leroy

Sorry, I got my parentheses in the wrong place. That is 1500 miles in 24 hours. I 'll see if I can correct it. I've done 1200 in 18 but got sleepy.

Take the opportunity to head out on the highway. You meet the nicest people while riding a motorcycle. I think my Wife likes when I leave but then when I get back she is so glad to see me. We get a long very well but she likes her alone time and I like to ride. Part of being too old to ride is in your head. My uncle is 84 still riding and teaching MC safety. A friend of the family stopped at 90. I met a guy over 90, still riding long distances, and passed his flight exam. I don't believe I'd fly with him. I'm 69 and started back to riding at age 59 after 26 years without a motorcycle. In the past ten years I have put over 130,000 miles on my VTX and 20,000 on my RSV. That is while missing a total of about 1.5 years being laid up with various surgeries. Only one was almost serious. I already have a plan if I don't feel comfortable on two wheels. That is either a sidecar or Can Am. If that doesn't work I'll take to the road in my new pickup. I like to travel. Thanks for the compliment. Not a big deal on the IBAs as I have yet to do a Bun Burner Gold (1500 in 24 hrs). That one I am told is a real challenge. I had always been a "road warrior" on 4 wheels, a thousand miles here or there in a day. So it transferred to two wheels. I love touring and smelling the flowers but at times I just need or want to get somewhere then smell the flowers. Other times I like the challenge. You should be OK on fuel. Many places may be few and far between in parts of the country. You should be able to count on 150 miles before reserve under the worst conditions. I did get a bit nervious in Wyoming. I guess we were climbing plus the wind; I hit reserve at 150 and the towns that should have had fuel did not. Just don't push the limits unless you know where fuel is. I always check the internet ahead and then have a back up plan. It might not hurt to carry one or two of those MSR canisters with fuel. Of course they take up space. I have done it but never needed it even on my VTX with a 135 mile range before reserve running an honest 75 - 80. The 4 Corners Ride I mentioned is a ride sponsored by Southern California Motorcycle Association. The four extreme corners of the lower 48 in 21 days. That's about 500 miles per day. There is not a lot out in the Four Corners area of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona but there is fuel in Ship Rock. Colorado has Durango. Have a great trip. If you are through the Dallas area let me know.

Didn't post any as I have not taken any pics yet. I've been busy adding and redoing some other farkles, lights mainly. I'll try to update with pics later this week. I mounted the tank in place of the passenger seat. I had to make a plate to mount it on. Bad part is I must take it off when my daughter rides with me. It doesn't take much time with the quick disconnects. One bolt and two screws, disconnect the fuel line, and figure where I will store the tank. Then put the passenger seat back on. I don't need the extra tank with her as we have to stop so often 100 to 150 miles is her limit anyway. However, I am working on some ideas to use it with her riding just in case we do the 4 Corners in 21 days ride or if we go very far out into "Nowhere Land", aka, few fuel stops. I'll probably mount it on some sort of rack like the Pakit Rak then use a fuel pump to move the fuel from the lower tank to either the main or directly to the stock fuel lines. That is in the future if I decide to do it.

I don't like to knock another man's ride and I like to support "made in the use" but... After 10 years and putting 133,000 on my Honda VTX 1300, and still riding it, plus 20,000 on my 2.5 year old RSV, I have had practically no issues with either. Then I compare those miles to a buddy with 40K on his HD and a brother in law with almost no miles on his HD. The things that have gone wrong with their MCs blows me away. Some of the repairs were very expensive. Both bought them new. Both of them take good care of their HDs. So it is not a lack of maintenance. Both of them know they ride a 20% made in the USA Harley and accept the short comings of HD. I love my 80% made in Marysville, Ohio Honda. I like the RSV also. Two very good motorcycles. Even my buddy with two BMWs has had more trouble in much less miles than I have had.

Filled the auxiliary tank and hit the interstate. All went well, no leaks. Running an honest 70 to 80 into a wind half the time I got about 34 mpg. Can't complain.

Got the new Russel fuel filter today and installed it today. No fuel leaks with a gallon in the auxiliary. I'll fill both tanks tomorrow, well my main is almost full, so I'll fill the auxiliary (about 5 gallons) then give it the highway test to be sure fuel flows OK and all is tight. Now to finish my other farkles.

