Paul Martin

I'm now the proud owner of a 2001 RSV (bought about a month ago). I see in the owner's manual it says to shut off the petcock between rides. And that surprises me. First reason for the surprise is this bike has a fuel pump. So, if you forget to shut off the petcock, can the fuel actually leak past the fuel pump, up to the carbs, and then leak down into the cylinders and beyond? Second reason for the surprise is, my 1982 Yamaha XV920 is equipped with vacuum shut-off petcocks. Why would Yamaha not equip the RSV with same? And along with this question, has anyone here tried swapping out their RSV petcock for a vacuum shut-off petcock? Thanks for feedback! PM

Bought this 2001 RSV w/ 71K on the clock about a month ago. Quite a bit of difference from my '82 XV920, which I used to think of as a 'big' bike lol. Will need: -- new valve cover gaskets (already purchased) -- valve lash adjustment (never done from what I can see in the maintenance records) -- carb synch -- rear shock replace (soon!)

Great post - thanks for sharing! And of course, now I'm checking out the membership benefits...

Ray, is this the bike you are describing, and did you buy it? I was #2 in line to buy it but found a 2001 Venture and decided to buy it instead.

Thank you Freebird!