Miles
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Everything posted by Miles
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Thanks for the recent encouragements. I am going forward with this exercise. I will take very good pictures, and post them at the completion of the project. I have made the decision to only replace the rear wheel, changing it from a 15" wheel to a 16" wheel. I will keep the 16" wheel that is on the front, so I will end up with a 16" wheel on both the front and rear of the bike. I have decided to use Avon Cobra radials for this exercise. The front will be the 150/80R-16, that will be an exact replacement for the current Dunlop E-3 bias, same sizing, except it will be a radial. The new rear tire will also be an Avon Cobra, using a 170/70R-16, that is sooooo close in size to the original 150/90B-15, that it will not be noticeable in any diameter change. The width will be changed to a tire that is .68 of an inch in total width more than the OEM width. At a added width of .68 of an inch...or .34 of an inch on each side of the tire, it WILL fit inside the swingarm without any problems. New Front tire: Avon Cobra 150/80R-16 New Rear Tire: Avon Cobra 170/70R-16 My only additional cost to doing to exercise will be the cost of altering the rear wheel. I only have to have it done ONE time, so the cost of approx. $ 650.00...which includes shipping the wheel both ways, and all work done on the wheel, is well worth it to me. Bottom Line...the new tires WILL fit the bike, and the bike will then be riding on decent radials. I have a ride already prepped for in less than 2 weeks...37th Annual Three Flags Classic, Mexico to Canada...so when I return from that ride, I will remove my rear tire and wheel, strip the wheel down, and send it to Kosman Specialties for their work to be done. Yes...pictures will be included in the final report. Miles
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I already have fitted a 180/60-16 radial tire, mounted on a 16 inch rim, into the swingarm, and I do already know that it does fit. I am not saying that I am 100 % on using that specific size. I may find that I use a 170/70-16. But a 180/60-16 does in fact fit. Folks, I have been switching out tire sizes for years, if I find that there "may" be a better choice in tires or sizes for a bike. In "most" cases I do think the engineers that design these bikes go to great lengths to do the best job. But sometimes an aftermarket item, or a re-engineered item works better. Given that I have a stack of Dunlop E-3 radials at my disposal, and have a few GL-1800 bikes at my disposal, it is not an inconvenience for me to try things out, and experiment. I do know, for certain, that I am going to a 16" wheel on the rear. I have not made up my mind about possibly going to an 18" wheel on the front. But I do know, for certain, that I can get slightly lower profile radial tires on this bike, that will last more miles, and provide much better performance, than the stock sized bias belt tires. Whatever I decide for a rear tire size, when all is said and done, I can recalibrate my speedo to be correct, since I have already installed the SpeedoHealer from HealTech, and it is currently programmed to match my Garmin Zumo 550. Miles
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First, the cost of changing my rear wheel from a 15" to a 16" is $ 550.00, plus shipping. The cost for one new wheel from RCcomponents is $ 1250.00. So it is a lot less cost to have the wheel altered. Second, Kosman Specialties has done over 10,000 wheels over many years in the business. They do a lot of wheels for professional race cars, drag cars, etc. This is not their first rodeo, or their first wheel welding job. Third, I have 11 bikes in my bike barn, aside from my wife's bikes. So if my RSMTD is down for a few weeks, or a couple months, especially during the Winter, I can just take my Yamaha Super Tenere' out for a ride, or my R12GS, or my...well, you get the picture. Fourth, the RSMTD is not going to be my primary LD riding bike. It is more of a novelty LD bike. I have more serious bikes for the serious LD work. Fifth, running radial tires makes a very big difference in handling, longevity, and road confidence. This RSMTD is a very heavy bike. The heaviest in my collection. I am used to better handling and performing bikes. I am confident that putting radial tires on this bike will make a huge difference. As I have stated before, I have all my own tire changing equipment, all Snap-On, all computerized and full power equipment, so doing the changeout of tires is of no cost to me. BTW, the exact same radials that are used on an 1800 Wing...180/60-16 rear and a 130/70-18 front will fit right on the RSMTD...if I also decide to change out the front wheel to an 18". If not, then I can use the Dunlop E-3 radial on the rear, and a matching 17" Dunlop E-3 on the front. I am politely saying I do not need to be talked out of this, or told the pros and cons of doing it, I am just asking if anyone has info on other ways to get a 16" wheel on the rear of a Second Gen Venture or RSTD ? Thanks, Miles
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Before I alter my rear wheel, I thought I better ask this collective of experienced minds, if any of you know of a better way to get a 16" rear wheel onto the back of a newer RSTD ? I want to run on radial tires. Period ! So we all know that no one makes a quality brand radial tire in a 15". You have to go 16" or bigger, to be able to buy radials for the bikes. Therefore, I am looking at sending my rear wheen down to Kosman Industries, to have the make my OEM rear wheel into a 16" rear wheel. Their website explains all the procedures, and costs. http://kosmanspecialties.com/ I would do this in the Winter, when I am going to be needing new tires anyway, and I can afford to have the bike down for a couple weeks. So, before I do this, does anyone else have ideas of an available 16" wheel that will correctly fit on the rear of a second gen bike? Or something else to do ? IMHO, I believe I can make this bike a better ride on good radials, versus the bias belt tires. Please let me know...what you know. Thanks, Miles:detective:
