New 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate Motor Trike Owner (Almost)

[Tazman11]

New 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate Motor Trike Owner (Almost)

I pick up my trike next week and I’m excited as heck. I have been reading Trike Talk posts back 20 pages learning as much as I can and planning for all the necessary maintenance and upgrades desired.

The trike is a dream come true, original owner, always garaged, well maintained, not hard ridden, mint condition, and affordable. The only negative is it is 400 miles away. I am torn between trailering it home (using a friends trailer) requiring 800 miles of driving, or flying into a nearby city and riding it home.

Having not seen it yet, I am concerned that there could be a mechanical problem during the ride home. The owner had the local Honda shop rebuild the carbs, change all the fluids, and do the preventative maintenance. That being said, I hate the thought of a 800 mile drive in a one day trip. I’m hoping for some Devine inspiration to help me with this decision. Any thoughts or inspiration?

ONE QUESTION FOR THE GROUP: It does have the original tires but only 10,000 miles. No cracking and always garaged but I am going to replace the front tire at a minimum. I will probably replace them all as I do not want to chance a problem and will probably own it forever. I have read as many posts as I could find and still have not been able to make a decision on the front tire or mounting configuration.

I love the idea of the Avon Cobra Chrome Trike tire but they do not make it in the size I need. The Valkyrie Interstate front rim takes a 150/80r/17 and Avon only offers two sizes 130/70r/18 and a mt/90b/16. It would be great to put a front tire engineered for a trike. Also, I’m concerned using a front motorcycle tire because, as you all know, a trike front tire needs are different than a motorcycle. THERFORE I’m leaning to using a rear motorcycle tire, mounted reverse (I do understand the forces involved and the way tires are manufactured), but what size.

Should I stay with the same size 150/80/17 or change to something more appropriate? Wider would make sense but I would like to keep the diameter the same for speedometer. Radial or biased ply? Also, should I have it balanced or use the beads. Beads seem to be a new technology or at least new to me. Thoughts and suggestions desired please.

I was planning to spend the winter replacing seals, rebuilding carbs, changing fluids, and checking everything, bringing things up to spec but the owner laughed because everything has been maintained or recently repaired. I’m kind of disappointed that the trike has no immediate mechanical issues but I will get over it. I will replace the timing belts just to know that I will not have a problem in the future.

I am really excited to complete this delivery process so I can start learning how to ride a trike and start turning this into a high mileage adventure trike. I will post pictures as soon as I can and share more with the group.

Thanks in advance. Please chime in with suggestions. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experience.

Tazman

 

[Marc H]

If it has the original front I wouldn't think of riding it home.Thats a long first ride but you would be acquainted when you got home.

 

[tourman]

Tires over 6 years old need to be replaced

 

[paws]

Hi David! All I can say is that you need to go with your gut feeling as to your comfort level in picking up the trike.

i drove 125 miles one way to get my Gold Wing trike… drove it home having never driven a trike. But hey… its a motorcycle… clutch, throttle, brake..its not rocket science to operate one.

You will get the hang of it in the first 100 miles… just relax and go on down the road.

Be sure to chime back in as to how it all turned out.

Wishing you miles of smiles!

 

[rhino 2]

I pick up my trike next week and I’m excited as heck. I have been reading Trike Talk posts back 20 pages learning as much as I can and planning for all the necessary maintenance and upgrades desired.

The trike is a dream come true, original owner, always garaged, well maintained, not hard ridden, mint condition, and affordable. The only negative is it is 400 miles away. I am torn between trailering it home (using a friends trailer) requiring 800 miles of driving, or flying into a nearby city and riding it home. Having not seen it yet, I am concerned that there could be a mechanical problem during the ride home. The owner had the local Honda shop rebuild the carbs, change all the fluids, and do the preventative maintenance. That being said, I hate the thought of a 800 mile drive in a one day trip. I’m hoping for some Devine inspiration to help me with this decision. Any thoughts or inspiration?

ONE QUESTION FOR THE GROUP: It does have the original tires but only 10,000 miles. No cracking and always garaged but I am going to replace the front tire at a minimum. I will probably replace them all as I do not want to chance a problem and will probably own it forever. I have read as many posts as I could find and still have not been able to make a decision on the front tire or mounting configuration. I love the idea of the Avon Cobra Chrome Trike tire but they do not make it in the size I need. The Valkyrie Interstate front rim takes a 150/80r/17 and Avon only offers two sizes 130/70r/18 and a mt/90b/16. It would be great to put a front tire engineered for a trike. Also, I’m concerned using a front motorcycle tire because, as you all know, a trike front tire needs are different than a motorcycle. THERFORE I’m leaning to using a rear motorcycle tire, mounted reverse (I do understand the forces involved and the way tires are manufactured), but what size. Should I stay with the same size 150/80/17 or change to something more appropriate? Wider would make sense but I would like to keep the diameter the same for speedometer. Radial or biased ply? Also, should I have it balanced or use the beads. Beads seem to be a new technology or at least new to me. Thoughts and suggestions desired please.

