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MikeWa

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  1. MikeWa
    Since I started doing my own maintenance I wanted some method of documentation. So I made a master check list and removed items not needed during each scheduled maintenance. I put short notes on the 'action taken' and staple receipts for oil and plugs etc. to the back. I then keep all of these in a file. if ever needed I will at least have some documentation. If this works for anyone else feel free to use them. Mike
  2. MikeWa
    Prayers are sent.
  3. MikeWa
    If you have never changed oil before I recommend you have a friend help you with it the first time. It is not hard but you may also want to check a few other things. At 40k you might be due for a set of plugs and the air filter should be checked for sure. The steering head,drive train and tires could also use a look see. Once you have been walked through this stuff it is all pretty easy. Mike
  4. MikeWa
    Toe is very easy to check. Toe in / \ Toe out \ / All you need is a tape measure. Pick a spot on the edge of the remaining tread on the front of each tire and measure the distance between the two tires front to front. Now from the same tread on the back of the tires measure the distance tire to tire. Be as accurate as you can. If the distance between the front edges is less than the back you are toed in. If the front is more than the back you are toed out. The exact same reading front and back is desirable in a trailer but in either case the difference in your reading should not exceed 1/8 inch. (If this checks good keep in mind this reading might change when the trailer is loaded). Once the toe is correct use your tape measure and measure from the same edge of each tire to the center of the hitch. The reading should be exactly the same. If not the trailer is out of line. Mike
  5. MikeWa

    2011 venture?

    MikeWa replied to bj66's topic in Watering Hole

    I agree the RSV is a solid design. Only in need of a few upgrades to make it a current competitor. Perhaps FI and a six speed. A modern radio and gps wouldn't hurt either. But alas I believe Yamaha is telegraphing their intention through their accessory offerings. Few of the accessories available a year ago are still listed on their web page. The only reason I can think of to so thoroughly deplete the accessory line up is if you are going to do away with the primary vehicle. Mike
  6. MikeWa
    Drop it in a mail box.
  7. MikeWa
    Car with a camera? I thought that was a biker riding one handed. Mike
  8. MikeWa

    Help !!!

