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Semi-retired

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  1. Semi-retired
    Thanks, Wayne. Yeah, I misspoke on the cig lighter....it's just the stock accessory outlet......and the little push-switch was what the previous owner installed to trigger the pass lights. I'll blow that sucker out with some alcohol and let her dry well before sticking the new 10w in. I might also consider your rewiring suggestion and make sure the fuse container is tucked in behind the headlight or someplace where I can get at it without taking the front half off the bike!! I'll also pull a bulb and see if the replacements WERE 50's or somethin. They were a gift from Squidley, so I didn't inspect them too hard at the time! . If they ARE the big mothers....can I just pop in a 15w....or is that gonna fry everything? And, George, I WILL follow those wires around; one seems to take a treacherou kinda route, sorta wrapped around the headlight adjustment knob......which MAY not be a good thing.
  2. Semi-retired
    Also under the heading "I sure don't want to......"......is TAKE THE FAIRING OFF AGAIN, JUST TO CHANGE A FUSE! Passing lights wouldn't light so I uncorked the fairing to find a blown line-fuse coming from my passing light switch. This is a push-push button mounted on the "drive's side" of the left side of the fairing (down below my clutch lever). Questions: 1. Is this combination access/cig lighter and push-push passing light switch combo a factory stock item? (I bought the bike used)....or is it a common aftermarket solution? 2. Any thoughts on whether the (somewhat) recently upgraded bulbs may have overloaded that fuse? (fuse is 10A....new lamps are quartz) 3. Any tips on outboarding that fuse holder in case it blows again? 4. Thoughts on any other "spots" that might have caused the problem? (I lubricated that push-push with WD40 last year and that "cured" the "no lights" problem then. Is it possible I CAUSED the no-lights problem NOW?) Thanks for any guidance, guys. Mike
  3. Semi-retired
    Hey, big mike.......this is little mike....and I gotta agree with you. My first "fact-to-face" meeting with Brad and Lonna was in Kitchener, Ontario....my home town.....where Brad rewired my Venture's entire back end (tail light, brake light, signals, anti-theft alarm, etc)....and we were total strangers (except for a little correspondence on this site) prior to that. Next thing I knew.....I was making the FOUR HUNDRED MILE round trip from my current home in St. Catharines to the "Squidley household" in Marine City for the installation of a new set of Avon tires....which Brad had graciously pre-ordered for me...AND generously installed on my feeble-rubbered steed. (Not to mention the brake job and the replacement passing lamps!) Lonna and Brad took me in like a long lost son. Fed me....bedded me down, introduced me to several new two-wheeled friends the next day......AND took me for a little tour of the area. I am FAR, FAR, FAR from being a church-going guy......but, believe me when I say, these two folks are the closest thing I've come to in terms of the quintessential meaning of "Christian fellowship". Without embarrassing you two, Brad and Lonna, you guys ARE the salt of the earth! Best personal regards for the new riding season, Michael
  4. Semi-retired
    Thanks, buddy Steve! I will insert my leads accordingly. Have a great weekend. Mike
  5. Semi-retired
    Wow......I did a little Googling around on your Scott's filter......and man, you BETTER love that thing at the price they want! I guess after about 18 oil changes though..........it's pretty much paid for!!
  6. Semi-retired
    Agreed on the thin rotors = potential for warpage.....BUT, we're talking a few thou here, based on the scenario of the pads having just recently run out of brake material. From a cost effectiveness standpoint, (and I haven't made a call to a local machine shop to be sure, but) I'm guessing you can lathe a couple of thousandths off an otherwise perfect old rotor for a heck of a lot lower cost than the price of a new one.......new one's being in the $100-$200 range, depending on model/year/source. All vehicle manufacturers have a "minimum thickness" or "remove no more than" specification for brake drums and rotors. Yamaha would have this spec readily available for the asking, and I don't think anyone should shy away from saving a few bucks, providing they are following the 'factory's guidelines'. Mike
  7. Semi-retired
    Just kidding! So, what kind of filter DO you use, Reaney? Thanks, Mike
  8. Semi-retired
    Is anyone out there using a Fram filter product? If so, I'm curious to know whether anyone is buying it from Canadian Tire. (I guess this is a question for my Canadian amigos). When I was at 'the Tire' yesterday, I noticed that in the motorcycle department, they had a Fram that was designated for the Venture, a model PH6017A. It was all black, and cost $7.49 However, in the auto/car section, there was a Fram filter that looked like the exact same size, but had a nifty "sure-grip" black top (the rest was Fram orange) and a price of $6.32. For both the convenient 'easy-grip' installation feature AND the lower price, I was tempted to go for the "car" version. Thoughts?
