Jump to content

DONATALIE

Expired Membership
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    102

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by DONATALIE

  1. DONATALIE
    I belong to the PA PGR and National. I was automatically put on my state captain's email list when I joined on the national website. I assume that most if not all states are done this way also. As far as what to fly, and how to fly it, I don't think anyone cares as long you mount them safely, and fly Old Glory with dignity and respect. Although I'm sure that last part was unnecessary. You wouldn't have joined the PGR without already knowing that. Many of the riders here in south central PA don't fly any flags. That's okay, too. I personally have the V-shape flag holders that McHitch sells. Mounts perfectly and rock steady, even at highway speeds, on my 2000 RSV. A website called www.rivcoproducts.com has some really nice hardware for flying them, if you don't already have something. I fly the US flag (ALWAYS on the right (brake side)), and the PGR national flag on the left (clutch side). Welcome to one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. There's nothing like the feeling you get when those families see that we're out there, supporting them and their fallen service member. Thank you for stepping up and joining the PGR. Standing for those who stood for US!
  2. DONATALIE
    Do either of you still have your stock RSTD handlebars? If so, would you like to sell them? I want to try them on my 2000 RSV. Thanks, Don
  3. DONATALIE
    Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going to see what it would cost to have them re-chromed locally, and then cover them with something like Hotrod described. Also, tx2sturgis, I thought of the things you mentioned (dampness, cover, warm bike, etc.), and while all of those are potential contributors to the rust, that doesn't explain why only the saddlebag side rails have rusted. I have ALOT of extra chrome on the bike (most of it was on it when I bought the bike used in 2007, it's a 2000 RSV), and the rails are the only things that have rusted. BTW, if anyone wants the other set, I'll send them to you if you cover the shipping. I will warn you though, they are VERY rusted, but they are not damaged or bent in any way. I can send pics if anyone is interested. Thanks.
  4. DONATALIE
    I went to another local Yamaha dealer today, and they had a set in stock. They opened the box and let me look at them. They are exactly the same as the two sets that have already rusted through on my bike. They even had the Yamaha logo and part number on the box, but they are absolutely not the same as the photo on the web site or in the catalog. The parts guy said he has worked there since the dealership opened in the 1980's, and even owned an RSV himself at one time. He said he had the rails on his bike. He also said he has NEVER seen the ones on the site or in the book. All the ones he has seen (and me, too), look like the two sets I already have. He wasn't sure if Yamaha changed the rails, or if they in fact, never made the ones they published in their pictures. I guess my next question is why do mine keep rusting through? I don't exactly spot clean my bike, but it's not neglected either. None of the other chrome parts have rusted like these rails have. Any suggestions? Thanks.
  5. DONATALIE
    I know this issue has come up on more than one occassion, but I'm still confused. I have gone through two sets of saddlebag side rails (heavy rust). Looking at the ones on the Yamaha web site, I think I might have bought some sort of knock-off rails in the past. On both of my sets, and the photos I've seen on this forum and elsewhere, the two horizontal rails appear to be the same diameter. In the Yamaha web site photo, the top rail seems to be considerably thinner than the bottom one. Also, on the web site photo, the point where the two horizontal rails meet seems to be much closer to the front. On mine, that point seems to be several inches further back than theirs. Finally, when looking at them from behind, the vertical part where the upper rail comes down and meets the lower rail seems to be different. On mine, that short vertical portion is close to the inside of the bike, causing the curvature to rub against the bottom of the rear turn signals. In the Yamaha photo, it appears that the vertical portion of the top rail comes down in to the middle of the rear portion of the lower rail. I think this would allow for some space between the rear turn signal and the curvature, so the two would not touch. I guess my question is this... Are there knock-offs out there being sold as genuine Yamaha saddlebag side rails, or did Yamaha change the design at some point, leaving the photo of the old style on the website? I contacted the local dealer about this, but of course, they didn't know. I want to make sure that if I order another set, I don't end up with same result; rusted, unusable rails. Anyone out there know?
