Sunman

Check to see that your exhaust pipes are snug, and have not worked loose. I think I can hear that "hollow" rattling, I experienced it on another bike.

There is a quick way to tell if you are in first gear on a 2nd gen, simply crack the throttle, if your bike takes off like a bat out of hell, you are in first gear:rotf:

I finally installed my Wagner Grill today. I have had it sitting in my garage since last year, but was too cold to be messing with the bike. So it looks great, I did not expect it to be that easy. Steve, on the instructions you reccommend putting air in the front shocks, is this completely neccesary? I have had 0 psi in them since new, and do not want to mess with something that is not broken. If I NEED to add air, then I guess I will have to get the equalizing kit. And also, is the top of the grill just supposed to rest against the Rad tank at the top? It fits great, and looks great, I am just worried about how tight I have it. There is just a bit of play in it still, but the zip ties seem to be fairly tight. Any suggestions?

If you haven't done so already, I suggest changing the rear brake light to the LED board. Much brighter, and faster to light up as well. A simple inexpensive safety change.

Have you thought about a Wagner Grill? Or do you just want the chrome/metal look? I like the way the Wagner matches my bikes color

Here is another thread that I started on the same topic last year. Has some pics of my set up. I will recommend that if you get an LED light board, in my personal opinion, the clear lens looks really good. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21790

I have also heard that this can become a problem, when people add leather frilled lever covers. The frills can cause enough drag to engage the brake enough to deactivate the cruise. Just throwing that out therre.

Thanks for that video KS!. I had not seen that one, and I am going to begin my search for a Canadian dealer for those tires. If not, I may have to go visit Bob in NY in my near future. That video answered everything I needed to know. That kind of abuse, would be catastrophic in a normal tire. I would be happy, and would feel it is worth the price, if it helped me stop 1 single nail hole. I think also, the video clearly demonstrates that the product does not "flow" I noticed there was none on the rim when they dismounted the tire. It appears to have the consistency of soft rubber, I think that is why it is able to "heal" itself so quickly. Rhino Tires hopefully will be my next set of skins for the bike. The only thing that I wish they had done in the video, which would be a great selling point, would be to take an accurate tire pressure reading before the runs over the nail board, and again after. If the difference was small enough, that would really sell me. They make run flat tires now, which can run up to 60 MPH with 0 psi in them. So the pressure reading, would really show that no air is getting out. Sonny

Well, here is a story, with a happy ending, that took 9 months to occur. Last July, Charlie (dragerman) and myself were talking about ordering some parts and accessories for our bikes. We talked about using South Seattle Sports, but we decided on Motor Sports Super Center http://www.motorsportssupercenter.com/ from Alabama. Their prices were very similar to South Seattle. And they had good shipping rates too! So we put together an order for the 2 of us which consisted of Billet Brake Pedal Cover (Me) Billet Shift Peg Covers (Me) 2 Billet Oil filler caps (Both) Tri-bar headlight (Charlie) Billet Carb Covers (Charlie) Billet License frame (Charlie) Front Fender Trim rail (Charlie) 2 Chrome rear brake fluid res covers (Both) Billet Choke knob cover (Charlie) Well we also decided to ask Bongobob if he would take delivery of our parts, and we would go and visit him to collect them to save on international shippin and taxes and duty. (if any of our members work for Canada Customs or CRA please disregard this entire post ) So anyways, they charged my credit card immediately and shipped off the parts that they had in stock. We got everything except my shift peg covers & the carb covers. Which were back ordered. All the parts arrived in short order and Charlie went off to visit Bob, and brought back his and my parts. This was JULY of '08!!! Well, a month or so came and went, but no parts. So I called and spoke to Bill at Motor Sports Super Center (see website addy above) and he apologized for the delay and said he would try to find out what was going on. So a few weeks later I called Bill back, being a bit peeved this was taking so long. I was going to ask for my money back, and I would get my parts elsewhere. Talked to Bill again, and he apologized, and looked up the parts again. The back order date was going to be September. He offered me my money back, without me even asking. I guess we could wait a bit longer. That Bill guy sounded honest (I think it was his southern accent, reminded me of Enos from the Dukes of Hazzard) I called Charlie and told him what was going on. Charlie was ok with the wait, since nowhere else had the parts in stock either Well, September came and went, with no shift peg covers, or carb covers. I was getting a bit worried now, so I figured that I better call again, and get a refund for the parts. I talked to Bill again, and he took another look for the part. He told me that the new ship date was going to be October, but if I didn't want to wait, he would gladly refund my money. He just sounded so darn apologetic, I started to feel bad for buggin the poor guy. I told him I would hold off, and would get them in October. Jump ahead to October - No parts. This really was beginning to annoy me. I mean what kind of business takes 4 months to deliver parts? It was ridiculous, and totally unacceptable. I wanted my money back. So I called Bill at Motor Sports Super Center (website above) and demanded to know what the hell was going on with Charlie's carb covers and my shift peg covers! He apologized again and checked into the situation, Yamaha had again pushed back the delivery date to November! I was not going to stand for this. But something about the way that Bill wanted to refund my money made me pause..(insert pause here) and I thought of the best thing to do, and then it hit me! I knew exactly what to do! I ordered some more parts! Yeah! That will teach him to mess with me!! I put in an order for some brake pads for Charlie and I, and a set of chrome master cylinder covers for me! Bill offered to use the carb cover credit against the new order, but I figured just bill me the whole thing, and I will wait for the carb covers. I mean, it has been 4 months, what will another month be? So our brake pads arrived and my shift peg covers and master cylinder covers. But no carb covers. The winter came, and we put our bikes away for the winter. December, January, February & March all came and went, with no sign of Charlie's carb covers. I called Bill about once a month, just to check on the progress, (I think he started to recognize my voice on the phone) and it seemed that every month Yamaha kept pushing the date back. And everytime he freely offered his apologies, and my money back. It seems that the manufacturer would not make any more parts, without a huge minimum order, I guess Yamaha had to get enough orders to actually go ahead and make them. Yesterday, I thought I would give Bill a call, and find out when Yamaha had pushed the delivery date back to this time. I got Bill on the line, and he was such a happy guy! He had literally just gotten back to the store, from dropping off the carb covers with USPS. He gave me my tracking number!! I was a bit stunned at first, I don't know if I really believed that this day would come! And to make this even better, Bill shipped the parts directly to me, at no extra charge, just to try and make up for the delay, and inconvenience. That is how you can make a customer wait 9 months for a part, and still get him to reccommend your store. The delays were unavoidable, but it was the service from Motor Sports Super Center. I certainly would say, that I can recommend them. If you are in a rush for your parts, I would give Bill a call (1 (888) 880-2277 )though, rather than order though the website, just to be sure he has things in stock. Tell him Sonny from Canada sent you! I think I might have to start calling Bill just to see how he is doing now! LOL!

