Anyone close to Jackson, CA ? would like to compare bikes

[Pal]

Hi.
I am Pal. Just moved to California, and got a 1998 Valk. It has a glasspack exhaust, and progressive springs.
My 2 main issue is the exhaust noise, and the front end feels strange, and noisy if i go trough bumps.
The previous owner said that the oil in the forks was recently changed in a garage.

If somebody nearby Jackson, CA , would be really cool to meet up, and compare it with another valk.
Thanks

[sandy]

Check pressure in tires. First, what tires are on the bike? Run 40F and 40-45 in the rear. Are they worn down and cupped? The clunk in the front is normal to some extent. I have Progressive springs and occasionally have the clunk. A pic of your pipes might tell us what they are.

[Pal]

Thanks Sandy
I have new Metzeler 880 tires with the good pressure. I now i will have some noise from the free float brake , but thats sound louder + higher. And the bike does not handle bumps well.
The pipes are OK, no backfire or powerloss (i think) , just  irritatingly noisy at some speed.
MAybe i am getting old 
Here is a pic of the pipes. As you can see the downpipes are thicker than original.

[Pal]

[Leatherman]

Hi Pal,
I had a poor handling issue on bad roads and it turned out to be the bearings in the triple tree.
Once I had them snugged up, the bike handled like new again. I'm not sure what the proper torque is supposed to be since I had it checked out at the dealership.

[Pal]

Hi Pal,
I had a poor handling issue on bad roads and it turned out to be the bearings in the triple tree.
Once I had them snugged up, the bike handled like new again. I'm not sure what the proper torque is supposed to be since I had it checked out at the dealership.

Thanks Leatherman.

I will check it out!   
If not that i just ask in Tech Board!