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Mike G in SC

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Everything posted by Mike G in SC

  1. Mike G in SC
    I own a Strat,,,, and I own a RSTD. Like both, I love the RSTD. If I want to ROCKET, I ride the Strat. If I want to lay back and ride all day,,, I ride the RSTD. If my wife said I have to get rid of one,,, I'll miss her. But if I went broke, I'd keep the RSTD. IMHO. Mike G in SC
  2. Mike G in SC
    Okay, yep, so I see, I still have a few things to check. So, what I hadn't said yet: I have not checked the front fork pressure lately. Have not done the test for the bearing slop. The new rear shock is Yamaha, put on my Matt in Sumter (good mechanic). I do have the Barons rear lowering kit but had dogbones made to only drop it 3/4". I did lower the front 1/2", which is about all you can do on a RSTD. I do have the smaller MT90B 16 74 Avon Venom (like the 130). (So the bike is basically back to level but down 3/4".) I'm caging it out for the weekend but will do the checks during the week. Thanks, Mike G in SC
  3. Mike G in SC
    I'm 59 1/2 ! And all my teath are paid for. That makes my grandson laugh.
  4. Mike G in SC
    So, if you were way out in back country, good road & visibility, you know your bike is in good shape (tires, shock, steering is tight, stock windshield), and you should take it up to 110 MPH (Mom, don't read this), what would make it get a steering wobble if you let off the gas to coast back to highway speed. Testing the (RSTD) bike yesterday, after a new rear shock was installed, I took it to speed. Acceleration and sustained speed 100 to 110 was fine, but when I let off to coast back to 60 it started pretty serious wobble. I corrected it by bring the engine back up to speed and decelerating more gradually. Seems, perhaps, the engine torque did not agree with something about the quick drop in speed. As it was correctable by increasing the RPM's, I don't think I can attribute it to steering (pretty new Avon tires and the steering head is tight). Ideas,,, (besides don't do that)? Mike G in SC
  5. Mike G in SC
    I know the post is more about the bike but some have mentioned personal factors. On a group ride last January 1st on some twisties we had a novice rider miss a turn, hit the ditch and was lucky enough to get ejected before her bike hit a parked pickup. She was okay, just stirred and shaken. But what she said was that her hands were too frozen to control the bike. I ride all year (ok in mid SC) but if you do open winter group rides,look out for those that may not be as hardy. Stop often enough to make sure they aren't headed for trouble. As we were remote, we built a fire to sit around till we got a hauler. Made a nice day after all.
  6. Mike G in SC
    If you are just going to lower 1/2", I don't think you need to worry about the kick stand. At 3/4" lower, I still have the stock kick stand. I do pay attention if I park sideways to a slope or if the left ground is higher than my tires (like the road shoulder). But that's not often enough for my concern. Mike G in SC
  7. Mike G in SC
    WHY,,,,,,, YES I DO! Actually, I just measured my template (on cardboard). Center of holes measure: Barons = 7 5/16" Stock = 6 7/8" Hole diameter should be safe at 1/2" or a fine hair smaller. (Always drives me nuts how longer makes lower!) For me, he centered at right about 7". I did not have him trim them to dog bones, just rectangular pieces. I ground down the sharp corners for knuckle safety. He used tough steel, Mack Truck frame rails! Just the right width. I painted them so I felt like I did something. I did leave the Barons caliper locator mount on, makes it easier to check/change the rear brake pads. But, yeah, if you can lower just a bit without buying the whole kit, do it. Mike G in SC
  8. Mike G in SC
    Mine went at about 50k. If you get stuck, like Wizard said, you can re-route the fuel line to the carbs. in 15 minutes. Remove the seat, remove the rear tank bolt, lift the rear of the tank for access to the carb port. Pull the line off the top of the filter and re-route it to the carbs. (obviously you have to pull the line that came from the bottom of the pump to the carb.) Make sure you have a good needle nose pliers for the clamps. Oh, and a flashlight incase it happens at night. You should also open the left side cover and disconnect the electrical connection to the pump so it won't try to poop out any remaining gas. If you think you may do this for a while, buy a small cheap inline filter and a couple of inches of gas line and put it inline close to the fuel cutoff valve. You are good for lot's of miles this way. Might have issues if you let the tank get too low. Ah, and don't smoke while you are doing this!
