The old gal let me down today.

[rleggs]

  For the 1st time in 46 years of riding I had to call for a trailer today and on a Valkyrie of all things. The Valk. (99 tourer) has 57k on her and I thought had been well maintained. I've had it for a year now and have put 7k on it, pulled the rear tire after purchase (new tire on it) to inspect the drive splines and they had fresh grease and like new looking splines, never occured to me to pull the pumkin and inspect the shaft splines but now I know I should have. No warning other than a little bump on decell in the drive line on occasion. Well today while pulling a hill on the interstate at 75, the drive shaft and coupling bacame toothless before I made the top. Stranded, 70 miles from home. Thank god for good neighbors, he brought a trailer to retreive me and the Valk., he was much suprised I was on the Honda and not the Harley. Never let down by my Harleys, knock on wood. I've pulled it down and ordered the parts via online and hope to have her back on the road before too long, just hope all the parts are still avaliable.

[PhredValk]

The parts you need are readily available. Sorry for your woes. I'll be checking my drive shaft this year, for sure.
Fred.

[Canuck]

Yep, I put a new tire on this winter and lubed the rear splines.  I thought I'd wait until next year to pull the pumpkin and shaft.  With the alternator taking a crap the  bike is back on the lift.  I just bought new O-rings for the rear and plan to pull the shaft and pumpkin now and not next year.  I'm also replacing the dampners and bearing while in there.  Your post re affirmed the need to pull now, not later.  Best of luck with your repair.

My neighbor came to get me too, but I sure don't want to make a habbit of it.

[Chrisj CMA]

   pulled the rear tire after purchase (new tire on it) to inspect the drive splines and they had fresh grease and like new looking splines, never occured to me to pull the pumkin and inspect the shaft splines but now I know I should have.

UM.....er.....ahem!  More like YOU let the old gal down.  Imagine how embarrased she must have been to ride the trailer because her owner didnt do simple preventitive maintenance.

   

[Mofla]

Point taken on the p/m comment. Where would I get best directions for such. ( rear drive assembly )

[Chrisj CMA]

Point taken on the p/m comment. Where would I get best directions for such. ( rear drive assembly )

For removing the final drive and lubing the drive shaft.....I have a powerpoint slide show I can email you if you want it......send me an email and Ill respond with the attachement

chrisj357@cox.net