GeorgeS

I was just told to " vaccume " the carpets ! :depressed:

I know, nobody cares, but as of last week I have been married to the same lady for 50 years !! :bighug: She is a Darn Good Cook !!! :whistling: :whistling: My only regret is that I did not keep the 47 Harley I had back when I married her :depressed::depressed:

The relay, is to make a permenant " bypass " of the ON/OFF main contacts, thru the switch that carry Heavy Current. This is the set of contacts that Fails. Over the years since the 2nd gen came out, this is almost always the set that fails, or burns up due to heavy current flow thru that set of contacts. Many!! folks have had this switch fail !! quite common problem on these bikes. 1st Gen Ventures did not have this problem-- You have two options here, Wire in a Bypass switch, and Hide it somplace, to use If and when the switch fails. Or-- install a Relay to Bypass those contacts on a permanent basis, and do it Before your switch fails. Your contacts are then used to Operate the Relay Coil. " ONLY ". (( Low Current draw )) The Contacts of the Relay, then carry the heavy current flow. If the relay fails, its cheap to replace !! If the Switch fails, its Expensive to replace !!! ( and a lot of work ) ----- I recently did the mod to my 08 which has 19K on it -- No trouble with the switch as yet, but decided to do the mod before getting stopped out on the road. I used Two , Bosh relays, wired in parallell, each has two sets of contacts, so I now have 4 sets of contacts, instead of just one set in the switch. ( Yes I know, this is Overkill ) Its a very simply wireing job to install the relay. You can buy Bosh Relays at most any auto parts store. You can get them in 30 AMP rateings, and 40 Amp rateings, Single contact, and Double contact, Cost about 7 to 10 bucks apiece. Cheap compared to a new Ignition Switch from yamaha. There are EL-Cheapo's relays, out there but get the " Bosh Brand," they are worth the extra money. So: Thats why you should do this Mod. Or you can wait untill your headed across Nevada, on Highway 50, and your 278 miles from " No where " and your switch fails !!! :whistling: :stirthepot: :depressed:

This bike does have the rear " raised 1 inch " as per the write up in VR Tech Section. So that effects the Dimensions for modifieing the stock 1st gen center stand. If not raised 1 inch, I assume I would have had to cut at least another 1/2 inch off of the stand feet. But just guessing here.

:cool10: It works, had to much " over center" re-did the horziontal links. Remounted everything, when on stand rear wheel just touching floor, with 40 LB. of air in the rear shock. Bags filled with the stuff I always carry with me. ( that weight is correct ) Sitting on bike, Easy!!!! to Push Off. And with the added length to the foot peg, Easy, !!!! to lift bike onto the stand. Actually much easier then I thought. Bike is now sitting "level " on the stand, not angled to right as before I cut the extra length off of the Legs of the 1st gen stand. This bike has the 1 inch rear end Raise, mod done to it. I fabricated the Links as per the VRTech section mod for makeing Leveling links to " Raise Rear end " 1 inch . Some photo's . The last photo's show the two piece's of pipe I cut off the stock stand, to " level " it, and to shorten it to bring the Pivot bolts, " Down " to the height of 8 1/2 inchs above the floor level. I did have to bend the arm out on left side about 1/2 inch to clear the Exhaust pipes. If I was going to start the project over, I would use 3/16 material instead of the 1/8. Maby even consider useing 1/4 thick material to make the brackets. This bike is heavy !! The braket was twisting, so I Added extra layer of metal and pop rivited it in place, and welded. To avoid that problem I think I would use 1/4 thick material if I were to start the project over again. OK, I'm headed for the kitchen, lots of food !!! :cool10: in there :stirthepot:

I would try changing coolant, drain at bottom plug. Do a good flush. I use the Orange stuff. Maby add a small amount of leak stop. ( very small ) Run the bike, it might stop leaking. Worth a try before ripping and tearing.

To "Mike Wa " Thanks much for the photo's, big help in all this. Another comment, IF, the Rivco Stand was still avialable, It would be worth the Price!! Anybody thinking of doing this you need a garage, a lift, a welder , tools, time, etc etc. To bad the Rivco stand is no longer avialable.

