ChiefGunner

There are some ”shorty’s” available for the Venture at either JP cycles or Big Bike Parts. Can’t remeber which one. I can’t attest to their effectiveness because I’ve never used them. I like the look of my twin whips!

I keep my squelch set on 3. I talk to truckers all the time on the road, a lot of times I just let them know I’m coming up along their side. as far as the airwaves being quiet, that does happen. I wonder if he stopped on channel 19 and did a radio check to see if anybody had their radio on but just that nobody was talking?

Hi there snyper316 ! My wife told me she ran into you on Facebook. In answer to your question: The brakes on this bike are excellent! The unified ABS work flawlessly and then if you add front brake as well it’s intense AND you don’t need to worry about locking up the wheels either. As far as “discount” in a SVTC, you’re going to find that there are a lot LESS SVTC bikes than there are Deluxe models available. The chances of you getting a “used” one are very slim because people who have them, love them and are going to have them a while. If you’re wanting the Transcontinental model (SVTC) your best bet if you can’t afford it right now is to wait for 2020 model. That one will have the blue, but I wouldn’t look for them to be cheaper. Yamaha is pulling sales for these bikes IN HOUSE meaning... the dealerships may have one for display and possibly test rides but you will NOT be able to purchase it off the floor. These bikes will be “built to order” by Yamaha. This is a smart move in there part since it will prevent loss from overstocked “sales” AND protect the value of the bike. Just a final warning... if you’re thinking about possibly getting a Deluxe model and then ADDING the extras the SVTC has, DONT DO IT. Items added ie, CB, NAV, fog lights, rear speakers, dual audio zone are NOT covered by the 5year warranty.. only ONE year. The items have to be ON the bike at the time of purchase to be included in the 5 year plan. I love this bike. It’s by far the most comfortable touring bike I’ve ever ridden, and I know you’ll love it too. Hope things go well for you and you’re able to achieve your dream!

The “LongHorns” will probably help cure that cuz you can rotate them forward or backward.

The best setup most are going with are Kuryakyn “LongHorn” with ERGO II pads. They use a 1” clamp which DOES go around the lower bar by your fog lights and does not interfere with the light shroud, brakes or shifter. Super easy install.

Interesting. Whatcha doing there @captdrac ?

Very cool! I’m glad the fire didn’t wipe them out. Hannigan & Lehman are the best looking trike kits IMHO.

Thank you! I would tend to agree with you about quality. It was either Hannigan (which are hard to find used) or a Bushtec. IMHO, those are the top two brands and either one could be arguable for being number ONE.

Thank you Sir!

Thank you very much!

Thank you cowpuc! Yes, I’ve had trailers for both my touring bikes. My 91 Venture Royale I built the trailer for it using one of those Harbor Frieght trailer kits. I was one of the first to do it this way using a car top carrier in it. You’ve seen them out there now marketed as one of those “My Buddy” trailers. I went to a couple huge international rally’s back then and had all kinds of people asking me about it. Never thought of it from a business standpoint, but the next thing I know, “My Buddy” appears! Who’d have thunk?? In answer to your question about brakes... yes, this trailer has “bump” brakes. They are adjusted perfectly! I was ripping through 55mph posted mountain roads at 70-75mph with ZERO problems. The trailer tracked perfectly and if I had to brake hard before going into a corner, the trailer didn’t try to push me through it as was the case with my “non braking” trailer. With the non braking trailer I had to be more careful to setup my approach speed cuz braking in the corner felt like it was trying to shove my backside around. I think having the brakes will be essential because my self built one was only 18 cu ft and had a load limit of about 250lbs. The new one is 23 cu ft and has a load limit of 350lbs the trailer itself is 155lbs. If I’m pulling over 500lbs behind me, I want some help in braking. You also asked about “emergency maneuvers”. I thought I’d mention this setup is a hitch PIN, not a standard ball AND it is a 360 degree swivel. God forbid the trailer FLIPS, it’s not going to pull the bike over with it! They do make swivel toungues for use with a standard ball hitch, but I liked the clearance in the pin style better. Many years ago at a rally, I had DROOLED over Hannigan setup. I feel truly blessed to finally have it! Oh, BTW... here’s a pic of my old scoot with trailer taken on an 8 state tour back in 93 BEFORE I wrecked it and had it re-painted Blue. Pic was taken in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado 1st week of October.

Hey all, loving the heck outta my new Hannigan trailer. Tows like a dream too! The odd part is that the trailer has hydraulic brakes on it. I talked to Hannigan and they said they made some with it but they were made specifically for export to France per their specifications. Not sure if that’s what this is or if the previous owner had them installed. Either way, it’s makes it so you can’t feel the trailer when braking. Thought I’d share a pic of “upgrades”. Had a custom trailer bra made to match my seat. Yes, I get a lot of comments on it!

Well said cowpuc... well said & amen!

Thanks Dion, appreciate the offer Sir. I’ll get back to you if I have any difficulties.

Just an update to share a couple pics I took the other day.

Good info by all. I haven’t tried to do it myself yet, but I’d better figure it out BEFORE our coast to coast trip later this year. I’ve heard of the first two route programs but never heard of TYRE. You say it’s easier to use than the others? I like simplicity. I do know “currently” the system only allows 5 way points. I guess you could have multiple files pre-loaded into a USB and then just update your route as you go along. Pain in the butt for sure, but it may work unless someone knows differently? i sure hope they get around to correcting it. I told Yamaha that 5 way points was pathetic and completely anemic for a touring bike. It should’ve been 15-20 for sure.

You’re right Ron, that’s a heck of a deal! What say you Don? Are you ready to move one one yet or not?

Good to know. Now I REALLY like it!

I was actually pretty surprised myself. You don’t see many Hannigan’s come up for sale. It seems that people keep them once they buy them. This belonged to an older gentleman who only towed it 1,100 miles. Got it for $1,700 which I thought was a good deal.

Well, I was all ready to go pick up my trailer last Monday until I found out they were closed in Monday’s! ARRRGH! Anyways, I got back last night from picking up my (new to me) 2004 Hannigan Europa trailer. Towed like a dream. Didn’t even notice it was there. Mountain roads posted 55mph and was doing 70-75 WITH the trailer no problem. i think the only time I could feel it there was starting off from a stop in Touring Mode. Other than that, I’m happy as a clam!

I imagine it tows a lot better than what I had before with a home built trailer. Besides, this one actually has brakes on it.

Looks GREAT Rob. Sharp looking rig! Can’t wait to pick up mine on Monday. I’ll get a good feel for how it tows on my 4.5 hr drive back home.

I really hate to do this and you have no idea how much it “pains” me BUT I have to agree with you.

Very true Bucfan11. I will say that the previous conversations about lifter pressure and the benefits of ethers or ZDDP made a lot of sense. That’s why I personally have opted to go with the YamaLube 15w-50 full synthetic. It’s not cheap like some off shelf brands but it’s definitely not Redline price either. Like you said Bucfan11, whatever you choose to use just make sure it meets or exceeds the maunfacturers specifications and you’ll be just fine for warranty coverage.

Very nice Don. Looks well with your bike and definitely looks like a quality job. You never mentioned $$ ?