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darthandy

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Everything posted by darthandy

  1. darthandy
    As I get things together to do my fuse block install, various relay bypasses and, hopefully, repair of my ignition switch, I noticed something in a couple of other threads on the subject. When someone talked of installing a fuse block next to the battery so that accessories can be run off that rather than off the battery terminal, there were a couple of suggestions to put an in line fuse between the battery and new fuse block. Why? I mean, it is a fuse block - don't those fuses give you the protection you need? Why have a fuse between the battery and fuse block? There may be a good reason, but I just don't see it. Anyone? Andy
  2. darthandy
    Or you could try a do-it-yourself number like this guy did with an old Goldwing -
  3. darthandy
    Well, there's always the CanAm Spyder. Semi-Automatic transmission and ABS among other things. And there's a touring model that even has an available trailer. Andy
  4. darthandy
    Yep, that's why I included the warning and mentioned using it "in the open". But...I have a couple of 25 W pencil type soldering irons and a 100 W soldering gun and none of them can come close to soldering two pieces of 10 gauge wire or even a disconnect end to a 10 gauge wire. So...it's what I can afford and what I use, although only in certain circumstances and very, very carefully! Andy
  5. darthandy
    Thanks for the info. In fact, after I wrote the thread, I went back out and started fooling with the fuse block and discovered that, yes indeedy, it does fit against that cover under the wires (I have an extra bundle there due to the alarm the PO had installed). I planned on using double sided tape to hold it in place - I like to avoid drilling holes in my bikes whenever I can - just a peculiarity I have. Andy
  6. darthandy
    I kept track over most of the summer as well. Averaged around 48 to 52 mpg (Cdn) riding two up (My wife is kind of small) on the two lane roads at 85 to 95 kph. By myself on the four lane roads at 120 to 130 kph mileage tended to be in the 43 to 45 mpg (Cdn) range. Higher speeds and harder acceleration tended to hurt mileage more than riding two up. I'd say your figures look pretty reasonable especially with a trailer. Andy
  7. darthandy
    As I prepare for my electrical work on the bike (Relays, ignition bypass) I was trying to find some way to tap into the 10 gauge ignition wiring but no one around here seems to have a useful connector and I can't really afford a 150 W to 200 W soldering gun. So, as I perused the soldering / welding section of our nearby Canadian Tire store, I ran across a mini butane torch called the Iroda Micro-Jet on sale for $7.99 and claiming to put out a 2,400 F. flame. I bought one and used it to solder two 10 gauge wires together and it seems to have done a great job. It only took a few seconds to heat up the wires enough for the solder to start flowing. Now...a warning here...this is a flame - a small one - but a flame none the less and a hot one at that. It will quickly melt or set fire to many materials so you have to be extremely careful where and how you use it. Still, I can see it being handy for soldering jobs that are "in the open". As well, I noticed that there was a "fire preventing" gel for sale in the same department. It's used to coat material near where a flame is being used to avoid damaging the material. I think I'll buy some and do some experimenting...this could prove to be useful. And another nice thing...the fuel cell for the torch is a standard disposable lighter...available everywhere for peanuts. The packaging states that a lighter is good for about twenty minutes of use. You can even adjust the temperature (To a certain extent) by using the adjustment switch on the lighter. Say, I wonder how well it works for starting camp fires?
  8. darthandy
    Try accessing the Pinwall site through Ebay. I was on yesterday and they showed 4 switches available for $149.00 each. The price included some or all of the other locks on the bike so that you could still use just one key for all or most of the other locks. Right now, though, I'd like to avoid spending that much if I can avoid it...that's why I'm hoping that the present switch could be cleaned up and / or repaired. As for the bypass, one thread showed a keyed switch that had been installed in the bypass so that the bypass was available but still secure. Looked quite interesting to me as I can get a keyed auto type ignition switch at NAPA for about $30.00. Andy Andy
  9. darthandy
    Thanks. I appreciate the info. I had found a thread by Ozmonster that had some pics and a bit of a description as to how he had disassembled his switch and cleaned it. But I also ran across a thread mentioning that such a repair may not last once you sand down the contacts. It would be nice if Mike could shed more light on this. Andy
  10. darthandy
    I mentioned in an earlier thread that my ignition switch has started to go (Have to wiggle it around to get things going). I am now attempting to install a fuse block (ATC style - 6 positions) and some relays (Driving lights, headlight) to avoid a repeat of this problem. I also plan on installing a switched bypass - just in case. In the meantime, I ran across a thread where someone disassembled their ignition switch, cleaned it and reinstalled it. I was wondering if this is worth the trouble? Will it last or die an early death? I read another thread that stated that sanding the contacts might remove all or most of any coating they had leading to an early failure. If this is true, I see no reason to do that much work only to have to replace the switch later. The stores in this area are light on parts so I had to get a 6 fuse block. It's a bit big, and trying to fit it near the battery is tricky. I'm thinking of attaching it by means of a hook and loop fastener to the rear fender just behind the driver's seat. The only other available spot is under the front of the driver's seat over the various vent hoses. As far as I can tell, the seat doesn't press it against the hoses but it is still a tight fit. The fender seems like a better option. I've attached pics of the block and the two potential mounting spots. If I go for the fender, I will have to attach something to the bottom of the block to fit between the existing wires - sort of a smaller pedestal. Squeezing it under those wires would make a fuse change too difficult. Does anyone see a disadvantage to the fender mount? There should be enough weather protection but I could try to fabricate some kind of cover to give it a bit more protection if necessary. Sorry this is so long, but I want to get it right the first time. I hadn't planned on this and had been saving towards the upgraded clutch kit, which I also need. Now this has thrown me a bit of a curve as dollars are a bit tight these days- as most of us know only too well! Andy