Yep, old thread but very useful, especially for newer riders. My 2 cents: If a person is serious about getting into motorcycle riding as a touring method I would suggest first plan about a 3 or 4 day trip with some serious miles by riding every day. I recommend go cheap on the gear. Hopefully you run into rain and a little cold and or heat. Then if you really believe you want to do more of this awesome fun, spend the big money. Buy a good quiet helmet and use ear plugs. Then buy Gore Tex gloves, jacket, pants, boots. I went cheap for too long. I quickly bought SIDI Gore Tex boots but "cheaped" on the rest thus wasting money. Plus I had cold, wet hands and bought numerous rain suits. The Frogg Toggs, as did the motorcycle specific rain suits, kept me dry but they were a real pain putting on and off. Frogg Toggs work well until you touch anything hot. With motorcycle specific rain suites if it was above 70 I thought I was in a sauna. I spent a lot of money on non Gore Tex riding clothes plus rain suites. I had a good riding outfit for the money but it was not waterproof. Finally I realized for not a whole lot more I could buy Good stuff. I spent the $ for Gore Tex gloves, great. They may leak in the seams after all day but still better. I then bought quality Gore Tex jacket and pants outfit. Waterproof and breaths. I kick myself for not spending the more money for the Gore Tex outfit the first year of touring 10 years ago. Yes they are expensive but last and keep a person dry with no rain suit. I like Aerostich because they measure you. I took my daughter to Duluth so she could be measured (odd size) and buy something that would fit. It is a great fit. She is happy. However, they do not have much ventilation for the Texas heat. So I ended up buying for me KLIM Badlands. It has plenty of vents, Gore Tex, and not any more than the Road Crafter by Aerostich. It fits me OK.

Auxiliary tank is mounted now just to run the fuel lines and test. I sure took some improvising and several trips to Lowes and Ace. 03/192018: Fuel lines ran seem to work Ok until I found a fuel leak. It was coming from the fuel filter. I tightened it but still leaked. New filter but the seal must have been bad. I ordered another one. This one will be a Russell like I ran on my VTX. The other was a knock off. Hopefully I'll be done with it this weekend.

Reinstalled side cases after having top racks installed. Made more progress on installing my auxiliary fuel tank. Still have a lot of farkles to install.

Right on brother. When, 25 years ago, was dating my wife guns came into my side of issues to be discussed. So I just asked straight up how she felt about guns. She said no problem as her dad was a lifetime NRA member. She said she did not shoot. Since I am so handsome and irresistible she could be just saying that so she could take advantage of me. So test number two. I like Mini 14s so I showed her one not dressed up with a five rounder and wood stock. I asked her if it was an assault weapon or scary. She said no. Then I dressed it in private with a 30 rounder, folding stock, and all the "black stuff". Same question: She said she did not know what an assault weapon was but it did look a little more intimidating. She handled it. I explained what I did to the same gun. She was OK with it. She passed the test. So, I let her have her way with me and married her with no regrets. The Wife may have a different take on the last sentence but that is my story. She did request a handgun for one of her birthdays. She took the Oklahoma Concealed Carry course but we moved to Texas soon after. She hasn't taken the Texas one.

When I first bought my RSV my mileage was all over the map. I run the speed limit after adjusting for the speedo error. Interstate in Texas means about an honest 75. My mileage went from 26 to almost 40 mpg. It was different at each stop. My problem for fluctuation was not getting the tank full each time. As most have found out the tank traps air and is slow to release it while filling. So at times I was stopping the pump too soon. I punched holes around the neck (idea from other site). Now I am more consistent at fuel stops. Usually my fuel light comes on around 170 miles. However, I have noticed, by doing arithmetic, I still have close to a gallon and a half in the tank. I don't trust this observance to be consistent. Pushing is no fun. Just to be safe I figure I have one gallon after turning on my manual reserve and estimate 30 mpg. Given that I'd say I get over 35 running an honest 75. However, (there is always a however) pushing a wind at that speed and/or some climbing in elevation the mpg is more like 30 to 33. When planning a trip and I want to maximise distance between fuel stops, I tend to plan more or less on getting 30 just to make numbers easy. Therefore, I know 180 miles until I start walking is a safe bet. I only count on my manual reserve to have 1 gallon in it at 30 mpg. As mentioned above keep the R's up. I believe the max torque is around 3500 RPM, maybe higher. That is almost 1000 above my VTX 1300. It has taken me time to adjust. Also without going into theory and details run 87 pump octane number , officially called the Anti-Knock Index, with no more than 10 percent ethanol. At higher altitudes the octane requirements can be less. The AKI number (is what is on the pump) is equal to the average of Research Octane Number (RON) plus Motor Octane Number: AKI=(RON + MON)/2. This number is on the pump here in the US and Canada. Europe uses a RON method, I don't remember any other countries, some may not even mark it on the pump. Also 10 percent ethanol is bad enough on small engines, never run the 15 percent or higher crap. Pure gasoline will increase mileage if you can find it. The American Motorcyclist Association is in a constant battle with government on this matter. Furthermore, I know I'll get a lot of push back on this but the science and research is there. Using a higher octane than 87 will not increase performance if your RSV is stock as in compression, operating at its normal temperature, and in tune. If there is no ethanol in the higher octane then you might see an increase. However some places add the ethanol to increase the octane so you may get more ethanol. Running "premium" can cause more carbon build up because the "anti Knock" additive is there to delay ignition of the fuel therefore in our rides this means fuel is not burned as complete leading to carbon build up. Vehicles that adjust the timing via computer can perform better on higher octane. One reason Harleys run premium is most of them on the road are air cooled thus run hotter which increases the knock or ping probablility which is pre ignition of the fuel which is bad for the engine. For more info on the octane stuff go to Google. I am old school so I learned it in books.

