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Showing results for tags 'bike'.
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This so stupid I hate to even admit it. We on our first day of a two week tour up the east coast (FL to DC and back) , we stop for gas wait, I for the wife to get off. Next thing I know the bike has gone over and thrown me off like a bad hat. FORGOT to put the kickstand down before the wife got off , Just a couple of scatches on the engine guards and a hugely bruised ego.
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OK, so upon uncovering my bike at work today for the ride home, I raised the antenna up and tightened the collar nut..............or at least tried to. It's stripped out now. Can't figure out why, it's only 24 years old. Anyhow, I've heard (but have never tried) that a CB radio antenna in place of the OE AM/FM antenna works far better as an AM/FM antenna that the OE stick does. So, I'm going to set myself to install a CB antenna. BUT! I'd like to have the option of either being able to fold it down like I currently do or at least have some kind of a quick disconnect so I can lay it across the bike when I cover it up. Anyone know if such a mount exists? -
guys, i've been gleaning info off of alot of you trying to find answer to my handling woes... read about how tires help and so on. i keep trying but i'm not there yet. when i cross an uneven road surface the bike feels wiggly. i feel it basically at all speeds. its like the bike is hinged in the middle. i have the super fork brace on and a new shinko tour master up front, i'll be putting a new rear shinko on this week. maybe that will help. i've tried all tire pressures and it helps a touch but not enough. i'm convinced something is wrong with the front forks..i've looked for cracks in the frame and don't see any. i've put over 2k miles on the bike and love it but this wiggle is killing me and if i could get this resolved then the bike would be perfect. i know the bike went down at some point. the tell tale highway bar crack in the plastic elbow, the crack in the right fairing and so on. i've noticed the handle bars are cocked to the left a touch and it is likely because of bike going down, i noticed that when i removed the front tire that i thought the right front fork was twisted a touch thus making the bolt hard to remove and reinstall since the alignment was off a bit. i also hear some clunking or some kind of looseness in the fork tubes when i bounce the front end gently when its on the rear stand, but when i grab and twist everything it all feels solid. if i have to put a whole new front end on there, i will. i can't trust the way this thing feels although it does feel pretty good in the curves, but to switch lanes is like gambling with your life. i don't know if anybody is close to me that can coach me or give me some counsel or if there is a tech day that i can get some experts to take a look. any suggestions?? -
I am wanting to add some LED accent lights to my '89 VR. I have read through the threads, online searches etc. What I am looking for is ideas of where to place them. I know I want under carriage ground effects but also how to best show of the lines of the VR around the engine and front etc. I plan on taking out my damaged side panel vents and replacing with clear lexan and the light the engine. My bike is the pearl white version and want to go with blue. What other areas do others highlight? I have not found many pictures of other VRs. Also, recommendations on the LED types, wattage etc. Thanks. Gary
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So I got this Venture about a week ago as a project bike. It wasn't in too bad a condition for sitting for four years, so after two days of cleaning it up it looked pretty good. Spent the better part of another two days making repairs and cleaning the carbs. Put it back together synched the carbs and it now runs like a champ. Thanks to all for suggestions and comments!
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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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Would this work on our Venture system? http://www.sierra-mc.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BMP-HGW-IPD-V03
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Greetings fellow Ventureriders ! Saw this bike for sale on eBay and gotta say it is one purdy looking bike http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/One-original-owner-ton-accsesories-alarm-navigation-radio-and-much-more-/290694427948?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item43aebcf52c ! Noticed these two "Safety Chrome" accessories that I have never seen before. The outer chrome rings on the wheels/rims and the chrome cover where the original horn should be. You guys know if this is custom made or if this is available somewhere ? Want to be safe and need all the chrome I can get
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Hi everyone. Until last Friday I had been riding a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard C50 that I purchased new. Nice bike, but no matter what I did to it (batwing, mustang seats, hard bags, etc.) I just wasn't able to turn a cruiser into a comfortable long distance bike. I made several trips from my home in northern Indiana to my former home in Lexington, Ky on the C50. 4.5 hr trip and I would be mentally and physically exhausted upon arrival. I knew I needed something bigger and more road worthy. I was thinking used Gold Wing and began watching the Craigslist ads. I kept seeing a 1983 Venture Royale in immaculate condition popping up and there was just something about this bike that I liked. Long story short, I listed my C50 on the Chicago craigslist thursday morning and delivered it to a guy in Kankakee, Illinois on friday afternoon. I was back in Lafayette by 4pm and had the Venture in my garage by 7pm. Things were working out! I took it out saturday and made a 300 mile ride up to the Indiana Dunes area by Michigan city for lunch. The bike performed flawlessly and even after riding 6 plus hours and 300 miles I was completely relaxed and felt great when I got home. Some friends think I'm crazy for selling a almost new bike and buying a 30 year bike but I'll tell you I couldn't be happier. I'm aware of the 2nd gear issue and hope to learn more from the tech forums. Any advice on maintenance or things to watch for would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to meeting other Venture riders in my area. Thanks. Greg. http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/TSM01/IMAG0127.jpg http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/TSM01/IMAG0126-1.jpg http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/TSM01/IMAG0128.jpg http://http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/TSM01/IMAG0127.jpg http://http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/TSM01/IMAG0125.jpg http://http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/TSM01/IMAG0128.jpg
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I have seen the "fly and ride" rental ads on the internet, but I love our RSTD with the mods we have made. And, it seems to me that it would be cheaper for a 1 - 2 week tour to ship the bike, pick it up and use it for the vacation, bring it back, have it shipped back, etc, than the cost of renting a bike. We are in Delaware and both employed so considering going cross country (which would be great!) is out of the range of our vacation days! But, we might be able to afford to ship the bike, buy econo plane tickets both ways and do something really great! Has anyone done this?
