I guess it may be time,

[Patrick]

to get rid of the Valk. I hate to do it and have said I never would.  I put it up for the winter in Nov 2015 and was unable to ride it last season. So I figured it was time to get it running and cleaned up. I flushed some fuel thru the system and it fired right up and runs great. I tried moving it around and over it went. I could not get it back and had to get help with it. So, if the monster decides to try and fall down and I'm unable to hold it up, then I guess its time for it to go to another home. And I'm going to the gym regularly and am getting some strength back, just not enough yet.

[vanagon40]

I'm sure you have seen articles or YouTubes on Lifting Technique.

A tough decision only you can make.

[spud]

Hi Patrick
I am thinking of a lighter bike. I read revues on 1995 to 2005 750 Magnas.
Google V4MuscleBike.com
They are 4 cylinders and the acceleration is good.
I am looking for one with low milage and good price.
As a further note I am 77 and go to the gym 3 times a week.
Spud

[George B]

to get rid of the Valk. I hate to do it and have said I never would.  I put it up for the winter in Nov 2015 and was unable to ride it last season. So I figured it was time to get it running and cleaned up. I flushed some fuel thru the system and it fired right up and runs great. I tried moving it around and over it went. I could not get it back and had to get help with it. So, if the monster decides to try and fall down and I'm unable to hold it up, then I guess its time for it to go to another home. And I'm going to the gym regularly and am getting some strength back, just not enough yet.

I have a sidecar on my '97 Valk. I am 65 and it opened up a whole new world.

[98valk]

excellent product to take. BCAAs cause an anabolic effect, increase strength and energy. I prefer this formulation. right now they have a buy one get second 50% off
https://www.vitacost.com/aro-vitacost-black-series-b-chained-bcaa-l-leucine-l-isoleucine-l-valine-200-capsules

this test formula also works well, but like most use for a couple of wks take wk off.
https://www.vitacost.com/aro-vitacost-black-series-testosterip-r-extreme

after 40 yrs old every one should be taking a digestive enzyme before meals and Betaine HCL which increases stomach acid one or two pills near end of meal to completely digest and assimilate the nutrients from each meal.

God Bless u Pat!!!

[solo1]

All good suggestions!  I too, agree that the Magna is a wise choice.  I had one but couldn't do with the feet forward idea.  The accelration was there though. I also had a Valk sidecar rig and just didn't like the non banking and the loss of acceleration. A rig is cheaper than a trike but has its own idiosyncrasys.  A trike is another choice but, again, no banking, wouldn't work for me.

The 1000 Vstrom was great, plenty of room for my bad knees and a smooth ride with 300 pounds less weight than the Valk. I dropped it once and it fell over with both wheels off the ground.  I couldn't lift it back up using the back up to it technique, my knees couldn't push.

That left me with the choice of four wheels with an 'In the wind" approach, the Miata, not the best choice but one that still keeps me in the wind with the enjoyment of shifting gears, a truly responsive curve straightener, and no worry about dropping it. It doesn't have the power of a Corvette but it doesn't have the price tag either.

A used decent Miata is one helluva lot cheaper than a trike and probably gets the same, or better fuel mileage. obviously it's not a motorcycle but it works for me.

[98valk]

All good suggestions!  I too, agree that the Magna is a wise choice.  I had one but couldn't do with the feet forward idea.  The accelration was there though. I also had a Valk sidecar rig and just didn't like the non banking and the loss of acceleration. A rig is cheaper than a trike but has its own idiosyncrasys.  A trike is another choice but, again, no banking, wouldn't work for me.

The 1000 Vstrom was great, plenty of room for my bad knees and a smooth ride with 300 pounds less weight than the Valk. I dropped it once and it fell over with both wheels off the ground.  I couldn't lift it back up using the back up to it technique, my knees couldn't push.

That left me with the choice of four wheels with an 'In the wind" approach, the Miata, not the best choice but one that still keeps me in the wind with the enjoyment of shifting gears, a truly responsive curve straightener, and no worry about dropping it. It doesn't have the power of a Corvette but it doesn't have the price tag either.

A used decent Miata is one helluva lot cheaper than a trike and probably gets the same, or better fuel mileage. obviously it's not a motorcycle but it works for me.

there is the Miata factory turbo models, Miata kits to install Ford 5.0 engine and then there is the https://www.factoryfive.com/  cars to buy or build.

[Patrick]

Yep, good suggestions.

I've always liked the old English Twins and the new Triumph Twins. I might start looking harder for something to make a cafe bike out of.

I find myself enjoying the old roadster more and more. The top is seldom up and there is no need for a helmet or sensible shoes.

I think it'll be too hard to let go of the Valk, I may have to have it bronzed and set on the TV.

[solo1]

there is the Miata factory turbo models, Miata kits to install Ford 5.0 engine and then there is the https://www.factoryfive.com/  cars to buy or build. Quote by 98 valk.

Yep, there are ways to make the Miata put out the horses. 6k plus bucks for a turbo including different computer software. I don't have the big bucks for that. My Miata does just fine with 142 hp and 2400 pound weight. Everything is standard except an intake kit (makes it growl) and I'm satisfied with that.

