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James Ardrey

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  1. James Ardrey
    That battery is still under warranty.
  2. James Ardrey
    I don't think that it would be any problem at all if the wheelbase and tongue length are correct for towing a motorcycle and the motorcycle isn't over 400lbs. I would be afraid to tow more than that with a motorcycle. It is doable and the reply before me to lay the dirt bike down if top heaviness posed a problem. Good luck.
  3. James Ardrey
    Everett those hoses fit into a little bracket on the front side of the breathers and next to the lower fairing. You can't see the brackets unless you remove the Breather boxes. I think you can probably feel the bracket with your fingers or loosen the front fairing to make enough room to see or feel.
  4. James Ardrey
    I have just ended the third week of Chantix and 24hrs without a cigarette. Over all it's been pretty painless so far. I noticed in the last week a gradual reduction of cigarettes smoked. I have tried inhalers, patches,food,sunflower seeds, and other various ways to try to quit with little or no success. I'm feeling hopeful this time. I guess the chantix really detoxes you from the nicotine. Also Steve about 27 yrs. ago I quit smoking for about 7yrs. cold turkey. I went to a Boy Scout reunion at our old Will Rogers council and we started talking about the times we would sneak around with Swisher sweats. To make a long story short we went into town and got a pack of Swisher sweets. I started smoking cigars and about a year later during attempts to quit cigars I bought a pack of cigarettes and the rest is history. It has been next to impossible for me to quit cold turkey after all these years of smoking. I absolutely love to smoke but I can't resite one positive benefit of smoking. It's the damnedest thing. I really want the monkey off my back though. My wife has been cigarette free for about 6 mos. She was in the hospital with Pnuemonia for a week and that was the motivator for her. I want to be a real support for her also by not being a smoker. Even if I don't smoke around her I reak and my clothes reak. I pray that we all have success one day at a time. Will report as time goes on.
  5. James Ardrey
    you'll need a passport to get back in to the USA.
  6. James Ardrey
    I bought a 97 RS and rode it until I bought my now 03 Venture. The 97 had a Mustang seat and was very comfortable and the Venture has the Corbin which is very comfy. For me the less wind on my legs and upper torso from the upper and lower fairings is a significant comfort issue and I Stay a lot dryer riding in rain and warmer in cold conditions. The biggest improvement is for the rider. More leg room and wider back seat and much improved backrest. The improved range that comes with a 6 gal opposed to the 5.3, the bigger carbs and one tooth less in the rearend giving significant low end torque especially noticable when pulling a trailor. A Much more comfortable key main switch location, A 2 or 3 Degree shortened rake improved handling low speed and in curves. I probably would still be riding the 97 which I loved if my wife could have been more comfortable. She is really happy with the comfort of the rsv. I put about 76,000 mi on the 97 and I have about 62,000 on my rsv. They are both great bikes.
  7. James Ardrey
    My 03 mdntv has about 62,000 mi on it and I have had the links for approx. 15,ooo mi and no problems w\ the rear shock so far. I would venture to guess no pun intended, that the leveling links extended the shock int an area that has not been getting enough lubrication. I agree with Eck and others on this post that it is a lubrication problem.
  8. James Ardrey
    The one on the left also has a Clearview windshield with a vent that is optional.
  9. James Ardrey
    It has been said on past threads that if you have installed the leveling links that the narrower front tire is overkill. I did both and I think it is overkill. The narrower tire tends to follow grooves in the road more readily and stands to reason because it is more responsive by virtue of the less width. I did the links and the narrow front tire almost simultaneously so I'm not exactly sure which made the most positive difference in the low speed handling. Others have said that if you don't have the leveling links that the change to the narrower tire to have a similar positive effect in low speed handling. I'm getting ready to find out because my new tires have just come in to be installed. I am installing the standard width front tire. I'll let you all know what my experience is pro or con . I bet there are others that have already made this adjustment. I know Don was planning to put the standard front tire back on because to quote him that he felt that it was overkill to do both the leveling links and the narrower front tire. I use the Avon venoms and I don't know if it is a different outcome with different brands with maybe different profiles or rubber compounds. I think I've said enough.:sign brain fart:I'm so confused!
