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VR Assistance

  1. Mornin' folks, On the 8th of july I bought a 2008 venture. Now have 10200 miles loged and the rear tire seems to be wearing away really fast. Two questions, How close to the wear bars can I run it and is the stock tire that came with the bike the best? Don't seam like many miles to be worn out already. Thanks in advance Herb:Venture:
  2. When you take off and go on a long distance trip, what is the average miles you put on in a day? 1: 200 miles 2: 300 miles 3: 400 miles 4: 500 plus miles
  3. I just retired from full-time work and will leave San Antonio TX for Springfield IL...round trip of about 2500 miles. My question...how many miles can/should I REALISTICALLY plan on covering in a day? I've never taken a long trip on the RSV. I did ride from St. Louis to Wichita Falls TX back in 1977 on a Honda 450...but I was much younger then. I know many of you can ride a thousand miles in one day...I am 62 and I need to plan for what I really should try to cover. Thanks in advance for any input. Jim T
  4. Greetings... If you are just passing through, or staying in the area for a few days, Here's a list of some of the more OUT-OF-THE-WAY roads that you'll definately want to ride on. Some short, some long -- but all fun. If Your definition of fun is winding, twisty turns, 180 degree climbing and diving hairpins intermingled with long flat out straightaways. Once you've done the Tourist roads - The Grand Mesa, The CO Nat Monument, etc, You might want to check out these smaller shorter drives. So fire up Google maps in another tab, center on Grand Junction, and find these roads! The Debeque Cut-off, 45 1/2 rd: (about 20 miles) Runs from the I-70 Debeque exit (heading south) to hwy 65 near the town of Mesa. From there you can either go up over the Grand Mesa if you are headed further south like Delta or Montrose, or head back down to I-70 if you are headed to points west of Grand Junction. Normally clean, new pavement, lots of truck traffic during the day, but after rush minute, is usually deserted near sundown. You could also continue up Hwy 330 through Colbran then up to Vega Reservoir, or even explore the many back roads going up over or even around the Grand Mesa from there! Reeder Mesa Road: (about 20 miles) Runs from Hwy 50 in WhiteWater to Lands End then Kannah Creek rd which comes out further down Hwy 50 just before county line. A shorter very fun road, normally deserted, new pavement, very curvy climbing and diving hairpins, watch out for wild life, rocks and mud on the curves. This IS working ranch country! Hwy 141, WhiteWater to GateWay, AKA Unaweep Canyon: (about 35 Miles) Incredible Scenery, long sweeping banked curves, beware the wildlife! Some hours in the mornings and twilight, I have seen roaming gangs of deer and elk all over the road and fields. Not to mention the domesticated cattle and sheep! Lots of places to pull over and take pictures. Scattered ranches. Go to the Gateway Auto museum once you get there! Little Park Road: (about 20 miles or more depending) : Tourists that want to drive the Co Nat Monument usually go up Monument road off of broadway, pay $5 at the Government toll booth, and end up in Fruita after an hour of stop and go construction traffic. Not a lot of fun if your bike is over heating, dodging stupid tourist children and dogs running out in the road. Those of us who live here, know that telling the Government Toll Booth operator that you are heading up to Glade Park - saves you the $5, but the really adventurous bypass the toll booth altogether and go up Little Park Road to Glade Park. It begins with a long steep climb up to the 'Moon', a huge slickrock area that you can see from GJ, to DS road - The main road up on Glade Park. From there, you can turn left and head to the Glade Park store (the only one there!) for a cold beverage. From there you have a choice of 4 directions. Head east (left turn) to go to the fruita reservoirs in a 30 mile dirt road loop back to DS road, head south and explore the ranch country - You may even find "The Pot Holes" A local waterfall where we usually lose 2 or 3 drunks a year who think they are in Mexico cliff diving; Head West back to the Monument road, or north back down to GJ... East Orchard Mesa: (about 12 Miles) From 32 Rd & C 1/2 rd half way up the 32 rd bridge hill to 38 rd in Palisade. This is the 'Fun' shortcut if you are changing from I-70w to Hwy 50s. Directly off I-70w, take the 1st Palisade exit right out of Debeque canyon before you cross the river - then turn left again at the base of the Palisade bridge (hwy 6) up 38 rd. In other words - don't cross the river! It's definately NOT the fastest. It's a slow pleasent country drive through the fruit orchards and wineries. During August - you'll be lucky to make it in 3 hours with all the fruit stand stops and winery tastings! Short half mile straights with 90 degree turns that follows above the Colorado River through our most fruitful and bountiful. West Elk Loop: Hwy 92 from Hotchkiss to Blue Mesa Reservoir: (About 50 Miles) Then Hwy 50 to Gunnison, then