I too am new

[drexpat]

I just picked up a 99 standard.  I have been interested in the Valkyrie for a while but I like my 750 so much that I haven't made the leap.  After a trip to Victoria BC with my wife we realized the zr7 just wasn't for two people.  Any way that is my story.  I put on about 200 miles last night stopping to fuel up at 93 miles (just in case) and after going steady 75 mph got 31 mpg.  is this normal?  It has been sitting for the better part of two years, most of its life actually it only has 14000 miles, so I thought with a good carb clean and sync it might improve.  Also the seller couldn't tell me where the air cleaner is nor does the manual.  I am guessing it might be in need of work.  Is it under the tank?

[Dag]

Hi drexpat,

The Valkyrie has it all - long distance touring capability - excellent handling – smooth -  vibration free - and awesome power. .
and it looks like a motorcycle, it oozes presence

Someone else will have to answer your gasoline consumption question.
You will find the air cleanr under the tank.
Download a unique version of the Valkyrie 1520 Service Manual on my web site: http://www.valkyrienorway.com/

[jgcable]

welcome.... 35mpg is the average around here. The air filter is under the tank. You need to remove the forward bolt. Make sure you are careful of the vent and fuel lines and the petcock below.

[MP]

Welcome to the VOAI board.  Congrats on your purchase!  Please join the VOAI as a member, it is a great group to belong to.  Look forward to meeting you at a ride in.  Next years reunion will be in the east, maybe in WV.
Hopefully you can make it.
As Dag said, the air cleaner is under the tank.  Consider purchasing a Honda Service manual.  Do a search on the board for other info. I have a 97 standard.  When I run long trips at 80-85, I get 24-25mpg.  Slowing down, running twisties, etc, get 34-35.  Others get up to 40.  So, running at 75 and getting 35mpg, I would consider good.  Most is controlled by your right wrist.  Lots of power, and 6, repeat 6, thirsty carbs, just waiting to swallow that gas if you want!
MP

[Valker]

Agree with the other posters. I get about 31-32 at the same 75-80 mph. You CAN get in the 40s, but you have to stay a bit under the speed limits to do it. No one keeps one of these for the mileage.
My carbs have never needed synchronized in 104,000.

[Sludge]

Welcome to the forums. 

As others have said, 33mpg was what I got when mine was still stock.  I think thats a reasonable expectation.

[mrflamewerks]

Welcome aboard.

You mention a trip to Victoria. Do you reside in Canada or further south?

[drexpat]

Thank you for the feedback.  The milage question was to make sure a bike that has sat for a long time is working correctly. I live in eastern Washington so there a lot of roads where I see speed limit twice- going up and coming down. 
It seems to have a surge at lower speeds 25-35 mph hence the carb sync idea.

I appreciate the service manual link

[j2x]

Ha!  A ZR7 was the bike that I moved to the Valk from, too.  Great bike, but definitely not 2-up worthy.

[ohblackwater]

Welcome friend and congratulations on your new bike!  You're going to LOVE it!

[TrickyD]

Welcome to the Wonderful world of VALKYRIES!!!!  This is a fantastic forum for all your questions and concerns. We sponsor terrific ride-ins during the year. Sure hope you will join us. Looking forward 2 meeting you.     TrickyD & Kathy

[TAZ]

Greetings and Welcome to the VOAI Forum board.   As MP mentioned please consider joining the VOAI and being a full member of the Best Valkyrie Club around.  Information and application can be found on the Home Page which is at      www.valkyrie-owners.com      then look on the left side for member info.  We have a great group of folks here and everyone is more than willing to assist you in your journey with your new purchase of one of the best bikes made.  Don't be shy, get those questions rolling.  Getting a Honda Service Manual is like the bible, you just have to have one and it will explain everything, however, folks have found short cuts to doing things and that helps alot in time saved and frustration.  Alot of us that have been members for a long time have worked on all kinds of things on our Valks and can give you tips on what to do or what not to do.

As for your carbs, go to your local auto parts store and get a couple cans of SEAFOAM which is an excellent carb/fuel system cleaner, normally runs around 7.00 a can, well worth it.  You might have to shop around for it but you will find it.  Menards, Auto Advance, Wal-Mart, etc should carry it.  Run half a can through the next couple of fill ups and you should notice a difference in how the ole gal runs as it cleans everything up real nice.

Good Luck and again Welcome to the Valkyrie World and the VOAI.

TAZ

[drexpat]

I put seafoam in the first day and after almost 500 miles it is running much better.  I also went around with a wrench and found a fair bit of loose stuff ie header nuts, case guard etc.  It makes sense I guess that if he didn't know where the air cleaner was he didn't go around & check things much either. 
I will say that it takes different muscles to ride the Valk. It corners much better than I expected and if I stay steady at 3000 rpm I can squeak 140 miles to a tank although getting passed by a Dodge Neon makes me wonder if it is worth it for the mileage.  I hope to put a couple hundred more miles on tonight and tomorrow, the more I ride it the more I like it.

[jj_WA]

Welcome, Drexpat!

As you're already finding out, the Valk is the surprise of this century and last!  I've run both Seafoam and Marvel Mystery Oil through my Interstate and have noticed a significant difference in the idle and running.  I think you'll quickly fall into love with her.

Enjoy the ride!

--jj_WA--
(on the west side of the mountains)

[Javi232]

Welcome, I know you will enjoy her.. she will take care of you..