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georgebill

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Everything posted by georgebill

  1. georgebill
    I bought a new '82 Virago 920 and enjoyed the bike. Yamaha came out with a tour package for it that included these accessories. I don't remember it looking quite like the one in the picture. I toyed with the ideal of purchasing this package, but bought a new '83 Venture instead. I've always been happy with that decision, as I rode that bike until 2006 when I purchased my current ride, the '06 RSTD. The 920 had a vibration at 55mph that encouraged you to ride either faster or slower to avoid it. Other than that, it was a good bike. Just didn't fit my 6'7" body as well as the Venture.
  2. georgebill
    Thought I'd let you know that I did attach the rear fender tip. Your instructions were extremely helpful! Thanks so much, and keep the shiny side up.
  3. georgebill
    I routinely use Marvel Mystery Oil to keep system clean and improve fuel economy. Does great with both. Good idea about saving old pump for repair of contacts and use as a spare. Go to pick up my bike tomorrow. While I had it in the shop, I bit the bullet and had the clutch replaced. Used aftermarket clutch and stronger clutch spring. Was starting to slip under extreme load and with the mileage figured it was time. From what I can determine from reading these forums, fuel pump and clutch are the two most common failures on this bike. Hopefully this is the last unexpected roadside stranding I'll have for a long time.
  4. georgebill
    Thanks for the feedback. I don't think I would have ever felt comfortable taking any long trips until I had this replaced. It just didn't seem like an electrical issue to me. Anyway, the bike has enough miles on it that I'll just look at it as expensive routine maintenance. Thanks again and keep the shiny side up!
  5. georgebill
    Bought my 06 RSTD new, have 57,000 miles on it and it has never let me down...until yesterday. Around 20 miles from home I was riding when it began to lose power, seeming as though it was running out of fuel. Gauge showed I had plenty of fuel in tank, but I switched to reserve just in case. Still no joy and I rolled to a stop. On a bridge with no shoulders. Over a lake. Pushed it to the end of the bridge and off onto a narrow shoulder. Bike would crank, would either fire almost immediately and run for half a second, or it would just crank. Again seeming as though it was not getting proper fuel. After a 3-hr wait on the shoulder of the road for a tow, had it taken to my dealer who looked at it today. Said the battery cables were loose, tightened them, and test rode it 26 miles with no problems. That solution just didn't give me warm and fuzzies. All the symptoms seemed to me to be fuel related. Knowing that these bikes have a history of fuel pump problems and having a friend with a Venture who had similar intermittent strandings before the fuel pump was finally replaced, I bit the bullet and am having a new one installed. $320+ bucks for the pump and installation. I know auto pumps are cheaper but I don't have the expertise to install. Anyway, I hope I didn't over react, but after experiencing a 3-hr wait in the heat for the tow vehicle I decided to be proactive. Just sharing my experience and curious as to anyone's opinions.
  6. georgebill
    Would I be able to check my RSTD in as baggage, or would it be carry on? 😉
  7. georgebill
    Jonas, thank you so much for the very in depth reply to my question. Sounds like a very doable installation, even for me! I won't be removing the rear wheel, as my mechanical skill is not at that level. However, removing the fender rails and exhaust support looks to be quite easy. Thanks for all the pointers, especially the advice concerning supporting the mufflers to prevent gasket damage. You're located in Iceland! Wow, I've always wanted to visit there, but Rand McNally doesn't show a roadway for my RSTD to make it there. 😝 Thanks again, and try to stay warm! George
  8. georgebill
    Has anyone done an installation of a chrome rear fender tip, the "Official" Yamaha fender tip that requires drilling holes for the mounting bolts? I installed the front fender back of fender tip with no problems. My question is how much "Stuff" would I need to remove to have access to the rear fender to be able to drill holes in the proper locations. I'm sure I would need to remover the bags, but how much of the other hardware must be removed? Thanks!
  9. georgebill
    Just ordered me one. Thanks for the info!
  10. georgebill
    Never owned a RDL, but I've owned the Ultimate seat. Put about 50K on the saddle before I had to replace it. The foam broke down over time, which caused lots of discomfort in the nether regions. Replaced it with a Corbin and have been very pleased. Yes, it is firm, but I find I stay comfortable longer than with the softer Ultimate saddle. Don't waste your money on the Corbin driver backrest. It is a faulty design that sits way too far back and provides no support. The Ultimate backrest works great, and is infinitely adjustable. I had the mount redone so that I could use it with the Corbin. Everyone is different, which is why there are so many opinions concerning which is best. I'm 6' 6" and have a 38" inseam. When I had the Ultimate, I weighed 290, which probably contributed to the foam breakdown. Now I weigh 210, and the firmer seat fits best.
  11. georgebill
    I cannot even imagine trying to ride my RSTD on snow. I have a 200' dirt driveway, which gets pretty loose in the spring when the ground thaws. I get enough of a pucker factor just riding on that. No way I'd try riding on snow!
