Mike G in SC

A good friend recently installed same tach in his RSV,,,, without the module. Wired same as I did. So, likely this unit. I'll post back if I find different. Mike G in SC

DuRon, Thanks, I see that now on the PDF ("not needed,,, Royal Star, RSTD"). The control unit, I thought, was a different module to control the variable color in this unit. But perhaps it's function is needed one way or another. Seller did not include it when I bought it. I am in Facebook messenger contact with Baron's. (As their email and phone number are no good, but they have an old FB page.) It may be John B, don't know. He believes the unit is likely bad and has told me I can ship it to him to test. But, he may sell me a used unit at a fair price. He said my model is old and they do not make the variable color anymore. He sent me the below picture which, in effect says I don't need it (most carbureted bikes). Old technology on an old bike! who knows..... I'll update this when I get resolution. Again, thanks, Mike G in SC

Du-Ron, thanks. No diagram, but wired as noted on Barons PDF page one. And also following Freebird's article in the Second Gen tech section here. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?8810-Tachometer-Install No add on, no modules. What is "single fire adapter"? This is just the bullet tach, with 4 wires. Put red and yellow to coil positive (red/black) and the green to coil neg (white) and then the black ground to chassis. That matches the Baron's instructions for "without module". Like I said, I'll pull this and try it on my old RSTD which is 6 feet away. Thanks, Mike G. #EDIT - I just went back and looked at the Baron's PDF. I see the adapter at the bottom. It sounds like I need to check into it. But looks like Barons is unmanned anymore. video below...... says a single fire system needs the tach adapter, a dual system does not. Which do we have on the RSV/RSTD? It sounds like I should not need it,, but? But the tach came from someone on this forum, so I "assumed" it was complete. Might be that the PO took it off his bike and did not know the adapter was part of it. ??? Du-Ron, thanks again for pointing it out. Mike G. Barons tach adapter also available from Dennis Kirk: https://www.baronscustom.com/catalog/display/243/index.html Video from Barons

About 8 or so years ago, I bought a used Baron's 2" mini tachometer with front brake master mount, actually from this group. I did not get a ROUND-TO-IT with it, so it sat on the shelf in the shop with old mirrors, horns and other MC parts. So, I picked up a new to me 2006 RSTD last month (6K miles) , to eventually replace my 2006 RSTD (110K miles). And with all the stuff that is moving over from old to new bike I decided to add the tach on the new bike. I pulled the tank and hooked it up, by the article in this VR library, cross checked with the Baron's install PDF, but it is not working. I also checked with a few knowledgeable friends on the wiring, seems good. This unit has 4 wires, red and yellow (which were married together), green and black. It does not have the optional lighting module box. From the previous owner,,, sorry don't remember who,,, the wires have the double bayonet connectors for the coil, the black ground has a ground eye connector. I hooked the yellow and red to the coil positive (Yamaha red/black wire), the green to the coil negative (Yamaha white wire) and the black ground to chassis ground(tried a couple locations). The tank is still off the bike but has gas in the carbs to test. When I turn on the key (with kill switch on) the unit lights up and I see the needle post to full and then back to zero. But when I start the engine, it does not register any RPM's. I redid the connectors on the tach with fresh. tried again, same. I took a jumper cable and hooked the black ground directly to battery ground,, same. I can add the tank again, as my carbs are about out of gas. But I do not think hooking the gas gauge connector will have any effect. I thought about swapping the wires on the coil but I'm sure I got it correct. (I do not know if reversing the tach wires on the coil could damage either? I thought I had seen a conversation on this very problem somewhere (here or Facebook) but cannot find it. My other test would be to install the tach on my OLD RSTD to see if it works over there. (ironically, I had pulled and reinstalled that tank the day before.) So,, VR friends, anyone got any input on this. It may simply be that the tach has gone bad, it has been sitting 8 or so years? Thanks, Mike G in SC

