BlueSky

From the photo, there is a huge difference in the two springs. Seems like there would be a huge difference in the spring rate too. Yeah, if I look closely, I can see that the "Progressive" spring is indeed a little progressive. I suppose Yamaha intended for the air compression to add to the overall spring rate and maybe make the ride a little more velvety feeling. The air pressure could also have the effect of reducing fork oil foaming. I'm just learning about these bikes and I appreciate all the rider knowledge that goes into all of the posts.

I think Harley motorcycles are somewhat analogous to the American V8 cars, at least the older American cars. They have low end torque but don't have the sophisticated engine and the hp per cu in of the foreign cars but we all love that V8 rumble. The biggest difference is American cars were cheaper to buy and repair and Harleys are quite expensive to buy and repair. I read recently that the Ford Mustang is the hottest selling sports car in Germany now. Take that BMW and Porsche!!

Looks like you could put a fairly long spacer on top of the stock springs to stiffen things up a bit if you are a cheapskate like me? Just looking at those Progressive springs me thinks they might be too stiff.

So, the "Progressive" springs aren't progressive at all.

Glad you got it resolved!

Do you reckon Hildo is Cowpuc's long lost cousin?

You just never can tell. Watch this!

Looks like you've exceeded the load rating for the bike already!

I'd check more places on line, partzilla, bike bandit, etc.

I got Damon's email address from a forum post and emailed him about purchasing his V-Max carb rebuild video. I received it Friday and it is quite comprehensive and professionally made. I haven't watched all of it yet. It's about 1 1/2 hours long. I'm very pleased. When I ordered it I also ordered the V-Max engine rebuild video and both cost $20. He was a week late putting it in the mail and refunded my $20 when he mailed them without me contacting him before he refunded the price. I'd say that he has to be a very honorable person based on that act. Anyhow, if you are contemplating rebuilding your carbs, I suggest you buy his video and watch it first to get an idea of what you are getting into. I'm not sure if I am more or less intimidated after watching what I have so far. Maybe I should watch it several times! I pulled the carbs off my ZN700 and cleaned them as best I could without disconnecting them from each other and I have to say, my ZN700 Keihin carbs are very simple compared to these Yamaha Mikunis!

Nope. I use weatherbug and it works great. It used to have the option of satellite views that showed cloud cover in addition to radar views but no more.

She was driving an old model Dodge Caravan. Probably had 3 kids and was looking for a guy with money and the Lincoln misled her! HA!

The only time in my life I've needed a tow was on the interstate in GA when a tire shredded. (No AAA or anything else) I called the HP and got a number for a local tow co. They came and got me in less than an hour and just so happened to have a tire the right size at their garage/tire store/convenient store/tow service. I was on my way quicker than I thought. I had bought my 95 Mark VIII Lincoln used about 2 1/2 yrs old from the Lincoln dealer and it did not have the correct size spare. Bolt hole diameter didn't fit. Sounds to me that you might be better off to just skip the insurance especially with today's smart phones that give you access to the internet. Something I always wondered about was that when I was stranded, a very attractive woman stopped and asked if she could help!!!!! I happened to be on the phone with my wife at the time..........?

Good deal looks to me! $2611+3%($78)+$95+$15

The second happiest day of boat ownership!

The dealers in my area have gotten extremely creative at coming up with additional charges. I inquired about a bike being sold by a dealer in NC. The advertised price was $7585 with a note about additional dealer charges. I called and found out that many additional charges would be added to that price bringing the total to about $8300. So, just be aware of the shenanigans that might be pulled.

Yes, please give us a full review of its attributes when you can. I'm interested in knowing how top heavy it is. From the specs it looks to be as heavy as a Gen I. An inline 6 engine is the best dynamically balanced engine design with the exception of a V12 which is of course 2 sixes so it should be really smooth.

And then there is this one owned by a member! http://www.venturerider.org/forum/photopost/showproduct.php?product=597&title=2009-royal-star-venture&cat=2

I don't think it is a good idea to put your finger on the spark plug hole with the engine turning. If your finger somehow got sucked into the head, you could be in a heap of trouble.

From past posts on this forum, I would suspect the fuel pump.

Will the typical carb cleaner damage the diaphragms?

Are there any radio noise issues with using copper core wires?

Those rubber grommets can be purchased from Partzilla.

Exactly, I worked handing tobacco for $3/day in the summers to make a few dollars starting when I was 12. When I got to about 15, they let me break tobacco all day for $7. And I had to spend the money on school clothes. From 15 to 18 I worked at a grocery store bagging groceries, taking them to the customers cars, and stocking shelves on Saturdays 13 hours for $7 and the last year of high school I also worked 3 1/2 hours after school on Fridays for another $3. In 3 years I never missed a Saturday. My Dad never gave me any money after 15 yrs of age. I found out at an early age that I had to depend on myself. Did a little of that picking up pop bottles and cans too.

Be sure to let us know how you like it, what features are good and if there are any negatives. I doubt there will be many negatives on that bike. It usually comes out on the top or close to the top during the sport tourer bike comparisons.