Introduction and a question on buying used.

[Hoss Aggie]

Hello.  I used to ride about 8 years ago and have recently decided to get back into the saddle.  I've always admired the Valkyrie and am fortunate enough to be in a position to get one now.  I took the RiderCourse a few weekends ago and just recently took the test at DPS....now I just need the bike.  I really appreciate this site.  I've learned a lot already and look forward to meeting you all and participating in the events.

I found an 2001 Interstate with 9200 miles.  It is in Arkansas, so I unfortunately can not go and see it, but the seller has sent me a bunch of pictures.  The tricky part to this is it has been sitting for 4 years with little to no use.  I've been having good back and forth with the seller and I think he has been up front and honest with me about the bike.  Please read the quote below from the seller.  This is what has me the most nervous.  I still do not know these bikes very well and although I can change oil like nobodies business....any and all work that needs to be done to this bike to get her road ready will need to be done at the dealership.  

"I drained the fuel system before storage 4 years ago, I also pulled out the carbs and cleaned them 3 years ago (replaced a float bowl in the process), tuned them myself with a homemade manometer, then drained the fuel again. I just started it last weekend and let it run for about 30 minutes...it needs a tune up for sure...running very rich. I should also note that I've added fuel additives each time I've filled it up over the life of the bike."

OK, I looked up what a manometer was....but had no idea you could make one at home.  Is what this guy did to the bike at all harmful and something to worry about?

What do you guys think....keep looking or drive up there this weekend and get it?  Oh, I plan on trailering the bike back if I pull the trigger.  Thanks for any help or suggestions.  I am clearly getting anxious to get a Valk but dont want to be too hasty.

I appreciate it.

Josh

[Houdini]

Welcome to our world Josh.

There is a purdy black and cream standard at Maxim Honda for $6999.  I think it had around 9K on the odo and looked like 1K+ in accessories.

I have no interest in the sale of the bike; I just saw it there yesterday.

[Serk]

Howdy Hoss, nice to see another DallasMAS to VRCC crossover person! (Thalashayla is also a Valkyrie rider...) (Everyone else - DallasMAS - Club for saltwater aquarium geeks.)

As I was telling you over there, IMHO that's not a GREAT price, but not a horrid one for an Interstate, especially if you've got the "Gotta have it right now"'s...

The tires I believe you said were original, they'll definitely need to go, and you'll need to do the rear end mainteance too (It's a PITA, but I just tore the rear end out of mine on my own (With a lotta virtual help), my garage is open to you to do the same in when the time comes...

Anyway, on the road, gotta keep it short, but wanted to at least give ya' a "Howdy" over here...

[Valkpilot]

Where in Arkansas?  There's a member here who lives in Little Rock and might be willing to check it out for you if it's within striking distance.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I didn't see the price but with only 9200 miles on it I think I'd have to go look at it. I bought mine with 59k on it. Did the maint. on it changed all fluids and bearings to get a baseline on what I had and now with 116k on it I just had a front bearing fail. The alt. went out at 90k but that is about all the trouble I had from this bike. These things are pretty much bulletproof. Oh by the way welcome to the wonderful world of owning the best bike ever built.

[Hoss Aggie]

Thanks for the welcome!  Sorry, I had Arkansas on the brain.....Serc was driving through it and I have to there on a business trip next week. 

The bike is Oklahoma, close to Oklahoma City.

[HayHauler]

Well, like Valkpilot said, we have VRCC people all over this great country and our beloved leader "Scott in OK" lives in Oklahoma City!  He will probably go over and take a look at it for you.

Again, welcome to the best group you have ever been a part of AND the best motorcycle ever made.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[godfire]

As Chuck so well put it, "Welcome to our world."

My Valk had a history of sitting alone in a garage before I found her.

A couple of cans of Seafoam did wonders.

I wouldn't worry about the homemade manometer, several vacuum gauges are required to synchronize the carburetors, I'm sure he didn't make the gauges but just put them together. Our club has a homemade model also.

