RAm5700

I see the Dunlop Elite 3's are available in both standard and metric sizing. I know the charts show the equivalents but are there any differences in the tires or are they the same tire just labeled differently?

Bike runs fine when fully warm, no stumble at all. Just takes a long time before it will run properly off choke.

Here's the latest on cleaning up the look........ The front bracket that supports the hose loom and reflector really needs some work on these bikes. Here's what I did and I like the look much better. for those that want to retain the reflector just removing the loom makes a difference. And it's not needed as the hose has a hard mount on the bracket.

If you know anything about Kawi's they are way lean. Had the mains drilled on this one and it is barely acceptable.

First off, thanks for serving our nation so the rest of could ride while you were gone! Big sacrifice we know so thanks again. Now, as far as the way your bike is running, two things; 1) its damn cold it may not be getting up to temperature and 2) check your choke and make sure it is functioning properly. It may not close down far enough to make it run rich enough in that cold weather to run clean until it's up to temp. My wife's Vulcan takes fives minutes to warm up in the summer before it doesn't bog under throttle.

Off topic but I'll bite. Since I am an amateur drag racer (we go several times a year and run, working on a truck right now) let's just see how fast that first gen is. Any time slips? I'll take mine to the track in the Spring and see what it runs. All that talk, you better be faster.........

I run the bike with baffles in. Only takes 5 minutes to remove them and IT SOUNDS AWESOME! Very much like a healthy V-8. Downside is that it is so loud it hurts (literally hurts my ears with a helmet on) to ride at highway speeds and the power in the mid and upper RPM ranges is way off so the bike is significantly slower without the baffles. Been thinking about why the noise is so loud. Compared with the Victory I have posted pics of there is no contest as which one is louder going down the road. No sure why as the pipes on RSTD are all the way in the back of the bike and the Victory pipes are by the rider. Possibly the pitch?

Good project. The way I ride I would like a tach. and have been contemplating adding one.

RIGHT! it it comes with it, TAKE if off and it didn't then we have to add it!

Well, this one passed inspection in 2012 (at a major inspection station). There is no requirement for side reflectors, (now I'll remove the ones on the front forks) but there is for the back. I'll get creative here, as the size and location is not specified. But this is what the Texas DPS site says: What's Inspected by Vehicle Type Items of Inspection for a Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle 05.07 Inspect Every Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle For: (listed in suggested order of inspection) * Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility 1. Horn 2. Mirror 3. Steering 4. Brakes (system) 5. Tires 6. Wheel Assembly 7. Exhaust System 8. Tail Lamp (1) 9. Stop Lamp (1) 10. License Plate Lamp 11. Rear Red Reflector (1) 12. Head Lamp (1) 13. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number Definitions: Motorcycle: Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor.

Right, I don't know anyone that is, kinda spooks me! Noticed you have pre-regimental scroll as your avitar. I was in first Batt. (HAAF) mid 83-early 85. The unit was in regimental conversion while I was there. I still have the scroll (wooden plaque, old style) I took off the Commo building when the new one was put up. Was finishing up RIP when Grenada (Urgent Fury) went down, didn't see any action.

I'll plan on it if I can work into my schedule (kinda far from my house to Waller though, must be 20 miles). Look's like the Dunlop E-3's are the best bang for the buck.

"Dennis Kirk" is one place for online tires. The prices seem reasonable.

The local dealer only carries Metzeler's and they are pricey at about $400 for both (tires only. Wondering if any one here runs them? I see Dunlop Elite 3's are very popular so I was thinking I would order a set.

I appreciate the heads-up and concern. I did weigh that out before taking them off. I just like the look enough to risk it. I have full coverage on it and a reasonable deductable.

I'm on the fence about selling the factory take off's, pipes, seats and crash bars included. What are they worth to you? I honestly don't have any idea what they cost new. I'll have to look.

Hmmm, Well it was designed to look like a Harley knockoff.

All sport bikes 600 cc and over are faster than a 1st gen Venture. I worked for a Yamaha dealer in 1987 and rode the 84 thru 86's so I know they are faster than my RSTD. I wouldn't ride an 800 pound elephant and ride two up if I wanted to race. But I do ride with my uncle who has a Valkyrie with pipes and jetted carbs so yea, I want to quicken mine up a bit. I posted some pictures of bikes I have owned over the years. Don't have any of the GS 1100 or GS 750 or SECA 750. Feel free to tell me which ones you can outrun.

I think your right on going ahead with the replacement now, will do within the next 1000 miles for sure. I plan on doing the labor myself as far as the removal and install of the wheels so I need to clear a spot in the garage for it to sit for a week out of the way. Really wanted to do the V-Max gear set as while I have it apart as well........ Guess I need to get busy. BTW, I bought the bike new in 2011 (Oct.) off E-bay. Still was not impressed with the stock tires when new.

Thanks for the info, looking forward to seeing the schedule.

Did you just jinx me????? I did consider that, willing to risk it. First bike I ever had with rear crash bars anyway! At least the crash bars won't get scratched!!

Thanks for the input. I ride fast so yea, I don't want to push it too far. Just thinking that it looks like it's about had it but wanted to confirm as 6000 miles so far is not much.

Love the backing plates now I have to spend more money............

Done some little mods that I think improve the look some. Removed the rear crash guards. Removed the brackets over the rear cylinders (Much cleaner I think but you have to shorten the chrome valve cover fastener to make it work). Deleted the rear reflector and lowered the license plate using the bracket for the inspection sticker. Need to order a chrome license plate frame now.

Hello Gentlemen and Ladies (any?)! New member but long time lurker. Great site with loads of good information. I bought a 2009 RSTD from a dealer in Wisconsin in late 2011 and had it shipped to Houston. Have modded the bike some to include: upgraded ignition, redline moved to 7500 rpm, AIS disable, Nasty Boy pipes, carbs recalibrated, K&N Filters and a Mustang seat set. I also cut the stock windshield down 4" to see over it. The bike has a little over 6000 miles on the bike so far and am questioning how much life the rear tire has left. Thinking of Dunlop Elite 3's for both ends when the rear is gone. Anyone have a guess how much life is left for the rear tire?