Considering a Valkyrie

[donaldcc]

  ultimate KBB is good for me

[Denny47]

Welcome. You will not regret the money you gave. If you want something and can afford it, doesn't matter what anyone else thinks but I think the Valk is worth that much or more. I think you did fine.  Oklahoma_Valk must not be on line or he would be drooling over your bumble bee

[JimC]

You did know that all first year Valk owners are required to attend Inzane, didn't you?

That would make a real nice break in cruise for ya.

Welcome to the madness.

Jim

[James III]

Congradulations Daddy O! Really nice looking bike, I'm partial to the bumblebee and am going for a similar scheme after I get back from Inzane. You did well!

[Pappy!]

That bike is Sa-mokin' good lookin'! Really like the lines and colors on that one! Grab it and growl !
Welcome to the club!

[BF]

Welcome to the madness DaddieO, sharp Valk.  

Seats.......

That stock seat you have will bite you after awhile.  Very few people actually like it.  You can get the 2000 and up seat for about 90 bucks and it makes a world of difference for cheap.  

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=246&str=0&mdl=1539&mdy=1997

Alot of folks really like the Ultimate seats.  They come in three difference sizes for different size butts.  

http://www.ultimateseats.ca/stand_tourer.html

There are other options too, Mustang seats and Corbin seats.  Mustang seats are a firm seat (it's what I have.....I have a love/hate relationship with my seat).....Corbins are really firm too, but alot of people really like them.  

http://www.mustangseats.com/Category/Seats

http://www.corbin.com/honda/valk_index.shtml

Those with the Russell Day-Long seats rave about them.  They build them to your specs for your butt.  Expensive, but people with them say they are worth it.  

http://www.day-long.com/index.html

There's also Saddlemen seats, but they don't seem to be all that popular.....I don't know anything about them myself.  With the exception of their Profiler seat, I've only ever seen one other Valk with a Saddlemen seat.  

http://www.saddlemen.com/Seats/saddlemen-seats.html

[Daddie O]

Thanks for the compliments on the new scoot!  As far as the 2000+ seat, is it a different vinyl that doesn't match the passenger pillon?  Will it rub on the beetle bags?

[john]

      " stock Valkyrie seat feels like a sofa " .... you are  blessed                 
            beautiful             

[Jack]

for cryin out loud man

Its worth whatever you pay for it   5k  7k its all beauty in the eye of the beholder

You aint never gonna sell it once you ride it anyway

and just wait till you start addin your own safety chrome   

I agree with Oss!  Just do it!

[solo1]

I always wanted the Bumble Bee.  Sharp looking Valk.  Not mentioned here but the weak spot is the rear drive.  If it's not lubed at regular intervals (when changing tires), it can be a problem.

Buy the bike, it's a steal, but check the rear end, lots of members here know how and would be glad to help.

[wiggydotcom]

Coming from a vrod the stock Valkyrie seat feels like a sofa.  What other two up seat do you recommend, and how much does it go for?

+1 on the Russell Day Long. When the others don't work, the Day Long saddle usually ends the search.

[ragincajun]

Beautiful bike DaddyO, and welcome.

The big thing when buying one is to try to find one close to what you like.  The addons are ridiculously expensive so worth the price if already on the bike..lol. 

As for seats, I hear the Ultimate is great.  I bought a Diamond and am liking it alot.  Still in the breakin period but not giving me any trouble so far.

[Misfit]

I always wanted the Bumble Bee.  Sharp looking Valk.  Not mentioned here but the weak spot is the rear drive.  If it's not lubed at regular intervals (when changing tires), it can be a problem.

