hey all ....

[kingstonrider]

wanted to introduce myself...  I am now part of this wonderful world of valkyrie ownership....
Just purchased a 1998 with 3000 miles on it... love the bike... the bikes hasn't been registered since 2008 so have to run through it and check all maitnece type issues....

This will be my first cruiser I have been riding sportbikes for 13 years.  Will alway own my hayabusa.. but wanted something to take some longer trips on... this bike is perfect....

This bike is totally stock... so any mods u would recommend or things you thing I should know would be much appreciated

Also... is there a way to raise the bike... with sportbikes u can change what is called the dogbone to raise the bike... anyway to raise this bike?

[Daddie O]

Welcome!  The Valkyrie is a hell of a machine, and I'm sure you will enjoy it.  This forum is a great resource for information, help, and tips (especially the tech section).  Now post some pics of your Fat Lady!

[donaldcc]

   Welcome.  get a lift and a lift adapter.  check in tech section.

[Scoop171]

Welcome  

Post some pic's......

+1 on the lift adapter!

[old2soon]

Stock shock length is 13". If the P O changed shocks he might/could have went to a shorter length. And welcome to the insanity. RIDE SAFE.

[flsix]

Welcome from Naples,Fl.
You're going to love your new ride. Ride safe.

[musclehead]

welcome aboard, I'm always amazed folks can still find these bikes hardly even broken in. 3,000 miles WOW MOM!  

[old2soon]

welcome aboard, I'm always amazed folks can still find these bikes hardly even broken in. 3,000 miles WOW MOM!  

SOME folks after they buy a motorcycle figure out rather quickly they AIN'T a rider.  Down here you can find 5 to 10 year old rides with anything from 2500 miles to less than 10000 miles. Down here you WON'T find hardly any Valkyries.  My son in law figured out he weren't a rider.  RIDE SAFE.

[wiggydotcom]

Welcome,

By "raising the bike", do you mean lifting it for maintenance/tire changes? Or do  you mean adjusting the heighth for riding position?

As some have mentioned, you can go with longer shocks if a previous owner put less than 13 inchers on.

My Russell Day Long seat sits higher than stock..so maybe a seat mod or replacement would do it.

Also, putting the Austone Taxi tire on will raise you up a tad, perhaps an inch. Maybe someone will chime in.

You're gonna have fun riding and (w)renchin.

[old2soon]

If yer sittin at work and thinkin bout ridin the Phatt Gal-if you wander out to the garage at 3 A M and make vroom vroom sounds-iffin ya can't git dat chit eatin grin off yer pie hole after a ride on da Fat Lady-if you head out for what you THOUGHT would be a 150 mile ride and it turns out being 500 or 600 miles-if your on a first name basis with the FedEx/U P S/U S Mail person waitin on bling deliverys-if yer dippin into the college fund fer gas and bling money-and a lot of other manisfestations you didn't have BEFORE the Valkyrie-You are among friends and WE DO understand.  RIDE SAFE.

[vanagon40]

. . . . anyway to raise this bike?

I am certainly no expert, but without major modifications, all I can think of is longer shocks and taller tire on the rear.  I think the front forks have a little adjustment in the brackets, but maybe only to lower the front, not raise the front.  I looks like the forks are flush at the top, so there would be little or no "upward" adjustment.  I have no idea if longer forks are available, but I doubt it unless custom made.  Maybe a taller tire and modified front fender?

As others have suggested, you can find seats that will put you up higher, but they obviously do not "raise the bike."

If you want more (and better educated) advice on raising your bike, I would suggest a new post on the Tech Board with a more descriptive subject line.

Welcome to the forum.

[john]

not much information in your membership summary ....             
but you have come to the right place for answers to any question you may have about the Honda Valkyrie ... and any that are certain to arise as well     
welcome ...          we love pictures           

[kingstonrider]

Let's see if I can fiqure out how to post pics.... thanks for all the suggestion... I'm really excited about what the future holds for me and my fat lady... being my bike.  Not the wife lol... I have to learn how to post pics I'm sure there is a thrfead for that

[wiggydotcom]

. . . . anyway to raise this bike?

I am certainly no expert, but without major modifications, all I can think of is longer shocks and taller tire on the rear.  I think the front forks have a little adjustment in the brackets, but maybe only to lower the front, not raise the front.  I looks like the forks are flush at the top, so there would be little or no "upward" adjustment.  I have no idea if longer forks are available, but I doubt it unless custom made.  Maybe a taller tire and modified front fender?

As others have suggested, you can find seats that will put you up higher, but they obviously do not "raise the bike."

If you want more (and better educated) advice on raising your bike, I would suggest a new post on the Tech Board with a more descriptive subject line.

Welcome to the forum.

None of the suggestions "raise the bike". It still sits on the tires, no matter what the mod. That's why I put in my post to change the driver position, one could get a higher seat. And a slightly higher seat would have less effect on handling than going with taller shocks. 

[Daddie O]

The Valkyrie handles great as it is, raising the bike up and therefore the center of gravity would not be an improvement imho.

[RainMaker]

There is a "sticky" thread at the top of this forum for posting pictures.  Essentially, put the picture in Shutterfly, Photobucket, etc. and then copy the URL of the photo, click on the little picture icon at the start of the 2nd. row of icons in the "post" window and then paste the url between those "img" codes.

With only 3k on a 15 yr old motorcycle, there are some things I'd  look at immediately.  You can check these off if it was already serviced before you got it, but I'd definitely check the rear end since dealers are generally clueless (even Honda dealers  ) when it comes to proper rear drive maintenance. IMHO.

1) You might have the original tires.  Dunlop Elite D206s.  If yes, get new tires before anything else.  Even if they are new Dunlop Elite D206s, replace them. Avon and Metzler are safe options. (Darksiding, ie car tire on the rear, is another option).  Replace the tire valve stems with all metal 90 degree ones from Patchboy.

2) The rear end may have never been serviced.  Go to the Tech Section and learn all about servicing the splines.  Easy to do while you are changing the rear tire.  Check your damper cushions at the same time. They are rubber and do get old and shrink after time.

3) Change all fluids. Oil, coolant, brake, clutch, rear drive.

4) Check the operation of the petcock.  It may or may not be working.  If you can turn it to "off" while the motor is running and the bike starts to starve for fuel, then it is probably working.

5) Check the condition of the shock absorber bushings.  They dry out if they are originals and that will affect handling.  Replace with VTX 1800 bushings - they are made of a better material.

I'm sure others will chime in with ideas but those are the minimum things I would do with it.

Congrats on your "new" Valk.

RainMaker

[olddog1946]

Welcome to the madhouse.

I'll second the seat option. I have an "Ultimate King Big Boy", moves you up 2 and back 1".
If you don't have a manual, search for Valkyrie Norway and download it free. A lift and adapter is a must have (IMHO).  Rear end service is important, I'm still using the OEM petcock with no problems but it is something to be aware of and if you don't change it out, be sure and always shut the fuel off when you park it. Tires, tires, tires, do what you like there, but get rid of those original tires.. I'm a double darksider myself, but it ain't for everyone.

ENJOY !!!!