If you watch the video, and read about the process, it is an adhesive that bonds to the tire, becoming part of the tire. That is why you can't simply add it via the valve stem like slime or ride on. This product remains flexible, but is not in liquid form once bonded. It is sprayed to the inside of the tire, then baked. It does not flow after the process is complete. That is why you can order the tires, then have them shipped. If the product was liquid, you could not do that. They apply the polymer, and once it sets, it will not "flow" Although it does retain it's flexibilty. Without actually touching it, my guess is it has the consistency of very soft rubber, so any punctures would heal it self. But again, I am just wondering if anyone has used this product. The application process, or the physical state of the product is not what I am after, I understand the process from the site, what I am hoping to get HERE is to find out if any of our wonderful members have actually USED the product.

How do you think the tire is made in the first place? Whittled out of a solid piece of rubber? Tires are molten rubber, at a higher temp than 245 F, undergoing enormous pressure during manufacturing as well. The baking process for Rhino Tires seems to be short just to cure the compound to the tire. But my question was more if anyone here had actually USED this product, simply looking for any recommendations, or cautions. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If5t783NZFY]YouTube - How a tire is made[/ame]

I don't think it would have any effect on rims at all. The product is NOT in liquid form like slime, or ride on. It is BAKED to the inside of the tire, so would not contact the rim at any time.

I am curious if any of our members have used these tires? Or more accurately this product. The rhino tire treatment appears to be available on many different makes and sizes of tires. The video and comments are impressive, much more reliable than the ride on, or slime type liquid goop that you add to regular tires. If anyone has used or is using this product, let me know what you think. This is not a do it yourself at home type treatment, this is a permanent bonded protection. I am about due for new tires, so I will have to find a distributor in Ontario that carries or can get them, and figure if the price difference will be viable. Thanks in advance!

Geez you are a craft/handy/ inventive kinda guy eh? And I was impressed with myself that I figured out how to install my clutch and brake res cover chrome bits. sheesh! Great job buddy! See ya soon

This is where I bought mine http://www.tlcproducts.com/ great bags, with free embroidery. Fast shipping. I am sure that the ones by our member are fine too, just giving you my choice, and what worked for me.

Have you tried getting in touch with Larry? I too just purchased a lift adapter, but honestly, have not even opened the box yet just way too cold for me . From everything I have read and heard about his product, and his person, he and it are solid. So I am sure that a quick word to him, will get you a solution, whatever it may be. I think that may be faster, than an open forum post. And even if there is a problem, I know Larry will want to fix it asap. Cheers!! Sonny

You are exactly right, those are the ones we got! I read a bit of the instructions that came in the kit, and I was all good up to the point where I had to open the tube of silicone. After that I was .... with a bit of and then when I remembered that Dragerman is good with all this installation stuff!!!! When the weather gets better we have lots of projects to get to!!! thanks for pointing me in the direction of more directions!! Sonny

Well, finally I decided to go ahead and order the LED turn signal rings that are shown in the video in this post. I ordered a set for myself, and 1 for Dragerman as well. I am really amazed at the fast shipping. I ordered on Jan 22 and they arrived yesterday Jan 27, that is from California!! Lots of wires, plugs, doohickeys and whatchamacallits all included. They even have some wet-naps in the packs too, I am sure they are for wiping the drool off your chin when you see how awesome they look! I am really glad that Dragerman is my buddy, and is good with installing stuff! Come on good weather, hurry up and arrive already!!! I will let you all know how they look installed.

