a couple of questions on my 98 valk

[vrcc2838]

i have a 98 valk with 49000 miles and,

1 it doesn't seem to shift as crisp as it use to, like the clutch is not in all the way and it drags between gears. 1st to 2nd mostly the rest some times, not always ???

2 a small fuel drip forming on the bottom of the fuel petcock,usally rite after i fill up ???

3  some times it acts like the battery is weak when i go to start it. but the battery is newer and the head lite does not dim, then next time its just fine, like its a bad starter swith/button or dead spot on starter

any ideas/help would be appreciated

thank you vrcc2838

[SANDMAN5]

I can't help with #1 except to ask about your oil....which may not help.
Have you switched brands,types or weights? If you have it may have
something to do with it.
#2  sounds like you need a rebuild kit for your petcock or switch to a Pingel
or make sure all your fuel lines are in good shape.
#3 Have you done the starter button maintenance? If I can do it anybody can!!!
Also make sure your wires aren't loose somewhere.

Disclaimer----I are not..I mean is not a mechanically inclined person, but it's
usually good to check the simple stuff first. YMMV

[Daniel Meyer]

The advice above is right on target. Rebuild that petcock and do the starter button maintenance. Good articles can be found here:

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/

[Robert]

In addition to the above recommendations how about bleeding the clutch or maybe its time for a change. The flex plate on the clutch disc goes the rivets pop out and causes a few problems.

[KerryNolan]

The Petcock seems most critical, as the dreaded hydrolock seems possible. That would be a disaster.
Kerry

[Tropic traveler]

I am assuming you are/have been using a good quality non-moly oil in your bike. If so then one thing you might check is the little brass bushing in the clutch handle that actuates the clutch master cylinder. With only 49K your clutch shoul be OK. Been there, replaced that! {the bushing that is}:-[
As for the petcock, what Daniel said.
Double check your battery & if that is OK consider replacing the RH switch pod assy. It is less than $100 {I think} from HDL & other discount Honda parts suppliers & at your Valks age it can't hurt!
Replaced all 3 on my Valks, nary a one of them for the dreaded starter switch failure. Two of them for bad kill switches & the one on my '97 just because it's old!