Front fender gets dented alot

[semper5]

My Valkyrie is a 2001 GL1500CD. It was in accident years ago, although I have no idea what the details are. (Don't know if CarFax would have those details, but I'm cheap).

The issue I am contending with is the front fender contacts a bolt that is direct center when the bike points straight ahead, and goes over a bump. This bolt in turn dents and damages my front fender.

The bolt is above the oil filter, and is center of the bike, just below a circular chromed piece. (My descriptions are based on my newness as a Valkyrie owner, and my inability to find the nomenclature)

Can I get someone to do me a favor?

Put your bike on the side-stand, turn the handle bars full left. Then, take a measurement from this nut to the very bottom-center of the front fender. If this measurement differs from mine then I have something bent somewhere, although I don't know where. But It will give me a starting point.

Anyone willing to help? I sure appreciate it.

[R J]

Post a picture of exactly where you are referring to please.

If you do not know how to post a picture, send the picture to me and I'll post it for ya.

rjb4481@mchsi.com

[hubcapsc]

I can't relate to what bolt that might be...



-Mike

[R J]

Hey partner, raise the front of the gas tank and see if there is any paint peeling or buckling in the neck.   If so, you have a bent frame in that neck area.

[Patrick]

In the pic by Hubcapsc, if you're referring to the bottom retaining bolt in the center timing cover cover [ the one with the 3 retaining bolts], then, there is something drastically wrong.
And then as RJ said, the bike needs to be given a close look.

[old2soon]

Not even seeing this yet my money is on either a bent frame or bent forks.  R J-i'm a thinkin yer close in the ballpark. RIDE SAFE.

[semper5]

Well, a few more hours before I head home from work to get some pics up here. Thanks for the input so far though.

[blackpearlghost]

I have the exact same issue.  My bike was wrecked in the front end (rear-ended a car i think) .  The next owner repaired the frame and passed CA inspection.  He did a good weld job but not a perfect one from an angle perspective.  I think the "rake" is off which impacts the angle of the forks and therefore the distance between the rear of the fender and the area by the oil filter as you mentioned.  The only fix is re-do the welss which it'a not bad enough for me to so.  Make sure your fork suspension is up to par, use short oil filters, and stay out of potholes!

[FLAVALK]

In the pic by Hubcapsc, if you're referring to the bottom retaining bolt in the center timing cover cover [ the one with the 3 retaining bolts], then, there is something drastically wrong.
And then as RJ said, the bike needs to be given a close look.

I'm with you, this is the bolt he is referring to, but I just measured mine and the closest point on the fender to this bolt is 4'". Somethings bad wrong

[mmurffy03]

it must steer pretty odd

[BF]

Pinwald sells used frames. 

[BonS]

Pinwald sells used frames.  

Just be sure to get a clean title with the replacement frame because the title follows the frame.

[blackpearlghost]

Actually, the steering on my Valk is just fine.  It's upon extreme compression of the forks (potholes, extreme stop) ich shortens the distance and, with forward motion combined, gives it that opportunity to smack against the oil filter part of the bike.  I'm wondering if its actually the bolt or is it the oil filter itself doing damage to the fender?

[FLAVALK]

Actually, the steering on my Valk is just fine.  It's upon extreme compression of the forks (potholes, extreme stop) ich shortens the distance and, with forward motion combined, gives it that opportunity to smack against the oil filter part of the bike.  I'm wondering if its actually the bolt or is it the oil filter itself doing damage to the fender?

Hmmm...some oil filters are longer than others and some folks use cutesy covers over their filters.

[Chrisj CMA]

If you are referring to the bolt that holds part of the crash bar to the frame.  You need to stop riding.  Either the forks are badly bent or the frame (or both) and that is not safe

[fudgie]

My 'can' I would put on my oil filter would knock studs off my front mud flap.

[R J]

Hey Grasshopper, where are those pictures I asked for?

Can't make a definite suggestion on what to do without seeing what you are referring to.

[old2soon]

I use a larger than stock oil filter. THAT being said in the 46000 + miles I've put on my I/S the back of the front fender and the leading edge of the oil filter have NOT made contact. Most of us on this board are still trying to visualize what yer tryin to tell us-WITHOUT success.  RIDE SAFE.

