Freebird

Some of you may have noticed a comment that Dingy made in a thread about my new Touring Hogs site that it is using newer software that what I am using here. The reason for that was simply because I had to pay for the new version when I started the new site. Actually they have an even newer version but I don't feel that it is ready yet and don't want to fight with the errors and etc. until it becomes really stable. The fact is, this site is running VBulletin 3.8. The new Touring Hogs site is running VBulletin 4.1. There are some fairly significant differences in layout and etc. but really nothing major. It has some integrations with social networks such as Facebook that we don't have here. I actually have those features turned off on the new site. It also has a home page, CMS, that is included with the forum software. In my opinion, the home page isn't nearly as good as what we have here. The main reason I have not upgraded the software here is due to the MANY customizations that I have done to this site. A lot of them would have to be totally redone and many would not work at all and probably not be done. I am keeping the Touring Hogs site much simple in regards to customizations. Only additions are things that can be done with add ons and NOT programming/template manual changes are being done. If I upgrade the software here, that is the same approach I would take because doing all the programming customizations is just too difficult and have to be re-done anytime there is a security upgrade and etc. I want to give YOU the chance to state your opinion though. Do YOU want the forum software updated or do you prefer to keep it as it is now? Thanks for your input.

Or...just click on this link and then add it to your bookmarks. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8

I don't really understand why you find it difficult. It is "First Generation Venture Tech Talk". What can I do to make it easier?

No...you WERE my new best friend but that was before you broke up with that long legged blonde.

Nice mods you did. I sure don't need a tricky boat though.

Not to fear my friends. I've owned several boats over the years and I'm well aware of the money pits that they can be. This one is going to be different...right.... As for gas mileage...I don't know but expect 2 - 3 MPG. We'll see.

I have one that you can borrow. I live in Oberlin and don't know when I'll be through there but would be happy to mail it to you. Just send me a PM with your address and I'll get it on the way.

We were talking about that today. Haven't come up with a name yet but we will.

WOW...very good. She said in Galena and she was going to do it. She sure didn't waste anytime. Give her our congrats.

Hey folks...it's all in fun. I knew when I bought the Harley that I would need to have VERY THICK skin. I get a laugh out of these posts so don't worry about that. Now you ALL go to your corners and think about what you have done.

OK folks...this is the reason that I decided to go ahead and sell the RSV. Eileen is super excited about it and I really didn't need two motorcycles. This is about the cleanest used boat I have ever seen and I looked at a LOT of boats over the past few days. It is powered by a 350 MAG, Alpha Drive, with 344 Hours. It has never had any painting done on it and I couldn't find a single scratch or ding anywhere on the hull. I hope it is as good as it looks. We looked at it yesterday and made the deal on it today. Will pick it up next Friday after taking it on a test drive first.

No problems that I know of. Everything seems to be working from here.

You will not be forgotten. Remember, I promised that this site would not change so that is why I started the new one. This one will remain a Venture site and be here as long as all of you want it to be. Nothing is changing and there will still be Maintenance Day at my house.

Yes Condor, a very small handful of people did but not many. You would be fairly surprised at the amount of money I spent on this site in those early days. Even more so, the number of hours that I spent. I still spend a LOT of time taking care of things but it is a lot easier now that it is pretty stable. Very few people seem to have a problem paying a dollar a month to participate here. I THINK that is a number that anybody can afford and more than covers the costs here and yes, makes some profit. I really don't know why anybody would have a problem with somebody making a little money for the hours of time and effort that they spend working on something but there may be those that do and if that is the case, I guess they just have a different way of looking at things. I will say this also, NOBODY has ever been kicked out of this site for their lack of ability to pay the dues. There have been a small number of people who have told me that they were going to have to let their memberships expire due to very difficult situations. I have always extended them free membership until things get better for them.

No, and there wasn't one here for about 5 or so years. I may try the ad supported route there. Not sure yet but unless it takes off, it's not important anyway.

Yea, listen to you. I tell you what, I will GLADLY upgrade this forum to the newer version but you will be the FIRST one to have a little hissy fit. You are the one who uses our home page to see the list of current posts and etc. That is not available on the other site. There are MANY customizations here that are not compatible with the new software and if I could have, I would have used this same software on that site. Unfortunately, much of what I have done here is no longer possible when starting a new site. But hey...if all of you want me to upgrade and totally change this site, let me know.

OK folks, this is the official announcement of my newest website, Touring Hogs. Dedicated to Harley Davidson touring class motorcycles. Whether you are a rider, passenger or just enjoy the discussion, I hope you will visit and join now. I still have a lot of work to do on the site but it is now functional and officially online. Please spread the word to all your Harley riding friends. http://www.touringhogs.com

This is my opinion on the issue. The quick fix of tapping it with a screwdriver to tighten it up is, in my opinion, a temporary fix. I've seen too many of these bikes that simply didn't have much grease on those bearings. I think that you can get them tightened up and they will be fine for a while but the lack of grease causes them to wear quicker so the more you tighten them up, they quicker they wear. I had a friend who asked his Yamaha shop about repacking the bearings and they told him that they wouldn't bother because they are often worn out and need replacing at 50,000 miles or so. I contend that the REASON some are wearing out is because they are not properly packed so they should have done it. So to do it right, you really need to drop the front out of the neck and repack the bearings. Then tighten it properly and I think it will be good for many miles.

Well first of all, rest assured that I am IGNORING Bubba. I've met him and just wouldn't feel right taking his home. As for the VMax rear, it will cause you to run about 500 RPM higher in 5th gear. That is still about 500 RPM lower than a first gen. Performance is greatly increased. Gas mileage is at least as good and better under some conditions. That being said, I also have a stock rear end that will go with the bike. I also have the original TCI unit that would be a good spare if the Dyna were to ever go out. Haven't heard of that happening though. Of course I have the stock shock links also in case somebody doesn't like the leveling links on it.

It's in the garage but for sale or trade for a boat.

That's great but....is this your boat?

not true

Hey...this forum isn't going nowhere and it's not going to change. I love it the way it is and all the people here. That is not even a concern. Who knows...if and when Yamaha comes out with a new Venture......................I may be riding one again.

I've been assured that it will go 10,000 miles. I'm barely over halfway there. Weather was fantastic. A bit cold in the early hours but we never saw a drop of rain. HEY....I ROAD with a VentureRider on a RSV and I wore a VentureRider T-Shirt on Sunday. So THERE. You are exactly right. Probably won't be this year but I need to color in some states out that way. I like it a lot. There are a couple of things that I still need to correct. Handlebars still aren't right. Need a different windshield, more buffeting than the RSV. Gas mileage is good and ride is comfortable though. Love the low end torque/low RPM. That's probably the biggest thing. Hey...you go to your corner. See my response above about riding with a RSV on this trip, wearing my VR shirt and I'm flying a VR flag. So I'll just give you a also. Could you add a bit to that. Don't think it's going to reach. Here's one for you also.

wardrobe one won't work. Heck....Rick wouldn't even let me stop and pick up T-Shirts this weekend.