The young lady at F4 is probably Aleshia. Wing Stuff is having a 15% (free ship, no tax) sale on F4 Customs windshields so I called her Friday for tech support questions. She is really pleasant, happy and knows her stuff. I was asking her about moving the vent from my GW shield to their F4. She is actually the one who installs them. I also had a RSV F4 windshield get crazed several years ago. As it was well out of warranty by time I called them, Don sent me a replacement for half price. Great group, feels like family. (I also asked them they wanted to match price with Wing Stuff and have me order direct. The said to go ahead and order from Wing Stuff as they are a good vendor also, and I would get it just as fast.) Mike G in SC

If you install the knockoff China pumps, the first thing you will notice is the sound of the points clicking is quite different. It is louder and does not have the purrrrrr of the OEM. I had one in my RSV for 15 months and it worked. We (me and VR members) had questioned the eBay seller and he insisted it has a check valve (in his best English). But then one day, my crankcase filled with a gallon or two of gas. My mechanic said it was the O-rings in the carb had gone. But, I believe if the check valve did exist and did work, should not have done it. But, back to the question, I'm saying that the points in the cheapo pumps do not have the smoothness of the OEM. They may work and if you got one already, worth a try. If you want to buy one to strip it out, go with the good points.

Swapped out my RSV for a Goldwing trike in 2015. But, still love my 2006 RSTD with 110 K miles for solo, but wanted a fresh horse. I thought about the new Venture (and rode it), then the new.... "Eluder" (sorry bad name). Both are more bike and cost than I want. I see folks getting hot on both sides of the new bikes. So, what the hell, just got another 2006 RSTD with 6K miles for $4K, a near new condition time capsule for one easy payment. Will save on accessories as I'll move most over from the old bike. Then I'll sell the old one when I'm done with it. So, I'm good for a few years,,, and this can sort it's self out without my worry.

I went by Harbor Freight yesterday. The price of the Tag-along is now down to $199 on clearance,,,,, IF you can find them. I saw the price yesterday and asked if they had any, nope. They pulled the flier. Perhaps some at other stores? See picture for the item#.

I went by Harbor Freight yesterday. The price of the Tag-along is now down to $199 on clearance,,,,, IF you can find them. I saw the price yesterday and asked if they had any, nope. They pulled the flier. Perhaps some at other stores? See picture for the item#.

[TABLE=width: 100%] [TR] [TD][TABLE=width: 100%] [TR] [TD]New Venture demos. Go ride one! Motorcycle Dealer Demo Roseville Yamaha 2014 Taylor Road, Roseville, CA 95678 Ph: 916-784-2444 Fri, August 18, 2017 - Sat, August, 19, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Freedom Powersports - Hurst 633 NE Loop 820, Hurst, TX 76053 Ph: 817-285-9999 Fri, August 18, 2017 - Sat, August, 19, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Maxim Yamaha 420 Central Expy S., Allen, TX 75013 Ph: 972-359-0202 Fri, August 25, 2017 - Sat, August 26, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Skagit Powersports 1645 Walton Drive, Burlington, WA 98233 Ph: 230-757-7999 Fri, August 25, 2017 - Sat, August 26, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo South Valley Motorsports 11553 S. State Street, Draper, UT 84020 Ph: 801-576-1899 Fri, August 25, 2017 - Sat, August 26, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Pony Powersports 5370 Westerville Rd, Westerville, OH 43081 Ph: 614-212-7888 Fri, Sept. 01, 2017 - Sat, Sept. 02, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Yamaha Knoxville 5820 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37912 Ph: 865-688-8484 Fri, Sept. 01, 2017 - Sat, Sept. 02, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo MOM South 1000 Washington St, Foxborough, MA 02035 Ph: 508-543-1734 Fri, Sept. 08, 2017 - Sat, Sept. 09, 2017 Cherokee Blue Ridge Run Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds 545 Tsali Blvd Cherokee, NC 28719 Fri, Sept. 08, 2017 - Sun, Sept. 10, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Sloan's Motorcycle 2233 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Ph: 615-893-0150 Fri, Sept. 15, 2017 - Sat, Sept. 16, 2017 Central Florida Powersports 2575 N. Orange Blossom Trial, Kissimmee, FL 34744 Ph: 407-847-2453 Fri, Sept. 22, 2017 - Sat, Sept. 23, 2017 [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [TD][TABLE=width: 100%] [TR] [TD]AIMExpo Greater Columbus Convention Center 400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Ph: 949-517-7501 Sat, Sept. 23, 2017 - Sun, Sept. 24, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Friendly Yamaha 10939 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Ph: 225-292-6242 Fri, Sept. 29, 2017 - Sat, Sept. 30, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Motorcycle Mall 655 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109 Ph: 973-751-4545 Fri, Sept. 29, 2017 - Sat, Sept. 30, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo We Ride Powersports Mesa 1350 S. Clearview Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209 Ph: 602-509-9468 Fri, Oct. 06, 2017 - Sat, Oct. 07, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Big St. Charles 3830 W. Clay Street, Charles, MO 63301 Ph: 636-946-6487 Fri, Oct. 06, 2017 - Sat, Oct. 07, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Velocity Powersports 151 Gateway Drive, Ladson, SC 29456 Ph: 843-871-5371 Fri, Oct. 06, 2017 - Sat, Oct. 07, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Barney's of Brandon 9820 E. Adamo Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 Ph: 813-628-9418 Fri, Oct. 13, 2017 - Sat, Oct. 14, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Niehaus Cycles Sales 718 North Old Route 66, Litchfield, IL 62056 Ph: 217-324-6565 Fri, Oct. 13, 2017 - Sat, Oct. 14, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Ridenow Boulder 6350 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122 Ph: 855-971-3561 Fri, Oct. 13, 2017 - Sat, Oct. 14, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Temecula Powersports 26860 Jefferson Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562 Ph: 951-698-4123 Fri, Oct. 20, 2017 - Sat, Oct. 21, 2017 Motorcycle Dealer Demo Langston Motorsports 1622 Illinois Ave Ste 1, Perris, CA 92571 Ph: 951-471-8205 Sat, Oct. 28, 2017 - Sun, Oct. 29, 2017 [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

