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Mike G in SC

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Everything posted by Mike G in SC

  1. Mike G in SC
    Grip Puppies is a brand I bought a few years ago. (Google for them) Also about $10. Glad you reminded me, I need to put some on my Strat. Mike G in SC
  2. Mike G in SC
    Did that several years ago. Lot's of pain leading to it. But two days later Steak and Ale! I had mine out on a Friday and was at work by Wednesday (should have milked a week or so out of it). But,,, I heal quick. Use your best judgement, but like Wanderer said, pretty easy now a days. Mike G
  3. Mike G in SC
    You may have a Zlob Trojan. One of my people got one similar to what you describe a year or so back. All the obvious stuff (named here) did nothing. She had Norton AV as the primary AV and their "help-LOL" desk said to pony up $99 dollars to continue talking. Nope. Not sure where they draw the line on HELP, but it was below this nasty one. After a lot of googling, I came across Smithfraud Fix. It is a freeware that DID IT! Google for it, read up, see if you want to try it. Also look up Zlob to see if you might have it. Now, it did clean it up,,,, but the later, every time she booted, it nagged to buy a pro copy or something like that. So, after a week I simply went to Add/Remove and removed the Smithfraudfix program. PC has been fine since. Disk format and data loss was not needed. But as I was at a last straw before Format, it was worth taking a chance. This is a link with the download and good instructions. http://www.precisesecurity.com/tools-resources/adware-tools/smitfraudfix/ Note: says it's for W2000 and XP, not sure about Vista or W7. The Virus Source: Oh, yeah, while on the Internet, the user did get a popup that said the computer was infected. Said to click OK and the Popup said it would fix it,,,,,, boy did it! If you see that,,, bail out. Either do ALT-CTL-DEL then kill the task or just hit the power button for 5 full seconds. She got the virus by clicking OK,,, invited the devil in.
  4. Mike G in SC
    If you suspect the fuel pump (or filter) you can bypass directly from the tank to the carb input to do a gravity feed. I ran my RSTD that way for a few days while dealer ordered a pump. Yamaha pump is not cheap. If you do this, go to the left side cover and pull the power from the pump,, else it will try to run,,, and spit out what gas it has. Search for "gravity feed" on this forum if you need more detail. On a similar problem, my dealer replaced the ignition and some other electronics in the starting system, also did some carb work. Somewhere in the long run, they fixed it. If under warranty, ask them about it. Mike G in SC
  5. Mike G in SC
    Nitro, I have a '06 RSTD with right close to 70k miles. It runs great. I think his price is about $1000 high, just guessing. I haven't looked it up. With 40k, he needs to back off. (But between us, that bike will go 150k, no problem.) An '05 is likely out of warranty. The 5 year warranty is the best, if supported by a good dealer. Things I have had done under warranty: replaced clutch basket to get rid of the whine replaced fuel pump replaced rear shock replaced stator & regulator/rectifier replaced ignition switch and some other switch/relay in that circuitry set the mixture on all 4 carbs when they were chasing the ignition issue None of that cost me a dime, all warranty. I did also recently replace the clutch. It wasn't bad, just wanted to go to the Barnette. As his price is high, I might try to find one that still has warranty. They can't extend the Yamaha warranty beyond 5 years, perhaps he can do a dealer thing? I really wish they still made the RSTD (and in Midnight/raven). In a year or two I would like to get another just like the one I have. Mike G in SC PS: if you get the bike, yes get used to it solo. It's heavy. Your main issue will be at 5 mph and less. Stop & go with a passenger is going to be what you need to get used to. Be aware first time the rear floorboards are out, they will bite you in the calfs! Watch out when you stop, if you roll foreward, they will nip you. BUT, it is a GREAT 2-up bike!!!!
