bike that hasn't been in production here in The States for 16 years?

Nope.

...other dreams on two wheels...

I have those too. They're called Concours 14s, and will likely be joined by a KTM 1290 Super Adventure as soon as I get more garage space. Possibly a pre-2008 Road King and Road Glide too.

As long as I can get service parts - OEM or aftermarket - I'll enjoy my F6s. I budget so much per month for the spares fund (equivalent to a bike payment) and order the various OEM gaskets, seals, O-rings, carb and other engine components, electrical and chassis stuff...in short, everything known to go bad on these bikes or which is required as part of a service procedure.

No other highway machine really captures my fancy or fits me as well as these bikes. C14s, the S-A each have a purpose in the stable but it's not fair-weather touring. I'll ride and maintain mine right up until I can't.

FWIW, I know a few people riding GL1000s on a frequent basis. Another riding buddy used to run around on a chopped '49 Panhead - it was his daily ride. Yet another had an '82 GL1100 until said bike was involved in an accident and the frame was damaged.

Bagger John!  Good seein' ya here!!

[Calboy]

By pressure I meant looking down the road and realise that will come a day when parts, big and small,  won't be available anymore. I should have probably used different words, now that I thought about it, and called it fear. The fear that parts will become scarce and repairs not possible.

[scooperhsd]

When you put it THAT way - well, besides my 1998 Valk, I also drive a 2000 VW TDI New Beetle. The issue on the Valk is that a number of "dealer shops" no longer want to work on anything that is over 10 years old, especially if the problem is electrical in nature. Parts will eventually become a problem on anything.

[Jess from VA]

The 1500 Wing was made from 1988 to 2000 (13).  The more similar than different 1500 Valk from 1997 to 2003 (7).  There were enough production units made worldwide for Honda to continue to provide support for many years until now, and continuing.  Yes, some parts are out of production, and the list grows.  Motorcycle salvage continues to be a profitable business as well, and this too is helpful to us based on just how many were made.  

Maintaining your bike(s) and it's parts in good order is as important as ever.

I'm confident we can keep them running for many years to come.

I'm pretty sure mine will outlive me (or outlive my riding days anyway).  

[Chrisj CMA]

When you put it THAT way - well, besides my 1998 Valk, I also drive a 2000 VW TDI New Beetle. The issue on the Valk is that a number of "dealer shops" no longer want to work on anything that is over 10 years old, especially if the problem is electrical in nature. Parts will eventually become a problem on anything.

I agree parts will eventually be more of a problem. That's why I have collected critical parts to insure the continued life of my Valkyrie well beyond availability of whatever parts become rare.

If you plan on keeping your Valkyrie, I recommend you start if you haven't building up a supply of vital parts

[hubcapsc]

When you put it THAT way - well, besides my 1998 Valk, I also drive a 2000 VW TDI New Beetle. The issue on the Valk is that a number of "dealer shops" no longer want to work on anything that is over 10 years old, especially if the problem is electrical in nature. Parts will eventually become a problem on anything.

I agree parts will eventually be more of a problem. That's why I have collected critical parts to insure the continued life of my Valkyrie well beyond availability of whatever parts become rare.

If you plan on keeping your Valkyrie, I recommend you start if you haven't building up a supply of vital parts

I've never heard of anyone's water pump going out, and they are still available new, but... there's not one to be
found in any seller's store on ebay... where do they go?

-Mike

[Chrisj CMA]

When you put it THAT way - well, besides my 1998 Valk, I also drive a 2000 VW TDI New Beetle. The issue on the Valk is that a number of "dealer shops" no longer want to work on anything that is over 10 years old, especially if the problem is electrical in nature. Parts will eventually become a problem on anything.

I agree parts will eventually be more of a problem. That's why I have collected critical parts to insure the continued life of my Valkyrie well beyond availability of whatever parts become rare.

If you plan on keeping your Valkyrie, I recommend you start if you haven't building up a supply of vital parts

I've never heard of anyone's water pump going out, and they are still available new, but... there's not one to be
found in any seller's store on ebay... where do they go?

-Mike

I have a new one ready to go

[Jess from VA]

It's $174 for the whole water pump assembly.

Who want's a used one?  

