New member looking for a bike

[RGM]

Hi all, First post lots of questions. I am looking for a Valkyrie 97-99 tourer. I live on the west coast but my plan is to find a bike preferably in Canada and ride it back home with my wife and doing some camping along the way. I have seen a few bikes from totally stock to some with pretty much everything. For a long ride I am looking at something that is ready to go. New or low mile rubber, recent oil change rear drive serviced if needed. The ones I have looked at online are very low miles less than 40,000 miles so do I need to be concerned with the timing belt or drive? Some have stock seat others mustang and some the ultimate. I have read the stock are kind of hard on the butt but don't know how the Mustang compares to the Ultimate. How important are wind defectors on long rides and if so go with Baker or ? or fork deflectors?. Some have running boards for both rider and passenger, how much of a deference do the make for comfort. Most have a luggage rack behind the passenger seat and one has some on the saddle bags. Can you strap much stuff on to the racks on the saddle bags without it interfering with the passenger. I don't think any have a communication system, has anyone had any luck with the smart phone apps?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Might be a lot of paperwork hassle purchasing in Canada and reregistering it here. I don't know. The racks on top of of the bags are more for looks and protection. I have no experience with the Mustangs but the Ultimate is better than stock. Anything 100k or less I wouldn't be worried about the belts. The lube on the rear drive and pinion is important though. I recently converted to foot boards and like them. I'm not sure about the phone apps you are talking about. Good luck on finding your bike. Try Craigslist, our classifieds, eBay.

[Firefighter]

I have the only running red and black left in the world  and they are the most valuable. I could sacrifice for maybe 15,000!

[Oldfishguy]

Those are good trips.  

I did much the same.  I researched the model and color combination I wanted.  Searched on ebay and found one on Craigslist (with Searchtempest.com) 1000 miles away.  Negotiated the deal over the phone and made the seller believe I was serious.  Bought two one way airline tickets for my wife and me.  Seller picked me up at the nearest airport.  Looked the bike over and service records.  Put the cash for the bike on the trunk of the car and said if I drop the bike on the test run it was mine, no matter.  Test rode the bike for twenty miles or so, grabbed the wife and title and were off and running.

The Interstate has the standard Honda 5 pin intercom/radio hookup built into the bikes system. But, frankly, now we have simplified back to hand signals and streaming Pandora over the phone directly to cheap earbuds.  As far as putting stuff on top of the sidebags, very limited as the lids are pretty light duty.  The seat choice is different for everyone; I rode the factory for a while before swapping out to a Mustang.  Then rode that for a while before having an upholstery shop soften it up for me.  Ultimate seats seem to be the best for the high miler group.  Wind deflectors, again personal choice; it is nice to be "in the wind" afterall.  But I use them.    

All good questions you have.  You're on the right path.  Best of luck.

David
  

[BigMac (SoCal)]

There's a nice black tourer for sale in Palm Dessert. Check out the SoCal message board he posted some info on there.

Dave   

[RGM]

Might be a lot of paperwork hassle purchasing in Canada and reregistering it here. I don't know. The racks on top of of the bags are more for looks and protection. I have no experience with the Mustangs but the Ultimate is better than stock. Anything 100k or less I wouldn't be worried about the belts. The lube on the rear drive and pinion is important though. I recently converted to foot boards and like them. I'm not sure about the phone apps you are talking about. Good luck on finding your bike. Try Craigslist, our classifieds, eBay.

I am in Canada that why I would prefer a bike here. One thing I have noticed is that because we normally have long winters the bikes have less miles on them up here.

[F6CTrider]

On Communications
I just went with Bluetooth helmet sets.  They connect me, SO, phone, and music very well.  And they work on both bikes.  Bluetooth range is 1.5 miles, but have yet to test that in a group.  But for me and the backseat, all is well.

As for a road trip.  I keep essentials in the hard bags( rain suits, flashlight, tire fix kit, tools, water, etc. )this list can get long for some travelers and you can search this site for ideas.  We put all our clothes and toiletries in a large piece of luggage that strapped to the backrest and luggage rack.  Everything either locked up or was inside the hotel room (my vision of camping on a bike).  Worked well for us, travel light and hit a laundromat after a few days. Tah DAH !!

Although many bikes have been set up for touring by previous owners.... You likely will not find a bike set exactly the way you will want it.  But thats the fun....change/add some stuff and make it yours!

Welcome to the obsession!

