Jump to content

NLAlston

Expired Membership
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    99

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by NLAlston

  1. NLAlston
    Update: Just today, I learned that my wife IS interested in riding again. Right out of the blue, she made mention of us finding her a helmet (so we will go out, very soon, to get her one, as well as a jacket, and other riding gear). I was shocked, a little, but pleased. She is my soul mate, and I feed off of our nearness to one another. So now it looks like I will be in the market for one of those 'twin set' blue-tooth communicators, and I am sure that the provided links will serve to help much, in my travel down this road.
  2. NLAlston
    Hi all, My '83 VR came with a pitted windshield, which can't be bettered with anything that I've tried. Whatever it is, it is there to stay. So I am interested (depending on what the cost would be) of replacing it. However, the present shield is of a height which is a little uncomfortable for me. The top edge of it cuts smack-dab through the middle of my sight, and I find myself either raising my head to view over it, or lower my head to look out beneath it. I would like to get one somewhat shorter than the one I have. Would anyone know of a place where I might be able to get a hold of shorter, used one? And maybe offer direction to where a new one might be looked into, providing that there is no info on a used one. Advanced thanks.
  3. NLAlston
    Thanks guys. My wife doesn't care to ride, anymore, so it is just me - traveling solo . By that, it is to say that I wouldn't need a 'Twin' setup. I will check out that link, and see if it offers something along the line that I am seeking. I appreciate the help, as always.
  4. NLAlston
    .....is there such a thing? First off, allow me to point out that I am not one who is particularly interested in doing a lot of conversing via cell phone - especially while operating a motor vehicle. And, as another poster had informed, my aim is to be able to field important calls from my family. I use a full-face helmet, and my bluetooth earpiece will not fit with the helmet on. So I wondered if there were such a thing as a bluetooth headset which was made to be attached to the helmet's outer side, with a long enough boom mic to reach the operator's mouth location at the helmet's lower inner side. A guy that I used to ride with, years ago, had a similar double-set unit that he used to communicate with his passenger. His was a different setup, of course, and for tethered communication. But they were both able to hear each other, through the shell of their respective helmets (earpiece attached to outer side), and speak back through the boom mic that reached underneath their protective headgear. It would be nice if there were a singular-design bluetooth headset for bikers, who desire what I would like to have.
  5. NLAlston
    Hey Bongobobny, Unless I have skimmed right over it - each time that I have browsed through the manual - I can find nothing on the fuel's 'reserve' concerns. You mentioned about getting the mileage that you did, without going to reserve, and I wonder where the switch would be - in order for the operator to activate the reserve tank for duty. Also, I am definitely going to be calling you real soon. I am just waiting on a relatively rain-free broadcast . I can't tell you how much I appreciate your invitation, and I am looking forward to meeting with you.
  6. NLAlston
    KS, I also had that happen to me. On a previous outing, the fuel bars went from showing full, to one - in one motion. About a mile later it jumped to four bars; rested there for about a half-minute, then fell to none showing at all. At the next stop for a traffic signal, I saw one bar present itself again, and then - when I got underway - no bars at all. That's when I stopped at the first station I could find, for refueling. Even though you, and everyone else here, has given me greater understanding for this, it - none the less - leaves me a little unnerved when I see the the emptiness of the fuel gauge, couple with the flashing red light . I'm going to follow RedRider's example of carrying a one-gallon jug of fuel (at least for the next couple of fill-ups), and running the bike from a full tank to when it sputters down. This will indicate what I can expect to get from a tank of gas. I also like the idea of refueling at around 150 miles, and will begin to adopt that principle. Thanks.
  7. NLAlston
    The most that I have shelled out - for a fill-up from from what was shown to be empty, on the fuel gauge - was $5.26. At $3.19 per gal (medium grade), I figure this to amount to about 1-2/3 gallons of fuel. It is refreshing to know, however, that the gas tank is indeed of larger capacity than that which is quoted in the manual. So, there is definitely something wrong with the sensor. Whether this translates into a cleaning of the contacts or other relative component, OR a replacing of the sensor itself, the corrective effort & expense would be quite small in comparison to what I had begun to imagine . And that is a HUGE relief.
  8. NLAlston
    ...of the '83 VR's? When I first perused the owner's manual, I misread it's fuel capacity listing as 5.0 gals, when (just looking back into the booklet) I see that it is 5.0 quarts. At just 1-1/4 gallons (unless that was a typo) it's no wonder that I get the fuel gauge readings that I do. I could have sworn that the fuel capacity would have been greater than that. Don't get me wrong: I am not complaining - just remarking . I did get the chance to do a little riding, tonight. I filled up, and left here for Lewiston, NY. I rode back to Niagara Falls, to get myself a coffee, and saw that my gas gauge was reading empty - so I filled up again. I then headed back to Amherst, but decided - after getting back - that I didn't want to put the bike up, just yet. So I decided to take a run out to Springville. Once I got there, my fuel gauge was devoid of fill-level bars, so I pulled over to fill it up. I am guessing that the venture from Niagara Falls to Springville - the way that I made it - was no more than 80-90 miles. I am probably way off base, here, but I had assumed that I should be able to get pretty darn close to 200 miles, of highway riding, out of a tank of gas. If this is to fall under 'wishful thinking', that's OK: It will just mean more frequent fillings .
