ChiefGunner
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Posts posted by ChiefGunner
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That's great news and I'm glad you got it working. A shame that an update causes it to not work though.
I agree Don, yet it’s understandable given that we haven’t seen a software update for over a year. Sure wish Yamaha would step up to the plate and take care of its “high dollar” customers. Never seen such silence by a reputable manufacturer in the face of such an outcry by its customers. Disappointing at best.
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Hey guys. A work buddy would like to ship his dad's harley from California to Nebraska. Neither of us have ever shipped a bike before so I'm not really sure how to advize him. Have you guys ever shipped a bike? What companies are reliable? Anything or anyone he should look out for?
I guess my question would be... is HE acquiring his dads bike? It would be cheaper for him to fly out to California & ride it back with the added enjoyment of the ride.
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Spark plug change
Well, there was a post somewhere talking about changing the spark plugs without having to pull the gas tank as the manual says. Well, today I put that to the test and can say it does work. You have to take out the two screws at the base of the gas tank and then lift it up enough to stick a small 2x4 under it. That will give you enough clearance to easily get the left & right rear. Pull the breather cover off on the left side and you can reach the left front plug. Now, reaching the right front is a bit more of a pain. Remove the air filter cover and filter. Then you’ll see the back plate which has the intake tube going to the carb. It has two screws that you need to remove and then “gently” rotate the back plate clockwise about 40 degrees. That will give you enough access to reach the right front plug. Remember not to over tighten the plugs. They are torqued to 13ft.lbs. Reverse dis-assembly to put it back together. Viola!
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I have a tendency to KISS. Keep it simple stupid. I would use a relay circuit with fused high side xraw. Find you a key on power to allow a switch to trip it on/off. If you dont have a place in fairing for a switch I can send a drawing of a small bracket I fabricate that works well.
There’s plenty of room behind the lower side panels to mount relays or circuit board for that matter. They’re pretty well protected back there. Maybe we should bring in Daryl (Machinist) to help us fabricate a bracket for the fame to mount the fan? I bought his last set of light brackets to mount driving lights on the forks and they are TOP NOTCH quality. The fairing dash has more than enough room to mount a manual switch or push button if that’s what you’re referring to.
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Thanks for the pic Chief! I will still grab a video and some pics down at the Yam shop next time I am down that way to help others reading this see where I was incorrect in calling those upper louvers fake and what changes Mom Yam did to those upper louvers and how she opened up the channel they control the air flow to make them functional like the lower 2 louvers on the bikes we rode in Sturgis.
For the time being though and looking at your scoot (NICE RIG BY THE WAY!!), on the original design only the bottom two louvers had a passage way that they controlled air flow thru - this making them actual functional usuable non-fake louvers. The section of lower fairing above those two louvers was permanently closed off behind the 6 fake louvers above the 2 functional ones at the bottom with no way possible for air to flow thru it and into the riders cabin like the lower two louvers controlled (I know it was like this cause I chatted with the tech's out in Sturgis about how I thought those fake inlets appeared to be the start of an air induction system for a big block V-Max engine and or radiator shrouds for the same:hihi: and that I was shocked that Mom Yam would close them off keeping the air flow from running across the air cooled engine). On the original design, air passing thru those non functional horizontal fake upper louvers was actually ricocheted off an interior backing plate on the inner lower fairing behind those upper louvers with the air flow being controlled by the angle of the backing plate behind the louvers and the louvers serving no purpose other than cosmetic appeal making them fake. Matter of fact, the upper fake louvers (not talking about yours in the pic Chief, talking about what I saw at Sturgis) on the original actually got in the way of air flow IMHO and could have actually been at least partially functional and non fake if they would have been mounted vertically so they would have at least been directing air flow into the open area behind the forks/front wheel. I pointed that out to the tech's out there and they totally agreed with me but felt the designers probably thought having the louvers mounted vertically for partial functionality and then those 2 lower non-fake louvers mounted horizontally would have looked weird..
At any rate,, thanks for a good starter pic Chief,, glad to hear Mom Yam made the changes to assist in air flow thru the upper part of those lower fairings = I commend her as dealing with an air cooled bike, the scoot really needs to be able to breathe and get as much air flow as possible IMHO. I will definitely get a vid together and posted up showing the improvements between pre-release and released to the consumer bikes..
Don’t trouble yourself there Pucster. I can do that very easily owning the bike. I’m working in Atlanta right now, but I’ll be home this evening. Would like just video, pictures or both?? I’m more than happy to assist you!