  9. Mike G in SC
    Mine is a RSTD but, kinda same. I got it used, it already had the Barons rear lowering kit. Also had the Road King mufflers. MAJOR SCRAPES on the cans. I put back the stock dog bones. then I went to a local fab shop with a template of both stock and Barons dog bones. I had him make a pair exactly 1/2 between. He was having fun so only charged me $20. So, I am down closer to 3/4". On the front of the RSTD you can only lower about 1/2" to 3/4" due to the air caps on the forks. So, I am basically leveled out 3/4" instead of 1 1/2. I like it. Oh, I also got the Barons 4-2-4 mufflers. They sit higher that single cans and only scrape if I am basically in trouble anyhow. PS: I also have the small front tire. But I am in debate on that, not sure the low speed steering benefit outweighs the change in dynamics at speed. Mike G in SC
  10. Mike G in SC
    On a RSTD, you can actually lower about 1/2" by sliding the tubes into the triple tree. And if you flip (swap top to bottom) and machine the fork washers, a tad more. And, if you put the smaller tire too, you get about 3/4" inch lower on the front (in total). Done it, it does put the air valves just a hair below the bars, but no problem. I have the Barons rear lowering kit but felt the 1 1/2 drop was too much. So, I took a stock dogbone and a Barons to a shop and he made me a pair half way between. So, now the entire bike is about 3/4" lower. I'm 5'9" but say, 29-30 inseam. This was "just right". (Oh, I have the Ultimate seat, so I was sitting higher than stock.) I didn't like just the Barons lowering kit (1 1/2") by it's self. Scrapped the mufflers. And felt some high speed wander due to the higher rake. 3/4" level feels more natural. It wasn't so much worry riding solo, more of a issue stopping with 2 up. Or wife mounting or dismounting. WANTED MORE SOLID FOOTING. Got it.
  11. Mike G in SC
    Pick up a small LED flashlight too. Aim it down the mirror. Really helps if it is other than a bright sunny day. Pick those up where you buy flashlights,, LOL. (You may already keep one in your bags.) Mike G in SC
  12. Mike G in SC
    A SC Vet rider on another forum said he got his SC MC Vet tag. THE SC DMV site says they will be issued 8/1/09. Guess mine should be sent soon. I don't know if they got the 400 apps or just thought it was a good tag to issue. Thanks to anyone else who applied. Mike G in SC
  13. Mike G in SC
    If you appreciate the rhythm of a sweet machine, you may get a chuckle from this. http://fschnell.net/WordPress/?p=1094 http://clipart.coolclips.com/AGifm/tf05242/CoolClips_wb027519.gif
  14. Mike G in SC
    For those who don't know, Star Touring is having it's SE Star BQ in Charleston this weekend. Those in Star Touring already know that. But a welcome to those who don't. The overall event does have a registration fee but to come by if free! It's at the Embassy Suites parking lot in North Charleston (near I-526 and I-26). The Yamaha truck will be there for demo-rides. Ultimate seat, Thunder Mountain lighting (Custom Dynamics), Amsoil, more,, and food vendors. Friday PM or Saturday, drop by and see what's happening. Most stuff does not require registration. (The Saturday BBQ and auction do, not sure about the Sat main ride.) There is a ride to the VA leaving at 7:30 AM Sat. You may also run into a few hundred of your best friends!!!! Join us if you can. Mike G in SC
  15. Mike G in SC
    Just a quick bump here,,,, life moves fast on this forum!
  16. Mike G in SC
    So, for the rest of the story,,, I went to Extreme Sports today to have them remount my front, thinking I lost the bead. Loosing a pound or two a day. They took a good look and found a pin leak in the tire near the bead/rim. I needed a new front tire. But still had good tread. As it turns out, I was only about 2k short of needing the rear so, I had them replace the rear too. They gave me a fair discount on the tires and labor. But here's the good part: They reached the Avon rep after I left. As the front tire had right at 1/2 tread remaining and should not have a hole there, Avon comped the tire. They called me at home to tell me they would be putting a credit back on my card for the cost of the front tire. Art,,,,,, what you said !!!!!!
