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NewfoundlandVenture

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Everything posted by NewfoundlandVenture

  1. Thanks Dick, I was concerned that this may have been what caused my stator to fail, It's nice to know I can start braking again Kevin
  2. Admiral, sounds like you are well on the way. I had the same wire issue when I put mine together on Thursday... I tried some gasket silicone, left it for the evening, but it did not bond to the rubber grommet or the wire... as soon as I started moving stuff around it came off. So, I stripped the "fabric" coating off the original stator wires, then ran the new stator wires through that and then ran that through the grommet... made for a snug fit. This area is now covered of course, so I can't see if it is weeping... but there isn't any oil coming out between the two covers, so it isn't significant. This is at the top of the case, and the grommet is protected by the the metal bracket that holds the stator wires snug, so I am hoping for the best. I had to snug up a couple bolts in the crankcase cover after my test ride since because they were leaking abit, gotta be careful as they only call for a little more than 7lb of torque. I'm getting lots of charge now, slightly over 13 at idle according to my tester. I do, however, have a noticeable drop in voltage when I apply my brakes, it goes down about 2 volts, which doesn't seem right. I don't get any drop with radio or high beam, or cruise, and only a very slight drop with my extra running lights turned on.... I am wondering if something is shorting, and could this have killed my stator to begin with. Any methods for testing this that anyone can suggest... electrical testing isn't my strong point. I'll toss this out in this thread, to see if anyone has any thoughts, and if not, perhaps I'll start a new thread.
  3. I received the stator from RM today.... So far so good on service anyways, shipped fast, and they were helpful on the phone. I've taken the body parts off, and the engine covers, but I haven't removed the stator yet, thought I'd wait till I get the new one and do it all in one session. Hopefully there won't be too many surprises once the original stator comes off... biggest thing yet was a few sticky bolts in the crankcase cover that had me a little nervous, but I took my time and eased them out! I'll let you know how it goes.
  4. As has been said, my first thought is under inflated front tire. I've never experienced this on my VR, but on my nighthawk it is usually the case when she comes out of winter storage, just top the front tire off and it is gone. Hopefully your problem is no more serious than that!
  5. Thanks for the input everyone... I was reading your stator thread BJ, and wondered how you had made out, I think that was where I first saw the RMStator name. What about compatability, though? As I understand it, RM is selling the Electrosport(ES) stator, but ES lists two different stators, one for 86-89 and one for 90-93, while RM shows only the stator for '90 - '93. Does anyone know if they are the same stator? The OEM part number is different. Also, RM lists it as a stator/rectifier, did you get the rectifier too as part of the package BJ, or anyone else who bought there? I'll give them a call after work today, but any input here would be great too. Kevin
  6. I am looking for any feedback about this Company, RMStator, from Quebec. I have lost my stator, and need a replacement. I've seen these guys mentioned in a few posts and am wondering about the quality of the stator they are selling. Also, I have an '89 VR, and their website lists the stator as being compatible with '90 - '93. My understanding is that '86 - '93 (at least) is the same, can anyone comment? Thanks for any and all comments and opinion! Kevin
  7. I did get that adapter after, but unfortunately, it was a different size than my Antenna.... I think the adapter was 3/8", my antenna is no more than a 1/4".... I've resigned myself to just unscrewing it now after each ride when I put the bike under cover. Hopefully a better solution will present itself at some point!
  8. Brian and Jack, I'd guess I have the same problem. Been hearing a grind/clanking kind of noise, sounds like teeth/sprockets that aren't quite meshing together when I press the starter button, only happens every now and then right now, but doesn't seem to be tied to engine being warm or cold... it can happen at any time. From what I've been reading in some threads on here, it doesn't seem to be a crisis problem??? I'm going on a 4 day ride next weekend, and I doubt I'll have time to get the parts and do a fix before next friday. Lot's of good info in the forums about doing this, though. Good luck with the repairs.