Hwy 135 up through Crested Butte up to the Paonia State park Hwy 133 ( about 100 Miles) From there, you can either head west back to Hotchkiss, or Go east to Carbondale over the pass. Doing the entire West Elk loop from GJ is an entire day trip! Getting there is half the fun! The tourist cage traffic is almost non-existent with gas being so expensive - Lots of FREE camping areas, rest stops and some of the most incredible scenery you will ever see. The tourists head over to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison where they willingly PAY Government vacation tax - This road is basicly the NEXT Canyon over - sans tourists and taxes. If Winding mountain roads, steep passes, and little to none cage traffic, spiced up with snow covered mountains, steep deep dark canyons, breezing along a mountain creek, are your idea of Ideal motorcycle driving - You can't beat the West Elk Loop...
  5. While cruising the item on EBay for sale I came across this add: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-Venture-Yamaha-1989-Venture-Royale-1300-Blue-Like-New-200-miles_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem588296a25dQQitemZ380148032093QQptZUSQ5fmotorcycles Does anyone believe this is really possible? A 1989 VR with ONLY 210 miles on it? It does look very clean. 3K current bid but it also has a reserve on it.
  6. When I bought my 83VR in December I had no idea what oil was being used in it. I changed it using 20w50 Valvoline regular motorcycle oil. I would like to chance to synthetic oil. In the past when I tried to use synthetic oil in cars that had some miles on them they leaked oil quite badly. My 83 has 48000 miles in it. Do you think it would be safe to go to synthetic?
  7. Hi All, I have been lurking for a while and posted a few things, mostly trying to get some more knowledge before tearing into my bike getting it ready for Spring. Great site and lots of information here! Here is the story, My wife and I started riding 2 years ago and just fell in love with it. We have a great group of friends and family who we get to ride with and it has been a new and awesome experience for us. We started on a 1982 Honda Silverwing Interstate with 7,000 original miles on it. We put 10K miles on it over the last 2 summers and it was a great starter bike for us. I sold is on E-Bay and it now has a nice new warm home in Florida. I have been looking at Royal Stars for about a year and decided that is what will be our next bike,.. Well I found this 1997 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Classic with 32K miles on it: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1996YamahaRoyalStar001_zps4b5dccf3.jpg http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1996YamahaRoyalStar002_zps5db08446.jpg http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1996YamahaRoyalStar003_zps3b34d541.jpg http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/33920/2141459730101950171S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/47038/2219161110101950171S600x600Q85.jpg It was at the Auto Auction (I own a car lot) late last fall. I was high bidder on it for 2K and bought it for $2,220.00 and rode it 60 Miles back to my shop the same day. It was too great of a deal to pass up! My wife and I are very excited about it! I put a new rear tire and rear brakes on it last fall, was able to put about 200 miles on it before snow flew and it has been sitting ever in my shop since. Few other things that I have done to it was buy a stock windshield, rear floor boards, front lowers, and a luggage rack. Since I got it from the auction I have no idea where it is as far as maintenance is concerned So now it is time to start working on it. Here are the plans: Do all of the basics Full Fluid: Change, Oil, Rear Drive, Front Forks, Tune Up, Plugs, Clean the K&N's Sync the Carbs Adjust the Valves. For Modifications: Install Fairing with full gauges: volt, Temp, Oil, and tac 6x9 Speakers Small Amp for a MP3 Player, dont want a big car radio. Tall Riders Back Rest Luggage rack Few more saftey chrome items. The plan is to start working on it in the next few days and have it all done before spring. Here are some pics of it so far: Fairing test fit: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover002_zps08625be4.jpg Side Shot tank, seats, side motor covers removed: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover003_zps8573ebce.jpg http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/45931/2789621260101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Didnt know the bike has K&N Filters! http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover004_zps10513349.jpg http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/45235/2789763760101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Shot of the rear quad pipes: Think they are Barons Nasty Boys http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover005_zpsfd156eb7.jpg http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/3275/2607327560101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Yamaha's Comfort Cruise Seats made by Corbin, and