jfroman

I was cruising down the freeway and when I went to downshift the shift pedal was laying on my floorboard. I got home and it looks like the threads are fine but the bolt is long gone. Does anyone know the size of the bolt that should go in there? I checked my service manual but it doesn't say anything about the bolt size and my local dealers parts page says it's a "special screw". Thanks!!

Thanks for the information. I started the bike this morning and felt all the pipes right next to the heads. They all warmed up quickly, the back two were the quickest followed by the front two not far behind. By 1 minute they were all burning my finger. I filled up today and got 36MPG with most of my driving around town and not on the freeway.

I ran the bike this morning but didn't see this post first. Can you explain the fingertip test a bit more? Should I just put my finger on the header side that I suspect is having the issue and see if it gets hot? Thanks

I purchased the bike two months ago and have only changed the fuel filter because I had an issue with it starting right away. I ride quite a bit during the week, just around town and my first two fill ups I got 34.49MPG and 34.96 MPG.

The other night I had the bike warming up in the driveway and as I walked around the back of the bike and my first exhaust pipe I could feel the exhaust hitting my pant leg with some force. When I walked to the next exhaust pipe the pressure was significantly lower. I took my hand and moved it closer to my right hand exhaust pipe and around 10"-12" I got a hard "thump""thump""thump" from the exhaust hitting my hand. When I did the same thing with my left exhaust pipe I had to get between 4"-6" to get the same sound/pressure. Is this something I should be concerned with? The bike is running great, getting 36.8 MPG on a foothill ride, and starts right away. Thanks!

The helmet fits good. I think they run a little smaller than usual if I remember correctly. Ventilation is ok, fogs up at slow speeds but I just open the visor a little. I have not tested it in the rain.

I have done the same as lawboat and purchased two Bilt Bluetooth helmets for my wife and I. I really like the features and it works great with rider to rider communication, music, phone, and gps. Works great and you get a new helmet for under $200.

Thanks for the responses everyone. I have started compiling the things I will need and checking out tire plug kits and co2 canisters or a small air compressor...just in case.

Hi everyone. I recently purchased my first RSTD and I'm curious what types of tools, extra parts, or clothing you carry in your saddle bags on a trip. I have never had a bike big enough to take out of town on an extended trip and I'm curious from your experience what you take or what you recommend others take with them. Living in CA and having a drought this year I'm able to get out and do some riding pretty often but I want to be prepared and not stranded.

Ok. We had some much needed rain in the Central Valley yesterday but I was able to get out today and ride the bike around town. Every time I hit the starter switch the bike came to life with no effort at all. Replacing the fuel filter got it fixed. Thanks again for all the advice, I appreciate it.

I just went out and started my bike and it fired right up. I took it out for a spin and shut it off when I got back and it fired up again with no issue. I'm hoping the $8.00 filter was the cure. Thanks again.

Thanks again everyone. I have the fuel filter replaced and the bike put back together. I have started it a few times in the garage and it has fired right up. I will ride it over the next few days and let you know if my issue is fixed. I went to NAPA and they had a filter that was the same height just not the same diameter as the OEM body. It was part # 18-7830 and was $8.97 out the door. You are correct, you guys have saved me a lot more than $12!!

Thanks for the tips everyone. I have the fuel filter off and while I'm out showing properties I will stop by Napa and pick up a filter so I can get it installed tonight. I'll let you know the outcome.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a reputable parts supplier for these bikes? My dealership wants $30.00 for the fuel filter…just seems a little steep to me. OR would a universal fuel filter be acceptable?

The previous owner said he had all the service done at the dealership he bought the bike from. I called the service department to confirm and they said he brought it in for every service on schedule and that he most recently had it in there at 35,000 miles. I purchase it with 36,500 miles. I will get the fuel filter replaced.

Ok, I just went out and tried this and I could definitely hear the ticking when I turned the key on. It started out pretty rapid and then slowed down.

When I purchased the bike the owner had just installed a new battery. I checked it this weekend when I first noticed the problem and had 12.9 volts with key off, 12.4 volts key on, and 13.2 volts at idle.

Thanks. I hate to leave the bike sitting for a day but I'll give it a shot. If I hear the clicking when the key is on that will tell me the pump is working properly?

I recently purchased a 2005 RSTD w/ 36,000 miles. The first few weeks I had the bike when I went to start it in cold or hot weather it would fire right up. The last few days I have noticed that when I go to start the bike either when cold w/ full choke or hot it now turns over 3-4 times, I'll release the starter button, press it again and it turns over 1-2 more times before it finally fires up. When the bikes does start it runs just fine. This morning I rode across town and shut the bike off for about 5 minutes. When I went to start it the same thing happen with turning over 3-4 times and no start. I then turned the key off and on 3 times and when I hit the starter it fired right up. I'm wondering if this could be a sign that the fuel pump is going out. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.