New 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate Motor Trike Owner (Almost)

[Tynker]

Thanks for the tip on the seat. Stock one sucks for long rides. I have a VT1100 with a Musang seat. Makes a big difference.

https://ultimateseats.ca/honda-motor...terstate-seats

[Tazman11]

Thanks for the option. When I first heard that VTXteme was not dependable on stated leadtimes, I told him what I had heard. He assured me that I could hold him to the leadtimes. I absolutely hate dealing with liars, cheats, and thieves. I hope that I can hold him to his word and that I won’t be disappointed but I do appreciate your warnings. I will contact your supplier and see what they can deliver and I appreciate it greatly.

When I was in business our simple MO was “ UNDER PROMISE AND OVER DELIVER”

I am planning to keep my order with him after hearing so many positives about the quality of products and his helpful service and attitude. Overall he seems to have a great reputation and nothing in my experience calls that into question. I pray that his estimated lead times are accurate and that this is a positive experience. Thus far, it has been a pleasure to work with him although a couple of comments do give me pause.

[Tazman11]

The trike needed new shoes after 22 years. I replaced the tires with what were on it, BFGoodrich TA Radials. I have used the tires on other vehicles and found them to work well. The rear brake was really spongy feeling and pulled to the left so I pumped new Dot4 fluid through both sides. Definitely needed to be changed, also 22 years old. Ended up taking the left brake apart although all looked fine after reassembly. Bled the brakes a second time as there was a lot of air and guck in the system. Used a full can of brake fluid.

Reinstalled the wheels, torqued the lug nuts. Set the tire pressure to 25 lbs and filled the empty airbags to 25 lbs also. Took it for a nice test ride. WHAT A BIG DIFFERENCE. BRAKES WORKED PERFECTLY. RIDE WAS SMOOTH. PERFECT.

Tomorrow I’m going to mount and replace the front tire, change the brake fluid, load in the beads for balance. Never used balance beads before but it seems like all the cool kids are using them.

I ordered a lift to make working on the trike less painful. Once I have it installed I will change the timing belt, plugs, adjust valves, change the oil, change the clutch fluid, sync the carbs, etc., etc.

[trikeman]

Most all TT “cool kids” run 22 lbs in rear tires.

[Tazman11]

I run it at 25 because my wife rides with me most of the time. My plan is to adjust as needed. My understanding is Motor Trike recommends for the front tire what ever the tire manufacture recommends. I thought that this might have been for liability reasons, directed by their lawyers. What do you guys/gals do?

[trikeman]

The rear tires on your trike are automotive tires designed to carry the weight of a 4k- 5k lb automobile at 32 lbs. Your trike with you, wife and luggage is less than 1500 lbs. Do a visual comparison of the side walls at 22 lbs in your trike and your automobile at 32lbs and you will see more sidewall compression on the automobile. Do you put more air in your automobile when your wife rides with you in it? Probably not..... but if you feel safer at 25 lbs in rear trike tires, ride and enjoy. Not trying to dictate, just had years of trike riding and get the best ride at 22 lbs in rear tires and after approximately 300k miles on trike have never had a tire failure. Good luck and happy trails. Keep us posted and we love pics of your rides.

[trikeman]

Forgot to address your question about front tire air pressure. Some on TT run factory recommended pressure on front tire. I think a greater percentage run a few lbs less. I run the BattlAx 45 reverse rotation at 38 lbs. Seems to be the sweet spot on my 1500 Goldwing Motor Trike Good luck and ride safe.

Just a thought..... you take the time to ride,adjust,ride,adjust 1 up and 2 up and that’s the best way to determine what’s the best setup for you and your wife.

l check and maintain the same air pressure on the tires yr round, but I adjust the air bags depending on weight/pulling a trailer/and how aggressive I’m riding on the curvy roads.

Sorry for the speech. Enjoy your fantastic ride.

[Tazman11]

Thanks Trikeman. Your suggestions and comments are appreciated. I’m new to this game and I appreciate being pointed in the right direction. I have gotten so much good advice on getting this trike set up here, experience is invaluable and I appreciate it being shared.

on to replacing the front tire. I’m going to try using zip ties after seeing the technique on YouTube. I do have irons if needed. Wish me luck.

[trikeman]

Sounds like you enjoy working on your trike as much as riding it 👍🏼

[Tazman11]

I got the new front tire on. Getting the old one off was a bitch. Finally used my die grinder and cut the wire. Came right off although I felt quilt for the short cut. New Michelin Commander II put on reverse. I used zip ties and a little dish soap and it went on surprisingly easy. Thanks to You tube for letting me know about this easy trick. I was going to replace the front bearings but decided to wait for my lift and winter to tackle that. With new shoes on, the suspension adjusted and the rear brake working well, I can finish the riding season with confidence. I do plan on going back to take care of things properly when the temps drop.

in the meantime, I’m going to get my shop in place. Ordered a new Dewalt compressor to replace my 35 year old and worn out one. Pluming for air will be fun. Two hose reels, one for tire air and one for tools. Also, I need a line for the ramp. Another outlet for a spare line of 25’ should complete air needs.

