Murrgh's Valkyrie Project

[Murrgh]

Hey all, new here.

Had a deal I couldn't pass up on a 1998 Valkyrie this week. The second owner of, and the one I bought it off of, had painted it flat black to make it look like Sons of Anarchy... apart from that, it's in great mechanical shape. But for the price I couldn't let it get away. Only 23k miles on it.





The crappy paint job had lots of overspray on the chrome/plastic (this is just some of the damage):




The first thing I did was take off that seat that was on there and replace it with the factory one, as well as remove the fairing.

Before:


After:




It's been raining here in central Mississippi for the last week, so I haven't had much time outside to get to check her out... but here are some things I noticed:

• The lock for the seat doesn't work.... not sure how I'm going to get it back off. When I turn the key to the right, nothing happens and the seat is still stuck | Update: Cable wasn't tight enough. Figured out how to get it off
• Rear turn signals don't work, the wires were never terminated back to them when it was painted | Thanks Sandy for the help here!

• The speedometer and tachometer are zipped to the handle bars... Would like to get the OEM mounts somehow. Anyone know a part number? http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,99008.0.html | Update: Thanks again Sandy for the help here
• The exhaust was also painted with Rustoleum High Temp black paint from a can, then wrapped (poorly)
• Original Color was Yellow/White

I would like to end up bringing her to somewhat stock. Try and remove as much of this black that I can, eventually getting a paint job too.


A little about me:
I learned to ride of my Uncles restored 1975 Naked GoldWing. I've always had my eye on a Valkyrie since I learned about them and got the chance on this one. I have a feeling that I made out with this because of the paint job on it... but I can't complain! I'll probably keep her naked as well, I just like the way it looks. I'm located in central Mississippi and will be riding her every chance I get!


----------------------------

Decided to turn this into my build thread. I've got some time this weekend, here is my list of things that need to be fixed:

• Fix Gauge Lights
• Remount Tachometer
• Replace Exhaust Tips
• Finish Getting Overspray off
• Replace Taillight Assembly
• Rebuild Petcock
• Get rust out of spark plug holes
• Unclog Drain Holes
• Clean starter assembly

Also took these last weekend:

[baird4444]

Welcome to this qwazey group from the Western Slope of Colorado!!  check out the tech pages
as there is a ton of info to be copied.....     
where ya at?

I'm betting you've got the fastest "Rat Bike" around. Some of the purist
may think it's an abomination but I kinda like it!

don't be afraid to ask for help, especially with things like tires or oil....
           - Mike

[DirtyDan]

Welcome aboard

Best bike ever made

Dan

[Jess from VA]

Welcome.

A rat rod is OK. 

But I'd have to have a real seat (for anything over a half mile).

[Hooter]

Welcome. Where you located, profile doesn't say? Little elbow grease will help...How's it run? That many miles not much run time.... Run some good gas through it and dump a half can of Sea Foam or the additive of your choice through it.

If he didn't sand it b4 he rattle canned it you may be able to pull it down and wheel it out? Congrats on the find and rescue of a good bike.

[Ramie]

Welcome, what are your plans for it?

[Gavin_Sons]

cool looking bike but that seat would have to find its way to the trash. I think a corbin gunfighter seat would look nice on it if you are going to keep the rat bike look.

[Hook#3287]

I like it.    (except the seat)

You could go the other way and black out the rest

You could use this stuff and if it didn't work for you, peel it off.

https://plastidip.com/our-products/plasti-dip/

I've used it on my bobber and after it cures, it's pretty durable.

Welcome to the board.

[Murrgh]

Welcome to this qwazey group from the Western Slope of Colorado!!  check out the tech pages
as there is a ton of info to be copied.....     
where ya at?

I'm betting you've got the fastest "Rat Bike" around. Some of the purist
may think it's an abomination but I kinda like it!

don't be afraid to ask for help, especially with things like tires or oil....
           - Mike

Thanks! I'll be asking lots of questions. Updated the original post with some...

Also, central Mississippi!

Welcome, what are your plans for it?

Bring her back to stock first, then do some tasteful mods to it.

