Time to start Tearing into the Bike,....

[DarrinGT]

Hi All, I have been lurking for a while and posted a few things, mostly trying to get some more knowledge before tearing into my bike getting it ready for Spring. Great site and lots of information here!

 

Here is the story, My wife and I started riding 2 years ago and just fell in love with it. We have a great group of friends and family who we get to ride with and it has been a new and awesome experience for us.

 

We started on a 1982 Honda Silverwing Interstate with 7,000 original miles on it. We put 10K miles on it over the last 2 summers and it was a great starter bike for us. I sold is on E-Bay and it now has a nice new warm home in Florida.

 

I have been looking at Royal Stars for about a year and decided that is what will be our next bike,..

 

Well I found this 1997 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Classic with 32K miles on it:

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1996YamahaRoyalStar001_zps4b5dccf3.jpg

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1996YamahaRoyalStar002_zps5db08446.jpg

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1996YamahaRoyalStar003_zps3b34d541.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/33920/2141459730101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/47038/2219161110101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

It was at the Auto Auction (I own a car lot) late last fall. I was high bidder on it for 2K and bought it for $2,220.00 and rode it 60 Miles back to my shop the same day. It was too great of a deal to pass up! My wife and I are very excited about it!

 

I put a new rear tire and rear brakes on it last fall, was able to put about 200 miles on it before snow flew and it has been sitting ever in my shop since. Few other things that I have done to it was buy a stock windshield, rear floor boards, front lowers, and a luggage rack.

 

Since I got it from the auction I have no idea where it is as far as maintenance is concerned So now it is time to start working on it. Here are the plans:

 

Do all of the basics

Full Fluid: Change, Oil, Rear Drive, Front Forks,

Tune Up, Plugs, Clean the K&N's

Sync the Carbs

Adjust the Valves.

 

For Modifications:

 

Install Fairing with full gauges: volt, Temp, Oil, and tac

6x9 Speakers

Small Amp for a MP3 Player, dont want a big car radio.

Tall Riders Back Rest

Luggage rack

Few more saftey chrome items.

 

 

The plan is to start working on it in the next few days and have it all done before spring.

 

Here are some pics of it so far:

 

Fairing test fit:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover002_zps08625be4.jpg

 

 

 

Side Shot tank, seats, side motor covers removed:

 

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover003_zps8573ebce.jpg

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/45931/2789621260101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Didnt know the bike has K&N Filters!

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover004_zps10513349.jpg

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/45235/2789763760101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Shot of the rear quad pipes: Think they are Barons Nasty Boys

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover005_zpsfd156eb7.jpg

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/3275/2607327560101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Yamaha's Comfort Cruise Seats made by Corbin, and Tank:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover006_zpsdbda4006.jpg

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/46708/2694000440101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Side Motor Covers to be blasted and re painted:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover007_zps1f362dd9.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/48050/2556630150101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Fairing Backside:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover008_zps678f716f.jpg

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/359/2310931100101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Rear seat and windshield:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover009_zps49835fea.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/13306/2960733780101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Oil leak on the right side:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover011_zpsfb610ef2.jpg

 

 

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/26176/2902507960101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Left shot of bike:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover012_zps33e48000.jpg

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/46700/2436787720101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

So I will keep everything in this post as progress slowly moves forward. I am sure that I will be needing some advice as I get into this project.

We plan on keeping this bike for some time so if you have any suggestions or advice I would be happy to hear it!

 

Thanks!

Darrin

Edited October 18, 2013 by DarrinGT

[dingy]

Having never seen one of these bikes naked, the thing that leaps out at me is the air cleaner pods in 5th picture.

 

Is this normal for this model?

 

I know a stock 1st gens don't like the air intake modified.

 

Gary

[RedRider]

While doing the fluids, flush out the brakes and clutch lines. Easy to do and is good maintenance.

 

On another note, you may want to look at getting the cylinder covers diamond cut instead of painted. EUSA1 likely has a set already done in the Classifieds. Just a thought.

 

*EDIT* EUSA1 did not have them in classfieds. Check this posting link http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=51149&highlight=diamond+fins

 

Looking good. Welcome to the family.

 

RR

Edited January 20, 2011 by RedRider

[DarrinGT]

Having never seen one of these bikes naked, the thing that leaps out at me is the air cleaner pods in 5th picture.

 

Is this normal for this model?

 

I know a stock 1st gens don't like the air intake modified.

 

Gary

 

 

Hey Gary.

