Trigger Wheel Question...

[us385south]

I have a 4 degree trigger wheel and will be changing the timing belts on my 98 standard this weekend.

My question is: I have read here at the VRCC "Shop Talk" pages that the 4 degree wheel is recommended for the Interstate models... and a 6 degree wheel is recommended for the standard and tourer models.

Is this a "hard and fast" rule, or is this someones humble opinion?  Does anyone have comments or opinions about installing a 4 degree wheel on a standard?  can anyone offer first hand advice and observations?

[RP#62]

The IS uses a different part number ICM than the Standard and Tourer.  It has a different timing curve to give the IS a little more low end torque to make up for the extra weight.  As a result, the 6° wheel gives it too much advance.
-RP

[dago mooserider]

Either can be used on a standard with good results. The 6 degree hurts the power in the higher revs noticably. If I put one on to my standard I'm gonna go with the 4 because I like to shift it @ 7000 rpm

[Cyclejohn]

I installed a 4 degree wheel on my Tourer last year (Standard with hardbags). It ran fine with the stock setup just looking for more I guess. From the first crank after completing the work the difference in idle was immediately noticeable. Had a nice burble to it, almost like a different cam was installed. The engine ramp-up from idle was quicker and crisper. If I behave myself I get 2-3 more MPG but I rarely behave myself. Doesn't seem to require choke as long on the first crank of the day either. Feels and acts like it picked up either 5 more of HP or Torque, maybe both. Added an IS ICM this year and that made it even better. 

[Patrick]

Either will work in your Tour.. I prefer the 4 degree wheel, but, its hard to tell the difference..

[us385south]

Okay, I have the 4 degree wheel and the new belts installed and I have to say the old girls does seem to run a bit better... the clacking of the valves is completely gone.  However there is some engine popping at about 5000 rpm from the right exhaust.  I did notice that of all the plugs the right front looked like that cylinder is running rich... the rest of them not so bad.

[quexpress]

Okay, I have the 4 degree wheel and the new belts installed and I have to say the old girls does seem to run a bit better... the clacking of the valves is completely gone.  However there is some engine popping at about 5000 rpm from the right exhaust.  I did notice that of all the plugs the right front looked like that cylinder is running rich... the rest of them not so bad.

Now look for an 1/S ICM ... and when you find and install it, you will be a happy camper! 

[us385south]

Now look for an 1/S ICM ... and when you find and install it, you will be a happy camper! 

Sorry, I'm new here and not up to speed on my "Valkyrie Punk" cyber-lingo-abbreviations-internet-doo-dahs...

I'm guessing 1/S ICM is a InterState Ignition Control Module???? Correct?

[Willow]

I'm guessing 1/S ICM is a InterState Ignition Control Module???? Correct?

That is correct.  It's a two minute mod that should cost you about $150.

[us385south]

Ah... I suspect the mysterious black box hanging on the side of the battery bucket... correct.  The one with the wide "gobs-o-wires" lead?

So... what are the advantages to switching and do I watch for used part... or just spring for a new one?  Or... (heavens be praised) is there an aftermarket version somewhere?

[Patrick]

The interstate ICM has a different advance curve over the STD/Tour unit.. The base and total advance will be the same for all ICMs,but, the IS unit allows for a few extra degrees of advance during the mid-range.. There is an aftermarket ICM, but, I would recommend an original. They are pretty bullet proof..

[Farther]

As far as I have been able to determine,  an aftermarket ICM is no longer manufactured although, you might find one on a dealers shelf someplace.  I found one in England but it turned out to be one of the bad ones and the manufacturer refunded my money.  I personally don't like used electronic devices if I can help it and ended up with a new IS-ICM from Direct Line Parts.  There has been used IS-ICMs on ebay from time to time.

[us385south]

Now look for an 1/S ICM ... and when you find and install it, you will be a happy camper! 

Found on EBay... ordered... thanks!  I'll let you know what I think...

[Momz]

I have a 4 degree TW on my I/S. But I did the "simple ECT Mod" on my 98 standard. I feel the ECT Mod is by far the best way to go.

[Jess from VA]

I have two '99 Interstates, one with a 4* TW and the other stock.  I have no dyno, but am fairly certain the lower mile stock bike is the quicker of the two on regular gas, and the 4* wheel requires premium gas or I knock bad....... so the 4* wheel comes out when I get to it.  Both get about the same mileage.

[dago mooserider]

Found on EBay... ordered... thanks!  I'll let you know what I think...


How'd you find it. My searches turn up nothing. I've been looking to get one also, but the motorcycle parts places must have caught on because the price for a i/s icm is nearly double what the standard/tourer is ($175 vs. $300+). Can anyone point me to the right place. Clearly they are trying to rip us off because the I/S is more desireable. Their cost can't be much different.  

[us385south]

Found on EBay... ordered... thanks!  I'll let you know what I think...


How'd you find it. My searches turn up nothing. I've been looking to get one also, but the motorcycle parts places must have caught on because the price for a i/s icm is nearly double what the standard/tourer is ($175 vs. $300+). Can anyone point me to the right place. Clearly they are trying to rip us off because the I/S is more desireable. Their cost can't be much different.  