  6. DONATALIE
    Sylvester, Did you have to change the cables and/or wiring to use the RSTD bars? Thanks
  7. DONATALIE
    I just got my 2000 RSV back from the local Yamaha dealer. It has 42000 miles on the clock, not sure how many KM's that is, I think it's around 56000. The shock was blown, so it had to be replaced to pass PA state inspection. The dealer could not even locate a Yamaha shock, so I had to go with an after market. I chose the WORKS shock. A bit pricey (almost $700!), but worth every penny! If I had known it was going to be this much better than the stock one, I would have done it much sooner. Don
  8. DONATALIE
    Rick, I also have a 2000 RSV, the two-tone red one, not the white millenium edition like yours. I just went out and checked my dash board while turning on the ignition. Mine does EXACTLY what you described, and its been running great since I bought it used in 2007. Fortunately, mine came to me with the owner's manual. Unfortunately, it does not tell you anything in the single paragraph addressing the Check Engine Light. It just tells you to take it to the dealer. Bear in mind that I am not a mechanic, but two of my brothers are auto mechanics. One of them is sitting here watching the Phillies game with me now. He says that based on what you described your problem is most likely either the radiator cooling fan, sensor, and/or coolant level. He STRONGLY suggests that if you aren't sure, get it to the dealer. They should be able to plug a small, hand-held computer into your bike, which will give them a diagnostic code that will tell them where to look. Obviously, those computers aren't cheap, so be prepared to pay for it. But it might be worth the money if they can find what's wrong (or isn't). Hope this helps. Don
  9. DONATALIE
    Someone sent me trap door emails explaining how my son and I "don't belong on the road", and how we "hog up the road for everyone else," etc (I'm sure you can guess the rest). Another emailer suggested that we should "just stay home." They made references to the posting on VR in the email headings which is why I opened them in the first place. It's obvious that some people on this forum have an issue with us on the road. Oh well, their loss. Please believe me when I tell you that I am not thin skinned. We have been stared at and whispered about his entire life. I'm used to it. My wife however, would have been VERY upset if she had opened the emails instead of me.
  10. DONATALIE
    I don't know why some people have to be so snotty in their responses. I wish I had never started this thread. I was just trying to advise others in PA who may be dealing with disabilities (themselves or a loved one), who might think the Voyager or Tow Pac is a viable option, that PennDOT considers these rigs illegal. Nevermind that they actually, in my opinion, make the bikes safer. All government agencies, in this case PennDOT, are required to allow disabled citizens and/or their caregivers to make whatever accomodations they need to live their lives. This is a federal mandate here in the US, known as the Americans With Disabilities Act. Examples of this law would be seeing eye dogs in restaurants, and yes, allowing drivers to use hands-only controls on their vehicles if their disability prevents them from using pedals. (FYI, if a driver is not disabled, hands-only controls are illegal in PA). In my opinion, these rigs are no different. If this is what my young, wheelchair bound son requires, he should be allowed to use it. And just so you know, before I spent the money on the rig, I called PennDOT myself, and spoke to one of their attorneys. I was told at that time, that it was an "adaptation," not a permanent change to the structure of the motorcycle, so it would therefore still be considered a motorcycle, which is, despite what a previous poster said, not "illegal on a public road." The ruling published in the ABATE newsletter was issued by one of the deputy under secretaries of PennDOT, who of course, out-ranks the attorney I spoke to. I thought bikers were "all heart." I guess I was misinformed. Oh, by the way, the Pittsburgh (PA) Police Bureau currently has 18 Harley's equipped with the Voyager, just like my 2000 RSV. I wonder if the fun police at PennDOT are going make the department remove them since they are no longer considered street legal. I think we all know the answer to that. I'm sorry that some of you feel the need to look down your noses at these "trikes" and to tell you the truth, for myself, I don't like the way it rides. But it makes one very special little boy very happy. I thought you all would have understood that.
  11. DONATALIE
    Any other RSV Voyager "trike" riders in PA out there? Have you seen the article in the December 2009 ABATE of PA newsletter? According to PennDOT, the Voyager trike kit is not legal in PA! It's because with the Voyager on the bike, it has four wheels on the ground, not three. According to PennDOT, the state Vehicle Code states that a motorcycle can have no more than three wheels. I've looked it up, and by strict letter of the law, it appears that they are right. But, come on, aren't there better things the lawyers at the largest governmental agency in the state could be doing? Hopefully ABATE will be able to get the law changed and/or get the courts to throw this out. My disabled son LOVES riding on our 2000 RSV with the Voyager trike on it, but he can't ride without the stability the kit provides. Check it out, this could be an issue for any "trikes" that have more than three wheels, like Tow-pac.
  12. DONATALIE
    Check out this part number, 22340G, at jcwhitney.com. They are currently $51 each side. They are made by River Road (good quality), and they fit my 2000 RSV perfectly.
