videoarizona

Hmmm...I'll have to check that because I do have a delay when setting cruise! Good Catch! Nah...I think @cowpuc and Tweaksis come about their speed honestly. He is a good wrench for sure! But, I'm pretty convinced that the 2nd Gen gearing is just wrong for the bike in many cases. Yes, if you are touring at 75 to 80 mph with a decent load, the gearing works....but if you are climbing or going slower...the gearing works against you. Like my headwinds....they were so strong the flags never even had a chance to bend...straight out! And even in 4th gear there were times I needed every inch of throttle to get up to 70mph! One good thing, I'm now well versed in how both the 2nd gen and I can handle winds...especially those that come from the left or right front! I'm heading to Phoenix this weekend...but when I come back, I'll look into the throttle cables. Thanks for bringing that up!

I know...Right?!!

Cj, you are probably right. Most of the time I should have stayed in 4th gear. There were a couple of fuel stops that I did every mile in 4th. But they were on some of the windiest times. Mpg's didn't change much. I was lucky to get 33 mpg on most fuel stops. BTW, I did do an unofficial test of wind design and drag coefficients with respect to turbulence hitting the scoot... It seems the "dogface" 18 wheeler tractor pushes more wind than a newer unit or even a Greyhound Bus or Class A motorhome! With both the scoot and the truck coming at each other, doing 65mph, the scoot gets the worse of the wind wave coming off the truck. With the Dogface truck....that's the unit with the long square nose... the wave of wind coming off that monster is like hitting a brick wall. Multiple times, regardless of gear, the wave of wind would knock me down at least 5 mph...knocking the cruise control off! 1st time it happened it was an eye opener as I couldn't figure out why I was rapidly slowing down! Just about the time I thought my shorts were going to change color with this unexpected loss of power, I noticed the cruise lights on standby. Whew. From that point on, I tried to duck down when one of those came at me, but even then, the wind wave would knock the cruise off. It was interesting, for sure. I don't have the room and didn't want to bore you all with some of the people I met...like the front desk lady at a Best Western who helped me research Pie Town. Nice! Or the guys on scoots who came out of Oklahoma City while I was waiting for my chance to slip on in between storms. They were adamant I should go southeast....having come that way themselves. Their eyes were about the size of their front wheels when I started talking about detouring that way! We have a good laugh after I explained the look on their faces! I guess it was quite the experience....

Oh you are a sly devil, you! Sure, be happy to answer that question....but with a caveat. 1: Twice Puc and I did a full on rolling start and both times he wizzed right on ahead of me. So 1st gen is faster.... Caveat: Once I get the Vmax mod on the rear end, I would like a rematch. Be curious if the rear end will help keep the 2nd Gen in it's optimum RPM range. Since I know the 1st gen's trannie is almost perfectly matched to it's weight. Certainly not the case with the 2nd gen. P.S. of course, I was probably over a 100 pounds heavier as my saddlebags were still packed, and I'm a bit fatter! But I don't think that would make up to much difference. I think the gearing is the problem with the 2nd gen.

Got it right! I had that experience towing the boat through Pennsylvania when an 18 wheeler went by me going downhill like I was standing still. Started oscillating. Floored the Yukon and she straightened right up. I pulled over and threw more weight in the bow of the boat's Vberth. That stopped that. Since then, I lengthened the tongue, and moved the boat a few inches so I'm running about 12% on the tongue weight. Around 450 pounds. Solid as a rock. The only disadvantage of surge brakes is you have to do what is hard to do...accelerate when the trailer starts to sway. Hit the brakes and you will roll the trailer...and maybe your truck.

