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2000 Valkyrie Motor Trike test ride handling advice needed

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Jun 6, 2025
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5
I took a 2000 Valkyrie Motor Trike out for a spin today, and I could really use some feedback on it. The power was pretty decent, but I couldn't help comparing it to my '98 Honda Magna, which honestly feels like it pulls harder.

Both bikes have Motor Trike kits, but here's the thing, the owner of the 2000 mentioned that the rear shock pressure was set at 55 psi and the tires were at 34 psi. When I hit around 75 mph, the back end felt super loose and swayed a bit too much for my comfort. It was a bit nerve-wracking, to be honest!

Do you think those pressure settings could be causing the unstable feeling, or is there somethin else I should be checking out? I'd really appreciate any insights from anyone who's been in a similar situation
 
I took a 2000 Valkyrie Motor Trike out for a spin today, and I could really use some feedback on it. The power was pretty decent, but I couldn't help comparing it to my '98 Honda Magna, which honestly feels like it pulls harder.

Both bikes have Motor Trike kits, but here's the thing, the owner of the 2000 mentioned that the rear shock pressure was set at 55 psi and the tires were at 34 psi. When I hit around 75 mph, the back end felt super loose and swayed a bit too much for my comfort. It was a bit nerve-wracking, to be honest!

Do you think those pressure settings could be causing the unstable feeling, or is there somethin else I should be checking out? I'd really appreciate any insights from anyone who's been in a similar situation
YES. The rear end sway sounds extremely sketchy for me. Drop the shock pressure a bit and see if it tightens up, since 55 psi feels kinda stiff for solo riding. Have you got your bike aligned lately? How about the bushings, did you check em already?
 
You need 35-40 PSI in the air shock pressure.
The rear felt like sway was present, check the heim joints to see if they are lose or worn.
Has this bike been a trike all its life or converted at some point in time within 25 years?
The Valkyrie makes a great trike and has great power, It also has 6 carbs and they need to be synchronized for best performance.
Maintenance Notes: https://motortrike.com/docs2/Honda Preventative Maintenance - Solid Axle.pdf
 
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I took a 2000 Valkyrie Motor Trike out for a spin today, and I could really use some feedback on it. The power was pretty decent, but I couldn't help comparing it to my '98 Honda Magna, which honestly feels like it pulls harder.

Both bikes have Motor Trike kits, but here's the thing, the owner of the 2000 mentioned that the rear shock pressure was set at 55 psi and the tires were at 34 psi. When I hit around 75 mph, the back end felt super loose and swayed a bit too much for my comfort. It was a bit nerve-wracking, to be honest!

Do you think those pressure settings could be causing the unstable feeling, or is there somethin else I should be checking out? I'd really appreciate any insights from anyone who's been in a similar situation
Just checking if you've figured out this one yet? I think those pressures seem a bit off for a Motor Trike. I'd bump the rear air shocks up to at least 70-80 psi, maybe even 90 depending on your weight and if you'll be carrying a passenger. The tire pressure should be a little higher too, around 38-40 psi. A little bit of sway is normal on any trike, especially a solid axle, but it shouldn't feel unstable.. Getting the pressures right will make a huge difference!! Have you also checked the steering head bearings? A lot of times, a loose or worn bearing can amplify any wobble or sway. It's a quick thing to check and could save you some headache down the road!!
 
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