Buy the bike, it's a steal, but check the rear end, lots of members here know how and would be glad to help.

sorry Wayne but the final drive is not a weak spot on the Valkyrie. It is built just as well and as strong as the rest of the bike. I don't mean to step on your toes but every time we get a new member folks are always scaring them with weak splines. Remember the old days when everyone was trying this grease and that moly? It was never about the grease or a weak link in the final drive. It all comes down to proper assembly. I remember when folks would claim that a car tire would trash your splines. Scary stuff for a new owner or potential buyer. There are folks here that have well over 100k on there spline without any wear. I think it is a good idea to check them as a new owner. Assemble it properly and ride it. The spline service will last as long as your tire will unless you run a car tire. Even then if it is properly lubed and assembled right you are fine to run it 15 to 20k. I serviced Whoorays a few years ago and installed a car tire. I thought that he was servicing his own after that. Turns out all he did was ride. He mentioned it on this board once and he was told that he had probably trashed them. He got scared and called me. He brought it back over and we tore it apart and they looked like new. We had used Bell Ray waterproof grease on all of it. No moly at all. He had 23k between services. Again I am not looking to attack you personally I just think the final drive weak link is a myth. If you don't assemble the motor properly it will fail prematurely also and we all know that these motors are bullet proof if put together right.

[Sonny]

Congrats; you have made a great decision!   The bike looks fantastic! I'm on my second Yellow & Cream 99 std. Bought the first one new. Flew to Carlsbad, CA. 5 years ago, bought this one and road it home. I paid $8,400 with 23,000 miles and felt very good about it. Like everyone says you will make changes of your own to my it yours or maybe not. You might think its perfect just the way it is. Either way you will be very happy.

[Texas Jimbo]

I got my '97 bumble bee 2 yrs ago with 7,600 miles on it.  Setup perfect for me with the goodies already installed.  Paid $5,900.  Looks like you got a decent deal!  Those bags ain't cheap!

[solo1]

I always wanted the Bumble Bee.  Sharp looking Valk.  Not mentioned here but the weak spot is the rear drive.  If it's not lubed at regular intervals (when changing tires), it can be a problem.

Buy the bike, it's a steal, but check the rear end, lots of members here know how and would be glad to help.

sorry Wayne but the final drive is not a weak spot on the Valkyrie. It is built just as well and as strong as the rest of the bike. I don't mean to step on your toes but every time we get a new member folks are always scaring them with weak splines. Remember the old days when everyone was trying this grease and that moly? It was never about the grease or a weak link in the final drive. It all comes down to proper assembly. I remember when folks would claim that a car tire would trash your splines. Scary stuff for a new owner or potential buyer. There are folks here that have well over 100k on there spline without any wear. I think it is a good idea to check them as a new owner. Assemble it properly and ride it. The spline service will last as long as your tire will unless you run a car tire. Even then if it is properly lubed and assembled right you are fine to run it 15 to 20k. I serviced Whoorays a few years ago and installed a car tire. I thought that he was servicing his own after that. Turns out all he did was ride. He mentioned it on this board once and he was told that he had probably trashed them. He got scared and called me. He brought it back over and we tore it apart and they looked like new. We had used Bell Ray waterproof grease on all of it. No moly at all. He had 23k between services. Again I am not looking to attack you personally I just think the final drive weak link is a myth. If you don't assemble the motor properly it will fail prematurely also and we all know that these motors are bullet proof if put together right. (quote)


I used the wrong term.  I should've said weak spot for DEALER MAINTENANCE!.  I'm well aware of how reliable the rear end is when regular maintenance is done on tire changes.  The same applies to owners who are not aware of how important it is to do the maintenance.  Thanks for the correction.

[Misfit]

 

[.]

Congrats on the Valk! You got a nice one and while I don't have the time in on mine that most of the folks here have I'm already lovin' mine and I think you'll be the same way. I'm still getting used to the feel of it so the weight is a little cumbersome for me around town but from 10 mph up it just wants to eat miles of road.

I was mostly surprised by how agile the Valk is because it's such a massive bike. But all that mass is placed just right and makes for some of the most pleasurable cruising I've ever experienced. I love my V-Twin ACE 750 but it's a real nice change of pace to have the power to leave trouble behind quickly and although I never thought I'd say such a thing, it's pretty nice not having to deal with the sensation of my balls being jiggled for two hundred miles.  

