Donvito

Wonderful story and tribute to Tippy. My "Tippy" and I will be celebrating out 30th on October 7th. We've covered a good part of the country together. Look out, cause, after 18 years off, here we come again.

On September 11, 2001, I was working at a petroleum and chemical storage facility in Bayonne, NJ which is just across from the World Trade Center. We all carried walkie talkies to communicate within the 600 acre facility and were in our daily morning meeting when a report of smoke coming from a tower came over the radio. We continued our meeting until a transmission reported a plane crashing into the second tower. We all went outside and watched the events unfold. The following Saturday, a Rolling Thunder ride took place from various spots in NJ to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, NJ. I'm not a veteran but I rode along side my brother who was a Marine and served in Vietnam As we rode, thousands of people lined the streets and overpasses waving American flags and cheering. It was an incredibly moving experience and all the bikers were wiping their eyes. I'll never forget.

Can't remember what I changed. I think I only replaced the wire cover with the chrome pieces, not the entire cover, but it was a long time ago.

I don't completely understand but the reflector is only attached to the cover with one bolt. Just remove the cover, unscrew the nut and the reflector comes off. That's all I had to do. Does your side cover look like the one in picture 3? I know part of my side cover is after-market but I don't think it changes anything.

Hi Brian, Just want to let you know that I wish you the best. We have communicated via this site but we have never met. I hope we can meet some day. As you know, I live in Palm Harbor, so if you need anything, let me know and I will do what I can to help.

I know it's been said before but F***ing WOW. It is gorgeous. I may have to go out and buy a 2nd Gen. now. Nice Work.

Installed the front reflector light. Enlarged the lower hole so the wires would fit and sanded down the corners a little with a dremel. Wired them to the turn signals for running lights and turn signals. I used a four wire trailer light plug that I bought at O'Reilly's Auto Parts and just cut off one of the wires. It's a little bigger then I would have liked but it's waterproof and does the job. Between the wire attached to the light and the wire from the plug, had enough to reach the turn signal wires and just spliced it in there and wrapped it in electrical tape. 1. Back showing the enlarged hole for the wires. 2. The trailer plug 3. Installed

I installed my front set yesterday. I enlarged the lower hole on the cover to allow the wires to feed through. I used a dremel for this and I also removed a little plastic from the corners to allow it to sit flush. I attached the wires to my turn signals to provide running lights and turn signals. Will post with pictures asap, have to get to work now.

To test the pump, I removed the pump discharge hose after closing the petcock. Attach a hose from the pump into a gas can. Find the wire that runs from the relay to the pump and use a jumper wire to power the pump. If it pumps, the problem is the relay or somewhere between the ignition switch and the relay. I tested the voltage at the relay and it would drop to 10 volts which isn't enough to power the pump. To solve the problem, I cleaned the connections going to the relay and pump, cleaned the contacts inside the kill switch and replaced my glass fuses with a new fuse box. I haven't had the problem since. You can also test the voltage at the back of the relay plug while it's plugged into the relay. Test at start and while it's running. Turn on lights and accessories to see if the voltage drops. Here's the post regarding my problem: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=84989&highlight=fuel+pump+issue

In February, while riding on 75 in south Florida, I saw the front fairing chrome edge molding fall of my bike. Knowing how scarce they are, I rode about 10 miles to the next exit, turned around and found it on the shoulder in good condition. Took me about 30 minutes but I'm glad I did. The wife thought I was nuts.

Hi Kevin, That magazine hangs on the wall in my office. Same bike resides in my garage. I rode to the rally with another member from NJ named Russ Thorne whom I haven't seen in 20 or so years. Currently live in Palm Harbor, FL with my wife of 30 years and a 19 year old son away at college. Thanks for your posting. Brings back good memories.

I would love to go and hopefully I can. Going on a 7 night cruise on Oct. 12 for out 30th anniversary so time off and money may not permit it. The 11th is definitely out but may be a go for the 4th. Set it up and we'll try to make it.