[mike72903]

I like my mustang seat. Came with the backrest but I never use it. The high back cradles my back very comfortably. Before tie mustang I tried an Ultimate. Took about 10 minutes to realize I couldn't keep it.  It's a pretty common problem and you may want to try out the a seat before you commit.  Has to do with the male equipment and evidently just depends on your particular anatomy.  Many people love them.

[msb]

Might be a lot of paperwork hassle purchasing in Canada and reregistering it here. I don't know. The racks on top of of the bags are more for looks and protection. I have no experience with the Mustangs but the Ultimate is better than stock. Anything 100k or less I wouldn't be worried about the belts. The lube on the rear drive and pinion is important though. I recently converted to foot boards and like them. I'm not sure about the phone apps you are talking about. Good luck on finding your bike. Try Craigslist, our classifieds, eBay.

I am in Canada that why I would prefer a bike here. One thing I have noticed is that because we normally have long winters the bikes have less miles on them up here.

You are located here on the BC West Coast? Feel free to send me a PM ....I'd be happy to help advise you on many of the options you ask about, based on my 15 years of owning and adding to my 99 IS.......Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

Might be a lot of paperwork hassle purchasing in Canada and reregistering it here. I don't know. The racks on top of of the bags are more for looks and protection. I have no experience with the Mustangs but the Ultimate is better than stock. Anything 100k or less I wouldn't be worried about the belts. The lube on the rear drive and pinion is important though. I recently converted to foot boards and like them. I'm not sure about the phone apps you are talking about. Good luck on finding your bike. Try Craigslist, our classifieds, eBay.

I am in Canada that why I would prefer a bike here. One thing I have noticed is that because we normally have long winters the bikes have less miles on them up here.

Ahh... That makes more sense. Sorry, when you said West Coast I assumed.  You should take up msb's offer. 

[BobB]

Well it looks like you have been doing your home work.  As the proud owner of a '98 Tourer I hope I can help.  I have a Mustang seat and like it.  I have test rode with the Ultimate seat, liked it, but they are very different.   The Ultimate cradles you in one position while the Mustang is flater and one can move around.  I replaced my timing belts at 85k but that was not needed, the OEM belts were in excellent condition.  The saddle bag top racks protect the bags from my traveling duffel bags but one cannot tie anything to them, they are mounted to ABS plastic.  Baker Air Wings work well with the Tourer's OEM windshield.  If they have the Moto Wings panels, that is even better...

[msb]

Might be a lot of paperwork hassle purchasing in Canada and reregistering it here. I don't know. The racks on top of of the bags are more for looks and protection. I have no experience with the Mustangs but the Ultimate is better than stock. Anything 100k or less I wouldn't be worried about the belts. The lube on the rear drive and pinion is important though. I recently converted to foot boards and like them. I'm not sure about the phone apps you are talking about. Good luck on finding your bike. Try Craigslist, our classifieds, eBay.

I am in Canada that why I would prefer a bike here. One thing I have noticed is that because we normally have long winters the bikes have less miles on them up here.

Sorry, when you said West Coast I assumed. 

Yep,  another whole big country up here on the west coast MH.....I guess we're just so quiet some times it's easy to forget about us    (actually I do realize that you are familiar with BC ... just funnin')

[The emperor has no clothes]

Might be a lot of paperwork hassle purchasing in Canada and reregistering it here. I don't know. The racks on top of of the bags are more for looks and protection. I have no experience with the Mustangs but the Ultimate is better than stock. Anything 100k or less I wouldn't be worried about the belts. The lube on the rear drive and pinion is important though. I recently converted to foot boards and like them. I'm not sure about the phone apps you are talking about. Good luck on finding your bike. Try Craigslist, our classifieds, eBay.

I am in Canada that why I would prefer a bike here. One thing I have noticed is that because we normally have long winters the bikes have less miles on them up here.

Sorry, when you said West Coast I assumed. 

Yep,  another whole big country up here on the west coast MH.....I guess we're just so quiet some times it's easy to forget about us    (actually I do realize that you are familiar with BC ... just funnin')

He thru me off when he called himself a Westcoaster instead of a Hoser. 

[Willow]

Interesting questions.  They raise a question in me.  What do you have against the post '99 Tourer?

The bag racks as noted are mostly appearance and protection.  I did see them once used effectively to carry a rolled sleeping bag on each side.

[da prez]

Check with atticrat. He has a 98 tourer black/turquoise  that would be worth the hassle  to get to Canada. He is the most anal builder I know .  Contact him and just talk. The bike is better than new. Low milage and gone thru completely.

              da.prez

[RGM]

The one attic rat had with 6000 miles on it was sold last year. Don't see another one he has for sale  but not really in the area I am looking.