Not sure on that, maby I read the plans wrong. But had to put Two 1/8 thick washers on each side to make it fit. I guess thats OK. But I decided to BEEF UP the entire mount, so decided to adjust the width, to the dimension of the stand itself. Not a big deal, because I decided to Move the SWIVIL Point Rearward. bye 1/2 inch, I figure this would take some weight off, maby make it eaiser to Push Off Stand. ??? Yes, your correct on that. ( Break Over Point ) I am still working on " adjusting" the break over point. Not a big deal. Basicly, what I am trying to do, is look at the dimensions of the RIVCO, set up ,and trying to modify, the stock stand to come as close to those dimensions as possible. (( also note, the stock stand was NOT Level. On first mounting, and let it down onto stand feet, using garage lift, the bike was Leaning to the Right. So left leg of stock stand was Longer then right leg. I cut off the bottom feet, then cut 1/2 inch from one side, and 3/4 inch from the other side, then Welded the "feet " back onto the legs. Its now very close to the " Height " of the RIVCO stand. ( the idea being, to have MINIMUM lifting height to get it " ON " the stand, I'm thinking shorter stand is better, ie: compare the RIVCO stand to a Yamaha stand, the rivico's are Shorter, eaiser to Lift Bike onto stand. At least I think it is ?? ) I will work on the " Angle adjustment". I ground off to much metal, on the Horizontal members, and I tried this morning to push it OFF, with the new "Lower " feet height. Would Not Push Over. Obviously I have TOO much angle, to much metal ground off. Easy to fix. Another comment on all this, If a guy is 6 ft 3 in. tall, 35 years old, and goes to the gym 3 times a week, this would be a lot eaiser !!! :whistling: However for a 70 year old grandpa, only 5ft 10" well, its not so easy anymore But its progressing, this is where the money I spent on the MIG welder is really paying off !! And besides all that, I " Ain't Got Nut IN Better to do anyway !! " :whistling: Wife, is screaming at me, what you doing in the garage all day???? Well, I'm haveing fun!! says I !!! :stirthepot:

Well the stand I got from Pinwall ( 1st gen center stand ) did not fit the dimensions of freebirds plans in the VRTech section. The mounting points are narrower. So I decided to rebuild the Mount . Not a big deal. Also I decided to beef up the metal, as the first one was twisting a bit. Also, I moved the Swivil Point " rearwards " about 1/2 inch, this takes some weight off the stand assembly. Had to remake the Horizontal brackets, longer also. Next due to wheel being --- 1 1/4 ----inch above ground level, when , " ON " the new stand, I decided to shorten the legs of the 1st Gen stand. Cut the lower feet off, and also found that One side of the stand was about 1/4 inch highter then the other. So, cut off the Feet assemblies, cut the feet shorter ( about 1/2 inch on left side, and about 3/4 inch on right side ) Re-welded the feet onto the vervical members. Also, added a Longer Foot pedal on the left side, similiar to the RIVCO Unit. OK remounted it, and Useing my Work stand, lowered it onto the modified stand, and the rear wheel is Right on the garage floor. So, If, I can lift it now it should work. Will see, work halted for holliday season. Finished the welding, and repainted the stand.

I got the 1st gen center stand mounted, lowered bike to floor on stand with lift. Rear wheel is 1 inch off garage floor, no spring fabricated as yet. To turn this into a " ride off " stand as per a " Rivico " stand, looks like I will have to Shorten the legs. Time to get the "welder " out.

I use Mob 1 in everything. for the last 10 years. Get it at Costco, when they have the $10 OFF sales per case. Usually about every 3 months, wife grabs one, when its on sale, so I always have a case of it on the shelf.

I missed this discussion back when it started. I guess the basis here is why did Yamaha not sell more of the Ventures. Haveing owned the 1st gen for 18 years, I loved rideing it, but frankly it was a mechanical nightmare, and the average person simple could not deal with the issues. 2nd gen, almost all the issues, are fixed. ( except clutch and Bridgestone tires ) I think the main reason, is the Average guy, shopping a show room floor, see's the Engine size "" 1300 CC's "" !! ------ Now he has been looking at 1500 CC bikes, 1600 CC bikes, 1800 CC bikes, Hmmmm ( All V- twins of course ) What is the average Joe, thinking ??? at this point . 1300cc ??? well that one must not have very much HP !!! I want an 1800 CC engine, More Power ??? Right ???? They just don't understand, Overhead Cam Shafts, and 4 valves per cylinder, and more Carbs, with Larger Intakes !!! So--- the average buyer, goes for Bigger displacement --- and live's with 70HP or less I have had many Harley riders, ask me, " well how much HP does your engine make " ??? When I say, 97 HP, I usually get a blank stare, and thats the end of the conversation . ( I really don't think they believe it ) Then I tell them about my " Other " 1300 CC engine, in my " Other Bike " that makes 174 HP, and thats usually, the end of a good friendship !! :whistling:

OK, " Rivico " Stand. I forgot that it was an aftermarket. Just remembered that something was avialable. Those photo's are helpful. However could you take the " Vertical Measurment " from ground level, to the Center of the Pivot Bolt. The vertical member of the stand assembly. ( Vertical length, Plus, thickness of the cross piece laying horizontaly on ground. Ignore the Angle, Just measure from your Sheet of metal on ground, up to the Center of the Pivot bolt. I need that " Exact " distance. What I am planning on doing at this point, is to cut the bottom of the Feet off the 1st gen stand I have, and fabricate, the bottom cross member, and Weld that onto the bottom of the feet. Also, I have " Raised " the Rear of my bike with the " Suspension Link " mod , so I am not dealing with Stock Measurements at this point. Also, its interesting that Rivico, went with the LONG Horizontal Section, Instead of just TWO, vertical, Feet, sitting on ground as the 1st gen Stand is Designed!! My first attempt yestereday, at raising, the bike ( which failed ) makes it pretty obvious as to why Rivco, used that design !!! Thanks for the help

If sombody has one of the OEM Stock yamaha center stands on a 2nd gen bike. I would like to know the Measured distance from the Dead Center, of the Pivot Bolts. Down to the ground level, when the bike is " On " the center stand. The Vertical distance in inches. ( vertical height of the Stand itself, ground level up to the pivot bolt center ) If sombody who has one, could take that measurment for me, would be much appreciated, And thanks !! :detective: I got the 1st gen stand mounted, and first attempt at lifting bike onto the stand, not very promising. Don't think I'm going to be able to lift it up on this set up. So, proceeding slowly with the mod. at this point.

