UPDATE W/PICS: Geez....that thing is fast.....

[John Schmidt]

Took the 1200 out on the road, just down the block a few times and back testing the speedo and general operation. The speedo seems to be a little out of calibration, I was doing 124mph tooling down the street in first gear. Don't think I'll ever get to 5th if that's the case.  Actually, it is quick and fast, went up to 3rd and back down a couple times. If I hit the throttle in first the rear tire breaks loose, definitely pucker time 'cuz I wasn't expecting it the first time. But, it sure do scoot, much lighter than the Valkryie, even lighter than in its stock form. Still needs painting and a seat, plus I think I'll see if I can enlarge the mounting holes in both m/c....clutch and brake, so I can mount them on the 1" Valk bars I have. Although effective in their operation, I'm not getting the "feel" I want in either. Both have too much lever action before engaging.

[flsix]

Fantastic John.  Sure is good to hear that a project is taking shape.

[sixlow]

maybe you where going 12.4 mph ??  ???

[Flrider]

That is awesome John, can't wait to see you riding it one of this days 

[John Schmidt]

maybe you where going 12.4 mph ??  ???

Afraid not, just walking it down the driveway showed I was doing 15. Didn't know I was that strong. 

[Tropic traveler]

Good show old chap!!!

Pics, pics, pics!!!!

[John Schmidt]

OK, for those of you wanting pics, here 'tis. Keep in mind the fenders and side covers need painting, something I'm afraid won't look very good if I do it. This thing has Valk shocks, handlebars/controls, Harley mufflers w/aftermarket headers for a 1200, Adjure headlight, matching aftermarket front/rear run/turn signals, fabricated headlight mount and fabbed side mount license plate bracket, Northern Tool trailer fender in back and a cut down OEM fender in front. In case you didn't notice, also has a Valkyrie Standard tank off a '99. The brake system has been converted to operate like the Valk and done with SS braided lines. Everything but the engine is new or rebuilt, the engine is out of an '85 Limited which I converted from FI to carbs, has about 60k on the engine. Also has a new battery and tires. It's light, all motor.....and it goes!



Jerry, thinking of your post of a few days ago.....how many Valks in this picture?   Do you go by the gas tank?


Racing view.  

[TJ]

   

[Thunderbolt]

Good update John.  Looks like the rake (is that the right term) puts the front wheel a little closer to the engine than a Valkyrie.  I guess you just moved the license plate from the other bike to that one since it was a short ride?  I know a guy that had a bunch of trailers, he just moved the tag from trailer to trailer, said he could only use one at a time.  I don't think anyone ever was the wiser.

[John Schmidt]

No Terry, that's a separate plate. It came off the '99 Valk restoration I did nearly 5 yrs. ago so all they did was give me a sticker for the corner. Re. the rake, I think you're right, it seemed a little quicker on the steering than the Valk. I did find out the bearings for the steering stem are the same as the Valks.