 

Thanks to Jerry W he let me know that the air cleaner system is a Barons Big Air Kit

 

http://www.baronscustom.com/catalog/display/254/

 

I didn't even know what this was till he pmed me on it! Pretty cool setup!

[url=http://www.baronscustom.com/catalog/display/254/][/url]

[DarrinGT]

While doing the fluids, flush out the brakes and clutch lines. Easy to do and is good maintenance.

 

On another note, you may want to look at getting the cylinder covers diamond cut instead of painted. EUSA1 likely has a set already done in the Classifieds. Just a thought.

 

*EDIT* EUSA1 did not have them in classfieds. Check this posting link http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=51149&highlight=diamond+fins

 

Looking good. Welcome to the family.

 

RR

 

Thanks for the welcome and good idea on the brakes and clutch lines, Ill put that on my list.

 

The Diamond Cuts are pretty sweet but I would rather save the money on other mods.

[TearlessTom]

Which fairing are you installing? It looks like the one I put on my Valkyrie.

 

How are you attaching it. That was the biggest problem for me to work out.

[Yammer Dan]

looks like you got a good start on it.

[Zane]

Having never seen one of these bikes naked, the thing that leaps out at me is the air cleaner pods in 5th picture.

 

Is this normal for this model?

 

I know a stock 1st gens don't like the air intake modified.

 

Gary

Gary, why don't stock 1st gens like the air intake modified? Just askin'.

[DarrinGT]

looks like you got a good start on it.

Thanks! Should be a fun project and a fun ride!

 

 

 

Which fairing are you installing? It looks like the one I put on my Valkyrie.

 

How are you attaching it. That was the biggest problem for me to work out.

 

It is an Invicta Motorsports fairing. It was on e-bay but specified for a Road Star, not a Royal Star, But I figured if you can bolt a Road Star windshiled on a Royal, why wouldn't this work. I took a chance and bid on a coupe but they went higher than I was willing to take a gamble on. There were some on there for a buy it now about $200.00 to $300.00 shipped. I got it for $101.51 shipped. It bolts right on the stock windshield bolts.

 

The problem is that the bottom of the radio holder touches the stock risers:

 

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover013_zpsd85d993e.jpg

http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/16038/2027741100101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

So the fairing bracket is not fully seated on the windshield bracket:

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover001_zps1626a611.jpg

 

 

 

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/18171/2176677100101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

So my fix for that is to change out the risers to Stock Venture Ones that I just bought on E-bay last night.

 

See this thread: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55805

 

Ill get some pics up when I get them installed.

Edited October 18, 2013 by DarrinGT

[dingy]

Gary, why don't stock 1st gens like the air intake modified? Just askin'.

 

 

The 4 different jets in each carb are calibrated to the air flow based upon the stock air box configuration. There is a main jet, a needle jet and two air jets in each carb body.

 

The bike will idle fairly decent with the airbox lid modified, but the mid range is where it suffers.

 

About 2500 RPM and up it lacks power and any throttle response.

 

I tried to let my stock 83 configuration 'breathe' a little better by drilling two 3/4" holes in top of the lid, bike did not like that. I ended up covering holes with duct tape.

 

With current configuration of VMax heads and rejetted carbs, it likes the same holes now uncovered.

 

Gary

[DarrinGT]

Hey Gary, I spent some time looking at your pics, Very nice job on your bike! I like it!

[calperin]

I have the same bike. I would love to see that finished.

 

Hope to see it soon.

 

calperin

[DarrinGT]

I have the same bike. I would love to see that finished.

 

Hope to see it soon.

 

calperin

 

 

I will keep this thread updated as work is progressing,..If you can actually call it work...

 

 

The UPS Guy showed up today and bought me some parts!

 

Venture Risers

Tall Back Rest Upright

Luggage Rack

Bullitt Aluminum Nut and Brake Caliper covers.

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover_zps66d20f04.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/35294/2958892800101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

The first thing will be swapping out the risers today or tomorrow to see how the fairing fits. Then I will get it mounted and start installing gauges and sound system, Once everything is installed, I will pull it back out, take it apart and get it painted.

Edited October 18, 2013 by DarrinGT

[DarrinGT]

Ok I coulnt resist I had to take a few minutes to put on the risers and retest fit the Fairing.

 

Mission Accomplished. They gave enough room for the Fairing to come back the 1/2" that it needed, and now can be bolted in securely.

