Synthetic Oil

[deepbluediver]

Hey guys. I bought my 99 Valk Standard last year, and can't believe how much I enjoy this bike. What a machine........Harley who?

My question is concerning fluid replacement. Although I know the history of my bike and that it was meticulously cared for (only 7000 miles), I also know it was parked in a garage for most of its life, and probably for extended periods of time. I changed the engine oil and coolant when I received it, but I'm wondering if I should replace all the fluids simply due to the age of the bike. In particular, I'd like to switch to synthetic engine oil next change, and would like to know what the consensus is for the best synthetic to be using and should I upgrade to a better oil filter than OEM.

One last thing, I've heard a few horror stories about Valks that were stored for extended periods hydralocking due to fuel leakage into the cylinders.....any recommendations on how to avoid this, or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

[shortleg]

  By all means change the brake and clutch fluid
along with the antifrese.
    If you have whats called a Miti vac that a lot of us use to bleed our brakes
you can test the petcock. This can be done by putting vaccume on it and
seeing if it holds.
    Also run seafome through it to clean carbs.
            Shortleg[Dave]

[john]

the most trouble free vichicle i have ever owned ... unbelieveable     
"just being paranoid ? " ....  probably
"I know the history of my bike and that it was meticulously cared for (7000 miles)"     
if it runs for more than a mile with the gas shut off ...
rebuild the fuel shut off valve thingy ... (petcock?)   
keep between 45 and 50 lbs of air in the tires ...  they will last longer
motorcycle ain't cheap ... and if it ain't broke ... blah blah blah     
dyna ... car tires  ... k&n ...       b s       
ride the thing ... enjoy       

[Robert]

Any brake fluid should be changed once a year because it absorbs water. Changing to synthetic is a good choice and doable at any time.