  12. georgebill
    Sounds like at 55K my RSTD is just starting to get broken in well! My previous ride was an 83 Venture I bought new, and sold in 06 when I bought my RSTD. The 03 only had 43K, as I didn't ride as often as I do now. I stuck with the Venture/RSTD model because I was so happy with the 03. Bought the 06 just because I thought I should get a new bike at least every 23 years. :-)
  13. georgebill
    Ever hear of anyone changing-out the fuel pump at 50K+ as preventative maintenance?
  14. georgebill
    Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like my RSTD will be around for several more years. I have three trips each week that are only three miles in length, which is why I change my oil & filter each 2K. Figure my oil has more opportunity to become contaminated with the short trips. I use regular Dino oil and change the filter, too. Dad always said, "You never wear out an engine by changing the oil too often".
  15. georgebill
    I bought my 06 RSTD new in July 06, and just turned 50K on the odometer. I swear it rides and runs just as good or better than it did on day one. Any ideas on how long one of these will continue to go before they are no longer reliable? I'm crazy when it comes to maintenance, changing the oil every 2K. All other maintenance "by the book". Cosmetically it looks like new. I love this bike, and want to keep it as long as practical. But, I want to continue to feel safe taking it for long road trips. Thoughts?
  16. georgebill
    Some Corbin's have the fore/aft adjustment, some don't, which happens to be the case with mine. However, I'm in the process of modifying the Ultimate backrest to work with the Corbin. When I get it finished, I'll post a photo.
  17. georgebill
    I purchased the Ultimate seat In 2006 for my then new RSTD. I'm 6'7", and for most of the years since installation weighed 285lbs. The Ultimate was a great seat for most of those years, and has what must be the best backrest available. 45K miles later, the foam in the seat has compressed, resulting in a pressure point developing that impedes blood circulation to the male member. Couldn't put up with that, and just purchased a Corbin. Love the seat, but the backrest sucks - is located too far back. Has no fore-aft adjustment. So, I'm making a bracket to allow me to use the Ultimate backrest with the Corbin seat. If I had it to do over again, I'd just get a new Ultimate.
  18. georgebill
    Pete, the backrest in your pictures appears to be something different than the standard Corbin. It looks like yours has a fore/aft adjustment on the shaft, which is unlike anything I've found at the Corbin website. I just purchased the Classic Solo & Pillion for my 06 RSTD, as well as the Corbin driver backrest. I'm VERY unhappy with the backrest, as it sits way too far aft to provide any support for my back. I REALLY need the fore/aft adjustment feature. Additionally, momma would like for the driver backrest to tilt forward so she can get on and off easier. Does your backrest do that, or any ideas where to find one that will? George
  19. georgebill
    Roadhouse Moto-Classics slip-ons work well for me. Not too loud, but a great sound. http://www.roadhousebrand.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RBS&Category_Code=MC http://www.roadhousebrand.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/54-330.gif
  20. georgebill
    I use the Fram filter. Seems to work just fine, and available at Wally World. I change my oil more often than most folks - every 2k. I follow that old saying, "I've never heard of anyone wearing out a motor by changing the oil too often"!
  21. georgebill
    I love my 2006 RSTD. Color is opposite of yours - mine is pearl white. If you're tall (I'm 6' 7") watch your knees. In the first slow tight turn I made with this bike I almost laid it over. My knee was pinned between the handle bar and the gas tank. Got unpinned just in time. My previous ride was a 1983 Venure that I owned for 23 years. Never had this type of problem with it. The RSTD is a GREAT bike! I must admit, I find it a much more comfortable ride than the '83 Venture. You'll really appreciate it on long rides.
  22. georgebill
    The OEM battery that comes with the RSTD is an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery and is not intended to be "trickle charged" to maintain a charge. Doing so will damage the battery. The Yuasa Smartshot 1.5 amp charger is a 5 stage unit that has a 28-day charge recycle that re-evaluates the batteries charge and then charges as necessary. I purchased this charger shortly after purchasing my 2006 RSTD and have found it to be a reliable unit, keeping my battery in top condition. Here's the company's website: http://www.yuasabatteries.com/chargers.asp
  23. georgebill
    I just installed a set of Roadhouse Moto-Classics with the slash-cut tips on my 2006 Royal Star Tour Deluxe. They have a deep rumble that sounds really good. They are not as loud as some, but have a better sound and tone than most I've heard on other bikes. They're MUCH louder than the stock mufflers. I had never ridden a bike with aftermarket mufflers before, so it is taking me a little bit to get used to the extra volume. However, the more I ride with them, the better I like them. I had my dealer install them, but if I had known how simple the installation was, I would have done it myself. I get a lot of compliments on how they sound, which I appreciate, of course!
  24. georgebill

    Natchez Trace Parkway

    Images added to a gallery album owned by georgebill in Member Albums

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