I went to EBay... typed Valkyrie Interstate Ignition Control Module and there it was. $149.00  I thought about it for a day or so and bought it this morning.

Sorry!

[dago mooserider]

ahhh. got it used? I was thinking you found a new one. I'm not really down to buy a used one. I've had some bad luck in the past. I guess I'll have to bend over for a new one. 

[Willow]

ahhh. got it used? I was thinking you found a new one. I'm not really down to buy a used one. I've had some bad luck in the past. I guess I'll have to bend over for a new one. 

Buy a used one.  Every wrecked Interstate has a functioning ICM to be salvaged.  I don't believe I've ever heard of one failing.

[us385south]

Buy a used one.  Every wrecked Interstate has a functioning ICM to be salvaged.  I don't believe I've ever heard of one failing.

I have to agree here.  Most solid state components are pretty rugged you would almost have to "work at it to fry one".  And besides... realistically... how many new ones do you think I am likely to encounter.  It a 12 yo bike that was only made for three or four years.  It would very different if it were a module for a KLR... but it's not!

[John U.]

+1 on a used I/S ICM. I've been running one on a standard for a couple of years without problems. Check with Pinwall Cycle Parts, they list on Ebay but you can call them direct: 330-879-9910 or Pinwallcycle.com.
No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

[dago mooserider]

cool cool, I keep my eyes peeled for a used one. sorry if I got off topic.

[Roadog]

  Where can you get a triger wheel now ? 4 degree or 6..?  Anyone still making them anymore ?

[us385south]

  Where can you get a triger wheel now ? 4 degree or 6..?  Anyone still making them anymore ?

Got mine here: http://vencowings.com/

[bigvalkriefan]

I just bought an Interstate ICM and what a difference. I love it.
I do have a 4 degree trigger wheel, should I install that or do the ECT mod?

[Tx Bohemian]

Ok, this is very interesting stuff!

Couple of questions:

Is there a way to tell what degree trigger wheel you have?  Is the wheel marked somehow?

and

The same question on the ICM, is there a way to tell the difference between a Standard and Interstate ICM by just looking at them?

I bought a '99 Standard in '09 and the previous owner said he had something changed in the front of the engine at a rally in Florida and the bike ran way better, but he couldn't remember the particulars.  (it has been around '99 or '00) I take it he was talking about the trigger wheel.

And as much customizing he did to this bike if he knew about the module he probably would have had that changed too.

[bigvalkriefan]

Tx, the part number is stamped on them. The standard has MZO on it and the Interstate has MBY on it.
Sorry I don't know how to tell the difference between the 6 and 4 degree wheel by looking.

[Detn8er]

Ok, this is very interesting stuff!

Couple of questions:

Is there a way to tell what degree trigger wheel you have?  Is the wheel marked somehow?

and

The same question on the ICM, is there a way to tell the difference between a Standard and Interstate ICM by just looking at them?

I bought a '99 Standard in '08 and the previous owner said he had something changed in the front of the engine at a rally in Florida and the bike ran way better, but he couldn't remember the particulars.  (it has been around '99 or '00) I take it he was talking about the trigger wheel.

And as much customizing he did to this bike if he knew about the module he probably would have had that changed too.

It's easy MMKay....The Interstate ICM is way more thickerer than the Standard....And the trigger wheels have these little number thingies on them that say 04 or 06....   

[Tx Bohemian]

Thanks fellas

[us385south]

I have to say that the 4 degree does seem to make things a good deal peppier!  My IS/ICM is probably due to arrive tomorrow... the weather looks to be good so I'll probably get a chance to romp around a bit.  Planning on driving down to New Braunfels to get a rear wheel seal for the Wing... I'll prolly come back along Hunter road... that'll be a nice ride.  My 4 degree had it stamped right on the wheel.

[us385south]

Okay... I have new data...

I rode 113 miles on the Valk today.  Under similar riding conditions, I picked up about 4.5 MPG with the 4 degree wheel as my previous tankful.

I have the Interstate ICM in hand... I'll post with new observations and data as soon as I get a read on how that change effects things..

T

[John U.]

Ok, this is very interesting stuff!

Is there a way to tell what degree trigger wheel you have?  Is the wheel marked somehow?

The Airlake trigger wheels are marked:       OUT
                                                          W-004(or 006)
                                                         TRIGGER WHEEL
You can still get them I got one at Wingthings.com

[us385south]

I finally found the time today to install the Interstate Igniter Module....

I only have five words:

"Ruff... ruff! Ruff, ruff ruff!!"

[Challenger]

Is that Ruff  Ruff (runs great) or Ruff Ruff (runs like crap)

[Old Geezer Richard]

 When I my trigger wheel ,  I looked under La Monster Valk parts and and saw the 4 degree for the Goldwings and the 6 degree for the Valks ... got the 6 deg. with new belts at the same time and added the I/S springs and she runs great except , gotta run super unleaded for the pinging .... Hey by the way Hwy 385 you missed a good ride with the Centex group on Saturday morning and winding up at the Chess Club Cafe in Blanco for a brunch ..... Thanks the Geezer