Zzyzx
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Posts posted by Zzyzx
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Young lady we knew in Georgia was found gone from OD this morning. Man I hate that stuff. Got a son trying out the Meth path and have no idea what to do. Its the one thing I preached to them. DON"T DO DOPE!!! Got me scared to death waiting for that call. This was the son I bragged about for years. 5 kids and had it going for him til that ugly thing raised its head. Why would anyone do that. His family is gone and I'm not sure where he is. Getting cold out there. Just had to vent a little. Things have really turned upside down the last year or so. Golden years my a**!!!
I'm with you Dan. Lost my home, nearly everything important to me and a wife of 26 years because of her 3 drug addicted A-holes (my step A-holes).
Started with a little herb that lead to harder drugs including meth and beyond.
Doesn't seem to be anyone that this crap hasn't affected in some way.
Be strong, be tough, stand firm.
Wish you the best.
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The Color ride in the Smokies planned for this coming weekend is canceled due to projected bad weather.
Maybe next year.
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If you ever get to do the Dragon ride on over to Tazwell VA. and ride RT. 16 to Marion VA. It is the back of the Dragon and it is 32 miles not 11.
That looks like a great ride. Will have to make that a two day ride when weather permits.
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Smokies Color Change Ride
We are less than two weeks away from the ride in the Smokey Mountains to see the color changes.
Some of the routes include Hwy. 411 thru the Smokies to Cherokee NC, the Cherohala Skyway, Hwy-129, and the Tail of Dragon.
NOTE: The weather changes hourly in the Smokies so be prepared for varied riding conditions.
If heavy rain is expected that weekend we will cancel the ride for safety reasons. I will try to post a notice a day or two before the ride of any changes.
We will base at the Quality Inn in Alcoa, TN the evening of Friday the 27th to Sunday the 29th but you can check in or out any day so if you are planning to join us please try and make your reservations as soon as possible.
Quality Inn - Alcoa
206 Corporate Pl.,
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-984-6800
Call in and ask for " Biker rate" and let them know you're with the Venture rider group.
The cost per night is $68.00 + tax (normally &102.00+) for either a king room or a room with 2 full beds and includes a free hot breakfast each morning.
If you can make it that weekend message me your
name/s and where you're located so we can get a good headcount.
Hoping to see many old friends and meeting some new ones.
Rids Safe!
Zzyzx (Ed)
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Rick and I had a great time Friday the 13th riding thru the Smokies, the Dragon, and all around this great area.
The weather was perfect and got to catch up with a good friend.
Glad to see he and Nina are doing good and enjoying their never ending vacation.
What a fun day!
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Ok, this is not a VR event but we are putting together a weekend meet, eat and ride event open to all riders that want to ride the Smokies to see the fall color changes and get in some fun mountain riding.
Tentative routes include the Cherohala Skyway and Hwy-129 and the Dragon.
We found a great place to base the rides from in Alcoa, TN not to far from Knoxville and have blocked 10 rooms for Friday the 27th to Sunday the 29th but you can check in any day. They have additional rooms available now but could fill up quickly so if you are planning to join us please try and make your reservations as soon as possible.
Quality Inn - Alcoa
206 Corporate Pl.,
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-984-6800
Call in and ask for " Biker rate" and let them know you're with the Venture group.
The cost per night is $68.00 + tax (normally &102.00+) for either a king room or a room with 2 full beds and includes a free hot breakfast each morning.
The hotel also provides towels for wiping down bikes along with a bib-key for a water hose if you wish to wash your bike.
There are a number of restaurants nearby including Texas Roadhouse and O'Charleys.
If you can make it that weekend message me your
name/s and where you're located so we can get a good headcount.
Hoping to see many old friends and meeting some new ones.
Rids Safe!
Ed and Patty
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Ha my been on the site much but this past year but I thought I might put my 2 cents in on the 2018 thing.
My thoughts on the new 2018 Yamaha Star Venture.
Let me start by saying I know everyone has their opinion and I'm by no means an expert on motorcycles but I know what I like and so far I'm not very impressed with the 2018 Venture "Wannabe". In you could say I'm quite disappointed.
After all the talk, and guessing everyone did, wondering what a new Venture might look like, or if there would even be a Gen-3 Venture, I'm still wondering if I will ever see one?
All of the anticipation waiting for this Yamondavicsaki is a real letdown for me and nowhere close to what I would consider to be a Star Venture.
When you first see the 2018 Wannabe in person it is defiantly an eye catcher, somewhat futuristic, with sleek lines and low profile with an overall appealing stance.
Up front there is plenty of LED lighting with a four headlight system 2-low beam and 4-high beam plus lower LED fog/night lights that stay on even when the high beams are on. The rear is also well lit with plenty of LED lighting.