I'm curious how many have rode this bike yet? I did, twice a gray one and a red one. Couldn't tell the difference. I've had a Road Star, Stratoliner, RSTD and a RSV, and put probably 250K miles on them. (like most of us) Yeah, these were 15-20 minute demo rides but we did get up to speed (75, 6th) and we had some good twists on the ride. I really did enjoy the ride, I enjoyed the power it had, I enjoyed the control. I'm 5'8" and it fit fine without lowering. Had too many gadgets to fool with in that short time, just wanted to enjoy the ride. The ride by wire would take some getting use to, not minutes. I would say this had the power and handling of my Strat but the comfort of the Venture. Ambient temp was perhaps 85 degrees and we did not sit in traffic, so I can't say how the heat would be when you get stuck in the heat. But I did not get noticeable heat of the motor. One guy complained but then found out he had the seat heater on. Yep. Will I buy one, not me, I got my two up GW trike, and this is too much bike and cost for my solo ride. (Actually, I'm buying another RSTD for that.) But, if I dropped back 10 years, pre retirement,, probably would. As for the rider in the new video, that is a friend, Vince Greva. He is a primary in STAR Touring, a very likeable and honest guy. But, of course STAR folks are hoping this bike is a hit. As most of us should too. (I'm both) Oh, and he is a retired California motor cop who teaches and develops motorcycle courses for training CHP's motor cops. So, a very qualified rider. So, please catch a demo event and ride the bike,,, let us know what you think then too, especially then. I don't think I heard many discouraging words in Redwing. I'll try to attach the demo list but if you got the video, you probably got the list. I'm going to try to get to Cherokee, NC and ride it again. Mike G in SC

