Mike G in SC

I'm Mike G. I live in SC. Life is good, and simple. Mike G in SC

I just googled for ROADSTER, Wikipedia: Roadster (automobile) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A roadster is an open two-seat car with emphasis on sporting appearance or character. Initially an American term for a two-seat car with no weather protection, usage has spread internationally and has evolved to include two-seat convertibles. Definition did not have a wheel count. I did see one in person in Myrtle Beach. Um,,, no politics here (hehe),, but it sure quacks like a ROADSTER.

Yeah Bill does that (and does a great job on lowering front or back). But he lives about 30 miles north of Charlotte, NC. Hey, we're going to have it near 60 this week. Oh, so you know, Wild Bill (Bill Little) was an engineer for Alcoa for 20+ years. Then a reduction in force happened and he took a position as a mechanic for them, for 10 more years. Now that's experience! (Sorry Bill, tooting your horn.)

Sometimes backtracking is cool. I have lead my STAR group to a favorite upstate SC restaurant (Sadie Mae's Café) that is a 200 mile round trip. For years, I've lead the same backwoods circle route. Last time, I reversed the route. Maybe it's my age,, haha,,, but it seemed like a whole new road.

Suggest LED run/turn/brake on the rear and the Custom Dynamics 100 LED tail. The stock rear lighting is really dim. Mine are stock fixtures, but bright red when on. Could also add a light bar under the trunk (Steve K's),,, but at least get brighter on the stock rear lights.

Lot's of work, good write up. Yeah, I did the gravity feed from the petcock to the carb inlet when one died on my RSTD few years ago (and wrote it up). What's nice there is you can simply use the original line that goes to the filter. Just need to pull the seat and lift the seat end of the tank some to get to it all. (Oh, and disconnect the electric to the pump incase it tries to puke out remaining gas.) I did add the $3 filter inline when I found the part was going to take several days. I ran several hundred miles with that setup. When I told the shop, they suggested I simply have a line to run from the filter outlet to the carb. Results are same. Thanks again, Mike G.

Headed to work so didn't have time to read the full thread. But, in the Star line, I had a Road Star first, put 50k miles on it. Got a 2006 RSTD, still got it at 100k miles. Picked up a Strat for a year. But then had the chance to get a 2009 RSV at a very good price and dumped the Strat. Now got 68k miles on the RSV. Basically, I liked the RSTD so much, I got the RSV as my two up and tour bike. Still ride the RSTD as my solo commute. Great combination of bikes for what you mention.

If $$ is an issue, then simple ski pants are a ton warmer that chaps. I switched to them several years ago and they are sufficient from the high 20's up. Also, light weight and compact well for the trunk. Pick up a pair at a sporting goods (or even some Walmarts) for $60 or less. Mine have a felt material between the ankle areas that protects from pipe burn.

Here is link to Steve's classifieds: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/photopost/showcat.php?cat=18

Steve K sells two versions, both pretty well plug in. I got the one with the extra wires to hook up my existing trailer wiring. Mounts easily, wiring was just plug and then use his extra wires for direct replacement of mine. Degree of difficulty is,,, can you remove and install the rear seat? I already had bright red LED's for my run/turn/brake, so if you are following me,,, you see me.

On my 2009 RSV and my 2006 RSTD I am running the MC II on the rear and stock size Dunlop E3 on the front. On both, I am on my second rear MCII. The RSV got 22k miles and still passed inspection in PA when I replace it. Last week, the RSTD had 16K miles and had more to go but,,, I don't like to see how far I can go before I see belts. So, replaced it. Maybe the difference is due to the RSTD is my daily local ride, the RSV is my two up tourer, and more interstate & tour miles. (I'm at 100k miles on the RSTD and 68k miles on the RSV.) But anyhow, back to the front tire. The stock size E3 is similar tread pattern to the MCII and feels fine. No issues on "mismatch". No abnormal wear or cupping. So, got over 40k miles this way between two bikes. Yeah, wish they simply made the MCII in stock size. I have run the small front on the RSTD,,, prefer the stock size. I like that stout tire. Oh,,, and I get no noise from the MCII new or 20k miles later. (I had previously use Avon Venoms. Good but had one that had to be replace and usually got cupping on the front near end of life. Not seeing issues with what I have now.)

Seaking, Hey, I just happened back to this thread. Glad I did. I did have the battery tested yesterday, and they said it is fine, got it's full cranking amps. So, you may have my answer on the pickup coil. I will look into that. HEY THANKS!!!

