videoarizona

Nope....foam pad... [/color] With helmet Closed with lid resting on helmet... So..if I attempt to close, I'll bend something for sure... maybe it's different for different years? Mine's a 2005. david

That to me is the key. Even if you do adjust the suspension while on side stand, make sure you know how the suspension will change when loaded. Kind of like checking out the speedo then adjusting your brain to know what the true mph is. I, for one, would not adjust any suspension while riding. To much opportunity for not paying attention...and changing the suspension geometry while riding could get you into trouble if you hit a serious bump with rear end up higher than normal and more weight on front. Who knows how the bike will react? Besides, it only takes a few minutes to make the change. Doing so while stopped for gas or taking a break, is an easy thing to do. david[/color]

Kevin, The 2nd Gen tool kit is supposed to have an air gauge too. I didn't get a tool kit with mine so I don't have any comparison. I did get a tool kit with the 1st gen...but no gauge. I think the 2nd Gen rides the freeways better...smoother. Better ride. But that's it. I do happen to love the looks of both bikes! Course, I love the looks of the 950 VStar too...but it's probably not going to get ridden much now that I have both Ventures. david

If I did that I would probably break the hinges. Seriously...my one Scorpion 900 won't fit in at the very center by itself! What's going on here??? david

Yea right...I rode the 1st gen this morning! Thinking of selling the VStar 950T. Love that bike but rather keep the 1st gen for camping! david

Grins! That's so good to hear!

After reading about "lowering" the front end...I'm thinking may be that would be a better way for me to go. I'm 5'10" with 30" inseam so lowering the height of the bike would be nice for me. If it makes the handling more neutral...then I'm really all for it. So: Lower front end Stay with OEM front tire size Leave rear end alone. My benefits should be better handling, slightly lower ride height and normal tire patch on the road for those days when it rains in Arizona! Thoughts that agree/disagree with above? david

I love the whitewalls too! Can't wait till my tires get worn! That's a great look for the scoot! david

Don, IF they had made the tour pack just a tad higher, we could get helmets in there. Like the 1st Gen. So easy to put my audio stuff in there, scarf, bungies, kleenex, snacks, flashlight, jacket liners and two helmets! Same with the saddlebags. The 1st Gen I have the saddlebag tops come off straight up, so I can pack the saddlebag and still have room under the top to velcro rain gear, etc.. Think I'll use the 1st gen for camping trips and the 2nd Gen strictly for hotel touring. I can carry heck of a lot more on 1st gen. Now I understand why Cowpuc loves his 1st gen! He can get everything on it and still run nicely.

Clarification: So do I use smaller links in the rear to raise the bike to level and gain better handling? Or the reverse? david

Hmmm. May have to re-consider. PO gave me a new front tire to match the rear ...but it's stock size. Maybe I should order a 130 before I pay to get the front mounted....and try it out. I want the slow speed handling.... Thanks for the report! david

I put Shinkos on my 1st Gen, blackwalls, and they hug the road so nicely I'm not concerned if they wear out earlier than another type tire. I'm really surprised I can scrape the hiway feets leaning way over and they stick! I really like the handling. Makes me feel safer too! david

Steve posted: The front signal wires have bullet connectors inside the fairing.> Even better, Steve. I just sent my order in....will you please makes something up similar for me? Thanks! david

Okie Dokie. Back from a 400 plus mile weekend. The Admiral didn't like the 2nd Gen Seat or backrest. Nope. Plus more buffeting. Thinking a pillow between backrest sides under the backrest cushion might give her lumbar support. She's 5'4" and likes support on lower back. Also to upright for her...likes 1st Gen's adjustment to lean back. We'll figure that out... Anyone adjusted their backrest? Maybe take it off and put a thin wedge plate behind to angle it back a tad? Got 41 mpg up to PHX (one up -loaded) at 80mph indicated...and 42 mpg back (2up/1up and more loaded!)...same speed on cruise. I'm real good with that! Though head wind on last stretch between Tucson and Green Valley had very little throttle left in 5th gear! Next time think I'll slow down and shift to 4th. Be easier on me and motor. Also amazed me to have 1/4 tank left plus reserve after 177 miles. If I were younger, I could go after some iron butt awards! NOT! Butt couldn't handle that anymore...nope! Getting used to handling. Found myself whipping around Tucson this morning delivering stuff to youngest kidlet. I realized I was getting used to scoot when I whipped a 180 to avoid construction in 2 lanes without even thinking. Well...if I can solve the Admiral's back support issue....and get a Clearview with vent...(solve buffeting for her)...she might like it. She was disappointed she couldn't control the audio though! Grins! Pic halfway to Phoenix...Picacho Peak...site of Arizona's only Civil War battle.... PS - She was disappointed we couldn't get both helmets in tour pack like 1st Gen...but thankful for helmet locks!

Ok...I've gone over both the tech manual and the owner's manual....and either I'm blind or Yamaha didn't bother to put down the type of bulb used...only says 55/60 watt 12 volt. Geeesh! H7 or H4 or 9006 or??? I'd like to buy a spare bulb....sigh. Thanks, david Whoops...Bike Bandit had the parts breakdown....it's an H4.

