Hello Everyone - New Valkyrie Owner

[Draeger]

Hi All,

As of three days ago I'm the proud owner of a 1998 Valkyrie. I've been looking for a good deal on one for a while and I found one for a very reasonable price with low km's. The ad online said it had 86,000km and when I got there to look at it, the guy had mistyped and it only had 68,000km. From what I understand about the longevity of these bikes, the thing is barely broken in.

I really had no idea what to expect from this bike, except for what I've read over many years and hearing owners I've run into brag about how much they enjoy the Valkyrie.

Well, I have to say, holy cow --- what a beautiful machine! The ride is so smooth, it handles surprisingly well, and the blue/cream/orange pinstripe color incraeses my overall charisma level by +4.

I changed the oil myself yesterday, as well as the rear drive fluid, following the instructions on this site. Super easy to access and work on this bike!

Currently I also own a matte black 2014 Triumph Scrambler which I rode across the continental US last summer. Man, my butt was sore after two weeks... I think I would fare much better on this Valkyrie. I love my Scrambler, but for now it's been put to bed for a bit

I've booked a once-over service at the local Honda dealership to have them make sure everything is working well, but after putting a few hundred KM on the bike over the last couple of days, I'm not sure I need to do that. Are there any things I should ask them to look at? I don't know if the bike has been sitting a while (it looks like it has) so any tips would be appreciated.

Anyway, here is a picture of my new bike. I'm waiting for it to whisper it's name to me...

I live in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island and have been riding since a kid. I bought my first street motorcycle on my 16th birthday after passing my road test (Yamaha Maxim 700) and have been riding for the last 30 years. It is my passion and my favourite thing in the world.

I look forward to learning from, and contributing to this forum.

Best wishes,

Draeger

[Valkorado]

Hi Draeger and welcome to the asylum!  Nice, clean looking converted standard you found there!  Enjoy the smooth power.

[Draeger]

Hi Draeger and welcome to the asylum!  Nice, clean looking converted standard you found there!  Enjoy the smooth power.

Hi Valkorado! Thanks for the welcome. 'Converted standard'... does that mean i have an Interstate tank on it?

[Valkorado]

No, I was just referring to your aftermarket bags (National Cycle?) and windshield.  Pretty much converted it into a Tourer.  Not a common color combination either.  

Looks like you've got Progressive air shocks, too.  They are notorious for blowing out.  You might get a rebuild kit for them just to have handy if ever needed.  Keep 'em pumped high if riding two up.  Some have added a bit of extra oil when rebuilding these to beef up the suspension a bit, MarkT comes to mind.  Search is your friend.

Oh, and get 90* steel tire stems from Jake Wilson if it doesn't have them installed already.

Looks good.

[Bighead]

If you were to take it to a dealer for a once over I would make sure they have a mechanic that knows what a Valkyrie is Most Don't. But if it seems to be running proper I would save the $$$ any help you need if you are comfortable wrenching can be found here. I would take the rear end down and look at the drive gears to make sure it has been serviced properly and check the petcock to make sure it is in good working order ( not leaking) other than that Ride her like you stole her

[msb]

Hey Draeger, nice looking Valk....congrats. Maybe we'll cross paths next time either of us empties our wallet for the ferry ride across the strait.

Cheers, Mike in Maple Ridge

[Pappy!]

Hello, and welcome from Central Florida!
Nice looking ride you have there! Of course we are partial !

[Jess from VA]

Welcome.

It may have sat some and though running well I'd run some fuel systen cleaner anyway.  

