Looking into a used Valk

Hey guys;

I'm new to the board and I'm the current owner of a 1999 Honda Shadow Spirit 1100. I've had the bike since new and I'm ready to step up to a bigger bike. I thought about the VTX (both 1300 and 1800), but after riding my father's GL1800, I'm hooked on the flat-6!;)

I've found a couple of 1999 Valkyrie standards with low miles and am pretty much ready to bite the bullet. However, I was curious if there was anything special I should look out for on a used Valk when doing my inspection, any indications of abuse or impending maintenance, etc.

As a side question, the GL1800 is F/I, but the Valkyrie's 1500 is Carbeurated, right? If this is the case, what special concerns (if any) are there with having six carbeurators and keeping them all in sync? Thanks!

I now own my second Valkyrie and have put approximately 70,000 miles on between the two.    I have never had or have I ever heard of a Valkyrie haveing carb sync problems.  They are almost trouble free bikes. I put 48,000 miles on my first 99 Valkyrie and the only thing I EVER did was I had to replace the starter switch at 30,000 miles.

Originally posted by Digger
I now own my second Valkyrie and have put approximately 70,000 miles on between the two.    I have never had or have I ever heard of a Valkyrie haveing carb sync problems.  They are almost trouble free bikes. I put 48,000 miles on my first 99 Valkyrie and the only thing I EVER did was I had to replace the starter switch at 30,000 miles.

Thanks for the reply. That's very good to hear! My Shadow is pretty much maintenance free (It's a Honda, after all;) ) and I didn't want to dump myself onto a bike that could possibly provide less riding time than my Shadow did. Thanks again!

[FLDave]

Welcome to the world of the Valks.  Sure hope you will become a frequent poster as lots of good information and great people willing to share.

The Valkyrie is really bulletproof.  Heard some reports as Digger reported of starter switch going out.  I have a 97 Tourer with approximately 50,000 miles and absolutely no problem.  Only other potential issue is making sure that your splines in the rear drive shaft are lubed up right.  A small number of people reported theirs were unusually dry the first time they changed tires.

Have fun!

I usually keep an eye on the fluid level for the rear drive shaft of my shadow, so that shouldn't be much of a problem. I guess I was mainly concerned with the complexity of having 6 carbs all synced up (there are 6, right?). However, I guess that's not even a concern, as well.  How's the stock seat and pillion? I replaced my Shadow's with a Mustang Saddle because the original was unbearable for long trips.

the stock seat has always been one of Honda's weak points.  I replaced my Valkyrie seat with a Mustang seat and just love it.  I got the Mustang seat with the back rest and it is invaluable on a long trip at my 54 yrs of age. Also the Kuryahyn? highway pegs are great too.

[FLDave]

everyone has different reactions.  I still have the stock seat on my 97 Tourer and have done many 400+ mile days with little butt discomfort.  But many others swear by the Mustang and many others by the Ultimate Seat.  
Article in Motorcycle Consumer News several months back look at the factors associated with a comfortable seat and showed that it really is an individual thing.

[Valker]

It is individual. I bought a 2000 model seat for my 98. I hated it. I was nearly in tears after 55 miles. I immediately went back to the stock seat. I have had many seats on it and now have one I really enjoy. My longest day on the stock seat was 750.

750 is a looooong day.  Hy hats off to ya..ha......on my recent trip to Colorado We left Houston and made Dalhardt by night and that was 680 miles.   I was worried about it as I had been haviing minor back problems before I left.   By the time I got to Dalhardt my back was in better shape than when I left.....goes to show ya......riding motorcyles is good for your health....ha

[Pistolchamp]

I also am on my second Valkyrie.  Both have been 2003 models, the first one left me in the parking lot of Home Depot in Boerne, Texas and she hasn't been back since... fickle woof!  Found another lover I guess.  She and I did 18,000 miles in six months.  Only problem, two sets of Dunlops and they were ready to replace again.

The new one seems to love me as much as I love her and has stayed home.  Over 17,200 miles so far without a glitch of any kind... except for being a tire eater of the first order.  8,151 on the first set and a little over 9,000 on the new Metzelers with the front one looking real good and the rear one showing some wear, but, not yet ready for replacement.  I shall join the dark side with a car tire when I replace it.

I checked the plugs at 12,000.  The factory recommends replacement at that time and I just put mine back they looked so good.  I have done the valve adjustment and none was needed... ditto for the carb sync, no adjustment required.  She runs better now than the day I got her.  Just did 126 miles this afternoon pulling a heavily loaded trailer and she just yawned.  

I ride a lot, nearly everyday and pull heavy trailers over hill and dale and this is the most totally bulletproof bike I've ever had.

I'm still on the stock seat.  I'm 5'9" at about 180 pounds and its just fine with me.  I often do 300-400 mile days... no big deal.  The highway pegs are a seriously good investment.  To me if there's no windshield, I don't wanna ride.  Saddlebags are worth the money and so is a trailer, if you travel a lot.