Tank: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover006_zpsdbda4006.jpg http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/46708/2694000440101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Side Motor Covers to be blasted and re painted: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover007_zps1f362dd9.jpg http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/48050/2556630150101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Fairing Backside: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover008_zps678f716f.jpg http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/359/2310931100101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Rear seat and windshield: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover009_zps49835fea.jpg http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/13306/2960733780101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Oil leak on the right side: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover011_zpsfb610ef2.jpg http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/26176/2902507960101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Left shot of bike: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover012_zps33e48000.jpg http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/46700/2436787720101950171S600x600Q85.jpg So I will keep everything in this post as progress slowly moves forward. I am sure that I will be needing some advice as I get into this project. We plan on keeping this bike for some time so if you have any suggestions or advice I would be happy to hear it! Thanks! Darrin
  8. So a few months ago, a gal I work with (she shares an office with me) had asked about my bike (she sees my crash jacket & helmet sitting next to my desk every day) and we had a nice little chat about it. Turns out, some of her only memories of her and her father were of her riding on the back of his wing. She asked if I would mind taking her for a ride sometime, of course, I said no problem - just let me know when. Well work finally slowed down some (and classes are over for a while) so we planned it for today. I roll up to her place around 745 or so. She is out on the porch waiting for me, and pretty much set to go. I hand off the extra crash jacket I have and helmet, we chit-chat a little and take off. My mistake was thinking that she just wanted a quick ride. So I take her for a 20 minute spin around town and down one of the only decent roads within 10 miles of town here and as I start to head back to town she says 'going back so soon?'. My response of 'I'll stay out as long as you want to' was followed up with 'how about a ride up to Palo Duro canyon?' (this is about a 220 mile round-trip straight there and back) While verifying with her that she knew how far it was, she had commented on how she had been there just recently and knew, blah blah blah, but she wanted to take a 'scenic route' up and back. At this point I was about like and said "Fine by me, lets go". So, I pull a u-turn and take off. We stop at a few scenic turn outs along the way for a peek or two at the views at each place (which are few and far between here in the panhandle). I have attached a few shots. Since I've got the headsets in the helmets we chatted along the way and she was enjoying herself, which is good. We end up stopping for lunch and I pulled up to her place around 430 or so (~400 miles later) to let her off and she already wanted to know when she could go again :yikes: . Now, to be clear here, we are just friends and I have no intentions of it going any further, but dang, that about brought a tear to my eye. While we were out, at one of the scenic turn outs a small group (turned out to be a portion of the STAR riders from Amarillo) pulled up and we chatted. They had 2 or 3 RSTDs, 1 Strat, a V-star and a black royal star tour classic (I think). I also chatted with an 84 year old man that was on an 08 wing that had over 60k on it, he was one happy rider. So I get home and see that I have a few voicemails. It turns out that her boyfriend didn't know that she was going to be out all day and had her cell phone (which obviously had my number in it). I had no idea and meant no harm, but he mentioned numerous times that he was her boyfriend and wanted to know when we'd be back. Apparently he was also upset that I didn't answer my phone ( - which I'm guessing he didn't think through since we were on a bike). I guess I can't blame him, I'd be a 'little' honked too if my girlfriend took off with some guy I didn't know and was gone for most of the day. But, I don't know that I would have called his cell phone either . I'm no home wrecker, but who am I to argue with a woman (I know better than that - especially on important matters like this). Anyways, I had a TERRIFIC day, a FANTASTIC ride, and my friend was REALLY excited about the ride too and can't wait to go again. So, overall it has been a great day. I always love when I can share my joy of motorcycling with others that also appreciate and enjoy it, and that's all that happened today. :Venture: Hope everyone else had a great day too!!
