Freebird

I agree that it's a fantastic bike. I'm not worried about any issues as the warranty will take care of it should they pop up. Like any mechanical equipment, there will be an occasional issue but I've read of very very few. This bike has everything I could ask for in a new bike and is an absolute joy to ride.

Well, that description pretty much disqualifies my theory. Sorry.

You didn't say if you switch to reserve when it happens? I've seen some of these bikes where you actually have to switch to reserve before the light comes on. It happened on my '99 and my '05. I always suspected that it was because I had the leveling kit on it. With the rear raised higher, I suspect that it threw off the level of fuel in the gas tank as related to the reserve tube. If so, it would be the same scenario if you lowered the front. The other thing is the actual fuel tube. Did your dealer actually pull the petcock? Most bikes either have a single tube that is divided into regular and reserve levels or two tubes with the reserve tube being shorter. If there is some sediment in the bottom of the tank, it could be blocking the reserve tube. I know it starts running again but I've had fuel filters that were plugged and acted the same way. Once it started sucking gas through the filter, it would soften up enough to let gas pass and it would run. Just thinking out loud. Could be none of those things.

I actually like the idea of putting it behind the right cover. Easy to take on and off but not nearly as likely to be stumbled upon as the side compartments. May or may not put the code there also though. Not sure I want them both in the same place. On the other hand, very few people would know what it meant our how to do it.

Yes, I did read it. My response was really not meant for you, just a general thought about us needing to keep the key in such a place as you that is accessible and not in a locked trunk or something. I should have been more clear but it is also why I didn't "quote" your post in my response.

I did look a the manual and it absolutely says to add the oil in the crankcase and then the oil tank. So, that is what I will do. It also says to run it several minutes and then check again but that has always been routine for any oil change that I've done. It all seems simple enough. Hope the noise you are hearing is nothing major.

PDF file of owner's manual that comes with the bike. Owner's Manual

I'll admit that is a bit disconcerting. Sure sounds like it has something to do with changing the oil. I haven't changed mine yet and haven't looked at the service manual for the correct procedure. I've gotten mixed explanations about what should be a simple thing. I saw a post here about having to add oil in a couple of different places and then waiting a certain amount of time and adding more and etc. The service technician where I bought my bike told me that though there are three plugs that have to be removed to drain the oil, you can add all the new oil to the main fill reservoir. He seemed bright and knowledgeable but I'll study it and do it however the manual specifies.

Unless your saddlebag is locked. If you lose your key and the bags are locked, how would you get to the emergency starting procedure without the key? That's also why I will be writing down or memorizing that code. With my memory lately, writing it down somewhere and keeping it in my wallet is the best option. Probably just write in on the YES card that I will keep in my wallet as soon as I get it laminated.

Great video and suggestion. I will try it later today. I'm also going to copy this to the tech library.

I have the ones for the 3/4 or open face helmet. Mine have the plugin RCA type mic. I think I bought them before the Thunderspeakers were available so can't say how good they are. I removed the speakers anyway because we use earbuds. http://www.edsets.com/3g-headset-for-3-4-open-face-helmets.php

Here is the image. Can you see it when I post it?

The picture shows up just fine for me.

No, the case itself does come apart but you have to remove the pads to get to some of the screws that hold it together.

They told me that to ensure that they actually got the correct connectors for this first batch, they actually ordered them from Japan.

Looks great. Glad you found one so quickly

They are pricey. Mine wasn't terrible because I didn't need the third component, the 5 to 4 adapter because the lights on my Bushtec match up without it. Mine came to about $126.00 plus a couple bucks for shipping. If you can do it better and/or cheaper, then you should go for it. I haven't seen it yet but they told me over the phone that there are three connectors connecting it to the bike. I don't remember but something like an 8 pin, a 5 pin, and a 4 pin. There is apparently not a single location to tie in the connector as some of the lights are on the saddlebags.

It's not as bad as it sounds. I have peeled off the rubber and put it back on using the same tape at least twice with no issues.

Yep, you can use any engine from 1999 - 2013 when they stopped making it. There was no difference other than some being silver and others having black fins.

Real work is the absolute truth. I "retired" from my regular job back in March to do the stairlift business full time. I thought I would work a couple of days a week and be good. It turns out, I'm working 5 to 6 days a week and sometimes 7 days a week. It's been crazy lately. Congrats on the retirement but I hope you actually have time to enjoy it.

You probably could. It's too late for me but I'm sure there will be others needing them. It's not like the usual ones. Due to the way the lights are setup on the Star Venture, it requires three separate connectors on the bike side. You would have to find one to look at.

Got mine ordered. Very limited supply. They only had three in this first batch. Will have more in a few weeks. After I ordered mine, they only have one left.

I will simply add that you have to be careful when replacing the speakers. The Hertz models that were mentioned may work in the front but likely would NOT fit in the rear. I bought 2 sets of Alpines once for the '99 and they were OK in the front but due to the size of the magnets, would not fit in the rear pods. You are really restricted on what will work in the rear. The earbuds are the absolute the best choice if it is good quality sound that you are after. The Edsets mentioned have a jack on the module that you can plug them right into and not use the helmet speakers at all. They simply replace the helmet speakers so your cb and intercom still work as they always did. They are a bit of a pain to put in and then put your helmet on over them every time you stop but you will get great sound.

I had a similar situation over 20 years ago. Sometime around 1991, I went to work for a company that provided me with a nice company car. I worked for them for about 14 years. I sold my personal car as I was allowed to use the company car as my personal car also. After more than 10 years of driving the company car, I got tired of the nice but rather boring cars that they provided me with so asked them for a car allowance to provide my own car. They agreed to that. So I went car shopping and picked what I wanted only to find out that getting insurance was an issue. Though I had been driving all that time, the company car's insurance was in their name though I was listed on it as a driver. The insurance companies didn't recognize that as ME having insurance so I ended up having to go with one of those "high risk" companies and the insurance was nuts. I had to pay those high prices for at least a year, don't remember exactly, before a regular insurance company would take me. I checked with every insurance company that I could find and none would cover me. I had a near perfect driving record but because the insurance was not specifically in my name, none would accept that I had been insured.

Cool. I don't know what the heck I would do with it but you gotta admire the creativity.