JamesRS2007

Congratulations!!! We can hardly wait to hear some ride reports about how you like the new version of the Venture.... James

I agree with divey, skydoc 17 has and excellent clutch replacement solution. That was one of the first changes I made to my 2005 RSTD and i could not be happier with the performance of the clutch now. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?127095-A-Big-Thank-You-to-skydoc_17-and-Freebird James

Must have been a nice ride because those mountains, the stream, and the pines all look beautiful.

Wow, so very sorry to hear. I hope you have a speedy recovery bro. James

So very sorry to hear of your losses. My heart goes out to you my friend. You and your family will be in my prayers. James

WOW!!! So very sorry to hear that happened to you, but I'm and very very happy that you were able to tell us about it. Take this time to be thankful and get well my brother. May God continue to bless you throughout your healing, and I hope you do heal quickly. (He was definitely watching over you during this ride) Take care brother, James

I ride because they are still making new roads.

Well gents, I took my RSTD out for a short ride today as the temp hovered around 93 degrees. (It's a little high for this time of year, but it's not triple digits yet so I will take it) The roads just kept inviting me to twist the throttle, and I could not resist the temptation. It was only about 50 or so miles, but they disappeared under my tires in no time. It's little rides like these that remind me just how beautiful our little Coachella Valley is, and how nice a Saturday afternoon with nothing to do can turn into a wonderful and relaxing day.

Never should have gone fishing off a 4 foot wide train trestle outcropping over a gorge. When the train is coming and you don't have enough speed and time to make it back to land you have to wait for the train to go by. Trains are VERY LARGE, and VERY VERY LOUD!!! And when they are less than 5 feet away and you can't do anything but stand there. Had to change my shorts when I got home after that one.

I would take one as well.

I'll commit to buying one.

Wow... That guys definitely has some skills. Impressive.

i actually just went through the same decision. I settled on the Vance & Hines Monster Ovals with a set of Smartpartz baffles. It produces just the right rumble, without waking the dead. that is unless you want to, and then, it's just an aggressive throttle twist away. Here is a link to the Monster Ovals, and also to the baffles i installed on mine. http://www.smartpartz.com/SPZHK250ST.html James

Thank you guys for the advice, it is VERY much appreciated. I decided not to to lay the bike down to practice picking it up after your suggestions. I am going to look into those Carbon ones that you guys mentioned. I did a little practicing today had my Contour Roam on so I could see how I'm doing. Here are a few links to me practicing, if you guys want to take a quick look and give me some pointers if you see me doing anything incorrectly, I would appreciate it. (sorry about the video quality, I just set my Contour on a wall and turned it on, didn't realize it would seem so far away) James

Hi all, I have been riding off and on for over 40 years, however this 800+ pound RSTD is the heaviest and biggest bike I have ever had. Although I am comfortable with my experience and can handle the bike just fine on road, I am going give myself some slow speed / parking lot turns practice in the near future. I seen several of the video's about taking slow speed turns on touring bikes such as this, and have also looked at some video's about picking up heavy bikes like this if they should fall over. I do however have some concerns about scratching my bike if i make a mistake while I practice. I plan on laying my bike down in the garage this weekend on a few towels to practice picking it up, but my concern is while I am in one of the local parking lots practicing. Do you guys have any suggestions as to the best way I can cover my engine guards while I practice so I don't scuff them in case anything happens? Thanks for any advice in advance, James