DONATALIE

Thanks to all for the input. I got some good suggestions to try. I'm gonna try just putting the stock mufflers on and see what happens. I'll let you all know how that works out. As far as the sidecar/trike kit goes, I'm still not sure what to do. Squid suggested the sidecar and that was backed up by another post. The only thing that concerns me there is tip-over. I've never ridden a bike with a sidecar on it, but I've heard some horror stories. The reason I was considering the Voyager kit was because it leaves at least three wheels on the ground, even when turning or cornering hard. At least the company's promotional video on their web site shows that it does. Anyway, I'm still considering both options. Thanks for the advice. Don from Harrisburg, Pa

I am 42 years old have been riding sport bikes and mid-size bikes all my adult life. I recently purchased a 2000 Royal Star Venture, which by the way, I LOVE! Although I've ridden them for a while, I never really got into the mechanical/technical end of things. I recently joined VR and it seems that many of you may have answers to a couple of questions I have. I bought this big bike so I could take my ten year old son, Danny for rides. He is severely mentally and physically handicapped, and can not speak. But, he LOVES to go for rides. He screams and giggles the whole time. However, he is HUGE for his age. He is 5'4" tall when we hold him up, and ways 170 lbs. He also has little lower trunk and leg control. This sometimes makes the bike wobble in the back as we go down the road. I was wondering what you all think of the Voyager trike for the Venture. Has anyone ever tried one? They just seem like over-sized training wheels to me, but if they work, I'll gladly put up with the embarassment. I know my wife would be alot happier. Any thoughts? Secondly (and finally), when I bought the bike, it had the BUB slip-on mufflers on it. The loud exhaust seems to bother my son, mostly during acceleration from a stop. I bought a set of stock, OEM's off of Ebay, but the bike has K&N filters and a Stage 1 kit in the carburators. Does anyone know if I have to go back to the stock setup to use the stock mufflers? The local Yamaha dealer says yes, but I don't usually trust dealers. I don't want to spend the extra money if I don't have to. Any and all replies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Don M. from Harrisburg, PA