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1joeranger

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  1. 1joeranger
    For all of your traveling cross country, do you look up camping spots a head of time or just play it by ear and find something when you are needing to stop? Mike I always planned ahead, with the understanding that plans can and will change at any moment. We had the whole summer off so there was no deadline, per say! Usually our camp site for the night was where I had planned, but sometimes we come across a town, or a spot that we said, wow this is cool, and up went the tent! Every once in awhile we would even splurge and rent a cabin! Great time! Important thing is to remember to not let the plan dictate your actions but use it as a guideline only! For example. Early one morning in nowhere South Dakota we stopped at a post office. While my girlfriend took care of some business an 92yr old man approached me and admired my bike. We had a great conversation for about an hour. That days plan was out the window. Did not try to play catch up the rest of the day but during our lunch break revised our plan for a closer campsite that night. Remember, enjoy the ride, the people you meet, and the places you see! Your journal will reflect the events, not how quickly you could get somewhere!
  2. 1joeranger
    My approach to camping is radically different then most! While in the military we packed ammo, radio, water, food, and very little else into our rucksacks. When I got back to civilian life I decided when I go camping I want to take everything, including the kitchen sink, since I no longer had to carry it on my back! I built my trailer with that philosophy in mind and have caught some sharp criticism for it! I can handle the criticism, I built the trailer for my lifestyle, not others concept of what a bike trailer should look like. I love the trailer, it carries everything. My bike can, and does, handle the load. I get great gas mileage usually losing only 4mpg from my normal riding. Nothing better then finishing the day on a bike then a great campsite with a tent I can stand in (6'2") a camp stove big enough to cook our meal, and chairs we can sit on, comfortable and enjoy fellow camper or the scenic outdoors. That is my idea of roughing it!! Daily schedule: Coffee/journal/stretch/Break camp Ride approx 100 miles gas up Gas/quick breakfast Ride approx 100 miles gas up Big lunch/site seeing/ siesta, shopping Ride approx 100 miles +- gas up Set up camp Journal/upload pictures/dinner/review next day route/check emails/check weather/movie Every 3rd day break routine/ site see/laundry/do nothing/etc!
  3. 1joeranger
    Yhea, I like that! Very similar to google maps but a little more mc orientated. Thanks, I bookmarked it to my camping files.
  4. 1joeranger
    Anyone tried Dyna beads? That removed my wobble on my RSTD! Not interested in a fight here, just curious if any had the same solution?!
  5. 1joeranger
    Here are some of the sites I used when I traveled the US and 1/2 of Canada: http://www.epgsoft.com/CampgroundMap/index.html http://www.reserveamerica.com/ http://koa.com/find-a-koa/ http://freecampsites.net/ Also always wanted to know what to expect weather wise. Finally determined it didn't matter rain to be followed by rain was our usual experience: http://www.intellicast.com/ http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/interstate/?from=breadcrumbs Never did find a good motorcycle mapping program. Like you I used google maps which turned out ok but surely there has to be something better: [ame=http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=&q=&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3MOZA_enUS401US401&ie=UTF-8]Google Maps[/ame] http://www.byways.org/ http://www.motorcycleroads.com/ Finally some FYI sites: http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+travel+for+free&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS328US328 http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+go+camping+l+for+free&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS328US328 [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Camping-Made-Easy-Woofter/dp/1884313337/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/175-4312017-7093144]Amazon.com: Motorcycle Camping Made Easy (9781884313332): Bob Woofter: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41S976FAD0L.@@AMEPARAM@@41S976FAD0L[/ame] [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Lightweight-Camping-Motorcycle-Frazier-Douglass/dp/0595496504]Amazon.com: Lightweight Camping for Motorcycle Travel (9780595496501): Frazier Douglass: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JccIFPBuL.@@AMEPARAM@@51JccIFPBuL[/ame] If you ever do find a good motorcycle map planner pass it on!! I did not have a gps on our adventure and it was about the only thing I wish I did have. Also remember spending the first week in Walmart every day for little trivial things. Finally determined to stay out of Walmarts and spend more time traveling and enjoying! Hope this helps!
  6. 1joeranger
    Helmet to helmet/biker communication. Don't know much about them except I think they are expensive. http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-q2 Light bar for RSTD http://www.chromeworld.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={157a816a-bf18-4300-99d6-868b479189b8}&gid={b150df75-276d-498a-b805-0be7925aadef}&GroupName=Yamaha+Royal+Star+Venture+%20Lights&pname=Kuryakyn+Constellation+Driving+Light+%20Bar&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=
  7. 1joeranger
    Bike first, women second, staying warm third!!!!
  8. 1joeranger
    Like that trailer, brother! Not many I see do I care for but yours looks like it can pack a lot! Yes, I know this has nothing to do with this thread!