During my walk around the Wannabe I could see a touch of Victory, a bit of Suzuki, a little slice of Harley, and a lot of "W.T.H." wheres the Venture?
As far as the ride, the air cooled V-Twin has plenty of torque and the dual mode (sport/touring) throttle is a great feature but, 1st and 2nd gear hit the rev limiter way, way, way to early, to the point where I feel this could be dangerous in an emergency. The lower center of gravity made for a nice ride. Making tight turns and powering through the twisties was a breeze and is well balanced for 1000 pound motorcycle. The extra heat coming off the air cooled V-Twin was a nice addition during the cool morning I rode but it made me wonder??? what it would be like riding in hotter weather?
The addition of extras like the LED GPS/Radio/Infotainment display, comfort controls, hand and seat warmers, and larger tour pack are great features. The best new feature thou has to be the Sure Park.
My initial thoughts:
(I'm still thinking)
The Good:
Sure Park, lower stance, dual throttle mode, adjustable windshield, large tour pack, infotainment system, rider and passenger comfort features, LED lighting, riders adjustable seat back, handling, torque, integrated anti-lock break system,
The Bad:
A V-Twin that is NOT water cooled, low 1st and 2nd rev limits, belt driven, plastic fuel tank cover opens backwards, poor fit and finish, saddle bag lids are thin and flimsy and the hinges seam poorly made, powder coated shifter and brake arms, lots of brushed aluminum trim where chrome should be, no place for a rider backrest, no luggage rack...
I only got to take one demo ride but my initial impression is, what were they thinking? Where the heck is the Venture?
After a five year hiatus from the touring market, (for what I would guess would have been some extensive R&D), I feel Yamaha really missed the mark, and may have lost a lot of current Venture riders as well.
We were going to do a two up ride but I'm so disappointed in this Wannabe I'm no longer interested in riding it further.
The new Transcontinental Venture could have been the next generation ultimate touring bike from Yamaha but the only thing Venture I see about this Wannabe is the passenger foot pads, apparently left overs from previous RSV production.
For my money, and if I ever decide to purchase an air cooled V-Twin, I would lean more toward the Indian Roadmaster.
On a positive note thou, it appears Yamaha finely ran out of cassette players.
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You picked a beautiful area! If I was younger, I would be a neighbor. Love the people, lakes and woods.
Sorry to hear about life.... It does take the motivation right out of a person. But sounds like you have it all coming together again! Well done!
Build a barn and work on that Venture! Good to hear you are riding again as well.
Wish I had a place to actually build a barn but I am in a long-term camping/living/marina and they will not let me build something I can work in. Looking for some land where I can possibly build a barn workshop living area all in one.
I have found the simple life is so much easier. It allows me to get out and ride and enjoy life more.
Thanks!!!
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Great to hear from you. Sorry for all your losses but as was said to me today "the beat goes on". Look forward to many more posts from you and North Carolina is close to get together when time is available.
Will have to do that. We've taken a few Ride across the Smokies and into Cherokee and would
like to ride further east and follow the coastline south a bit.
Thanks for the incouragent.
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Welcome back, sounds like things are shaping up for you.
Now that you are sprouting some roots you can update your location in your profile to cut one more tie to California.
Good point!!! Will do when I have my laptop hooked up again.
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Zzyzx Catching up.
A lot has happened since April 25th, 2016. Sorry about dropping off the radar but I haven't been keeping up very much on the VR site, mostly. Ecause I didn't have Internet., my bad.
I got an mention email notice the other day and after reading Condors comments thought it was about time I did an update on what's been happening.
Not too long after the fire I made the decision I was going to leave California. With everything that happened with the 3 step-criminals I also made the decision a divorce was in my best interest. Not an easy decision to make after a 26 year marriage but the alternate would have been worse.
On July 6th 2016 I loaded my 99 RSV into the truck, hooked up my travel trailer, grabbed the only surviving cat, and headed east. I wondered around driving 4200 miles while checking out some beautiful country along the way. I wound up in Northeast Tennessee at Noris lake, about 30 miles outside of Knoxville. I found a nice place next to the lake to park the trailer and built a nice deck and enclosure and settled into my new home.
After getting things settled I got back to fixing the 99RSV. I had to make her mechanically sound and ready to ride again. She has a few dents and scratches and a little heat damage from the fire but she runs as good as she ever has.
I was fortunate to meet a lovely gal a few month ago who loves to ride and we've taken the 99 on a number of long rides including up to this years root beer run and Wisconsin for a day at the international.
As for the 83 Venture Royale, it still sits. It was badly
damaged in the fire, much worse than the 99. I would like to get it back to where she was the night before the fire but until I have a better place to disassemble it, and get a better assessment of the overall damage, she will have to just set there looking ugly. Its also hard getting motivated to work on it again since it was completed, except for installing the shifter and left foot peg, the evening before the fire. Will try to get on the site more often and catch up with everyone.