  9. As some of you may have recalled, I had a tire blow last year while running through West, by God, Virginia. It was a Dunlop D404 that had been put on a couple of months previously. I was beating myself up for neglecting to check my tire pressure and was sure that was what killed it with 5581 miles on it. For a lot of expense (towing, hotel stay, tire, install, etc.) I was able to get another D404 installed so I could get home. That was the only tire available at the time. Well - IT ALMOST HAPPENED AGAIN! I was recently on a 4000 miles run around and was meticulously checking the tire pressure. It never varied from the original 40 lbs. However, as I was checking the tire pressure after getting gas, I noticed the tire wear was extreme. It was already down to, or below, the wear bars in the center of the tire. Thank goodness it was so windy that I wasn't running on the center of the tire. Since I was about half way across South Dakota and had a good 600 miles (most to be at night) to get home, I thought prudence would be the better part of valor. I pulled into a rest area and got on the phone and found a dealer in NorthWest Iowa with a - D404 tire!!! I had to get home and wanted to get there in one piece. When I punched the dealer address into my GPS, I noticed it would be 6:30 (they close at 6:00) before I got there. I pulled off the next exit to see if I could find a dealer any closer. Luck had me pull into Chamberlain, SD. I asked for a phone book but there were no M'cycle dealers listed. The clerk mentioned there was a Honda dealer the next exit down, I called and they had - an Elite 3 in the appropriate size. Apparently, that is what the Wings use. Showed up, they had me drive right into the shop, and the technician and I got to work. I took off the saddlebags, dropped the pipe, and took off the brake caliper. The tech started on the axle. We jacked it up with a standard floor jack balancing it against the kickstand. While the tech removed the dead D404 and installed the E3, he told me where the Moly60 was and I greased the splines. We reinstalled and I paid the standard bill (list price on the tire, but no complaints here). Slipped the tech a twenty on the way out for getting right on it and for letting me help. 45 minutes in and out with a new E3. OK, bottom line. I got lucky this time. The D404 was not designed for this bike - regardless what the Owners Manual says. The D404 that blew in WV had 5581 miles on it. I now firmly believe the WV tire died a natural death, not from neglect (although, I neglected to inspect for tire wear). This tire, when removed, had 4311 miles on it. Would it have made it another 600 miles? Maybe. But there will never be another D404 on my bike - if I can avoid it. Just a note on the E3. I felt the tire was not quite as smooth on groved pavement as the D404. Almost like it was a 'harder' tire. However, it might be that the tech did not balance the tire. I was in a rush and we both just forgot. I'll throw in some Dynabeads this weekend and that might help. It is a very small price to pay if I can actually make a trip and return safely with the same tires on the bike. The Darksiders almost had me coming over after this. We will see how the E3 works out. Hopefully, I will be able wear it out this year - by riding a lot!! RR
  10. Ok I need help from all the motor heads.. I am at my wits end...I have a 2004 f 150 ford heritage , 6 cylinder 4x4 with a 5 speed in it (117,000 MILES ON IT)....my temperature gauge reads normal for a while(20,30 miles) then will go to cold, then back to normal, then will fluctuate back and forth about every 8 miles from normal to cold....I DO NOT lose any heat and the truck seems to run normal...I had a new thermostat installed about 2 weeks ago and all seemed well until today when it started doing it again.... I drive 30 miles to work. It did it once or twice today on the way to work but on the way home it did it about 10 times....I don't know enough about these things and an a little nervous driving it.. is there a sensor I should be looking for?.. Is it safe to drive? will I damage something driving it back and forth to work? Thank you for the help in advance....