  9. NLAlston
    Hey Ray, I just ran across your post, and wish that I had caught it earlier. I also have an '83 VR, and would have been more than glad to have sent you a copy of my key. 'Glad that you got it straight anyway, though.
  10. NLAlston
    Hey Jeremy, I don't rightly remember what the present conditions were when the fan kicked in. Nor do I remember how often that it did. All that I DO remember is that it was rather warm outside. I will do better about making mental notes on the fan's operations, and post back with that.
  11. NLAlston
    In a 30 mile (or so) radius from me (Amherst, NY) who wouldn't mind my visiting them for a look-over of my bike. I have about one week left, on my warranty period, and would like someone (knowledgeable with the 1st Gens.) maybe take my bike for a test ride, and afford me their opinion. I hope that I am not asking too much, here, and would be willing to pay you for your time. All in all, it would mean ever so much to me, and (quite possibly) alleviate some concerns. Nothing, outside of what has been posted already, has cropped up. But I feel that another - much more experienced - rider just might be able to share some important & very helpful information with me. Advanced thanks. Evergodloving@aol.com 716-906-1692
  12. NLAlston
    Hello J, And thanks for the invite. If memory serves me correct, my wife (at work right now) has a very important engagement on that day. I will check with her, this evening, to see if it is so. If it indeed is, I will also learn the time-frame. If there is ANY way that I can make that, I would really love to, and will drop you an email on the matter. Thanks again.
  13. NLAlston
    Yes, I can hear the fan kicking it, on occasion. Another thing I noticed is this: While out riding, tonight, that issue was not experienced. But then, it was also cooler, so the hotter temperature of our earlier day may have contributed quite a bit to the previously mentioned 'needle-rising'.
  14. NLAlston
    Thanks much. I'll look into getting that, possibly, tomorrow. I just got back from taking my 'Red Stallion' out for a ride. Though I don't like riding in the rain, I sure ventured out into it . I only put about 40 miles on the bike and, despite the wetness (it wasn't really raining hard), I had a real fun time doing it. I can't wait until it really clears up, so that I can feel better about venturing out much further - into some real pretty country land. My throttle (on occasion) seemed to briefly stick, and I think that it might have been caused by my inadvertently hitting the mechanical cruise control lever. I am seriously thinking about taking that thing off, anyway. The cruise control would be a nice feature, if it were electronic. But having no 'Auto-Disabling' whenever the braking system was applied (with the mechanical design of mine) could lead to a very problematic, and (quite possibly) injurious situation. Though I have never intentionally utilized it, this thing would have to be manually disengaged , and - in a really tight moment - there may not be time to think about that. I don't know.....I just see it as a potentially damaging problem. Anyway, I am hoping that this device was the reason for that sticking throttle.
  15. NLAlston
    One thing that I forgot to mention, is that my bike's temp needle still hovers (95% of the time) right before the white line, separating the green & red temp zones. I am constantly with my eyes on it, fearing that the needle may step into the red zone - indicating so type of problem. As I think on it, maybe I won't journey too far out, until after I have given it some more miles in the city (even though I hate city riding). There are no leaks, though, or anything like that.
  16. NLAlston
    Thanks SilvrT. And you are absolutely right: We have to be ever-observant, ever-expectant, and VERY defensive about our riding habits. It was a non-injurious (thank God) lesson that I learned, and one that I will never forget. I wish saftey & well-being to each and every one of you, and hope that your riding times bring as big a smile to your faces, as it does to mine.
  17. NLAlston
    I wouldn't even know 'how' to raise that front wheel . I think that it happened once before (about 15 or 16 years ago) by accident, and I don't really remember what my actions were. I think that I might have, inadvertently, popped the clutch while giving it too much gas. At any rate, it scared the bejeeves out of me. ....................................................................................................... I picked my bike up, a little earlier this afternoon, and all seems well with it. Not one backfire; not one instance of power loss, and it just seems to be much smoother. I was reminded, again, as to how badly the carb had been gummed up, and it was explained that a great many parts were replaced within the carburetor. The serviceman advised me to bring it back in, after putting a couple of hundred miles on it, for readjustment (or before then, if I realized that the bike was running 'rich'. I don't know how to determine this, but am sure that someone here will enlighten me ). I took a ride out to Don's place, in Clarence NY, as I needed a pair of lightweight gloves. His place provided me with about a fifteen minute ride, each way (which is why I chose his outlet, as opposed to a closer one), and my bike seemed to do very well. Better, at least, than what was expected. I almost got clipped by a cager, though (utilizing a term, now, that I just recently learned ) who was zipping through a parking lot. This guy was talking on his cellphone, and seemingly oblivious to practically everything else. It was all I could do to keep from dropping my bike, but it also taught me to be even MORE cautious & aware. Weather permitting (it's been raining, as of late, and I don't much care for riding in the rain), I intend to do a little riding later on tonight. I think that I may ride up to Niagara Falls; stop and get a coffee at McDonalds, then ride back. I may even consider riding out Rt. 219. At any rate, I really want to put at least a FEW miles on my 'Red Stallion' tonight.
