ATTIC RAT PERFORMANCE WORKS & THEN SOME…….A REVIEW

[rancher]

My 1997 Valkyrie Standard hit 20 years old this November.  I am the original owner of this still pretty much stock Valk.  After 20 years and about 62,000 miles of fairly trouble free riding I read with interest the reviews of the performance modifications that Attic Rat (Bob Smith) performs on Valkyries.  Also, as my bike gets older, my confidence that my local (two hours away) Honda shop can properly service and maintain my bike has gone down.   

After talking to Attic Rat I decided it was time to hand my baby over to him…….Here is my experience……

I got Attic Rat’s November slot……I rode my valk from the Texas Hill Country area up 600 miles to Tulsa.  As I live more than 2 hours from anything that looks like a Honda shop I wanted Bob to go through a long list of preventative maintenance items and inspections as well as his performance works package.

I got back a bike that runs better than when it was new……..stronger,  crisper acceleration, smoother and quieter with better gas mileage….and it looked like it just came off a showroom floor.  Given the scope of work, I feel I got a fair, honest price for what I feel was way, way better than Honda shop quality work.  Attic rat is a true expert craftsman when it come to our Valkyrie motorcycles.

The performance works package included going totally through the carburetors (clean and rebuild), including de-smogging, milling the heads and fly cutting the pistons to increase compression ratio, modifing the air box to even out air flow, porting and polishing the heads and intake system. 

As for my preventative maintenance work I had done starting from the front I had him replace my front wheel bearings, rebuild my forks, new timing belt, water hoses, O-rings, change all fluids, replace throttle and choke cables, new shock bushings, inspect, clean and lube the rear drive system, new rear wheel bearings, replace water pump, bleed and flush brake and clutch systems and other minor items as needed.   

I got regular updates (emails and phone calls) and pictures on findings and progress.  Some of the findings included going over some previous poor quality work performed by Honda Dealer shops.

I give my highest recommendations to anyone considering the Attic Rat Performance Works package.  My bike never ran this good…… After 20 years of riding my Valkyrie (and given my 63 years of age) I plan to just keeping riding it into the sunset……This will be my last bike.   

Finally, thank you Bob for all the quality work you put into my bike. Enjoyed meeting you and for all the informative discussions we had. Jaclyn and I enjoyed dinner out with you and your wife.  If ever riding the Texas Hill Country area give me a shout…..got a place for you to stay if you wish….

[Hook#3287]

Nice report

Bob's a true expert on Valk's and a nice guy.

He has great T-shirts too.

[Cracker Jack]

Nice report. I'm somewhat of a gearhead but I'm not familiar with "fly cutting the pistons" to increase compression. Would you please briefly describe what that means?

Thanks.

[signart]

Milling the heads is what increased the compression. Minimal fly cutting of the pistons allows for necessary clearance of the valves as a result of the milling work. Take a little & give a little more.

[Attic Rat]

Thanks Bob for the kind words. It was a pleasure to work on your bike

[Dave Ritsema]

Hey Rancher, You have owned your Valkyrie for 20 years and this is your FIRST post? Come on Man!, Get more involved! Sounds like your bike is in tip top shape now for a trip to InZane. 

[Rams]

I've spoken with or (by email) discussed Attic Rat's work with several people, never heard one bad thing.   This speaks volumes about the man and his expertise.    Some day I hope to have him do a little engine work on my fat lady.   Unfortunately, there are a few other items requiring my attention and dollars first.   But, given some time and resources, it will happen.  Thanks for that report, it re-enforces what I've already heard.  

Ron

[Pappy!]

Rancher - What a great first post! Welcome to the forum and join us at Inzane some time!