If you are in the DFW area feel free to come to any of our rides or meetings with or without a Valk. You are always welcome.

Send an email to f6godfire at yahoo.com  if you would like to be added to our email list.
Look forward to meeting you.

[SideCar]

Gig 'em, Hoss.  The Valk is pretty bulletproof even after sitting for a while. Serk is right about the tires and doing maintenance on the rear end and many of us can help you with that.  9000 miles is nothing on one of these bikes.  I also second the idea of asking Scott in OK to take a look at it. You can reach him through the OK regional VRCC board or you could just post a message on their board as one of their members may own it or know the owner/bike.

The "tune up" that it needs is going to include a good cleaning of the carbs. SeaFoam additive may do the trick, but you may have to take the carbs apart and clean them.  Fortunately, it sounds like his tuning of the carbs was limited to synchronizing them rather than tuning the mixture.  We have a couple of good synch tools here in the area and can help you with that as well.

If you're open to the tourer or standard, you're likely to find some good deals on them as well.


Gary

[RainMaker]

Howdy, Josh.  As others have stated, you are most welcome to the Valkyrie world.

If you check the forum, you will see messages posted related to rides and wrench parties.  A good idea is to attend one of those to get more information on Valkyrie ownership, maintenance, etc.  One of those wrench parties is this Sunday and the good folks there would be most happy to share their ideas on your potential purchase.

I don't know the price on the bike you are looking at but the mileage is a bit scary. It's too low.  Seals may be an issue.  You are thinking right when deciding to trailer the bike home versus riding, especially on the stock tires.  Those Dunflop Elites weren't any good when they were new - so it's amazing they are even holding air at this point.  IMHO, you should look at Avon tyres (Cobra) for replacements.  Also consider starting as a Darksider - using a car tire on the rear.  Some of us swear by the car tire; others predict a flaming death.  I've been on a Goodyear Assurance Triple-Tred for 25K miles now and it looks like it has another 10-15K left in it.   We'll see, but I would have gone through 2.5 motorcycle tires and not had the same stopping power or rain traction as I have with the car tire.  Some mods are necessary, but they are not difficult and explained well in many articles on this site.

Godfire is right about the seafoam - there are a lot of testimonials to the efficacy of using it to clear up carb problems.  And you definitely want to do the spline maintenance when you change out the rear tire.  It's easy to do at that time.

Last, use the forum (this one and the national one) to find someone near your future Valk to go look at it and give their opinion.  They will know what to look for and give you a good opinion on its condition.  Scott in OK is one of the best.

Sure wish you had taken a look at Wanderer's 2001 I/S before he recently sold it.  What a cream puff.  And the bike was nice, too.

Gig'em!

RainMaker

[Hoss Aggie]

Thanks again for the warm welcome guys.  I feel a little akward asking someone I dont know to look at the bike for me....dont want to inconvenience anyone.   I guess my log in doesn't work on the Oklahoma chapter.....and posting as a guest seems weird as well.

I am open to the Standard if the right deal comes along....I just haven't found that deal yet.

Yes, I am an Aggie...class of '02..WHOOP!

[Willow]

I guess my log in doesn't work on the Oklahoma chapter.....and posting as a guest seems weird as well. 

Post on the General board.  Your login is good there.

[john]

What a cream puff.  And the bike was nice, too.         

rainmaker .....           

[RainMaker]

Thanks again for the warm welcome guys.  I feel a little akward asking someone I dont know to look at the bike for me....dont want to inconvenience anyone.   I guess my log in doesn't work on the Oklahoma chapter.....and posting as a guest seems weird as well.

I am open to the Standard if the right deal comes along....I just haven't found that deal yet.

Yes, I am an Aggie...class of '02..WHOOP!

My sons are the Aggies in my family - John is Class of '07 and Andy is Class of '12.  John has a '99 Valkyrie Tourer he got for graduation and goes by the handle 12thMan.

I'm an Aggie Dad and since I finance their education, guess I bought a little Aggie spirit as well.    I know all the yells and can saw 'em off with the best of them.

