Freebird
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My very first ride of the season. I'm just so buried with things to do around here that I just haven't had time to ride. With all the typical spring cleaning, painting, yard work around here and working on the site and trying to get the new server optimized...I've just been buried. So, this morning I got on the bike around 7:30 and went for a ride. WOW....I can't even start to tell you how much clearer my head is now. Folks, I really needed that little ride. Probably only did about 50 miles but it sure felt good. Here are some of my initial impressions of some recent changes I have made to the bike. Avon tires. So far, I love them. I have a very high opinion of the Michelin Commanders that I have been running but decided to try the Avons to see what all the fuss is about. It's way too soon to tell if I will stay with them over the Michelins but the initial impression is very good. The one and ONLY complaint I had with the Michelins were that they howl just a bit in the long sweeping curves. These Avons are very quiet at all times. Now if they do as well as the Michelins on wet roads and I get close to the same mileage out of them, I'll be sold. Speakers. I recently changed out my Pioneer speakers in the front with the Polk db401. I have to say that the Polks are a better speaker. Bass is just a bit better maybe but they just seem to have a cleaner sound overall. I'm not sure it's important now though because....... Headset. I tell you the truth. Since buying my RSV in 1999, I have always used the external speakers for music. The reason is simple. I've never found a headset that does justice to music. They all seemed a bit tinny to me, lacked depth and bass, just didn't sound good at all. I've tried several models of high end and low end J&Ms. For about the past 3 years, I've used AirRiders which were about $200.00 a set...still not impressed. So, I just continued to use the bike's speakers for music and have been through 3 sets of them. As I mentioned in another post, I finally risked wasting my money again and bought a set of Edset's. WOW...what a difference. For the first time in the 9 years that I've owned my bike, I finally prefer listening to the music through my headset. These have the best sound, best bass, best clarity of any headset that I have ever used. I had tried them in the garage after installing them and they sounded good but I've found that the others sound OK also when sitting in a garage. It's not until you get on the road that you can really judge them. I have now ridden with them at speeds up to about 90 MPH and I can tell you, in my opinion, these are the only ones that live up to expectations for a headset. PLUS...these things are only about 1/8 - 1/4" thick so are not even noticeable in your helmet. I often had to push on and re-arrange the others so that they didn't start hurting my ears. Other than that, I really enjoyed the ride except that the bike isn't running quiet right. I feel a bit of hesitation when I roll on the throttle and it just doesn't feel right in general. Maybe later today I'll check the carb sync and maybe even the plugs. It's OK and still a joy to ride but something isn't perfect. I'll figure that out when I have time.
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Too much air will also cause it. Re-jetting is a hit and miss proposition. I think it sometimes takes a couple of tried to get it exactly right. The K&N's give you more air and the airbox mod adds even more to that. First thing I would try would be to block off your airbox mod, install a new set of plugs and check again.
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My problem with the Bridgestones is that they get VERY noise after you have few miles on them. The howling would drive me crazy. I also find that they do not grip nearly as well on wet roads. It would be my very last choice in tires.
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I'll see what I can come up with.
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I agree with Neil. That seems to be the most common cause/place of problems. Seen it on several bikes. -
It is true that the carb sync procedure in the manual is wrong. The correct procedure is listed in our tech library here. In addition to that, I've seen a LOT of bikes that just came from getting a carb sync at some dealers that were not even close. Either they are doing it wrong or just not trying to get it right.
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I've never had a problem with the output of these radios. I know that this may sound very simplistic but I have to ask....have you checked that your mic is pointed in the right direction? My wife and I had a problem once where I could barely here her on the intercom. Upon further investigation, I found that her microphone was facing the wrong way. This was on a boom type mic and it had just gotten twisted around. As far as boosting the output, it can be done but I really don't think it is the issue and you need to know what you are doing. It requires pulling the CB out, very easy to do, and then removing the case to get to the circuit boards. Then there is a pot that you can adjust to increase the output. As I said though, I really don't recommend it. There are several pots and if you tweak the wrong one, you can really mess things up.
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Do you have the 3G models? They just came out this spring. I ask because when I look at mine, I can't quiet see where the problem would be that you describe. When I sit my helmet down, it does not rest on any of the wires.
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I agree with the VStar 1300. Nice bike. Several years ago when I got back into riding after a short break, I stared with a Honda Shadow Ace 1100. They are really low on HP but my wife and I had no problem riding two up. It was a nice bike. If I were to go back to a bit smaller bike though, I would go with something with a bit more power and the VStar 1300 would be at the top of my list.
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I don't think I've seen that exact problem described before. I've seen numerous cases where there was engine noise heard over the speakers. If it's engine noise, it will speed up and slow down with the RPM of the bike. Doesn't sound like what you are describing but if it is, you can usually eliminate it by just slightly rerouting the wires under the left side of the gas tank. If you follow the wire, you will see that it is routed under the left side of the tank and in some cases, seems to be too close to the ignition coils and picks up static. I've just reached under the tank and move the wires slightly and got rid of the noise. If it's not that, then I would suspect a bad connection. First, make sure you have eliminated a problem headset. Have you tried plugging somebody else's headset in and seeing if the problem still occurs? If it's not a headset, then it could be the connectors inside the fairing. Many people have had problems with poor connections in that area. It means splitting the fairing to get to them. Not a difficult job and if you haven't done it, there's a writeup in the Tech Library. Once you have split the fairing, on the right side you will find 5 round connectors that are probably 3/4" - 1" in diameter. Unplug each of them and then plug them in again. Do that several times to rub away any oxidation and etc. Most of us then apply just a bit of dielectric grease to prevent future oxidation. Hopefully that will solve your problem.