  13. DONATALIE
    Last year I bought a Voyager "Trike" kit. Like you, I searched/shopped for quite a while. I decided on the Voyager because of the larger wheels, and dual, adjustable suspension (both vertical shocks and leaf springs). I bought it used from a guy in NJ who still had it in the crate. He never even put it on his bike. Not sure why. Anyway, I only paid $2,000 for it ($4,100 new), and I had to buy a mounting kit from Voyager, because the original owner bought it for his Harley Road King. The frames are interchangeable for those two bikes, but not the mounting kits. The kit cost me another $530, which included shipping. Now, I am not a mechanic, but the instructions were very detailed, and easy to understand. They include ALOT of pictures, and come in a very sturdy binder. A friend who is also not a mechanic and I were able to fully assemble the Voyager, put the mounting kit on my 2000 RSV, and align it, all in less than four hours. The local Voyager dealer told me it takes him approximately 5 hours. No special tools were required, all done with typical hand tools. I have a severely disabled ten year old son who loves to ride on our RSV. However, he has no lower body control, so a couple of times, while riding he almost slid off the back seat. Now, with the Voyager on, I use a harness to secure him to the bike. And because of the outrigger system, as long as I am careful, I don't have to worry about the bike going over with the two of us on it. He LOVES it! A local metal shop helped me rig up a cargo carrier onto the ball hitch so we can take his folding wheel chair with us. As an added bonus, I can now ride in less than perfect weather, and again, as long as I'm careful, the chance of going over is greatly reduced. I've even used the bike when there was a few inches of snow on the roadway for winter-time Patriot Guard rides. Finally, the ultimate benefit. When my son is not with me, and the weather is good, it takes me literally, 2 minutes to remove the outrigger frame. Then I get to ride it like a motorcycle, not a "trike." Hope all this helps, Don from PA
  14. DONATALIE
    I think my brother LEO's and I have better things to do than track down allegedly loud pipes on RSV's. Besides, I have had stock RSV mufflers, drilled out HD RK mufflers and BUB Sleepers (currently on the bike). The BUBS are by far the loudest, and they are no where NEAR as loud as the V-twins out there. In PA, the legal db limit is 108, tested at 35 MPH, from at least 50 feet away. This is listed in PA Title 67, look it up online if you don't believe me. The department I work for has an audiometer, so I got permission from my boss to "test" it. The BUBS produced only 98 decibels at the speed and distance required. I don't know about the limits in other states, but most DMV's at least attempt to monitor one another's rules/regulations and are usually fairly close to their neighbors. I have a buddy who works in NJ, and he says their testing procedure is the same as Pa. Having said all that, in almost 20 years in LE, I have never stopped or cited a MC for excessively loud exhaust. I don't even know anyone who has. Let's not make everyone paranoid about aggressive LEO's that don't exist. Thanks for listening.
  15. DONATALIE
    Does anyone else find that the saddlebag rails for the RSV/RSTD rust easily, especially around the welds and the rounded curvers? I now have my second set on the bike. Both sets rusted to the point where they look terrible. Any fixes/preventions I'm not aware of? Anyone else have this problem? If I can't get it resolved, I'm just going to take them off, and leave them off. Thanks, Don from PA.
  16. DONATALIE
    Reaney, Last year I bought a Voyager "Trike" kit. Like you, I searched/shopped for quite a while. I decided on the Voyager because of the larger wheels, and dual, adjustable suspension (both vertical shocks and leaf springs). I bought it used from a guy in NJ who still had it in the crate. He never even put it on his bike. Not sure why. Anyway, I only paid $2,000 for it ($4,100 new), and I had to buy a mounting kit from Voyager, because the original owner bought it for his Harley Road King. The frames are interchangeable for those two bikes, but not the mounting kits. The kit cost me another $530, which included shipping. Now, I am not a mechanic, but the instructions were very detailed, and easy to understand. They include ALOT of pictures, and come in a very sturdy binder. A friend who is also not a mechanic and I were able to fully assemble the Voyager, put the mounting kit on my 2000 RSV, and align it all, in less than four hours. The local Voyager dealer told me it takes him approximately 5 hours. No special tools were required, all done with typical hand tools. I have a severely disabled ten year old son who loves to ride on our RSV. However, he has no lower body control, so a couple of times, while riding he almost slid off the back seat. Now, with the Voyager on, I use a harness to secure him to the bike. And because of the outrigger system, as long as I am careful, I don't have to worry about the bike going over with the two of us on it. He LOVES it! A local metal shop helped me rig up a cargo carrier onto the ball hitch so we can take his folding wheel chair with us. As an added bonus, I can now ride in less than perfect weather, and again, as long as I'm careful, the chance of going over is greatly reduced. I've even used the bike when there was a few inches of snow on the roadway for winter-time Patriot Guard rides. Finally, the ultimate benefit. When my son is not with me, and the weather is good, it takes me literally, 2 minutes to remove the outrigger frame. Then I get to ride it like a motorcycle, not a "trike." Hope all this helps, Don from PA
