Papa Fred

Just disabled the AIS following Freebird's Read Only post. Rear pipe was no problem..it took longer to find something to block the pipe / hose than it did to actually do it. When I started on the front system, I discovered that the little air box the front hose is connected to was actually broken away from the bracket that mounts the box to the frame. Presto...instant source of extra air. I pulled the hose of the pipe, plugged it with a small wooden dowel, hose-clamped it tight, then ziptied it to the frame out of the way. Went for a short scoot...no backfires. Period. Sounded a bit more mellow at idle as well. I then connected the vacuum ports as per the Jason Mod instructions, and will b testing THAT out this evening with regards to performance.. good or ?? I recall someone posting a concern regarding one of the hoses running the cruise. I'll know this evening whether I'm putting in "tees" for that. Thanks to everyone for hints and suggestions. The VentureRider gang is the way to go. If my memory medication holds up, I'll do a Post Trip update. Cheers... Papa Fred.

Thanks for the reply...that post in the tech library was what I was looking for. I remembered reading it last year but forgot where I saw it..(Old timers disease). Now I just have to get out in the garage and play. I read in one of the extra threads that the Jason Mod is one way to partially address the issue, but the comment was made that the vacuum hose on the left side is connected to the cruise control. While it would be simple to disconnect the hose then go for a short scoot to test the cruise, do you know anything about this plumbing? I figured I would do the Jason Mod first as it appears to be the simplest, then attack the AIS. Thanks again for the help... Cheers..Papa Fred

Realizing in advance that this will be basically a "can of worms" topic, I will proceed with the question... As I'm starting to get occasional backfires on deceleration, and various sources have suggested the AIS may be the cause, how much of a challenge is it to remove the system? Pros and cons? On the one hand, the bike was engineered to run with the system in place. On the other hand the system is in place to decrease emissions, and experience tells us that emission control systems suck. Any input would be welcome, particularly from those out there who have done the modification...results either way. Thanks gang.. Papa Fred

Thanks to all who responded to my tire issue. The slightly altered old saying is true... "If some information is good...more must be better". I'll be putting new shoes on The Toy first part of May. Our somewhat brief riding season up here ..6-7 months..plus my job..long-haul Professional Stuff Relocater..means whatever I go with won't see a lot of miles in a hurry. Thanks again, gang. Papa Fred "Riding Frees The Soul"

Good morning, gang... New tire time for The Toy. 2000 RSV. I'm looking for input on 3 contenders.. Michelin Commander 2 -Avon Cobra - Dunlop E3...understanding, of course, that opinions are just that. It appears from the research I've done to this point that the Commander seems to check off the high mileage box and the E3 appears to be a favorite all around. I see on different sites / forums that the E3 is being phased out in favor of the new E4. From the pictures I've seen of the E4, it looks like they've gone back to a rain groove right in the middle of the tread. Doesn't that lead to tar-snake chasing? I thought the whole idea of the tread design on the E3, Commander and Cobra was to eliminate the center groove and to put rubber on the road. Anybody have roadtime with the E4's, or the others. I'm leaning on the Cobra, but...? Thanks for any input, in advance. Papa Fred

Thanks. I'll try that route.

G'mornin gang... I'm trying to find guard rails for the saddlebag lids on my 2000 RSV. I tried a set for one of the dozens of Harley models, but they weren't a good fit. They were from an aftermarket source, and were basically junk.. VERY poorly made and finished. I'm interested in "talking" with anyone out there that has rails on their bag lids, specifically what are they and where did you get them. I've had the Venture since July of 2017, and even with our somewhat shortened riding season up north, I'm already seeing some paint rubbing on the front edge of the bags. Aside from protecting the paint, the rails would also be more shiny stuff on the toy...not a bad thing. Any guidance is appreciated. Cheers.

Thanks to all who have responded to my initial post. I had a chance yesterday to start tinkering. Added about a half can of SeaFoam to just over a half tank of gas. I let it idle for a few minutes, then took it out for a long-ish ride. (about 60 miles) Following advice posted here, and that of a friend with essentially the same bike ('03 RS Midnight), I changed my shift points. Turns out I was being WAAYYY too cautious. Holding back for that extra few (OK..more than a few) mph between shifts makes all the difference. As my buddy said.. " it was fun to see the grin on your face". You guys were right... that V4 sure likes to spin quickly. Appreciate the help getting my ride to come alive. Who needs a V-Rod when you're riding a Hot Rod!

Thanks for the input, gentlemen. I'll b able to start the SeaFoam process this weekend, and plan to do the oil and plugs mid week. Any thoughts on a simple tach install?

Great info... Thanks. The last 4 cyl I rode was a Honda 750... typical in-line 4. Ran like an electric generator. The V4 is definitely a different animal.

Thanks for the tips, Craig. I hadn't thought about the fuel filter. (eventually would have .....maybe.) I'm new to On-Line conversations..(I remember using a corded phone that was screwed to the kitchen wall)...so I may have used the wrong field to reply to you. I hadn't meant to include YOUR reply as well. Practice, practice. Cheers... Papa Fred

Can anyone out there give me some tips on using Seafoam in my "new to me" 2000 Royal Star Venture? I've done some internet research and watched dozens of "how to" clips, and have a general idea that Seafoam is either a cure-all wonder elixir, or a waste of time. Most reports lean to the positive, but I'd like to hear from people with the same or similar ride as to their experience with the stuff. The bike was owned by the same couple for 17 years, and all indications are that they took REAL good care of it. Just over 50,000 miles on it, and it seems to run nice. However, when I roll the throttle on at a lower RPM (no particular gear) to accelerate hard, the bike seems to shudder. Not a violent kicking or anything...it seems like all 4 cyls aren't pulling together. A friend with a 3 yr newer model suggested Seafoam as a place to start, and I figured I'd ask "The Club" for some input as to how much to add, how long to let it sit before running, how much smoke is a good thing, etc. I haven't checked the plugs yet, but that's on the to do list before I go too much further and a Carb Sync is in the works. I'm not new to riding, having gone thru a variety of street and dirt bikes, but I've been out of the activity, sorry... lifestyle.. for over 30 years. This is my first limousine, and I'm looking forward to many miles in style. I've had a lot of compliments on it in the short time I've had it, and I gratefully agree with them. It's a classy looking bike. Thanks in advance... Papa Fred