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Tatonka

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Everything posted by Tatonka

  1. Tatonka
    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.
  2. Tatonka
    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.
  3. Tatonka
    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?
  4. Tatonka
    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
  5. Tatonka
    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.
  6. Tatonka
    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.
  7. Tatonka
    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?
  8. Tatonka
    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?
  9. Tatonka
    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.
  10. Tatonka
    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.
  11. Tatonka
    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.
  12. Tatonka
    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.
  13. Tatonka
    Or wants you to buy one of the bikes in his showroom.
  14. Tatonka
    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?
  15. Tatonka
    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.
  16. Tatonka
    Thanks a lot Earl. I certainly appreciate the clarification and it is a good one. I'm hard on clutches anyway, so I'll just watch the oil. I just had my rear tire replaced in September and I had them grease the splines which took care of the slight whine I had picked up over the 16,600 miles I used the rear tire. The only other whine is from me when I put the bikes in storage and head back to Germany. Thanks again.
  17. Tatonka
    Hi Y'all, I know my 82 Virago XV920 has a clutch problem with motor oils with additives since the clutch shares the motor oil, but I thought the Royal Stars use DOT 4 for the clutch. I had to remind my mechanic that he needed to change the fluid for the clutch on the 98 RSTC because he said the 98 doesn't have a separate cylinder. I actually thought the chirping was from the splines on the final drive according to other posts here. Am I missing something? I would like to add a RSTD or RSV to my stable. Next big trip planned is Nova Scotia to Alaska.
  18. Tatonka
    Hey Dave, I had to replace my rear Venom AM42 last month after 16,600 miles of fully loaded travel [ame=http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?p=397718#post397718]http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?p=397718#post397718[/ame] where I normally had the air pressure around 41F/47R. Avons can still be obtained however and normally don’t seem to be a problem with some exceptions (of which some are mentioned on the forum here). If you really only had 6,000 miles on that tire, you should probably talk to one of their reps. Glad you're ok and nothing happened.
  19. Tatonka
    Funny, But we all know to hook up the cables to the "dead" battery first before hooking up to a power source or other battery and that we always have to hook them up + pole to + pole, right? And no sparks or fire by the dead battery because it could possible explode, right? Yeah, I hooked up the dead battery after hooking up the good battery a few times and never had a problem except once, when the battery exploded. It only took that once. Let's be safe folks. We also tell cagers not to telephone or SMS when driving.
  20. Tatonka
    Hey Seebeetom, After I commented on your comment, I went back and took a good look at my insurance bill and wasn't happy either because with 2 bikes, I went from $611 last year to $926 with no changes in policy, no incidents and my three continued discounts. I called G**** today and mentined that I was in an internet motorcycle group where a lot of members were complaining about their increase and asked why my insurance had almost doubled in some some coverages in spite of having no problems. I was asked to wait and after a long wait on the phone, they came back and apologized for charging me rates for not having a U.S. license. They dropped my rate back to last year's price, but then I discussed a bit and made some changes to the policy which cut my rate down to a total of $435 a year with 50/150/50 and $500 deductible on comprehensive and collision. This includes both bikes, so I basically just saved $541 a year because of you. Thanks I owe you!
  21. Tatonka
    After reading all of this, I'm afraid to make any changes. I have 2 bikes with G**** and have yearly full coverage with a $500 deductible on both and they upped my rate from $762 to $926 this year. I don't have towing with them however since I have that though AMA (AAA does not tow motorcycles under their basic auto membership). Are all the other insurances going up this year (and why)? I'm a mature driver with no "incidents" because the close encounters didn't count (thank you, Lord). Guess I'll have to take a MSF course to get the 10% discount. Any other quotes I tried to get (Progressive doesn't do DC- AARP wanted $1,500 for one bike when I checked with them in 2007) seemed higher and I don't like to worry if my company pays off.