  18. NLAlston
    Yes...and FINALLY . I received a call today, at 5:50pm, informing me that my bike was ready for pickup. But they were closing at 6pm, so that left me with a wait for tomorrow. I can't wait to get my VR back, and I will touch back here right after I do.
  19. NLAlston
    Well, I just now heard back from the cycle shop's service department. JT (the service manager) was very understanding, and took time to explain a number of things to me. It turns out that the dealership feels bad that I had the bike less than 24 hours (less than eight, actually) - and experienced problems which warranted servicing. He explained that the previous owner had, apparently, mixed some type of Octane Boosting additive to the fuel, and that this (along with allowing it to be stored that way) was the causative factor for my bike's woes. He said that the inside of the tank looked as if it had gallstones. Consequently, the carburetor IS going to be rebuilt, and they are waiting on a rebuild kit now. I am told that such a kit is somewhat difficult to come by, due to the age of the bike. They will do everything they can to , hopefully, have it ready by the beginning of next week - but their stated aim is in getting it right, and returning to me a very 'ready' bike. I believe him, and I can now feel better about waiting. He also went on to explain that my bike has the same motor as the V-Max, just slightly geared down (he used a different terminology, though) - and that I might find myself raising the front wheel off the ground. I didn't know this, and wasn't aware that my bike had that kind of power to it. Not that I would use it like that, but it is good to know that such power is there. Once again, I'll keep everyone immediately posted as to developments. And, also again ~ THANKS TO ALL.
  20. NLAlston
    Thanks Jeremy. At least I have reasonable assurance, now, that it (that information) may not have been about my 'being snowed' .
  21. NLAlston
    Yes, I (thanks for the tip from you guys) already have some of that Sea Foam at the ready. I am glad, however, that you mentioned what you did - about first running the Sea Foam through, and THEN changing the plugs - because I would have reversed that procedure. One thing you can answer for me: When they got my bike back, they informed me that these VR's are finicky to start. They said that there is a particular procedure for 'proper' starting of these machines, and that they would go over it with me when everything was taken care of. Now, it's been a long time (16 years) since I'd ridden a 1st Generation VR, but I can't say that I remember having to do anything different with it, than I had done to start my former Honda Sabre - or any bike that I'd been on. Does what I've been told, on this 'starting' issue, make sense? Is there any degree of validity to this given information?
  22. NLAlston
    Hey George. There isn't going to be any additional costs for me to shoulder. Yesterday, I was told that it was a good thing that I bought the bike from a dealer. Had it been a private owner (they said) I would have been left on my own with the cost for repair. So, at least I don't have to worry about that. If the bike is returned, riding like it SHOULD, I'll be a very happy camper. Our garage is unheated but, over the winter, I can (maybe) extend some TLC to the bike, and really have it better off for next year's riding season. I am supposed to hear something today, but I don't have much faith in that. Twice, I was told that it would be ready for me on the next day. But that didn't happen. With tomorrow being the holiday, I don't think it is realistic to expect anything from them until Thursday, at the earliest. They could surprise me, though, for the day is early yet. We'll see .
  23. NLAlston
    Hey Bongobobny, Thanks. It would be a treat meeting with you, and some others, in the not too distant future. As soon as I get my bike back, I am journeying SOMEWHERE . No, I did not get my bike from Don's place. I know of his place because that was where my former friend bought his 1st Gen VR, some 16 years ago. I got mine from a bike outlet on Military RD. I have really tried keeping myself in a fair & understanding mental arena, over the matter of my bike, but I am all but depleted, now, of confidence with the dealer. They have had my bike since last Tuesday (picked up on the SAME day that I took possession of it), and I was told that they were rebuilding the carburetor. I stopped in there today, and was informed that there were major issues with the bike. I am now told that, apparently, someone left the bike stored with old gas in it, and that this fuel caused some rubber parts to become defective. It was stated that the mechanic (who was away from the shop, today, due to an emergency) was going to take those needed parts from a Yamaha VMax, and install them in my bike - and it is supposed to be ready for me tomorrow. I wonder if this latest development is supposed to be in conjunction with the carb rebuild, OR is it to be their total effort at a 'fix'. Whatever the resulting case of it is to be, I would have no way of knowing. I guess that I'd better try to stock up on some nice tools and manuals, because it's kinda looking like I may be having to get ready for the mechanic's hat .
  24. NLAlston
    That's great. I am always into taking little trips on my bike, and getting to personally meet some of the members, here, would be icing on the cake. I wish that I could make that dinner engagement in Fort Erie, tomorrow evening, but it turns out the we'll have an evening function to attend here. I will, however, go through the 'Member's List' to who is where, and maybe be successful in setting up something whereby I'd be able to meet them. Thanks again.
  25. NLAlston
    Long post? Perish that thought . I can't tell you how it means to receive the helpfulness BEING gained from you all. So ANY amount of info (it could be a tome , for that matter) would always be greatly appreciated. For the record...I will do exactly as you have suggested, when my bike is ready for pickup.
×
×
  • Create New...