abnormalwon
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Confidence shaken
abnormalwon replied to hillrider's topic in Royal Star Venture Tech Talk ('99 - '13)
Which is fairly normal really, however, in all my years of riding I have never heard of any air pressure change that will affect the effects of tar snakes? Particularly new tar that has not had significant time to try and harden up any. The physics don't even add up do they? We're talking about surface irregularities that are at extreme ends from hard pavement to soft and gummy. I know you can assist some handling in dirt with lower tire pressures but there the conditions are closer to one another than on pavement. I believe you need to run the recommended pressure from the tire manufacturer and then compensate for the tar much as you would gravel or other wierd situations. Would love to learn more on this if there is something more to learn since I ride the same N Ga back roads and from what I hear from the various DOT's there is probably limited chance of any reduction in the future growth of the dreaded tar snake. Just my Norm -
What's best for windshields in rain?
abnormalwon replied to scottc's topic in Royal Star Venture Tech Talk ('99 - '13)
I have always found an over pass or covered gas station to be the best, but that's just me. -
China Grove is tops but most of the other stuff is a close second
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Ron, I have tried quite a few myself and have settled on the Nolan modulars for a couple of reasons. The fit is very comfortable and I like the added flip down sun shield (newer ones with the internal flip are better). Noise is always a consideration however I have become addicted to ear plugs so that is mute (haha). Nolans also have a double safe flip release that may seem a bit of a pain however does eliminate any possible accidental opening on a face first landing. The glasses issue doesn't seem to be much of a problem either since I wear sunglasses all the time and have even put on my reading glasses over my sunglasses (yes it does look funny) and had no problem with the flip front. Finally the money issue, yes the Nolan will probably cost 2 bills or a little more however I tend to fall back on a saying a good friend once shared with me, "If you have a nickel head put it in a nickel helmet". I find it a bit humorous that many of us will not blink at spending mucho bucks on bling but flinch at the idea of laying down some jingle on the best protection money can buy. Hope this helped. Norm
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Was in vegas Jan. 09 and rented from the Vegas Harley shop and had great service. They kept our bags as we were heading for the airport after our ride with out a flinch. They also had a large selection of models to choose from. Would highly recommend them.
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Hey, Put a Mustang on my '98 RSTD and have loved it! I have a Corbin on my V-Strom and hate it. It has wonderful form but is hard as a rock. All that said you need to contact Rick Butler (on this site), he has lots of experience and you will get ton's of feed back if you need it. He worked my corbin this past fall and it is markedly improved. All the best, Norm
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Dude, Sorry to hear about your day. Trust you heal quickand are back on the road again. All the best. Norm
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Again, appreciate the input. Stopped by my local shop and they had a pair of the Flex on hand, way too small but I did get to look them over well. Was impressed but still had to bite hard at the posted price (right at $200 out the door). Though they didn't have my size in the parts manager told me to shop around and if I found a better price let him know and he would see what he could do. Well, I did some more shopping and then went back to the manager to discuss exactly what he could do, I had set in my mind that if I could get a pair out the door for under 180 I would go for it. So I asked him to give me his best price and lets see what we could do. He did some finagling and came back with a little over $30 off (out the door), well he had me and now I am waiting the arrival of my new pants. Plus if they do end up being the wrong size, they will send them back for a new size for me, no shipping costs, yahoo!!! Now I am getting the Cadillac of pants at a Chevy price!
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I too was drooling a good bit when I saw the Cross Country. I sat on a Vision a while back and though the looks are either all in or walk away I could deal with that. My big killer was the idiot engineer who came up with the bag design. When I went in I was anxious to check out the anticipated cavernous space in those baby's. Oops, just a mirage, who in their right mind would place itty bitty plastic bins in such large shells to hold so little stuff? Looking at the CC in the mag's I figured Victory had figured it out, Bikers want and NEED space for stuff. Went to the bike show last weekend and again swooned over the beautiful beast and finally popped open the swanky bag and though bigger than the vision someone still has found a need to put some kind of a plastic liner in this bag so that you don't get all the space advertised from the outside, WTH??? How hard can this be Victory, shoot my '98 RSTD bags hold as much or more than those things do. No two piece any thing, what you see from with out you get with in. I don't know maybe I'm just a wild and wacky guy, or maybe Victory is just trying to be PC in a biker bagger sort of way? I'll stick with my '98.