  9. 1joeranger
    So I think Panjandrum is our most northern all year rider that we heard from so far!? I've been camped out here in Chattanooga, TN while my daughter attends college (then I will be taking my happy rear back to paradise in Destin, FL!). I can really relate to my GA, TN, SC, and NC cousins who responded to this thread. I almost, almost, rented a house in the nearby mountains here and have been so glad that I didn't. Last year was tough on me getting aclimated. This year I have these wind breakers on my handlebars http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NATIONAL-CYCLE-HAND-DEFLECTORS-Yamaha-XVZ1300-RoyalStar-/360330440415?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e55e2edf and I have some great gloves. I'm not going through that frozen finger painful defrost again! My co-workers think I'm crazy to! I am! I just smile and reply Hey if I can make it in here to Lowe's in this mess so can everyone else!
  10. 1joeranger
    I travel to work day in and day on my 05RSTD! I'm only grounded during ice on the road otherwise rain, snow, or heat doesn't matter I'm riding. Like my old Sergeant use to say "There is no such thing as a rusty Ranger!" Just curious on who also rides all year and how far north do you live? The Maine picture was where I lived as a kid in Loring AFB, Maine. Actually did not ride then.
  11. 1joeranger
    2 socks in 1 year?!?? Someone is getting over!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
  12. 1joeranger
    I never ask for anything nor do I ask what another may want. During the year I usually figure out something for someone. Love the looks I receive when they open their presents. They usually like the thoughtfulness, consideration, and the time I put into their gift. Rarely does the gift have to be expensive. I do like the art of giving more then I do the receiving but every once in awhile someone puts the same effort into giving me something and it is richly rewarding! I also do all my shopping before the holidays. Without any younguns around the house I do not fool with tree or lights either. Still waiting on grand kids for that. I am able to enjoy the holidays watching others do the hustle and bustle without having to get immersed in the madness! I love Christmas, stay focused on why we celebrate it, and love the unwrapping of gifts!!
  13. 1joeranger
    Here is where I got the idea for another tool. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=43980 I also pasted the main part below here. Just wondering if anyone ever followed up on that? "...I found a while back, while attending a motorcycle maintenance course, that the valve tappet tool (for shim over setup) designed for suzuki also works on Yamaha. Here is an example of the tool we used...and I think it works better than the little thing Yamaha sells. As for actual shims. The shim in the bike usually is stamped with the size (or use a caliper to measure the thickness). Using feeler gauges, one can determine how much thicker/thinner they need to go. Any motorcycle shop should carry the shims for a reasonable price, and if you did your math right, should have a perfect fit with little to none of the "musical shims" game. I'm pretty sure these valve tools will work, as they specify which ones will not fit the XVZ 1200/1300 (usually the bolt-on kind). If the link doesn't work, here's the address: http://www.maxmx.co.uk/productdetail.html?ID=3613 Other examples: http://www.sudco.com/motionpro.html#valve http://prostores2.carrierzone.com/se...-TOOL-2/Detail http://pitposse.com/povashto.html"
  14. 1joeranger
    Lucky! And no I'm not posting a picture!!
  15. 1joeranger
    If I buy one it will be from MiCarl! I'm just trying to stretch the boundaries of our knowledge. I'm the one that likes to experiment. A car tire here, dyna beads there, a different valve tool that may work. Granted that is a big "may"! Just asking the question "why?" has taught me so much!! Of course it can backfire. I asked a priest once "why?' during confirmation classes!! LOL, that was a really big no-no!! Anyhow, Merry Christmas everyone! I'm gonna go cook some breakfast, try to fix that stuck float on my carb, Watch my girlfriend open up some gifts, and if I did the gift giving right, try to get lucky!!
  16. 1joeranger
    Spoke with several local dealers yesterday. Each would have to order 25mm shims and were not interested in buying any back. It was a great idea though! I'm thinking about buying the suzuki tool, just for grins and giggles, and having the yamaha tool handy if I can use someones loaner kit. Several threads had mentioned they had used the device with success before but I am not sure if it was for a first gen or not. I may have the wrong tool. Just got to go back and read all these threads! I'm gonna buy replacement shims for the loaner kit and to start stocking up for my own kit. Everyone agree 2.55 to 2.85 is the norm?
