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Bobby G

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Everything posted by Bobby G

  1. Bobby G
    http://news.yahoo.com/motorcyclist-clocked-going-193-mph-ny-highway-113500876.html Had to be a 2nd Gen!
  2. Bobby G
    Godspeed and condolences to the family of this Hero.
  3. Bobby G
    I also heard the Pentagon Police estimated about 900,000 bikes. But that means that in the 6 1/2 hours, or 390 minutes, it took to empty the Pentagon lots, you'd have to have about 2,700 bikes leaving each minute. Somehow that math doesn't add up to me. But no matter...it was a great experience and a great ride.
  4. Bobby G
    This dealer bailed me out big time last June when my electrical system crapped out on me en route to White Sulphur Springs WV. I limped it in to Jim's, they put it on the rack and tested everything right away, determined it was a blown rectifier and not the stator, and pulled a new one off a Yamaha ATV on the showroom floor to replace it with. They would not take a dime from me, and said they would just submit it as a warranty claim on the ATV. Even fed us while we waited and gave us a few tee shirts with their logo on them to wear on our trip. These are great folks, and I would do business with them anytime. I've stopped in to see them just to say hi and thank you whenever we've been anywhere in that area, and also sent them a tin of gourmet cookies at Christmas.
  5. Bobby G
    Didn't see many RSV's, but we had an awesome time in DC. Arrived at the South lot at about 6:10am, and left out at 1pm, just as we had planned. Getting out in the first hour beats getting out at 4pm or later. But it was really warm, and the fire hoses they cranked up were a welcome relief. I was soaked to the skin, but was totally dry by the time we took off. So many volunteers to help with water, coffee and essentials! It was a great showing of patriotism and honor for those who protect and defend our freedom, and for the families of those still listed as MIA. The only military flyover this year was Marine One, with BO clearly not aboard (I was told he was in Ohio on Sunday campaigning). Many one finger salutes were evident. Too bad folks can't refrain from doing that, given that it's our Marines doing the flying. Wish they'd leave their politics home on a day like we had on Sunday. Here are some pics I was able to snap.
  6. Bobby G
    The wife and I are staying at my sister's house in Fairfax VA, and the rest of our group of 10 bikes is staying at the Holiday Inn Express, also in Fairfax, right down the street from Patriot H-D. We'll stop in Harrisonburg VA on the way north on Wednesday night, and probably in the Roanoke area on Sunday night on the way home. Can't wait to get this show on the road!
  7. Bobby G
    I leave for DC on Monday via Charlotte and Winston-Salem for a few days, then on up through Pilot Mountain (Andy Griffith country!) into southern VA and on up I-81 for a spell before we jump on to the top end of the Blueridge Parkway for the rest of the trip. I'll look for your red RSV among the 600,000 other bikes there. Among the H-D's, you should be easy to spot! LOL!!!! Have a great trip.
  8. Bobby G
    Could also be the rectifier, which is a cheaper and easier fix.
  9. Bobby G
    I just discovered that my rear pads are pretty well shot, and that my rear rotor is looking like it probably needs to be replaced sometime soon as well. The OEM replacement rotor at the stealership is about $240, plus the new bolts. I found an EBC replacement rotor on eBay for $145, new in the package and free shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/EBC-Brake-Rotor-MD2078-for-Yamaha-XVZ1300TF-Royal-Star-Venture-1999-2008-/261008709417?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cc554d729&vxp=mtr Does anyone have any experience with this brand, or would I be wise to bite the bullet and stick with Yami's stock rotor? Any other suggestions would also be appreciated. Thanks.