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I have been a big fan of BW for what little travel I do however have pretty much always used their services. Though most of my experiences have been A+++, do to their being franchises there can be variation's in service, quality and style. Pretty sure bet that unlike the cookie cutter chains out there your local BW will be different from your Aunt Sally's in Iowa. That being said I have noticed that I have never been refused the "Harley" discount when I inquired and if you be come a club member you still get the points, don't read to much into the whole Hog promo. I did read that BW cooperate does keep close tabs on each and every place with their name on it and in fact I believe these places have to reapply annually to keep their franchise status. I like that. There will always be a couple of bad apples in every barrel so just speak out and voice your concerns and input, it WILL make a difference. Norm
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Thanks folks for the input so far. I have two locations nearby that carry either the sixth gear or the TM as well as various other brands. I am hoping that these folks will start getting some inventory in soon so I can visit and actually feel them and try them on. Went to the Great American Bike Show this past weekend here near Atlanta and no one had any mesh pants. Tons of mesh jackets but no pants???? Most blamed the lack of inventory due to being January, however Home Depot and Lowes are already pushing yard maintenance stuff. Like Duh, this is the south and by golly spring could break out any moment here! Anyway, will continue to investigate and keep ya'lls words of wisdom close at hand also. The waiting to go buy some bike gear kinda sucks but hopefully the patience will pay off. Norm
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Am looking at some mesh pants with liners for the coming season. Have looked pretty close at the TM Flex and they look good as well as the Fieldsheer. I got wind of a company called Sixth Gear and they have a mesh pant called Stinger. Looks good on line and about half the price of the TM. Anyone had any experience with these? Thanks for the input. Norm
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Ron, Know my thoughts and prayers are with you also. The best part I have found with this site is the breadth and width of the folks who make this what it is. May the Lord comfort you and console you during this time of grief and mourning. Norm
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Nice pics. In fact there is a nice Micro Car Museum in Madison Ga. out side Atlanta that we took a tour of last spring at one of our M/E's. Been there twice, neat place.
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Prayers are with you during this difficult time. Norm
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Ya'all "hang" your TP? Was up wit dat?
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Have camped most of my life and truly enjoy it though it can be challenging. The past few years have moved to camping while on the bike (no trialer), so this is mostly done one up. This requires extremely smart packing and narrowing down what you really need and what is fluff. Though I skimp on clothing and incidentals, I always carry an extra tarp to cover the tent (I HATE sleeping wet!) and a good sleeping pad (I want to be comfortable too). After that it's pretty much a cake walk. I try to eat on the road to reduce food and cooking equipment and advise earlier stopping points to give your self time to get set up and actually enjoy your site before hitting the hay. One big thing is cost's, usually find the best deals at Federal or State parks, though they can be a bit more primitive. Once you dive into private facilities it can be a crap shoot. Last August I traveled from Atlanta to NY and a night on the BRP cost $16 while a private facility near Gettysburg ran $38 and I actually liked the BRP a whole lot better. Next time I will probably stick to public sites or KOA's. Either way it certainly is fun and you can hook up with the most interesting folks around the camp fire.
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Having begun my compu-journey on a PC, I had all the typical issues with virus's, crashes and just overall unreliability. Listened to some Mac-heads and was encouraged with what I was hearing so went with an I-Mac about 8 years ago. Much like someone else stated, you do have issues with maybe less availability of some stuff (Like the Venture or TD) however even that is less a problem than before. I will say this the simplicity of the machine coupled with the secure and solid OS have sold me and though I hate the raised $ of their stuff I chalk it up to getting what you pay for. That said I still feel that the whole confidence in your equipement along with confidence in your ability to utilize it is the key to happy compu-day's. Additionally I do a lot of graphics and arts stuff and Mac's tend to be a step ahead there.
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Don, THANKS, great idea. Norm
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This actually is not all that surprising to me. First the tsp (small on purpose) are tasked to overtly harass bikers and this is not necessarily a judgement on law officers, I believe this came from quite higher up. Now this? My last ride on the dragon was over 3 years ago and I don't plan on visiting anytime soon. Not worth the trouble and certainly not worth the possible potential of being treated this way. Just another indication and sign that we have gone from a country where innocent until proven guilty is way to old school and customer service or appreciation is an afterthought. I spend my time riding better roads where I am welcomed by local free market folks and thanked for spending my $ at their establishment.