Welcome. Where you located, profile doesn't say? Little elbow grease will help...How's it run? That many miles not much run time.... Run some good gas through it and dump a half can of Sea Foam or the additive of your choice through it.

If he didn't sand it b4 he rattle canned it you may be able to pull it down and wheel it out? Congrats on the find and rescue of a good bike.

I've actually only taken her out once because it's been raining so much here. I wanted to wait until it was dry to test her out, but I couldn't resist. Runs great as far as I can tell.

Welcome.

A rat rod is OK. 

But I'd have to have a real seat (for anything over a half mile).

Yeah I'm 6ft 3in, 220lbs. That seat felt like a thong to me, was no way I was keeping that on. First thing I replaced.

Welcome aboard

Best bike ever made

Dan

Thanks! I completely agree.

cool looking bike but that seat would have to find its way to the trash. I think a corbin gunfighter seat would look nice on it if you are going to keep the rat bike look.

Yeah seat is in the trash. No questions about that one.

I like it.    (except the seat)

You could go the other way and black out the rest

You could use this stuff and if it didn't work for you, peel it off.

https://plastidip.com/our-products/plasti-dip/

I've used it on my bobber and after it cures, it's pretty durable.

Welcome to the board.

Hah, yeah, I actually don't mind that it's blacked out... It's just that it was done so poorly. I've used Plati-dip on my CR-Z before and am familiar with it. Not a bad way to go.

[Hook#3287]

The lock for the seat doesn't work.... not sure how I'm going to get it back off. When I turn the key to the right, nothing happens and the seat is still stuck

You'll have to remove the side and middle covers to get at the lock mechanism.  There's a cable going from the lock to the latch that is probably not attached.

Rear turn signals don't work, the wires were never terminated back to them when it was painted

Obviously, you'll have to re-wire or get a new/used harness.


The speedometer and tachometer are zipped to the handle bars... Would like to get the OEM mounts somehow. Anyone know a part number?

Check e-bay

https://www.ebay.com/sch/6000/i.html?_nkw=honda+valkyrie&_sc=1&_sop=3&_sticky=1&_rdc=1

or

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/meter


The exhaust was also painted with Rustoleum High Temp black paint from a can, then wrapped (poorly)

Used exhaust systems are here in classified or on e-bay.
Original Color was Yellow/White

[Hook#3287]

Yeah I'm 6ft 3in, 220lbs. That seat felt like a thong to me, was no way I was keeping that on. First thing I replaced.

 

But, now I'm thinking, how do you know what a thong feels like?

 

[Murrgh]

The lock for the seat doesn't work.... not sure how I'm going to get it back off. When I turn the key to the right, nothing happens and the seat is still stuck

You'll have to remove the side and middle covers to get at the lock mechanism.  There's a cable going from the lock to the latch that is probably not attached.

Rear turn signals don't work, the wires were never terminated back to them when it was painted

Obviously, you'll have to re-wire or get a new/used harness.


The speedometer and tachometer are zipped to the handle bars... Would like to get the OEM mounts somehow. Anyone know a part number?

Check e-bay

https://www.ebay.com/sch/6000/i.html?_nkw=honda+valkyrie&_sc=1&_sop=3&_sticky=1&_rdc=1

or

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/meter


The exhaust was also painted with Rustoleum High Temp black paint from a can, then wrapped (poorly)

Used exhaust systems are here in classified or on e-bay.
Original Color was Yellow/White

Does item 7 look right for the harness?

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500c-a-valkyrie/wire-harness

Yeah I'm 6ft 3in, 220lbs. That seat felt like a thong to me, was no way I was keeping that on. First thing I replaced.

 

But, now I'm thinking, how do you know what a thong feels like?

 

Hah, I just assumed...

The guy who I bought it from was 6ft 5in and said that was the most comfortable seat ever... not sure what he was into

[Hook#3287]

Does item 7 look right for the harness?

Yeah, it does.  Is #6 still on the bike?

[bill-jr]

I would ask for parts here before paying top dollar from paryzilla or ebay ....

