I need an opinion!

[rmrc51]

I have a Valkyrie Standard Trike.

I'm considering putting an Interstate gas tank on her which will increase her fuel capacity by almost another 2 gallons and also add a fuel gauge.

Although I have no intentions of every selling this Valk, do any of you feel that this kind of upgrade will increase the value of the trike?

The reason I ask is because of how much this is costing!
1. The tank itself
2. Paint job
3. Altering the Ultimate seat
4. Cost of gauge & fuel sender.

Looking for opinions.

 

[Trikerjim]

Hey Rich, Sounds good to me IF you're sure that your gonna keep her. I think most will agree that when you go to sell a used bike/trike, that someone will be looking for the "package" that you have to sell. I sold a GL-1500 bike, and the guy came 600 miles because he said that it was THE ONE he was looking for. All accessories or upgrades lose value and some people want as close to stock as possible, so it will really depend on what that "certain" person wants. If I were you, and know you're gonna keep and ride it, I'd go for it and enjoy....Good luck...

 

[John Luciano]

Like they say Opinion are like , WELL u know, every one has one. If it comes out looking nice I would think it would enhance the bike. It is in fact an improvement. What will it look like I can't even imagine . Post pictures of the two different tanks, What is the cost?

 

[rmrc51]

Like they say Opinion are like , WELL u know, every one has one. If it comes out looking nice I would think it would enhance the bike. It is in fact an improvement. What will it look like I can't even imagine . Post pictures of the two different tanks, What is the cost?

You can hardly tell the different by looking at the tank except for the badges on the side. The Interstate has the maiden. (Much nicer). The tank itself is slightly wider and a tad higher.

Cost???? The tank is $750.00. I've seen them advertised as high as $999.00. The one I'm getting is new. Never used & still in the box. Now,, add a paint job which can cost any where between $500.00 to $800.00,,,,, see where I'm going and why I'm asking?

 

[North of 49]

In response to your question, in my experience, any "improvements" I made were made were for my benefit only and did not add any value at resale. In fact some mods detract from the value (as said before), a lot of people want them stock. I personally don't think your proposed tank conversion would detract from the value if it looks "factory".
Other options? I looked at the motor trike site briefly and did not see any auxillary tanks offered. Would any of the other trike company's tanks adapt? This might be a cheaper option?

 

[rmrc51]

Well, there is a belly tank made specifically for a Valkyrie that could be adapted to the trike just as with a regular bike, how-ever, that still wouldn't give me a fuel gauge. The added fuel capacity is always a plus but I really wanted the fuel gauge option. I never liked the idea of relying on my trip odometer for re-fueling.

And I do have to agree with those who mentioned that the upgrades should be more for the owners liking than caring about increased resale value.

By the way, the tank will be re-painted in with the same colors as the original. The only way someone would know it was an Interstate tank is by the emblem and a very keen eye regarding its size. I would still think that having the Interstate tank should be a plus.

Thanks to all for your input.

 

[John Luciano]

Please take before and after photos. Did u try a salvage yard for the TANK?

 

[Mattel]

As a general rule: Never make a decision about a purchase for your bike based on resale value unless you plan on selling it soon, and if you are: As a general rule: don't buy stuff for a bike you are about to sell!:no:

Most people only get back a fraction of the cost of add-on's unless you are a very savy seller, of find a person who has a bunch of money to spend, and can see the value in your bike. I belive you should only look at how much the item will cost, and then make the decision soley based on the cost vs. your expected use of the bike with that improvement. View it like adding a pool, consider it not being worth any additional money at resale, then if you think it is worth the money for the time you will own the bike, go for it! You will sleep better at night with this simpler formula, and if you get more money at resale that will be a bonus!!!!arty:

It sounds like you want it, it sounds like you did your research, it sounds like you know what it will entail, and the costs involved. You realy only have one more thing to research from where I sit, do you have the money to spend on this, or is your money needed elsewere more urgently.

Good luck, and ride safe. Personally I love my 9 1/2 galon gas tank!

 

[ben721364]

Please help me put the question in perspective. Are we talking about 2 gallons extra capacity, a cost of $750 for parts and a tank that is attached to the bottom of the frame in front of the rear axle?

 

[rmrc51]

Please help me put the question in perspective. Are we talking about 2 gallons extra capacity, a cost of $750 for parts and a tank that is attached to the bottom of the frame in front of the rear axle?

No,,, This is the regular tank that sits right in front of you. The Interstate tank hold almost 2 extra gallons and has the availability to install a fuel sender inside of it so you can hook up a fuel gauge to it. Motosen makes a fuel gauge specifically for this sender. Being that Valkyries are know for lower fuel mileage than other bikes and even more so with a Trike conversion, the extra gasoline capacity is a plus and the fuel gauge is something that I always wanted. I never felt comfortable relying on my trip odometer for refueling.

 

[rmrc51]

Please take before and after photos. Did u try a salvage yard for the TANK?

I'll post photos when is all finished but I don't foresee that for another month or two mainly due to having to send the tank out to be re-painted with my trikes colors.

I really didn't try a salvage yard. I found a brand new tank and although the price was a bit high, I liked the idea of having something that had no prior use, internal rust or dents.

 

[ben721364]

No,,, This is the regular tank that sits right in front of you. The Interstate tank hold almost 2 extra gallons and has the availability to install a fuel sender inside of it so you can hook up a fuel gauge to it. Motosen makes a fuel gauge specifically for this sender. Being that Valkyries are know for lower fuel mileage than other bikes and even more so with a Trike conversion, the extra gasoline capacity is a plus and the fuel gauge is something that I always wanted. I never felt comfortable relying on my trip odometer for refueling.