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To KIC & KarlS, the reason that some of us do not post pictures, is because for some reason the digital cameras make us look phat (fat). The old film cameras never did that, but maybe we were not as phat back in those days. Thank you to Brian (Golf&Venture) for the pictures, and...thanks alot Brian, for all those phat pictures. Next time yell us when to suck our guys in. Miles
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Just wanted to post a big Thank You to Brian (Golf&Venture) for hosting the Washington State Meet & Greet today. We had about 12 people there, on 8 bikes and one car. It is always nice to put a face to those you communicate with on the forum. We had a ton of food, and Brian will be eating left-overs for the next two weeks. We did get his very damaged Gen One Venture unloaded from the trailer, and parked inside his garage. It only took 6 or 7 guys to do this. So, a day of hot weather, dry roads, good people, and lots of food. Thank you Brian, Miles
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It appears that Wagner is temp on hold until Sept 1, for taking more orders on his Radiator Grill covers. They look great, but can't order one right now. I am NOT into chrome, but want to protect my radiator, so...I made one myself today, and it cost me less than $ 13.00, including tax. Okay, this thread is no good without pictures. Yes, I know that. My question is...other than the Wagner Grill cover, and the chrome one from Diamond, are there any other radiator grill covers out there already available for the Venture/RSTD ??? I am happy with the one I made, but want to check out others. Secondly, does anyone already make a Belly Pan for the Venture/RSTD ??? I was so used to having one on each of my last 5 Goldwings (2 1500's and 3 1800's) that I would like to put one on my RSMTD. I can see that the oil filter and engine cases could really use some protection. I did go to the extent of attempting to fabricate one for myself today, but I was not pleased with the final product. I will continue to research and fabricate, and my end prodcut will be vented via stamped louvers. So, if anyone has info on already made Belly Pans for our bikes, please let me know. Miles
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GeorgeS, if you want to show up at the Washington State Meet & Greet tomorrow, at Brians' house in Buckley, 23318 123rd St. Ct. E., Buckley, WA. 98321, then you can take a look at several seats already on other riders' bikes. I will be there, and I have a recently installed Russell day Long Saddle (my 10th seat from them). Once you see my seat, and sit on it, you may NOT want a Russell Day Long Saddle. For most people, these seats sit the rider too high. So, at least it can eliminate the Russell seat for you, if you see mine in person. The other riders at the Meet & Greet will have a variety of seats, so you can view to yuour hearts content (or maybe that is to your butts content) Miles
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I think you meant it now has a Radial on the front, and a Bias on the rear. Personally, I would never do that, and I do all my own tire work, install, mount, balance, etc. However...I would love to hear from others, if they have any experience in running a Radial tire on one end of the bike, and a Bias Belt tire on the other end of the bike. I still would not do it, but I am open to others opinions. Miles
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Ken, I hope that both you and your wife are able to make it there. Brian and I would both like to meet you. Miles
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Goose, given that I am a very bad and dangerous person, I choose to continue using this product. As I have already said in my previous post, I have used my Stop 'n Go Plug Gun Kit many, many times, and it has never failed me. I also said, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get". If another product works better for you folks, then by all means use it. Miles
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Leland, I have been using the same Stop 'n Go tire plug gun kit for more years than I care to count. Personally, I love this plug gun kit, and am very adept at using it. For many years I would buy about 5 to 10 of these Stop 'n Go Plug Gun Kits for Christmas, and give one to each of my riding buddies as gifts. The secret here is that it takes practice to know how to use it correctly. I tell everyone to take a used tire, either one that was taken off your bike, or ask a local bike dealership if you can have one of their old used throw away tires. Then practice making holes and plugging those holes on the old tire. When the tire is off the wheel, you can see how well you are plugging it, or...how things went wrong. It is important to get that mushroom head of the plug all the way into...inside...the tire, then, with the plug gun still attached to the plug (that is now in the tire), gently pull the plug gun off of the plug, so it seats the mushroom head up against the inside of the tire. When all that is left is about 3/8 " of rubber plug still sticking out of the tire, take the supplied razor blade and cut the rubber plug so it is eveb with the top of the remaining tread of the tire. I have used the same kit I have now for probably more than 20 years, and have had to buy additional plugs to re-supply my kit. I have done my own tires on the road, and have done probably about 10 other bikes tires on the road. Quite frankly, I won't leave home without it. I even use it on car tires in my shop, if the need arises. And I do carry my own air pump, different than the Slime pump you mentioned, but same principle. I wish you had better luck with that Stop 'n Go Plug Gun Kit, but...life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get.
