Tatonka
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Thanks for posting that video Michael. I guess it's one thing to look at a map and plan a trip, but it sure helps the planning when you can see what's involved. I used to do 500 miles a day or more when I was younger, but I have learned to get off the highways and smell the pine trees. I did all of the interstates when I was younger, but now at least 1/2 of my trips are spent off the interstates. Lot of country to see and people to meet. Alaska covers three climate zones, so I guess I'll show her some respect and take a couple of days longer. I'm going to plan 2- 2 1/2 months for the trip with the option to take longer, if necessary. What's the use of being retired it you can't take the time you need and who knows how much time we really have? "Bucket List" keeps getting longer with more check marks under the "Been there, done that, Got the T-shirt" column.
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Talk about green... I was planning to go next year in summer but need to get to Indy by August 16th or so. I have the Milepost (2009 Ed.), some maps and have been looking at some sites where people have traveled the road. Good to see we have some folks here that have done the trip. I decided to delay it until 2012 because I'm considering using a dual sport (something that runs on regular gas) but there is a definite toss up on the tire issue. I understand those roads eat tires for lunch, so where do we ship some extra ones? I would love to hit Denali National Park and the furthest place north we can go. I have some American Legion friends who live in Alaska (the new American Legion National Commander is Jimmie Foster by the way), so maybe they could help out with logistics somehow. I was planning on camping most of the time except an occasional overnight at a place where I can load up telephone and camera batteries. I've been looking for someone who wanted to take the trip with me or whom I could accompany.
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Wow, I sure hope this isn't a scam Now, where did I lock up my key? S'cuse me m'am, in which mattress do you keep your cash again?
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Hi Dano and Pegscraper, Got a call from the bike shop and they said it was a loose battery cable. Whew, I was really worried. They do say however that the flasher unit is defect and they can't get a replacement. The front turn signals still work as running lights but I don't have turn signals. Leaves the broken right fog light from dropping it (yes, I will donate for that one :-) I'll take a taxi over to pick it up, but I'll give Dano a call. I really appreciate you guys and love this family of ours here. I had my things shipped from Milwaukee but they won't arrive before Tuesday afternoon. I'd like to invite everybody, but dinner is on me for Dano and Lynn. If things work out, I'll try to get the three open Midwest States visited. Just a quick run so I can say I have been there by motorcycle in the last five years. Have to be in DC with the bike by the 20th so I can catch my flight back to Germany. Thanks, Gypsy -
Thanks Dano & Pegscraper, Lynn always has good ideas and I certainly appreciate your offer of help Dano. I'm in Milwaukee for the Legion Convention until Thursday afternoon. One of the delegates is kind enough to give me a ride to Indianapolis after the convention ends, but I expect it will be late before we get to Indy. I'll find a hotel close to W. Washington St in Indy and be available on Friday (or whenever suits you). One other problem I had was that I broke the right foglight when I dropped the bike while taking it out of storage. Thanks again. Best from Gypsy BTW Dano, I saved your telephone number to my cell phone. Thanks.
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Oh Big Family on the Internet, Was on the American Legion Legacy Run from Indianapolis when my bike decided not to start. The shop hasn't come up with a solution yet after telling me it is probably the ignition switch and some "other" electrical issues. They also told me they can't locate a switch in America and aren't able to order one. They looked at a switch from a 96 but claim it is totally different and the wires are not compatible. I asked them to install a way to bypass the switch but that didn't work either (lights won't come on, no starter) The bike is still in Indianapolis at the shop, the Legacy Run is completed (rode with a support vehicle) and I head back to Indy tomorrow. Anybody in the area with knowledge about where to get a switch and know how to correct such problems? Unfortunately I don't know how to work on a bike but am willing to learn. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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Elecrical problem? Any Ideas?
Tatonka replied to WAC1972's topic in Royal Star and Royal Star Tour Deluxe Tech Talk
Wow, You guys are awesome! I was just sitting here in Germany feeling bad because almost the same thing happened to me (I had to go back to my Virago because I didn't have time to look) just before I left. I've spent the last three months thinking about what it could be and thinking I had a major problem. Thanks, because this gives me hope and some things to check when I get to the States to get ready for the Legacy Run again this year. http://legion.org/riders/legacy Anybody know where to get a turn signal relay for a 98 RSTC? They told me mine is shot but nobody seems to have them available. Also looking for a stock rear light with turn signals and plate holder. If I get the bike up and running again, I hope to do the Legacy Run to Milwaukee then North Dakota to Winnepeg to Nova Scotia and back to DC while knocking out those missing states on my map. Did I forget to say, I like to ride? -
Welcome back Chief! Glad you got to keep the scoot and glad you went somewhere warm to ride it more often. Those PG Riders in Texas and Louisiana are awesome. Had a few with us at the 2009 Legacy Run http://legion.org/legiontv?v=2798_LegacyRun.flv After the 2009 Run, I did a lone trip down Rt 66 from IL to Amarillo, then Big Bend before heading for New Orleans for a couple days of rest and relaxation. Actually stayed at a hotel close to Lafayette on the way. Hope you enjoy yourself down there. Ride hard, but ride safe. Now that you got the time, come on the next Legacy Run from Aug 22-26. Registration is now open. http://legion.org/riders/legacy Thank you for your service and again for your continued service to our veterans. BTW- What does, "Boomer....who now rides de roads wit possums and coonasses....." mean?