Thanks. This is a replacement fuel tank?

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks. This is a replacement fuel tank?

Well, if you mean if I'm replacing my standard tank, Yes!

It's a brand new original Interstate tank. It's not an aftermarket product.

 

[ben721364]

Well, if you mean if I'm replacing my standard tank, Yes!

It's a brand new original Interstate tank. It's not an aftermarket product.

Thanks again. That's what I thought you said. Does the standard Valkerie not have a fuel gauge?

I have a Roadsmith trike based on a GL1800 and can appreciate your need for additional fuel capacity. It uses considerably more fuel than the K1200LT based Hannigan trike that I had before and just a bit less than my wife's SRX.

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks again. That's what I thought you said. Does the standard Valkerie not have a fuel gauge?

I have a Roadsmith trike based on a GL1800 and can appreciate your need for additional fuel capacity. It uses considerably more fuel than the K1200LT based Hannigan trike that I had before and just a bit less than my wife's SRX.

The 'Standard' Valk and I also believe the 'Tourer' model do not have fuel gauges. I always felt that a fuel gauge should be included on all motorcycles as part of their basic package, along with a gear indicator. Just my opinion.

 

[ben721364]

The 'Standard' Valk and I also believe the 'Tourer' model do not have fuel gauges. I always felt that a fuel gauge should be included on all motorcycles as part of their basic package, along with a gear indicator. Just my opinion.

I agree, "I always felt that a fuel gauge should be included on all motorcycles as part of their basic package, along with a gear indicator."

I was really surprised to learn that the GL1800 doesn't come with a gear position indicator, except for top gear. Likewise I was surprised to learn that heated grips and seating is not standard on the top of the line Honda.

 

[rmrc51]

I agree, "I always felt that a fuel gauge should be included on all motorcycles as part of their basic package, along with a gear indicator."

I was really surprised to learn that the GL1800 doesn't come with a gear position indicator, except for top gear. Likewise I was surprised to learn that heated grips and seating is not standard on the top of the line Honda.

Probably a marketing ploy by the manufacturer. They know what options people want. Just another way to make us spend more money after we purchase the bike. Again, just my opinion.

 

[rmrc51]

lol,,,,.... Already sent the money for the new tank, spoke to a local auto shop regarding the paint job and have the fuel sender, petcock rebuild kit and Motosen fuel gauge on order.

Can ya tell I'm anxious to get er done!!!! lol :beerchug:

 

[Mattel]

Reading this thread I so appreciate my 9.5 gallon tank in my stallion, and my fuel Gage that came standard. The early stallions read empty with 3-4.5 gallons left in them, so you had to use the Gage for part of the tank and then use your odometer for the last part of the tank, and boy that was not fun. I was willing to do anything just to get the Gage to read correctly. I had the new gage put in, and now it will only read 3/4 full when it is full, but it reads correctly and hits reserve with 1.5 gallons left in the tank. I am so happy with it now.

I guess what I am getting to is how I feel, and that is we should be able to relax when we ride, and have a semi-correct gas Gage to cut down on worrying about running out of gas, or counting gas miles. Go for the larger tank with the gage, and enjoy the more important things like riding, and enjoying everything else.

 

[ben721364]

Reading this thread I so appreciate my 9.5 gallon tank in my stallion, and my fuel Gage that came standard. The early stallions read empty with 3-4.5 gallons left in them, so you had to use the Gage for part of the tank and then use your odometer for the last part of the tank, and boy that was not fun. I was willing to do anything just to get the Gage to read correctly. I had the new gage put in, and now it will only read 3/4 full when it is full, but it reads correctly and hits reserve with 1.5 gallons left in the tank. I am so happy with it now.

I guess what I am getting to is how I feel, and that is we should be able to relax when we ride, and have a semi-correct gas Gage to cut down on worrying about running out of gas, or counting gas miles. Go for the larger tank with the gage, and enjoy the more important things like riding, and enjoying everything else.

Yes. The extra fuel capacity is both convenient and reassuring while traveling. My Roadsmith has a 5 gallon auxiliary tank giving it a total capacity of 11.1 gal or so. The fuel gauge on the main tank is no more or less accurate than most.

Just curious. About how many mpg do you get from the Stallion on the highway?

 

[Mattel]

I have not tracked it in a while but when I was I was getting 35-45 mpg. The 45 mpg was with a top speed of about 45mph. If you are on the highway and running at about 70 you will be getting in the 30's. I have found the mpg with the stallions vary greatly. If you hotrod it you could push your mpg's down to about 30 mpg.

 

[John Luciano]

another opinion And I don't say to be fresh BUT we have already butchered the STOCK out of our machines ( mine with my Goldwing also ) so what is the difference if you modify the look of the gas tank especially if it improves the performance of the trike . nobody is gona ever try to make it a stock Valc. and they probably would never know the difference unless you tell them. I mean if you were going to fashion a new GAS tank out of to plastic bottles THEN....

 

[ben721364]

I have not tracked it in a while but when I was I was getting 35-45 mpg. The 45 mpg was with a top speed of about 45mph. If you are on the highway and running at about 70 you will be getting in the 30's. I have found the mpg with the stallions vary greatly. If you hotrod it you could push your mpg's down to about 30 mpg.

Thanks! I'm really not surprised at the good mileage delivered by the Stallion. That big engine is loafing. Having said that, I expected the GL1800 to get better mileage than the K LT for the same reason. Not so! The K LT trike was far more fuel efficient at the same speeds or higher racking up similar numbers to your Stallion. That sucker loved to run!