[HayHauler]

Welcome, Daddie O!

At $6,900, he wants $900 more than the $6,000 you're willing to pay.  It's possible he'll take $6,000, but for that setup, I wouldn't.  If he'll split the difference, you're getting a good deal.  If he won't split the difference, buy it anyway.  Trust me (and I know lots of others will back me up) when I say you will never regret the "extra" money it takes to get the bike you want already set up like you want it.  And, here's the bonus: It's a Valkyrie.  If you want it to be, it can be the last bike you ever buy.  The cherry on top is all the fun you'll have with all your new friends/"family" here at the VRCC. 

Just buy it and let the fun begin.      You know you're going to.   

Disco and I have a saying that we repeat over and over...  "This is one BAD F'n Motorcycle!"
RJ even has a license plate that shows this quite well.

Hay
Jimmyt

[Hoser]

for cryin out loud man

Its worth whatever you pay for it   5k  7k its all beauty in the eye of the beholder

You aint never gonna sell it once you ride it anyway

and just wait till you start addin your own safety chrome    

I agree with Oss, it's worth what you want to pay for it.  Hoser

[Gary]

The Valkyrie was much quieter than I thought it would be.  I guess I watched too many videos with 6 into 6 cobras on them.

Nice looking indeed. Someone always gets a killer deal out there, usually right after you've done your deal. 

Looks like a keeper for sure. As mentioned, what's it worth to you?

The seat and pipes were a couple of the first things that had to be adjusted for my preference. I went through several seats since 97.

For pipes I first went with the infamous Hotglue Glasspack/Truck Stack Mod many moons ago when they were available, a great mod. Then ran across a deal on some used Cobra's and replaced the stock baffles with some short aftermarket jobs. The Cobras definitely offered a different sound and style.

The stock pipes were even the topic or brunt of a jab at the last Inzane. The police chief and mayor both got their digs in with lines like "is this thing on?"

The accessories and mods are almost endless. Good luck and many miles.

[Hooter]

I just sold my Street Glide a couple of years ago and have had Harley's for ever, everyone around here has has one...I have never been one to follow the crowd. I have for years always had a Valk in the Garage as well. I sold my Valk too a little over a year ago and kicked my own ass for doing it. Well, now there is another one in the garage. Ater I sold the 1st one I couldn't get over the fact it was gone.

I bought a neglected 98 Tourer CHEAP, and now have it put back into shape. Been working on it all winter. Thats the only thing winter is good for, the down time allows us to fix things. Never again will I sell this bike. I have a Triumph Rocket III that is a problem child and going back to the dealer tomorrow. Not to worry, I have "ol trusty" rejuvenated and ready to ride. You will never be sorry that you made the purchase. In fact, you may wonder what took you so long?  2 cents

[cookiedough]

I'm not 100% sure since I have a stock I/S seat and find that so-so good enough for 200 miles per day or less which is 99% of my driving, but the 97 and maybe was it also 98's had a flatter OEM seat std. and tourer with not as much curve and padding in them.  Basically a different shape in earlier year Valks that your butt could feel and most didn't like.  I'd start off buying say a 2000 or so OEM seat for 75-100 bucks and see how that feels vs. spending the big bucks on either the ultimate or russell day long that seem to be the most popular choice. 

I picked up on craigslist from a guy who sold his I/S a few years ago (yah, he misses it but has health issues and getting older) a stock OEM I/S seat like new with passenger backrest as well thrown in both for 50 bucks since not many Valkyrie riders in my area.  For that price, couldn't pass it up.  If I ever find a really good deal on a driver's backrest that fits the I/S stock seat,  I'd cut a whole in the foam of the seat I bought and put the driver's backrest on for a backup.

Unless you do longer rides over 200 miles per day,  the stock seat fits me fine (at least on the I/S) but I probably have a ton more cushion than most? 