  11. Shipped my Road Glide seat off to Rick Butler this morning. I have put some miles on it and was pleasantly surprised with it for a stock seat. I've done a Saddle Sore and a Bun Burner on it so I know that I can do a thousand mile day on it with no major problems. There is still room for improvement though so I figured that with the snow on the ground, it was a great time to let him work his magic.
  12. I have a RSTD, DARK SIDER, with 109771 Put on New tire and changed r/brakes noticed the brake disk was worn. Does any one have one to sell or can u tell me a good place to buy one. The New tire was a NANKANG 165/80R/15 .. the old tire got Kumko got 29391 miles. Ride 2 up and pull a trailor. Love this bike. "PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS" [/b]AND THIS COUNTRY
  13. Mid 40's in southeastern MI today, so around noon I took off for a ride. I had been wanting to get some saddle time in on the new-to-me pillow top seats and put the rebuilt fuel pump through an extended test ride. Heck, those are just excuses.....I just wanted to ride. After the first 15 or 20 minutes, I pulled over in Marine City to check the fuel pump leaking gas and all was good. So, like a good VR always should, I snapped a pic of the bike. Notice the grey sky and the dampness of the concrete. The roads were a bit damp in places, dry in others. I continued on along M-29 through St. Clair and north toward Marysville. From there I went through places such as Smiths Creek, Wadhams, Goodells, and Memphis, as I made my way to Capac. I went up into town to see what was going on and turned back toward home, stopping for gas having gone 100.2 miles so far. Away from the towns, I had the roads mostly to myself. You know, time to stop in the middle of the road for a photo op. I backtracked only as far as Memphis and from there went toward Richmond so I could take a different way home. Cuz you aren't supposed to do much backtracking! From there I zig-zagged to and fro on two lane roads to extend the miles rather than head home on a direct path. I ended up on M-29 again, but almost 20 miles south of home base. I was riding along Lake St Clair, and the late afternoon sun had finally made a brief appearance, so I pulled over for another pic. By the time I got to my street, I was at 196 miles, so of course I went up the road for 2 more miles and then came back and was at 200.3 when I parked in the garage. It was a good day! I love this pic!
  14. There have been at least three other threads on this subject in the past month or two, but since this is going to be kinda long and detailed, I thought I would start a new one just for my measurements and results. We all know that reported MPG figures for the 2nd gens have been all over the map, from high 20s to mid 50s (don't I wish!). Nobody is really sure what they SHOULD be or how to compare them. I am on the trail to figure that out. My mileage has always been in the mid 30s average (much more detail below) on both of my RSVs over 50,000 miles. I recently checked and properly set the float levels in the carbs on my 05, and this seemed to produce a dramatic increase in fuel economy (about 5 MPG?). But I still have more to do, and I would love to find someone within a couple of hundred miles of DFW that claims to have mileage in the high 40s or even 50+ MPG with whom I could connect and do some comparisons. In the mean time, I have done some very detailed measurements over a 4,000 mile ride, and here is the information that should make it easier to compare our numbers: Stock Speedometer - on the RSV, it indicates approximately 8% higher than actual speed as measured by GPS. This does not really affect fuel mileage calculations, but is important to know when someone states what MPG they get at a particular speed. For example, if they get 33 MPG at 80 MPH, do they mean a REAL 80 (which would be an indicated 87), or are they seeing an indicated 80 (which is actually only about 73 MPH)? In my experience, the difference between 73 MPH and 87 MPH can change fuel economy by close to 10 MPG! So knowing how to compare apples to apples is quite important for us. Stock Odometer - On the RSV, it indicates approximately 4% higher than actual. In my testing, this calculates out to about 2 MPG difference on a typical tank. BUT, if someone has corrected their speedometer with an external device like a Speedohealer or Yellowbox, then their odometer will now read about 4% LOWER than actual, which means that the miles per gallon they calculate for a typical tank will be approximately 3 MPG lower than that exact same fuel consumption on an identical bike with a stock odometer. For example, if I ride 200 miles and fill up with 5.5 gallons, I get 36.4 MPG. But if someone with a corrected speedometer rides the exact same distance (their odometer will show 184 miles) and fills up with the same 5.5 gallons, they will only calculate 33.4 MPG, quite