I was planning to spend the winter replacing seals, rebuilding carbs, changing fluids, and checking everything, bringing things up to spec but the owner laughed because everything has been maintained or recently repaired. I’m kind of disappointed that the trike has no immediate mechanical issues but I will get over it. I will replace the timing belts just to know that I will not have a problem in the future.

I am really excited to complete this delivery process so I can start learning how to ride a trike and start turning this into a high mileage adventure trike. I will post pictures as soon as I can and share more with the group.

Thanks in advance. Please chime in with suggestions. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experience.

Tazman

David.........Welcome to Trike-Talk...........:wave4:..

 

[cScjhb]

There is no way on God's green earth that I would get on any vehicle with 22 year old tires and depart on a 400 mile trip! It sounds like you have stumbled upon a sweet heart bike. Don't get off to a bad start by putting your trust in tires that should have been replaced long ago.

And, welcome to TT. Look forward to pictures..... Jim

 

[Tazman11]

Thanks

Help me solve the tire problem please.

I booked my flight and I’m picking up the bike for the ride home. I agree completely on the front tire problem. Therefore I need to get a new tire before the ride home. Help me solve the tire problem so I can get it installed before the ride home.

What tire should I buy? Come on experts. Help the newbe.

ONE QUESTION FOR THE GROUP: It does have the original tires but only 10,000 miles. No cracking and always garaged but I am going to replace the front tire at a minimum. I will probably replace them all as I do not want to chance a problem and will probably own it forever. I have read as many posts as I could find and still have not been able to make a decision on the front tire or mounting configuration.

I love the idea of the Avon Cobra Chrome Trike tire but they do not make it in the size I need. The Valkyrie Interstate front rim takes a 150/80r/17 and Avon only offers two sizes 130/70r/18 and a mt/90b/16. It would be great to put a front tire engineered for a trike. Also, I’m concerned using a front motorcycle tire because, as you all know, a trike front tire needs are different than a motorcycle. THERFORE I’m leaning to using a rear motorcycle tire, mounted reverse (I do understand the forces involved and the way tires are manufactured), but what size.

Should I stay with the same size 150/80/17 or change to something more appropriate? Wider would make sense but I would like to keep the diameter the same for speedometer. Radial or biased ply? Also, should I have it balanced or use the beads.

 

[tourman]

Sounds like you should rethink your idea of buying a bike

 

[3W-lonerider]

Help me solve the tire problem please.

I booked my flight and I’m picking up the bike for the ride home. I agree completely on the front tire problem. Therefore I need to get a new tire before the ride home. Help me solve the tire problem so I can get it installed before the ride home.

What tire should I buy? Come on experts. Help the newbe.

i rode a valkyrie interstate trike for 20 years and 214,000 miles. best front tire i had on there was a shinko tour master 230. get the rear tire that matches the size. it is a bias tire. one thing i found with putting a radial on the front is it didn't take long for it to cup to the extreme.

a bias rear tire will have 2/32 more thread than a front tire. also i always mounted them to run reverse from the directional arrow.

also i always carried around 36 pound of air in it. if i pumped it up to 40 the jarring in my shoulders were painful.

 

[Tazman11]

Thanks for the suggestion

Did you have any problem getting the tire shop to mount it in reverse. I fear their reluctance to go against the arrow on the tire fearing some imaginary liability. I noticed that the inventory on some of the tires was poor. Seems like tires and toilet paper have something in common.

Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it greatly.

 

[3W-lonerider]

Did you have any problem getting the tire shop to mount it in reverse. I fear their reluctance to go against the arrow on the tire fearing some imaginary liability. I noticed that the inventory on some of the tires was poor. Seems like tires and toilet paper have something in common.

Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it greatly.

no problem at all, matter of fact most shops will recommend it because your installing a rear tire on the front. because of the way the layers are lapped rear tires are layered for traction direction. you are changing that direction to braking instead.

 

[Tazman11]

Tire size difference question

My 1999 Valkyrie Interstate front tire size is 150/80/17. When shopping for a rear tire to mount on the front (backwards) no tire manufacturer makes this size in a rear which leads me to believe it is a size used for front tires. I assume that those of you that are mounting a similar/close rear tire size. For example, the closest 17” tire manufactured Michelin Comander II is a 160/70/17. Tacoma world has a nice size comparator https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=150-80r17-160-70r17 showing the dimension differences. It seems close enough to work.

IS THIS HOW YOU GUYS APPROACH SIZING A REAR TIRE FOR THE FRONT? Do you see any problems using this size rear?

 

[3W-lonerider]

been awhile since i mounted a front tire on my old valk trike but i'm pretty sure i used a 140/90/17

 

[Tazman11]

I found an old thread started by North of 49. It seems like many Valkyrie Trikes have had the same issue. There are many great posts on tires here and I have read them all. I called Motor Trike today to see if they had an opinion and they didn’t. I spoke to a Motor Trike shop that does a lot of HD trikes and he suggested a rear and reversed or not. Called my local Honda shop and they were ignorant of trike issues and recommended the OEM size (no surprise there.)

With all the data now consumed (thanks all who have ever posted on TrikeTalk) I am going to go with a 160/70/17 Biased ply mounted standard rotation. I gain 6.4% width (I will measure the fender to make sure it will fit) and lose 2.4% of the height. Not worried about perfect speedometer reading. I am still working on the brand I want and some of my preferred choices are not available in that size.