I did the suspension Link Mod on the 08 RSTD yesterday, and short test drive. Raised, rear end 1 inch. Yes: It does work, and I like it !!! Went for a 15 mile test run, handling is much " quicker " as they say. Bike does feel different. Also of note, I can see over the top of the clear view windshield. Not sure if I like this, as a bit more Wind hitting the helmet. Anyway, $9.00 for the piece of 1 and 1/2 inch wide by 1/4 in. thick steel bar, at Lowes. And, about 3 hours of work. Pumped the rear shock up to 40 PSI, So far, so good, I like this mod !!! :cool10: I also, did the Ignition Switch, modification, Added the Relay to take " Electrical Load " off of the ON/Off contacts. Used, Two, BOSH, 30 amp relays, in parallel. So, after 19K, have the RSTD, pretty well modified, to where I like it !! And likeing it more with every mile that goes bye!!

Ok Jack, that was easy, now comes the new health care law to figure out !!!

I remember a few years back, sombody talking about a 1st gen down in Fla. went to junk pile with 250,000 on it. A one owner, used only as going to work transportation.

How many miles on this engine ?? Can you list the compression numbers you found ?? Would be interesting

Well--- Don't ever do that again !!!

See vrtech section for information on the relay, installation to bypass the switch. I suggest useing a " Bosch" relay, you can get them in 30 amp, or 40 amp versions. Use a 40 amp. Check the write up in tech section , easy to do.

No,---- height not problem, 1 inch higher on seat would not be a problem for me. Thanks for that Information !! :cool10: Will check it out. Boy!!! I'm running in Full, " Modification Mode " for the Holliday Season !!! Lets see, I need to put Zerk Fittings. on the Rear Suspension also , Hmmm and what else ??? there must be something else I can modify ????

Well, which part of the stand was dragging?? Maby I can modify it before I install it. I have a welder, so can make changes, if that is possible I have been thinking about trying to figure a way to " raise " the rear end of the bike. Frankly, this bike is a bit on the Low side for me anyway. I have heard of " lowering Links" is it possible to go the other way ?? Just a thought at this point. But I really do want a center stand !!

Doing a few more " mods " to the 08 RSTD this week. I decided to remove the AIS, system, and completed that job. Just for information, I weighed all the removed parts, and found the total weight reduction is 5 lb 8 oz. ( or close to that ) I have ordered a 1st gen center stand from Pinwall parts, and have built one of " Freebirds " , mounting brackets, from the plans posted in Tech section. Stand will be here Fri. and will see if this Mod is successful Weight removed by takeing OFF the AIS should just about equal the new center stand, weight. Will weigh the stand when it gets here. I am also doing " Carbon_One's " Ignition Switch Bypass modification, Installing the Bosh relay, to bypass the On/Off switch to prevent the eventual failure of the Ignition Switch. Just found that info this morning, and decided it " Is the Right Thing To Do " !! Thank you , Carbon_One for the information, and good write up with pictures. Relay's are wired up, and will get installed today. Horns!! ---- I took off the OEM """Beep Beep"" ! Horns, and installed ""Two"" Sets of WOLO, high low tone horns, from O"Rilely Auto parts. Two mounted just below, and behind the Radiator ( space freed up by removeing AIS system parts ) And Two mounted Aft, right side in the stock horn position, and the other on Left side just aft of Pass Foot board Position. Each set of horns with its Own RELAY, ( Bosh of course ) Each relay, powered from a Seperate fuse. For front, two horns, I tapped into the " Power Outlet fuse." ( not used on RSTD, mine, at least ) For the Aft two horns, I tapped into the " Fan Fuse " . I doubt the Horn, and Fan will ever be used at the same time !! Should be OK. This set up IS Loud !!! Might be something louder, but this works !! And now its time for a complete 20,000 mile service !! Will get to that starting tomorrow. Life is Wonderfull !! on an RSTD :cool10: :whistling:

Just a heads Up. The Gov health care web site, has " NO " Security !!! As per testimony at Gov hearing today. ie: Be carefull

Have you found the " Main Fuse " ???? Left side, Aft of the Fuel Pump Cover. Pull Passenger foot board Pull the Plastic Cover under the passenger foot board. Under that space you will find the " Main 30 Amp " fuse holder, and Starter Relay