Hi Maritimer: I have the same LED brake light panel and it is awesome. I also bought the clear lens for the brake light as well. I think it fits better with all the other clear lenses on the bikes. As for the turn signals, I just ordered a different set, which keep the original bulb for turn signals, but have a ring of LED's for running and brake. There was a video I posted of them a while back. I will have to try and find it again. 1 thing to be aware of, the brake light panel sits very close to the brake light lens, and there is not very much light seen from the side. Which is not a big deal to me, as most of the time you are indicating to those behind you. But just thought you should know. And also, I am not sure where the place is that you are odering from is, but I got mine from BC, cheaper shipping no duty, and same price in CDN $$.

I have the Tourmaster Flex jacket. I bought it last year, after riding with a Joe Rocket for 5 years. The Flex is an amazing versatile jacket. I think you would be really happy with the functionality of it. As for Tourmaster, the quality is top notch, no problems as of yet. Sonny

I smoked for more than 20 years. I started in highschool, to be "cool" and wound up being a dope. I quit a few times over the years, it never stuck for some reason. Then, I read a book called "the easy way to quit smoking" by Alan Carr. I am not sure if anyone has mentioned this book in this thread, honestly, I did not read all posts, sorry if it is a repeat. Anyways, before I was done this book, I was ready to quit, only on the advice of the book NOT TO QUIT till I finished the book, I continued, but just read the book more. That was the 3rd Sunday in February 2007, soon will be my 2 year anniversary smoke free. And I have never once missed it. After reading the book, I felt so foolish, and once I knew what the trap of smoking really was, I never looked back. After I quit, I bought the book for 9 of my close friends who all smoked, and 8 of them quit smoking. The 1 who didn't, never read the book. His excuse? "He was afraid to quit". What could I do? The book will not tell you anything like, Smoking is bad for you, Smoking will kill you, Smoking causes emphyzema, or any of that scary crap.Why not? Because if you are a semi-intelligent adult who smokes, you already know that stuff. What the book will do, is clear up some of the stuff you "think" you know about smoking. Like I tell anyone, read the book, and then keep smoking if you want to. Don't quit, just read and get some information. You won't regret it. Sonny

Hiya Count. Here is my advice. I have been running the cellularline interphone bluetooth module on my helmet for about a full season now. It is amazing. I wear a modular helmet (symax) and I love it. My set up is this, celluarline bluetooth unit, zumo 550, and blackberry. Now here is how it works for me. The interphone connects direct to my zumo, and my blackberry connects to my zumo as well. When navigating, the zumo gives me voice commands via the headset, when a phonecall comes in, the display on the zumo switches, and shows me who is calling, and either by touching the screen, or simply speaking, my call is connected. I can also use the zumo to dial calls, direct, or from my address book. The safest way to make outgoing calls while riding is simply to use the voice dial. Another great feature is the ability to connect to another interphone system, via bluetooth, for direct bike to bike communications. I have a friend who also has the same unit (we bought them together) and they work great within about 500 meters. It is a true duplex setting, so communication in both directions simultaneously is possible. Also, you can remotely turn on either unit, from the other. What I mean by that, is when you are communicating, that is the highest drain on the batteries, when there is no chat going on, switch unit to standby, automatically sends other unit to standby as well. When you want to chat again, you press the activate button on your unit, and it brings your partners back as well. Now, in no way does this mean that you have to get a zumo GPS, although it is a fantastic unit. You can hook up your cell phone direct to the headset as well. Here is a link to the site I got my bluetooth headset from. Good luck!! http://radioworld.ca/product_info.php?cPath=403_404&products_id=4303 Sonny

POI? What does Hawaiian dipping sauce have to do with GPS mapping? Hahahaha! Just kidding. If you check the zumoforums site www.zumoforums.com you will find lots of information on setting up, and locating POI files. I will search some out for you when I get back from work. TTYL Sonny

The group is not for 2nd gens or 1st gens, it is a general Yamaha Venture owner and fan group. The only reason I made one is because there wasn't one. There was one for the Venture snowmobile, but not the motorcycle. If you join, put some 2nd gen pics in the album!! (actually I just checked, and there are a few already) The title is as clear as I could make it, Yamaha Royal Star Venture and Tour Deluxe Fans, and Owners no mention of 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd gens (they are coming right?) Anyways, it is just a small group, that links back to this site, which we all belong to. Cheers!! Sonny

Hi Don: Just something to think about for some extra security. On some bb services, during the reg process, they add a few questions that have radio buttons for accepting terms etc. A way of combatting auto reg bots, is to have some that need to be left UNCHECKED, most bots simply auto check all available boxes. So a line like "To complete registration leave this box UNCHECKED" and then put the appropriate code in. Just a suggestion to help in the war against spam bots. Sonny