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MikeWa

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Everything posted by MikeWa

  1. MikeWa
    Most insurance companies offer a substantial discount if you also have your house and car insured with them. Allstate dropped my bike from well over 500 to under 300 because I have multiple policies with them. :dancefool:
  2. MikeWa
    I read somewheres there was a bad batch of valve stems from china. Recall except there is no way to find out which vehicles they are on. No way to trace them, no serial numbers etc. The dealer should replace them for you. I have replaced valve stems without removing the wheel or tire. Jack the bike up. Mark the tire - rim location. Let the air out of the tire and collapse bead. Use a stem puller to remove the old stem. While holding the bead collapsed pull the new stem in with the puller. Re inflate the tire while making sure your marks are aligned. Mike
  3. MikeWa
    They are valve cover stabilizers. They are required if you want to stabilize the valve covers.
  4. MikeWa
    If it were normal all of the valves in all of the Vulcans would be making noise on startup. You have a lifter bleeding down get it fixed while you still have a warranty.
  5. MikeWa
    Over it's 3000 mile life my 08 gets about 36 in town. That improves to 43 if I keep the revs up. I have not had it on a trip yet so I don't know if it will turn out good or better. Mike
  6. MikeWa
    Yamaha sells a small digital tach/hour meter ENG-METER-4C-01 for their generators that I mounted on my 08 Venture. It only requires one wire be wrapped around a spark plug cable. It is to slow to use for speed shifting but is great for rpm/gear checks and tuning. It only costs about $40. It is small enough to glue to the front brake reservoir. Or in my case I made a little bracket for it. This meter is available from other vendors as well under various names and in many iconfigurations.
  7. MikeWa
    The design of the engine will determine at what rpm horsepower and torque will reach their maximums. A long stroke and small bore will usually make for a lower rpm engine that develops good low speed torque. A short stroke and large bore engine is more suitable for high rpm horsepower. And of course there is a middle ground where most of us live. Then camshaft, manifolds, airflow, valves and all of the other engineering marvels seek to maximize the characteristics the engineers want for that bikes weight and gearing. These things determine at what full throttle engine speeds torque and horsepower will peak out.
  8. MikeWa
    Horsepower is the speed at which work is done. You can move a 1 pound weight very quickly or 100 lbs very slowly and develop the same horsepower. It is in the math, distance, weight and time. But there must be movement or no work is done and no horsepower developed. Torque on the other hand is a measurement of the force applied. No actual movement is required to develop or measure torque. It is torque that breaks things. So horsepower helps you go fast. Torque gets you up to speed.
  9. MikeWa
    Like saddlebum said. The mouse and nest nest would have to get through the air filter and the carburetors. Including past the throttle plates to be ingested into the engine. Are you saying that is what happened? Mike
  10. MikeWa
    Some years ago I did extensive dynamometer testing of different spark plug brands. I even spent some time at Champion's research lab in Orange County. I ran engines under partial and full loads for extended periods. There were some differences but they were minimal. Some plugs lived a little longer under full load and some lasted slightly longer under a partial load. But nothing stood out. None were better under all conditions. So pick the ones that seem to work best for you and be happy with them. Mike
  11. MikeWa
    It is easier than most people think. I use Meguiar's Liquid car wax. Apply according to the directions . Just do not let it fully dry. As soon as it clouds over wipe it off with a soft cloth. Then hand buff with a polishing cloth. You will be amazed at the result. This will also work on the wind deflectors. Mike
  12. MikeWa
    http://www.yamahasportsplaza.com/pages/newvehicles/viewmodel/62/63/29008/2010/yamaha-royal-star-venture-s.aspx SportsPlaza gives 30% off Yamaha parts. Mike
  13. MikeWa
    My guess is the property owner is not a biker and has no idea of the danger he caused. Perhaps a polite note explaining what occurred and his potential for liability would change his leaf blowing conduct. All you need is his address. Be sure to explain why leaves and grass clippings are dangerous to motorcycles. You could send the note registered mail if you want more emphasis but I doubt that is necessary. Just keep a copy. Once he is warned any future accident does not require intent since negligence can also cause liability. Mike
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