Mike G in SC

Honda should have taken that commercial and ran with it.

Kabin Phever seting in?

,,,, and his twin brother who had traveled with him, who also played the bells, ran up the stairs to finish the important job. But, he too tripped over the last stair and landed just feet away. The first villager said,,, "and who is that?" The second villager said, "don't know his name, but he's a dead ringer for the other guy!" Mom's favorite joke,,, thanks. Mike G.

I have bought 4 used Star bikes since 2004. Previous owners did this: 2001 Road Star - legs went bad due to diabetes, he got a 68 Black & Chrome Camaro $$$. My Son-in-law has the bike now. 2006 MRSTD - Nasty divorce, sold everything in a week - later got a Harley, maybe new wife? I'm still riding the RSTD, daily commute. 20o6 Strat - Got a RSV, then got cancer, sold RSV, got a Harley, don't know how he is doing. My neighbor has his Strat. 2009 RSV - Got a First Gen when his time came back around, knew he would. I'm still riding the RSV as my two up and distance ride. So, the new owner will be enjoying and maybe even sharing his enthusiasm with you. You will be happy to hear about it now and then, maybe. Me,,, when I come off bikes,,, probably look for a BMW Z4, might settle for a Miata. Not soon though. SO, got a plan?

I got a somewhat loud bike, and a somewhat quiet bike. But my best advice is NOT to go by two things. 1) Don't go by what you hear on the internet. 2) Don't trust anyone to tell you what sounds good (even us). Go somewhere there are several RSV's or RSTD's and listen to them. (A VR Meet & Greet, a STAR Touring event, or ask your dealer who has a RSV/RSTD with non-stock.) Trust my mistakes, that's the only way to get what YOU want. EDIT: But, hold on to your stock mufflers. If you want to take a looooong trip you may want to throw them back on for it.

If the OEM's are Brimstones,,, anything will ride better. Twice I have bought used bikes with Bridgestones, a Road Star and a Strat. The Strat would not turn in the mountains, scary. Put new tires on (Avon Cobras), headed back to the mountains. Geeze,,, could do what you dare. Nice deal finding a new left over RSTD. Would almost consider same if I saw a Midnight. But my 06 Midnight only has 96k miles on it. Might be twice that if I didn't keep two bikes.

Ken, Different approach,,,, You're from TX,, so you are going to ride all year. You have done a bunch of mods,, so you are willing to spend money to improve your ride. SO,, treat yourself, go ahead and replace the OEM tires with what you want,,,, now or soon. It will be an improvement that you will feel in the first mile!!!! As you got the bike used, it will be a nice "ride" improvement that you have not felt on that bike, and will probably put a smile on your face real quick. More than once, I have "donated" my half used tires to someone who needs them but didn't have the $. Brand? E3 is good. Avon Venoms are good. I really like the Michelin Commander II, but they do not have stock front. SO,, I have E3 front & Commander II rear on two bikes. Happy New Year, Mike G.

Kind of like, someone got a Elio and said, hold my beer,,,,

Martin, I think I would try to get it down $1000. (unless it's one of ours,,,,, hehe) I'm guessing you have already looked at VR classifieds. http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showcat.php?cat=4 Might even look at the SOLD bikes to see what they were asking. Mike G

Randy, then most any com system will fit your helmet (3/4 or full).

We wear half helmets 98% of the time. I got the Scala G4 a couple of years ago but could not hear. Needed something that fit's the ear, not the helmet. Sold them to a VR member who was real happy with their full helmet results. So,, helmet style is important,,, full helmet or 3/4? (anyone use something bluetooth that works fine with half?) Mike G.

When Power Ball came to SC years ago, me and my two department coworkers made a pact that if one of us won, we would make sure the other two were well taken care of. Mentioned if several times over the years. Later, before they retired they both told me,, "actually, never bought a ticket in my life!" What the,,,,,,,

If you are an Amsoil user, show price in Atlanta was $9.25 Qt. - good price for Amsoil 303 type filters were about $14 (not so great, but a good filter).

Worth Reposting: You know it's cold outside when you go outside and it's cold!

I bought a nicely done, home made single bike trailer off Craigslist for $600. But after getting it home, took a serious look and put $300 into it. (tires, heavier axle,,, tie downs,,, little stuff like that.) For what you say, the Stinger looks good for you, just got to get the price down. Google it and look at YouTube. Then, look for a used one, maybe Craigslist. Take your time, you sill find something that will do. But I think you would be okay with the HF trailer, if you use a rail for the bike and a set of boards for you to walk your feet when loading. And then, you got to figure out a ramp. So, now cost is getting up there, unless you own a junk yard. Mike G.

3 year warranty on a $360 battery?

Likely the front tire. But I've replaced rear tires too and got rid of some wobble in turns.

Almost always stop to help, even back track from closest exit. Often you can help,,, often you can just wait with them. Have made a couple of friends doing so. One is a Millennium owner who lives on a lake and has a bass boat (nice friend to have). One of my favorite "rescues" was stopping for a younger fella on a street bike. He was out of gas on the interstate. I took a drink bottle, rinsed it with some water I had, pulled the gas line off my petcock and filled the bottle. Got it started and followed him to the next gas stop. Still remember him looking at me like, "you can do that?".

I don't see a cargo size in the specs. Sharp trailer,,, good ideas. But looks small. Here goes,,, if a wife is going with,,, better get a bigger trailer. Just saying. It's not her fault. You will find that you too now want to take sling chairs and a cooler to accommodate both of you. Mike G.

I hate dry ice! There, I said it. Sorry, I had not looked at this thread till just now,,, geeze y'all.

Joe, When I did do the cardio rehab, my favorite was the elliptical,,, and the little blond therapist. Just seemed unfair to make her demo the machines for me,,, each time. Name withheld in case wife reads this.

Bob,,,, you got me. Mike G

Glad to see there is a fix instead of having to replace. As much as I have read & posted on fuel pump, this week was first I saw of a source for replacing points,,, thanks. Mike G

Seems like those who have put the Mr Gasket pump on have two issues. 1) you need extra pieces for hose angles 2) you will then need to use the petcock every time you turn off the key. #2 to me would be,,, well, #2. Darn pesky to say the least. New contacts sounds good to me.

Mark, You found the $55 answer!!! I pasted your post to STAR forum to help out some pump needy people there. Passing their thanks to you for finding a affordable answer!!!!! That one should be put in a permanent tech thread! Hey Freebird! Luckily my pumps were replaced under warranty. Mike G