PBJ

On page 72 of the July 2008 issue of American Motorcyclist there is a product endorsement for a hidden antenna Put out by KK Motorcycle Supply( Sorry no website listed) It fits into your fairing and replaces a whip antenna. It says in the ad that its for Harleys but its not a Harley made pruduct so maybe they make them for Ventures and Wings too. the unit goes for about $80.00 this might be an altenate answer to your antenna situation.

I've done the Americade parade a couple of times . They plan it so the bikes move at a relatively smooth pace without any stops or clutching. They travel two by two up to one end of town then turn and head the other way so the paraders get to watch the other members as they go by. The crowd gets to see it all. If you've never done it its worth doing once. They have a local radio station play marching band music and everyone with a radio on their bike tunes in the station so that theres marching band music throughout the parade. Very well thought out. Anyway thats really the only way you'd want to do a parade. Of course we did once have a custom bike shop enter one of our local parades once. The guy had his girl friend ride her custom chopper through the village in nothing but a thong bikini. The dad's LOVED it ,the mon's weren't anywhere near as appreciative.LOL! To be truthful though, the young lady was very attractive but unfortunately it only reinforce the negative biker image that many of us have been trying to quiet for years.

Alrady did and its not its 110 . But so far the second gear feels strong and holding good. But i'll be keeping an eye on it if neccesary. I'm not usually a gear slammer so I'm hoping that ai'll get plenty of miles out of it yet.

hey Wildhair , just remember that every sale of an old friend means another VR member into the fold. Like me! I just bought my 85 VR from a couple in Michigan. They really wanted a Wing and found one so sold my little beauty before they even realize what they had on their hands. On top of that they sold it to me for only $1800.00. What A Deal! A little cleaning a set of fork seals and a replaced fairing vent and she looks almost brand new. Only 35K on the clock and she's got years of riding ahead of her and us. So thanks to previous owners like you for letting go of your old friend so others like us can enjoy a wonderful bike! Ride safe all!

I had to go to Michigan to get my 85 XVZ. I rented a pick up from Enterprise and loaded it into the back strapped it down and headed home.no problem. The trailer Idea might work with a small light bike trailer but remember the brakes on your bike will be having to accomodate more than twice the weight they were designed for. ( Just a Thought) A chopper trailer might ork but I'd pick the flatest route possible on the way home. Better to go with the box unit or a pick up. Enterprise usually has limitless mileage on their pick ups. Good Luck.

I just had the forks seals replaced on my 85 and was sad to discover how even with full air pressure the front ends still bottoming out. Reading about the difference between the stock and Progressive springs answers alot of my questions. Obviously the stock units are either weak and compress quickly with use or are just plain too short even with the air assist. It didn't help that the shop guys first ordered the wrong parts then took over a week to put them in. Needless to say I won't be going back there again. Looks like new Progressive front end is on my list of fixes.

I worked at a bike dealers for a while in the 90's and selling bikes was tough. Lots of looky lou's but not many buyers. To screw a potential cutomer is pure suicide. I was selling a Gold wing had the deal all but signed we were selling the bike at cost but Honda was still giving dealership $1500 for every Gold Wing Sold. Then the owner said no. The customers were shocked buy the owners attitude. They didn't blame me but thanked me for all my work then promised never to return. They subsequently bought a similar bike at the same price because another dealer was willing to settle for the $1500 from Honda. Powersport dealers that don't klnow the business should stay out. Oh an the shop I worked for? I quit two months later and they went out of business 4 months after that!