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I would say yes. Dunno didnt read the whole ad. But I would think so being it is supposed to be a radiator fan.
Price is very reasonable! Wouldn’t be too hard to make a custom bracket for mounting. I guess the next question is, what do you wire it into for control? I can’t think of anything currently that would temperature activate it. Is it something that would be always on if the engine is running, or are you talking a remote switch for activation? I suppose you could mount a thermistor near the engine to possibly bring it in at a certain temp.
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Dont know if this is small enough. 6" is smallest I have found yet.
Hey, that’s really nice Dion! Do you happen to know if it’s waterproof? Because the unit will be mounted low and up front to be functional with the oil cooler, it’s going to be subject to a lot of moisture.
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Oppssss, my bad Chief,, I had no idea Mom Yam had made changes to those lower fairings since we rode the bikes out at Sturgis,,, got my apologies Sir.. The SVTC's we rode out there before they were released to the public only had functional louvers on the very bottom of the louver sections = last couple of louvers to be exact. All upper louvers above the actual functional ones at the bottom that allow air to pass onto the riders feet were definitely non-functional cosmetic pieces with no air flow possible thru the lower fairing behind them - this was the same on both sides of the bike. Air movement above the actual functional louvers at the very bottom of the lowers that was designed to flow air into the area between the lower fairings was obviously dependent on the face of the fairing itself behind the fake louvers = the louvers themselves served no purpose in air flow for most of the lower fairings on both sides as they were designed to match (cosmetically) the lower funtional louvers and ran horizontally across the fairing housing that sat in = in order to assist in air flow toward the center of the bike they would have had to have been mounted vertically..
I had no idea that Mom Yam had changed that design before release and glad to hear she did Chief. You are correct, I do not own one of the new ones and wonder if you could provide some pics of the updated lowers on your SVTC that show their functionality. I am sure that our readers would LOVE to see what on earth we are even talking about:Bunny:.. If your not able to, I will take my camera with me next time I hit up the local Yam shop, take some pics (and maybe a short video) of the updated version of the bike like your talking about to explain the differences between the functional louvers like yours and what I saw at Sturgis..
No problem cowpuc. Now mind you, it’s not completely unrestricted flow like the bottom is BUT the entire length of the inside edge toward the engine IS open. The air scooped up by those ducts would be channeled inward. I’ll have to take a specific pic showing what I’m talking about but this should help you see it a little bit.
in the pic you can see my LED light in the scoop. Where those are mounted is within that air channel I’m talking about.
Hopefully you can see where I mean. If you zoom in you can see the light shining into the louvers. Your right about the louvers not assisting air flow. They would have to be vertical to be functional that way. If you look at the back side behind the louvers, you’ll find that the back is sloped INWARD. In other words shallower toward the outside and deeper toward the inside. That design angle helps to channel the air inward towards the inner opening you see with the lights.
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My Star venture gets noisy when hot in slow traffic sounds like lifters but when riding noise goes away is this normal
Not sure how many miles you have in your scoot there @ZOEYDOG , but I’ve run 15w-50 full synthetic since after my break in. I’ve noticed that the bike ran cooler after about 4K miles. Maybe less friction from wear in? This bike has a “shut off” that if left in idle for too long without movement it will shut the engine off to protect it. You won’t have to worry about the bike catching fire as someone here mentioned about an HD.
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Yea it's typical for an air cooled V-Twin, especially the bigger cubed scoots as they get hot and oil thins IMHO.. I know that HD has been using the rear jug shut down controller for a good while now to keep things cooler.. I cant help but wonder if there would possibly be a way to open up the upper region of those fake loovers on the grill Zoey. If you look at your scoot you may notice that its just the bottom couple of loovers that actually pass air thru onto the riders feet. Do you see what I am talking about? Look above those loovers and think of the possibilty of opening those up for pass thru air. Then think about placing a couple cooling fans that could be activated to move air when sitting in high tempts and slow/stopped traffic..
Thoughts? Anyone?
Your statement regarding “fake louvers” is incorrect Puc. As I’ve stated before, while the upper part is not as “flow through as the lower portion, there is a vent port along the inside edge of the whole length of those louvers which direct air in toward the front of the engine. I know this to be true not just because I own the bike, but because there was plenty of room for me to set led light strips for my XKGlow LED lighting.
while I agree they would’ve worked better to open it up, what you’ll find behind those areas of the front piece is the main fuse bank on the left side and the unified brake reservoir system on the right. There’s no flow through back in toward the bike from there because of the back panel things are mounted to.
i know HD made a set of fans that mounted in the engine area to blow heat away. I wonder if it’s possible to procure and modify those for use? Just an idea.