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The issue was NOT because it was a guy, versus a woman. The issue was that the rider and owner of a 2006 Yamaha Royal Star Venture...did not know what model of bike he owns and rides. To answer your other point and question...my wife does know most of the details about her two cars, and about her two motorcycles. Yes, she has me to do all the mechanical stuff...that is literally my job...but she is capable herself. Whether the rider and owner is a man or a woman, they should have some basic knowlede of their vehicle, whether it be a car or motorcycle. If the rider walks into a motorcycle dealership, goes up to the parts dept. counter, and says, "I need a new part...", the parts personnel are going to have to ask the rider a dozen questions of the rider/owner, and will probably have to walk outside and look at the bike, if it was ridden there. I am not asking that every bike or car owner/rider be as technically knowledgeable as most of us on the forum are. I am saying that ANY motorcycle owner/rider should have the basic knowledge of what year...make...model of bike they own, how many miles are on the bike, how often the oils should be changed, and what tires pressures they should have in their tires.
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Just a reminder that the Washington State Meet & Greet is on...this Sunday, August 12th, between noon and 4 pm. That is between 3 pm and 7 pm for you East Coast riders that want to make it out to the Best Coast. ANYONE...from ANYWHERE, on ANY BIKE is invited to this BBQ. Come on down...er...UP. As stated before, it is at Brians' house, (Golf&Venture), and he lives in Buckley, WA.
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Okay, so maybe I went a tad far saying that riders should know ever finite detail of their bikes. I know that is not true. But the point to the original post on this thread is that the owner of an '06 Yamaha Royal Star VENTURE did not even know what model of bike he has. That is the point. This 67 year old guy may in fact be the greatest father of all time. He may be the greatest physicist of all time. He may be the next person to solve cancer. But this forum is about...motorcycles, and specific to Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Tour Deluxe, Generation one Yammies, and Goldwings. Yes, my focus in life is quite narrow. I give a serious darn about motorcycles. They have been my life. I (in fact) may not be the greatest father of all time. I may not be the greatest physicist of all time, and I most certainly may not be the person that solves cancer. But...that is not what we are here to talk about. This forum is about...motorcycles. I know very well that there are riders, and some are very good riders, that are simply...riders, and they know nothing more about their bikes other than how to ride them. Yes, I have met one million of them. But when a rider that owns a 2006 Venture does not even know the model of his bike, to me...and maybe it is only me...but to me...that is inexcusable. One one biggest pet peeve about riders, is that all riders should know what tire pressures their bike should have in the tires. Not what the manual states, or what the manufacturer states, but what the real world of motorcycle riding has found to be the correct pressures for their bikes. Experienced riders know what I mean by that. If you go by what the bike manula says, you will most likely be riding on low pressure tires, especially on the front tire. When I ask a rider what their tire pressures are, and they say, "I don't know", that bugs the gorilla snot out of me. Simply...riding a motorcycle is taking your own life into your hands, much more so than driving a car. Those two little contact patches that we have to the ground are our lifeline to stability on earth. If a so-called rider is only going to know how to put the key in the ignition (or does the dealer do that for them too), and straddle the bike, so they can attempt to shift into a gear...then the rest of us have a problem, because the lack of knowledge by those riders that do not care to know anything more about their bikes, affects all of us, in the public eye. Now taking a chill pill.
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The bikers should not have parked in the handicap parking spaces. Period.
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No, he did not. I really do a quick eval of this guy. His issue was he just rides bikes, and doesn't want to be botheredm to know any of the facts, figures, or technical details of his bike.
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The best Barbeque sauce is...that which is being served on the hamburgers at Brians' house, this Sunday, for the Washington State Meet & Greet. Be there or be square.