Well...since the Pucster mentioned all the "stuff" I packed...thought I would start with that....(you can blame him if this read is to long!) Grins. 2018 MD Trip. Or attempt anyway... I had three objectives: 1. Make this trip for myself. 2. Meet members on the way. 3: Enjoy meeting everyone at MD. Most excellent trip. Although I didn't make it to MD, I had a very good trip. Visited long time friends and made new ones! Cowpuc and I were watching the weather and at the time he and Tippy decided to head south to visit family instead of coming to MD, I decided the thunderstorms forecast for between Ann Harbor and Toledo were not what I wanted to experience! I don't mind the rain but those midwest thunderstorms...nope. So they headed south and I caught the ferry west to Milwaukee, hoping to meet up with FlyingFool. Left in warm sunshine, arrived in freezing windy cold! But I'm getting ahead of myself. I do get a kick out of packing. I haven't gone across country since 1969...when I went from New Hampshire to Arizona on a Yamaha YDS-6C. Being young and "stoopid", I didn't know I should pack for emergencies...I just grabbed the duffle bag and went. But this time I wanted to pack for bear, as I knew if I didn't have it...I would need it! So...I did...and thankfully...didn't need the stuff. Cockpit: 1-Controller. Set in "Aux" mode...listened to XM and GPS. 2: XM 3: Garmin 490. Has aux input (for XM), line output... so it plugged right into the "Y" cable inside the fairing. Tank BIB: Gas cap cover by Nanci. Kept the glare down. Thanks, Nanci!! http://www.acehighleathers.com/ 4: Audio cord with Edsets adapter for ear buds. Pockets held GPS cover, sunglasses, gum and whatever... Left Saddlebag: 5: Tent poles (kept thinking of Yammer - wish I could have met him) 6: Stator (I've got over 60K on original) 7: Gloves 8: Guard braces to be installed at MD. 9: Shock pump, extension mirror 10: Fuel pump 11: spare plastic.Ground cover or David cover 12: Slime kit with pump 13: Jump start battery 14: Charger 15: spare web cord and tent cords 16: Head lamp Tour Pack: 17: 1st Aid kit 18: sheepskin for butt. (didn't help) 19: Stator gaskets 20: Tire plug kit 21: TP (cat shreaded one roll) 22: Snack bag Sneakers - not shown. Very light packed in bag. ResMed Cpap Mini - Not shown Right Saddlebag: 23: Spare headlight bulb 24: bag with points, plugs, fuses, etc. 25: 1989 VR tool kit (cause it works!) 26: Stand pad 27: Fuel hose 28: Towels and rags 29: Gloves 30: Tool bag - sockets and wrenches/butane soldering pencil and electrical stuff. 31: Wet/dry bags for windshield Pillion Seat: 32: Clothes bag. Went above the camping bag. Clothes, meds, vitamins, etc. 33: Camp bag- tent, pad, rain fly, stakes, sleeping bag, pillow, etc. Tour Pack rack: 34: Blanket, Bike cover, rain gear (Froggs Toggs), web straps and tie down. Plus, anything else I picked up like tour brochures, etc... So did I over pack? Yea...no doubt. All it cost me was MPG's! Back to the road...Although I had the camping gear...I decided that I needed to add to my Best Western points....so I was planning one day at a time based on finding a room with BW. It was worth it for me to have a hot shower and decent, free breakfast. BTW, I wore Bohn armor leggings under my jeans. Got the lightweight summer mesh. Worked very well. It was warmer but I didn't even notice them while walking or sitting on the scoot. I felt good having them on. Day 1: Left Arizona at 6am on May 23rd. Stopped at Dragoon Rest area on I-10. Love the rocks. Got on rt 70 at Las Cruces, NM and stopped at White Sands. Interesting place! Continued on 70 to Ruidoso. Hoped to meet up with V7Goose, but he never responded to my PM. Hope he's ok. Was concerned about thunderstorms as they built up in that area and were heading east. But lucked out as they stayed ahead of me while I slept. Day 2: Left Ruidoso at 6am. Hadn't gone 4 miles when I saw 3 rather large dead deer still laying in right lane by guardrail. One right after the other. Obviously, the watch for deer signs were valid! Fresh meat...not yet picked up by humans or scavengers. Rode through the panhandle of Texas on way to Amarillo...lots of cows...miles of cows. Whew! Next overnight at Elk City Oklahoma. At Elk City BW, they let me park under the portico as a large storm was coming right at us. Gave me a room with a view of bike. Thankfully, storm split and went around the area... Day 3: Was aiming for Sherwood Arkansas so left early at 6am. Had to delay outside of Oklahoma City on I-40 as 2 lines of storms were converging on Oklahoma City. I managed to slip between them, but was caught just east of downtown in a downpour. Froggs Toggs work. RainX for plastic windshields worked very well...letting water bead up and blow off. But of course, I was stupid and forgot to close the vent on the Clearview, so I was breathing rain until I woke up!The Shinko 777HD tires never felt loose at all during the freeway speeds through Oklahoma City in the downpour. 