[Atl-Jerry]

I was in the Atlanta CL today and counted more than 40 Valk ads.  2 had 12K miles, one had 18K and one had 21K, none had a lot (envision DDT mileage) of miles on them.  I thought about calling about a couple of them, but the divorce would be cost prohibitive. 

[Pappy!]

Don't be afraid or hesitant to do a Fly & Ride. Am betting someone here will go check out a bike someplace for you.
I bought a bike based on several weeks of conversations with the owner of it. Bike was near Austin Tx and I live in Central Florida. Flew out on a Friday night and rode it home Sat. and Sun.

[hubcapsc]

Don't be afraid or hesitant to do a Fly & Ride. Am betting someone here will go check out a bike someplace for you.
I bought a bike based on several weeks of conversations with the owner of it. Bike was near Austin Tx and I live in Central Florida. Flew out on a Friday night and rode it home Sat. and Sun.

Conceptually that would be fun... I thought about it.

If I had gone to Philadelphia to get my bike and ride it back, I
would have left it on the side of the road after a half hour
and walked the rest of the way back to South Carolina...
I didn't know my eBay bike had drilled out mufflers...

So... planning for "I can't" or "I don't want to" ride this
bike back might be something to think about...

-Mike

[Momz]

If you need to buy or travel in Canada,....well I'm in metro Detroit just a few miles from Windsor Ontario.

And if you'd consider an Interstate with saddle bag racks and a custom modified I/S seat, then I may have just the perfect Valkyrie for you.

If interested, PM me.

[da prez]

  RGM , the one atticrat has is not advertised. I talk to him on a regular basis. It is a sweet ride.

                                             da prez

[sutterhome]

Any ride is fun, but long ride on on a ? maintained bike. Could throw a wrench in your return. It may take a few weeks but I sure you find one closer to home.Also shipping a bike is not that bad.
This is coming from a guy who bought one in January and drove it home 70 miles in 12 degree weather.This was years ago and parts of me are still numb.

[hubcapsc]

Any ride is fun, but long ride on on a ? maintained bike. Could throw a wrench in your return. It may take a few weeks but I sure you find one closer to home.Also shipping a bike is not that bad.
This is coming from a guy who bought one in January and drove it home 70 miles in 12 degree weather.This was years ago and parts of me are still numb.

My previous post shows that I share your outlook... but if I needed a Valkyrie
and knew there was an available AtticRat Valkyrie, I'd for sure fly-and-ride
it!

-Mke

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Mac ( Crazyhorse ) has a awesome bumble bee with Corbin saddlebags and side covers along with nice hard to find bling in the classifieds located in The Great State Of Tennessee. The good thing about this bike would be you can trust everything he tells you about it .

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,87059.0.html

[Gavin_Sons]

Mac ( Crazyhorse ) has a awesome bumble bee with Corbin saddlebags and side covers along with nice hard to find bling in the classifieds located in The Great State Of Tennessee. The good thing about this bike would be you can trust everything he tells you about it .

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,87059.0.html

Would love to buy that bike off him, but young kids and living puts a dampner on my fun money.

[Gryphon Rider]

If you find one around Calgary that you'd like me to look at, I'd be happy to do it for you.

[GiG]

Mac ( Crazyhorse ) has a awesome bumble bee with Corbin saddlebags and side covers along with nice hard to find bling in the classifieds located in The Great State Of Tennessee. The good thing about this bike would be you can trust everything he tells you about it .

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,87059.0.html

 
You should definitely consider a fly & ride for Mac's tourer 

[Gryphon Rider]

Hi all, First post lots of questions. I am looking for a Valkyrie 97-99 tourer.

Also look at a 2000 (better OEM seat than 97-99) or any year Standard for which Honda hard bags and windshield have been added, making it a lookalike Tourer.

I live on the west coast but my plan is to find a bike preferably in Canada and ride it back home with my wife and doing some camping along the way. I have seen a few bikes from totally stock to some with pretty much everything. For a long ride I am looking at something that is ready to go. New or low mile rubber, recent oil change rear drive serviced if needed.

I wouldn't turn down a bike just because the tires are not new or low mile.  Five years old or less and half worn or less should get you home from almost anywhere in Canada, if you keep the tire pressures at 40-42 front and 42-44 rear.  A well-maintained Canadian bike will have had the oil changed in the off-season, and all Valkyries should have the rear end serviced (splines lubed with the right stuff) each time the back tire is changed.

The ones I have looked at online are very low miles less than 40,000 miles so do I need to be concerned with the timing belt or drive?

