Mike G in SC

Had that happen one time..... Me and a buddy on a way out straight back road, me on a RSTD him on a Valkyrie. For fun, I goosed it, ran it up to 110 and sustained. He pulled up behind me like,,, what? With a turn in the horizon, I fully let off the gas. I got that same thing,, full wobble. After a couple seconds of it, I throttled up to catch my speed and then slowed more gradual. That saved it. I posted on here,, that was many years ago. One of you said what was probably the right answer. I took the load off the front tire too quick. I did have a larger than stock Clearview windshield. That probably held the front down till I let off all throttle. And then.... no down force. I learned. I'm older and wiser.

I had a talk with Mike Eykamp (Diamond Cut Guy) the other day about the baskets and the whine. He educated me on the I & G baskets. Just ordering by part number will not necessarily get you a I or G basket, which seem to be less likely to whine at normal speeds. The baskets came down different production lines, thus the alpha designations. The parts are etched with a few characters designating the line it was manufactured on. The I or G baskets were not engineered different, just cut on different production line. Some smart cookie years ago determined some production batches whined less than others. So, the I and the G baskets seemed quieter. If a request was specifically made by a dealer for an I basket, the warehouse would look at the etching on the baskets to find and ship the requested basket batch. See attached picture of a G basket. But I do remember years back when bikes were new and warranted, the dealers and Yamaha would say "no guarantee" that swapping a basket would remove the whine. But they would try. My old RSTD had the whine and the basket was swapped and it went away. (I also got another RSTD with a bad whine, and swapped baskets between my two bikes, and the whine moved.) So, to me, the basket swap worked. I will comment that the whine was more prevalent on bikes before 2009, less prevalent since then. (So, maybe a newer basket wont whine,,, just guessing.) Mike E. sells a lot of parts, and is on this VR forum. As of the other day, he still had one or more used I or G baskets on his Facebook page for about half of new price. (They are not a wear part so used is good as new.) I know he sold one last week. You might contact him. But, like Yamaha said, he will not guarantee the swap will remove the whine. See attached...

And I wouldn't be surprised if their insurance company told them to set the racks that way. My old company was directed how to modify and stack what was 4 high to 3 high for sprinkler distribution. Left us scrambling for space, loosing an entire top row in our warehouse. But, what the insurance company says goes. That video reminds me of a 10+ years ago a German safety comedy video was done, Klause the forklift operator. Viewer discretion ….

Treb, Reading your statement about the Avon Venom,, Years back I tried the Venom 130 on the front and did not like it. It followed it's own path too. I went back to stock size front (still Avon way back then). Fast forward to about a year ago, I put a Michelin Commander II 130 on the front and it is a great tire, does not have the issues the smaller Venom had. Now, I'm sold on the 130. (Thanks Mark Shield and a few others who twisted my arm.) Mike G in SC

If I get a small puncture in a rear tire, I normally use a rope patch and then follow up with Green Slime. I've never had an issue with a tire fixed like that and fine till normal replacement. I just make sure I tell the guy who puts on the next tire. Obviously would not mix balance beads with Slime or Ride-on.

Look in the area for a mid-level motorcycle class. Been a long time and it's a heavy bike to steer slow. More so, two up. I took an "Experienced Rider" course last May. It was just a one day parking lot course but worth the $99. Looks like you are tall enough and do not need it lowered, great. You are in Florida so,, you can ride all year and put a lot of miles. And,, guessing you are retired. Ride a lot,,, then invite your wife. Oh,,, when you do ride two up, unless you got LONG legs, you'll find that the passenger floor boards will bite your calves at a stop like a nasty little dog. Practice with them down some so you know what to expect.

Yeah, like said,,, loosen something first. If it's a tank front bolt, loosen or take out the tank seat bolt to align it. If it's the gas cap screws, loosen the other one.

Robert, I've got a set of Shinko Tour Master (230 I believe) I took off my "new" RSTD last year. They only have a bit over 1000 miles on them. Previous owner put them on to sell it. I did not care for them, put on Michelins C2. I've had them on the Classifieds here, free, for a month and no takers. These fit a 2nd gen stock size,,,, but I think your profile shows 1st gen. If you can use them, come get them, I'm at exit 92 of I-20 in SC, 20 miles east of Columbia. Could meet you in Augusta. (see the classifieds here, I think I included pics and date codes, about 3 years old.) My Classified post: https://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?138067-Shinko-Tourmaster-230-set-1000-mile-FREE-in-South-Carolina Mike G in SC

I'm texting with a friend around Whiteville, NC who lost power and they are telling him two weeks. You are lucky to get power back that quick. (Are you in Wilmington or outlying?) We (Lugoff, SC 25 miles NE of Columbia by I-20) still only have had sprinkling rain and winds about 30 gusting. They say she's still coming. Will see...... Mike G in SC

I live about 25 miles east of Columbia, SC. We should see about 10" of rain and gusts to 62 mph Sunday early morning if predictions are right. I live right off I-20 and it looks like the center will be paralleling about 20 miles south. I'm ready, got all the yard stuff done, several gallon ice bags, propane full, all vehicles gassed. Gas cans full (and a boat gas tank I can siphon). Small generator for the fridge and coffee,, TV and internet if needed. Capt Morgan and Vernors stocked. All I got left is to pull the bird feeders and my flag tomorrow. We need the rain.