3 lanes of traffic...I took middle lane and zoomed along with them. Arrived in Sherwood, Arkansas in time for dinner. Hot and muggy. Had the best ribs I've ever eaten in this very small place....I ordered a half rack. The ribs were so big and meaty, I could only eat 3 ribs! Called Smokin Buns...north of Sherwood, AK. Visited with high school friends for 3 days...leaving on Memorial Day to get up to Indianapolis area. Day 4: May 28th My friend had me head NE on rt 167/ rt 67/ rt 412/ eventually connecting with I-55 to head to I-57 to I-70 and Effingham, Missouri. Uneventful ride except almost ran out of gas. There was no gas listed on the GPS for some 40 miles and I had passed up the last as they were about every 8 miles or so. Not this time. Came into this tiny town and ran into Ms. Addies Quick Shop. Restaurant sign and 2 old abandoned pumps. But....to the right was a lady brooming off a new gas pump pad! They had gas. Close call as I was on reserve. Nice people. Locals ate there so next time I'll stop in for some grub. Day 5: Left Effingham and headed north on I-57. Wanted to go east on 70 to Indianapolis then north on rt 31...but rain squalls got in the way...so headed up to East Chicago where I was routed through the not so good part of town to avoid the tolls. Think that's where I picked up a nail in rear tire. I-94 to I-196 to Rt 31 to Muskegon and cowpuc! Got to a Honda dealer where Scott and I met and we took a long look at the new Goldwing. Discovered my rear tire flat...Scott helped me plug the tire (he plugged, I watched and learned) in the Firestone repair shop parking lot right next to the air pump. We took off on a long test ride (ya gots to do this, ya know!), eventually ending up at the Pucster household...Hi Tippy! I spent 4 days as a guest of the Pucster and Tippy. Wonderful hosts. I've never met 2 people so much in love with each other...and of life! A joy to watch them as they enjoy every minute God has given them! We took a tour along the shores of Lake Michigan and areas north of where they live. Wonderful time in the saddle! Very nice country....just watch out for the bugs! Speaking of biting critters...Puc had planned on taking me to the "U P" to camp for a few days and enjoy the beauty up there, but after my bout with bug bites in Arkansas, I was not up to dealing with midgies, noseeums and mosquitos. It seems my sensitivity to insect bites is as bad as ever! I was swollen around every bite. So instead of camping...we relaxed, toured the area around town, ate very well and napped. Well, I napped, while Tip and Puc took off on a long test run on the RSV. I'm glad he did....as now he has some seat time on one. In addition, we needed to find a new tire and put it on the rear of the RSV. That was done...with a few issues. Puc was not pleased with the condition of the rim. It was quite obvious the rim was not cleaned at all on last install (Feb 2018). He asked me to make sure I have a chat with the store manager that installed the tire and give them a "training moment". I did that to the store manager in Phoenix who is senior to the store manager in Tucson, where the tire was mounted. He was not happy but did say he would pass on the "training moment" to the people in Tucson. After putting on the new tire...off we went for another test ride. Gotta love those test rides... The storms growing on the Michigan/Ohio border on early Friday morning the 1st of June were not to be ignored. I decided early not to make the trip to MD and the Pucster and Tip needed to go to their daughters house for an ailing grandson. So Puc took me to the ferry where I bought a ticket for the scoot and myself to Milwaukee. I left Michigan one hour 30 minutes late (high winds and seas on the lake) in heat and humidity and arrived in Milwaukee in very cold high winds. All of us on the boat deck were scrambling to get out our warm clothes and take down the tie downs and put them away before we docked. 