Front Top Engiine Mounts

[RAm5700]

Anyone removed these? The motor appears to be solidly mounted without them. Assume they are there to tie the motor to the top frame to limit frame flex under load.

 

They could potentially be cut down flush with the cylinder to maintain cosmetics and the access to the front top would vastly improve.

 

Would like to know if the original version of the RSTD had them and if anyone has ridden without them. upgraded engine mounts from the V-Max aftermarket house may have the same affect.

 

Wanted to reach out before learning from doing........

 

BTW, I am a professional so don't try this at home.

[M61A1MECH]

I am no authority on this by any means, but I can tell you that the original Tour Deluxe that were made using the original standard Royal Star motor and frame (96 to 01)did not have those extra struts, but that motor also put out about 20 horsepower less than the Venture and newer Tour Deluxe mootors.

 

A few folks have swapped out the newer Venture style motor into the older (96 to 01) model Royal Stars, most notably Tank from the Delphi Venture forum, you want to ask him what he did with the motor mounts, because I am sure he did not use the upper portion. If you are not familar with that forum I can post a link later if you need.

 

My personal take would be , that the engineers at Yamaha had good reason to add those struts, they certianly did not add them for the looks, so they probably have a very useful function that if removed could cause problems in the long run. But that is just me.

[RAm5700]

I am no authority on this by any means, but I can tell you that the original Tour Deluxe that were made using the original standard Royal Star motor and frame (96 to 01)did not have those extra struts, but that motor also put out about 20 horsepower less than the Venture and newer Tour Deluxe mootors.

 

A few folks have swapped out the newer Venture style motor into the older (96 to 01) model Royal Stars, most notably Tank from the Delphi Venture forum, you want to ask him what he did with the motor mounts, because I am sure he did not use the upper portion. If you are not familar with that forum I can post a link later if you need.

 

My personal take would be , that the engineers at Yamaha had good reason to add those struts, they certianly did not add them for the looks, so they probably have a very useful function that if removed could cause problems in the long run. But that is just me.[/QUOTE]

 

Really, you have that much faith in engineers? You don't know engineers......

 

Seriously, yes they serve a purpose. Looks like they provide a stiffer frame package but this may be achievable another way. Then again I have removed engineered stuff off of cars, trucks and motorcycles for years that only made them better............

 

Thanks for the link offer, if you don't mind that may be helpful.

[djh3]

They dont weigh that much. I would have to say that with out knowing the torsional load and twist etc of the engine and how the frame is made vs the other earlier TD I would have to leave them alone. thats not to say you couldnt maybe machine them down a bit and maybe some sharp looking billit pieces or something. I am one of the first to say say that "behind every good train wreck is an engineer" but I too think they probably had good reason to put them there.

[M61A1MECH]

Here are the links I promised, http://forums.delphiforums.com/vrider, http://forums.delphiforums.com/royalstar,

Just ask the same question, or do a search for engine swap, I am sure Tank will chime in he is very active on both forums.

 

I do know engineers quite well , I work for and engineer to order firm that services the sub sea oil and gas market, prior to that I worked closely with aerospace engineers on tactical missiles for the Navy. They like everyone have their faults and need to be dope slapped on occasion, but in general they do good work and have reasons behind what they do. Trust me there is a reason for those struts, can you remove lots of stuff from that bike and still have it run, absolutely, should you with out knowing the full extent of why that part is there and the potential consequences, not a good idea in my book. They may be there due to guidelines inposed by Yamaha to ensure a certian safety factor is met in the design, such as what happens to the motor in the case of a crash.

Anyway it is your bike do as you please, if you elect to remove the struts and later decide to sell the bike, please be sure to tell the new owner about the mod so he / she can make their own decision on if they need to be installed or not.

[RAm5700]

OK Team, everyone lighten up. I will not be doing anything that is dangerous or foolish that is why the questions on this forum. I have many years of experience racing and building bikes, cars and trucks. I can fabricate as needed and rebuild from the ground up so I am not the average touring rider. Thanks for the concern and I'll look at the other forums to see what is out there. Sometimes I just have a better idea.....:lightbulb:and sometimes I don't......