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Got the bike loaded on the trailer and in a few days the wife and I will be headed to florida for 12 days of riding. ready for some warmer weather and riding.
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I know everyone that turns wrenches on just about anything has stories that when thought about, would make one wonder how was I that stupid but later makes you laugh. Years ago, I had just finished a 4 year project, I took two Yamaha 750 specials and made one good out if it. It was beautiful! Every bolt removed and all the parts fixed polished and painted. Late one night I ran the bike and saw no problems, all was good I decided I would test ride it the next day. I went to the shop the next morning, put the liability insurance paperwork under the seat and installed the plates. I fired up the bike with the overhead door open, and let it run a bit to warm up. I picked a few tools up and turned my back for a few seconds.... I heard the now familiar whoosh ... I turned to see the bike on fire. Flames are coming out from under the fuel tank! No problem, I grab the fire extinguisher, pull the pin aim it at the fire and pull the handle. Pfffft, Oh Oh all I get is a poof of dust then nothing! Holy Crap! Now what? The fire has gotten bigger now...I am going to catch the whole shop on fire. So I grab the back of the bike and start sliding the thing towards the overhead door. It moved pretty good with it on the center stand and sliding across painted concrete. When I get it to the door... the center stand hits grass and stops dead... at about the same time the fire gets bigger as it has burned through the fuel line. Panic sets in as flames are melting the Styrofoam on the door. Somehow I grab the back of the bike and heave it into the lawn. It tips over and is fully engulfed. As this happens I hear my retired neighbor lady yell to her husband...GARY CALL 911 Rob has a fire!! I cant even remeber how I did it but I kick the fuel tank across the lawn and grab the water hose and the fire goes out. As I stand there and gaze at the pile of smouldering ruins I hear a calm voice behind me, its Gary my neighbor, he says Hmmm I see you got it out it doesnt look so bad. I bet you can fix it. I never did fix it. I hauled the remains, all the parts left over, and anything that had to do with this machine to a guy that wanted it. My wife and I laugh about it now, but in the end I was lucky to not get seriously burned, lucky to not burn the shop down. Even luckier to not have it start on fire while riding it. Moral of the story? Check your fire extinguisher! Have a spare!
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Just My luck....going to be near 75 tomorrow, was going to ride the bike to church in the A.M. and then go for a ride. Went in the shop to check on the bike and found a coolant leak around the left rear cylinder cover. Pulled the side cover and discovered, it appears that the plug is leaking. There are threads in the plug but no bolt. Is there supposed to be a bolt that holds the plug in ? If so what size? Thanks, Mel
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Have any of you ever been able to run 2 batteries in parallel on a RSTD? I have been thinking that it may help make sure that i always have power, but I am not sure how the increase in amps will affect the bike. Any ideas?
