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anyone else) isn’t likely to prove to be the idealseat for you. One proponent of the firmer-isbetterschool of thought manufactures seatsthat, in my opinion, feel like fabric stretchedover a plaster mold. And too-soft seats feelcomfy at first but eventually allow the rider’sderriere to contact the seat pan, causing painin the long term. Personally, I prefer the stockseat on both the GL1500 and 1800 to any aftermarketofferings. But my physical dimensionsare probably close to that of the “averagerider.” Some who are taller, heavier, or broaderthan me spend thousands of dollars insearch of a seat to accommodate their particularneeds, and the opinions on any particularseat brand or model vary widely. Nevertheless,you’ll find many seat discussions on the variousGold Wing message boards, including ourown. I’m unprepared to offer a specific recommendationfor reasons already discussed. But Iwill suggest that rather than buying a seatmade to fit all, you might want to look intothose brands that offer a comfort guaranteeafter the sale by which they reshape the seat ifyou’re not happy with it.StuMore Info on Valkyries and "Hydrolock"Stu, I just read your response in the latestWing World in regard to Dick McCormick’s“Clutch Operation and a Cracked Case” on hisValk (page 40, November 2008 issue).One of the things we Valk owners havefound out over the years is that the petcockseems to be the weakest link in the fuel deliverychain. There may be owner/operator reasons,I’m sure, but many of us have experiencedthe same “hydrolock” disaster or, as inmy case, come close to it twice. All were associatedwith the internal failure of some naturein the petcock.In Dick’s situation, if he experienced the“hydro”, as he put it, he had best either replaceor rebuild the petcock or it will happenagain…and fairly soon. If the petcock failsinternally, it makes no difference if it’s shut offor not when the bike is parked, it will still passgas (pun intended). Regardless of whether ornot the engine is operating, it will allow fuel toleak down without benefit of the vacuumderived from the #6 cylinder.Along with all this should be a good flushingof the tank, filter screen, and the carbbowls. For the carb bowl draining, I use theMityvac individually on each carb. Afterattaching the tube to the drain port, I pump upa few lbs. of suction before opening the drainscrew. It creates enough disturbance with the“rush” caused by the suction that it will pullout debris otherwise left in by just allowinggravity to work.In my situation, the first close call I hadwith hydrolock I thought I smelled fuel whenI went out to the garage one morning. Ichecked and noted that the fuel control was“off ” so figured I must have overfilled it thenight before...turns out I hadn’t, plus it wasn’tthat hot out there to cause expansion(in Fla.you need a/c in your garage if it’s your hangout).I pulled the plugs and the small front timingcover and turned the engine over by hand,fuel rolled out of one cylinder plus #6. It hadapparently also leaked down the vacuum line. Irebuilt the petcock with the Cover Set, and wasgood for about 15k miles. Then it happenedagain so I figured I’m done with vacuum actuatedpetcocks. I installed a manual Pingel controlwhich I discovered had a shorter feed tube,thereby lessening your reserve. I went to thelocal hobby shop and picked up some fuel lineand sweated on a piece long enough to equalthe OEM feed tube. I then installed an electricfuel valve and an inline filter, along with aquick disconnect to ease the tank removal. Theelec valve is activated when the key is on andoperates separate from the rest of the bike...justin case of other electrical trouble not associatedwith the valve so I can at least get home ifat all possible.If Dick isn’t a VRCC member, I would suggesthe take that step. It doesn’t cost anythingto join and there is a ton of information andadvice on their Tech Board and in the ShopTalk section. I bought my Valkyrie nearly sixyears ago when my wife became disabled withParkinson’s disease to the point she could nolonger ride with me on our Wing. She insistedI continue doing what I enjoyed...riding, and ifI wanted a Valkyrie for myself I had her blessing.I watched and waited, then eventuallytraded for a ‘98 Black Tourer with less than10k miles on it. After having owned numerousWings; three GL1000’s, an 1100, a 1200, and a1500, I felt I wanted to stay with a known factorre. reliability and familiarity. Needless tosay, it was a good decision. The Valk has alsobeen trouble free from the beginning. AlthoughI ride the Valkyrie and am more active with theVRCC membership, we still maintain ourGWRRA membership for the main reason wejoined at the beginning; the camaraderie. Wemade a lot of friends along the way and Iappreciate the insight given into technicalissues such as with the Workbench since theengine is basically the same as the GL1500Wing.Thanks for your indulgence with thisrather lengthy piece.John SchmidtGWRRA #109887Winter Park, FloridaJohn, I appreciate your letter, and I’m sureDick and others will as well. Because theValkyrie has been out of production for severalyears, and because it sold in relatively smallnumbers, my direct exposure to it has beensomewhat limited. Owner websites are sometimesa haven for rumors, myths, and complaints.But there are also plenty of knowledgeablefolks around these sites to help in situationslike this. I’m having your letter reproducedin Workbench, because I feel it deservesto be seen by our Valkyrie-owning Members.Thanks again.Stu ●For over 68 YEARS generations ofbike riders have made their way to theDaytona Beach area for this Granddaddyof all motorcycle festivals. Isn't ittime you made your way here too?Be sure to be a part of this rich, historicfestival that kicks off the riding seasonevery year. Enjoy the sights and soundsof 500,000 spectacular machines rovingin sync. See the best bike designs andartwork not to mention the exotic builderdemos hitting the marketplace in 2009.Its a great chance to break out of thecold, dark days of winter too and headfor the warm Florida sunshine to thawout a bit. Need help finding a greatplace to stay or want to know moreabout all the events and activitiesplanned? Then be sure to visit us on lineon the all new www.BikerBeach.comweb site.Bike Week 2009The biggest, the best, the original.Be here!WingTo.BikerBeach.comCall Toll Free 866.257.1246E-mail info@BikerBeach.comArea Convention & Visitors BureauWay More Than a Beach.February 2009 45