 

Here are the pics:

 

You can see how far they will pull back the handle bars and give mor room in front of the risers compared to the stock ones:

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover015_zps52df2c7d.jpg

 

 

http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/44585/2963924360101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

View from the other side:

 

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover016_zps05318b5b.jpg

http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/47316/2344474330101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

Installed and the Fairing pulled back:

 

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover018_zpsfaebad19.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/12144/2891287080101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

Here is a shot of the bracket:

 

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/1997RoyalStarTourDeluxmakeover021_zpsc6628d33.jpg

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/4798/2996611440101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

So far so good!

Edited October 18, 2013 by DarrinGT

[DarrinGT]

Now I know that the fairing will fit the next step is to install and test fit the gauges and electronics. Once that is done I will be able to paint the Fairing.

 

I picked up a set of mini gauges, I have an Autometer Tac, and a clock that I would like to install as well.

 

First drill the holes for the Mini Gauges:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/fairing001_zps637dccaf.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/46986/2867165670101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Volts, Water Temp and Oil Pressure:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/fairing002_zpsddedcd14.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/14478/2800075190101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

Got the holes drilled, had to hog them out a little but they fit nice and snug!

 

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/fairing003_zps52a4fd87.jpg

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/21179/2631237730101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

I have these Speakers sitting around the shop, the bolt holes in the back dont match up on the back but I should be able to make them work, I might buy some new ones that are marine grade,..well see,...

 

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/fairing004_zpsb195f532.jpg

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/34651/2542699860101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

Now I just need to figure out where to hook up the gauges!

 

More to come,..

Edited October 18, 2013 by DarrinGT

[TearlessTom]

Very sweet so far, keep it coming. What kind of tach are you using. or did I miss that?

[DarrinGT]

Very sweet so far, keep it coming. What kind of tach are you using. or did I miss that?

 

 

Thanks, nope you didn't miss it,

 

I have a 2 1/16" Automotive Tac that I will be flush mounted in the fairing. It is a tac that I had sitting around the shop for a while figure I will put it to good use.

 

My goal for the Fairing is the following gauges:

 

Water Temp

Oil Pressure

Volt

Tac

Clock

Audio

12V power port

 

I opted for electric gauges instead of mechanical because I want to be able to remove the fairing and install the Windshield. I will have all of the wires on a plug so I can unplug everything, remove 4 bolts and remove the Fairing.

 

I will need 7 wires.

 

12V +

12V -

12V Ignition

Water temp feed

Oil Pressure feed

Tac Sender feed

Gauge Lights

 

In the Fairing I will have a splice point for the Positive and Neg to tap into power for the audio as well as the power for the Tac, Clock, 12V power port and the Gauges.

 

Sounds good in my head,..Hope it works out in the Fairing,..

 

 

I am open to suggestions on what to use for the Audio. I dont' want to run a full automotive radio, I just want a small unit that I can plug in an IPOD. I am thinking of something like this:

 

http://www.easy-motorcycle.com/2-x-motorcycle-atv-utv-radio-fm-mp3-ipod-stereo-speaker-p-525.html

 

It would give me FM, and the IPOD input, and looks small enough to custom fit into the fairing radio opening leaving room for the tac and clock. I would probablly run a small amplifier inside the fairing to the 6X9 Speakers.

 

Like I said, I am open to other suggestions if you have any please let me know what you think.

[TearlessTom]

I used this one:

http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/html/37942.html

 

Here is a link to the finished product.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21053.0.html

 

If you look at post #23 It shows the near finished inside of the faring. The last photo on the far right you can see the cut out for the radio controller and the base unit mounted underneath it sitting oh the bottom of the fairing above the headlight.

 

 

I think yours is going to be a bit more sophisticated than mine. But it may give you some idea's as to do's and especially don'ts.

 

Tom

[DarrinGT]

I used this one:

http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/html/37942.html

 

Here is a link to the finished product.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21053.0.html

 

If you look at post #23 It shows the near finished inside of the faring. The last photo on the far right you can see the cut out for the radio controller and the base unit mounted underneath it sitting oh the bottom of the fairing above the headlight.

 

 

I think yours is going to be a bit more sophisticated than mine. But it may give you some idea's as to do's and especially don'ts.

 

Tom

 

 

That is a Beautiful Valkyre Tom! They have been one of my favorite bikes! Thanks for the pics and the info. Great job on the fairing, I like the idea of the lights in the fairing as well. Nice touch. It gives me some good ideas.

 

The radio looks nice as well but I think it is too big for my application. I would like a smaller face and leave room for the tac, and the clock where the standard radio would normally go.