[semper5]

Hey Grasshopper, where are those pictures I asked for?

Can't make a definite suggestion on what to do without seeing what you are referring to.

Sorry I tok so long. Since I can't use photostash from work, I emailed you the pic to post, if you please.

I outlined in red the problem areas. Haven't taken a measurement yet of center-of-fender to a known point yet, as I would like a comparison, and no one knows what to tell me to measure from. I want a measurement from a 'hard-turn' so I can also see if the turning radius is off.

[Chrisj CMA]

no one can tell you a measurement because no one knows what to measure. 

Bottom line if a part is added to the bike that is hitting the fender remove that part.  If its an OE (part of the bike) part then something is bad wrong and the bike needs to be checked out by someone that knows bikes AND Valkyries before its ridden again

[semper5]

no one can tell you a measurement because no one knows what to measure. 

Bottom line if a part is added to the bike that is hitting the fender remove that part.  If its an OE (part of the bike) part then something is bad wrong and the bike needs to be checked out by someone that knows bikes AND Valkyries before its ridden again

If someone could park thier bike, turn the forks hard left, and then take a measurement from center-fender to center oil filter, I'd have a figure to go on. If I could have 3 people do this, I'd have a better idea. Then, through the wonder of science, I'd know further what 'gives', and the variance I am dealing with.

[Valker]

Just measure your wheelbase and compare to a known good bike.

[Bone]

Here you go;

98 Tourer

oil filter length-3 5/16"
bars turned to left stop approx. 8"  center of filter to approx center of fender
bars turned to right stop approx. 9 1/2" center of filter to approx center of fender

I can't measure wheelbase by myself, good idea tho

[billyboy]

   8"

[semper5]

Just measure your wheelbase and compare to a known good bike.

I fear I am the only Valk owner in Genesee County Michigan. 

To the rest-- awesome! Thanks!

[Bone]

Lenawee County

[Valkpilot]

no one can tell you a measurement because no one knows what to measure. 

Bottom line if a part is added to the bike that is hitting the fender remove that part.  If its an OE (part of the bike) part then something is bad wrong and the bike needs to be checked out by someone that knows bikes AND Valkyries before its ridden again

+1

As I interpret your posts, the bolt you are talking about is the bottom center timing cover bolt.  If this is the case, Chris is right.  Park it until you get it figured out.


Valker has a good suggestion.  The specified wheel base is 66.5 inches.

[R J]

Here is a link to the General board with a picture of the front fender.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,59076.0.html

Maybe I should have Carl move my post over to the Tech Board.

[mmurffy03]

I have tried to get a frame from pinwall and a few other salvage companys recently they will not supply you with a title of any kind just a bill of sale dosent matter if the bike was in a wreck or just being parted out and most states wont accept that to title the bike someone a few weeks ago parted out a interstate on ebay and had the frame for sale with a clean title that could be transferred he was asking $500.00 for it complete with swingarm motor numbers don't matter they aren't on the title I currently have a 98 standard on ebay for sale with no title for $2500.00  it has 7100 miles on it if I get no bids I will part it out or try to find a frame with a title and do a swap then sell it with a clear title I do have a few people looking at it for the engine and the front end to repair there bikes that aren't running here it is

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/190887737247?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649


THIS IS THE LISTING OF A FRAME THAT HAD A TITLE WITH IT


http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-VALKYRIE-1999-INTERSTATE-FRAME-LOOK-/261256851651?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cd41f30c3&nma=true&si=2cPV43BD98ASdnWOpoZ6ZWc3xFE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[semper5]

well my measurement from center fender to center oil filter is 7.25 inches.

My wheel base measurement is 65.25 inches.

Forks are straight by sight. I suspect the frame might be bent. for being only .75 inches off though, I won't see the bend very easily... even removing the tank.

[Valker]

well my measurement from center fender to center oil filter is 7.25 inches.

My wheel base measurement is 65.25 inches.

Forks are straight by sight. I suspect the frame might be bent. for being only .75 inches off though, I won't see the bend very easily... even removing the tank.

But 66.5 inches minus 65.25 inches is 1.25 inches, not .75. Sounds like a lot to me.

[semper5]

well my measurement from center fender to center oil filter is 7.25 inches.