a significant difference, even though we both got identical mileage! SPEEDS - The difference between an actual 55 MPH (indicated 60) and an actual 80 MPH (indicated 87) will make a huge difference in fuel consumption, and any winds will make this difference even much greater. In my experience, a typical RSV can get 42 MPG at 55, and 32 MPG at 80, without factoring in any wind effects. I believe that for comparison purposes, we must all be vary careful to state specifically if we are using stock indicated miles and speeds or a "corrected" miles and speed. Note that in the latter case, the speed would be a true speed, but the miles reported would be approximately 4% low. Now that I have said all that, let me report on the actual measurements I made on the 4,000 mile trip. I am not going to actually report details on EVERY tank of gas unless someone requests it, but I'll give you the summary. I used to get an average of 36 MPG on my 05 RSV, but only about 32 MPG when running around 76 MPH actual (indicated 82). After setting the float levels, this trip started out showing about 35 MPG when running that fast. Ethanol mixes would drop a mile or two from the calculation, as would any significant cross wind or head wind. For example, my first tank of gas out of Fort Worth took me 206 miles at an indicated speed of about 77 MPH (GPS showed 71 MPH) with a medium cross wind. My calculated mileage (using indicated speeds and distance) for this tank was 35.84 MPG. The next tank took me 154 miles (indicated) at approximately 80 MPH (indicated), but no winds. This tank produced 35.57 MPG. Later in the day I was running around 84 MPH indicated (around 78 actual) and my mileage dropped to around 33 MPG. When I was riding with the group on day rides at the rally, speeds were staying much lower, of course. The three tanks of gas under those conditions resulted in 45.8, 41.6 and 38.4 MPG. When I left Kitchener, I spent the first day on secondary roads. I was still pushing it pretty good, but the speeds were all over the place since there was a lot of stopping, curves, etc. The next three tanks produced average MPG calculations (using indicated mileage) of 41.4, 39.3 and 37.8 MPG. Friday we got back on the Super Slab, running between 80 and 90 indicated all day long. Average economy was about 32.3 MPG for all tanks. That night, when we got done with dinner and fired up the bike to head back to the hotel, I noticed a pronounced misfire on the left side - the only time I heard this. Other than the misfire at idle, the bike ran fine. The next day the bike seemed to be laboring a little when hard acceleration around 70 MPH, but nothing really significant. The first tank of gas returned typical numbers. Then I had a couple of tanks that looked bad. I was running pretty fast on a divided road that had lights in the towns - probably averaging 85 indicated when out of town, and I got 31.3 MPG. The next tank only got 29.6 MPG! But after that the numbers went back up to the mid 30s and stayed there all the way home. That just shows you how much the numbers can change with little apparent reason! I suspect I had a partially fouled plug for a while, maybe caused by poor gas, but I doubt I will ever know for sure. So there it is, my actual numbers over a 4,000 mile trip with a 2005 RSV running well. I was riding two-up and heavily loaded. It was even worse when I left Kitchener due to the oil and heavy coffee table book I won at the rally and had to add to the load (which also made me add another bag to the top of the rack, increasing wind drag). I still have a couple of things to try to boost the mileage, but frankly, the best thing I can do is slow down! My all-around average used to be around 36 MPG, but now I think it will reasonably be around 40 MPG (due to float levels and tuning). If I can ever find a way to get it higher, I'll sure let y'all know! Goose
  15. I recently lost my 2006 VTX1300 in the floods in the Memphis,TN area. Dealing with insurance company now on the total loss settlement. Now with the basic background out of the way. I am looking at a 2006 royal star tour deluxe black. Dealer is asking $8999. Actually two dealers 100 miles apart. One bike has 4400 miles the other has 6800 miles. Got one dealer down to $7999 and am sure I can get the other down to that too. Is this a good price. Both bikes look show room clean. What are the known issues with this bike? How's the maintenance? What are the must have accessories? Is the seat a must replace and if so what's the recommended seat? What are the must do mods? I know yamaha makes a good bike. Just not overly familiar with this one. Anything I need to look for or check before buying? Sorry for so many questions. I'm sure the search tab would answer most of my questions but I like the answers fresh lol. And Im being a little lazy. Sorry. Thanks for the help. Ps I am an ok wrench and am not scared to do my own work.