Ride Safe! Ed
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Just an FYI to let everyone know I am still around.
I haven't been on the site for some time since I do not have internet service except for using my phones hot spot where I am no living.
I've moved to a little place near Norris Lake in north east Tennessee and have started build a new life.
Got iin a 20 mile ride a few weeks ago but not much else.
Will post some pictures on the area and hoe to get internet service soon.
Hope everyone is doing good and ill be back soon.
Ride Safe!!!
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Well its been a while since the fire and I thought some of you might like to know how things are going out here.
As many of you know on April 25th our home blew up , then caught fire and was completely destroyed.
I was able to get my family out moments before the fire fully engulfed the place which took less than 4 minuted from the time of the blast. Fortunately this happened at 10:15AM and not at night. Had the blast occurred during the night I don't think I would have been able to get our granddaughter and her mother out of the house since the hallways were blocked with fallen book shelves and ceiling debris plus the power had been knocked out.
We lost 3 of our beloved pets and nearly everything in the house. The firemen were able to save some of the stuff in the garage by cutting through the main door but most everything inside was already heat and smoke damaged by the time they arrived. The fire was intense to say the least.
The cause of the blast was determined by the fire marshal and sheriff's to be from two of my F' n stepsons making “BHO” (Butane Honey Oil) made from pot stems. I found out a few days later they had been sneaking into the large crawl space under the far rear corner of the house for quite some time, mostly after dark, and making this crap. I guess the oldest was hurt real bad since he was the one brewing this crap at the time of the blast. Blew up in his hands, burned his face, and had some internal trauma but I hear he will survive. His brother left 30 minutes before the blast. The sheriff has 2 arrest warrants out for the oldest but he should hope they catch up with him before I do.
The wife and I have separated as a result of all this and not sure how this will all end for us. Its sad to think of loosing even more than we already have after 25 years together.
Anyway I started therapy a few weeks back by working on rebuilding the 99RSV since it had the least amount of damage. The 83VR took most of the direct heat and with them sitting the way they were in the garage it helped protect parts of the 99 from direct fire. Will work on the 83 next year when its cooler. I took 99 down as much as I dared and did extensive cleaning of the frame, motor, etc. Got much of the smoke and heat damage off the plastics but she will have a few remaining blisters and battle scars as a reminder of her ordeal. Hope to have her back together maybe by the weekend so I can do some shakedown test riding to make sure everything is good to go then...I'm packing up the travel trailer, loading up Miss-Adventure, and the remaining cat and heading east to Tennessee and Georgia for a few months to clear my head and think about the future.
I put together a little side deck to show what happened to the house and show the current progress of the 99.
Ride Safe Everyone ! Zzyzx (Ed)
PS: We are not going to rebuild the house since it is a total loss.
PPS:If your kids are into this s**t kick their asses. The fire marshal told me one small can of stove butane can cover an area up to 1200 square feet nearly an inch deep in explosive gas.
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A little followup.
We stopped by Oh-Really's yesterday to inquire about the CR-X pads and the braineack behind the counter said Honda didn't make a CR-X in 84-87 and even checked his dumbputer which showed the CR-X starting in 97, something was wrong.
Did not want to be a jerk about it so I suggested he might want to have their computer updated since it might be loaded with incorrect data.
We decided it was better to just have the local power sport dealer order the correct pads and install them next week.
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Hi, I have a 2007 Hannigan RSV just put rear brakes on it. used the EBC FA 266HH the rotors and calipers are Brembo rest of brake parts are off a honda crx from 84-87.
Craig
Thanks for the info.
Got the FA's on order and will not be here until Tuesday....Hopefully
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FA-266HH is what I have for the new style . Does the trike Have brakes that look like this ?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]105687[/ATTACH]
New style
Or like this
[ATTACH=CONFIG]105689[/ATTACH]
Old style
Read http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?67621-Hannigan-Brake-Pads-(Part-Number)&highlight=brakes
His is the new style. Tried to find pads today with no luck The last thing we were told what the FA 266HH was the corrent ones but no dealer in the area has them so...Ordered a set and will have to wait and see.
Thanks Much
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I'm considering trading my 03 v star 1100 classic with 18k miles for a 99 venture with 58k miles for $2999. Assuming bike was well cared for, what should i be concerned with, and am i getting a good deal?
Heck Yes...My 99 only had 48K on it before the fire and would jump at the chance, if she doesn't clean up, to get one like her for under $3K.
Go For It!
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Anyone with an RSV Hannigan trike kit know the automotive cross reference parts for the rear brakes?