I'd wonder:

 if the plugs were originals (NGK Nippon Densos are cheap and you don't need more expensive plugs)

 if the air cleaner was clean (last changed?).

 how dark the brake and clutch fluids were (last changed?).

 if I had any vacuum leaks and if the diaphragm in the petcock was torn/holed (turn it off when stopped) (buy a COVERSET rebuild kit whether needed now or not)?

 if the multiple clamps on the intake runners are loose?

 how long since the rear end was cleaned and lubed with new Orings? (rear wheel and brake off)

 how old the tires were? (build dates are on the sidewalls) (week/year)

 if metal 90* valve stems have replaced the rotten stock ones (and if not, are the black plastic elbows supporting the rubber ones still in place)? (they notoriously crack the rubber right at the rim from bending while adding air without holding them with the other hand when doing so)?

 how the brake pads look (use Honda pads)?

 if I was getting a good brake light from both the foot and lever switches?

 if it was filthy under the side covers, and if I had any corrosion in wiring/fuses under there (spare fuses on board)?  (learn to take them off the right way and don't break the tabs the wrong way, pull the fronts out and rotate backwards)

 if the pipes have been molested (cut pigs or holes drilled)?

 if the bulbs are all originals? (new ones will be brighter, even if still working)

 if the timing belts are originals?  (they are to be checked at 100K miles, but are now 18yo) (replacing requires care)

 if the breather (dragon drool) tube (the one under the right rear engine with the clamp and plug in it) has been drained lately?

 if you know to push the choke extra hard for the last quarter inch of downward travel to actually engage  the choke at all?

Review the maintenance and how-to articles in SHOPTALK, esp the rear end service.

  

 





 

[SpidyJ]

Uh oh.........you drank the Cool Aid!   

Nice Ride! 

Good Luck and keep us posted on your adventures with the Mighty Valk.
 

[..]

Check your private messages 

[jdp]

Nice bike,did you buy it from where you live? Just wondering if there are many of these Valkyries where you live, I know your going to love that bike I've been a Harley mechanic and rider all my life and I've never enjoyed riding as much as I do now that I own a Valkyrie, I'm addicted to these things, most of (all) my friends ride Harley's so we ride the short rides together but most of my long distance rides are solo, guess they don't trust the big hogs, anyway nice ride and enjoy.

[slider]

welcome to the fun and brotherhood

[Firefighter]

Well I was going to talk tires and valve stems but these guys beat me to it. If it runs good probably nothing much besides all fluids, look at brake pads, and when you get some riding out of your system do the rear end maintenance. Welcome from almost in Mexico , Buenos Dias!

[Danny McMillin]

Welcome, Draeger. Nice scoot; know you are proud! Save your "Once Over" money! Chances are, your bike would be looked at by someone that knows much less than you. Be double dog sure to check your rear splines immediately. Nothing like a neglected set of dry gears! Enjoy yur new ride, and ask any questions here!! I seen to recognize your Username. Used it anywhere else??

[havoc]

welcome and enjoy the many km's of blissful riding you have coming your way!

[MacDragon]

Welcome to the zoo... Like most others said... save your money on the dealer. Their once over would be just that.  Looking it over in amazement and giving it back to you along with a bill for allowing them to drool over it.  Shop talk here is your friend and it seems like you've been around bikes long enough to know what your're doing with some guidance from here.

Enjoy the ride.

[DarkSideR]

Good News! The blue and whites are the fastest. Welcome!

[Willow]

Welcome aboard.  Hoping for many years of joy ahead of you.

Good News! The blue and whites are the fastest. Welcome!

Uh, Josh?  His is a blue and creme.  Those are nice also.   

[Draeger]

WOW Jess from VA - Thanks for this!!!

Printed, saved and gonna check it all off

Much appreciated!

Welcome.

It may have sat some and though running well I'd run some fuel systen cleaner anyway.  

I'd wonder:

 if the plugs were originals (NGK Nippon Densos are cheap and you don't need more expensive plugs)

 if the air cleaner was clean (last changed?).

 how dark the brake and clutch fluids were (last changed?).

 if I had any vacuum leaks and if the diaphragm in the petcock was torn/holed (turn it off when stopped) (buy a COVERSET rebuild kit whether needed now or not)?

 if the multiple clamps on the intake runners are loose?

 how long since the rear end was cleaned and lubed with new Orings? (rear wheel and brake off)

 how old the tires were? (build dates are on the sidewalls) (week/year)

 if metal 90* valve stems have replaced the rotten stock ones (and if not, are the black plastic elbows supporting the rubber ones still in place)? (they notoriously crack the rubber right at the rim from bending while adding air without holding them with the other hand when doing so)?