OMG! That is a black ugly gun...must be an assault rifle. Hey it looks great. Being a Ruger I am sure it shoots great also. I was just making fun of the dumb a$$es. Shooting is a fantastic substitute for riding. I just don't get to the range as often as I'd like.

Well, I am glad you brought up this topic. I have been using CPAP for probably 10 or more years. I call it a C-Crap. I can't tell the difference but my wife can tell I do not snore when using it. I hate using one but I force myself to use it most of the time. That said I have noticed I do not get up to pee as often, or any, since I started using it. Also, I have finally decided that with me it is cumulative. That is, one or maybe two nights without it is not a real issue. A two week motorcycle trip without it, I seem to be much more tired. It has taken me a few years to reach these observations. I may be trying to justify using it. Now my beliefs of the industry is that it is like black magic or voodoo. The way they act you'd think they were guarding high level nuclear secrets. How in the hell during the test can a person sleep with all that crap hooked up to them. I slept zero on my first test and very little on my second one. I am convinced that everyone who goes to a sleep study will be issued a CPAP. Just like if you take a kid to an orthodontist they will need braces. Yammer Dan, my experience after dealing with several different places, getting service from those people is like non existent. The S 9 is a very good machine. I had one for a few years then it quit, not sure why. I did get a replacement. I now have a ResMed Airsense 10 auto. I like it as well as any and maybe a little better. BE sure to have the script written for the auto. My wife still uses a DEVILBISS and likes it. She has one for travel, she travels a lot, and one for home so she doesn't have to pack and unpack it. I used one of them also but when I went on Medicare I got another sleep test and the ResMed 10. I could use the 10 for travel as it is not very large in comparison to others. I am not sure about battery power for it. Some time back we changed insurance so I bought a Transcend for which I ordered a battery pack $$$ and humidifier. I had to pay for the battery pack. I got it for the times I camp. The humidifier is large plus does not run on battery so I don't use the humidifier when motorcycle traveling in case I camp. The Transcend by itself is small. So I try to take it on MC trips. It is tough though, as you know, space is a premium. I do put it in two waterproof bags. Also for travel we always take a three way plug so we have enough outlets for everything, an adapter for a grounded plug to be plugged into an non grounded plug (rarely use it but in old places may need if the machine has a grounded plug), a somewhat long light extension cord, and either distilled (use this at home) or bottled water for the humidifier if taking it on a trip. We wash the mask each morning with Neutrogena non fragrance soap. Then once a month soak them in a 1 to 3 vinegar to water mix. If I think I will tent camp I take a long extension cord so I can run electric to my tent. The Wife and I often order from CPAP.com. Also there is a forum CPAPtalk.com. The Wife learned a lot from the forum such as washing the masks and care in general. She is actually my go to person for CPAP questions. CPAP.com has return insurance available plus some face mask companies offer free returns. CPAP.com doesn't file insurance but with our deductible as high as it is and their prices much lower than the Voodoo people if we have to pay 100% CPAP.com makes it not as expensive. I have three insurances but the wife has only one. So I try the Voodoo people first. However, they are usually pricks to deal with and take forever. But the last time I eventually got what I ordered and insurance covered it. The bad part is a person must experiment with the mask to figure out what works best for them. Don't let the supplier tell you what you want. Do your research then tell them. I was fortunate with my 10 as they said it was good and The Wife had already researched them and she agreed. I wanted to go back to the same one she had but the 10 is supposed to be better. Good luck. It did take me awhile to get used to it. I still hate it. The Wife is one that everything bothers her but she finally adjusted after a month or so and experimenting with different masks. They are supposed to make us live longer and better regardless of my negative feelings. So do your best to make it work.