My buddy just picked up a 2009 and we are having a hard time finding the "EBC" brakes.
California Side Cars gave us the part number but the local bike shop cannot get them here for some reason.
The EBC number they gave us was; 15-266H
I heard there is a brake for a car that works so if anyone know the number or reference for sure and wants to share the info I would be greatful.
Thanks in advance...Z
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Just wanted to let everyone know I am still around and plan start rebuilding the fire damaged 99 RSV sometime early next week in my brothers garage.
Not sure how damaged the 83 is yet but it took the brunt of the fire/heat and saved the 99 from a lot more damage then it could have been. She may be a complete loss but not a priority right now.
Insurance totaled the 99 but I decided to keep it and will be working to bring her back to her former glory over the next few months.
I'm currently living in a travel trailer behind my brother home along with the only surviving cat and we are getting along nicely.
The wife, granddaughter and her mother and in a hotel so they can have some "girl privacy" but not sure where we will land since the house is a total loss and I just don't want to rebuild in California again.
The wife and I will have to make a decision as to where we want to settle shortly but I'm for getting out of here.
Will keep in touch as things progress and get some pictures posted of the fire and bikes once I have a computer again.
Ride Safe All, and thanks for the well wishes and prayers as we get through all of this.
Ed
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to everybody up in Canada during this devastating time.
I understand what it means to lose everything to fire and I can tell you my heart goes out to everyone up there. Hopefully no lives were lost.
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Just wanted to give a quick update to everyone and thank you for all your support and well wishes. We lost almost everything in the fire but were able to recover a few important documents and a few pictures. Everybody got out OK but we lost two of our pets and most everything except for what we ran out of the house wearing.
We are getting some great local support and will get through this in time.
We are grateful to be alive because have this happened in the middle of the night instead of a 10 o'clock in the morning outcome would have been much worse.
More to come next week once I have something I can type on that does not require a small pencil.
Thank you again, Ed
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Showed these pics to Tip. Tippy and I wish we were there to give Z and that lady in the picture a big hug, cry with them and help them sort through that aweful disaster.. What a heartbreaking situation Z...
That young lady is my daughter who flew up from Southern California the day of the fire to help.
She worked her tail off helping us try to recover anything we can. She had to fly back to her family yesterday.
Will update everybody on our progress and finds sometime over the weekend as soon as I find something better to type on my phone.
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I had the same issue 2 years ago and thought it might be a master going bad.
Mine seemed to only have issues at higher elevations and when riding when it was really hot 100+degree days.
Found the fluid to be dirty so one day while at Condors place we did the reverse bleed on the entire system and that cured everything.
We did the reverse method on both mine and Condors bikes but without removing the banjo bolts.
We used an ear cleaning syringe (picture below) that you can pick up at most drug stores but you can use a syringe or bleeder like yamagrl pictured.
Also, it helps if you have someone to help while doing this since you will need to empty the master reservoir a few times during this process.
1 .Begin by turning the handle bars all the way to the right.
2. Place some plastic drop cloth over the lowers and any area where brake fluid could possibly run down. If brake fluid get on any paint is can ruin the paint.
3. Removing the clutch master reservoir cover. Be careful not to strip the screw heads.
4. Using a syringe suck out all of the old fluid from the reservoir.
5. Put a drain hose on the clutch bleeder and the other end into a glass jar then open up the bleeder and let it drain for a bit.
To help move things along you can use the syringe to push air into the larger hole of the master while the handle is pulled close. (Rubber band)
6. Once the master is clear of fluid make sure to wipe out the inside of any debris and remove any of the remaining old fluid.
7. Place the cover back onto the master to help prevent brake fluid squirting out during the back flushing.
8. Fill the syringe with new DOT-4 brake fluid and connect the end to the slave bleeder.
9. With the bleeder open about a 1/2 turn start SLOWLY pushing fluid backward from the slave bleeder to the master.
10. Once fluid starts heading upward occasionally check to see what is happening within the master and when the fluid has filled the master reservoir about half way full then draw the dirty/old fluid out and discard it.
11. Repeat this until the fluid runs clear then close off the slave bleeder and remove the syringe, etc.
12. Fill the master reservoir with new fluid from the fluid bottle, not the syringe, until the fluid is at the 3/4 mark on the glass view opening or, about 1/4" below the top of the reservoir.
13. Clean the inside of the master cover making sure to wipe clean the rubber gasket.
14. Reinstall the cover and try the clutch.
If this does not work for you then you may have a slave or master failure.
Hope this helps.
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You might do your buddy a favor and try to buy it from him before he hurts himself.
Give it a good home.
looking for ear plugs
in Watering Hole
Posted
Dollar Tree sell an 8 pack with a carry case for $1.00