Mike G in SC

Stebel is proud of their product and has disclaimers about knockoff's on their web site. I think Stebel says Stebel. Mike G.

My wife used to read paperbacks. Now she reads her Kendel, always. And,,,, she might take pictures. First shot is crossing a river in Charleston SC, second is in Michigan, third is in Florida,,,,,

I sent my wife to the local ACE for a hinge I needed to replace. As she went towards hardware isle she stopped to look at a really nice of Kohler bathroom sink fixture, almost $200. When George came up to her, known her and me for years he said "What did he send you in for?" She handed him the hinge barely looking past the fixture and said "he needs to replace this one". While George was rooting through the hardware one isle over, she's still looking over the sink fixture. He figures he might save her a second trip and yells, "Do you want a screw for that hinge?" She pauses then yells, "No, buy I might for this fixture." Love the local ACE.

I remember motorcycle camping with a closeline & tube tent along the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the rain, about 30 years ago. I was Young and Stupid. I'm just not young anymore,,,, which, fortunately has also made me less stupid. I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last time!

SO,,,,,, there you go. Al, yep, just what I was asking. So, 3rd party programs to give the "classic" windows view of your desktop. I see the first one also addresses W7 (to give a more XP touch). Nice, Thanks, Mike G.

I haven't done hands on W8 yet. The jump from XP to W7 is not bad. I like W7 (Pro or Ultimate alows a XP-Mode window for stuff that can't make it past XP). But W8 just looks like a toy for touch screens (or telephones) to me. My first thoughts on W8 is "How does this apply to business computers?" For anyone versed on W8, do they have a "Classic View" button to make it more "desktop"? Businesses will continue to get W7 as they order direct from the OEM. Dell allowed business to skip Vista, whereas retail did not. You've already bought W7, I guess retail. But going through Dell direct probably still allows W7 (with Optiplex and Latitude lines) for some time. I think they will end up stacking W8 in the same corner as Melinium and Vista, when the next one comes out.

Kirby, sent a PM back. Found out my Airhawk pillion is smaller. See PM. On my RSTD I have the Ultimate seats. I'm pretty happy with them. Mike G.

I have Nationwide "Victoria". Good savings for me. Never filed a claim. But I have not shopped in a couple of years. Mike G.

Kirby, I have the Airhawk Pillion original from my Road Star. I think it is the large pillion for rear seat. Looks like the picture you posted of the rectangular one. It is probably 5 years old but in very good shape, and only used a couple of times. Kept in a closet in the house. Could let you have it for $70 delivered. If you are interested, let me know. I can send you pictures. Mike G in SC (Mike Griswold Lugoff, SC cell 803--420--3388

Well for anyone looking for one, Freebird has posted about one for a friend. It's a loaded 2007 for $6500,,,, THAT IS A GOOD DEAL. In CA. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?threadid=75957 And the ad: http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Yamaha-Venture-1300-108491739

I got a vent on my RSTD Clearview shield 4 years ago. I find I never use it, keep it closed. Would not order the vent again. Just something harder to clean. I ordered a F4 for my RSV without the vent. Just fine thanks. I think a vent would not fit with my windshield bag anyhow. And, DO GET THE F4 for the RSV. It is clear and tough, not the first scratch in 2 years. Still looks like the day I got it. Mike G. EDIT: BUT,,, if you think you are going to get a new shield then constantly wonder if you should have got the vent,,,,,, then GET THE VENT. (It would not be an easy add-on after you get the shield. That polly is tough stuff.) Then if you don't need it, keep it closed. Hey, I did that once.

Drove WHAT?

I bought a couple over the years, both still work, both are STEBEL brand. The one on my RSTD is at least 6 years old. RSV is 2 or 3. Seems I got them from Biker Hiway: www.bikerhiway.com http://www.bikerhiway.com/stebel-horns-m-6.html Biker Hiway (and Amazon) also sells the China made WOLO Bad Boy, which, if you read the Stebel "disclamer" page, is a knockoff. But the Bad Boy also works, I read that on the internet. I think you can pickup the WOLO Bad Boy in Advance and at Harbor Freight. I think if you buy a horn direct from China it comes mounted on a knockoff 2013 Venture. Shipping and handling charges may apply. Stebel Italy brand was unavailable for a while but back in business. http://www.stebel.it/stebel2012/products.asp?IDserie=14&uso=1&IDprodotto=53&tipologia=moto The LOUD horn is great when you needed but also fun to honk goodbye as a group ride is splitting up. Really blasts your friends. Oh, but don't honk it in an enclosed space without warning, scares grandkids. Mike G in SC

Yes, would buy another. Same, I don't mind the current (and past) technology. But, I'm a horse trader. Star motorcycles has taught me I can get a whole lot of bike if I buy lightly used. This is a bike I would buy used or old dealer inventory at a very good price. So, the new model coming out in the next year(?), I may buy it when it's a year or two old. EDIT: PS, I also had a Road Star and a Strat during the same time. I want the V4.