 how the brake pads look (use Honda pads)?

 if I was getting a good brake light from both the foot and lever switches?

 if it was filthy under the side covers, and if I had any corrosion in wiring/fuses under there (spare fuses on board)?  (learn to take them off the right way and don't break the tabs the wrong way, pull the fronts out and rotate backwards)

 if the pipes have been molested (cut pigs or holes drilled)?

 if the bulbs are all originals? (new ones will be brighter, even if still working)

 if the timing belts are originals?  (they are to be checked at 100K miles, but are now 18yo) (replacing requires care)

 if the breather (dragon drool) tube (the one under the right rear engine with the clamp and plug in it) has been drained lately?

 if you know to push the choke extra hard for the last quarter inch of downward travel to actually engage  the choke at all?

Review the maintenance and how-to articles in SHOPTALK, esp the rear end service.

  

 





 

[Draeger]

Thanks Danny! Yep, I'm also Draeger over at the Triumphrat forums, been on there for years and learned a lot. I will double dog check those splines ... or have them checked asap. Thank you!

Welcome, Draeger. Nice scoot; know you are proud! Save your "Once Over" money! Chances are, your bike would be looked at by someone that knows much less than you. Be double dog sure to check your rear splines immediately. Nothing like a neglected set of dry gears! Enjoy yur new ride, and ask any questions here!! I seen to recognize your Username. Used it anywhere else??

[Draeger]

Hi JDP - I haven't really seen many of them here where I live on Vancouver Island, but I know there are a bunch on the mainland in Vancouver. All that means is I'll get more eyeballin' over here Yes, I bought it here in town... I've been lurking Craigslist for a while and called immediately when it showed up on Saturday.

Nice bike,did you buy it from where you live? Just wondering if there are many of these Valkyries where you live, I know your going to love that bike I've been a Harley mechanic and rider all my life and I've never enjoyed riding as much as I do now that I own a Valkyrie, I'm addicted to these things, most of (all) my friends ride Harley's so we ride the short rides together but most of my long distance rides are solo, guess they don't trust the big hogs, anyway nice ride and enjoy.

[Draeger]

Thanks for the warm welcome and kind words everyone! Look forward to contributing here and enjoying this awesome monster machine we all share.

[Fazer]

Great looking bike Draeger.  I am relatively new owner as well-- last August (*98 Tourer).  

These Valks are addictive.  Lots of help available on these forums.  If you haven't already done it, check out the "shop talk" section.  Many of the items on Jess's list (very comprehensive) you can do yourself.  Get a manual and get familiar with searching in the tech forum.  There are a number of guys that really know these bikes.

[Oss]

welcome to the family   

[czuch]

Welcome.
The rear splines aren't hard. Just brace the bike good.
That's a lot to pick up, but you'll be real pissed so you should be able to manage.
3 "O" rings. One is a sneaky little devil way in the back.
86K is what I have and I still get many smiles per miles, with a long way to go.
Good job. Skip the dealer and make miles.

[Jess from VA]

Your welcome Draeger.  

BTW, there is an electronic version of the Valk service manual on Dag from Norway's site (first link).  It's better to have a hard copy with you at the bike.

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html

Here's the petcock rebuild coverset part. http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-16953-MBZ-B51.html

Here's the best deal for Orings.   http://www.carolinabikeandtrike.com/ORings.htm

Here's a list of generic parts that are just as good as Honda parts, only cheaper. (like Gates timing belts).  http://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

Many of us use Shell Rotella T6 5-40 diesel full synthetic which is very good stuff and only $20 a gal jug at Walmart. (the manual says capacity is 3.9 gal, but if you lean the bike over and get it all out, it takes a gallon even at changes)
_________________
I realize you Canukistanians have trouble and costs with shipping from the US.  You BC guys need a Washington State connection for ordering stuff, then ride over and pick it up (or bolt it on).

What was the purpose of your trip?

Uhhh, well, smuggling bike parts.

OK wise guy, pull over in that area and take all your clothes off.    

Wait, what's the blue glove for???  I'll show you the alternator in my saddlebags.  