My wheel base measurement is 65.25 inches.

Forks are straight by sight. I suspect the frame might be bent. for being only .75 inches off though, I won't see the bend very easily... even removing the tank.

But 66.5 inches minus 65.25 inches is 1.25 inches, not .75. Sounds like a lot to me.

My measurements were  off for the wheelbase. It is 65.75 inches for the wheelbase.

66.50
65.75
------
.75 inches too short.

[Ricky-D]

How to measure the wheelbase of the motorcycle.

Stand the bike upright.

Drop a plumb line from each axle.

Measure the distance between the plumb lines.

That will be the wheelbase.

***

[semper5]

How to measure the wheelbase of the motorcycle.

Stand the bike upright.

Drop a plumb line from each axle.

Measure the distance between the plumb lines.

That will be the wheelbase.

***

Thats the method I used.

[Cracker Jack]

I don't know in what condition Honda measures the wheel base but it will vary with the compression of the forks. Longest when the forks are fully extended and shortest with the forks fully compressed.

I haven't measured so I don't know how much it varies from longest to shortest.

"C" Word Jack

[pancho]

This is not very accurate, but doing a measurement of the pictures shot from the side, gives a caster angle of the fork tubes at 28 degrees,,,,   it is supposed to be 32 and a bit.

[WamegoRob]

I fear I am the only Valk owner in Genesee County Michigan. 

Semper5, there are at least 50 members that, at some point, signed up from your county:
http://members.vrccservices.com/membership/field-search-results.php3?active=Y&club_num=0001&club_id=&state=MI

Even if you don't know and/or cannot contact any of them, posting a good, quality photo (just the bike.. the whole bike, not blurry and from the side) similar to this one would go a very long way toward getting good answers:
http://www.motorbikespecs.net/images/Honda/GL_1500_CV_CW_CX_(F6C)_97-98/GL_1500_CV_CW_CX_(F6C)_97-98_1.jpg

R.J., did Semper5 send you six different photos?  The ones you posted in that other thread include four with two duplicates:
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,59076.msg565709.html#msg565709

I have tried to get a frame from pinwall and a few other salvage companys recently they will not supply you with a title of any kind just a bill of sale dosent matter if the bike was in a wreck or just being parted out and most states wont accept that to title the bike someone a few weeks ago parted out a interstate on ebay and had the frame for sale with a clean title that could be transferred he was asking $500.00 for it complete with swingarm motor numbers don't matter they aren't on the title I currently have a 98 standard on ebay for sale with no title for $2500.00  it has 7100 miles on it if I get no bids I will part it out or try to find a frame with a title and do a swap then sell it with a clear title I do have a few people looking at it for the engine and the front end to repair there bikes that aren't running here it is

I feel tired after having worked my way through that and sorting out the sentences.
I couldn't help but think of this   

Billy Madison - Ultimate Insult (Academic Decathlon)[Forum Weapon][How To Troll][Ignorance Is Bliss]

[Ricky-D]

Looking at picture number 2 and picture number 3.

The forks look bent, like it ran into something that the front wheel stopped and took the blow.

http://www.motorbikespecs.net/images/Honda/GL_1500_CV_CW_CX_(F6C)_97-98/GL_1500_CV_CW_CX_(F6C)_97-98_1.jpg

I copied the wrong URL. My bad.
Here's the correct one.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,59076.msg565709.html#msg565709

***

[1500Rider]

Looking at photo #5 & 6 it appears to me that the forks are mounted too high in the triple tree. The top of the fork tube should be roughly even with the top of the upper triple tree. It looks like in photo #5 & 6 that the fork cap with well above the top of the upper triple tree clamp as you can see where the fork tapers down with the top of the triple tree just under where the taper starts.

Looks like someone raised the forks in order to lower the front of the bike.

[hubcapsc]

Looking at photo #5 & 6 it appears to me that the forks are mounted too high in the triple tree. The top of the fork tube should be roughly even with the top of the upper triple tree. It looks like in photo #5 & 6 that the fork cap with well above the top of the upper triple tree clamp as you can see where the fork tapers down with the top of the triple tree just under where the taper starts.

Looks like someone raised the forks in order to lower the front of the bike.

Good call, it would be sweet if it turned out to be that... 

-Mike