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Nice looking "solo" bikes guys! You know I bought the Corbin studded seat. a railing that goes around the seat, a studded pillion seat (and a rack to replace the pillion) and a studded passenger backrest for my short sissy bar (I use a tall one bar with no studs on the pad for traveling). Then I tried the Corbin seat and almost slipped off the seat test riding it around the block and found it was really uncomfortable due to being so hard. Then a couple of ladies (I'm getting too old for this) came over and asked me where the passenger seat was because they had meant to ask for a ride. I normally only do one solo tour a year with saddle bags and Riggpak and cover between 8,500 and 10,000 miles for that one trip. I use the stock seat/passenger seat and attach the Riggpak to the tall sissy bar so I can use it as a backrest and this has become my more efficient way to travel. I still turn most of the girls down when they ask me for a ride When I travel the bike "ain't purty", but it gets me where I have to go. I'm going to a dual sport temporarily for one summer in order to go from Nova Scotia to Alaska and not beat up my bike.
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1988 Owners manual
Tatonka replied to etohio's topic in Venture and Venture Royale Tech Talk ('83 - '93)
I found it helpful to be able to read the Owner's Manual when I didn't have one (I finally ordered however which made me feel like I had new bikes). The Yamaha Star site offers the possibility to view and download the specific owner manual for your bike (cannot be printed however) but requires that you register with them. http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/accessories/acsubcontaineritems/5/142/135/504/all/1.aspx There is a tab in the upper right corner that says "My Star" which leads you to the registration page or allows you to log on if you are already registered. Hope that helps and hope this doen't get me in trouble with Freebird. Happy New Year and an almost belated Merry Christmas to my VR.org family from Germany. -
Just watch out for current plans to change TRICARE for Life. A lot of retired servicemen and women opted for the plan, but I understand there is pending legislation to play with this promise again.
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A heartful thank you to your wife and you for your service. I guess Veterans Day in the U.S is the Day of Remembrance or Armistice Day that many of our Allies still celebrate. It is dedicated to all Veterans, so a heartful thank you to all who have served their country in the interest of a free world. I get a chance to talk to some of the servicemen and women who are either on the way to, or coming back from, Iraq and Afghanistan and I thank them for their service and call them veterans. Quite a few tell me that they aren't Veterans yet, not knowing that they already are. God bless our servicemen, servicewomen, veterans and their families and keep them safe.
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Or wants you to buy one of the bikes in his showroom.
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SO! What are the AGES of the DRIVERS of VR.Org?
Tatonka replied to Zfrebird4's topic in Watering Hole
Oh, the memories! I have lived my few years to the fullest and always tried to complete a few items each year that I have on my long list of "Things to do". Ships, boats and planes are a great way to get around the world, but some are no longer viable means of travel due to health reasons. At least I started on my single handed around the world sailing adventure after I retired but had to stop on the Canary Islands. My map shows the states I have covered by motorcycle since Aug 2007. This winter is the planning stage to cover the New England states and then from Nova Scotia to Alaska. Of course I'll pick up ND to WI on the way back. 4 years active Navy, 20 years Ready Reserve, 32 years living outside of America, 1 ex-wife, 2 daughters, 2 sons, 2 stepdaughters and now recognized head of our family Clan. Oldest daughter is 10 years younger than present wife. Both my wife and I are buffaloes according to the Chinese calendar although I am older at 60 than she is (neither of us is Asian). I'm a Great-grandfather but my wife claims to only be Great-grandfather's second wife and not Great-grandma. My list still has things on it like: Alaska to Patagonia by motorcycle Germany to Cape Town by motorcycle Rocket to Mars and explore it by motorcycle (or trike) Find that Stargate and explore some worlds without getting shot at :-) I'll keep the 3 bikes I have now (did I forget to mention the '62 H-D Glide), but am now in the market for a dual sport that will run on regular gas (sorry BMW) and has at least a 7.5 gal. tank. Isn't it great being a hopeless romantic? -
Sorry to hear about the small crash. I don't have any spare ones unfortunately. I dropped mine (98 RSTC) in the parking lot at McDonalds in September, broke off front brake lever and picked up one at the local shop for $27.95 in Englewood, OH. I put it on myself. I also bent the light bar back into place (third time). I believe all of the 96-01 bikes (RSTC-TD) use the same brake lever. I saw one on EBAY for $ 30 plus shipping. Hope you get everything you need. I have also seen light bars on EBAY. P.S. Nice looking bike.