  17. DONATALIE
    I originally posted this in the Trike/Sidecar section, but only got one response. So, I'll ask it here. "Anybody out there using a car tire on an RSV with a Voyager trike kit on it? I spoke to my local Voyager dealer today, and he suggested that it might make the Voyager ride too hard, and/or bounce too much? Anyone heard of this being a problem? I have an 11 year old son who is wheel chair bound, but he LOVES to ride the RSV. However, he has gotten too big (5'10" tall and 190 lbs!), as have I, (240 lbs) for the recommended max weight, according to Yamaha. I ordered my Voyager trike kit today, and thought it might be a good time to switch to the car tire to get the extra mileage, since lean will no longer be an issue. But the Voyager dealer strongly recommended against it. Any and all comments would be welcome." Thanks. Don from PA
  18. DONATALIE
    Anybody out there using a car tire on an RSV with a Voyager trike kit on it? I spoke to my local Voyager dealer today, and he suggested that it might make the Voyager ride too hard, and/or bounce too much? Anyone heard of this being a problem? I have an 11 year old son who is wheel chair bound, but he LOVES to ride the RSV. However, he has gotten too big (5'10" tall and 190 lbs!), as have I, (240 lbs) for the recommended max weight, according to Yamaha. I ordered my Voyager trike kit today, and thought it might be a good time to switch to the car tire to get the extra mileage, since lean will no longer be an issue. But the MTC dealer strongly recommended against it. Any and all comments would be welcome. Thanks. Don from PA
  19. DONATALIE
    I have no chirp in my 2000 RSV. I bought it used a few years ago, so I don't know if the previous owner did something to "fix" it, or if it never had it. A friend of mine has an '02 and his doesn't do it either. Is it possible that this something that the earlier 2nd gens don't have? Also, BJ, when you put the RK mufflers on, did you drill out the baffles? It's easy to do, and makes the HD mufflers sound pretty good on the RSV. It makes them sound significantly deeper, but not obnoxious. I recently put a set of BUBS on, and am still in the process of deciding which ones to keep. Good luck with your "chirp." Don from Harrisburg, PA
  20. DONATALIE
    Anybody know if any companies are making Run Flat tires for the RSV? I couldn't find any on the web.
  21. DONATALIE
    Just in case anyone was wondering if this could be done, Yes you can put other HD pipes on your RSV once you put the "adapter" brackets on. I bought my 2000 RSV used, in 2005. It had BUB slip-ons on it at the time. The chrome on the end caps had deteriorated to the point where they needed to be replaced. However, I did not want to pay the $200 that new end caps were going to cost. Plus, they were too loud for me (I think the previous owner removed the baffles). I then bought the HD muffler brackets sold on VR, and put on a set of drilled out RK mufflers. I liked them, but was looking for just a little more sound. Recently, I got a set of brand new HD touring BUB slip-ons off EBAY for $80 (Yes, $80!), and they fit right on the "adapter" brackets. They're still pretty loud, though, so I don't know if I'll keep them. If I decide to sell them, I'll post 'em here first to see if anybody wants them. If not, I'll put 'em back on EBAY. Anway, just in case anyone was wondering...
  22. DONATALIE
    Hey all, I am considering going to a CT on my 2000 Royal Star Venture. I have been monitoring this forum for a while now, and I'm pretty convinced I want to take the plunge. Two quick questions for the guru's out there. First, if I've done my homework correctly, the aspect ratio for the 165/80R15 (Federal, Khumo, etc.), when converted yields a sidewall height of 132 MM. The 155/80R15 (BFGoodrich) converts to 124 MM. The stock size MT of 150/90R15 converts to 135. Obviously, the 165 tires are closer to stock, but is that necessarily better. I think, as others have suggested, it might have less of an effect on the number of tire rotations (speedometer) than the smaller 155 tire. But, is that necessarily better. What I am wondering about is flex in the sidewall. Won't the taller sidewall of the 165 have more flex in hard turns than the 155? If it does, is that better or worse? While I'm not thrilled about the idea of alterations to the speedometer, to me, that is secondary to handling performance, especially when leaning in the turns. My second question is about the sidewalls themselves. Some of the CT's are single ply, and some are two-ply. Is either one better than the other? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Don from Harrisburg, Pa
  23. DONATALIE
    I am looking to replace the stock handlebars on my 2000 RSV to get more pullback. I have the 1 1/2 inch risers on, but it's not enough. I was just on the Flanders handlebar web site where they have the dimensions listed for stock handlebars. It looks like the stock RSTD might work perfectly. Anyone have a spare set lying around they might be willing to sell me? Thanks.
  24. DONATALIE
    Squid, Great quality on the brackets! Went on in less than 30 minutes (both sides)! I had previously been using P-clamps on the back bolt like some here had been using. But I found that they would gradually loosen, I guess from the vibration. I put your brackets on, and then the P-clamps too, just for good measure, since I already had them. Man, they ain't goin' nowhere! Great product for a great price! For others considering the HD pipes, this is the only way to go! Don from Harrisburg, PA
  25. DONATALIE
    Squidley, I sent you a PM a few days ago about these. Do you still have any? Please let me know. DONATALIE
×
×
  • Create New...