Here in Florida, the best part of the year round riding season hasn't even started yet. You all need to move someplace with no snow and ride all year. Now, if only we had hills and twisties. Can't have everything.

Did some research and the incident referred to happened in 2007 which, of course, doesn't change anything. Just to balance the scales, here's another one from Iowa in 2011: Man who killed 4 motorcyclists sentenced to 50 years http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/man-who-killed-motorcyclists-sentenced-to-years/article_021d14b5-bd71-5fbc-8e86-112d890cd696.html

To all the helpful people on this site, I just want to extend an invitation to anyone in my area that may need some help with their bike. I've received help from a couple of people on this site including Dion and Gary. I have a garage to work in and a decent supply of tools including a valve adjustment tool, various torque wrenches and a home made carburetor synchronizer. I live in Palm Harbor, FL so, if you need help, or just another set of hands, let me know.

25 or so years ago, another Venture rider, Russ Thorne from NJ, advised me to spray some silicon between the tube and the dust seal. You do this by cutting the small straw that comes with the can on an angle so it is sharp, and insert between the tube and the dust cover and spray. Supposed to keep the seal from drying out. I don't know if that's why, but I have the original seals in an 87. I also have fork protectors installed to prevent nicks on the tubes. Russ if you're out there, let me know.

I don't know where you all are from, but, in 1973, in NJ, to get my permit, I had to read a brochure and pass a written test. After passing, I was allowed to drive from DMV with a 17 year old licensed driver on Rt. 17 in northern NJ, one of the most dangerous roads in the country. After two or three months, I had to pass a simple driving test and I then could drive anywhere and whenever. In Florida, where I currently reside, my son, who is now 19, took a driver's ed class in high school at 15 and was granted a permit. At 16 he received a restricted license. Restrictions as to the time of day he could drive, the age of the licensed driver and the number of people in the car. He was a safe and cautious driver but inexperienced. One day, when he was 16, he stopped for a soft drink after school. While driving, the drink fell from the cup holder as he was making a turn. He tried to grab the drink and swerved into a car stopped at a light. Minor damage and no injuries. He was ticketed. What if a moving motorcycle was in that lane and the rider was hurt or killed? A tragedy but should he go to prison or receive "biker justice". We are well insured and would be willing to pay whatever civil judgement was rendered as it was his fault. But to destroy another life isn't right. It's sad, but sometimes it is an unintentional, momentary mental lapse. Three years later, that is his only accident or ticket. Put your self on the other side and think if it is your loved one that caused the accident and what you would want to see happen to them. Punishment must fit the crime. Driving while impaired or habitual offenders should be punished. I have been riding since I was 17 and, if you haven't done the math, I'm 58 and have never, knock wood, been involved in a crash with another vehicle. When I was young and stupid, I was lucky. As I matured, I follow some rules of riding. I NEVER, even one beer, drink and ride. I don't intentionally ride at night. I ride as if you don't see me. I keep a cushion around me and other cars. I'm mentally prepared to evade a vehicle and have an escape route. You can't eliminate the dangers but you can reduce them by your riding habits.

I used the left over red lights since they went into only the red reflector.

They were available from other sellers also. Try this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-LED-Amber-Rectangle-Reflector-Tail-Brake-Light-For-Truck-Trailer-ATV-SUV-US-/261560042518?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3ce6318416&vxp=mtr

I feel for you. I had an L5 herniated disc. The pain was unbelievable. Did it playing touch football with my nephews and stretching for a pass. Found out I'm too old for that. Luckily, rest and therapy did the trick. Wishing you luck with yours.

Bought this for 2 for $9.95 including shipping. Should be here by Sept. 8. Seems like it will fit. There are other sellers with the same item. http://www.ebay.com/itm/321430506979

Price is $15 for two with free shipping. Amazon lists a similar item: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Rectangle-Reflector-Orange-Suzuki/dp/B00HQA0L6K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409330856&sr=8-3&keywords=Orange+12V+LED+Rectangle]Amazon.com: 2x Motorcycle LED Rectangle Reflector Turn Brake Tail Light Orange for Suzuki Ducati etc: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WKGcS8caL.@@AMEPARAM@@41WKGcS8caL[/ame] Cost more but may be worth it to get it sooner.