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Shinko tire question
abnormalwon replied to bobcat's topic in Venture and Venture Royale Tech Talk ('83 - '93)
I purchased a front and rear Shinko for my V-Strom this summer and immediately went on a 2500 mile trip. The front is doing great, looking new and handling is fine. The rear gave me some trouble with cracking occurring in the treads and what appeared to be de-laminating on the rear. Since I had purchased the tire through a web site I was concerned about service however they put me in contact with the vendor who immediately sent me a brand new tire. In fact I got it faster than the original order to my surprise. I replaced the tire and have had the bike down with other repairs at this time so have not been able to test any further. One thing I did learn from the vender was that my air pressures I had from Suzuki were not the best and that the pressures on the tire were better to maintain. All this said I can honestly say that I am happily surprised with Shinko's customer service, hopefully the tires will continue to perform admirably as well. When you can get both a front and rear for less than one main brand rear I say that is worth trying. All the best, -
Am in the market for a top case to mount on my '98 RSTD. I have already modified a batwing to it and am now only missing a top case to finish off the full touring mod's. I have been on Ebay and can find a number of aftermarket units and even a couple that would look ok. But I think it might be better looking if I could find a Venture Top case (first or second gen) to make it look right. If any one has one laying around, even if it's a little dinged up ( I am handy ) let me know. Thanks for looking! Norm
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Dumping gas
abnormalwon replied to abnormalwon's topic in Royal Star and Royal Star Tour Deluxe Tech Talk
Thanks for the input guys. You have confirmed my suspicions and I will act accordingly. BTW, how regular are you adding Seafoam? With 2 bikes and more miles being put on the V-Strom than the RSTD I am clueless how often to add the stuff. Thanks again for the input. Norm -
OK, so yesterday I plan to head out for a ride after church with a couple of buddies on my 98 RSTD. When I get to church I smell some gas but am unable to find any leaks. When I leave and we are heading over to fuel up I smell it again and now look down to see fuel pouring down the right side of the cases (also some on the left side but not as much). When I stop to check it out it quits when I shut the engine down. Never having seen this before I start it up and try and see what is up but can only see gas coming from what appears to be the crank case breather assembly. Of course this makes no sense so I head for the house. We stop to get something to eat and watch a little football, when I get back on the bike and head for the house I have no leak? Now I am beginning to think this must be a sticking float on one or more of the carbs, right? Need some advice first if there might be some other cause then also if I need to do a complete teardown on the carbs or will seafoam help this out? As always, thanks for the input.
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Don, I have riden both a few times. Skyline is about 106 miles long at 35 mph. Tons of overlooks and only 2 cross points to get off early (At the third marks). I have done this trip in as little as 4 hours or as long as...... you get the picture. There are services on this route available and you will get a map with info when you pay your entrance fee. The BRP is a different barrel of snakes. The BRP is about 480 miles end to end and has a posted speed of 45 mph (and they do check, ask my son). There are camping and food services available however last time I was there (last year) no fuel on the BRP. Any of the stops along the way should have a nice little map available and there is no fee to use. Again there are many overlooks available and many times the cross roads on and off the BRP are as fun and interesting as the BRP itself. Personally I find the route to be a Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde thing in a great way. The Virginia portion tends to be more laid back in nature while the N Caroline part more technical in nature. Either section is a ball and be always on the look out for action. From a wide selection of wild life to distracted drivers gazing. As far as time on the route again this will be determined by your alotted time and desire to dig in to the surrounding pleasantries. I have done the whole thing in as little as two days but longer is better. You should also check out the web as there are lots of informative sights available. Also you can find out any sections that are being detoured as there was last year. I don't remember much of specific things that you need to do or see, I do remember a good meal at the Little Switzerland area however a good portion of the fun of this trip is the exploration. Also there usually are trials at many of the overlooks, never went far on any but they are there, just remember about the wild life. I am going back up the BRP myself again at the end of August, maybe our paths will cross. All the best, Norm