  16. I don't know how far most of you go before, but I usually start to look for gas at about 120-130 miles. The fartherest (before today) I ever rode on a tank a gas was about 152 miles... I was in the middle of NOWHERE in Southeast Missouri today and no gas stations around. Even at 165 miles, I still didn't hit reserve...I mighta went a few more miles even. How about some of you. Wally
  17. hi all now have over 12,00 miles on my c/t, it's hard to catch up with lowell. i would like to ask how many ventureriders are now runing c/t's on their scoot's now. i have pulled a trailer with the scoot over 4,000 miles with no ill effect. best reguards don c.
  18. Guest

    kickin tires on a Ural

    Been contemplating a Ural Patrol 2WD for the winter riding season... Nothing new there, except there is a dealer just 50 miles from me. So I rode down there today and chatted. SOMEBODY STOP ME! http://www.imz-ural.com/wp-content/gallery/ural-patrol/2blpa.jpg Quote in hand.
  19. Hello Everyone: As most of you know, our 05 RSTD was heavily smoke damaged about a year ago. While it was in the shop for restoration, I decided to have new tires installed. The PO had Metzler 880's on it. I did not do any research. I trusted my dealer to guide me. He installed Dunlop 404's. $611 total for tires and labor. We enjoyed 7,000 miles of two up riding last year. I noticed yesterday while installing new pipes that the rear tire is worn more than I expected. I am not unhappy. $300 for an entire season of fun is cheap entertainment. I guess I expected the tire to last more than one season?? I see by many other posts that 7-12K is the norm? I might be able to go another $2500 miles, but really do not want to risk it. What are your thoughts, experiences and suggestions on brand, size etc. I appreciate your input. I have read good things about E3's. Thanks in advance
  20. In Panama, getting ready to ride over the Bridge of the Americas into Columbia. Tell all the folks on the VR forum that I am doing fine, taking lots of pictures, and keeping a daily running story-log on my laptop of what happens each day. I hope all is well with you, and that you continue to heal well. Miles Gooo.... SeaHawks....
  21. Capt-D "Derrick" and myself took a nice cold ride around lake O this morning and put on about 190 miles I hope to do it more often but it has to warm up.
  22. I know different versions have been around, but.... YOU MIGHT BE A BIKER IF........ If you paid more for your bike than you did for your wife's engagement ring... If your Christmas cards have a picture of Santa Claus on a motorcycle... If you ride your bike to work at least two or three days a week... If you subscribe to three or more motorcycle magazines, and still pick up extras every week at the newsstand or motorcycle dealership... If you spent more on tires last year than you did on clothes... If you check the Weather Channel on Friday, knowing full well you're still going to ride that weekend depsite what they say... If you can rattle off the names, model designations and horsepower ratings of all the newest bikes, but can't remember your kids' birthdays... If you ever had your barber/hairdresser cut your hair really short so you wouldn't have to comb it out every time you took your helmet off... If you ever grew a beard just to keep your chin warm when riding in the winter... If your personal stationery, credit cards, checks or business cards have a picture of a motorcycle on them... If your bike(s) is kept in your garage, while your car is parked outside... If you remember the exact day you bought your first bike, but have trouble remembering your wedding anniversary... If you sometimes buy premium gas for your bike, even though it doesn't need it, just because you want to show it you care... If you can't walk away from your parked bike without looking back at least once to "see if it's okay"... If you look for excuses to hang around your local motorcycle shop for hours on end, even when you have no business to conduct there... When you're pulling into a parking lot or rest area, if you look for other bikes to park next to so you can talk to the riders... If you won't rent a motel room unless you can park where you can see your bike from the window...And, when you get up in the middle of the night to take a leak, you stop by the window just to see if it's still there... If the return