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I am a bit surprised that there has been no talk of a hybrid. I doubt that I would be a customer but it seems that bike manufacturers jumped right over the hybrid idea and are going straight to all electric. Not at all good for long distance touring.

I got a call today and my cabin is full now. Looks like Joe from WV and Dan from Chicago will be joining me. Let the fun begin!

Yea, I had seen in my searches that the contacts were the main culprit. I did take it apart as far as I could and looked at the contacts. Didn't know what to look for. They weren't stuck. So, when you turn the key to on the pump should click a few times? I had it mounted and grounded but with input and output ports open, no hoses attached. Measured 12v at the connector. So just use fine sandpaper on the contacts? If that doesn't work I would like to try different points first then your used pump. You've ridden a million miles? I will definitely subscribe to your channel. I watch youtube every day and never knew about your channel.

I have to make a list, then edit the list, empty the trailer and the bike, pack according to the list figure out that it will not all fit, redo the list, empty everything back out, repack, figure out I can fit more, redo the list and start all over again till it all fits, finally throw the list away then pack from what I took last time.

Asheville 2022T (20.pdf

Just a thread for anyone to pop in and show and tell what you've been working on. The RSV clear coat was badly sunburned, peeling with areas of corroded aluminum. I started the day by doing a steering bearing snug up which is it's own story, I now have decent sized hole in my chin, But after that I pulled the front wheel worked out a small dent in the fender and stripped and brush\polished the fork lowers and wheel. 4" blue dico wheel in a $5 garage sale drill. then blue magic on a buffing wheel in the same drill. forks are done but ran out of light while working the wheel. Also spent a quality hour straightening radiator fins where some PO had "cleaned" it with a power washer .......

I used a Mr Gasket pump from Oreilly’s on my 1st gen. Took a little plumbing but worked.

Sounds really expensive. Last year our prices were around $1.25L, this year $2>$2.25L. Big jump! And it doesn't cost anymore to get it out of the ground.

Hey Pop, On Ebay, Caltric sells a brand new unit for $50 +/- a few. I have installed them a few times with no issues. Here is the link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/291760653742 I have attached a pic! Hope this helps, Earl

If it was working well before then is sounds like maybe you have a clog? There is a small hole at the bottom that reservoir that can get clogged pretty easy with any piece of trash....it can be hard to see that hole too if the fluid is dirty, maybe a paperclip or needle to explore once you suck out the existing fluid? I use a syringe to remove old fluid. Usually a really good cleaning along with a full fluid flush will solve issues like that (DOT 4 fluid from a new unopened bottle). I use a vacuum pump to pull new fluid thru, just make sure you don't get any air bubbles in the system or it will take a lot longer to get it working properly. Good luck with it, nice that you were so close to home!

Thank you! Yes, it was definitely a selling point. looks even better now it is fully cleaned and dressed. Just waiting to go back on!

I agree with everything you said.

Well, I guess I need to do my homework before commenting. In fact, Kawasaki does have a hybrid, albeit not a touring model, in the works. To be honest, I'm not impressed with it but they are working on one. The article also ways that Honda tried a hybrid scooter and Piaggio has a hybrid MP3. I don't know if either are still in production. https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/kawasaki-hybrid-motorcycle-prototype-unveiled/

All good points to worry...uh..think about. I haven't pulled the forks apart to check the bearing condition, @RDawson. My brain starts to hurt when I think about the steps involved in gutting the front end. I've read a number of comments on progressive springs for the forks, and I should really consider those along with the new neck bearings. My hesitation on taking that apart is probably a twin brother to my hesitation on pulling the carbs out for a re-build. I've never had ANY carb apart, and the thought of screwing up four of them is frightening. On the other hand we learn by doing, right? This bike has taught me how to install a clutch, a stator, an electronic fuel pump and a new rear diff. How hard could the forks be....😬 You're correct @cowpuc, I should pick Earl's brain on detailing that rear end. In the meantime... GEEZERS UNITE!!!👴 Cheers....

keep in mind that a MC tire has a whole lot less rubber on the road compared to a CT, so a small amount of things being out with a CT could have a great amount of input.