  17. Mike G in SC
    Autopilot, My local station (WISTV.com) a couple of hours ago had the car tags complete at 400, but the MC tags only at 250. Hope you're right but, if it's 250, still got some word to get out. Just verified same on the SC DMV site, 250. I did see where trikes will no longer need a MC endorsement on your license soon. (Didn't mention Voyager kits, said bikes detachable side cars still need MC.) http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx
  18. Mike G in SC
    The South Carolina Dept of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is trying to make available a new license tag available to Honorable Discharged Veterans. They are making one available for cars and one available for motorcycles. For each, they need 400 applications received to the DMV soon. The car applicants now have their 400. They only have 250 MC applicants as of the 6/17/09. Deal is off if they don't have 400 by July 1. If you are licensed in SC and are interested please follow the link below, then click to download the "MOTORCYCLE" form. MV-37B You will send it in with $5 to "pre-apply". If they do not get the 400 they will return you money. I believe the special tag fees are lower than typical vanity tags,,, if at all. The tag is displayed on the link site, it is blue background, says VETERAN and has a star. (see below) I was not in a war zone (but I did kept the Viet Cong out of Wichita!), so this tag is for all vets. If you cannot download the form, I can email a PDF copy to you (I went by the Hwy Dept and got one). PLEASE TELL YOUR SC VET FRIENDS! Link: http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/images/VetPlate.jpg Mike G in SC
  19. Mike G in SC
    Art, Glad it worked out so well. I was impressed that they got you in so quick (Saturday call to get a Tuesday appointment (shop closed Monday). I'm headed there in the morning for tire work. I've been dealing with them for 4+ years. I bought both Yamahas used from individuals but they treat me like family and gladly transferred warranties to me. They don't try to spend your money. When you talk to Al, he asks a lot of questions to figure the problem. He will even work with you over the phone to see if you can fix or diagnose the problem where you are. He and I walked through hooking my RSTD to gravity feed when the fuel pump died. Then, like you said, Matt fixes stuff and waves a wand and it's good to go. They also don't give you crap about doing something other than 100% Yamaha. Great people in parts and sales too. And Dick, the owner supports the local Star Rider groups. You won't find many dealers like Sumter Extreme Sports Yamaha. Mike G.
  20. Mike G in SC
    Art,,,, GREAT...... This is a real happy,,,,,, WE TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!!! I'm headed there Thursday to reset a tire (leak in the bead). I will tell them about your post! Dealers like to hear if they are good. Mike G in SC
  21. Mike G in SC
    I plugged a rear with the rope then threw in a bottle of Green Slime for secondary insurance. (Was a roofing nail in the groove of the tread). Rode it till tread replacement time. Will probably look for the RIDE-ON mentioned above. It's also good for balancing and keeping the tires cooler (front & back). Right now I'm fighting what seems to be a bead leak on the front. Will have it remounted this week.
  22. Mike G in SC
    Yeah, Art, let us know what they find (actually I will be down there Wed or Thurs this week, I can ask Al). But want to know cause another RSTD may have SAME issue. I helped Jim Ballenger a few weeks ago, carbtune, and the exact same intake pipe pulled out. Well we thought it was okay, but today he told me he went from over 40 MPG to 35 after our work. So he may have same issue. Let us know! Oh, and went on the Camp Kemo toys ride today,,,, ran into Wanderer (Ted). Small town! Mike G
  23. Mike G in SC
    Yeah, that would be Dave. Don't forget he warmed up with the monkey bread. Hey, thanks for the invite. Great visiting with you all for the first time today. Never saw so many Morgan Carbtunes in one place. Glad you told me about the tree,,, else I was wondering about the choice of curtains. Bobbie,,, obviously it did not dampen your pie baking skills! Thanks, I needed that. Good to meet your family(s). You will see me again. Art should be in good hands in Sumter next week, Matt will nail the problem. Mike G in SC
  24. Mike G in SC
    Great visiting with you all for the first time today. Glad you told me about the tree,,, else I was wondering about the choice of curtains. Bobbie,,, obviously it did not dampen your pie baking skills! Thanks, I needed that. Good to meet your family(s). You two will see me again. Art should be in good hands in Sumter next week, Matt will nail the problem. Mike G in SC
  25. Mike G in SC
    Sleeperhawk and Art, and,,,,? Hey, thanks for the invite to the Columbia SC shade tree clinic. Unless some force of nature hits me,,, see you about 9 or so tomorrow morning. I'll bring my Carbtune and a foot long phillips. Is there a doughnut store along the way? I'll bring my own coffee. Hey, 10 would have given me more beauty sleep! Mike G in SC
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