  9. Semi-retired
    Hey, Nathan, glad to hear you got your bike back....and you haven't spent a fortune on it.......yet! Call me crazy......but, I'm an old timer, sort of, who graduated from Auto Mechanics with honors.....back when Jesus was a baby. And back then (when dinosaurs ruled the earth) we used to HONE rotors, just like we did DRUMS, before rotors even existed. Is no one doing this anymore? Seems like that would be the ultimate solution with the best combination of safety AND economy: you'd have a nice new smooth surface on your rotor AND you wouldn't have to shell out big bucks for a new one. Just pop in the refinished rotor.....a new pair of pads........and, Bob's your uncle. No? Anyone?
  10. Semi-retired
    Thanks, Buddy.......but, pretend I'm an idiot (it isn't hard!!!)....you're not gonna make me guess which is which (color, that is).....are ya? Or make me strain my poor old eyes squinting through that wiring diagram????? Huh? Seriously, Bud, do you happen to know the color of the tail light socket wire vs the brake light wire? If you do.......you're a man of extraordinary distinction. If you don't.......well.......you're just a good ole boy biker like the rest of us! Cheers, Mike
  11. Semi-retired
    Hey, Buddy...and Gary......thanks a lot for your help. I peeled a glob of "shrink-wrap" off my little wiring set-up last night and found a couple of devices on the end of the "red" wire coming from the lightbar. If someone could tell me what to do with them (be polite now!) I'd appreciate it greatly. Hopefully Gary's drawing and my photo will act as some kind of guidance, below. My best guess is that that tubular looking thingy is the 300 ohm resistor referenced in Gary's drawing.....and that it's lost the lead from the end that has to go into the connector. (That baby will need replacement, I guess.) So, I'm thinking if that's correct (could someone please confirm) I'll still be looking for advice on where (i.e. which color/socket) each of these wires goes to, once I get some "tail" attached to them. Thanks again, guys, for your patience. Mike
  12. Semi-retired
    Hi, Wil. Thanks for the feedback! When you say "it was built as a single purpose unit".....I assume that there IS more than one source/manufacturer of these spoilers, and that perhaps I have a "less talented" "aftermarket" model rather than a "genuine" Yamaha version. ? If you do happen to run across those kit/mod details for converting to "dual purpose" (i.e. run and brake) including wiring instructions, I'd really appreciate it if you could upload/link them to me. But don't spend valuable time (read: RIDING time!) searching, though; I can live with it in only braking or running mode and not suffer at all. It's doing NOTHING now, so anything will be an improvement. Note to Buddy Rich: This is a unit that was already installed on my bike but Squidley and I had detached its wiring while tracking down a brakelight problem "many moons" ago. I've just been letting it sit dormant since then.....but finally decided I should be making use of those extra light bulbs! But I guess I could snoop around a new unit at a dealer's shop somewhere and try to determine the correct wiring setup. Thanks, guys!
  13. Semi-retired
    I read the tech advisory from Freebird (thanks buddy) on how to install the Yamaha spoiler with brake light......but am confused about the wiring. Freebird show directions on where to connect THREE wires....mine only has two: red and black. Does this mean a) mine isn't genuine Yamaha (does someone else make one?) ...or b) I lost a wire somewhere? If I am resigned to having/using only two wires, can anyone advise which "jacks" they should be plugged into to provide either "on when running" or "on when braking" or both? Thanks, guys! Mike Smart riding saves lives......loud pipes cause deafness and piss of your neighbours.
  14. Semi-retired
    I'm really curious to hear your filter/oil change regimen; especially since, if there's a different frequency for the filter than there is for the oil.......isn't it usually the OIL that gets changed twice as often as the filter?....rather than the other way around, as you appear to be doing? Out of "curiosity", the factory manual recommends an initial change of both oil and filter at 600 miles, then at 8,000 miles, then every 8,000 miles thereafter. (I'm surprised no one referenced THE MANUAL!) Mike Smart riding saves lives........loud pipes cause deafness and piss off your neighbours!
  15. Semi-retired
    Thanks, Terry......I downloaded the manual. It looks to be the same quality as the widely available Venture one. In the meantime, I've changed my oil and filter, and found that I can "wrestle" the front exhaust pipe out of the way without actually having to remove the muffler OR drop the master cylinder....so it's not quite the pain I was anticipating. Thanks again to ALL who responded! Just loving this bike! Michael
  16. Semi-retired
    Thanks for all the tips, guys. I'll check out those links to V Star fans/techies. Sounds as though anyone who's ridden one of these really likes 'em. (got to admit, I've been on the wife's new bike more than she has!) I appreciate the tips on the filter relocation kits, but I gotta agree with "paperboy"....I actually did the R&R on the filter twice within an hour (took it out right after I installed it cause I was just a little paranoid about whether I'd put it in facing the right way or not) and it went twice as fast the second time around. (and of course it was at that point that I realized it CAN'T be put in backwards!!!) Also, like paperboy, I've starting to get the feeling that I might be in the market for a V Star myself. When I look at the two bikes sitting in the garage together.......the Venture just looks like the Queen Mary!! And I gotta admit, most of my riding is for short pleasure runs; milk and stuff.......maybe the odd 100 miler up to my brother's cottage. That Midnight is a big piece of equipment to pull out just for a milk run! Isn't that always the way: so many motorcycles........so little time.