[Hook#3287]

I would ask for parts here before paying top dollar from paryzilla or ebay ....

Good advice.  Make a list and post it in classified, there's alot of parts sitting on the shelfs of guys that will help.

[Murrgh]

Does item 7 look right for the harness?

Yeah, it does.  Is #6 still on the bike?

It is, not sure how the connections terminate to the rear turn signals... wanted to do some research before I decided to take it apart. Picture is above... the wires shown are coming from the current harness. I wasn't sure if there was supposed to be any connectors on the ends of them.

I would ask for parts here before paying top dollar from paryzilla or ebay ....

Good advice.  Make a list and post it in classified, there's alot of parts sitting on the shelfs of guys that will help.

Thanks! I plan on it. Just wanted to see what I needed first... I have a feeling I'll be asking for a lot of parts over the next few weeks. If only I could convince the sun to come out...

[Hook#3287]

I believe the turn signals have the standard male/female push connectors.

If it were my project, I'd get #6 & 7 new for under $20.00.

[pocket aces]

Cool find! Gotta ask what was the price that you could not pass up?
Have fun with your project.

[Murrgh]

Cool find! Gotta ask what was the price that you could not pass up?
Have with your project.

He was asking $2500, I offered $1500 just to see his response. He came back with $1850. So:

$1850 out the door. Title and numbers matched up. Got the stock seat as well.

Effectively I paid $1200... I had a Honda XL 185 that was given to me that I sold for $750 the day before I took her home

[pocket aces]

  Now thats how you wheel n deal! Way to go!! Nice find.

[Murrgh]

Now thats how you wheel n deal! Way to go!! Nice find.

Thanks! Easily one of the more proud moments in my life.

[Ken Tarver]

Murrgh,

I'm in Olive Branch MS. Have a digisync and tire changer, but it is 150 miles

good score you got...I like rat bikes/cars, sort of LOL

Ken

[Roidfingers]

I think you got that out of Tuscaloosa, where I live. I've done all my own maintenance. Rearend , carbs, desmog etc... If you need some help then we only 45 minutes away.

PS. ROLL TIDE !  

[Roidfingers]

Here's a schematic for rear lights.

[Murrgh]

I think you got that out of Tuscaloosa, where I live. I've done all my own maintenance. Rearend , carbs, desmog etc... If you need some help then we only 45 minutes away.

PS. ROLL TIDE !  

Hah, yeah, I actually did. Small world. Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about her, but this weather is really hindering that.

*cough* Hail State *cough*

Here's a schematic for rear lights.

Thanks! Going to probably pull out the rear end do this tomorrow.

[Red Diamond]

Nice buy at that price, install lower fork guards or you will soon be installing fork seals. From your posts, it appear that you are quite happy with your purchase.

Now for the unsolicited advice. It looks like crap, at that price you should make it look like it is suppose to look. Valkyries are beautiful bikes, I guess I’m purist.

[RDKLL]

Roidfingers, I love your back tire LOL

Great find at what looks sounds like a great price! Make it your own! Mine started out as a Tourer and I have made it mine and love it...I love my KTM but the Valk will always be my cool bike...

[Roidfingers]

Roidfingers, I love your back tire LOL

Great find at what looks sounds like a great price! Make it your own! Mine started out as a Tourer and I have made it mine and love it...I love my KTM but the Valk will always be my cool bike...

RDKILL, you turned me on to it. I love the grip. You need to go ahead and commit to cutting your fender struts. Also I got these mirrors to replace OEM. Heavy duty and look good with the chop.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Mirrors-Davidson-Sportster-Softail/dp/B00RW3PUU8/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1515877968&sr=8-14&keywords=motorcycle+mirrors

Also come in black.

[Pappy!]

Am betting the previous owner was somewhat younger. They all seem to like to paint stuff flat black then have their buddies go....."Dude, that's sick!!" Translation....that's really cool when in reality it looks like the North end of a southbound horse. You may luck out and find the paint job was done with Plastidip and have it come off very easy. Google it and see how easy it is to remove and see how lucky you are.
Other than that....great buy!!

