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Mike G in SC

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Everything posted by Mike G in SC

  1. Mike G in SC
    Autopilot, My local station (WISTV.com) a couple of hours ago had the car tags complete at 400, but the MC tags only at 250. Hope you're right but, if it's 250, still got some word to get out. Just verified same on the SC DMV site, 250. I did see where trikes will no longer need a MC endorsement on your license soon. (Didn't mention Voyager kits, said bikes detachable side cars still need MC.) http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx
  2. Mike G in SC
    The South Carolina Dept of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is trying to make available a new license tag available to Honorable Discharged Veterans. They are making one available for cars and one available for motorcycles. For each, they need 400 applications received to the DMV soon. The car applicants now have their 400. They only have 250 MC applicants as of the 6/17/09. Deal is off if they don't have 400 by July 1. If you are licensed in SC and are interested please follow the link below, then click to download the "MOTORCYCLE" form. MV-37B You will send it in with $5 to "pre-apply". If they do not get the 400 they will return you money. I believe the special tag fees are lower than typical vanity tags,,, if at all. The tag is displayed on the link site, it is blue background, says VETERAN and has a star. (see below) I was not in a war zone (but I did kept the Viet Cong out of Wichita!), so this tag is for all vets. If you cannot download the form, I can email a PDF copy to you (I went by the Hwy Dept and got one). PLEASE TELL YOUR SC VET FRIENDS! Link: http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/images/VetPlate.jpg Mike G in SC
  3. Mike G in SC
    Art, Glad it worked out so well. I was impressed that they got you in so quick (Saturday call to get a Tuesday appointment (shop closed Monday). I'm headed there in the morning for tire work. I've been dealing with them for 4+ years. I bought both Yamahas used from individuals but they treat me like family and gladly transferred warranties to me. They don't try to spend your money. When you talk to Al, he asks a lot of questions to figure the problem. He will even work with you over the phone to see if you can fix or diagnose the problem where you are. He and I walked through hooking my RSTD to gravity feed when the fuel pump died. Then, like you said, Matt fixes stuff and waves a wand and it's good to go. They also don't give you crap about doing something other than 100% Yamaha. Great people in parts and sales too. And Dick, the owner supports the local Star Rider groups. You won't find many dealers like Sumter Extreme Sports Yamaha. Mike G.
  4. Mike G in SC
    Art,,,, GREAT...... This is a real happy,,,,,, WE TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!!! I'm headed there Thursday to reset a tire (leak in the bead). I will tell them about your post! Dealers like to hear if they are good. Mike G in SC
  5. Mike G in SC
    I plugged a rear with the rope then threw in a bottle of Green Slime for secondary insurance. (Was a roofing nail in the groove of the tread). Rode it till tread replacement time. Will probably look for the RIDE-ON mentioned above. It's also good for balancing and keeping the tires cooler (front & back). Right now I'm fighting what seems to be a bead leak on the front. Will have it remounted this week.
  6. Mike G in SC
    Yeah, Art, let us know what they find (actually I will be down there Wed or Thurs this week, I can ask Al). But want to know cause another RSTD may have SAME issue. I helped Jim Ballenger a few weeks ago, carbtune, and the exact same intake pipe pulled out. Well we thought it was okay, but today he told me he went from over 40 MPG to 35 after our work. So he may have same issue. Let us know! Oh, and went on the Camp Kemo toys ride today,,,, ran into Wanderer (Ted). Small town! Mike G
  7. Mike G in SC
    Yeah, that would be Dave. Don't forget he warmed up with the monkey bread. Hey, thanks for the invite. Great visiting with you all for the first time today. Never saw so many Morgan Carbtunes in one place. Glad you told me about the tree,,, else I was wondering about the choice of curtains. Bobbie,,, obviously it did not dampen your pie baking skills! Thanks, I needed that. Good to meet your family(s). You will see me again. Art should be in good hands in Sumter next week, Matt will nail the problem. Mike G in SC
  8. Mike G in SC
    Great visiting with you all for the first time today. Glad you told me about the tree,,, else I was wondering about the choice of curtains. Bobbie,,, obviously it did not dampen your pie baking skills! Thanks, I needed that. Good to meet your family(s). You two will see me again. Art should be in good hands in Sumter next week, Matt will nail the problem. Mike G in SC
  9. Mike G in SC
    Sleeperhawk and Art, and,,,,? Hey, thanks for the invite to the Columbia SC shade tree clinic. Unless some force of nature hits me,,, see you about 9 or so tomorrow morning. I'll bring my Carbtune and a foot long phillips. Is there a doughnut store along the way? I'll bring my own coffee. Hey, 10 would have given me more beauty sleep! Mike G in SC
  10. Mike G in SC