  10. Bobby G
    Thanks for the info. I am very pleased with my experience with Allstate, although up until last year, they were totally not competitive in their rates. But they regrouped and came back out with excellent rates, and coupled with my auto and homeowners, I now get the maximum multi-coverage discounts and lowered my motorcycle annual premium by over 50% from what Progressive was charging me. For the RSV and the Softail, I now pay under $500 a year for full coverage, including collision, comprehensive and up to $5,000 in add-on's. I could lower it by dropping to the minimum coverages and increasing my deductible, but I'm into protection, not skimping to save a few bucks. To your point, you really have to check things out for the bikes you own and the level of protection you want. I feel pretty good about what I've got for two bikes for under $500 a year.
  11. Bobby G
    I just got my annual bill from Allstate, and the annual premium jumped about $100 for both bikes. I called my agent, and we went through all of the coverages to see why the increase. I lost one discount that I got last year when I switched from Progressive (transfer discount), but we also discovered that I qualified for a few others that were not previously noted on the policy, such as having taken the MSF course, membership in a few organizations like CMA, and low and behold, also a discount for Venture Riders! This is unique to Allstate, and you have to ask for it. All combined, my new discounts lowered my premium back down to what it was last year, even after losing the big one. It pays to ask!
  12. Bobby G
    My longest was 653 miles in 10 1/2 hours last May from Marietta to DC for Rolling Thunder. Very short stops for gas and restroom, and no long meal stops. Was motivated by staying out of incoming bad weather too. Usually stopped every 150 - 175 miles, and sans traffic, kept it wound up to speed limit +10. Leaving this coming Monday for a repeat trip, but will be breaking it up much more due to the wife coming along.
  13. Bobby G
    And if you run into any issues that require assistance up that way, ring up Jim's Motorcycle Sales in JC. Great folks, and will always help out in a pinch.
  14. Bobby G
    Start with the simple, less expensive possible fixes first that have been suggested - - get rid of the current gas in it, go 1/2 tank of really good gas, add lots of Seafoam, run it hard and fast for awhile, then check the plugs for a possible foul. If the problem persists, it's likely a coil.
  15. Bobby G
    Funny story about the famous RSV "whine"....I was recently at a Yamaha dealer meeting in Cypress CA (my company does some retail financing for Yamaha sport boats and PWC), and one of the execs from Japan attending the meeting (there were about 30 of them over visiting) was on the motor sports design and technical team. Very nice young Japanese man in his mid to late 30's, but spoke no English (this was his 1st visit to the U.S.). At one of the social functions, a group of us were talking and he and some of his contingent joined us for a short bit, and I asked him (through his interpreter) about the chronic whine that most 2nd Gen Venture owners experience, and the gymnastics we all go through to deal with it. His response was "what whine?" He claims no knowledge of any unusual whine or chirping from the clutch assembly or rear drive gear assembly. I invited him to visit me here in GA for a demo of said anomaly, to which he said in perfect Japanese - - "so solly, not going to Georgia, onry visit Carifornia". End of conversation. Back to the bar. I could have bet some serious cash before hand that this would be the answer. Nobody from Yami will ever acknowledge that they have had a fundamental design flaw in their clutch gearing or rear gear assembly for the last 13 years that creates this very unique noise. And since no real change to the RSV has been made in that time, they certainly haven't taken it seriously enough to want to spend any $$$ on anything new. OEM's squeeze every penny out of existing design and manufacturing processes they can until market demand forces a change. The big bike cruiser market just isn't their priority, so there's your answer. Until there is a complete Venture overhaul (V-Max, EFI, 6-speed tranny, etc.), we're going to have more whiny RSV's on the road. Personally, I deal with it with a little Motorkote from time to time, crank up my stereo system through my headsets, and keep very clean 20W50 synth oil in the crankcase all the time with a dash of Seafoam once in awhile. To be honest, it really doesn't bother me anymore. I will ride this bike till it finally croaks, and then I might consider a Kawi Voyager or a Victory.
  16. Bobby G
    Ultimate solution to this: 2012 Kawasaki Voyager! http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/628/11268/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Kawasaki-Vulcan-Cruisers-First-Look.aspx
  17. Bobby G
    My '99 (the first year of the 2nd Gens) does not have the Venture plate on the saddlebag hinges, and not sure if they started adding them after that. But I do have the emblem on the tank.