[Murrgh]

Am betting the previous owner was somewhat younger. They all seem to like to paint stuff flat black then have their buddies go....."Dude, that's sick!!" Translation....that's really cool when in reality it looks like the North end of a southbound horse. You may luck out and find the paint job was done with Plastidip and have it come off very easy. Google it and see how easy it is to remove and see how lucky you are.
Other than that....great buy!!

Unfortunately it's a spray can black paint. I plan on taking her to get repainted at some point... probably this summer. I've decided to put her under a cover until it warms up in the next few weeks. It's killing me to do that but I don't really have a choice between the rain/snow.

[BudMan]

Welcome aboard!
Are you at State? I graduated from there in '73. I've only been back a couple of times since then.
Tennessee and Mississippi are still, and will always be, home for me. Next time I'm at the old homestead in Arkabutla MS I'll try to run down your way. Interested in seeing what you can do with that bike!
Nice find.

[Ken Tarver]

BudMan....so home is Arkabutla 
I’m just up the road in Olive Branch

Ken

[Rams]

OH MAN, you've got your own fire truck!!!   Always wanted one, don't know why, I just love fire trucks!!!!

Rams

[Murrgh]

Welcome aboard!
Are you at State? I graduated from there in '73. I've only been back a couple of times since then.
Tennessee and Mississippi are still, and will always be, home for me. Next time I'm at the old homestead in Arkabutla MS I'll try to run down your way. Interested in seeing what you can do with that bike!
Nice find.

Yeah, I'm a senior in Electrical Engineering. My parents graduated from here in the early 80's, as well as the rest of my extended family. Feel free to let me know whenever you're around, Oby's (I'm assuming this was around when you were here, it was in the late 70's) is just around the corner.

[BudMan]

BudMan....so home is Arkabutla 
I’m just up the road in Olive Branch

Ken

I graduated from high school at Whitehaven TN in Shelby County. Lots of my classmates now live in Olive Branch. Most everyone moved out of Memphis to Germantown or Olive Branch it seems like.
I wound up in Oklahoma after the Air Force and just kind of never left.
It's a good place to ramble about the US from!

[BudMan]

Welcome aboard!
Are you at State? I graduated from there in '73. I've only been back a couple of times since then.
Tennessee and Mississippi are still, and will always be, home for me. Next time I'm at the old homestead in Arkabutla MS I'll try to run down your way. Interested in seeing what you can do with that bike!
Nice find.

Yeah, I'm a senior in Electrical Engineering. My parents graduated from here in the early 80's, as well as the rest of my extended family. Feel free to let me know whenever you're around, Oby's (I'm assuming this was around when you were here, it was in the late 70's) is just around the corner.

I don't know Obys, Crossroads and Len Lew's were the main places in my day. I understand Len Lew's burned down in 74 or 75.

[SpidyJ]

Man what a great find.  We could have fun with this build.
 Keep the pix coming!!
 

[Hooter]

OH MAN, you've got your own fire truck!!!   Always wanted one, don't know why, I just love fire trucks!!!!

Rams

I had 19 fire trucks all to myself when I was working. That's why I never have owned a red personal vehicle I suppose.     

[Murrgh]

Welcome aboard!
Are you at State? I graduated from there in '73. I've only been back a couple of times since then.
Tennessee and Mississippi are still, and will always be, home for me. Next time I'm at the old homestead in Arkabutla MS I'll try to run down your way. Interested in seeing what you can do with that bike!
Nice find.

Yeah, I'm a senior in Electrical Engineering. My parents graduated from here in the early 80's, as well as the rest of my extended family. Feel free to let me know whenever you're around, Oby's (I'm assuming this was around when you were here, it was in the late 70's) is just around the corner.

I don't know Obys, Crossroads and Len Lew's were the main places in my day. I understand Len Lew's burned down in 74 or 75.

Ah yeah, Not familiar with those. Still not much to eat around here.

Bike wouldn't start this morning... starter assembly was stuck. Going to have to clean it

[houstone]

You might try some bronze wool on the headlight bucket overspray.  That stuff works magic on chrome!  Nice find, thanks for giving it another chance!
Jeff