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Ok, when I purchased my 2003 RSV about 6 weeks ago, the guy stated the previous owner was a female. True or not IDK. The bike came with a Corbin seat, that the guy claims he doesn't know if it fits, but came with the bike so OK. A few days ago I removed the seats and installed the Corbin. Here's the dilemma ( with pics to help): the rear portion of the seat seems too short. The little stem that should slide under the back seat post doesn't seem to reach. I was able to bolt down the front and it didn't seem to move at all. I just don't know enough about the bike or Corbin seats to see if it indeed is the proper seat. The sticker on the back says Corbin VENT-DT and the number next to the barcode reads 2303449. Can anyone help to determine if what I have indeed fits, or I have a $475 paperweight. It looks as if the end of the back seat is a bit further forward or "shorter" then original seat, but I would say not by very much. I am also showing some of the front, to see if thats the normal position. Any and all advice is appreciated. *** I can not seem to add more then one pic*** grrrrrrr -
We are thinking about going to the Bike Show in Minneapolis this January. Is anyone else thinking of going? Tom
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When I get frisky and decide to do a good detail on my bike I take off the seats and saddle bags. The problem is with the saddle bags off the bike it's hard to keep the saddle bags stable enough to clean them. Anyone have any suggestions. I thought about maybe building a rack I could put them in while cleaning.
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In two days I've clocked 888 miles for the new year, I'm going riding tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. the bike rides like a New Bike. I'm loving it.....
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Hi, I have been looking at the trailer hitches available for my 06 RSTD and they all come with the round bar all the across to connect to the saddlebag brackets. But when I look at my bike, I see 2 bar/brackets with threaded holes in them. I have attached 2 photos of the bars. Does anyone know what is supposed to be attached to these threaded holes? Thanks
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Well Mini and I went to New York for Christmas with her family as we do every year and when I got home I noticed that there was one empty parking space in the yard. Has anyone seen a white 12 wing that is missing a fat guy on it? As some of you know I had surgery on my left ankle on 12-6 and the doctor said that I would be off the foot for as long as 4 months depending on how well it heals.So I dont even look over to the bike parking area.No need to depress myself. I think I know who has the wing but am not sure Hopefully my bike will be at the annual even though I will be in a cage with the foot in a boot that I cant walk on. Keep your eyes open and let me know if yall see my bike Depressed grounded fat man (jeff)
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I know different versions have been around, but.... YOU MIGHT BE A BIKER IF........ If you paid more for your bike than you did for your wife's engagement ring... If your Christmas cards have a picture of Santa Claus on a motorcycle... If you ride your bike to work at least two or three days a week... If you subscribe to three or more motorcycle magazines, and still pick up extras every week at the newsstand or motorcycle dealership... If you spent more on tires last year than you did on clothes... If you check the Weather Channel on Friday, knowing full well you're still going to ride that weekend depsite what they say... If you can rattle off the names, model designations and horsepower ratings of all the newest bikes, but can't remember your kids' birthdays... If you ever had your barber/hairdresser cut your hair really short so you wouldn't have to comb it out every time you took your helmet off... If you ever grew a beard just to keep your chin warm when riding in the winter... If your personal stationery, credit cards, checks or business cards have a picture of a motorcycle on them... If your bike(s) is kept in your garage, while your car is parked outside... If you remember the exact day you bought your first bike, but have trouble remembering your wedding anniversary... If you sometimes buy premium gas for your bike, even though it doesn't need it, just because you want to show it you care... If you can't walk away from your parked bike without looking back at least once to "see if it's okay"... If you look for excuses to hang around your local motorcycle shop for hours on end, even when you have no business to conduct there... When you're pulling into a parking lot or rest area, if you look for other bikes to park next to so you can talk to the riders... If you won't rent a motel room unless you can park where you can see your bike from the window...And, when you get up in the middle of the night to take a leak, you stop by the window just to see if it's still there... If the return address on all your outgoing mail is those little sticky labels from the AMA... If your cell phone's custom ringer has been programmed to play "Born to be Wild" or "Bad to the Bone"... If you ever detoured 100 miles out of your way just to catch 20 miles of twisties... If your life partner has ever said to you, "You're getting awful cranky lately ~ maybe you should go for a ride"... If you use $6.00 a quart oil in your bike, and buy whatever's on sale for $0.99 to use in your car... If your carry-on luggage on the plane is a tank bag... If your pet dog/cat/goldfish or whatever is named "Scooter", "Harley", "Vincent" or "Triumph"... If you know the exact make, model and size of tires that are on your bike, and precisely what inflation you run in them, but have no idea what brand is on your car... If you buy earplugs in packs of a dozen... If you believe than any piece of metal might look better chromed... If you ever tried to teach your dog to ride on the bike with you... If your idea of "taking it easy" is only riding 200 miles today... If you thought buying your wife a new helmet for her birthday was a good idea... If you think 8 a.m. is too early to start work, but 7 a.m. is too late to start a ride... If you turn to look every time you hear a motorcycle exhaust... If you ever went for a ride when you were sick, rationalizing that it might make you feel better... If you once rode 1,000 miles or more in a single day, just to see if you could do it... If you occasionally realize that you forgot to eat lunch, or dinner, or both, because you were "too busy" riding... If you've ever run out of gas for no other reason than you wanted to see how far your bike would go on reserve... If the guy behind the parts counter at your local dealership greets you by your first name when you walk in the door... If your wife threatened to leave you if you bought one more bike, and started getting her luggage out of the closet... If you stare out the window of an airplane, trying to imagine what it would be like to ride the roads you're passing over... If you occasionally go out to the garage just to "look in" on your bike... If you spend more time hanging out in the parking lot, among the bikes, tha actually going inside the place you just rode over 100 miles to get to... If you ever argued~with your wife or yourself~ that it was too cold (wet,windy or whatever) outside to work in the yard, and then went riding instead... If the first thing to wear out on your boots is the top of the left toe... If you can identify various insects by their flavor... If you find yourself leaning into turns when driving your car... If you've ever decided it would be easier to just ride the bike than to scrape the snow off the car... If your answer to, "Why do you own three bikes?" would be, "Fool~because I can't afford four!"... If seeing something leaking out of your motorcycle causes you more anguish than seeing your own blood...