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I went to the local Yamaha dealer this morning, to order some parts, because I completely removed the AIS system off of my '06 RSMTD. Went I came out from the showroom, toward my bike, here were two guys standing next to my bike, pawing it, like it was an old girlfriend of theirs. Now, I am very old school...meaning, in this case, I was brought up in an era of motorcycle riding where you did not touch another persons motorcycle, unless the owner of that bike was your # 1 friend in the world, and they asked you to move it or get something off of it. To see these two, older guys, pawing my bike, got my feathers ruffled. Taking a very deep breath, I decided to approach them with a friendly demeanor, rather than be nasty about it. Turns out, after much discussion, that one of them owns an '06 Venture. He did not know what model his bike was...until I told him it was a Venture. He asked me all kinds of questions about why my bike had this, and that, and where was my rear trunk, and why did it say Tour Deluxe on the saddlebag trim. He was totally perplexed about what model my bike was, and when he said he road one that is the same, I asked him several questions about his bike, of which he had no answers. I finally determined he had an '06 Venture, and when I said the word...Venture, his eyes lite up with 15 watt dimness, as if to remember that yes, his bike was a Venture. Geez...you would think that if a guy, he is 67 years old, owns and rides a 2006 Yamaha Venture...he would know what model of bike he has. Okay, I have seen this 1000 times over the past 42 years of riding. There are bike pilots, that know NOTHING about their bikes except how to barely ride it down the road. And then there are the rest of us, that are so intimately familiar with our bikes, and about 99 % of all the bikes on the road, that we have everything memorized down to how many newton meters (NM) torque is used on every bolt of the bike. It just bugs the gorilla snot out of me. Get familiar with your bike. If you won't, then give the bike to someone that does care enough to become familiar with it. So, after fully removing the complete AIS system off of my bike, I then rebalanced the carbs with my handy Carbtune Pro, and the bike runs very nice. Miles
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Could you edit the invite to include my cell just below the posted address for those who might get lost. 206-245-8408. I've also invited some local riders (non Venture Riders member) also. Brian 88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 And...I would invite Brian to go for a ride on the back of my bike, but...there is no back seat. Only a rear fender rack, and an aix. fuel cell mounted on it. Maybe someone else will. Miles
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A Long(ish) Distance Venture Ride - With a difference
Miles replied to twigg's topic in Watering Hole
Steve that was a very good read, excellent pictures, and I am very happy for you that Jodie got to get out...before school starts, see the world on the back of your bike, give good thoughts about her father, and hopefully will want to go riding again. Next time, the Dalton, where she can meet those Ice Road Truckers, eh. Good ride report. Miles:cool10: -
Mike, we are happy to have you there. And Condor...ride on up north where the weather is hospitable. We would love to have you at the BBQ. Miles
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Okay, I am laughing, but Petunia, Daisy, Buttercup, Billy the Kid, and the Sundance Kid would NOT think this is funny. It would be great if you can make the WA. State Meet & Greet in Buckley this Sunday. And the barbeque will not be goat. But it will be good. See you then, Mike. Miles
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Okay, I cannot help myself. I am sitting here waiting for Brian (Golf&Venture) to get back to me, but since he went down 2 months ago, he moves slower than...well...you know. So, I am going to put it out there asking for responses. Brian would like to host a Meet & Greet at his house in Buckley, WA. next Sunday, August 12th. Yes, we know this is a short notice, but...it is the best timing we could come up with. Brian needs several hands on board to assist in unloading his totally crashed '91 Venture from the trailer. It is all at his house now, and he needs to get it unloaded. I offered, but he thinks we will need about 4 people. The idea is to have a barbeque at his house, next Sunday, August 12th, from noon to 4 pm. There will be burgers, chips, and drinks provided. If you would like to make a small donation to defer costs, that is appreciated, but not required. It is also a chance to have many of the Washington State riders, and anyone else from the Great Pacific Northwest...meet & greet. I will be bringing my new Carbtune Pro, and am willing to adjust/balance the carbs on anyones bike, or assist them if they want to learn...all for FREE. So, we are asking anyone that would like to attend a Meet & Greet at Brians' home in Buckley, WA. to please respond, so we can get an idea as to numbers. The address is: 23318 123rd St. Ct. E. Buckley, WA. 98321 If this works out well and we get several members to attend, we would like to make this an annual thing, and I would host the alternate year event at my own home. We will NOT be barbequeing any of my Llamas, Alpacas, or miniature Goats. Thanks, Miles
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If you make it...I will buy one !