Removing Chrome Transmission Covers and Valence Covers Questions

[Steve-L]

On my previous 98 Valkyrie (that I since new in 01) I didn't have Transmission covers or Chrome Valence covers. I like the look of the bike with the chrome engine hangers, but without these other chrome pieces. I also always liked my bikes to run as cool as possible and wondered if they kept heat in. Not that it matters so much on the water cooled Valk.

So anyway, now I have this new to me Interstate and it is all chromed up, with The engine hangers covers (that I really like) the tranny covers, and the valence covers. I'm thinking of taking off the transmission covers and the valence covers. Any opinions on this? Also, if I do take them off am I going to need new bolts to put back in where the maybe? longer bolts are screwed in now?

If I leave the plug covers in, what is the process from changing plugs? Just pull the spark plug wire caps?

Since I never put a set on, I'm clueless as to the issues or ease I may have in removing them. Looks like I'll need to remove the pod lowers (again) to pull the valence covers.

[Black Dog]

I have both the Tranny and Spark Plug covers...  Re the plug covers, they must be removed when servicing the plugs. I can't remember if the tranny covers used different hardware.  Take a look at the links below for info that may help.

Kuryakyn has install PDF's here for the Tranny Covers -

https://maggroup.blob.core.windows.net/kuryakyn/7710-21MC-0911.pdf

and the sparkler covers here -

https://maggroup.blob.core.windows.net/kuryakyn/7705-21MC-0912.pdf

Good Luck.

Black Dog

[Jess from VA]

Also, I believe you will not have an OE rear master cylinder cover under the Kury Tranny cover when you take it off (it has to come off for the cover to fit).

The original (and no longer made) Kury interstate plug runners did not fully extend under the pods, so the pods need not be removed to remove the runners.  Even if you have the longer std/tourer plug runners (extending under the pods), I think they can be removed without removing the pods, at most just loosening them will give enough clearance.  The plug runners have to be lifted up around the intakes (finessed) to install and remove.

It's been years, I cannot remember if you will have bolt issues removing the Tranny covers.  I do seem to recall one or two bolts that come with them are longer and use OE holes, so you may need a bolt or two once they are removed.  Reviewing the install instructions should help.

The tranny covers do not create any heat issue.  Some think they may cause a noise issue, but not for me.

I've no idea what you are calling a valence cover.

[hubcapsc]

I've no idea what you are calling a valence cover.

I think that's what they call the chrome cover that goes
over the spark plugs...

-Mike

[Steve-L]

Jess, BlackDog and Hubcap thanks you have answered all my questions and I now know what I need to do. I'm going to make this a mini winter project, order the right screws, try and source a master cylinder cover off a salvaged bike or some such, and pull them this winter.

I'm also looking at replacing Vacuum tubes , plug wires and the like so it may be a project under that work.

Thank you very much for the pointers and thinking it through for me. It looks nice as it is too, I'm just not all that big on that much shiny stuff.

[Paladin528]

The Tranny cover bolts will work without the covers installed.  I removed all of the chrome covers from my engine when troubleshooting a noise.  All hardware fit without the covers without issues.  I am not sure what a Valance cover is but I am not sure I have them.

[Firefighter]

I always wondered if the tranny covers could cause the alternator to run hot. Just a though as I don't have them to even look and see how tight they cover up everything.  I do think I like their looks.

[Steve-L]

The Tranny cover bolts will work without the covers installed.  I removed all of the chrome covers from my engine when troubleshooting a noise.  All hardware fit without the covers without issues.  I am not sure what a Valance cover is but I am not sure I have them.

I only know this from electronics school, so it's not like I'm brainy... but in science the outer shell of an atom, electrons circling a nucleus, is a "valence shell" so it's nothing more than an outer layer. The spark plug cover chrome thingy.

Thank you for the info on the bolts.

[The emperor has no clothes]

The Tranny cover bolts will work without the covers installed.  I removed all of the chrome covers from my engine when troubleshooting a noise.  All hardware fit without the covers without issues.  I am not sure what a Valance cover is but I am not sure I have them.

I only know this from electronics school, so it's not like I'm brainy... but in science the outer shell of an atom, electrons circling a nucleus, is a "valence shell" so it's nothing more than an outer layer. The spark plug cover chrome thingy.

Thank you for the info on the bolts.

I only know of valences from my wife buying curtains. 

[Black Dog]

try and source a master cylinder cover off a salvaged bike or some such

Pretty sure the original MC cover should still be there...  If I remember correctly, my tranny cover, on the brake side, does not cover the master cylinder cover (says Honda on it).

Black Dog

[Steve-L]

try and source a master cylinder cover off a salvaged bike or some such

Pretty sure the original MC cover should still be there...  If I remember correctly, my tranny cover, on the brake side, does not cover the master cylinder cover (says Honda on it).

Black Dog

I haven't taken the transmission cover off yet, but it definitely covers the mater cylinder. Now if the OEM chrome cover is still there, I won't know till I pull it off.