The ramp should be delivered in a couple weeks and that will greatly improve the quality of my time working on the trike. No more bending down and working on the ground. I have a terrible back and this really was not a luxury. I’m going to upgrade the 15 year old lighting. Probably just new bulbs. Winter will be here in a couple months.

[trikeman]

Now you need a long weekend of riding.

[Tazman11]

The rear tires on your trike are automotive tires designed to carry the weight of a 4k- 5k lb automobile at 32 lbs. Your trike with you, wife and luggage is less than 1500 lbs. Do a visual comparison of the side walls at 22 lbs in your trike and your automobile at 32lbs and you will see more sidewall compression on the automobile. Do you put more air in your automobile when your wife rides with you in it? Probably not..... but if you feel safer at 25 lbs in rear trike tires, ride and enjoy. Not trying to dictate, just had years of trike riding and get the best ride at 22 lbs in rear tires and after approximately 300k miles on trike have never had a tire failure. Good luck and happy trails. Keep us posted and we love pics of your rides.

I adjusted the rear tires to 21 lbs, the air bags to 16 lbs, and the front to 35. Ride improved to the point that I am satisfied. My son, dropped my helmet while testing out the trike and damaged it, besides it was 17 years old. I ordered two new helmets from Revzilla. Should increase comfort and safety plus they match the trike.



Wednesday we are going up to the town of Crouch Idaho for lunch. All work and no play ….

[cScjhb]

I adjusted the rear tires to 21 lbs, the air bags to 16 lbs, and the front to 35. Ride improved to the point that I am satisfied. My son, dropped my helmet while testing out the trike and damaged it, besides it was 17 years old. I ordered two new helmets from Revzilla. Should increase comfort and safety plus they match the trike.



Wednesday we are going up to the town of Crouch Idaho for lunch. All work and no play ….

The Banks-Lowman road is a beautiful ride. Enjoy..... Jim

[trikeman]

[Tazman11]

The Banks-Lowman road is a beautiful ride. Enjoy..... Jim

The Banks/Lowman road is a gateway to some beautiful country. I would love to do a loop over to Stanley, Ketchum, Sun Valley, Craters of the moon. Redfish Lake would be a beautiful place to spend the night.

[LadyonaMission]

When I went to Craters of the Moon we also went to Twin Falls, Idaho. It was an awesome adventure.

[Tazman11]

Just received my new lift. I bought a A Plus MT1500X lift. https://www.apluslift.com/collection...e-lift-mt1500x I found a lot of positive feedback, an affordable price, and a reasonable delivery time. I put it together tonight and feel really positive about the product and the improved quality of my time spent working on the trike, ATV, and my bike / bikes. Like most things, the instructions could be improved but it went together fairly well. I will be installing my new DeWalt Air Compressor and plumbing my shop for air delivery over the weekend, assuming the parts and pieces are delivered as promised. My old compressor is worn out after 35 years of projects and considering it’s entry level price, I got my money’s worth. Same with the Impact Wrench, Air Ratchet, Butterfly, and Die Grinder have all been replaced. My son will be receiving my old setup gladly. Also received two new helmets, replacing my 17 year old ones. RevZilla had a decent price on a nice matching set. Seems like Christmas has come early this year.

Thursday a neighbor and I are heading to Crouch Idaho for a lunch trip. He has a Can Am Trike. We are taking our wives for a 4 hour ride and lunch at his favorite dining spot. The drive is a beautiful trip through Idaho’s mountains. I figure we have 6 weeks left of riding before the weather turns to Winter. Generally Halloween brings our first snow/cold weather.

When winter arrives, the work begins. Rake, desmog, carbs, timing belts, plugs, etc are some of the first projects to tackle.

[trikeman]

Enjoy the ride

[cScjhb]

The Banks/Lowman road is a gateway to some beautiful country. I would love to do a loop over to Stanley, Ketchum, Sun Valley, Craters of the moon. Redfish Lake would be a beautiful place to spend the night.

I did that exact ride 3 years ago. Awesome!!!!! Idaho has become one of my favorite states for touring..... Jim

[Tazman11]

I found the Trike I bought while I was looking for a Valkyrie bike. I have always loved the looks of all the chrome and having 6 cylinders of American made power. One night this week I looked at every Craigslist ad and all the cycle trader ads sowing Valkyries for sale. I now have a good idea of what is available and what prices are. Coming in to winter, straw hats are on sale.

I made a call on one of the two bikes I was interest in and had a great conversation with the seller. Ended up ….I bought a 1999 Valkyrie. WHY: from the original owner, 13000 miles, and only 450 miles away. His wife and kids bought it for him to celebrate his 50th birthday. Always garaged, all original, and driven by an old guy like me. He clinched the deal when he lowered his price by 30%. I am ready stoked to have a bike ad a trike to work on this winter.

My neighbor is going to fly me out tomorrow so I can drive it home. Should be home by sunset with my new (to me baby.) The seller is going to meet me at the airport so I should have a quick transaction with a wonderful guy.



I do realize this has nothing to do with trikes except for the adventure that I am on. He who dies with the most toys wins.