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No idea how she could miss me stopped in 2 lanes of heavy traffic. My guess is distraction of some sort.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk
Man or woman? Approx age? I’m betting it’s a phone cause.
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Just saw a new one on Cycle Trader in Florida. $19,999.
That’s a Deluxe model not the SVTC.
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Some good guesses, but not winners.
That dent was made by a 2018 Star Venture Transcontinental touring motorcycle that was stopped in traffic on my way home from work tonight. Making light of a not fun situation
I'm ok, just a little stiff and sore.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190404/2cca3366d3469c070d9e56362edd9362.jpg
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Wow Daniel! Really glad you’re ok. That could’ve been much worse! On a secondary note, that is just sickening to see.
I hope the damage is not too severe. So how did they not see you?? Let me guess... some idiot on the phone?
We appreciate any updates as the situation develops.
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Any one using the Dunlop D423 Tires
No, I’ve been able to find online tire prices that my dealership has been willing to honor. Also, when I recently replaced my rear tire, I went with the same Goodyear Excedra Max tire BUT I went with a readily more available and cheaper 60 series tire instead of the stock 55 series. It’s about 3/8” taller across the diameter but the wheel fits without any problems even with a trailer hitch installed. There is ZERO ride or handling difference. The only thing I’ve noticed is that your rpms are slightly lower at speed because the tire covers a bit more ground per rotation. Basically, at the same rpm the stock tire at 85mph is doing 85mph. The taller one at the same rpm will have you doing 87mph. The difference is negligible the slower you go below that point. The tire price was about $80 cheaper too.
just thought you should know:
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Chief Gunner, what was your production number/date? Thanks.
There’s a whole discussion thread on here where us SVTC owners were exploring the theory your considering. My last four is 0694. We exchanged S/N’s and were looking for a common thread or denominator regarding the lifter issue, but it didn’t seem to be sequentially recognized. Oddly, we did notice too that WHEN you ordered or got your bike didn’t necessarily mean you got a lower S/N. I ordered mine in July of 2017 and was the first person in the Southeast region to get mine, yet my # is 0694. Someone else in Georgia got there’s 7 months after I did and their # was almost 250 lower.
I’m just saying all this to save you from wasting the time looking for a commonality which has already been explored
AD INFINITUM.
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My personal opinion is that people are making too big a deal out of this. The vast majority of the new bikes are running trouble free. I know of at least one rider who is already approaching 50,000 miles. I feel bad for the very few who have had an issue but there are only 2 or 3 confirmed cases that I know of. That certainly is no consolation to those who have experienced it. From what I understand, Yamaha admitted that some engines were assembled without the proper break in lubricant on the cams. Don't know if that is true or not but makes some sense.
When you look back at the history of the Venture, it is not the first time that there have been first year issues with new models. The first year or two experienced problems with stator cooling, transmissions, frames that rusted and broke, and a handful of other issues. The second gen models had some issues with excessive engine noise that plagued them until the end though I think it did get slightly better. I know of at least one owner who had the engine replaced by Yamaha on a 1999 model and I can tell you, it was LOUD. Many clutch baskets were replaced, rear shocks were an issue for years, etc.
I've not got many mile on my '18 yet but I'm not too worried about it. If I have a problem, Yamaha will take care of it. I honestly don't think that I will. If it happens, I will certainly be disappointed but it won't be the end of the world.
Well said Don, well said! It’s a bummer that a few have had some issues, but that doesn’t mean the entire model is a hunk of junk as some would have you think. It truly is a world class touring machine, and it’s cutting edge technology on a first year release. To think that there will be no problems with a new model is naive at best. To take a few documented problems and then berate the whole model based on a few instances is irresponsible and “sour grapes” IMHO.
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Well, since I was one of those with the lifter issue and posted evidence I can say this. I had the issue repaired at 8k miles and currently have 20k miles and she’s been running like a top ever since the repair. No, it wasn’t fun to go through that, but Yamaha made it right and that’s what matters.
As far as “oil” goes, I’ve found the bike runs smoother & quieter on a full synthetic oil than regular. Don’t worry about the warranty because the manual Shows a number of different weights are just fine. The oil just has to MEET OR EXCEED manufacturers specifications. Finding a true Group IV or V true synthetic with good levels of ZDDP and esther is a good idea. These types of oils EXCEED base recommneddd oils and will not void warranty. Flat tappet lifters NEED this kind of protection.