  17. 1joeranger
    OK after my success with installing new springs, with a lot of hand holding from Rick, I am feeling cocky enough to tackle a valve adjustmnet on my 05 RSTD. I have read V7Gooses's excellent write up and every other thread I could find regarding this procedure. My big question is why does this need to be done? What happens if it is not done? I know there are a few of you out there that think this is a big wasted effort. I would like to hear why? Not trying to start another war like over the Dyna Beads or over the car tires just would like some good feedback from everyone. 2nd part: Has anyone actually tried using the suzuki shim tool on their 2nd gen http://pitposse.com/povashto.html or [ame=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTVOC8/ref=asc_df_B000GTVOC8956097/?tag=globa0a-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B000GTVOC8&linkCode=asn?tag=citofgamonlco-20]Amazon.com: MOTION PRO SUZ VALVE SHIM TOOL 08-0017: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ljmdffXzL.@@AMEPARAM@@31ljmdffXzL[/ame] ? Found shims at $5.17 ea http://www.z1enterprises.com/catalog.aspx?pid=YPEN1B. Considering buying a few from 2.55 to 2.85. Anyone know a source with better pricing? Are the sizes about what can be expected to replace? Might just borrow the kit from RandyR or another and restock theirs. Just looking at my options! Last but not least I want to wish everyone at this fine site a Blessed Merry Christmas. I am thankful that God has put all of you in my life and I am truly humbled by his signs of Love starting with his son!
  18. 1joeranger
    Anyone else with a ct have a similar experience?
  19. 1joeranger
    Just put a new Avon Cobra on the front, beefed up the springs, and re-lubed the steering head. I was so busy being overjoyed at the success I had with changing the springs for the first time I hadn't given much heed to the dyna beads I had installed. Reading this thread last night reminded me of my new dyna beads and that I had noticed better handling with the bike. Ever since putting a ct and dyna beads on the rear I would experience the dreaded wobble upon reaching 80. Something I was willing to live with since I normally do not travel at this speed. This morning I drove at higher then normal speed, for me, to confirm my suspicion. Upon reaching 95 plus on the interstate this morning I realized that the wobble was gone. Yhea me!! Yhea Dyna Beads!!!!
  20. 1joeranger
    Have a daughter living in SLC who I keep threatening to visit one of these days so maybe we will share some mud together in the future. Welcome to a great family!!!!
  21. 1joeranger
    Actually I got 0!!! All this talk about spacers but no material. Rich Desmond from Sonic Springs was quick to respond to my concerns and explain what spacers were. I ran down to Lowe's and purchased 5' piece of Schedule 40 pvc, the "spacers". Sonic even reimbursed me for my troubles. They responded promply and professional causing me very little inconvenience! I rather got the impression that someone at Sonic was getting their whatfor chewed out!!! Yhea, I can really tell a difference in my beefed up springs! Definitely a great investment!!!
  22. 1joeranger
    Really like the eyebolt idea! Even though I did not have a fairing, thank God, the handlebars were constantly in the way. Also next time I will remove the tank. The towel over was ok. But I tip toed around disaster a few times! I would have screwed up the oil level if I had not checked with you, Rick! The turkey baster was the perfect solution!! Thanks again!!
  23. 1joeranger
    Some more pictures!
  24. 1joeranger
    31,500 miles
  25. 1joeranger
    Finally was time to change out my front tire. I had waited as long as I could for someone to do a write up on changing the fork oil. No luck! So after consulting Rick Butler and learning a lot, through him, about springs and what my particular bike, 05' RSTD, might need I dove in. Changed the fork oil using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF fluid http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-507141.html. I came across this after not being able to find synthetic 10w at the mc shop. Besides I'm partial to Mobil 1! Re packed the steering head bearings. Was gonna install a zerk (greese) fitting http://www.gadgetjq.com/harpo_steeringlube.htm but after seeing the big void plus the hole inside the tube decided that was truly a waste of good Honda Poly and abandoned that task. Installed new springs from Sonic Springs http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/product_reviews.php?cPath=27_117&products_id=347&osCsid=0a06f0a4aa631489ed84cc17fad8f92d. Learned thru Rick and also Rich Desmond, from Sonic Springs, how to pre - load a spring and how obtain the the correct amount of fork oil. Installed new front tire. http://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webCatId=57&navType=type&webTypeId=443&prodFamilyId=22916&listingId=&sizeAttr=5289 Mounting of that tire, along with the dyna beads, was the only thing I did not do myself! My thoughts: Love the new heavy duty springs. My bike no longer nose dives when brakes are applied! The steering stem nut takes a 27mm socket. 2 trips to the store to figure that one out. Could not find the size in the manual, on line, or in any thread I researched. Oh so thankful that I don't have a fairing!!! Should remove gas tank next time. Moving the handle bar around got hairy sometimes. Took 2 days. Have to let the old oil drain overnight! Glad I had Rick to hold my hand otherwise this wanna be mc mechanic would have screwed up. Sonic Springs really stepped up to the plate and responded quickly to my questions and concerns Once again a very special thank you Rick Butler!!!!
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