I think there is more to the failure of the Gen 3 than just people getting out of touring. I think there would have been a lot more interest in the Gen 3 if Mom Yam would have listened to our club, BUT,, she didn't and here we are. On the same token though, yep,, the touring bike world has gone somewhat stagnant hasn't it. I do know the people that own the Harley shop in town personally and know they are not doing to bad. They have sold a TON of used bikes and don't seem to be doing to bad on new stuff, when they can get them in. It will be really interesting to see how the Sturgis Rally does with attendance this year. In the past, during downturns in sales that rally also shows downturns. On a whole different thought, I have for many years (since the greeny movement got out of hand) thought a Hybrid Motorcycle might just be the thing now that will be the future of touring bikes. If I were CEO of HD or Polaris I would be pushing this, especially now. Our little Hybrid car maintains +60 MPG on the highway with its combined total of 140 hp electric motor/gas engine. I think the 1st company to take a serious shot at doing something similar with a touring bike and breaking into +100 mpg in so doing will be paid in big dividends. Of course, this all hinges on basic economics now though. If this recession is not dealt with head on we may all be walking and eating deer taken from the state parks. Country boy will survive! Puc

@Papa Fred, depending on where you took the reading from you may find out your good to go. Ride it and see how she does, just dont let go of the bars and go no handed yet, feel it out brother. 2 to 3 pounds taken at the forks may very well be fine, I always did mine from the bar tips and found 5 poundsish to work best. Also make sure when you take the readings that you have no cable drag or other snags. On the rear axle alignment. I think at one time Mom Yam used to make special shims for aligning the final drive at the swingarm. I also think at one time @skydoc_17 was offering shims for this.. Its been a while and lots of water has gone over the dam since I was spinning wrenches but it may be worth at least getting Earls thoughts on this. My oh my that was a LOT of thinking for a geezer! lol

I’ve been using it for a month now and absolutely love it! Much better than being inside. I tried to angle the pic to capture my Mountain View. Maple tree blocks it quite a bit in summer.

My wife’s car is in the shop so I said honey take my car the weather is going to be great and I can ride my bike to work. I checked the oil and tires and a quick run around the neighborhood since I hadn’t ridden her in a while. After the second day I decided to go round and tighten up bolts and screws and have a look at her. Uh oh I see a missing bolt . This bolt goes through the fork leg to hold the right brake caliper on there are two bolts upper and lower. Next day I’m riding home and my cup holder flys off and lands in my lap. I know it’s not a car but it’s a little scary to know things can vibrate off even when you do a quick inspection. So just a reminder check your bike before every ride cause you never know!

Austria is beautiful...... Near the Kaunertal (glacier) 2750 meters altitude and Lake Silvretta.

Have you checked the neck bearings themselves? Yamaha is known for very little grease there, after I replaced mine it rode like a new bike.

We took a 105’ tower truck out of service recently because of electrical/electronic issues. As it was a custom built truck there are no diagrams or graphics to go by to track the issues. It’s all to do with the ladder movement not the engine. 18,000 miles on it and it’s being sold for scrap. To replace it is $1.3 million, we don’t have the budget so we do without. CORRECTION: they’ll do without, I’m retiring next month.

I am in full agreement and as a mechanic for 50 some years I have seen the changes and how they effect the trucking industry. the increased amount of time that these trucks spend in our shop compared to years ago and the repair bills I have to hand customers are brutal to say the least. Now we do not just replace a $2 headlamp but a $1,200+ headlight module. Due to increased use of data link in our vehicles wiring issues can take days instead of hours to resolve and pretty much any issue that may occur can no longer be repaired on the side of the road. Ninety percent of breakdowns now either have to limp in or get towed in. Where I used to see 3- 4 tow ins a year I now see them on a monthly bases sometimes even 3 in one day. It may be great for my job security but my heart sure bleeds for the poor truck driver, specially the independent who only has the one truck. Ninety percent of this stuff only satisfies gadget crazy people and the manufactures. at the end of they day your still only riding or delivering product from A to B.