  9. Jack, Received my brace today, and have it installed, about 20 minutes work - not counting the trip to Canadian Tire for a 6mm hex socket! I had to release the pinch bolt and the front axle, but that was no biggie. Certainly much thicker than the stock brace, I was surprised to see the stock brace was even machined out underneath! I'm looking forward to getting out for a ride this weekend to try it out. I was a late purchaser, so thanks for having a few extra on hand! Kevin
  10. Thanks BJ. That is just the information I needed. I am heading out on a long distance ride in a few weeks - my first on my venture - and I wanted to have max fuel capacity available. I think I'll switch it to reserve and leave it there.
  11. Not sure if this is the highest in Canada, but here in Corner Brook, NL it is now $1.40 per liter, which translates I believe into $6.356 Imperial Gallon and $5.292 US Gallon. Thank goodness the CDN dollar is about par, or we would be shafted all together!
  12. I have been reading in my manual that I have 20L of fuel capacity, with 4L for reserve. This gives access to 16L of usable fuel in the normal position. I am wondering if I put my switch in the reserve position, will I have access to the full 20L. I ask this because I have a Nighthawk with a reserve fuel switch, with the bottom part of the tank partitioned into two sections. The "on" position accesses one bottom section, and the "reserve" position accesses the other bottom section. This means that I have to use the switch in both positions to get the full tank capacity. As well, if I put the switch in the reserve position, am I correct to assume that the fuel gauge will still only provide indication of what's left of the 16L of fuel? Finally, I know my reserve gauge is very stiff... I haven't moved it because I thought I would break it... but I think I've read in another thread that the gauge is normally stiff, and usually takes pliers to move... is this correct? Thanks for any input anyone can give!
  13. I've been riding with a modular for a few years now.... all the benefits of a full face helmet for extra protection from the elements, but so very convenient when you are stopped and want to have a chat or just need some extra cooling. I have wondered if they offer the same face protection as a traditional full face helmet, but haven't seen any data on that one way or the other. I will definitely buy modular helmets from now on!
  14. When I started riding 25yrs ago, I did a motorcycle driver training course. We were constantly told to "claim your lane" and ride on the left of the lane you are in if you are the only bike or the lead in a group. In group situations, always stagger opposite from the rider in front of you. I've always followed this rule - as do the riders I travel with - and vary only when rough road conditions require me to move in the lane. The staggering seems obvious to give each bike the most room in case of "whatever". I think riding to the left keeps opposing traffic in their own lane, and gives you the most room to maneuver to avoid obstacles. I'll usually take the opposite side to whatever the rider in front of me is riding, and my only bother is riders who drift back and forth for no reason... I say pick a spot and stay in it!
  15. Saltydawg, I have an answer that eases the pain, Snowmobiles! Actually, as someone has already said, putting the bike away from October to April/May is just a part of life for most of us in Canada, and the Northern States too I'd guess. Usually, I don't ride till mid May, but I bought my VR in March, and didn't have it tucked away and winterized, so as soon as the weather got warm enough, around 15C, I got out to give her a try. I know that on my nighthawk, with just a small windscreen, it would be cold riding now, but with the full fairing of the VR, plus those heat vents, I hardly notice the cooler air, even at 110KPH on the highway. Although sometimes I look with envy at the southern US and think it would be nice to ride year round, I think I'd miss the winter activities like snowmobiling. Here in Newfoundland we have so much open country and freedom to ride the sleds, it makes winter a lot of fun. Actually, my sled is still on the trailer in my driveway, I'm thinking of one last ride, as there is still tons of snow in the woods! As our member from Grand Falls said, the island is still surrounded with pack ice on the ocean that keeps the air cooler, so we are probably not going to see temps above 20C (around 70F I believe) till Mid June month!
  16. Been following this thread, but I haven't been able to post 'cause of the snow! Finally, took a ride today on my '89 VR with about 105,000KM (65,000M) on the odometer. 116KM trip and burned 7.63L. With the imperial gallon here in Canada, I'm figuring 42.8MPG (35.8MPG for the US gallon). That's almost all at 105-110 KPH (65-68 MPH) indicated on the speedo, with about 15 degrees Celsius, riding solo. Can't compare to previous seasons as I just bought the bike in March, but it sounds like I am doing alright after reading the posts online here. For contrast, my 450 nighthawk will do about 50MPG on the highway, at about 1/2 the weight, with 1/2 the cylinders and 1/3 the displacement, and not nearly as comfortable!