  6. Mike G in SC
    Mine died last year, under warranty. Shop replaced it. (it's a few hundred if your pocket) But it died 100% when it died. When you turned the key,,, no clicks. I did do the gravity feed,,,, to prove to me & the shop it was the pump. But also to ride it for a week. The gravity feed will make it run just fine,, except maybe the bottom of the tank or MAJOR throttling. To do gravity feed,,, let me remember,,,, undo the tank bolt under the seat. Lift the tank up a couple of inches (don't need to undo the front, it will pivot.) use a needle nose to pull the gas line that runs from the tank off the fuel filter. Then pull the hose off the carburetor feed line and put the line from the tank to that feed. Now you are running straight from pitcock to the carb. I suggest you also open up the left side panel and disconnect the fuel pump electrical connection so it won't puke out remaining gas. If you think you want to run this a while (more than emergency) you could also include a $3 inline filter from Wal-mart just below the tank. Buy a few inches of fuel line to run between the pitcock and the filter, rather than cut your good line. I ran it this way a few hundred miles till I got a new pump. But, in your case, this may prove if it is the pump or something else. Stick close to home till you know. Mike G.
  7. Mike G in SC
    Another in the "for what it's worth",,, I once mentioned using the Carbtune to my Yamaha shop mechanic Matt. He rolled his eyes. This was after I sat in on a small clinic where 5 of us had them and got nowhere on one difficult RSTD. (Which he healed.) He made a comment to the effect of, "you have to get the 3rd carb set before you go anywhere. Then you balance the others to #3." So, he was saying that the #3 is the baseline. He did not tell me how to get #3 set. But later when I had the shop set the mixture on each and sync it for me,,,, everything ran GREAT. Like I said, for what it's worth.
  8. Mike G in SC
    Get the RSTD and put the Ultimate seat pack on it. Get a Kuryakyn grand tour bag. That takes care of long rides. Save $4000 if you get studs. Wear a full face and sing like you're on American Idol if you need sound. Mike G in SC
  9. Mike G in SC
    Figure a way that gets you to Hwy 301 above Jax to Ga, towards Allendale, SC. Then Hwy 321 towards Bamburg, thru Orangeburg, then catch Hwy 601 through my home town, Lugoff, SC. To Camden, SC to find Hwy 97 (you'll like this one, more twists than FL) towards Great Falls, SC, to Hwy 21, to Rock Hill. Then probably go ahead and jump on I-77 to Charlotte. Just some roads I have taken, and some I travel real regular. Mike G in SC
  10. Mike G in SC
    I have a Stebil brand. This seems to be a decent "clone". Price (&free ship) is very good. The seller has good feedback. It has the relay & mount bolt/nut (but you should pick up an in-line 30 AMP fuse & heavy wire). You can pick up L-brackets at Lowes for a few bucks, 4 to a pack (just enlarge the holes). (But Carbon One makes a nicer one.) Biker Hiway is where I have bought if you want to see more detail and pricing. http://www.bikerhiway.com/motorcycle-horns-motorcycle-air-horns-c-244_287_247.html I think you found a good deal. Mike G in SC
  11. Mike G in SC
    Pretty simple: Type your message. Hi-lite the entire text, COPY. Then open an email (or word doc),,, paste it there. Run Spell Check on it. Copy/paste it back over your message. Doen wright!
  12. Mike G in SC
    Wow Ted, I just Googled Dutch John, UT. Your nearest Wal-Mart is 35.14 miles!!!! (Take that as good or bad!) And, looking at Google Maps satelite, Ashley Forest with no trees! But the important part,, where in the hell is the gas station?? I guess reserve will get you to Wally world. Be safe,, and warm(?) out there. Mike G.
  13. Mike G in SC
    When I got my last set of Avons on my RSTD, I later went by one of those car tire stores that advertises nitrogen. They did mine for free, first time a bike came in and asked for it. So, cost me same as air. Just an observation, that was 10k miles back, I think about October (6-7 months). I have not had to add air since. Pressure is holding in front & back. Can't say I had that experience in the previous 56k miles. Also, wear is not noticable @ 10K. i normally get about 15k on the rear. I was thinking of helium,,, but I think that might produce a whine, or float off somewhere.