Brian Groves, The link below if for a Face Book Group that is for "Yamaha Star Venture Transcontinental Touring & Star Eluder". There are 1200+ members, some are from here and some have joined this site from recommendations of us VR's on that site. It will be worth a look for answers to your query. https://www.facebook.com/groups/781935901987573/ You simply request to join the group, normally approved in a day or less. I've been in that group for a year along with 4 or 5 Second Gen groups. If you want the positive information on the 2018's, it is a good site. If one wants to go negative on the 2018's,,, your visit will be short. Myself, I did 4 test rides. At my age of 68, I'm not looking for a "mega-bike" with a host of electronics, no matter the brand. I have a GW Trike for me and my wife, but I still ride two wheels for solo. So,,, a year ago instead of going to the NEW-Side, I found another low mile, mint RSTD and did a lateral upgrade. If I was younger,,,, ? Good luck, Mike G in SC

My 2008 Goldwing 1800 Champion trike, with straight axle has always been one that has jerky steering on bumps. I got it used a few years ago and tried to get it straightened out at a couple dealers. No real changes...… Till a friend with similar trike got a AVON Cobra TRIKE Tire. Although my reversed Michelin (Pilot I think) had plenty of tread, it looked cupped and I had the trike tire mounted. There went my year or so of issues. I guess the more oval shape of the tire remedied most of my jerkiness and my steering issues are gone. I don't know if they have it in the RSV size but I highly recommend for trikes. It was a game changer on mine. EDIT: I do see the MT190-16 (small front for RSV/RSTD) Can see on the second picture the wider contact patch than would get with a MC tire. I think that may be what helps. Here is Dennis Kirk link: https://www.denniskirk.com/avon/cobra-av71-trike-tire.pfp544572n2.prdf

Yep, mechanics mirror and a small flashlight I can hold with my teeth.

I've had Sirus in my car since 5/11 when I bought it. First 3 months free then I have called and told them I will drop it if I don't get the $25 for 5 months. They always do it. Got my radio swapped by Hyundai warranty and then somehow got it free for 3 years,,, whoopie. Now, back to forcing them into promos, last got it for 1 year for $50. I just have to remember to call to cancel a day or so before it can roll over. I'm good at that. (I listen to classic rock or 60's & 70's and some talk radio. Don't listen to radio on my GW trike, don't have any on my RSTD.)

I've never had or rode a Gen 1. Likely will not have a Gen 3, tho have demo'ed several,,, too old for that third gen at 68. GW trike is my two up now, and enjoying another gen 2 RSTD again for my solo. I know your Gen 1 is an awesome machine,,, as is mine. Ride and enjoy, Camo. Cheers,,,, Mike G in SC

Clive, as you noted you do not have a second generation. On a second gen, when the bike is on the side stand, you see no oil in the window. Your starting point on the kickstand is zero. When you see no oil,,, may be worth checking. I don't really check often as I don't see a puddle in the driveway or oil on the bottom of the bike. But, awkward and pointless, nah? Cheers also, Mike G in SC

Get a mechanics mirror (mirror on stick) Harbor Freight cheapo is fine, and a small flashlight. Sit on the bike. Figure the best position to see the window with the mirror, light might help. Bring the bike up as you watch the level come up. Ain't dropped one yet.

I bought a lightly used Bass Tracker boat many years ago. Mint,,,, spotless,,,, except where the cover had been used to transport across country. Had rope wear lines on both sides of the front of the hull. Would likely be same for a bike. Easier to wash if it gets wet or dirty. Put a good wax job one it before you go.

I tried them 10 years ago after a friend with a hot Road Star boasted about them. I saw nothing beyond stock. Seems I remember changing them out sooner than stock. I had another set but gave them away to someone who thought free was good.

Congrats Bill, I saw that same bike on a FB forum, in Florence, SC (with CL link) and had sent it to some friends. Awesome price for what looked like a good stock bike with low miles. Glad someone I've met got it! Mike G in SC

When I bought my used 2008 GW Trike, the previous owner had painted the fenders and also the bottom front below the engine with the "as seen on TV" rubber spray the guy uses on his boat and stuff. It looked okay but did not winter well when teens set in on South Carolina. I went to a paint shop and he suggested I sand it and paint it over with Rustoleum Pickup Truck Bed Liner kit. A quart of the stuff and the 3" roller & pan. It did pretty good and is more durable than what he did. (He had the 3M clear fender wide stick on stuff, which did not work well with rocks,,, thus he tried to paint over.) This is it on my ramps for an oil change.

Agreed, good lunch. 9 VR folks. Chatted for two hours then headed various directions. I got to wear my rain suit on the way home towards Columbia. Next year for sure,,, Mike G in SC

My 2006 RSTD got a problem finding neutral after about 30K miles, but clutch was otherwise okay. When I came to a stop, I would try to get neutral but, up and down it would slip past,, dang,,,, dang,,,, dang. like that. I'd see the green light flash by. It would only go in when I shut the engine off. So I normally just kept the clutch in unless the traffic light was real long, then would kill it. When folks started talking about the Barret pressure plate about 2008, I decided to do it, more for performance than thinking I had an issue. Replaced the plate and also the disks. Well dang (once), first time I looked for neutral,,,,, there it was. From then on out,,, still good over 100K miles. Just my experience on finding loosing and finding neutral. Mike G in SC

Last August I saw a "time capsule" RSTD that was 1000 miles away (SC to SW Missouri). It was fair priced so I told the owner that it would cost me about $400 in gas and two nights of motel, would he come down that much. He said SURE (right away I knew I should have asked more, but good). As that paid for the trip, I Paypal'ed him $200 down to hold for my week to come get it. Glad I did, just what I wanted.

Not trying to spend your money, but sounds like, from your words, you should be thinking trike. And a GW trike makes a great trike. We got one (2008 GL1800 with Champion kit) as our two up a couple years ago and sure takes away stability issues for me and her. But also, the GW is more mechanical akin to going out and starting my car, with lot's of power. But, I still got a RSTD as my solo.