 

 

[Hook#3287]

She's a keeper

I just picked up a 98 standard in the same color, although yours is in better condition.

Welcome to the board, save your money for chrome instead of giving it to the dealer.

You probably know more about her than they will.

Any questions, just ask here and someone will know.

What are those clamps on the fork tubes?

[msb]

I realize you Canukistanians have trouble and costs with shipping from the US.  [/color]

Boy, you sure got that right...

You BC guys need a Washington State connection for ordering stuff, then ride over and pick it up (or bolt it on).
[/quote] Can be done ...if careful, and not too greedy trying for too much


What was the purpose of your trip?

Uhhh, well, smuggling bike parts.

OK wise guy, pull over in that area and take all your clothes off.    

Wait, what's the blue glove for???  I'll show you the alternator in my saddlebags.  


[/quote] 

[Draeger]

Hey Hook - thanks! Yes, those clamps... I took them off right after taking the shot, as well as those massive homebrew cruiser pegs. I think the clamps were for some sort of wind deflector thing that used to be on there, but not sure.

She's a keeper

I just picked up a 98 standard in the same color, although yours is in better condition.

Welcome to the board, save your money for chrome instead of giving it to the dealer.

You probably know more about her than they will.

Any questions, just ask here and someone will know.

What are those clamps on the fork tubes?

[Draeger]

Thanks Jess - I've been looking for some good spots online to bookmark for parts and such. Mostly cruising eBay for the past few days. I appreciate the info!

Your welcome Draeger.  

BTW, there is an electronic version of the Valk service manual on Dag from Norway's site (first link).  It's better to have a hard copy with you at the bike.

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html

Here's the petcock rebuild coverset part. http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-16953-MBZ-B51.html

Here's the best deal for Orings.   http://www.carolinabikeandtrike.com/ORings.htm

Here's a list of generic parts that are just as good as Honda parts, only cheaper. (like Gates timing belts).  http://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

Many of us use Shell Rotella T6 5-40 diesel full synthetic which is very good stuff and only $20 a gal jug at Walmart. (the manual says capacity is 3.9 gal, but if you lean the bike over and get it all out, it takes a gallon even at changes)
_________________
I realize you Canukistanians have trouble and costs with shipping from the US.  You BC guys need a Washington State connection for ordering stuff, then ride over and pick it up (or bolt it on).

What was the purpose of your trip?

Uhhh, well, smuggling bike parts.

OK wise guy, pull over in that area and take all your clothes off.    

Wait, what's the blue glove for???  I'll show you the alternator in my saddlebags.  

 

 

[Pappy!]

Since you were over at Triumphrat for so long....what Triumphs do you or did you have?
I am wanting an early 3-cylinder Thunderbird. They are cool looking and sounding bikes.

[Ramie]

Welcome, don't forget to check out Shop Talk, lots of info there.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/

[Oldfishguy]

Cool looking profile pic dude!

[Alien]

Welcome!  I always hated the color combination on your bike.  It just struck me as exceedingly ugly from the first time I saw one..right up until I got mine.  Now, It's my favorite!

Ride Safe,

Alien

[The emperor has no clothes]

Welcome!  I always hated the color combination on your bike.  It just struck me as exceedingly ugly from the first time I saw one..right up until I got mine.  Now, It's my favorite!

Ride Safe,

Alien

Any luck on finding a fender ?

[Alien]

Yep!  Momz had one and it's currently on it's way to me.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yep!  Momz had one and it's currently on it's way to me.

[Draeger]

Hey Alien - Nice ride and thanks for the welcome!

Welcome!  I always hated the color combination on your bike.  It just struck me as exceedingly ugly from the first time I saw one..right up until I got mine.  Now, It's my favorite!

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Draeger]

I have been on TRat since around 2010 when I bought a Thunderbird 1600, so not a really long time, I guess. It's also a great, helpful community of diehards ... good times all around.

Since you were over at Triumphrat for so long....what Triumphs do you or did you have?
I am wanting an early 3-cylinder Thunderbird. They are cool looking and sounding bikes.

[Gental Gaint]

Welcome from Texas.... this site is the great.........