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On road bike and ready for use as a fishing boat ! http://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/12/ural-yamal/
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Let me introduce myself, My names Luke, Im 18, in collage at Michigan Tech, and have been riding bikes for 2 years now. I have had 3 bikes in that time my first (and current) 1982 Virago 750, an old Honda XL18s basket case i put back together and traded that for a 1974 Honda CB550 cafe'd it (http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=32766.0), rode it for a month and a half and sold it. I have always kinda liked the touring bikes (venture being my favorite that i could afford), and am looking to get something a little more practical for a long haul or two and I am a big guy (6'3, 200 lbs) so i want something bigger than my Virago, I have a chance to trade my extra truck (long story how it became extra) for a 1983 Venture with 24000 miles and a 1966 Suzuki B100P. I am excited, already have plans for the Venture. If at least the venture checks out i should have 2 more bikes in my collection in less than a week! Does anyone have know any specific things i should inspect hard/ problem area's on this bike when i check it out? Also I will have some cash and time over the winter to do some work and upgrade the bike over the winter is there any upgrades you would suggest i make (GPS, driving lights, tapered steering bearings...anything)
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Well after putting 10,000 miles on my Kumho CT, I replaced it with a Avon Venom. During the 10,000 mile Kumho test I endured: --- multiple wild tank-slapping episodes on curves above 70 mph --- instability trying to stop sideways on a grade... tire wanted to dump the bike --- instability on grooved highway --- pain in the ass getting comments from people telling me my wobble problems were other bike problems & that I needed to fix them because there was nothing wrong with a CT Well, I changed the tire & tested it today. I took the same routes & speeds that always generated a wobble. There is NO WOBBLE! Woo HOO! I then redid the test with speeds up to 100 mph (corrected). So now if I get carried away passing or avoiding, I don't have to fear a Tank Slapping episode of SUPER FEAR. The 2008 RSV rides & handles great now. No CT for me ever again on a 2 wheel motorcycle. JohnB
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Hello everyone. I have spent some time reading older posts regarding what everyone brings on the road. Naturally, people bring or leave things depending on the type of trip ( weekend vs. week, solo vs. 2 up, weather etc ) . This leads me to asking you savvy riders this: 1- where and HOW are you putting all this stuff in ?? The RSV has the presence of a lot of room, but it seems like I may have thought it had more then it does. I mean after the wrenches, tire compressor, rain gear, misc stuff such as flashlights, screwdrivers, oil, etc. what room is left for food, water and clothes. 2- at some point I will be taking a 2 up over night journey and again, where and how am I putting up stuff including spouse ( she doesn't think it would be fun stuffing her in trunk ) the rest of the general packing list and clothes for 2. Maybe it's just me, but I do not throw away socks and shirts after a trip. On the kawasaki , we use a T bag which fits behind the passenger backrest. This left both saddle bags for gear. I am trying to figure out the best way to pack this bike, for longer trips ( to me it means 200+ miles) and overnights which was the reason I picked up the bike. ( sadly time and responsibilities with the little ones do not allow me longer journeys w the wife) I learn so much from this sight, and many thanks to those that take the time to respond and reply both on the forum and through PM. I eagerly await your replies....
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