How does your Valk ride?

[valkrydr]

My 2000 Standard rides like a truck.  Shocks set at 3.  I run 40/42 lbs in the tires.  When I hit a bump like a manhole cover etc, the Honda line windshield sometimes hits the headlight shell.  This is'nt something new it has been like this for the 3 years I have owned it.   Any suggestions?

[sugerbear]

check the fluid in the forks.

how many miles?

might need new front springs/rear shocks

[valkrydr]

About 14,000 mi. on the bike.  I guess it could have to much oil in the forks tho I haven't done anything with the fork oil.  Sounds like a good place to start.  I just wondered if all Valkyries rode hard or not.  I don't expect it to ride like a Wing but c'mon !

[sandy]

If you don't know the history of the front end, it could be a few things. If the seals were changed, how much and what weight of oil was used? Ten weight is stock; I run 15 weight with Progressive springs. My rear shocks are Works Performance shocks. OEM shocks are terrible for a comfy ride. Get Progressives or Works shocks. If you can't do the fork job, it might be a bit pricey. One tip is: don't hit bumps with the front brakes applied. Slow before a bump and release as you hit it.

[Quicksilver]

It's not a wing, in that I mean the ride is more harsh and it varies depending on the road surface. Hitting things like railroad crossings is uncomfortable. I've switched briefly from OEM shocks to progressive 412's on the rear. It did make for a softer ride but they bottomed out when riding 2 up. I usually ride with OEM shocks set at the highest setting. Perhaps I just prefer the stiffer suspension.

[Slammer]

and fork springs with the correct amount of oil. Stock shocks are junk!!!!!!!!!

Slammer

[DFragn]

My 2000 Standard rides like a truck.  Shocks set at 3.  I run 40/42 lbs in the tires.  When I hit a bump like a manhole cover etc, the Honda line windshield sometimes hits the headlight shell.  This is'nt something new it has been like this for the 3 years I have owned it.   Any suggestions?

Well, it couldn't be the 40/42 psi. Honda' spec is 33/34. Ya pump 'em up it's gonna ride harder.

[Steve K (IA)]

I will bet you a dollar it is the rear shocks.  When I picked up my Std 5-6 years back, I experienced the same thing.  Would of sworn the front end wasn't giving at all.  Took a gamble and put a new set of Progressive HD 412's on and it rides like a dream.  The rear shocks were so bad that it made the front end take all the beating.

[valkrydr]

Yeah I thought about the psi, but most here run a higher number to save the tires.   That's what got me to wondering how most Valks ride.  Maybe I'm just getting a little old or soft in the seat        

   Steve.....that's just how mine feels.                

[98valk]

replace the upper shock bushings, most likely the oem ones are bad. they don't last long

[Hoser]

Running the tires at 38 will help, only time I up pressure is when 2 up. I run the rear shocks at 2nd lowest setting.  Course I only weigh 175 lbs. Hoser 

[Billy]

The harsh ride is about my only complaint. What setting on the Progressive 440HD should I be at ? I'm 300lbs and my tires are usually at 40-42psi. Thanks

[valkyriemc]

My 2000 Standard rides like a truck.  Shocks set at 3.  I run 40/42 lbs in the tires.  When I hit a bump like a manhole cover etc, the Honda line windshield sometimes hits the headlight shell.  This is'nt something new it has been like this for the 3 years I have owned it.   Any suggestions?

Well, it couldn't be the 40/42 psi. Honda' spec is 33/34. Ya pump 'em up it's gonna ride harder.

I've read for years abt pressuring the tires way up, never did it, stayed wit factory sttings as mentioned above and only two sets of dunlops @ 32k miles, and a good ride.... My two cents.