  11. darthandy
    While the info is appreciated, you may want to check the date of the last post on this thread. I'm reasonably certain they've figured out what to do by now. Andy
  12. darthandy
    Would the ignition switch from any other model of Yamaha (Say an RSTD, etc.) fit or is there only the Venture switch? Pinwall Cycle on Ebay at present has several, including one with a full set of locks (Bags, trunk, helmet locks and gas cap) and I don't really want to go with a new one after seeing the U.S. price for them (and those were U.S. prices!). Andy
  13. darthandy
    So ... went out to the cold garage this morning (36 F. - ouch - Winter is definitely coming!) to start the bike and...no dash lights. The radio was coming on, as was the alarm but no dash lights and no start. As I was in a hurry (Club breakfast.) I started the Triumph and headed out on that. Oh the irony! Had to use my English bike because the Japanese bike wouldn't start. The exact opposite of the 70's! When I got back, I pulled off the seat and checked the battery - 12.71 V. which, given the temps and my efforts to start it earlier, seemed reasonable. Tried again and got a flash at the dash. Aha! Played with the key and, sure enough, everything is on! Moved the key a bit and off it all goes. Damn. The ignition switch! There is a tiny 2 or 3 degree arc between working and not working. I guess I waited too long to install a relay on the passing lights (I have them on all the time...gets cagers to notice me.). So...has anyone successfully repaired this switch or am I looking at a replacement? I've checked most of the main threads to date and it seems everyone either puts in a replacement or uses a permanent bypass. I wouldn't mind using a bypass that still requires the key to be on, but wouldn't that also require a properly working ignition switch? At least my gas tank was nearly empty, so removal should be a touch easier.
  14. darthandy
    Given the fact that there are still "dead areas" with no cell phone coverage, I would think that the satellite based GPS system will be with us for quite a while yet. The various carriers are in no rush to pay to put up towers where there is no one to pay for them. The other advantage to the satellite based system is that it can't be disrupted by earthquakes, tornadoes etc. Still, it will prove interesting to see how they overcome these deficiencies. In the meantime, I've still got my Gps, "regular" cell phone and a compass. Now where did I put that old provincial map? Andy
  15. darthandy
    I like to roam into new areas when I ride, so getting lost has become a habit. Didn't always have a GPS (And don't always bring it anyway) so I do keep a compass and a map handy. At least that way I can point myself in a direction that will eventually lead me to some place I recognize. Actually a bit more fun that way...for me, at least. There's more of a challenge doing it the old fashioned way, but that's just me. Andy
  16. darthandy
    Our most positive thoughts and wishes to Dano and his family. I've already had a couple of close calls with deer around here and I know just how quickly these situations can get ugly. I hope that he recovers well and quickly. I also wish that we could reinstate deer hunting in our area. They are becoming a plague around here. One ran into the side of my wife's friend's car day before yesterday and caused her to go into the ditch. Fortunately her injuries were minor. Good luck Dano...all the best. Andy
  17. darthandy
    With Halloween just around the corner, I thought that this video was kind of neat. Now just think about this. A member recently spent about $200 for an LED upgrade of his rear lighting - tail light and signal lights. Just imagine what this guy must have spent! [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAXMtUCcp7o]Halloween Light Show 2011 - This Is Halloween - YouTube[/ame] Andy
  18. darthandy
    It should be in the technical library section under first gen and then Guides, Diagrams etc. Andy
  19. darthandy
    Wow, your insurance companies seem to be run by brighter people than ours. Good for you! Enjoy the ride...it's raining here...again! Andy
  20. darthandy
    Most likely scenario is that the company will check what the average book value is for your bike (Never mind how above average it actually was!) and offer that as a settlement. I just checked Kelly Blue Book and the trade in value for an '87 Royale is $1,545 and the retail sale value is $2,305 (In the Boston, Ma. area - that's the only Zip code I had available). I'll keep my fingers crossed for you but I've yet to meet up with a "fair and honest" insurance company. Good luck!! Andy
  21. darthandy
    A bounce happening at such a specific and relatively low speed doesn't really sound like a spring problem. More like a balance problem, although one would expect it to get worse rather than go away at higher speeds (I'm assuming it foes away since you mentioned 30 to 35). If the springs were sacked out, you would expect the bike to ride a bit lower and maybe ground out sooner on turns or bottom out on bumps. We'll have to see what the forum experts have to say I guess. Andy
  22. darthandy
    I notice that the beginning of the video has the comment "The world's only tow bike". This may be true of that type of rig, but there have been similar tow bikes in Japan for years and more recently, in Great Britain, where they are using the Triumph Rocket 3 with the same rig as used on the Japanese bikes (Typically, Goldwings). I think the trannies can handle the load, but I would be more concerned with wear and tear on the clutch and tires! Andy
  23. darthandy
    We can get some nasty weather up here with lots of cold and wind. I've found that a good parka and some Walmart fake leather gloves will keep me nice and warm till the heater in the car warms up. The bike? It's where it belongs in the winter...sitting in the garage awaiting its next improvement! Andy
  24. darthandy
    Glad it worked out for you. As others have said, you hve to stay focused and pay attention 100% of the time. The time you don't is often the time that something happens. Unfortunately, when riding with others, I've found that i too, occasionally let my mind wander...and then suddenly I'm hard on the brakes, wondering what the heck happened. So now I treat group rides just like a solo ride. I'm alone out there and I have to focus...wakes you right up.
  25. darthandy
    Glad you're OK. As for the voices...sounds like it may have been an echo of the louder voices talking to the old man. Andy
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