  17. Welcome to summer in Newfoundland, Canada... Gas just hit $5.81 a gallon, that's $25+ to fill up the bike.... groceries, well, the line at the KD shelf just gets longer, but at least most of the health care is free! On the plus side, temperatures hit 15C today, and the snow is more than half melted, at least in town. I got a ride in last week, before the weekend snow, and I hope to get out again tomorrow!:cool10:
  18. Here's a list of aftermarket filters that will fit. Our bike falls into category 5 way down at the bottom. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=523 Thanks for the link to this filter thread. I've got an '84 Nighthawk as well, and I've been paying the dealer too much for too long.... Didn't know about the aftermarket FRAM that will fit.
  19. There is a small heat shield on my exhaust by my right footpeg. It had cracked and been fixed by a PO, but it is cracking again now. The shield seems to be part of the larger exhaust, and so not easily replaceable. Given that it is chrome, is this something that can be welded back together, or is it a soldering job, or is there some other fix like JB weld that might hold this together. Thankfully, it isn't highly visible, since getting that chrome look back may not be easy either.
  20. Again, Thanks for all the input. I think the first, easiest, and least expensive way to try is with the 203EZ, and see if that will provide a good enough quality fit. I checked locally, but couldn't find anyone who carries it, so I found one online that won't be a bank buster if it doesn't work out. Hopefully it'll be here in a week or two, and I'll let you know my take on it then.
  21. D, When you said the headlight is working, is it switching between the two beams? I remember from reading the owners manual that if one of the filaments gives out, the other filament will light in both switch positions. Perhaps someone else can comment on this, but it popped into my mind when I read your post. Kevin
  22. Spring??? It's still a dream for me.... in the last 24 hours we've had about 6+ inches of fresh new snow - on top of the 2+ feet still on the ground! Looks like it is going to be a late spring here. On the plus side, when I get off work today, I can still go for a snowmobile ride!
  23. Gearhead, the Grommet may be an interesting idea to pass the existing antenna through... though, like you, I wonder if getting the cover on and off of a 4 1/2' antenna on a daily basis is going to be much fun. I've heard about the 203EZ, with good and bad reviews, so I'm still undecided about whether it is worth a try. Condor, it does have the coil in the "coupling" about half way up the antenna. I'm afraid I know very little about antennas other than that I want to have mine folded under the cover, and they are necessary for radios. Even looking at the 203EZ, it seems like it would require a male end on the bottom of the antenna, and I think mine has a female end on the bottom. Maybe the 203 can be installed either end up?? I'm gonna have to explore my antenna a bit more. I really don't want to try and shift to 2 antenna at this point, as I am so new to the bike, and I'm not really sure how much of what is on it works yet. Thanks for all the advice people, I'll let you know how it turns out!
  24. I just had a look at the antenna during lunch.... I guess it is not stock, because it doesn't fold. It is also longer than I had envisioned, at 4 1/2' with a coupler about 1/2 way in the antenna. there is an antenna here , advertised as being motorcycle compatible. Can anyone advise if this would be appropriate for my '89 VR, with radio and CB. This antenna is considerably shorter than what I now have, would I only be giving up range with a shorter antenna, or are there other considerations? If it is just range, is there a way to determine how much range is sacrificed with such a shortening? Thanks again!
  25. I've just bought an '89 VR, and haven't even had a ride yet (too much snow!). I still don't know much about the bike, but I'm learning much from the forums here. I have a 3' steel antenna (probably original) on the bike that doesn't fold. My bike will be outside in the summer, and so I just bought a cover. Unfortunately, to put the cover on, I need to remove the antenna, which I am figuring will be a pain. This is an antenna for the radio and the CB, and I'd like to keep just one antenna, as I'm unfamiliar with dividing into two. Is there an antenna short enough that it will go under my cover, or is there a fold down adapter that will work with my bike? I went to my dealer but they didn't offer up anything... When hunting around online, what do I need to look for technically speaking?? Thanks so much for any advice that anyone can give!
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