    I bought my 2006 RSTD used. Previous owner had done the RK mod. Pipes were quiet as stock (I think). But more important, these RK pipes would drag pretty easy, especially 2-up (sorry honey). These were big diameter cans. He also had a lowering kit that was a near constant drag (or bottom out). Had to go back to stock height. A friend had taken some nice RUSH RK slash pipes off his HD. They worked great. But still had to keep stock height so they would not scrape. Oh, THEY SOUNDED GREAT,, perhaps loud for some. More of a deep roar than 4-2-4. So, wanting to do a half way lower (fabricated dog bones), I decided to go to the Barons 4-2-4. These are actually quieter than the Rush. That's okay. Pretty happy with the 4-2-4 now. I gave the Rush RK pipes and the mounts to a friend for his R*. Now he's happy too. Mike G in SC
  11. Mike G in SC
    Yes, I can verify that the dummy bolts on the side covers work if you loose the shifter bolt. I was coming off the interstate yesterday. Didn't pay much attention to the clink a few miles back. Started to down shift on the ramp,,,, NO SHIFTER!! Well, actually it was there, laying next to my foot on the floor board. I stopped the bike, slid the shifter back on the shaft, kept left foot close and got to my stop. No spare bolts in the tool bag. (Had not read WHANNA's post before today.) Started looking where to steal a bolt,,,, Yep, SIDE COVER DUMMY BOLTS. Perfect fit. Got me back home just fine. The shop had to order then replacement bolt/washer,,, so not sure if it is exactly same. But it was not high dollar like some of the ones that must be solid gold inside. So,,,, yeah, they work,,,, and you have two chances! But yep, will locktite the next one. Mike G.
  12. Mike G in SC
    I won't dwell on this,,, but I am probably the only one to remove my Clearview to go back to stock. I have a 2006 RSTD. I got the Clearview 19.5, recurve, with the vent,,, say, last September. Great at back road speeds. But on the interstate at 75+, around traffic, I was getting side shimmy, always. So I bumped it to 90 in traffic,, worse. Bumped it to 100, no traffic, just plain scary. You've seen those flicks where a high speed bike looses it to front oscillation, yeah, that as about it. I went back to stock,,, then took it to all those speeds, then to 110 and did not get the same problem. I emailed Clearview, John was concerned, said he would tell the boss, but I never heard back. So I am at stock. They said they've never had that complaint(?). Okay. My guess,,,, the vent is a bad idea at 80 for my bike. I think it acts like a drag shoot (the vent louvers are not at the windshield surface but 2" back (like a pocket). Honda design. Just for kicks, I tightened my steering head bearing tonight. Maybe it was loose (didn't feel like it). But I will try the Clearview again. Else,, will sell it (or trade for a new stock ?? someone got one?). But,,, you ask after your question after you have bought. Hope you don't have that problem. PS, yeah, the quality of their work is top notch,, Just,,, I had an aero problem. Mike G in SC
  13. Mike G in SC
    Advance and Wal-Mart and (um? forgot), sell a kit also. The product is CV Headlight Restorer/Defogger. Comes in a foil bag with everything you need and good instructions. Their web page is www.myheadlight.com . See their video too. I have used it on 3 cars lately. STUNNING. It was on sale for about $18 One thing different with this kit. I comes with a clear coat finish that will keep it for,,,,,, well they say "lifetime". I'm not sure how they know how long I will live !!!!!!! I should call them. My before and after pics really do look like the ads. Wet sandpaper is the key to getting it there, the clear coat will make it stay that way. ( And several years ago, on my wife's Crown Vic, I spent $300 to surprise her with new lenses. This year I spent $18 on her Lincoln and still got lucky!)
  14. Mike G in SC
    In your options you mentioned fuel pump. I had a fuel pump die last month. (Question: When you haven't started if for a day, do you hear it click for a few seconds when you turn key & kill switch on? If no clicks, could be faulty.) It is inside the side cover, below the seat. The filter is next to it, about mid bike. Before you pull the tank you could pull the hose from the carb input to see if it is pumping. You will probably have to pull the seat then just remove the tank bolt under the seat area to pivot the tank up, then use needle nose to pull the hose to the carbs. See if it pumps gas to a jar. If it shoots pretty good, not the pump. If it does not pump, and no clicking, pump could be bad. (unless it is blocked at tank or clogged filter.) Mine was bad. I did bypass mine with gravity feed for a week till I got a new one under warranty. Works great. To gravity feed, take the hose that goes from tank valve to the fuel filter, pull from filter (wiggle it to make sure you found it). Route this directly to the carb input. As long as you have, say over 1/4 tank, it should gravity feed. I did put a $3 filter inline for that week. If doing this, I suggest you disconnect power to the pump which is in the fuse box area. Else any remaining gas may try to pump and could toast your bike. I hate when that happens. Just a thought. Someone else may have clues on other possibilities. Mike G. Oh, Sleeperhawk, I will keep your invite in mind, thanks. Not sure of my plans that weekend yet.