Anyways,  for 6 grand, you got a good deal, enjoy the ride!  Yellow is not my favorite color, but it sure stands out in a crowd - congrats!

[Daddie O]

I'm going to try the stock seat for awhile and see how it feels.  If it isn't comfortable I'll try another, maybe a later model stock as recommended.  I get to pick the bike up tonight, so excited.  Mechanically it seems to be 100% and cosmetically I give it a 95%.  Maybe I can get that to 98% with a good detailing.  Color and style are all personal choices, and I'm really drawn to the Bumblebee with the Corbin Beetle Bags.  The back end of this Fat Lady really looks like a bee's head! 

I'm a long time member of a few Harley forums, and I posted about this bike expecting a flame job about buying a Honda.  Here are some of the posts in response:

"Ride what'ca like."

"Nice bike."

"I always wanted to have one of those in my stable. Great looking bike with a lot of speed."

"I have to say that I bleed Harley orange, but if I had to change, that's the bike for me. One thing I liked about the Valkyrie is that it wasn't trying to look like a Harley. A buddy had one with six pipes and it sounded sweet along with power to spare. No flames here. Enjoy!"

[Daddie O]

The Valkyrie's exhaust sounds a bit tame, maybe because I am so used to Harleys.  Anyone have experience with the 6 into 6 Cobras?  Are they still made?  How much do they go for?  Does the bike run well with them?  How difficult is installation?  Does anything need to be done to the carbs after installing them (rejetting)?

[czuch]

Well after stepping up to the Valkyrie, youre Big Daddy-O. Congradulations and welcome.
Let me tell you, the 97s are the best.  Effortless cruising all day long.
You wont think of much else for a while. This is normal.

[HayHauler]

The Valkyrie's exhaust sounds a bit tame, maybe because I am so used to Harleys.  Anyone have experience with the 6 into 6 Cobras?  Are they still made?  How much do they go for?  Does the bike run well with them?  How difficult is installation?  Does anything need to be done to the carbs after installing them (rejetting)?

There are several new sets on FleaBay.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Parts-Accessories-/6028/i.html?_nkw=honda+valkyrie+cobra+pipes&_vxp=mtr&_rdc=1

Hay 
Jimmyt

[cookiedough]

The cobras sound like a top fuel dragster on steroids.  If you like loud and tough, get them.  They still can be found somewhat readily available and you probably can install yourself with some helpful hands.

If I had 2 valks,  I'd get an Interstate stock quiet exhaust and equip a std. or tourer with cobras and wake up the neighbor and make the HD boyz around me wimper in shame.   

[Daddie O]

Do you have to re-jet the carbs or do some sort of adjustment after installing cobras?

[john]

 hey daddie o
             lucky you on the 97  ... sweet      
         enjoy the bee before you start  mess'in with it ...        
          give the valkyrie a chance ...        
                                                                     its a real peice of work            

[Denny47]

JP Cycles sell new Cobras, also possibly Motorcycle Superstore, cyclegiant, several others. can't remember for sure. New ones are around 700-800. They do have a tendency to turn blue near the engine end. You may have to go to somewhat richer jets in the carbs. I have the Cobra 6/6 but they were on the Valk when I got it so don't know for sure on the jets. I keep an eye on the color of the exhaust, mine were somewhat light chalky when I got it 2 years ago and I had the Honda mechanic adjust and sync the carbs. Looks good to me now. Not chalky white but not gassy black either. You can search the past treads and gain a lot of info here.

[jimmytee]

  yes on the rejetting for the Cobras.

[Thulsa Doom]

The Valkyrie was much quieter than I thought it would be.  I guess I watched too many videos with 6 into 6 cobras on them.

Here are some photos:

Gorgeous. That bike would stop me in my tracks. Good luck with it.