Les Schwab opened a store this week in my small town of Star. They are having a grand opening sale and should have a couple of perfect tires for the rear. ANY SUGGESTIONS OF REAR.? I have not seen much discussion on rear tires and it probably doesn’t matter as much as the front.

Wish me luck. I pick up my trike tomorrow. I will post pictures and story when I successfully complete the trip.

 

[Tazman11]

Made it home. Parts ordered.



616 miles and made it home safely. 103 degrees for most of the ride home and I felt like human jerky when complete. Bike performed perfectly and was in perfect shape when I picked it up. 10,100 miles on a 1999 bike. Highway 80 through Nevada is a 80 MPH highway and the bike just purred. I was disappointed in the gas mileage at that speed and stopped at every town in the rural areas through Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to make sure that I did not run out, despite the 7 gallon tank. Averaged about 25 MPG at that speed.

Now the projects begins. I ordered new tires this morning, staying with the BF GoodrichTA radials on the rear and Michelin Commander II Rear for the front that I will Mount in reverse. Proven tires that I have used throughout my life and should work well for my needs. Ordered all the fluids, filters, front bearings, gaskets, timing belts, break pads, and a Jack. Working on a Rake kit for the Valkyrie and may go with the Motor Trike unit since Papa Zook is not carrying the Valkyrie anymore (message sent to confirm.) The twisty mountain roads over the Sierras South of Tahoe showed me a great upper body workout that could do without. Looking forward to the power steering effect that the 4-4.5 rake should provide.

I won’t start the project until winter weather arrives, hoping to put a few local miles on until then. Building a big pile of parts in the meantime. More to come as the project progresses.

 

[Gorilla]

looks like she is in good shape. And not even broke in.

 

[trikeman]

To improve mpg and lower rpm you might consider one size up on the tire diameter size. There’s a tire calculator on google that gives you the width and height comparisons. I went from 215/60/15 to 225/70/15. On same roads speeds and conditions went from 30 mpg to 34 mpg. Still have plenty of low end. I very seldom use 1st when riding. Don’t ride the clutch or use unnecessary rpm to get moving. Went from approximately 62 mph at 3000 rpm to 66 mph at 3000 rpm. Every one that’s familiar with a triked 1500 Goldwing can tell you at 3000 and above you sacrifice mpg. Go with synthetic oil, grease and research best spark plugs and have the carbs (all 6) synchronized. Check tire clearance when going to a larger diameter. Good luck with your beautiful trike. :clapping::wave4:

 

[trikeman]

Pics of work please:wave4:

 

[Tynker]

View attachment 101674

616 miles and made it home safely. 103 degrees for most of the ride home and I felt like human jerky when complete. Bike performed perfectly and was in perfect shape when I picked it up. 10,100 miles on a 1999 bike. Highway 80 through Nevada is a 80 MPH highway and the bike just purred. I was disappointed in the gas mileage at that speed and stopped at every town in the rural areas through Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to make sure that I did not run out, despite the 7 gallon tank. Averaged about 25 MPG at that speed.

Now the projects begins. I ordered new tires this morning, staying with the BF GoodrichTA radials on the rear and Michelin Commander II Rear for the front that I will Mount in reverse. Proven tires that I have used throughout my life and should work well for my needs. Ordered all the fluids, filters, front bearings, gaskets, timing belts, break pads, and a Jack. Working on a Rake kit for the Valkyrie and may go with the Motor Trike unit since Papa Zook is not carrying the Valkyrie anymore (message sent to confirm.) The twisty mountain roads over the Sierras South of Tahoe showed me a great upper body workout that could do without. Looking forward to the power steering effect that the 4-4.5 rake should provide.

I won’t start the project until winter weather arrives, hoping to put a few local miles on until then. Building a big pile of parts in the meantime. More to come as the project progresses.

I have the same Trike (76,000 miles) I have been trying to get a Easy steer rake kit for a year, NO one makes it any more, so good luck. I have tried all the mag. to no avail. I did replace the handle bars with a taller set that helped a lot. Valkyrie makes a great trike,and if you stay at or below 3K RPM you can get 30/32 Miles to the gallon. Just remember when replacing things,(if it ain't broke,don't fix it) Or fix it till you break it,,!!!

Good luck with yours, you will love it. By the way, GET AN ULTIMATE SEAT !!!!!!

 

[Tazman11]

Valkyrie makes a great trike,and if you stay at or below 3K RPM you can get 30/32 Miles to the gallon. Just remember when replacing things,(if it ain't broke,don't fix it) Or fix it till you break it,,!!!

Good luck with yours, you will love it. By the way, GET AN ULTIMATE SEAT !!!!!!

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.

 

[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-motorcycle-accessories/valkyrie-interstate-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]

Installed new rear and changed the rear brake fluid

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. :wave4:

 

[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. :clapping: Good luck and happy trails. Keep us posted and we love pics of your rides. :wave4:

 

[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. :wave4:

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. :wave4:

 

[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 :clapping::wave4:

 

[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.