[TearlessTom]

That is a Beautiful Valkyre Tom! They have been one of my favorite bikes! Thanks for the pics and the info. Great job on the fairing, I like the idea of the lights in the fairing as well. Nice touch. It gives me some good ideas.

 

The radio looks nice as well but I think it is too big for my application. I would like a smaller face and leave room for the tac, and the clock where the standard radio would normally go.

Thanks, I think you are right. If you use the guages you have it would be too big. The speedo and tach are mounted in the 6x9 speaker area along with some 5 1/2 in marine speakers.

 

The lights I got from Auto Zone and O'Riley. They are my turn, neutral, and bright indicators.

[DarrinGT]

It has been a while since I have had a chance to work on the bike, We have been dealing with the Blizzard that came through on Wednesday and dropped 16" of snow, Since I own a car lot, it takes up a ton of time getting the lot all cleared off. But We did and I was able to work on the bike today.

 

 

First of all I got the bike jack from my bro in law, we have a co-op on it and he is done using it so now I get some use out of it.

 

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/46757/2468922340101950171S600x600Q85.jpghttp://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/Yamaharoyal006_zps8c7129bf.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/31186/2215030890101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

I got the oil pressure feed line tapped into the block. I got a oil drain plug, drilled and tapped it for the Copper Feed Line:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/Yamaharoyal009_zps23327b46.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/25288/2432907660101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

Since I am using an electronic gauge, I needed to remotely mount the sender, so I ran the copper tube under the tank and mounted the gauge sender with a couple of isolated stainless steel radiator clamps.

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/Yamaharoyal010_zps38f4b56d.jpg

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/29264/2002502520101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

Top View of the Oil Pressure Sender location:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/Yamaharoyal011_zps99895c6c.jpg

 

 

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/36152/2440331060101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

 

Then I got the Water Temp Sender installed on the rear left head port by the spark plug. I removed the plug, drilled and tapped it, installed the sender and reinstalled it in the head:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/Yamaharoyal012_zps0f5e95bb.jpg

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/44971/2504076960101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

I also installed a fresh set of NGK Spare Plugs.

 

 

 

Next is to start running the wiring for the fairing, and figure out the best way to have it plug and play so the Fairing can be removable.

 

Big Thanks to Freebird for this thread

 

http://venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=19119&highlight=pressure+sender

 

that really helped me out a lot with hooking up the gauges!

Edited October 18, 2013 by DarrinGT

[DarrinGT]

Well I got a few more parts in the last couple of days:

 

Radiator Cover, front hub covers, nut covers, luggage rack,and rear brake caliper cover:

 

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/45427/2010762680101950171S600x600Q85.jpghttp://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/royalstarparts003_zps72f3398b.jpg

 

Front and rear bumpers, fender trim pieces, visors, and other misc saftey chrome:

 

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/royalstarparts006_zps48f90a40.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/34165/2822266420101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

 

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/44920/2065258520101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

Edited October 18, 2013 by DarrinGT

[DarrinGT]

Quick Update, I decided to spray the inside and dash board side of the fairing with Graveltec, It is a stone guard that has some texture to it. but a lot thinner than a spray in bedliner. Couple of reasons for trying this is that I would like a little bit of texture on the dash board, and spraying it on the insides of the faring will strehgthen the whole unit and act as a sound deadener for the Sound System

Ill get pics tomorrow.

 

I also bought the paint for the fairing, I am painting it 2 tone,..WOW was that expensive! 2 colors of Base Coat, Clear Coat, Hardener, and some other stuff that I cant remember was over $200.00,..My Brother is going to do the painting for me as that is not one of my strong points.

 

Thats it for now,..

[DarrinGT]

At this point I am looking for recommendations for just the standard basic maintenance on the bike. so any input is appreciated.

 

What motor oil do you recommend? I normally use Amsoil in all of my stuff so I would like to use Amsoil in this as well. 10W40? 20W50?

 

Oil Filter recommendations?

 

What gear oil is recommended? 80/90w?

 

How difficult is it to change/check front fork oil? I can tear stuff apart and get it back together, just never have done this before. What oil is recommended?

 

Is there an online manual that can be downloaded? I would like to get a wiring diagram.

 

 

Balancing the Carbs,..I have been doing some reading on this and since my bike has the Barons Big Air kit on it with larger jets, .... will balancing be any different than a stock carb setup? I have a buddy that can balance them for me, just want to know what we will be getting into.

 

While the Faring is out getting painted I want to start on all of this stuff,..

 

Thanks!

[DarrinGT]

Nothing,...?

 

feel like I am talking to myself,...