  15. Mike G in SC
    Robert, I live in Lugoff, SC (actually locals say "I stay at Lugoff",,, go figure, so then I tell them I'm a LooGoofian). Anyhow,,, I got the Morgan Carbtune last month. Have only used it on two Royals. Not much to it. (But I do not have a tach.) If you might be going to the Star Touring SE Star BQ in Charleston this month, (6/19 - 6/21) I am bringing it with me. Else, I'm about 90 miles south of you. If you don't find one, let me know. You could ride down if timing works. Or, I do need a trip to Frugal McDougal's (Carowins area) in the next week or so, might be in your neighborhood. Let me know if you don't find one local. My mileage has gone up 5+ but more important, my tank range has streched out 20+ That would be nice before you hit the long road. mikeginsc@bellsouth.net
  16. Mike G in SC
    Just a bump. If you have a vet friend in SC, let him/her know.
  17. Mike G in SC
    The South Carolina Dept of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is trying to make available a new license tag available to Honorable Discharged Veterans. They are making one available for cars and one available for motorcycles. For each, they need 400 applications received to the DMV soon. They only have about 70 MC applicants as of the end of March. If you are licensed in SC and are interested please follow the link below, then click to download the "MOTORCYCLE" form. You will send it in with $5 to "pre-apply". If they do not get the 400 they will return you money. I believe the special tag fees are lower than typical vanity tags,,, if at all. The tag is displayed on the link site, it is blue background, says VETERAN and has a star. Not the coolest looking tag out,,, but says you served. (see below) I was not in a war zone (but I did kept the Viet Cong out of Witchita!), so this tag is for me, a vet who supports others. If you cannot download the form, I can email a PDF copy to you (I went by the Hwy Dept and got one). Link: http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx Click on the MOTORCYCLE form MV37B. http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/images/VetPlate.jpg
  18. Mike G in SC
    Cougar, I got them for my R* a few years ago. Pretty sure it was the smaller size (top ones), cause I remember asking them later if I could also order the larger to put over the smaller ones. (By the way, they said no, they would fit too tight to slide one over the other.) They are tight to get on. Use dish soap,,, or compressed air. I think the RSTD (Venture too?) would have the same size stock grips as the R*. So,,,, blah,,, blah ,, to answer... Yes, top ones. Also, Bar836, sorry for the duplication,, didn't see your post to same link.
  19. Mike G in SC
    You CAN put on the Kuryakyn ISO grips and do some grinding work on the stock weights (and longer bolts). This will give wider grips and still keep the weights on. My mechanic did that for my RSTD. He grinded off the tapered inner part of the weights. I think some have also tooled out the end of the grips to leave the weights as is. But a quick remedy might be "GRIP PUPPIES" from California Sport Touring. See link: http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CST&Category_Code=GRIPPUP These are foam sleeves that go over you stock grips. They add diameter and softer/easier grip. I use them for a year on my Road Star and it immediately got rid of my right hand numbness,,, PROMISE. They are darn cheap,, like $8 a pair. They will eventually wear/tear, so,, then buy again. They sell two sizes, so check your stock grip diameter.
  20. Mike G in SC
    Yeah, I'm curious too. I have a 2006 RSTD, bought in 9/07. The summer before I got it, I had test rode a Venture from the Yamaha truck in Chattanooga (Star Days 07). It was about 1 PM, 92F and very humid after a rainy morning. In city traffic and on the "back" roads they took us,,, I was cooking. (I owned a R* then.) Seemed like all the heat and humidity hung in the rider area. I expected it at slow speeds but getting up to hwy speed did not disperse it. As I didn't know the bike, I couldn't find the A/C button (or at least air vents on the stock bike). That was a 20 minute ride. I jumped off that to ride a Strat on the next group (same temp & such), and it was way more tolerable. I don't suffer the same on my RSTD. I might want to get a Venture later. So,,, me too? Oh, on my RSTD, I do have the lower vents (they do fit the Venture too). They are great in the cooler seasons to keep your foot/leg area warm (and dry in minor rain). For hot days, you can pivot them open. Problem there is if you turn them in-board towards the engine, that heat will be pushed out to your lower legs, increasing the heat effect. I usually turn mine mostly parallel with the bike (but very slight in-board). This will direct more fresh road air past your legs. They are a "worth buying" addition. But, they do not have much affect on upper torso air.
  21. Mike G in SC
    With the mirror on a stick,,,, use a small flashlight to bounce off the mirror to the window. Unless it's bright sunlight,,,, it helps.