Barry, I-40,, um, it's interstate. Now, I will say that it has more lean and curves than any part of Florida,, for sure. But, still two lanes and between the NC to TN area the trucks stay to the right. So, you will ride the center wall. But,, everywhere around there is Primo riding. Forget 40, get off I-26 below Asheville and get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head west to Cherokee. Eat lunch at the Pisgah Inn 20 miles into the BRP, great. Then just enjoy the parkway. March,,, dress warm, you will be at 5000+ feet. Mike G. EDIT: um, Just looked. Parkway will have closed sections through April. Why you going in March? More Edit: Also, I remember a few weeks ago there was a slide on US441 that goes from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. So Hope that is not your return road. Just beaming sunshine huh.

I already had a utility trailer I can use but wanted something smaller for just the bike. It's a "wife saver", so she does not have to endure the "get there" 900 mile ride (which I would do, solo). Looked on Craigslist a few days, found what looked good. As I drove a distance, I went ahead and bought (bargained) one that I might have otherwise walked away from. So,added load C tires, replacement heavier axle, moved the fenders out and some accessories and I got just what I wanted. Like Yamaha says,, make it yours! Started out $600, ended closer to $900. But the RSV ain't no 600 pound sportbike. So, like said, maybe look on Craigslist for used. So, SC to Canada this summer! Oh, but back to subject,,, this was not a fold up. Mike G in SC

I didn't think you could purchase an extended warranty (beyond the Royal Star 5 year) from the dealer or Yamaha,,, normally. I did purchase 2 years of YES from Yamaha at a STAR Touring charity auction. The Yamaha parts rep was there and they offered it if your bike fit certain criteria, which my 2006 RSTD (by then, out of warranty) did. My dealer was suprised but happy to honor it. 2007royalmidnight, was your additional 2 years offered at time of sale of your bike, new? Steve, Don't know about 3rd party warranties, if that is what you are asking. Mike G.

I DID! I have, and ride both. 2006 RSTD with 92k miles, 2009 RSV with 45k miles. I ride the RSTD as my daily commute and solo ride. I have louder mufflers on it and enjoy the ride. I will take it out of town if I am solo. But for two up and loooooong solo trips, I ride the RSV. More comfort, wind protection and,,, much more comfort for my wife. So, if you ride two up regular, get the RSV. If you are solo,,, you decide. Mike G.

Also,,, one word, HOV lanes! Don't forget that in pretty well every state, motorcycles can use the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle, Diamond lanes) lanes, if you see them. in SE, Atlanta and Charlotte have them. Some larger citys have them and they are great for bikes, not only for time savings but also safety. Just stay in lane and if someone is not happy they can move out to traffic to get around you (or you around them) but they normally move at good speed and people stay in lane without pushing (IMO). Mike G.

Haven't droped my current bikes (yet?). But tomorrow ain't here,, yet. I did drop my Road Star twice. Once when I put my foot in a hole (on sand), and once when an idiot pulled in my path on a 4 lane. Help was available both times. But, you just do what you have to do. I did lower both of my bikes so, it is not as likely to happen (yet?). Mike G.

I was stationed at Lowery in 1969-1970. Well, training school for a year. I forgot what they taught me.. DID NOT INCLUDE LOBSTER,,, unless they could fly or drop bombs. But, God I loved living in Denver. Right downtown, 5 blocks from the capitol.

There is a place, just down the hill from LL Bean in Freeport ME that tourists go to eat really fresh lobster. Can't beat it. My brother and his wife (RIP both) used to order lobster from the Myers Park school in Charlotte (rich private school). They had lobster sales instead of Krispy Kremes. Little snobs,, hehe. Well after a few beers, he would always cut the rubberbands off their claws and let them have at it!!! Fight to the death,,, kind of. The looser went in the pot first! PETA,,,, LOL,,,, hehe.

I don't know where he was riding but I don't think I would even fart in that part of town,,,, SWAT team on every corner!!!!!

Robert, You do have a guy up at Lake Norman that is pretty good. Bill Little, known here as Wild Bill. See vendor/member classifieds. He is a retired mechanic/engineer and has his own wrenches,lol. He lowered my RSV but I know he can do most anything. Look him up,,, nice guy too. Mike G in SC http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=4202&title=service-to-lower-front-or-rear-of-2nd-gen-rsv-27s-&cat=36

Miles, I don't see the Vmax rear in the Vendor/Member classifieds now. Where did you buy it? Is it same $300+ trade? Got it in the back of my mind for my RSV. Still thinking about your column on your ride. Told my wife about it. Think I might restrict my out of country experience to Canada. The rest of you ride sounded great, but don't think I am interested in riding Mexico. If you get wander after lowering the rear, might take the front down a notch (say 1"). Mike G in SC