vzuden

Lowering the front or raising the rear does improve the low speed maneuverability. I prefer to raise mine but I can handle the slight increase in seat height. I have not experienced the smaller tire but I recall hearing that it has a negative effect on higher speed handling. If you can’t do the rear height increase you could slide the forks up in the triple tree. It should be pretty easy to do.

Yep. I too think it was the early 2000’s and it was the left muffler. After that period of time the cat was separate.

Still riding my 2012 RSV. I hope to make it last to be last bike which should several years. I still ride a 1977 CB750 occasionally but if had to make a change I would probably look at the Indians

ANY touring HD - you need to make sure they are not from any of the models HD put the catalytic converter in the right side muffler. Newer models were switched with the converter being before the mufflers bit there could some old take offs in somebody’s garage from the older bikes. Why just the right ? The left pipe is a straight pass through since most of the exhaust was routed to the right side, I can speak from experience with this as I received a free set of take offs but one did have the converter. I found a single left muffler on eBay for $15.

I would attend

As with any numbers pertaining to marketing a product. $10.00:savings per mowing would be the savings of using electric vs paying for gasoline. Many people will not look at the long term larger expense

Did you check the oil level site glass for overfull? It should be just below the midpoint. That much fuel could going several places but a critical place would be in the crankcase. You said you may have filled with high test. High octane may still have ethanol and if it did, it has probably gummed up the needle and seat and a carb overhaul may be needed. Ethanol fuel has a life expectancy of something like 60-90 days regardless of octane. These bikes are made to run on 87 octane so “high test” doesn’t do anything unless it is ethanol free. All other suggestions previously stated are valid especially chewed up lines

No problem with the mount method. Two bike and 10’s of thousands of miles and never had a problem

Yes it burns slowly. Less refined

You are having way too much fun! That’s pretty cool. Care to share how it’s done?

Garden of the Gods is very picturesque. We were there a year ago. Cave in the Rock is close by and is another spot for a quick visit

It’s unfortunate you didn’t get a serious response. I have had these bikes since 2006 and have wondered the same thing as I don’t see a purpose for it.

Do you have coolant in your crankcase?

Tire fill valve. Looks like it is rottten or the wrong one was put in. They should be replaced whenever the tire is replaced because the rubber deteriorates. If that is the case, good thing you found it because it could break off while riding causing a sudden blowout. Take the wheel off, break down the tire bead, cut off the old one, and install new

This doesn’t address your questions but to update - the 2012 had an iPod that came with it. There is (or was) a cable in the left saddle bag to connect it to the sound system. I never used it or the cassette and rarely the radio. I prefer my phone in a Ram mount on the handle bar and Bluetooth to my helmet.

The oil in the overfill condition accumulates in the plastic plenums under the fuel tank. And from there it leaks out and runs down the side of the engine. I don’t recall ever having it in the actual air filters

I have taken a sample of potentially fuel contaminated oil on a screwdriver or similar (in other words a few drops) and put a flame to it. If it lights up readily you can assume it has fuel in it but it should smell strongly of fuel too.

I filled my first bike past the midpoint a couple of times many years ago. Stopped that after cleaning up the mess. I took the air boxes off to get the oil puddles and then cleaned the left side of the engine. Beyond the mess, I agree it probably doesn’t cause any harm. If you ever have a fuel issue with a carb dumping fuel into the head and past the rings into the crankcase it would be hard to know if it’s already overfilled

The load your tires are carrying is a factor but another consideration is the condition of the roads. Many don’t realize it but every little bump or even expansion joint causes a tire to lose, very briefly, contact with the road surface. When contacting again it grinds a little more rubber off. Now add your load and maybe higher temperatures and it exaggerates it a little more.

I managed dealership service depts for 25/years. It’s a money maker for them and has no positive impact for passenger cars and trucks

At 6’ 1 you would most likely prefer to raise the rear through modified links more so than lowering the front or changing to the smaller tire. All three have the same result of decreased rake.

Plus one on trying them on. As already stated, the manufacturers make them for the various head shapes. I was educated on this at an IMS Cycle show in Chicago two helmets ago. I went there with all my research involving reviews and weights etc. All set to purchase a model I no longer recall. The guy working the International Market Place where they displayed products and did not sell obliged me by letting me experience the fit of my intended model. He was 100% correct, it was not the helmet for me. He told me which one was going to fit my head but again, let me try others. He knew his helmets and I was not surprised as I had eavesdropped a little while waiting for him to finish with another patron. His recommendation for me was Shoei and it fit perfectly. I use the modular and replace them every five years so come to think about it, I am about due for another.

5 years ago??. If that was the last time you are 3 years overdue to flush and refill. A good flush and fill may be all you need. While, you’re at it, if the brake fluid is that old you should consider them also

My son’s next door neighbor lost his life after hitting a turkey on his bike a couple of years ago

The newer you go in the 2nd gens the more likely you are to have less whine. My 2006 was noisy even after a warranty clutch basket replacement but my 2012 is much quieter. Colors changed and the sound system accessories to the radio changed over the years