I'm not an expert either but I would recommend replacing the stock bleeders on the brakes and clutch with speed bleeders. Sure makes flushing easier. If you are careful and quick enough not much fluid comes out while installing the speed bleeders. Be sure to protect everything you don't want fluid on. It is recommended to flush every two years. I did mine two years after it was sold new (bought in 2015 but it is a 2012) and it looked like coffee with a little creamer in it.

Enjoyed

I am still a rookie with the Sena 20s. Also I am technology challenged as in old fart. So I cannot help. However, I firmly believe you will not have to go to the J&M system although I understand it is good. I have been told the Sena is better. Of course I have been told a lot of things. I downloaded the entire manual from the Sena site. It is a lot of paper. I want a manual to follow. So go to their site to find the entire manual. If you take your time and go through it step by step I am sure you'll be able to get the 20s to work. The reason I say this is that a buddy of mine, he is younger and more tech savvy, has a BMW, we know they are high tech, and he has been able to get his Sena to work with it. Also his son in law, very tech oriented, has a loaded Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and he has his doing it all. So don't give up. I wish I could help you. At present I am just pleased I can use it as an intercom from bike to bike. I am still learning.

I feel for you. Although I haven't had them I was taking care of my mother when she got them bad. A friend of mine is one tough character. He has had two ankles and legs broken extremely bad from oil field accident. When he was a young buck he shot himself in the leg trying a fast draw. He still rides a dirt bike, rides long distances, plus runs a marathon once in awhile . He works when he is sick. His back bothers him often. BUT, when he had shingles he asked his wife to put a bullet in his head. Thankfully she refused and locked up his guns. He got over them but he still bit**es about them. I have known him since 1984 and I have never heard him complain much about ailments but shingles got to him. I was old enough to get the shot so within 24 hours of talking to him I got the shot. I just hope it works. I wish you the best.

Thanks Larry, I still can't ride much (short rides OK) since my shoulder surgery but I am able to get things ready for when I can. I'll be working on the RSV for a couple more weeks.

Larry, Good to hear you are still hanging in there. I know busy and fully understand. I misplaced your contact info so I sent the e-mails through the member vender part of Venture Rider. My email is leroys73@verizon.net I installed your skid pan and still need to install the crash bar braces. I was having some trouble with them. I can usually figure this stuff out but even with the pics you sent with the braces I still had trouble. After searching I did find an old post of yours with pictures that helped some. I may have it figured out but any info would be appreciated. I did not realize I had to drill holes in the floor board brackets or at least that is how I appears in that old post. So if I am correct I need to take the floorboard brackets/supports off after marking them, drill the hole, then bolt everything together. Hope you are getting a little warm weather. I was up that way for Christmas. This Texan froze his tail off. The highest temp while there was 16. Down here that was our coldest and then only for one night. Thanks Larry, take care.

Is Carbon One still around? I have sent him a couple of emails with no reply. Worried something may have happened.

I didn't know they were still around. I remember those when I was a kid and working on cars back in the 60s. I'd buy a real filter as I did then.

Glacier Nat'l Pk, Big Bend River Road, Big Bend Nat'l PK, Beartooth Pass, Moonshine Lunch Run, IBA 2017 Solar Eclipse SS1000 Gold

So is the Trans Labrador paved now? I know they were paving some of it. That will sure take the challenge out of it. Summer of 2016 I was supposed to ride from my home in Dallas area to Red Bay via NS and Newfoundland. I had ferry reservations and some lodging reservations along with a lot of the fuel stops. I planned to do a lot of camping once I was in NS. However, I broke my leg when stopping at a scenic overlook on the Cabot Trail after riding up to Meat Cove for one last picture. I did not see the pothole. My VTX fell over when I hit it. I was almost stopped. Oh well, S... happens.

I have read and talked to people who said the Dempster is much tougher than the Dalton. The Trans Labrador is even worse. I am doing the Dalton this summer but on either a KLR or smaller BMW GS. I'd like to do the other two but at 69 I may be running out of birthdays. Money is in short supply also. I noticed your map. You may need to make a run up to Yellowknife so you can fill it in a little more. It is a long haul but really a nice visit. I may try to go again.

Looks nice. You have to ride it, you have to look at it, and you have to pay for it...Get what you want. Just keep riding.