If the timing belts have been changed and the bike runs well, that's a good thing.  I think the service manual says inspect the timing belts at 100,000 miles.  I wouldn't get uptight if they say the belts are original.

Some have stock seat others mustang and some the ultimate. I have read the stock are kind of hard on the butt but don't know how the Mustang compares to the Ultimate.

I would consider it a bonus if the bike has a Mustang or Ultimate seat.  The Ultimate currently comes in three fittings, the low rider, the big boy, and the king.  See here for descriptions, although at 5'10" I prefer the big boy.

How important are wind defectors on long rides and if so go with Baker or ? or fork deflectors?.

I have gotten by without wind deflectors.  They become more important the more you ride in very hot weather, because they can be turned to pull in cooler air that hasn't been heated by the engine.  Fork deflectors reduce turbulence.  I have some that I haven't gotten around to installing because I need to fabricate something to make them fit with my custom light bar.

Some have running boards for both rider and passenger, how much of a deference do the make for comfort.

Some love them.  I haven't tried them and thus don't miss them.  Highway pegs on the crash bars make a big difference to me to be able to stretch out my legs every so often.

Most have a luggage rack behind the passenger seat and one has some on the saddle bags. Can you strap much stuff on to the racks on the saddle bags without it interfering with the passenger.

Don't count on strapping anything heavier than a road-kill gopher to a saddlebag rack.  They're meant mostly for looks and to protect the lid's paint from an errant heel when mounting/dismounting the bike.

I don't think any have a communication system, has anyone had any luck with the smart phone apps?

There are several Bluetooth communicators that work very well with smart phones.  webBikeWorld provides excellent, thorough reviews for most of them, and for other gear as well.

[bill-jr]

Mac s bumblebee sure is pretty if i had the scratch id be all over that thing .....

[hubcapsc]

Mac s bumblebee sure is pretty if i had the scratch id be all over that thing .....

It is one of my favorite Valkyries...

-Mike

[RGM]

Finally found a Valk I like in Montreal and am flying out from the west coast to ride it back home with my wife. It is a green 98 Tourer with 63,000KM on it with lots of extras. I sure hope it as good as everyone says they are!

Does anyone have any route suggestions riding through southern Saskatchewan and Alberta 

[Gryphon Rider]

Does anyone have any route suggestions riding through southern Saskatchewan and Alberta 

Coffee.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Does anyone have any route suggestions riding through southern Saskatchewan and Alberta 

Coffee.

in massive quantities. 

[RGM]

LOL that what I am trying to avoid!

[Beardo]

Finally found a Valk I like in Montreal and am flying out from the west coast to ride it back home with my wife. It is a green 98 Tourer with 63,000KM on it with lots of extras. I sure hope it as good as everyone says they are!

Does anyone have any route suggestions riding through southern Saskatchewan and Alberta 

Congrats on the new ride. You and your wife will love it.

There's no avoiding the boring prairie, you can go through the states, but it's pretty boring too.

I'm in Regina(where we're never more than 10 hours away from good riding roads), if you have any issues passing through, need a tire changed or anything, I have a garage and a lift you could use.

Ride safe.

[RGM]

Thanks for the offer Beardo. My wife grew up in Regina so we will be stopping there and checking out her old haunts. Would Hwy 33 or 48 be any more interesting than staying on the Hwy 1?

[Beardo]

Thanks for the offer Beardo. My wife grew up in Regina so we will be stopping there and checking out her old haunts. Would Hwy 33 or 48 be any more interesting than staying on the Hwy 1?

Personally, I'd stay on the #1. 33 is a death trap, lots of traffic, only 2 lane.  48 had some really bad stretches the last time I rode it.

The other option would be to detour a bit north, just after Portage la Prairie MB, take the 16 to Minnedosa MB, then the 10 through Riding Mountain National Park, then to Regina via Dauphin, Roblin, Yorkton. Pretty nice scenery...or as nice as it gets around here anyway.  I rode it last summer, roads were good.

[photochaser]

http://modesto.craigslist.org/mcy/5622999059.html

[photochaser]

The one I posted above is by a guy I know. But I just searched craigslist in Modesto, CA for "valkyrie" and several came up. Only two in the Modesto area proper, but the expanded view shows lots of choices.

[RGM]

The one I posted above is by a guy I know. But I just searched craigslist in Modesto, CA for "valkyrie" and several came up. Only two in the Modesto area proper, but the expanded view shows lots of choices.

Already bought a Valk. Heading out tomorrow to get it.