  14. Mike G in SC
    Hey guys, Bobbie, the Roadstars were turning about 58-60+ HP. I think my old R* was low 60's. My RSTD turned 72.1 @ 111. Right in between yours and Pecker's. Sumter did some tuning a few months ago. Great dealership. Al said the Strat's turn around 70HP. Too bad Ultimate Seat doesn't make something Sleeper Hawk might like. I have a Mustang on my Strat and it's not much better than stock. I put a Mustang on my old R* for two hours. Like Goldielocks said, "and this frigging seat is too hard",,, or something like that. The Ultimate seat on my RSTD is for long trips, all day. But the Venture passenger seat is probably better than the Ultimate rear seat. Good seeing you guys there. And Wanderer, I've been checking out some of your Google albums,, where are you now? Mike G in SC
  15. Mike G in SC
    I've bought two sets of Frogg Toggs. First one, pants tore and burned on first day. But the silver matches duct tape well. Second set looks okay but the crotch seam leaked in it's second season. I think someone got a "Wal-mart people pic" of me in the Depends section! Hey, but the jackets are okay and comfortable. (I now keep the FT's for spares for my "friends".) Some friends of mine are headed from SC to CA right now and hit that bad weather in Alabama and Mississippi yesterday. All three said their their Frogg Toggs did not keep them dry in that mess (dodging tornados), even wearing the hoods in full helmet. I bought a set of First Gear Rainman from Cycle Gear (had to order as they don't stock them). I think with a coupon was a bit over $100. (I like the bright yellow jacket) http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=TUC_50-5867_G They got a light test in 50 miles of light rain yesterday. Along with Harley gators (worth the money), did just fine. SO, an option would be to buy the Frogg Togg, and replace the pants with another brand when they give out.
  16. Mike G in SC
    As for your thoughts about quick release on,,, windshield. I've had my 06 RSTD for 2+ years. Once when I washed it I took it for a 60+mph ride without the winshield. That's all I needed. I'm convinced,,, I have no need to ride at speed without it. So, no loss to me if it's not a quick removal. It's staying on. If you ride regular without, that might be an issue. If you normally ride with a windshield, "Forget about it".
  17. Mike G in SC
    My RSTD is has the Barons kit on the rear, and lowered 1/2" in the front. (Unless you buy a kit, you can only get about 1/2" on the front because of the air valves.) I didn't like it that low in the rear (partly because of the kick stand,,, partly because), so, I took both length dog bones to a fab shop and for $20 the guy made me a pair exactly 1/2 way between. So, I'm pretty close to level, but with the smaller front tire, totals about 3/4" lower. But, yeah, I do have to be cognizant of the slope when I park. Edit: PS,,, seems like someone smarter than me said he would keep at least 10-15Lbs in the rear shock just to keep the seals up.
  18. Mike G in SC
    I'm in midlands SC. I have a 2006 RSTD & 2006 Strat. Full coverage (good limits) $500 deductable + tow assist. Nationwide (Victoria) $384/yr
  19. Mike G in SC
    A newer additive on the market is Startron by Starbrite. It is similar to Stabil but engineered with Ethanol issues in mind. My Yamaha dealer suggested it when I was having some problems. You can find it at Walmart and other stores in the marine section,,, not auto. FYI: http://mystarbrite.com/startron/ If you are going to use the gas, don't need it. But if the vehicle sits (IE Harley) then might look into it.
  20. Mike G in SC
    Jim, PS: I took my Strat to the mountains and left the midnight RSTD home yesterday. I had dusted if off before I left. It was pure yellow when I got home. I think I will use one of my cats that sit on it overnight as a dust mop! Yep, taking pills for the "yellow fever" too. Oh, this was my first ride on the Strat in the mountains. (I don't count a previous trip cause that was the old shot BS tires. This was on new Avon Cobras.) Yikes, did it leave my Harley friends in the dust. I still call my RSTD #1 bike but that Strat can really go in the hills. I had been thinking of selling it but,, different perspective now. Mike G.