[Dogg]

Couple of thigs to point out Daddy-O, first welcome to the club! Second, the rattle front the front of the motor is a small support that runs from side to side, frame to frame. Doesnt matter, just a pain it the butt if ya gotta listen to it. Small tube about a 1/4 inch in diameter. They all make noise, toss it if its there, if not, its the tranny gears like everyone was saying. The two brothers 6x6 are a hiar larger in diameter than the cobras. Looks the same to the naked eye but, different if you measure.  I have had both, two brothers without baffles sound way better than cobras, but, i like the ping in the pipes so its all about what you like. Reccomend stage one dyna jet kit and rebalancing cabs if you do the exhaust swap.
  Bike is beautiful! You have a real gem there. No one riding a valk has ever been accused of profiling....lol we are a breed of our own. Good luck with everything and congratulations.

[mmurffy03]

on my 03 standard with the later model seat it dosent have that large gap that is showing on your bike not sure if other early model bikes have that gap when the rear seat is removed and they look great with a solo rack on the rear fender

[Hoser]

I have heard the cobras will not fit with the beetle bags, better make sure before you pull the trigger.  Hoser  ???

[Daddie O]

Good to know.  How would I find out for sure?

[Daddie O]

on my 03 standard with the later model seat it dosent have that large gap that is showing on your bike not sure if other early model bikes have that gap when the rear seat is removed and they look great with a solo rack on the rear fender

It's funny, my son sees those racks and calls them BBQ's.  I will be using the two up seat pretty much all the time though.

[specialdose]

Discovered the Valkyrie about 4 yrs. ago on ebay rounding up parts to refurb my 73 Z1 kaw. (purchased new Mar. 73). LOVE at first sight. Kept up with dozens on my watch list since then. Read every thing I could find on it. As you guys know, all that goes out the window with the first ride. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a 1000 words, that ride was worth 10,000. Took 2 days to get that smile off my face . About price. Followed mine on ebay,was 25miles from my house. 98 tourer,box stock new tires ,black & chrome,21,250k. 1-10 condition scale,a 9. asking 6500, paid 6000.Price is in the eyes of the beholder, and be hold I had found my Valk. My retirement gift to myself. I,ve had her 2 months and that smile comes back every time I ride which is yr. round in Atlanta. My Z1 knows she is my first love and they get along well sitting side by side in the garage. My Z1 is my street fighter & my Valk. is my recliner chair strapped to a Saturn rocket. My 8yr. gson calls her The Beast.

                                                                  new Valkoholic, Larry

[.]

Discovered the Valkyrie about 4 yrs. ago on ebay rounding up parts to refurb my 73 Z1 kaw. (purchased new Mar. 73). LOVE at first sight. Kept up with dozens on my watch list since then. Read every thing I could find on it. As you guys know, all that goes out the window with the first ride. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a 1000 words, that ride was worth 10,000. Took 2 days to get that smile off my face . About price. Followed mine on ebay,was 25miles from my house. 98 tourer,box stock new tires ,black & chrome,21,250k. 1-10 condition scale,a 9. asking 6500, paid 6000.Price is in the eyes of the beholder, and be hold I had found my Valk. My retirement gift to myself. I,ve had her 2 months and that smile comes back every time I ride which is yr. round in Atlanta. My Z1 knows she is my first love and they get along well sitting side by side in the garage. My Z1 is my street fighter & my Valk. is my recliner chair strapped to a Saturn rocket. My 8yr. gson calls her The Beast.

                                                                  new Valkoholic, Larry

Hey Larry, I've had mine a week and we're about to take our first road trip together (if this workday will ever end!!!!!!!!!). Got a big smile that gets even bigger thinking about it. Mine's a 2000 with a few extras and 43K they wanted 6900 for and agreed on 6400 but I'd have paid the 6900 after that test ride. In fact, a guy came in with cash in hand ready to fork over full price because he saw it on their website, but they had just started the paperwork on me.

She gets along well with my 2001 ACE 750 there in the garage but I think they may not be playing well with my son's 2005 Ninja 636. I'm pretty sure I can hear it in there growling at them late at night. The Fat Lady just growls back.