Interestingly, the cover is only $66.  That is one of the uglier parts on the whole bike (especially after 20 years), and getting one to chrome or powder coat would be nice.  

https://www.procaliber.com/oem-parts?aribrand=HOM&arian=MOTORCYCLE#/Honda_Powersports/GL1500CFA_(99)_VALKYRIE_INTERSTATE%2c_USA%2c_VIN%23_1HFSC410-XA000001/WATER_PUMP/GL1500CF-99-A/14MBYXE1AMBY4E0500A/y

[Chrisj CMA]

It's $174 for the whole water pump assembly.

Who want's a used one?  

Interestingly, the cover is only $66.  That is one of the uglier parts on the whole bike (especially after 20 years), and getting one to chrome or powder coat would be nice.  

https://www.procaliber.com/oem-parts?aribrand=HOM&arian=MOTORCYCLE#/Honda_Powersports/GL1500CFA_(99)_VALKYRIE_INTERSTATE%2c_USA%2c_VIN%23_1HFSC410-XA000001/WATER_PUMP/GL1500CF-99-A/14MBYXE1AMBY4E0500A/y[/ :cooldude:url]

Jess my 22 year old one still looks great. The secret is cleaning it every  once in a while  

[Jess from VA]

Well, I immediately thought of several smart ass replies to you on that one (since your bike always looks like it never left the showroom).

So I'm not going to ask you to identify the least attractive part (or guy) on your bike.   

But now take a look at the beautiful chrome timing cover, engine guards, braided stainless hose cover and clamp, Cobra filter cover, and tell me that water pump cover wouldn't look much better chrome (or at least high polished, which is hard to do with the big cooling fins).

[Chrisj CMA]

Well, I immediately thought of several smart ass replies to you on that one (since your bike always looks like it never left the showroom).

So I'm not going to ask you to identify the least attractive part (or guy) on your bike.   

But now take a look at the beautiful chrome timing cover, engine guards, braided stainless hose cover and clamp, Cobra filter cover, and tell me that water pump cover wouldn't look much better chrome (or at least high polished, which is hard to do with the big cooling fins).

Well you did nail it. I admit it. I am the least attractive thing on my bike when I'm on my bike.

[hubcapsc]

Who want's a used one? 

My water pump works fine, and I don't know anyone who's has gone bad. I don't
aim to buy one of every part that's still available and stash it away, but
I wouldn't mind getting a used one that works for cheap to hang on to just-in-case one
day mine's busted and new ones are no longer available.

And, now that I've looked, I'm curious as to why, with all the parted out engines
on ebay, there's not a single water pump.

I ebayed a nice used 61311-MZ0-000 and a couple of nice used 17115-MZ0-000's  today...
both are unavailable new and both are better than the ones on my bike...
I like used ones 

I plan to install my clean used alternator from a bike with 20,000 miles on it this weekend and
then send my alternator off to the MARS guy if he's still around...

-Mike

[Oldfishguy]

Parts will not be a problem.  With EBay and other forms we will always have access to parts and a reasonable price.  Finding a willing mechanic, that will be the problem.  Those owning these machines in a decade or two will be riders that can work on their own machines.

I have several early 1970's Honda SOHC CB's and parts are easy to come by. 

Fear not, the advent of the internet is just beginning.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I'm still diggin' mine with two low mile crashed Valkyrie's in the garage as well....Long Live The Dragon.

[hubcapsc]

I haven't seen the yellow bike in so long I'm starting to think
it's not real 



-Mike "it's photoshopped!"

[SpidyJ]

Pressure !?!?  The only pressure I've felt was to sell my last bike and find a Valk.  Pressure is off now, replaced with joy and amazement every time I ride.....like in about 30 minutes.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I haven't seen the yellow bike in so long I'm starting to think
it's not real 



-Mike "it's photoshopped!"

. I'll be on it next weekend for the memorial ride for Eric.

[Ramie]

 

Does any of you feel the pressure of riding a bike that hasn't been in production here in The States for 16 years?
I bought one three months ago because I had always wanted one but got distracted chasing other dreams on two wheels so to speak.

Our Valks are of a timeless design. Nothing like it. No pressure. Just Joy.