saddlebum

I agree with all the others. This is a decision only you can make. You ride for your own reasons because that's what you want to do and not because others say you should. On the same note its your decision and yours only, for your own reasons, when you decide its time to give it up. You really don't even need a reason if you feel its time then its time. However stop gracing us with your presence and you darn well better have a good reason because ya can't just up and walk away from family. Plus You know you can still attend M&G even if its by way of 4 wheels.

To answer that question I believe a big part of the next generation prefer to live in a Virtual reality, versus reality. When we were young, we talked about the things we went out and did or the sports we played. Now all I hear is talk about what they watch on the boob tube. or the wins and losses they endured on video games. There are times I have listened to them talk about something, only to suddenly realize they are not actually talking about a real life situation but an online pretend one. They talk about a fight, as though it was real, only they did not come home like we did with a shiner , we won in real life scrap, because they were actually sitting at home, the whole time in front of a PC. Cost wise, like everything else pricing is a big factor but than there are always good deals if one looks around on used ,to be found. The other cost factor is insurance. Insurance cost in Canada is ludicrous in comparison the US and forget about adding an extra bike to your stable. Canadian insurance company's want as much for each additional bike, as the first bike, even though you can only ride one at a time. Their justification for this cash grab, is you might let a friend drive it but in reality, how often would that actually happen?

The problem with trying to compete with HD is that your not just competing with the bike. Your competing with a brand name, a following, a mentality, a culture, an ideology, so strongly ingrained that even ford and dodge built HD edition trucks. So no matter how much better you build the bike you cannot compete and hope to come on top. The only way to gain is listen to those who already prefer the Yamaha brand keep them happy instead of trying to win over the HD clan. You may even win over some of the HD owners indirectly through currant Yamaha owners, instead of trying to appeal to them directly. If you combine all the none HD touring bike owners you still have a big market to appeal to. I also believe if along with performance and handling one placed a lot of emphasis on the joys and flexibility of economic MC traveling, like outdoor outfitters do when it comes to canoeing, backpacking and wilderness camping. There is a chance of creating a whole new following. JMHO.

I test rode the new venture and though it was nice, unlike some I was not overly impressed and was more than happy to climb back onto my 1st gen. I have never ridden a Harley so I cannot really compare. Not being a jump on the band wagon sort of guy, and go for something just because it's popular I lean towards what I like for me not what impresses others. Am I bit curious to take a Harley for a ride once in awhile? On occasion I am but that's about it.

I have always wanted a venture since the day they came out. Now I have the 89 and love it. Think I will always own a 1st gen as long as I remain riding. I would also love to own a Ural with side car as a second bike. If I could have afforded it. Guess I am not much on flash but more about what suits my riding style.

Those rear master cylinders build up with crud if fluid is very old and contaminated with moisture so yes rebuild is likely but don't be surprised if they are corroded inside meaning full replacement. So before you invest in a kit pull it apart clean it and thoroughly inspect every piece. Including the proportioning valve.

OK once I dig it out I will send it on its way.

That is great news

Sounds like good news to me. Glad things are looking up for you

Once l find them they are yours for whatever it cost to ship them. PM me your address. Do you need both sides or just the one side? You can also try Zdeno in kitchener for forks.

To change the main jets you do need to remove the carb set and separate the cabs. To shim the needles you need only to remove the diaphragm and sliders which can be done without removing the carbs.

I may have some spacers and possibly other spare parts that you may be looking for.

Happy New year all. May this year be the 1st step away from all the turmoil, and unsettling events of the past couple years so we can all look upon one another as brothers and sisters rather advasairys.

On top of that some of those, not all however, that were key behind putting it together are no longer with us.

That goes for me as well.All the best.

@Freebird with regards to the members list, is there a means of bringing up a list of members, within a given area, such as by state or province without having to scroll through the entire list? It would be nice to pull a list of members within ones area or an area you plan to visit or pass through.

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. We certainly did it was the first time in a number of years that the entire family was able to get together at the same time. Really warms the heart.

Thanks for keeping us up to date. As far as the delirium this is not uncommon among older people when on drugs like morphine. Both my mother and father experienced this but once off the morphine and as it left their system they were not long getting back to normal.

When Covid hit we set a canopy in front of the open garage door and added outdoor heaters. Inside the garage (after a month's worth of tiding up) we set up a buffet table. This turned out to be such a hit, almost like a hallmark Chritmas, speacialy with it snowing, that we continue doing it each year improving the set up each year.

Thanks for being who you are Don @Freebird. It's people like you who make a small piece of this world a better place.

Good to hear

I gave up on bell 25 years ago. Their cell service was spotty had to stand outside on my front porch to use my cell and they shafted me on my so called high speed internet. After 2 years of on again off again high speed internet on of their service reps was honest enough to inform me that the lines in my nieghbourhood were too old to reliably carry a consistent signal and I would be further ahead to revert to standard speed. When my contract ended I switched to rogers and never looked back getting great reception anywhere I went in Canada the US and Europe.

Wow not pretty at all.

I too hope this means good news and pray that things will Improve from here on in.

More prayer sent hopping she continues to improve.