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I think that's a very creative idea and could turn out to be an ultra cool ride. I really like it and wouldn't mind doing something like that myself if I run across a donor bike to try it. Please keep us updated.
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I know that in the past that the Goldwing and Venture used the same plug. Not sure about the new 1800 but it will be easy to find out. I'm sure he has whatever you need though.
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I THINK they would work. Take a look at these pictures from the Edsets site. It shows some on a half helmet. http://picasaweb.google.com/edsetsdude/ScorpionEvoHalf
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On the 3rd gen units, there is a module on the outside of the helmet. That's the one that I got.
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Got you down. Your post reminded me of another capability of these headsets. If you have somebody who rides with you every once in a while but doesn't have a headset, they can use a set of earbud type headsets and plug right into the auxiliary port on the back of your helmet. They won't have a microphone but will be able to hear the music and etc.
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OK...I am so sorry that it took me so long to get around to this but for those who wanted a bit of detail on how I made the center stands for the RSV, I have added some measurements and pictures to the original thread in the tech library. You can see it here. Please note that I am no longer offering these stands. This information is provided for those of you who wish to make your own. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1427
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You would really need to try and ride one. It's an entirely different beast. The only similarities are the basic design of the engine and the Venture name. I've owned both and the RSV better fits my preferences in regards to riding position and fits me better with my long legs but that is a personal preference that may well not apply to you.
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I had XM for several years. I switched to Sirius a few months ago simply because there were some talk shows that my wife wanted that were not on XM. Otherwise, I find them to be pretty close to the same. There are a couple of stations on each that are not available on the other. I really like "Coffee House" acoustic on Sirius though. As for the Zumo, I don't have one but may end up with one someday. If I do, I will not buy the XM unit for it. Even if I still used XM I wouldn't buy it because I will not use the Zumo in my work car. I use my laptop mounted on a Ram Mount stand with my customer base loaded on Microsoft Streets with the GPS system. It works very well and to move the Zumo to the car would be redundant. So, I would have an XM unit and subscription that is used only on the bike. The way it is now, I have a Sirius in the house, one in my wife's car and one in my work car that I move between it and the bike.
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Sorry, I don't remember anything about an auto mute. Who was supposed to be coming out with that? I have the micmute but it's not auto. What kind of Nolan? I put it on my Nolan N42.
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He has a lot of confidence in his cords. They are made special from Kevlar reinforced wiring. Time will tell but I feel good about them.
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There is a topic area called VR Merchandise. Check it out and you'll find caps and etc. I still have small patches and a few Guardian Bells.
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OK folks...some of you may remember that last fall I had posted my plans to do a group purchase of Edset's Headsets. After he told me that he was coming out with a new Third Generation product, I decided to wait. Not only that but to be honest, I've tried a lot of headsets. J&M high and low ends, AirRider which are considered high end and EXPENSIVE, etc. etc. Regardless of if I paid a LOT or just a little, I have never been happy with what I got. So, I have really been on the fence about spending $200.00 for another set that would leave me wanting more. Last week I broke down and ordered a set of Edset's. They came in yesterday and I found time to put them in today. I've got to tell you folks, I think we have a winner. These have the best sound that I have heard from any that I've tried. Bass is pretty good and the music is very clear. Haven't tried them yet for communications but to be honest, that was the least of my concern. I've found that most are fine for communications. He did tell me that the biggest complaint that he gets from new customers is that the mic is sensitive and he has to explain to people that you need to turn down your intercom with these because they don't require the volume that others do. Now here is what I REALLY like about these. They are completely modular. If a speaker goes bad, you unplug and replace it. If the mic goes bad, you unplug and replace it. All connectors for the upper and lower cords are gold plated also. But what I REALLY like is the fact that on the back of the module is a 1/8" speaker jack. You can even buy these without speakers if you want to and plug your earbud speakers into the module. I bought the speakers but also plan to try them with some good earbud speakers. I think it will work GREAT. You can also plug an IPOD or other MP3 player into that same jack if you wish. These are just very versatile. That jack would be a great option for you first gen riders who don't have an auxiliary input. So, I am planning to order another set for my wife's helmet and if there is any interest, I can put together a group purchase at this time. Price will depend upon what you want but the set I bought for an open face helmet with RCA microphone, speakers and speaker pouches came to about $210.00. I think I could get that down to about $180.00 plus shipping if I order 10 or more sets. I would have them all shipped to me and I would cover that shipping. Then to you would probably be about $7.50 or so in the USA. I will have to get a shipping price for Canada. So...if you are interested... now is the time to speak up. To see pictures and options, go to http://www.edsets.com Don
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OK folks...Maintenance day is next weekend. If you would all take a moment to go to the Calendar for June 7th and update your intentions of whether or not you are coming, it will be much appreciated. Since I got no volunteers to do the pig, I'm going to just pick up catered food so it would help if I had a closer estimate on how many people to expect. Thanks, Don Nelson
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I've never used them but have seen others that do. This is the first I've heard of them causing scratches but I can see how it could happen. I just never saw a need for them.
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spped-o-healer
Freebird replied to Silver Bullet's topic in Royal Star Venture Tech Talk ('99 - '13)
Yea, I've had mine for a couple of years now I think...maybe last year...heck I don't remember. It's nice to know that what you see is actually the correct speed though. I really like it.