Yeah, did two demo rides in Redwing last week at STAR Days. First thing I noticed was that my 29" inseam was just fine. Even got a friend who is about 5'3" who rode it, and one lady rider who is 5 foot nothing did too. And a friend who is 6'3" was just as happy, even with passenger. It had the comfort of my old RSV but the handling of my old Strat. It has the Tour and Sport mode button on by the throttle. Previous rider had it in Sport when I started. Now being a throttle by wire (not cable) it seemed to have some hesitation in first gear to get rolling but when it did kick in, almost stood it up. So, I switched to Tour for that demo ride. Next day, after I got it rolling, I left it in sport. And, the ride did include some twisties as it was near the Mississippi. It rolled the corners great. Oh,,, what I noticed was that the front tire is a 130, like the small tire some use on the RSV. Doo-dads,,, it's got them all. The TC pack will have a lot to offer. But on my RSV and GW Trike, I never turn on my entertainment system, so much of that might not get used by me. Nice to have the adjustable windshield. Also you controlled air vents for your feet and big wind deflectors on the side of the fairing that are very effective. As for power, yep it's got it. But it takes a little getting used to for me in first gear due to the wire throttle. I did hear many RSV riders report they were all hitting the rev limiter in first and second as it is geared more like the Strat and Roadstar. The sound, sounds good for stock pipes, but some are still going to want louder, if they want deep sound. I'd be fine with what it's got. But I did not think it sounded like the Yamaha Symphonic Orchestra was in the parking lot. And the big question, V-twin air cooled. Well,,,,, that is what they are selling. It is a remarkable power plant, I might dig up the cutaway pictures I got but those are in the literature. It does have all the power you will want, would guess it can leave the RSV behind. As for the heat, well we got a 10 minute ride per run (I did two). The ambient parking lot temp was mid to high 80's. Getting on the bike someone else just rode, I could feel some heat coming up my left thigh but not HOT. On the road, those foot/knee vents push it away. I can't say what it would be like at a long stop light or traffic backup. I know I demo'ed a Indian Commander that was much hotter when we got slowed. So, I like my V4's but,,, this is what they are selling. As for me buying one.... If I was 10 years younger and they cost more like the last price of the RSV,,,, YES I WOULD. But, this a mega bike, and I am 67 years old. My wife and I now ride a GW 1800 trike (just did 3700 miles to STAR Days, around the top of Superior to MI and back to SC). So our two up ride will be a trike from hear on out,,, to pasture. And as this is a mega bike, I will not consider it as my solo ride,, which is currently my 2006 RSTD with over 100K miles. So, I don't see this awesome bike in my future. But, if you want a two up big tourer, my first hands on opinion is, YES. Mike G in SC

I rode one twice last week at Redwing (STAR Days). Ambient heat was mid to high 80's. Heat from the bike was not noticeable, once I turned off the seat heater from the previous guy. lol. It has pretty nice air control while moving. Knee vents keep heat off you feet. Big plexi side wings control your body cavity flow, nicely. I've had a Roadstar, Strat, RSV and RSTD (still got that one). I found nothing to complain about on the bike.,,,,, but I already gone to a GW trike for my two up ride and the wife is happy with that. And my solo is the RSTD and this new bike is to much a mega bike to be my solo ride. So, for that reason, I will not get one. If I was 10 years younger,,,,, yes I would fro two up. Has the comfort of the RSV and the handling of a Strat. And, stands up easier than the Strat. Has more doo-dads than I could keep up with. And my inseam is 29" and it fits me fine, no lowering would be needed. Even a 5'3" friend rode it fine. I like was I saw, like what I rode. They did their work. Suggest you test one. If it was priced like the RSV,, yeah, might. As for dealers, the Yamaha tech said they will be working with bigger dealers who move inventory. They don't want them sitting on a mom/pop dealer floor for two years like the RSV did. (So, I think that means that Yamaha will broker the bikes with the movers but the smalls would probably have to buy to get them in. Not sure how they market them out. Just his comment was made.) As for V-twin, air cooled. That is what is for sale,,, soon. Mike G in SC

Had my Ultimate rider seat replaced on my 2006 RSTD. I had talked to Des (Ultimate owner) at Daytona bike week last year told him at 107 K miles it was showing wear (just the rider seat as this is my solo bike). He gave me a good price on recovering. Called down to Dave and he honored the price + return ship. I got the new seat in two days. He had me send the old seat as a core and as soon as they got it Libby credited my card with $135. Looks new,,, well it is. Really impressed with how fast they shipped and great customer service, even while most were at Americade. I also have a full Ultimate set on my Goldwing trike. Mike G in SC

Replaced the brake fluid in my front and rear brakes and clutch on my 2006 RSTD. Reasonably easy cause I installed speed bleeders years ago. Mike G in SC

I was in my local Harbor Freight,,, picking up my freebee magnetic parts cup yesterday (6/17/17). I'm a regular since they put one near me. I walked over to look at their Tag-Along trailer but did not see one on the floor. I looked at a display that had pictures of the trailers they sell. The little Tag-Along, normally selling for $499 had a "clearance" price of $299. The sales clerk said they did have them in back (I think they come boxed). I looked at my 20% coupon and it said not for trailers. I understand from those who have them they are a very good entry level trailer. So, $299 is a pretty good deal. I've got a bigger trailer, so I'm good. But I thought I would share this for anyone looking for the econo-model. I do not know if this price is at all stores, but verified at mine? Mike G in SC.