  10. James Ardrey
    I'm glad to know your in one piece. It sure sounds like it could have been a lot worse. That was a noble try but ditto on getting the tag # from a safe distance. You said that he caused a wreck on down the road. Was he arrested? I think I would file a police report anyway. There may be compensation in the future if he is caught. Sounds like assault or attempted murder W\ a dangerous weapon.
  11. James Ardrey
    My last bike was a 97 royalstar that I put 77000mi on. I bought an 03 Mdnt V and now have about 62000 mi on. It is a great touring bike in every way. My wife rides with me a great deal and we just couldn't get the RS comfortable enough. Even with Mustang seats it didn't compare with the RSMV with the corbin seats driver/passenger back rests. The full fairing and hard bags are a big plus also. When you add it all up re: cost,comfort, dependability, the RSV wins hands down especially riding 2 up. If a radio,cb,full fairing and communication system aren't important and are riding alone the RSTD is a wonderful cruiser/tourer. All of these points have already been made on this thread but I just wanted to add my opinion to the list.
  12. James Ardrey
    Now that we've all qualified our positions and gone to great lengths to prove we're right because all humans believe their right. I have but one question? Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? They are not usually synonymous. I'm not sure I spelled that right. At this moment i'm choosing to be happy so I don't care if I'm right or wrong. Sounds like an old Motown tune- If loving you is wrong I don't want to be right.
  13. James Ardrey
    Can't we just get along. I think we should have the right to arm bears. But seriously although this thread is interesting we are headed down a very slippery slope that the insurance companys just love. They love statistics. Statistics show that riding any 2 wheeled vehicle is far more dangerous than driving a cage and if the special interest insurance grps have their way all motorcycles,4wheelers, and many of the things afore mentioned will be banned and their argument is just as valid as the well intentioned here crusading for wearing helmets. I can make a case that we are all stupid for riding such dangerous machines but I'm not going to bore you with the details as if we are honest with ourselves we all know the dangers and many including myself am speaking from experience. Here in Oklahoma we still have a choice if you are over 21. It is ironic that most of the young men and women that are expected to kill and risk their lives serving our country can't own a pistol,drink alcohol or ride without a helmet but that's a discussion for some other time. I rode for years never wearing a helmet and hesitated to ride to a state that required one. I started wearing one regularily in the past yr. because I figure the odds are against me. The longer I ride the better my chances that I could have a serious wreck. I absolutely love the freedom of riding without a helmet and I love the freedom to choose for myself to wear or not to wear. If we are seriously concerned about saving tax payers from paying for our dangerous pastimes then we all should get rid of our motorcycles.
  14. James Ardrey
    I have stated in other posts and will repeat that these v4's have a timing chain that can create some extra engine noise such as a whining sound to a sound of loose valves or sloppy crank shaft. That is one of the reasons many car engines have a timing belt and Honda Goldwings also have a timing belt because they quiet an engine significantly. I agree with all others that have participated on this post and I don't think the timing chain is the only culprit but plays a part in the symphony of sounds that comes from these engines that is inherent in the design. I also agree that the whines and chirps are enhanced by the windshield,upper,lower fairings. My 97 royalstar had very similar whines and chirps and sounded like a 350 chevy whine during deceleration but it was not as destinct as my 03 mdnt venture. As you all know a 97royal star has a windshield but no upper or lower fairing. Thanks Kit for your initial input to get the ball rolling and the great participation and informing responses from one and all.
  15. James Ardrey

    Lost Key

    James Ardrey replied to a topic in Watering Hole

    Call the roadside service that came free w\ the 5yr warranty. I ran in to the same run around. I called roadside service to find a locksmith in my area and they told me where to go and also stated that they would cover the cost up to 70$ to replace my keys. They were very friendly and helpful. The locksmith only charged me 16$ for 2 new keys so I didn't bother to get reimbursed by roadside service. I was just amazed that they covered something that was my mistake and no fault of Yamaha. Good luck!
  16. James Ardrey
    My wife and I will be leaving early Friday afternoon and we are staying Fri&Sat. @ Laquinta in Springdale. The Starrider Tulsa chapter 141 is staying there. Maybe we will run into each other.
  17. James Ardrey
    Great post Steve. Makes sense. I use Valvoline 20\50 in mine but there is still some whine. My97 royalstar whined also but I think the lower and upper faring reflects engine noise back and or the reduction in wind noise makes the whine and other engine noises more pronounced. Let us know if you find a heavy oil that is safe and effective. I may do a little research myself.
