Selling the FLHTC
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
Selling the FLHTC
Long story made short. My best buddy in the world died in January after a very brave fight with cancer(s). He owned a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate. We used to ride together all the time. I rode his ashes on his motorcycle from his house to the church. He told my wife and his wife that he wanted me to have his motorcycle when he died. As you can imagine, his wife has a mountain of debt. I refuse to just take the bike.
I was going to try to buy the bike and keep my bike but, six weeks ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer and she died two weeks ago. My resources have been tapped out. So, to help his wife and honor his wishes I'm selling my old FLHTC at an Indie dealer (where I bought it). I still have the sportster, which is my wife's bike.
Anyway, there it is.
I did ride the Valkyrie in his funeral with the ashes strapped to the back seat. Total ride was about two hours. The seating on the Valkyrie doesn't seem to be as comfortable as on the EG. It is three times faster, a freakin rocket ship with very long legs. The Valkyrie Interstate radio is only slightly better. The handling is more secure feeling even though the bike feels really heavy at slow speeds. The Harley EG feels lighter and smaller. The Harley is cold natured with the S&S but, compared to the Valkyrie it's not cold at all. I have never seen a bike as cold natured as the valkyrie. It was about 40 degrees the day of the funeral and it literally took 10 tries to start the bloody thing and 20 minutes to warm up. But, once it's warm it's a dragster. Riding it back to his house one of those kids with a hotrod Acura pulled up and wanted a go. With very little effort I left him way back in the rear view. Seriously, I wasn't even wringing it that hard.
I guess I'll miss my old EG. Maybe not. I won't miss having to go get my trailer to get it back home. I will miss the sound and the feel of the big twin.
I was going to try to buy the bike and keep my bike but, six weeks ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer and she died two weeks ago. My resources have been tapped out. So, to help his wife and honor his wishes I'm selling my old FLHTC at an Indie dealer (where I bought it). I still have the sportster, which is my wife's bike.
Anyway, there it is.
I did ride the Valkyrie in his funeral with the ashes strapped to the back seat. Total ride was about two hours. The seating on the Valkyrie doesn't seem to be as comfortable as on the EG. It is three times faster, a freakin rocket ship with very long legs. The Valkyrie Interstate radio is only slightly better. The handling is more secure feeling even though the bike feels really heavy at slow speeds. The Harley EG feels lighter and smaller. The Harley is cold natured with the S&S but, compared to the Valkyrie it's not cold at all. I have never seen a bike as cold natured as the valkyrie. It was about 40 degrees the day of the funeral and it literally took 10 tries to start the bloody thing and 20 minutes to warm up. But, once it's warm it's a dragster. Riding it back to his house one of those kids with a hotrod Acura pulled up and wanted a go. With very little effort I left him way back in the rear view. Seriously, I wasn't even wringing it that hard.
I guess I'll miss my old EG. Maybe not. I won't miss having to go get my trailer to get it back home. I will miss the sound and the feel of the big twin.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 108
Hit Valkyrie forums for info on curing the lean condition. They are excellent machines. Many of my HD riding bros dumped their Hogs for Valks. It's a far better touring motor.
If the Valk sat for a long time during your friends illness it might have some varnish in the low speed jets. If you are used to wrenching do the usual and study the problem.
You did the righteous thing buying the bike so sort it out and enjoy.
If the Valk sat for a long time during your friends illness it might have some varnish in the low speed jets. If you are used to wrenching do the usual and study the problem.
You did the righteous thing buying the bike so sort it out and enjoy.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: north Idaho
sorry to hear about your buddy, and your mother too, my condolences to you. the only valkyrie ive ridden was a friend's 'rune'. he bought it new in 04, and i believe its the only year they made it. still has it, has a wicked looking front on it (the forks) its a rocket too.
Supporter
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 32
From: Ft.Worth, Texas
You sound like a true friend and stand up guy! My best friend and I have an agreement that whichever of us dies first, the other gets each other's bike. It's an honor thing. I just wish he would buy a panhead. 
You are doing the honorable thing. Karma will reward you someday.
You are doing the honorable thing. Karma will reward you someday.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
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From: South Carolina
Sell the Valkrye and give the money to your friends widow.
Honoring a guys wish is one thing, but I don`t think he wanted to put you in the position where you had to sell Your HD to honor his wish...
Honoring a guys wish is one thing, but I don`t think he wanted to put you in the position where you had to sell Your HD to honor his wish...