As this thread has taken so many side tracks,,, Thinking of odd names,,, I saw a Henry J the other day in NC. Looked like this file pic. Henry J. Kaizer tried a thing in the 50's, even had a version Sears sold call the Allstate.

So, June 5th is the announcement date, good. It's time. Listening to the video, the riders give their wish lists. I don't think they would publish some of those requests if they were not going to produce. Of interest is "reverse" on the list. That makes me think they are after the Goldwing riders. Well, I got my Goldwing trike in 2015,, but I'd consider this new ride form my solo ride to replace an aging RSTD. But, did not hear V4 or more, so probably a twin? Next month. Mike G in SC

Take a rag and a can of WD40. Lube up up the front brake lever pivot points (and do same for the clutch). Mine tend to dry out after a rain and you can even hear them squeak. This is a 10 second fix if this is the issue. I first came across this on my Road Star front brake. Was headed to the dealer to have him look,,, stopped at a light and then went to Walmart for WD40 instead. Saved big $$$.

2006 RSTD and 2008 Goldwing Trike. Dairyland about $450 for the year with raised limits. In South Carolina.

I got the Yuasa YTX20HL-BS 320 CA Glass Mat for my RSTD. The lesser one is the YTX20L-BS 270 CA I got mine from the local Yamaha shop. It's the same as in my Goldwing GL1800 trike. But here is a link to Amazon Yuasa's. (we are Prime customers so free ship) https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=yuasa+ytx20hl-bs The 320 CA is $94. I strongly advise to NOT buy Advance Auto batteries for the bike. I had two that did not last a year. Honda shop told me they do not have enough lead in them to make a year.

Jeff, just put same answer on the Face Book thread you have. ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/21338336667/permalink/10155096786211668/?comment_id=10155097237941668&notif_t=group_comment_reply&notif_id=1491499268563510 ) Looks like Boats.net may have them. Their phone# is 877.408.1587 And here is a direct link to the part,,, looks like they are in stock. http://www.boats.net/parts/detail/yamaha/outboard/Y-4KP-14191-00-00.html EDIT: Chatted with Jeff on the FB page. Seems like anyone (online vendors) who don't have them in stock have to order directly from Yamaha. Thus Boats.net and others are drop shipping,,, and like Jeff said, Yamaha only has 2 in their warehouse.

Brenda, This is the primary ground bolt,, dead center of the picture. Mine has the mount bracket for the Stebil air horn. If you have stock horns, yours is just a ground wire and bolt. This is the bolt that, although tight, had corrosion that was faulting my starter,,, giving me the same CLICK under the seat but no start. Did you try taking it out and cleaning the connection? check yes or no. If yes,,, disregard. Mike G in SC

I think my intermittent start problem (hit the start button, sometimes start, sometimes just clicks under seat) is solved. After I dickered with it, it got just where I needed it,,,,, completely screwed. It would not do anything but click. Looking at that optimistically, Easier to check a no-go than a sometimes problem. I took it to my tech. He had to do some chasing but then he found that the main ground wire that runs from the battery to the bolt by your right ankle, although tight, was not making a good ground. I had mounted my Stebil horn there 10 years ago (used a Lowes L-mount, not Carbon One's stainless, lesson learned) and it had decided to loose contact right there. He cleaned it up (and a couple washers). Starter now kicks every time,,, no clicking. Anyhow, just wanted to relate that the primary ground bolt can be tight but still poorly grounded. (And share that with Dion, as we had also talked about my bike last year. Thanks) Mike G in SC

We're going from SC to Redwing, MN for STAR Days in July. Would love to ride, but too hot for the wife, so we will trailer our GW Trike.