  18. Bobby G
    By any chance, did you ever get the bike jump started off another bike or vehicle while it was running?? If so, I can almost guaranty that your rectifier or stator is blown, or both. Sounds like your stator is blown anyway. You've got a warranty, so best to use it and git er done at the dealership. And be sure to tell them that while they're in there to grease up all of the connections. Most stealers won't do it unless you tell them to. Good luck!
  19. Bobby G
    We actually did see quite a few overheated Harley's down there, as traffic was pretty insane on the main drag getting to the various venues. In some spots it was like trying to squeeze 30 lbs. of sugar into a 5 lb. bag. Fun, but insane.
  20. Bobby G
    Had a great long weekend with the wife and some friends at Thunder Beach Spring Bike Week in Panama City Beach FL. My first one, and it was quite the experience. The weather was awesome while there (not so great coming home!), the visual experience was "interesting" (I'll leave it at that!), and we met some really terrific people. Overall, it was pretty much what I expected. Local media put the numbers at between 75,000 and 80,000 bikes and 100,000+ visitors. Based on my informal survey of state tags, I'd say the vast majority were from GA (no surprise). We didn't get a place to stay until we arrived, and got a very nice 2 BR ocean front condo right in the middle of the action for about $120/night. Tons of availability from what I could tell. And everything is fee-free....no cover charges, parking fees, entry fees or any other kind of extra expenses for anything! That part was really nice. And there are more bike vendors spread out all over the entire 10 mile stretch of PCB then you could ever see in a week....anything you want, you can find. My only issue is that the entire event is sooooooo H-D oriented, which was OK for the wife, but not much for the Yami or Kawi crowd by way of aftermarket anything. The factory promo trucks were nowhere to be found either, except for Can-Am. But other than that, I'd say it was a pretty fun weekend to take in the total "biker" experience. We might do it again in the Fall for "Thunder Beach - Part II".
  21. Bobby G
    ...and a partridge in a pear tree! So much stuff....so little time. Just say'n.....
  22. Bobby G
    Most of the above, plus: ~ needle nose pliers/wire strippers ~ basic toiletries (for the unexpected overnight stayovers) ~ 2 day supply of any meds you are currently on ~ small pouch of handi-wipes ~ sunscreen ~ can/bottle Koozie ~ GPS (I don't use the one on the phone)
  23. Bobby G
    '99 RSV 90% solo riding Metzler ME880's Solo - 38 psi front, 40 psi rear 2-up - 40 psi front, 42 psi rear 25 - 30 psi in rear shock all the time 0 psi in front forks 50/50 on in-town & interstate vs. mountain riding, but more long rides than short ones. replaced rear tire in October with 17K miles on it just replaced front tire last week with 22,300 on it If I rode as much 2-up as you do, I imagine my tire wear would be about 20% - 25% fewer miles on the rear, and 10% - 15% fewer on the front. Just a guess.
  24. Bobby G
    From what I've been able to read on the various tire sites, Metzlers are designed and manufactured a little differently in that they are made for the larger loads and profiles of bigger bikes. The front tire has a more rounded tread profile for a smoother, more neutral steering feeling, while the rear tire features a flatter tread profile and larger contact patch for better traction and mileage. I've been sold on them ever since I got the RSV in '08, and the original owner ran nothing but 880's on them since it was new. I guess to each his own, but it's a great tire for the RSV. But I still prefer the Dunlops for the H-D and my old VTX1300.
  25. Bobby G
    Been running the ME880's on the Venture for 3 years, never have had a "throwing rubber" issue, always get well over 12K miles rear and 15K miles front, and love the feel of these tires on the RSV. Just got my new one on the front last week for $145 installed. And the code shows a March 2012 manufacture date. Still run Dunlops on the H-D, and love them too.
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