I'm waiting until after Mom's Day then will start watching EBay. That was a good deal a few weeks ago. Sounds like that's a good price you got on boats.net. I may go the same route! But now I'm concerned about how thin the Tour Pack top is compared to the 1st Gen. I put about 20 pounds on the 1st gen rack and it took it just fine. The whole Tour pack is better built...latches and hinges too. So I'm a little concerned about putting same gear on top of a rack on the 2nd Gen tour pack. It just doesn't appear to be as rugged. david

So far, yes I do. I am disappointed that so much was left off that was good on the 1st gen. I really miss the pouches to put things in....guess I could buy some small metal bars, drill holes and mount my own pouches....but come on guys! And yep pbj...I do realize apples and oranges...just wish momma Yamaha could have used a tad more brain power and make the 2nd gen "better" than the first.

I concur with GW. My 1st gen sits on it's side stand with a nice lean...and my suspension is set on "Low". Everything stock. As far as center stand....I always used to raise suspension to "auto", "High"...then plant boot firmly on stand and center bike while pushing down on stand with foot. This allows me to get the stand to hold the bike vertical...then I put all my weight on the stand and pull BACK with left hand on bars and right hand on passenger hold bar. The bike pops right up with very little effort. I do NOT use my upper body to try and lift the bike. At 67 years young, no way I could do that! I let the weight of my body on the stand and the weight of the bike pull it backwards and up. It is really easy once you figure out the technique. One fluid motion and she's up. Lately I've found myself putting the bike on the stand then realizing I forgot to raise the suspension. That's a good thing...as before I always had to remember to lower the suspension as I didn't want the 25 year old seals to blow out with all that pressure on them sitting for days. Just a Thought... david

Two weeks of ownership: Compared to 1st gens Uh Uh: 1: Wrong gear ratio's for the weight. 2: Flimsy plastic construction. 3: Tour pack smaller. 4: Saddlebags smaller. 5: No additional storage. No places to put sunglasses. etc.. 6: Heavier steering 7: Not as slippery through wind. 8: Handling a tad awkward, overall. Definitely a touring bike. 9: Speedo inaccurate. 10: No tach. 11: MPG's down from 1st gen...gearing to high in 5th? 12: Lack of passenger audio controls. 13: Lack of standard lighting. Really like the way the 1st Gen's "Venture" name is reflected at night. Easy to put lights in there too! 14: Not as easy to add custom lighting. (ok..this goes with #13 ) 15: No class system. 16: No center stand. I do like: 1: Added aux input. 2: Seating, much better. 3: 80mph ride...cruises effortlessly except for 5th gear to high...downshifts needed in wind to pass, or climb long 7 degree hills, etc.. 4: Ease of getting to major systems (I don't worry about weather issues-those areas can be sealed better easily) 5: Separate antennas & audio system seems much better overall. Less attention needed to make changes. 6: Much better brakes. 7: Softer ride (subjective) with front at 0 lbs and rear at 40 lbs...one up. 8: Easier for me to move bod around without upsetting bike balance at slow speed...IE, turning head to look for idiots running lights, etc.. ...and so on. Nothing new to anyone here. Just typing out loud. I'm keeping an open mind since I know it's a different ride altogether. Well...going to head up to Phoenix in early am and dodge some rain. See if the lady likes it better than the 1st Gen. Her wish for Mom's Day was a ride on new scoot! Note to self: She fell asleep on 1st Gen ride in mountains last weekend. Hmmm. later all, david

Thanks Goose. Ran through the switches...simply for peace of mind. Then took fairing off and went looking for the O.D. bulb. Yamaha did a good job of hiding those little buggers! Used my new HF very long pliers (advice given on this very forum) to pull the light bulb out. Bad bulb. Test ride today to see if that's the problem! (any excuse for a ride)... david

I got a second key made. The first was really sloppy. The guy took his time and got all the little teeny angles just right. Made a difference. Now the spare key works in everything! Cutting keys is really an art. Takes patience and a keen eye. That's why auto and bike keys are stamped. Accurate right out of the machine. Kev, the reason you have to finess the key to get it to work in the ignition...is there is one "tip or valley" on the key not quite right. If you look really close at your master and your spare keys...you will see the offending area. The Ace blanks are good....their people...not so much, maybe. david

I wish! The PO said the PO before him....got in some sort of tangle and scratched the fairing on one side. I wanted to get it looking right. The gentleman I bought it from reduced the price so I could have the bux to paint. See! Simple explanation...no big bux here! Grins, david

Suggest you might also want to consult with a local custom paint guru. I found one in the tiny town of Green Valley where I live. He does custom HD's. He just finished painting my fairing the silver/pearl color of the 2005's. He actually used a Ford base for it. Looks so clean! He loved the pearl look of the paint.

Yep....actually done part of that. But it was hot getting to Globe...even leaving early am. [/color]The Devil's Hiway (old rt 666) is another choice up to the White Mountains then across NM. May do that anyway. Want to see the Radio telescope array west of Socorro (sp?) The issue I have is timing the ride so I leave the heat country in early am, finding gas at "O dark 30" on some of those roads and .....my bod can't ride all day like it could when I rode from NH to AZ on a Yammie 250cc! So judicious planning is required! Been riding AZ for 40 years....still amazed how sparse coffee, donuts and gas can be in the boonies. Thanks for the encouragement! david

One major issue I see...is the Tour Pack on the 2nd gen is flimsy compared to the 1st Gen. Much thinner material with cheaper hinges too. Maybe I'll use the 1st Gen for camping...and leave the 2nd Gen for traveling... So many things were changed, and not for the good, when Yamaha dropped the 1st gen and moved on. What were they thinking??? Sigh...