Went for a ride today,,, turned 100K miles and the bike feels great. 2006 RSTD. This is my solo local ride. (& got 68K miles on my RSV) But, I cleaned it up, put a new rear MCII tire and rear brake pads and rode it to Charleston, SC for the Saturday Veterans ride. Serves me well. Hope they come out with a similar 2015 RSTD. Who knows, in another 50K miles I might want to buy it.

Went for a ride today,,, turned 100K miles and the bike feels great. 2006 RSTD. This is my solo local ride. (& got 68K miles on my RSV) But, I cleaned it up, put a new rear MCII tire and rear brake pads and rode it to Charleston, SC for the Saturday Veterans ride. Serves me well. Hope they come out with a similar 2015 RSTD. Who knows, in another 50K miles I might want to buy it.

And watch out for that button right next to the 12v DC outlet in the fairing. In case you didn't know, it is the passenger ejection seat. Now I am curious if you will try it,,,,,, when your wife is on or off?

But, Angelo, got to digress. Although a few other bolts on the bike will fit, the one for the shifter is unique. Same thread as some others but a different, larger head head. And it has more shiny. You may want to swap it with another VR rider when they are not looking. Just saying. And, that will save you $12, cause that is about what mine cost when I replaced the OEM bolt. hehe.

So, use one forward side cover bolt for the shifter. Take the other one to your hardware store to match up. But, you may end up buying the OEM bolt as it has a wider head than the others. And, on this one , use some blue Loctite.

I bought my 2006 RSTD used, 1.5 years with 17K miles. The PO had made Yamaha change out the basket when he had it, and this bike never whines. My 2009 RSV does whine sometimes but not enough to get mad. Does it most running the mountains. Yeah, experiment on the oil first. I use Amsoil 10w40, no complaints and a lot of miles between changes. Only problem with swapping the basket is it might not resolve it. If you do, see if you can get an understanding with the shop this must resolve the problem.

Yeah, I was thinking that way. At my,,,,, almost 100k miles on my RSTD, and guessing 40 mpg, 2500 gallons (or 45 fifty five gallon barrels). At $3.50 guestimate average cost since new, $8750.00. Then, there's my RSV, with 67k miles,,,,,,,, Sorry, stepped in the Minutia!

Didn't see the bypass in classified-member vendor but is on Dion's profile picture gallery. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=3001

STAR Touring just replaced their website this week. It does look more like the HD site you mentioned. With theirs, they did not bring over old data, just membership info. Lost my 2200 posts,,,, now I forgot what all I said. They spent over a year and,,,, it has good and not so. Too new to say. I'm tickled that you plan to retain the wealth of info on this site. (and the no so too!) Got to admit, I always just go for home page unless I plan to start a post. I like the buffet. Hate to lose that but I'll take what's on the table. And,,,,,,,, THANKS Boss.

That would be the V-Star 1300 Deluxe (V-twin) http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspecs/672/0/specs.aspx 2015 Model page http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modeloverview/ls/2015/model_overview.aspx?_ga=1.190285547.1562987398.1413035493 Looking at the "e-Bolt" Grand Touring Urban Deluxe front wheel friction drive model. It has a 300 lb flywheel that lets you cut out both cylinders in town for e-Mode. (license not while required while operating in e-Mode) Has a reverse lever but you probably don't want to engage it less you need to get out of that Urban "oh-no" setting quick. Back up cam standard on e-Model. Options include a deck of playing cards and a bag of clothes pins for stage 3 sound. Retro option has a 45 RPM turntable for golden oldies. Carbon credits issued while in e-Mode, roll over minutes available for souls in Purgatory (up to 3 family members). More to come? "Just wait".

Ted, like everyone else says,,, wow. Glad you are back on your feet. Prayers for continued recovery. And your 30 minute walk,,, nice, quiet farm roads around your house to enjoy. I know I enjoyed my test ride on your old RSV. Still taking good care of your DREAM. She has somewhere around 65K miles and I would not hesitate to go cross country, just adding gas. Plan on riding to Longmont, CO for STAR Touring event in July (after I retire in May). Understand not going for another bike after that. Major change. Maybe a Miata sometime? That's what I'm thinking when I come off bikes,,,, later. Mike and Carol G.

At STAR Days in St Charles in July, Bob Starr, Yamaha marketing director for US, told us that something was coming out soon for Venture owners and "please wait". Me and Jerry Mefford talked to him. I told him if it's not V4 I'm not interested. He said, "then please wait". So, yeah, I would expect something this time. And, seems like it is fairly important to the longevity of this website.

My dad flew a Hellcat off a carrier and later owned a Stearman, and crop dusted in Montana. Motorcycle riding is close as I get on the ground.