20 minutes later I pulled in front of Flyinfool 's house. Jeff and Erika made me welcome with warmth and a place to change clothes! I had an hours ride yet ahead to the hotel so instead of going out to eat we sat and chatted. Jeff told me he had plans for next season's snow machine (he keeps locked away from prying eyes, including mine!) and I believe him! I have a feeling he will be testing some new nozzles...one of which may send some of that white fluffy stuff to my neck of the woods! Thanks, Jeff for taking the time to meet with me and let me warm up in your home! The rest of the trip back to Tucson was uneventful. Just more rain, storms to avoid and headwinds. Worthy of mention, Rt 60 through New Mexico is a bit barren. A lonely road with gas stops farther apart than normal. Did I mention the head winds? My trip average was 33 mpg...some of the fill ups I recorded 29 mpg! That's pretty bad considering most of the trip was on 2 lanes with 65 mph speed limits. Lots of head winds! I must have angered the Wind Gods at some point...So yea, I was conscious of the next fuel stop. Some Kansas scenery. The VLA The VLA, Very Large Array (radio telescopes) west of Socorro is worth stopping at. $6 tour allows you to unlimber and walk around. The view would have been better but a large fire was smoking up the valleys. Interesting what they are doing there. I stopped in Pie Town, New Mexico. Yes, there is a town. No gas but 3 places to buy pie, of course! I took place #3 as it served food. The apple pie was tasty but not the apple pie I grew up with. Way to much clove in the mix. At least for me. In Arizona....at last! After a night in Springerville, on Rt 260, I stopped at the Mogollon (Mug-ee-yon) Rim on my way to Payson for a breath of fresh mountain air. Without the smoke from the wildfires, you can easily see 75 miles or more. I love this part of Arizona. Patricia met me in Payson at the cabin (yay..she wanted me home safe!)....a few days rest then down to Phoenix for another few days off, where I unloaded the scoot, packed some of the stuff in her car and then left at 5am on Sunday to make the 150 mile trip to Green Valley, south of Tucson. Saw 40 mpg's without most of the weight and no headwind! So I know the scoot made the trip in good shape! What I learned: 1: This country is still beautiful and made up of very nice, polite people! Love the 2 lanes like Rt 50, Rt 54, Rt 60, Rt 70 and the small towns that are on them. Good place to get gas, eat and meet the locals! 2: The RSV is one heck of a touring machine. 3 years ago I did 14 hours coming across Arizona from Payson to Green Valley VIA the Coronado Trail...better known as the Devil's Highway...Rt 666 (now Rt 191). But that was only one day. Going an average of 400 plus miles a day for 5 days at a stretch is a good benchmark for touring. And the RSV handled it quite well. Despite the high headwinds all day, every darn day, in either 4th or 5th gear for miles at a time... the scoot took it all in stride. The V4 motor is extremely well designed and made! 3: Froggs Toggs work. Period. Inexpensive too. I had the cheapest top with a zipper and the cheapest pants with openings to get to my jeans...and they didn't let me down in pouring rain at 65 mph. They pack into small rolls as well. 4: Shinko tires are worth their weight in dry and wet traction. I never felt like the tires might be losing it in the pouring rain at highway speeds, especially around the curves of the inner city highway of Oklahoma City as I headed east. They are very comfortable riding and I saw no wear at all in the almost 5K miles I had on them at the time I replaced the rear with the Shinko 230 Tourmaster. The 230 still looks like new after 2K miles. Remember, I was weighted down too... 5: This "olde bod" of mine isn't cut out for long distance riding much anymore. I might have another trip in me....might. 6: By overpacking, I didn't need the stator, the spare bulbs, the spare fuses, spare fuel lines and fuel pump or fuel pump points, the butane soldering pencil, the Slime air pump (well I did use that on the road) the battery jumper, BUT...I didn't need all this stuff because I had them with me. Murphy got me with a nail, but couldn't find anything else to snag me with! 7: The Garmin 490 was a lifesaver. Being a motorcycle GPS, it's features were very useful to me on this trip. I've never travelled with a GPS on a scoot before, this was a hoot. It tracked my fuel range, always made me aware of fuel and food stops ahead, routed me on nice 2 lanes when it could and let me load my entire oldies library on it's Micro SD card. In addition, it's line input let me connect the XM radio to it and it's line out made connecting to the RSV's Aux input, a simple thing! 8: I learned you don't need a nice metal brace to be able to raise the RSV on a motorcycle jack. You just need the Pucster and a 2x4. I measured and he cut. We ended up with 3 pieces of 2x4 that fit nicely on the RSV frame. Worked like a champ. 9: Most important. I learned first hand that if Jeff & Erika and Scott & Cheryl are representative of this forum's members...then I'm one very lucky flop eared varmint. And I have this sneaky suspicion.... that they are.... fini.