  22. Mike G in SC
    I've done a fair amount of BR Parkway riding. (To me, best road in this part of the world.) I'd suggest catching the Parkway and heading South of Asheville. The 100 mile vistas are plentiful below Ashville. North of Asheville is a lot of overgrowth at the overlooks. Also, about 5 miles above Asheville the Parkway is closed for repairs (unless it has just lately opened). As of two weeks ago, you had to go 20 miles around to get back to Mt Mitchell. (check locally or Google for info.) Back to South,,,, 15 miles south is the Pisgah Inn. Great lunch with a view. Ride south, take in several overlooks (mostly towards east/left). Depends on how far you want to go,,, cause you have to come back. Cherokee is about 75 miles, that would take about 3 hours. You can turn on Hwy 276 to Brevard. That is a great road with some scenic waterfalls. Brevard is a nice visit too, find lunch somewhere downtown. Then take 64E back to Hendersonville. There is a great 50's style burger shop downtown, don't remember the name,, just ask anyone. Hendersonville is GREAT too. Or you can go further on the parkway, take Hwy 215 to get back to 64. That road is 20 miles of twisties but safe. If you do want to go to Mt Mitchell, take Hwy 9 north from Bat Cave, catch I-40 East for an exit, get off at Hwy 70 to catch Hwy 80 to the Parkway. 80 IS AWESOME!! It's a dragon that few know about. This puts you on the Parkway a few miles east of Mt Mitchell. Yes Mt Mitchell is a neat visit with a decent restaurant. Stop at Linville Falls for a dramatic waterfall, expect it to take one hour, but the walk is easy. If you want to ride north towards Boone & Spruce pine, it's a nice ride too but, except for riding the viaduct below Mt Mitchell, not as eventful. If you get to that area, visit the original 1895 Mast General Store in Valle Crucis (or visit any Mast General Store (Hendersonville) for a treat. ENJOY THAT AREA, I DO!! Mike Griswold (Mike G in SC) Starrider #124, Columbia, SC PS: Ummmm, you picked a busy tourist weekend, keep that in mind if you visit tourist stuff in that area. The parkway is a delight on weekdays,, but tourist times can turn into a conveyer belt.
  23. Mike G in SC
    My fuel pump came in, the shop replaced it under warranty. I had them replace the fuel filter too as I have 54k on it. Runs just fine,,,,, a lot like gravity feed!
  24. Mike G in SC
    The Barons relocation kit has two main features. 1) Caliper relocation kit, to move the caliper out of the fender area. $$$ 2) Different "dog bones" to actually lower the bike. $$ The Caliper relocation can stay where it is, unless you are wanting to sell the kit. A secondary advantage it has is, at the rotated 4 o'clock position, you can view and replace your rear pads with out much effort. It does no harm staying on if you go back to stock height. The dog bones (2) would be replaced with the originals,,,, if you have them. Regardless of logic, they are actually about 3/4" SHORTER than the Barons dog bones. I sat down and figured it out once but my mind hates negative logic. I had a local fab shop manufacture a pair exactly half way between the two lengths. I got mine just where I want it,,,, finally. Someone does sell what they call "Leveling links",,, this is simply shorter dog bones which will actually raise you bike in the rear 1" above stock. If you do not have the stock dog bones, then, with you height, they maybe just what YOU want. Again, removing the caliper relocation parts is not needed. But if do, you may be able to sell the kit, it sells new for $190 or so. Regarding the front. I would check it's height against someone who knows they are still stock height. They could be lowered up to 1 1/2" either with or without "parts". Most people who drop them just loosen and drop. If they lowered the rear,,, 50/50 if they did the front.
  25. Mike G in SC
    My fuel pump died last week (2006 RSTD 53k miles). Will be replaced under warranty. But while I wait,,, I got to ride. Yes you can bypass the filter/pump and gravity feed, and do this in 15 minutes. So, pull the seat, pull the line going from tank to the fuel filter, and relocate it to the carburetor input. I did have to remove the seat tank bolt to be able to lift the tank enough to get a needle nose on the clamp to the carb line. With this, I did disconnect power to the fuel pump, as it was trying to spit some remaining fuel. I also spent $5 and put an in-line filter, 3" hose and two clamps. I put it right off the petcock. When the shop replaces it this week, they can just put it back together seeing how I didn't do any chop work. Be sure you don't have loose gas dripping from any unhooked hoses. So you know, the fuel pump & filter are NOT under the tank, found that out. The pump is in the left side cover by the fuse box, it's electrical plug is right under the fuse box. And the filter is just in front of the battery. I've been riding it on gravity feed for a few days now, and yes, keeping the fuel level above 1/4 tank. I don't think I would know the difference. PS: the shop said Yamaha sells this Mitsubishi part for $250,,, thanks for the 5 year warranty. It's really nice to know you can do this in a pinch. Next time you pull the seat you may want to look at the hoses, wiggle the one from the tank so you know where it is. Then if you are out in the boonies, with just regular tools you can drive off with out the pump.
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