  18. James Ardrey
    My last bike was a 97 royalstar. I put 77.000 mi on her before I bought an 03 Mdnt V. The vibration was designed into this era royalstar in that they took the harmonic balancers out to give it a similar feel of a Harley. So a perfectly tuned 97 will shake no matter what you do. And as previously noted they detuned the motor to perform like a Harley also. The 97 has soul and is a great bike though. I rode it coast to coast w\ out any problems. It never left me stranded. I could imagine the engineers scratching their heads after going to great lengths to decrease engine vibration to be told to design it to start vibrating. I would have liked to be a mouse in their pocket but they were probably speaking Japanese and I wouldn't have understood them anyway.:rotf::rotf:Babye!
  19. James Ardrey
    I'm never going to ride again.:rotf::rotf:That's pretty much my riding style. The day I lose all fear or respect for these machines is the day I will call it quits. Motorcycles are one of the most unforgiving machines to human error in the world.
  20. James Ardrey
    Dennis I'm also sorry to hear about your mishap. It is amazing that you walked away with just bruises. I pray that you heal soon and your able to get a new ride. It's a hard way to trade your current bike in to get a new one. take care of yourself.
  21. James Ardrey
    I live just west of Tulsa on Keystone lake. I-35 is about 50 miles west and I-75 is about 25 miles east. Your bound to be traveling pretty close. If you just want to come by or meet for coffee,dinner etc. or need a place to crash ( not literally of course) we would enjoy the visit. Might just tag along to Wichita if I can schedule it in . Congrats! on the new Venture.
  22. James Ardrey
    I said that I would update about my Clearview windshield order going on 9 wks now. I talked to John @ Clearview this morning. He said that it would be approximately another 3wks for the xxl,tented,vented shield. He apologized for the delay that they got a shipment of tented material that didn't meet their standards and just got in a new shipment that is good to go. I questioned him about over the phone orders in the last wk. and already receiving their shields. He said that they had to be shields already mfg. without the vent and that the vented ones are formed when the material is shaped not after. He also said that I could probably get a clear one much sooner. John is very friendly and professional and I'm satisfied with his response. Those of you w\ the tented shield is it really worth the wait? My wife and I are going to Bikes,Blues and BBQ in Fayetteville Ark. first wk. in October and It doesn't look like the shield will be here in time. Hope to see some of you guys and gals there.
  23. James Ardrey
    Ron, I'm really sorry about your loss. It must be really hard for you. It is a senseless death. Talking about it to friends and family and gaining their support is the best thing you can do at this time to grieve naturally. I can't possibly know how you feel even though I have had similar losses, but I know you are really going to miss him and that is where grief lives.
  24. James Ardrey
    I ordered a clearview tall with vent about 10 wks ago and I finally called them on Saturday and they left 5 very nice messages on my phone today. The messages basically stated that they had gotten tint material that was unacceptable and that it would probably be another 3 wks before I received my windshield or if I would sell out for a clear one could probably get one this week. I'm happy for you beer 30 but I'm a little pissed that they feed me a bogus line as an excuse for it not being here by now. I need to be clear that I have not spoke to them and we are playing phone tag. I can guarantee you that I will be speaking to them tomorrow and find out what the hell is going on. I'm not going to spout off any further until I talk to the Clearview rep. I will update you when I know more.:bang head:
  25. James Ardrey
    I bought a 97 royalstar new and rode it 77000 mi ,sold it and bought an 03 Midnight V off the showroom floor and now have 60,ooo mi. It is like being a Maytag repairman. The only problem was discoloration on chrome pipes where they go 2 into one and got both replaced under warranty no cost to me. You can't beat the 5 yr warranty and roadside service. It's far and away the best warranty in the industry and if the bike wasn't solid they couldn't afford to do it. It is a very comfortable ride and overall the best touring bike at any price and the fact that it is thousands less than any other real touring bike is an added bonus. Even if the price was the same as the afore mentioned tourers I would still select the Venture. My wife loves riding 2 up and loves the comfort and spacious back seat and comfy backrest. The seat and backrests are corbin. Although the stock seat is one of the most comfortable I've seen the Corbin is great. Ditto on all the previous posts. Good luck!
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