  22. Tatonka
    I just did an update on my Avon Venom purchase and report from last year. (Report after 10,116 miles in 2008 and run total of 16,600 this September with replacment of the rear tire). They were the same sizes and specifications as you mentioned. There is also a radial, but it doesn't seem to be recommended for the Yamahas. I also won't go into fat or small front tire. I did find it comforting that the Avon had a higher load rating than most of the tires being discussed. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24928&highlight=Avon I kind of kept an eye on the discussions about some problems with some Avon tires, but I have heard that Avon has always corrected the problem with no hassle. Don't know if this can be of help to anyone. I ran the Avons because I had good reports. I guess even a car manufacturer can occassionally produce a lemon with the various outsourcing going on. Check some of the various merchandise recall lists. Ride safe and don't forget to check your tires.
  23. Tatonka
    Hi Holger, I'm glad you're keeping everybody straight on this and I wish I understood 1/10th of what I am reading, but I do agree with you that it is cold as #### here in Germany. Got back here last week after 2 months on the bike in the states. Scraped ice off the car windows this morning close to Frankfurt am Main. Funnily enough, my Dyna 3000 that I bought used and installed last year on my 98 RSTC was supposed to be causing problems. I thought it was the carbs though since I was told they needed new intake and exhaust boots and the gaskets on my straight pipes are somewhat shot. I reinstalled the old OEM TCI and it caused the same problem as with the Dyna 3000 (I had only set the Dyna to 6500 rpms and a slight advance on the curve). I have the feeling it is the ignition switch but I have no real idea as such having more money than technical knowledge. Wish everybody luck with getting things fixed. Guess it's time to take the Porta Potti out of the camper before it gets too cold.
  24. Tatonka
    Thanks Fishinjer and RandyR, Yeah, I got the mileage out of that back tire but guess I was lucky I didn't have a blowout or something. I can only recommend looking at some of the other tips concerning the Avons especially tire pressure, date of manufacture and wear marks. And don't forget to break them in (it helps to find a large puddle and keep driving through it and then doing figure-eights to help get the coating off). I didn't really need to ride the 300 miles but I wanted to be sure before I loaded down the bike again. I know it didn't look nice, but this was how I traveled this year. I carried that gas can after Carlsbad, NM and never had to use it because I tanked up every 100 miles. Later I found I was getting close to 150 miles per tank (4.8 gal) but promptly ran out (after I left the gas can in DC to head for Indy) at 150.3 miles at 1:30 am. Boy are these bikes heavy but fairly comfortable to sleep on while waiting for the gas station to open Ride safe and enjoy folks.
  25. Tatonka
    I gave my update on the Avon Venoms after 10,116 miles in 2008. I run the 150 front and stock back blackwall tires. I only ride my RSTC 2 ½ months a year because I live in Germany and just come to ride in August each year with the Legion Riders for the Legacy Run. I normally hang a 3-4 week fun trip on after the Run. Both front and back tires looked good this August when I had the bike serviced (replace all fluids, oil filter and had the brakes replaced). I had planned to make a shorter trip than last year so only expected to go about 5,000 miles for 2009. Tire pressure 41 front, 48 back because I’m always close to max weight with baggage and my 300 + pounds. Got into the habit of glancing at the tires every morning and never noticed any problems until I started riding in a lot of rain just after 16,000 miles on the tires. I thought it was ruts in the road that made my rear end feel slightly slippery occassionally. I glanced at the tires as usual and saw no problems. Did a few more miles next day and everything still looked fine (I have to admit I didn’t check wear marks and I didn’t look at the complete tread by moving the bike). I came out of a restaurant and was totally surprised to see tire ply on the rear tire. Found out where the nearest bike shop was, went there and ordered an Avon Venom tire and found a hotel for the night so I could have it installed next day. Tire was replaced as planned, took a trip to just south of Detroit (put about 300 miles on the tire) to break it in. Back tire had 16,600 on it and should probably have been changed at 16,000. The front now has 17,169 on it and I’m sure I’m good for another 5,000 miles. I’ll attach two pictures of the rear and two of the front. The rear never had the line in the middle, only the front one.
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