Wandererererererererer and SideCar are the true Aggies on the board (and I mean that as a compliment, even though there are some tsips on the board that may think otherwise).

RainMaker

[Hoss Aggie]

Hello everyone.  The hunt continues.

The guy up in Oklahoma has not responded to me since I asked if a "buddy" could come and check it out for me.  I was looking at one up in Plano, but the seller has since increased his asking price....go figure.

There is a nice looking one out in Lubbock, but the guy has not returned my e-mail that has some basic questions......seems like nobody wants to let go of their Valkyries...ha
http://lubbock.craigslist.org/mcy/1756072499.html

I was really hoping to be riding by Memorial Day so I could take the bike down to the lake in Corsicana.....looks like I will have to wait a little longer.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.  Later everyone.

Josh

[oldman]

If it doesn't have to be an Interstate, there are several nice looking tourers and standards on the Dallas Craigslist.. There are even a couple of Interstates for under $10,000.00..

[Serk]

Josh,
   I'm sure you've seen these, but...

1998, high miles (But acceptable, IMHO, for a Valk) and good price under $4k:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1764939200.html

2000, standard in tourer configuration, but sadly it's slow black decent price though @ $5500

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1762802998.html

'97 tourer, almost TOO low miles, soso price but it's in Dallas:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1747547153.html



Good luck!

[Hoss Aggie]

Well....the wait is over.  Purchased a Blue w/ Silver racing stripe Standard today.  I also got to meet Jeff and Chris......Jeff was kind enough to drive the bike over to the house as I truly wasn't prepared to buy today and didn't have a way to get it home. 

Thanks again Jeff and I look forward to meeting all of at the meetings and wrench parties.  Jeff took a few pictures I'm sure he will post soon....but I'll take some more in the coming days.

I want to thank you all for your guidance and welcome messages.  See you all soon!

Josh

[SideCar]

Saw that bike this morning.  I think it's great looking and appears to be well taken care of.

Hey, you're just in time for the big poker run!

Gig 'em!

[Disco]

Well....the wait is over.

[Serk]

Cooooool! Can't wait for the pics!

[Houdini]

Purchased a Blue w/ Silver racing stripe Standard today.

Was that the Valk I saw at Maxim this morning?

[RainMaker]

Purchased a Blue w/ Silver racing stripe Standard today.

Was that the Valk I saw at Maxim this morning?

And if it was, you should immediately check the splines for lubrication!  Right, Chuck?

[Hoss Aggie]

Purchased a Blue w/ Silver racing stripe Standard today.

Was that the Valk I saw at Maxim this morning?

Yes...that was the one.  I'm going to be going over it very closely over the next few weeks.  I'll be doing lots of reading, but anything you all want to recommend I would be very grateful.

[Ghillie]

Hey Josh,

Nice meeting you today.

Chris

[Wanderer]

Mighty big day, eh Hoss! Thanks for sharing your "adoption experience" with us! We all look forward to seeing you and yours soon! ~Jeff

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Glad to see you got you one now the fun begins. I too am an aggie by proxy. My son attends there and is a 2011 graduate, I hope. So for we're into the govt. for a large sum to fund his education. He claims the better education he get the better retirement home he'll be able to stick his mother and I in someday.

[RainMaker]

There's a grin that won't be coming off soon.  Congrats on the new ride.  Looks like the previous owner did a good job with the safety chrome.

(I have 6 Corps of Cadets members camping out in my den right now so gotta' get the pancakes going!)

Gig'em!

RainMaker

[Hoss Aggie]

Well....it's official......I'm in LOVE.  I've only been driving it around the neighborhood getting used to the girl, but after a few hours today, my face hurts from smiling so much!

No real questions so far....knock on wood everything seems to be running well.  I pick up the MS fairing on Thursday or Friday and then it is off to the painter. 

I can't seem to find my camera...I think I left it at the office.  I'll try to get some pictures up as soon as possible.

Later.

[Serk]

Hehehehehehehe.... It'll be 10 years for me this December... And I'm STILL grinnin'!