Went and installed an old shield yesterday and rode it home. Took the front end apart and found minimal damage to the fairing. One screw hole on the outer broke out around a windshield screw and the inner flanges broke where the shield bracket bolts to it. From what I understand mine was one of the few that hadn’t broken at the bracket bolts. More of the tabs on the chrome strip under the shield broke. Insurance took pics, we’ll see where that goes. Talked to Clearview, they are good on stock so I’ll order the shield soon. Teeth are healing and tightening well, pain has been minimal. Really the worst part is eating canned soup and apple sauce watching wife n kid eat pizza🤣🤣.

Wonderful song Puc . Knee mail sent for mom and you my friend.

The $$$ it’s costing to go so high tech isn’t helping. Most of us older riders want to get away from technology and go relax. I don’t care for all the infotainment, touch screens, glitzy tech on my truck let alone my bike. Go back to a simpler fuel injected water cooled bike we can work on ourselves and drop the prices so more can afford it. It freaks me out when my truck text messages me about oil changes and low tires, I don’t want my bike doing it.

Either your a really slow packer or I'm going to be real late....

Time to start packing.

the tires I have on my Hybrid car are cheapies from Walmart, Douglas tires that cost $42 instead of the OEM "Green" greenie tires that cost $175 each. I run those cheap Douglas tires at 45 psi instead of OEM spec of 36 psi to save on fuel and it works awesome with no sign of odd wear. The sidewall on the Douglas states 51 psi max (see pic). I cant imagine that $42 douglas tires have ANYTHING over any other car tire BUT I would check the sidewall for max psi 1st anyway when adjusting to regain control of the bike running dark side .. I know for fact the one I increased to regain control on my friends Valkarie was rated to 50 psi so it definitly was no where near above designed max. Please note @saddlebum,, car/bike factory spec for tire psi is NOT max psi on tires. Also note folks, when checking/adjusting tire pressures do so with tire cold and do not worry about where the tire psi will rise to when hot.. Tire manufacture max psi's are designed with heat increase in mind, its normal and perfectly safe psi max and inflated to 50 psi when cold to go over 50 psi when hot. ALWAYS CHECK YOUR TIRE STAMP WHEN INFLATING THOUGH! way it works. Puc for a tire rated at 50

Really looking forward to this event.... haven't done much riding the last few years and haven't ridden anywhere beyond about an hour from home. Can't wait!

We sure hope you make it.

This event is my target goal for my knee replacement rehab.... working hard to make it happen. This Tuesday will be 4 weeks post surgery.

Less than 2 months away!

I have been reading reports that the Yamaha Star Venture is done. We all know that there was no 2019 model. The last year and the current model is the 2021 model. The Eluder was a one year model. Once again, they skipped 2022. Dealers are reporting that they have heard nothing from Yamaha about a 2023 model. Also, I am reading that several large Hondas are being discontinued. I have even read that SOME models of the Goldwing are going away and there are rumors that due to International emissions standards, that it is the manual transmission models that will no longer be available. Word is that they can meet the emission standards possibly with the automatic models but not with the manual transmission. I have no idea how Harley and Indian are going to do it but I am told that the USA standards are a good bit less restrictive than European standards. Honda, Yamaha, etc. serve a larger global market than Harley and Indian and I understand will likely not produce a bike that can only be sold in the USA. Add to this the fact that most of the younger generation are not buying large cruisers and touring bikes and many of the older generation are either no longer riding or downsizing to lighter bikes and it just doesn't bode well for the future of large touring machines. All very interesting and I think mostly rumor at this point but the big Japanese cruisers may be in trouble. I guess we will learn if it's truth or fiction in the next few months.

Tried Caltric. They took my order, said it was shipped then sent me a refund saying it was not available.