HAH! Wrong...Dragon Breath! Here it comes! LOL!

...and you would be right. What's interesting is if you read the conversation...there really isn't anything there to get upset about. But I guess this guy doesn't like people expressing opinions that aren't in line with his. But I think I'll should drop this and move on. Not worth the aggravation.

As a counterpoint to your experience and some faith that the beads do work...I offer this: When I lost my nearly new rear tire to a nail 2 weeks ago in Michigan, I replaced the tire with a Shinko 230 Tourmaster and 2 oz of beads. I was doubtful they would work, but the guy at the shop was adamant they would...and he's known @cowpuc most of his life. Well....after a week of running the roads back home...I can say that they do work. Thanks cowpuc for your expertise and muscle!! So...that said. I would recommend you break the bead again and check the rim...make sure it's clean. Then make sure the outer rim where the weights went is clean as a whistle too. Then take the tire with a few pounds of air and try to do a static type balance....2 benches and your axle should work. The idea is to get the tire as close to neutral as can be had. Without the red dot to match the valve stem...this is going to be a chore. Once close...the beads will do their thing....

That looks like a broken bolt to me....I had one like it on my 1st Gen...

BTW, while resting in Phoenix, Pat and I managed to get with @VanRiver for dinner last night. Went to our favorite Mexican place that we have enjoyed for over 25 years. Thanks for driving out to meet with us, James!

Home today! 4K plus miles, lousy headwinds no matter which way I went, met with some great old friends and made some fantastic new ones! Dodged some rain and endured others. But didn't ride in those Midwest thunderbumpers...nope! Let me unpack and rest for a while then I'll write up the trip... Started unpacking the scoot!

Its scary out there.... God Bless his family! Prayers Up!

I packed it......

You are welcome...glad it helped. Talk to @cowpuc...he likes his bars down and out. He has no trouble with slow speed maneuvering. I imagine it's just a matter of getting used to them... As far as backrests, I would think there was one. Just a matter of finding one. I think you can probably still get an aftermarket from various vendors. Most of the aftermarket available now...would probably require you to cut/drill in the seat to make room for the bracket.

Last week I ordered the thumb nuts for the seats on my RSV. 2 days ago I contacted Rick as I haven't received anything from the post office. He looked into it and he followed through, checking with me and following the progress of the PO on it's obviously arduous journey from Texas to Arizona. They arrived on Saturday. Rick modified my seat on the VStar 950 Tourer...which in essence had nothing there to work with. But he did a fantastic job for me and now this issue with the PO. So a big "Thanks" to Rick for allowing me to bug him on the phone as well as keeping in the loop as he knows I'm trying to get on the road here in a few days. David P.S. Sorry Rick, you'll have to wait for the RSV seat until I get back! Grins...

This is a little delicate...but here goes. Change your underwear. Yep. Go to Wally World and buy the performance ones for active X exercising/sports. They are polyester so they are cool and comfortable. Similar to this: https://www.hanes.com/shop/hanes/hanes-ultimate-mens-boxer-briefs-upbbb3 They made all the difference in that my precious cargo doesn't get squished up. Get the longer ones... Seriously. Bought 9 pair (3 to a box)at $15.95ea) Hanes. They work for me.... You'll thank me..... P.S. Get the Butler seat mod. He will cut back the seat, narrow the front, pack some new stuff in there and do a great job fitting for your butt. david

Steven, Don't know if this will help...but a friend has carpal and he adjusted his lower. A slight bend at the wrist was more comfortable for him.... FWIW, david

And then once you've done it, get a punch and mark both sides with a reference mark on frame and drive. That way you'll know when you need to change out the tire. There should be no lash in a belt drive. Should be solid. Check pulley, drive bearing (worn from over tightening or rock got in belt) or the rubber spacers( shock absorbers) in the drive wheel for wear. I had a VStar 950T....1300's little brother. Belt should last longer than you will have the scoot..."should" depends upon care. Oh...note that many dealers get the belts to tight causing bearing damage. Double check yourself. Then mark it and not worry for a zillion miles...

"Bug Slide" ??????? Never mind...looked it up. Sounds like cool stuff!

Very different down yonder in the desert. Here we tell them in advance, lest they run off into the desert screaming that they have been ripped off. We lose a lot of tourists that way....

And we would appreciate any extra tips for gas money too! Grins! "You want sugar with that? $1 extra please":mo money:

My first kidlet had tubes and they were a big problem for her. Flashforward 36 years to today....thankfully the procedure is more understood! Your little guy will be fine! Cause I'm sending Prayers Up!

Are you using Tapatalk or lightbox? If so, check their settings. Usually pictures are imported at their shot(native) settings. But since the site prefers smaller images, during processing to a smaller size this may have happened. Other than that, I don't know....you would have to talk to the boss... @Freebird.

Agreed. But as Puc mentions....you can always use the lift and adapter on your 2nd Gen. I do all the time. Even when I don't really need to lift the bike...but to hold it upright. I can check oil level, fluid levels all while not worrying about leveling the bike. It also comes in handy to level the bike when you are working inside the fairing. Lift it up enough to get the front wheel just barely off the ground, then you can easily swing the front left or right as you work. I got mine at Harbor Freight. Now, after 3 years, it does leak down, so if I'm only up a bit...I put a small wood block under kickstand so if it goes all the way down...the bike will rest easy. If I'm changing tires or have the bike up high for some reason, then I use the built in lock to lock the bike up high. Regardless....your choice. I just wanted to point out different options for you. BTW, are you heading East to MD? If so....we can meet up. I'm leaving around the 23rd or 24th...depending upon the weather around Tornado Alley. $79 at HF. They go on sale cheaper.