    MikeWa replied to rod's topic in Watering Hole

    Get an attorney who specializes in accidents. It will be worth your time in the end. Mike
  9. MikeWa
    Very nice looking bike. The price seems reasonable. I like the color. If i didn't already have one I would consider it. Mike
  10. MikeWa
    There have been a number of posts on this issue. Here is one I posted a couple of months ago. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50550 Mike
  11. MikeWa
    Total cost was $115.00 including shipping. I paid a little extra for chrome and lighting. It's button not bottom. Wonder why spell check didn't catch that? Mike
  12. MikeWa
    I just finished installing a clock and temp gauge from clocks4bikes.com. Let me start by saying what wonderful people Linda and Ross Harjes are to work with. I ordered the wrong gauges to start with but they caught it from my bike description and called me on the phone. After discussing what I wanted to do Ross recommended a setup he designed for another bike. Needless to say it worked perfectly. It includes the gauge and a slotted mounting bezel. It also lights up with the touch of a bottom. I have included photos and install instructions in case anybody else is interested in doing something similar. Also I have the 1.5 inch handlebar risers on my bike with the original rubber buffers. You can see this in the pictures. And the bike is a 2008 RSV. 1) Clean the rubber buffers so the double stick tape will stay on. 2) Cut the tape to size and stick in place. Leave the backing on the out side. 3) Using the slotted bezel as a template mark and drill a pilot hole. 4) Remove the remainning backing from the tape and press the slotted bezel into place. I left a small space between the bezel and the fairing to reduce the chance for vibration. 5) Install a self tapping screw to double hold the bezel in place. 6) Insert the clock Mike
  13. MikeWa
    Riding with the petcock in the reserve position can leave you stuck without any reserve. The gage can show quite a bit of difference depending on the lean of the bike ie; on the side stand or not. So if you check it before you start out it can be quite a bit lower once you stand the bike up. Mike
  14. MikeWa
    I did a post on a similar problem. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50550 Mike
  15. MikeWa
    I don't know what is causing your bounce. Short tung, light load, heavy springs etc. But if all else fails soften the springs and weld a couple of light weight shocks on it. You will probably cure it. Or take it back and get another one. Mike
  16. MikeWa
    Car mufflers also usually have a small weep hole. Water is a by product of good combustion and it will settle in the mufflers until they are warm enough to keep it vaporized. Popping in the exhaust on deceleration can be caused by a faulty valve in the AIR system. Or a major exhaust leak you should be able to hear. Do you get the popping from one side or both? Mike
  17. MikeWa
    Your coolant should be green. If it was clear water your are right. It was probably your air conditioner. or gas Mike
  18. MikeWa
    The tires are overinflated. Worn completely out in the center with little to no wear on the outer edges. If there is also a toe or alignment problem the tire will be feathered. I am unable to see if this is the case from the pictures. Google 'feathered tires' and you will see what to look for. Mike PS. It occurred to me if this is a straight axle excessive bounce on one side will cause the other to scrub. Couple that with excessive air pressure and you get worn tires. Does this thing have shocks? If so check them.
  19. MikeWa
    What percentage of people would trade in their old 99 Cadillac for a new 99 Cadillac? No matter how good the old 99 Cadillac was. Even loyal Venture riders might like to upgrade someday. Unfortunately Yamaha offers nothing. Sure they got it right in 99. But that was a long time ago. They are missing the boat now. Why not offer some upgrades like anti-loc brakes and GPS or a more powerful engine? How about a six speed trans and helical cut gears? My gripe is not that the Venture isn't a great bike or that Harley or Goldwing are better. It is if I want anything more I have no choice but to look elsewhere. Yamaha has not upgraded this model and shows no signs of ever doing so. Pointing this out is not bad mouthing the Venture it is wishful thinking. Mike
  20. MikeWa
    I think when some shops adjust the carbs using their gas analyzers they set them up a little too rich. Due to the AIR system on the bike causing a lean reading. That and even a slightly faulty carb sync will tank the gas mileage. Mike
  21. MikeWa
    I also have the Rivco which I like real well. Rivco's are manufactured with an offset to the right. So the right foot can drag on hard right turns or if there is a bump in the turn. This bothered me enough that I ground the corner off the foot. If your side stand is sinking in hot asphalt so will the center stand. Mike
  22. MikeWa
    Ok this is a very long reach but maybe. Some time ago after having a routine service done on my RSV I noticed it was suddenly very loud. I could hear the transmission wine and when leaning on turns the tires just screamed. Every little lean would screech the tires an I got a clear whomp whomp whomp. I put up with this for several hours on a trip but I was resolved to return to the dealer as soon as I got back and find out what the heck they did to my bike. Must have used water for oil or something. As luck would have it I was negotiating some twisties and trying to adjust the CB (talking to a friend) at the same time. Somehow I ended up on the com volume. It was at max. When I turned it down the stray noises went with it. Since I use helmet speakers my microphone was picking up every little sound and amplifying it into my headset even though I was riding only one up. When they say always on they mean it. Glad I found it before I went back to the dealer. Like I said before, a long reach and maybe dumb to bring it up but it is easy to check. Mike
  23. MikeWa
    The diagnostic procedure is in the shop manual. It involves counting the number of blinks and checking the low fuel level light. But it sounds like either your fuel sender or thermistor may be acting up. On this digital stuff a reboot often solves the problem. Try disconnecting the battery for 10 to 20 seconds and see what happens. Mike
  24. MikeWa
    Fuel injection may or may not get better fuel economy. It is not uncommon for Ventures to get mileage in the mid to upper forties. About the same as most EFI Ultras. At least not enough difference to make me want to go out and spend a lot of money. O2 sensors are not required for fuel injection although having them can be an advantage. Broad band being the better choice for motorcycles. I can't think of any pre 1982 fuel injection systems that used an exhaust sensor. Auto manufacturers use electronic fi to help them to meet increasingly stringent emission regulations. I have never seen a Yamaha advertisement for a Venture. I seldom see a Venture at a dealership. And what is with only one color per year? No wonder Harley rules the roost. They are the only one's cultivating the market. OK Goldwing to some extent. Perhaps Kawasaki will advertise their new Voyager and some of those shoppers will sluff off on Yamaha. If I could mount a piano on my bike, perhaps that would get Yamaha's attention. All of this screaming for a new model or running improvements certainly hasn't been heard. Mike
  25. MikeWa
    No need to purchase the tool. Many auto parts stores also have a machine shop. I would check around to see if one of them would install the Helli-coil insert for a more reasonable fee. I usually pay 15 to 25 dollars. Mike
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