  21. Mike G in SC
    Me & and couple of friends rode up to the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday (4/3/10). Got on at Hwy 276 just below the Pisgah Inn, below Asheville. Went there for lunch (always good). Found out that there are 5 major closures in NC. We just happened on a 4 mile stretch that was open!. I looked at the BR closures site and they don't say much but they do give a # to call for updates (828) 298 0398. If you are going to ride the Parkway in NC,,,,, might call. Closure site: http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm But, up to about 20 miles south of Asheville and for 70 miles north you will hit a series of closures (rock slides, broken road and ICE in the tunnels). Mt Mitchell is open but only by limited access. Folk Art center above Ashville is open but you can't get to Mt.Mitchell without leaving the Parkway. Approximate mile marker closures south to north: 422 to 414, 409 to 400, 375 to 352, 341 to 330 318 to 305. But they will be more exact, with highway #'s if you call. YES, snow in pockets on the sides of the road, cool. So, we still made a great ride by jumping back on 276 to Waynesville, west, to Maggie Valley and got back on the Parkway above Cherokee. From Cherokee, east, to Hwy 215 (Devils Courtyard) is open and fine. That is a 50+ mile section with the best vista views. So we got a great 500 mile ride in yesterday. Oh, but do watch for broken up pavement on roads that get you to the parkway. Found several bad spots (no warnings) on the way down on Hwy 215. Hey, but it did get us above the pollen level!!! Mike G in SC
  22. Mike G in SC
    Me & a couple of friends rode up to the Parkway yesterday. Got on at Hwy 276 just below the Pisgah Inn. Went there for lunch (always good). Found out that there are 5 major closures in NC. We just happened on a 4 mile stretch that was open!. I looked at the BR closures site and they don't say much but they do give a # to call for updates (828) 298 0398. If you are going to ride the Parkway in NC,,,,, might call. But up to about 20 miles south of Asheville and for 70 miles north you will hit a series of closures (rock slides, broken road and ICE in the tunnels). Mt Mitchell is open but only by limited access. Folk Art center above Ashville is open but you can't get to Mt.Mitchell without leaving the Parkway. Approximate MM closures south to north: 422 to 414, 409 to 400, 375 to 352, 341 to 330 318 to 305. But they will be more exact, with highway #'s if you call. YES, snow in pockets on the sides of the road, cool. So, we still made a great ride by jumping back on 276 to Waynesville, west, to Maggie Valley and got back on the Parkway above Cherokee. From Cherokee, east, to Hwy 215 (Devils Courtyard) is open and fine. That is a 50+ mile section with the best vista views. So we got a great 500 mile ride in yesterday. Hey, but it did get us above the pollen level!!! Randy, I will drag this over to a new post for BRP closures. You may want to post there about closures you found. Mike G in SC
  23. Mike G in SC
    Ben (Gamecock), Good to see you are up and about. If you get a chance, please post on the Star Touring Cruiser Cafe. There is already a link on you with a lot of well wishes. http://www.startouring.org/forum/default.aspx?f=5&m=105999 Glad to see there is another bike in your future. Mike G in SC
  24. Mike G in SC
    The blocks I got were too small,,, but I can cut some from computer packing foam any time. WHAT DID WORK,,, was the Saran Wrap Buddy wrapped the deflectors in!!! I balled it up and stuck it in the same place the foam goes. Hey, then I got some more from the kitchen and made two Saran Wrap balls about an inch or two in diameter. They have been in there for two months. Like Buddy said,,, what ever works. Buddy, I got the lower vents. Have not installed them yet,,,, but wanted to tell you they look great. I kept the Saran Wrap,,, never know.
  25. Mike G in SC
    You have probably already bought, but, yeah, the AGM (Glass Mat) batteries don't require chemicals or a charge out of the box. (But a overnight tender charge is still a good idea.) I think I got one a year or so back at Advance or Autozone off the shelf. They can sit on a shelf a year or so like a D-cell with little or no loss. Someone told me that bike batteries do not recover by riding (thus charging) like a car battery does. I think they said this is due to the charging system is just enough to run the bike stuff and maintain the charge. Might be hooey, but they were saying you may get a jump but you still need to charge your drained battery back to full, even if you did run several miles after the jump. BUT, looks like you did that. So, dead is dead. Edit: Oh, regarding the AGM battery,,, lunch today, I left my lights(3) on for ONE HOUR. It started just fine, twice. But, when I get home, I will put it on the tender.
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