BTW, at 89 years of age I get along just fine without any supplements except a multivitamin and UCII.

[sandy]

Get a Sarasota Hyabusa. A 650 Burgman has lots of pep and you don't have to lift your leg over the seat.

[Willow]

When it's time it's time.  My personal opinion is that if one's strength has diminished to the point that he cannot effectively manage his motorcycle it's time to walk away.  Finding a lighter bike may indeed allow one to spend some more time in the wind but one has to wonder how much danger he is involving not only for himself but for others on the road.

Your decision.  Tough one to make.

[Patrick]

A friend recently had a 750 BMW [with a bastard sidecar] in a yard sale and wanted $1500 for it. He said he later sold it for a grand. I probably should have pursued it, but, didn't know at the time. That would have made a nice lite cafe bike I think.


Losing 80# and all your strength is a bitch. Its coming back but is taking time, so, its all good. Such is life.

I appreciate the responses.

[Leathel]

A very good friend has had several health issues and he too has lost a lot of weight and strength, he got a KLR650 as its so much lighter than his Goldwing but missed the smooth running so he got a bolt on kit similar to this

http://www.thetrikemanusa.com/Info.html

his bolted up well and a year later is seeing there maybe a point he may be able to remove it, It has meant his wife has been able to tag along still, not the same without the leaning but filled a need for him. The KLR he still has and uses more now as he gets stronger but his wife cannot join him on that.

[John Schmidt]

Well Pat, as Willow pointed out....it's a hard decision to make but it's yours to make. So far, I'm on the upside of the strength issue. After my hip replacement last November, I'm back to doing 300+ lbs. sets on the leg press. Figure that ain't too bad for a 79 yr. old. It does come back, just not real fast.

Hint: we aren't 25 anymore.    Good luck on whatever you decide.

[cookiedough]

having just bought a low mileage 97 magna for 1900,  it is a light bike and easier to get on/off, but if over say 5'10" with stock footpeg placement and/or heavier than say 225lbs., you will feel cramped on  it without alteration of stock seat (or having to get an expensive mustang seat) and/or forward footpeg controls.

the smooth POWER is there though very similar, if not faster 0 to 50mph,  than our Valks.  I personally think it is a tad bit too small in the saddle and footpeg placement for me being 5'10" and 285 with stock footpeg placement and stock seat.   

They are out there to be had readily available, give one a test spin and see what you think. 

A 250-650cc scooter is a good alternative as well.  I can out corner faster and tip/lean into a corner better on my 250cc scooter by far over our Valks, just coming out of the corner takes longer to get up to speed....

[Hook#3287]

I think it'll be too hard to let go of the Valk, I may have to have it bronzed and set on the TV.

If you don't need the space or the cash, I'd do this.

Just kidding on the bronze thing.

But, if she's not a bother, why get rid of her?  You never know, you might get back on her or decide the sidecar, trike may work.  That's my plan, when/if the day comes I can't hold them up.

A good friend of mine put a really nice looking side car on his HD and it's giving him a couple of extra years already.   He's slower than before, but not by much.  When we ride, he leads, so we go at his comfort zone, which ain't granny speed.

Probably not a solution for you, but when I Bobbed my Standard, I couldn't believe how much lighter she was/is.

Hate to see you give up, hope you don't.

[Patrick]

Well Pat, as Willow pointed out....it's a hard decision to make but it's yours to make. So far, I'm on the upside of the strength issue. After my hip replacement last November, I'm back to doing 300+ lbs. sets on the leg press. Figure that ain't too bad for a 79 yr. old. It does come back, just not real fast.

Hint: we aren't 25 anymore.    Good luck on whatever you decide.

Since I started getting better I've been visiting the gym regularly and I think its helping. Apparently not enough yet . I'm nowhere near using 300# and it showed earlier today.  The doctors are surprised at the quickness of my rebound, but, I sure ain't back yet.

[Patrick]

I think it'll be too hard to let go of the Valk, I may have to have it bronzed and set on the TV.

If you don't need the space or the cash, I'd do this.

Just kidding on the bronze thing.

But, if she's not a bother, why get rid of her?  You never know, you might get back on her or decide the sidecar, trike may work.  That's my plan, when/if the day comes I can't hold them up.

A good friend of mine put a really nice looking side car on his HD and it's giving him a couple of extra years already.   He's slower than before, but not by much.  When we ride, he leads, so we go at his comfort zone, which ain't granny speed.

Probably not a solution for you, but when I Bobbed my Standard, I couldn't believe how much lighter she was/is.

Hate to see you give up, hope you don't.

Yep, its gonna certainly be hard to give it up, maybe too hard. The kid is now lead crew chief for Husqvarna and I may give it to him or leave it to him.  It might be a little harder for him to get it home if its bronzed. 

[98valk]

another type of conversion
http://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/

[Patrick]

I guess I'll hold off on the bronze. The Kid has been living in S. California for some time but will be in Unadilla NY next month. He says he'll make sure there is room in one of their trailers for the Valk. I know he'll take good care of it.