Pesonally, despite the repair incident this is the nicest touring bike I’ve ever owned INCLUDING my 91 Venture Royale which I put over 120k miles on. There’s a reason they called it a Transcontinental!
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I decided to finally give my CB a were on the transcontinental. When I turn it on I get nothing - not even dead air - just silence. I have run through all of the channels. Did anyone else have this problem. I am assuming something is wrong with the set up when I picked it up. I am going to address it with my dealer, but wanted to make sure there wasn't something I am missing on my end.
Also - anyone changed out the antennas for shorties? I would love to hear if anyone has any suggestions on good ones. I know it will cut down on the range, but would like to get the best I can, but get something shorter than the stocks. - I only saw a thread on this for the Royal Venture, but was curious for the 2018.
Thanks
There are some ”shorty’s” available for the Venture at either JP cycles or Big Bike Parts. Can’t remeber which one. I can’t attest to their effectiveness because I’ve never used them. I like the look of my twin whips!
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That answered my question. I was wondering if you ever heard static. That at least shows that it was powering on. I'm surprised you didn't here any at 8. Since I typically use mine only for communication with riders in my group, I always kept it set on 18 or so in order to block out pretty much everything else. To be honest though, that was on my other bikes, really haven't played with this one but will soon.
I keep my squelch set on 3. I talk to truckers all the time on the road, a lot of times I just let them know I’m coming up along their side.
as far as the airwaves being quiet, that does happen. I wonder if he stopped on channel 19 and did a radio check to see if anybody had their radio on but just that nobody was talking?
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Speaking of short, Just curious have you had to make any short stops on your bike from say 30-35 Mph? I have a guestimate of 15 feet, would that be ample to stop those new bikes.. I am working on getting my credit up to get the new bike next year. At least that is a hope. if not one of the left over or used 2018 models. I really am fond of the gun metal and blue colors..
Hi there snyper316 ! My wife told me she ran into you on Facebook.
In answer to your question: The brakes on this bike are excellent! The unified ABS work flawlessly and then if you add front brake as well it’s intense AND you don’t need to worry about locking up the wheels either.
As far as “discount” in a SVTC, you’re going to find that there are a lot LESS SVTC bikes than there are Deluxe models available. The chances of you getting a “used” one are very slim because people who have them, love them and are going to have them a while. If you’re wanting the Transcontinental model (SVTC) your best bet if you can’t afford it right now is to wait for 2020 model. That one will have the blue, but I wouldn’t look for them to be cheaper. Yamaha is pulling sales for these bikes IN HOUSE meaning... the dealerships may have one for display and possibly test rides but you will NOT be able to purchase it off the floor. These bikes will be “built to order” by Yamaha. This is a smart move in there part since it will prevent loss from overstocked “sales” AND protect the value of the bike.
Just a final warning... if you’re thinking about possibly getting a Deluxe model and then ADDING the extras the SVTC has, DONT DO IT. Items added ie, CB, NAV, fog lights, rear speakers, dual audio zone are NOT covered by the 5year warranty.. only ONE year. The items have to be ON the bike at the time of purchase to be included in the 5 year plan.
I love this bike. It’s by far the most comfortable touring bike I’ve ever ridden, and I know you’ll love it too. Hope things go well for you and you’re able to achieve your dream!
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Thanks. Think I saw that in older post. Will have to measure to see if I can reach pegs, kind of short legged.
The “LongHorns” will probably help cure that cuz you can rotate them forward or backward.
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Have 2018 Star Venture. Has anyone tried to install highway pegs? Cant place on engine guard and not interfere with shifter or brake. Was looking at possibility of attaching to running boards. Any thoughts or suggestions?
The best setup most are going with are Kuryakyn “LongHorn” with ERGO II pads. They use a 1” clamp which DOES go around the lower bar by your fog lights and does not interfere with the light shroud, brakes or shifter. Super easy install.
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Does anyone know the paint codes for the Ventures? I need it for the raspberry colored one as well as the code for the mirrors. The mirror has metal flake within the black.
Interesting. Whatcha doing there @captdrac ?
mods so far
in Star Venture and Eluder Tech Talk ( '18 - Present)
Posted
Well, the “mods” continue. Got my Kuryakyn Longhorn highway pegs on a few days ago. Makes a big difference in comfort. Finished an important mod last night at 9:46pm (I got there at 9am!) and that was to get my gauge console wrapped to match my seat. I will say it looks much better in sunlight. Now it’s on to chroming some items!