address on all your outgoing mail is those little sticky labels from the AMA... If your cell phone's custom ringer has been programmed to play "Born to be Wild" or "Bad to the Bone"... If you ever detoured 100 miles out of your way just to catch 20 miles of twisties... If your life partner has ever said to you, "You're getting awful cranky lately ~ maybe you should go for a ride"... If you use $6.00 a quart oil in your bike, and buy whatever's on sale for $0.99 to use in your car... If your carry-on luggage on the plane is a tank bag... If your pet dog/cat/goldfish or whatever is named "Scooter", "Harley", "Vincent" or "Triumph"... If you know the exact make, model and size of tires that are on your bike, and precisely what inflation you run in them, but have no idea what brand is on your car... If you buy earplugs in packs of a dozen... If you believe than any piece of metal might look better chromed... If you ever tried to teach your dog to ride on the bike with you... If your idea of "taking it easy" is only riding 200 miles today... If you thought buying your wife a new helmet for her birthday was a good idea... If you think 8 a.m. is too early to start work, but 7 a.m. is too late to start a ride... If you turn to look every time you hear a motorcycle exhaust... If you ever went for a ride when you were sick, rationalizing that it might make you feel better... If you once rode 1,000 miles or more in a single day, just to see if you could do it... If you occasionally realize that you forgot to eat lunch, or dinner, or both, because you were "too busy" riding... If you've ever run out of gas for no other reason than you wanted to see how far your bike would go on reserve... If the guy behind the parts counter at your local dealership greets you by your first name when you walk in the door... If your wife threatened to leave you if you bought one more bike, and started getting her luggage out of the closet... If you stare out the window of an airplane, trying to imagine what it would be like to ride the roads you're passing over... If you occasionally go out to the garage just to "look in" on your bike... If you spend more time hanging out in the parking lot, among the bikes, tha actually going inside the place you just rode over 100 miles to get to... If you ever argued~with your wife or yourself~ that it was too cold (wet,windy or whatever) outside to work in the yard, and then went riding instead... If the first thing to wear out on your boots is the top of the left toe... If you can identify various insects by their flavor... If you find yourself leaning into turns when driving your car... If you've ever decided it would be easier to just ride the bike than to scrape the snow off the car... If your answer to, "Why do you own three bikes?" would be, "Fool~because I can't afford four!"... If seeing something leaking out of your motorcycle causes you more anguish than seeing your own blood...
  23. This has probably been asked before, but.... I have recently purchased a 99 RSV with very low miles. I had to do a bunch of work to get it road worthy. I have put around 500 miles on it in the last week and have noticed that the speedometer is off approximately 10% (VERY ANNOYING, I like to know my exact speed without a calculation). When I meter the gas mileage running mostly freeway speeds 75-80mph which meters 80-85 or more on the speedometer I am getting 38 - 40 mph. Calculate the 10% odometer error that makes 34-35 mpg. Does this sound right?
  24. Hello again. I have chosen tomorrow, of all days, to take my newly purchased 2003 RSV, on a field trip. Headed to hilton head, SC. Just an overnight trip. Riding solo but packing stuff to get used to the handling with weight in the bags and trunk and top. Approx. 725 miles round trip. For some of you that's miles you put on in one day. For me it's a real luxury lately to have days off. That's said, I will report once there and the return trip how it went. ( that is of course if we are not doomed courtesy of the Mayan calendar prophecy ) Still a bit nervous due to me being very new to bike and how she handles. On a separate note, the custom dynamics tail light came in and I chose the 100 LED. Boy oh boy, is it BRIGHT. If you can not see those babies, you shouldn't be anywhere inside a vehicle... Have a great day:Venture:
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