Need advice on I/S

[BIG--T]

I found a 99 I/S with 6,500 miles. I know it has a digital speedo and does have the extra digit where when it passes 100,000 miles it will show? With cars I know they say it's about impossible to run it back. Is it true on the I/S? I'm just a little skeptical on the mileage and if it can be tampered with.

Thanks

[Michvalk]

Yes, the Interstate speedo will show 100,000. I have no idea if they can be tampered with, but I would think not. BUT, you can change out the speedo for one with lower milage, and just "forget". The bike should show the miles in wear and tear if over 100,000. Dirty, rusty, will not necessarily mean it is over 100,000. With that few miles, it probably sat in someone's barn. Gonna need a LOT of fixen

[BIG--T]

Yes, the Interstate speedo will show 100,000. I have no idea if they can be tampered with, but I would think not. BUT, you can change out the speedo for one with lower milage, and just "forget". The bike should show the miles in wear and tear if over 100,000. Dirty, rusty, will not necessarily mean it is over 100,000. With that few miles, it probably sat in someone's barn. Gonna need a LOT of fixen

Yep I bet it will! 

[Rio Wil]

See the comments below about the rotors and tires to help verify mileage....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


My friend has a 2006 GW that is subject to a brake cylinder safety recall.  He had the inspection scheduled today so since any opportunity will work as a reason to get some wind, I tagged along. While he was getting the paperwork done, I was wandering through the bikes that were there there for service.  Spotting a rather dusty black Valk, I had to further check it out.  It was a 1998 CA version of the Tourer model.  Checking the odometer it showed 2300 miles...hummm, probably has been rolled over at least once... Just for kicks, inspected the brake rotors, looked virtually unmarked, no grooving at all......could be new front and rears.  Hmmmmm, check the tire date codes, 307, this is a pre 2000 3 digit date code, meaning week 30 year 7...........meaning 1997. Seems to fairly well indicate this bike is really a low mileage specimen. Since it is in the shop cause it has set for a few years (per the story the service manager told me) for carb work, I gave the SM my card and he said he would ask the owner for me if it was for sale......sure could use a spare parts bike..... crazy2

[BIG--T]

Thanks for the tips Rio, I check it out!

[shortleg]

  If it still has the first set of tires look at the
date code on them.
      Also the rotors should be smooth. Look at the chrome on the timing cover,
   Things like that should show ware.
             Shortleg[Dave]

[BIG--T]

  If it still has the first set of tires look at the
date code on them.
      Also the rotors should be smooth. Look at the chrome on the timing cover,
   Things like that should show ware.
             Shortleg[Dave]

Where would I find the date code?

[sandy]

The date code is molded into each tire on the sidewall. It's a crude mold as each batch of tires gets a different code. It's 4 digits and appears as EG: 1907. Meaning week 19 and year 07 as a manufacture date. If you suspect high mileage, check the fork lowers. If they look scuffed or pitted, the bike has some age and miles on it. New rotors can hide miles.

[Ricky-D]

I cannot imagine anyone going to such extremes to mask the age/miles on a Valkyrie.

Got to have an overworked and suspicious mind to even suspect such deception.

Spend hundreds (parts and labor) to get back less than hundreds. I don't think so.

Foolish!

***

[BIG--T]

I cannot imagine anyone going to such extremes to mask the age/miles on a Valkyrie.

Got to have an overworked and suspicious mind to even suspect such deception.

Spend hundreds (parts and labor) to get back less than hundreds. I don't think so.

Foolish!

***

I don't know about you but I've been burnt a few times. Car dealers have been running miles back for years and suppose bikes are no different. What IS foolish is when you let the same snake bite you twice! 

[Rio Wil]

  If it still has the first set of tires look at the
date code on them.
      Also the rotors should be smooth. Look at the chrome on the timing cover,
   Things like that should show ware.
             Shortleg[Dave]

Where would I find the date code?

The pic is of a post year 2000 date code format on the side of the tire.  The pre-2000 will only be a 3 digit number enclosed in the oval.   The last 4 digits in this pic indicate the tire was made week 33 of year 08. The 3 digits of the pre-2000 tire will indicate  a 2 digit week and a one digit year.

[BIG--T]

  If it still has the first set of tires look at the
date code on them.
      Also the rotors should be smooth. Look at the chrome on the timing cover,
   Things like that should show ware.
             Shortleg[Dave]

Where would I find the date code?

The pic is of a post year 2000 date code format on the side of the tire.  The pre-2000 will only be a 3 digit number enclosed in the oval.   The last 4 digits in this pic indicate the tire was made week 33 of year 08. The 3 digits of the pre-2000 tire will indicate  a 2 digit week and a one digit year.

Thanks Rio for the info. I just ordered a tire so now I'll check it out! I also believe I've heard the shelf life is like 7 years?

Thanks man! 

[Buda]

When I bought my 97 Valkyrie STD the odo read 12,xxx miles and I'm pretty sure thats correct...the front tire I believe was the dry rotted original and a new rear at about the correct mileage for the replace.
But the timing belt cover looks a bit rough.....was titled NY when I got it.....could be the salt......don't really matter as it runs great......12k or 112k

[BIG--T]

When I bought my 97 Valkyrie STD the odo read 12,xxx miles and I'm pretty sure thats correct...the front tire I believe was the dry rotted original and a new rear at about the correct mileage for the replace.
But the timing belt cover looks a bit rough.....was titled NY when I got it.....could be the salt......don't really matter as it runs great......12k of 112k