I installed LEDs in the side bag reflectors. Wired in as running lights. Supplies are the same as my prior post on doing the rear reflectors except for the plugs. I used two wire Hopkins trailer plugs. I'll post a picture. For the other supplies go to: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=88389 REMOVAL The reflector and turn signal housing are one unit. Remove the bulb from the bottom of the turn signal. Inside the side bag are 3 acorn nuts that attach the assembly to the bag. Remove these. Now the entire assembly should pull out. If it doesn't pull out easily, make sure you have removed the proper nuts. One is behind the rear bulge. Remove two screws holding the reflector to the base. There is also a soft adhesive attaching it so you may want to apply heat. My garage in Florida is about 120 degrees so mine came apart. When you have pulled the end apart, you can slide a razor or knife to cut through the rest. Once it's apart, remove the old adhesive. INSTALLATION Drill a 3/8 or 1/4 inch hole through the lower rear of the reflector base for the wires. Attach the connectors to the LEDs and test. I used 9 lights in the lower row and 6 lights in the upper row but you can use more or less. After testing, peel the adhesive from the back of the LED strip and secure in place leaving room for the wire to thread through the hole. I also glue the LED connector to the base to prevent it from loosening. Thread the wires through the hole. Reattach the lens to the base using some type of sealant adhesive. I used Permatex Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant. Attach Additional wire to the connector wires. How much wire depends upon where you are going to splice it in. I already had wiring in place for the rear reflectors so I didn't need too much. If you are making the connection to the harness under the seat you will need more. Decide where the plug is going and splice it in. Wrap the wires in electrical tape. I ran the wire under the side bag. If you are running it to the top you can follow the turn signal wires. Find the wires coming from the tail/brake light and follow to the plug. There should be 6 wires to the plug and 3 coming out. The wires on my bike are blue, yellow and black with the blue wire for the tail light. You can splice the wires in here. Do both sides before splicing in the wires. I test at each step of the install. So, I have a wire attached to my battery or other unswitched terminal to connect to the wires for testing. Use enough wire to reach the place you're testing. Reattach the lens/directional to the side bag. Replace the turn signal bulb. Look under the side bags and run the wires to keep them from hanging down. Use zip ties to attach. Keep in mind, when removing the side bag you will just want to be able to unplug the wires and lift the bag free so don't secure the wires in a way that will prevent doing that. PICTURES 1. Side bag with assembly removed 2. Base with lens removed 3. LEDs attached to base 4. Back of reflector showing wires 5. Plug 6. Reflector installed If you're doing the rear and side reflectors you can plan the wiring to be most efficient. I did the rear first then did the sides as an afterthought or I would have wired mine differently. Let me know if you have any questions.

Looking to replace the reflector in the radiator side cover to one that lights up. Looking for an exact fit. Doug, DNA9656, suggested a search in ebay. I searched and this is what I found: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Rectangle-Reflector-Tail-Brake-Stop-Rear-Trunk-Light-Orange-Lens-for-Car-SUV-/201095020850?hash=item2ed2328132&item=201095020850&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr Measurements are the same and back looks the same. Has 3 wires so thinking of using as running/directional. Has anyone purchased these or similar? Are there better options?

Before removing the tail light, remove the seat and the left side black plastic cover between the seat and the side bag. Two bolts holding the seat, remove them and slide the seat forward. Three screws attaching the side cover. Then, look at the back of the tail light and trace the wires to a plug. Should be 6 wires coming from the light to the plug and 3 wires leaving the plug. Unplug and you can test the terminals to ensure you have voltage. Also, check for crimped or broken wires. On my bike, the blue wire goes to the tail light.