  17. Semi-retired
    Actually, that's wifey's new ride....her nice new/old 1100....but, guess who's doing the maintenance. Anyone know of/have a link to an online repair manual? I'm already suffering the "surprise" of having to practically dismember the right side of the bike just to get at the oil filter. Wondering what other joy I'm in for. Thanks, guys. P.S. Didn't know what forum to put this in.
  18. Semi-retired
    Hey.......I like that January 1st idea, Brad. That's way better than standing on the back porch at midnight and firing off the Remington 12 guage! (although THAT can be fun, too!)
  19. Semi-retired
    Ah haaaaaah!!! Just the answer I was looking for! No fuss, no muss. AND I have international concensus: Carl, from the land of ice and snow......and Brad, from the land of.......well, er, more ice and snow! Thanks guys. (I'm assuming that you KNOW I have enough sense to bring my battery inside and charge it gently once a month or so....right?) One last question, though...if we just happen to get a Winter like we did 3 or 4 years ago (when I golfed on Boxing Day), is there any harm in driving the bike with that Sta-bil crap in the tank? I'm assuming not....otherwise we'd all have to hold our bikes by the heels in the Spring and shake 'em upside down!!) Thanks again, Mike
  20. Semi-retired
    I'm sure it's on the forums somewhere...so call me lazy for not looking too long....can anyone point me to the "BEST" winterizing routine they've come across? I'm in Southern Ontario......and, as much as I'd like to think I'm gonna ride at least once a week all winter.......I gotta feeling it's not gonna happen. So, today put 190 ml of Sta-bil in the gastank. Shook the bike around and then idled it for 5 minutes. Then I drained the oil. Will install new filter and refill with new oil tomorrow. Now what? Oil in cylinders? Do I HAVE TO? Please say no. I really don't wanna take off the tank. Exhaust pipes? Wrap with baggies and elastic bands? Drain carbs? Again, do I have to? How big a pain is this? Thanks for the info, guys. (I'm depressed by having to put the baby into cryogenic state.....please don't ask too much of me!!) Mike
  21. Semi-retired
    Thanks for your input, Wayne and Steve. My kill button WAS turned on........(I was VERY [proud of myself for having enough anti-alzheimers to actually check that!!) and when you say the "battery may be shot"....you make me worry.....cause I just replaced it about two months ago. I'm gonna mark this one up to being parked in the rain.......OR, I'm gonna dig inside the fairing again when I get home from tomorrow's ride and see if those passing lamps DO have some kind of short or leak or something happening....cause they're not working again, and I just "fixed" their wiring last month. (Probably screwed it up in a way different from the way it was screwed up before!!) Oh well. Gotta have SOMETHING to do when the bikes in the garage, right? Have great rides this weekend guys. Play safe. Thanks again, Mike.
  22. Semi-retired
    Thanks for your input, Stoutman. You had to have been at least half right.....maybe dead on. After charging for two hours, I disconnected the charger......went to reconnect the ground terminal.....and got a spark at the terminal.......suggesting there was current flowing...even though the key was off. After the initial spark though, I couldn't get it to repeat.....almost as though the sudden jolt had "cleared" something.....or "dried it out" or something! But, it started. I'll take it for a ride and park it INSIDE for the next two nights and see what happens. Thanks again, buddy. mike
  23. Semi-retired
    When I turn on the key, the gas pump cycles and the speedo does its thing...and the headlight comes on (but I notice NOT the running lights). When I push the starter button, theres a click sound from down, left below/behind the battery. (Is there a solenoid down there?) The battery is showing about 12.8 volts. Bike has been sitting for four or five days. Any ideas? (Wiring to passing lamps was recently 'fixed'.....and the bike ran fine last weekend....all day Saturday. Has sat out (covered) in rain since then.) Thoughts? Really want to solve this one, with the last big weekend (with perfect forecast) coming up this Thanksgiving weekend. Any ideas greatly appreciated. (Going to put the battery on the charger now as a start.) Michael
  24. Semi-retired
    Hey, Mike, those look great....thanks for the link. And thanks for your comments, too, squidley.......I plumb forgot about those fasteners in the bottom (Guess it WOULD screw things up digging down for those!!!) Mike. (P.S........Hey, Mike.......guess what the most popular boys name in the world is? Mike.....ya think? Nope: Mohammad!! Cheers, m
  25. Semi-retired
    Has anyone developed a set of handles to attach to the lids of RSV bags so that once you get them off the bike in a quick hurry...using your "quick release bolts"....you can then pick them up by the handles and carry your "suitcases" in to the motel with you? That would sure beat the heck out of unpacking in the parking lot and juggling your toothbrush, pyjamas, Jim Beam and sneakers across the tarmac. I know you can buy bag "inserts", but why mess around with two layers when you could just take the whole thing inside. Or is this a crappy idea? ms
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