RedRider

Pulling the carbs makes it a lot easier. I've heard you can do it without pulling the carbs, but my fat hands wouldn't fit with the carbs in place. And yes, a magnetic pickup tool is helpful (forgot that one - it's been a while). BTW, how are you feeling? Ticker running like a Timex yet? RR

A thread of Jeffs. I have a shim kit and a Flyingfool built tool (although, flyinfool's tool is worth buying). You are welcome to use it. Been a couple of years since I have done the shim check, but can likely figure it all out again if you would like help. Additional tools needed - 19mm socket, set of mechanics picks, micrometer, and ideally, metric feeler gauges. Have a clean bench around as you can use this opportunity to set the fuel bowl float levels. If you want to tackle this also, it would be beneficial to get the float bowl gaskets when you purchase the valve cover gaskets. Procedure is in the 2nd Generation Tech forum. FYI - At 30k miles, you will more than likely not have to change any shims. Although, it is a good thing to check. RR

Lost mine on my first IB ride. Going thru Chicago, saw it sliding across the highway in my rear view mirror. Didn't stop. RR

I ride long distances in all kinds of temperature and weather. Following works for me: 1) Good wicking riding shorts. The ones I swear by are LDComfort (http://www.ldcomfort.com). No seams in the seating area and it keeps a dry layer next to the skin. These are also good for multi-day rides as you can wash out in the sink and they dry quickly. 2) Beaded seat. They are surprisingly comfortable. Thousands of middle eastern cab drivers can't all be wrong. To try it out cheaply, go to Walmart (or Canadian Tire) and get a $10 car beaded seat cover. Take it apart and remove parts to conform to the seat shape. Tie it back up. Takes about a half hour. 3) Sheep skin. Cut it to fit. IKEA has skins for about $30. Usually big enough for two seats. RR

A few years ago, mine was doing this. Took apart the lever, lubed the hinge and it was good to go. RR

Well, as usual, plans have changed. We have a long time employee retirement dinner Thursday night. Since I am a part owner of the company, I really need to be there. Therefore, we will be in the western Chicago 'burbs Thursday evening and then head to Ft. Wayne Friday. Think I need to keep an eye out for a MI RTE later this summer where Flyin' Fool and I can motor over and share some cheese. Maybe we can get EagleEye back on the road and joining us. RR

What a great example of knowledge transfer among the members. Great guidance by Eck and Goose. And a fantastic write up by Yamagrl. Very clear and important pictures from Great White. It's Sunday and I try not to learn anything. But I did. Glad it worked out Cowboy. Have a safe ride home. RR

As did I. RR

I coat mine with bugs only. Generally find the Iowa bugs are the most difficult to see through. (Look over the top. Haven't been able to see through my windshield for years.) RR

Wife and I are riding to Ft. Wayne for the weekend of July 11,12. Thought we might leave a bit early and take the northern route through the UP. That would made a nice easy day to arrive about suppertime in mid-Michigan. Who's up for a bite to eat and a beverage? Ragtop69GS? Cowpuc? MiCarl Carbon_One I realize youz guyz aren't all on the same side of the state. Place in the middle we can get together (Lansing maybe)? Just starting to lay out the schedule and looking for ideas that might work. Lemme know your thoughts. RR

Look at the radio control head. There is a button for the CB. If it is turned on, the output from the CB takes precedence over the radio. You may have accidentally turned on the CB, thus muting the radio. Turn it off and all should be good with the radio. You're not the first to have this happen. RR

Jeff, glad to hear you made it off the table and back home. Heal well and quickly. Do you need someone to come by and keep the gas fresh in your bike? RR

Helmet Lock RR

I would call my insurance guy and have him come out and take a look. It won't cost anything to have him tell you no. Sorry to see this. No good deed..... RR

RE: the headlight. You can go all in and get an HID replacement. Requires some wiring, a (preferably time delay) relay, and some mounting of pieces/parts. Or, you can install a Sylvania Silverstar Ultra. Much better than stock but not quite as bright as HID. Either will require splitting the faring unless you have the tiny hands of an 8 year old Pakistani carpet maker. RR

Jeff, Good luck with the procedure. Good thoughts being transmitted to you. RR

Jay, Balancing beads on the way tomorrow. Check your PMs. RR

Look at BubblerGPS app for you phone. It can be linked into Spotwalla to provide a tracking stream. Works well but is obviously limited to areas that have cell phone coverage. It has been tested by several in LD rallies and Iron Butt rides. RR

If you're referring to the hard rubber clip that held the plug, just grab a length of fishing line. Run it under the clip to essentially cut the adhesive. Won't scratch the tank. RR

Ran past EagleEye on the road today. Whiskers flying with a big smile behind. He is heading East taking the ferry from Manitowoc to Ludington. On way to MD? Ride safely.

Ran past EagleEye on the road today. Whiskers flying with a big smile behind. He is heading East taking the ferry from Manitowoc to Ludington. On way to MD? Ride safely.

FYI - That instructional write up was written by Peter Behm. Winner of the 2011 Iron Butt Rally! (On a FJR). RR

Anywhere between 5000 miles to 200,000 miles. Somewhere in there. RR PS: Don't recall the first gens had much issue with the fuel pumps. It was mostly a 2nd gen thing. I carry a spare on trips, although mine is working strong with 132k miles on it.

I use Street and Trips. The newer versions will output a GPX file that can be imported into Base camp and then downloaded to your GPS. Also, there are some good tutorials for BC. Will need to get on my home computer to find the links. RR

A Dunlop 404 will get you about 5000 miles on the Venture. E3 is the answer. I have 16k miles on my rear tire with tread left. Should easily get to 20k. It is, however, a bit squared off. Not the tire's issue, just lots of slab riding. RR