1998 Valkyrie

[Apinkston]

Hello,
I already got this bike introduced a little bit on another thread, but since I finally got some pics of it I figured it’s time for its own thread here.
I picked up this bike yesterday, and have it stored at a friends house to work on it since he has acreage. Got it for a steal of a deal and am hoping to bring it back to life quickly compared to my other projects. However this bike is 20 years newer than any bike I’ve ever worked on so even without having dove into it I know it’s a very different machine.
Just by watching videos I knew this bike was big but I had no clue until I finally saw it and sat on it. This thing is HUGE and I love it, even without moving on its own power I can feel how the weight is well distributed on it and it doesn’t feel too heavy unlike some bigger Harley’s can feel. This is easily the cleanest and most put together project I’ve had and I’m ecstatic at the fact that it has a title. Without further ado, here are the pics that I was able to get tonight.

[Fred Camper]

Beautiful Ike for sure. Looking forward to your repair.

[wingrider]

Nice looking project! With 73,xxx miles on it, it has done a bit of riding at some point. They are not any harder to work on then the earlier Wings, just a slight bit different on a couple things. Guessing it will be running in no time.

[sgwilly]

If you think just sitting on it is nice, you're gonna love when it surges forward at just about any speed or rpm with a flick of the wrist.

[Apinkston]

Ha ha, I’m sure once I feel the throttle on it it’ll be another surprise. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not going to be able to do any actual work to it until this weekend, so in the meantime I gotta find shop manuals and wiring diagrams along with good parts dealers

[sgwilly]

I tend to use Partzilla for the consumables on the Valk. They land pretty soon after ordering.

[Lucien Harpress]

If I wasn't planning on modifying mine, I was planning on looking for a purple Valk. So the color is fantastic.

They really are fantastic bikes. If not for the gas mileage (which, to be frank, is pretty poor), they would be pretty much perfect. The roll-on power is incredible, but on the other hand it's a special feeling rolling down the freeway at 80 and the bike just.... doesn't care.

Be aware that, depending on the part, replacements can be pricey and/or surprisingly hard to find. From what I can tell, everything looks like it's there, so you're ahead there. I can't see the center section of the sidecovers, which might be a bit of a bugbear, but other stuff (like the blinkers) are pretty easy to get.

Good luck with the project!

[Apinkston]

Thanks everyone, work got cancelled for tomorrow due to rain so I’ll most likely get some time to work on this tomorrow. I don’t have keys yet, PO misplaced them and hasn’t found em yet, so I was wondering how to Hotwire. Worst case I can buy a new ignition, but without original keys I’m still locked out of the gas tank

[digger]

I always loved the look of the Valkyrie. Looks like a great project you have and it will be very rewarding. I don’t have one yet, but someday planning on it. I have ridden a couple and really loved the handling and power. I’ve got a feeling that you will enjoy everything about this project.

[wingrider]

Thanks everyone, work got cancelled for tomorrow due to rain so I’ll most likely get some time to work on this tomorrow. I don’t have keys yet, PO misplaced them and hasn’t found em yet, so I was wondering how to Hotwire. Worst case I can buy a new ignition, but without original keys I’m still locked out of the gas tank

You "should" be able to pull the ignition switch, and get the code off of it to make a key, that is the cheapest route. That key should also fit the gas cap provided everything is original to the bike. I can send you an electronic version of a manual if you would like.

[Apinkston]

I had no idea I could just take the ignition to a locksmith for that, I’ll give it a shot. I appreciate the offer but sgwilly already sent me a shop manual yesterday. I was looking over it yesterday and I think for today I can get away with disconnecting the ignition and the kill switch controls and bridging the connections to simulate the ignition on, kill switch on, and starter push functions. That’ll help me pinpoint where the electrical issue lies

[Apinkston]

Using my truck to power the system from the battery connectors I got power to the system. Pulled the ignition to get a new key and hot wired the connector for it. Now I got a neutral light, an oil pressure light, and a high beam light. Still plenty of stuff unplugged in the front but that all seems like lights. When I push the start button the headlight dims but nothing else happens. Tells me the button still works and that there’s something else in line preventing that button from turning the starter. I need to get a new multimeter to really test everything but I might need a new ICM. Just a hunch though

[Fred Camper]

Sounds like a dirty starter solenoid. Often a tap with a small hammer with break it loose.

[Apinkston]

So I have 3 of those. PO had extras but they all look like garbage so I think they’re all busted. Found some online for a couple bucks. Will be ordering one of those soon. I can run the starter if I jump directly to the power wire so I know starter works. Not too sure where else to go before I get a multimeter and new electrical components. Kinda want to rip the carbs and air box out so I can see more clearly through and make sure everything is connected properly but that can be for another day

[Easter]

If I wasn't planning on modifying mine, I was planning on looking for a purple Valk. So the color is fantastic.

Sorry to hijack the thread but the opportunity is just too good! As I mentioned to Sunbob on his thread, I once owned a purple and green Valk. (looks almost blue in the photo but it was really more purple) Needless to say it got painted, among other things.