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1joeranger

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Everything posted by 1joeranger

  1. 1joeranger
    Took my bike into the dealer today over what i suspected was leaking pipes. My girlfriend had complained about exhaust fumes! I was a little leary about having a warranty fight with them since the previous owner had replaced the stock mufflers with Bub mufflers. No fight! They investigated the pipes, found no leak, gave me a possible cause for the fumes, and charged me $40 since it was determined there was no warranty issue. I thought that was a fair price, sort of bought their hypotheses on the cause of the fumes, and will be getting my bike back after they clean her. Money, I think, well spent! For the record, I like to do my own maintenance. I don't know it all but I reference my maintenance manuel, and then this website and usually I am able to figure out what to do, such as a Carb Synch. I am usually not fond of dealerships, I don't know who will be touching my bike, I am concerned with inadvertent carelessness, shoddy work, and of course incompetence. I have not experienced this at my dealership. I have taken my bike in twice now, both times for warranty issues. They fixed the first and explained the second to my satisfaction. I feel I have recieved proffesional treatment. Of course this is all relative!
  2. 1joeranger
    Well the dealership looked my bike over and $40 later determined that my pipes were not leaking! They suggested the windshield is creating a pocket right behind me that the exhaust, out of the ends of the pipes, might be circulating up around my girlfriend. Im 6'2" my girlfriend is 5'2" so this does make some sense to me. She is the only one that smells anything and I am smart enough (just barely) not to discount her! The dealership suggested that I try riding around without the windshield or that I cut and lower the windshield. That does not appeal to me since I see over the top of my windshield at just the right height. My brother suggested I extend the tail pipes. Since the chrome at the cone of my bub pipes is delaminating this suggestion has an appeal to me. My Walmart actually is carrying some chrome cone ends for motorcycles! What do you all suggest?
  3. 1joeranger
    Have a date with the Yamaha Dealership tomorrow. Hopefully they wont give me the runaround, especially with those Bub pipes! Thanks!!
  4. 1joeranger
    I will be spending the weekend checking my pipes for leaks since my girlfriend has complained about fumes! The previous owner put on Bub pipes and I think that would void any warranty I have on my 2005 RSTD? I have never messed with pipes and could use some pointers? I need to replace the exhaust gaskets? I need to replace the muffler gaskets? Apply JD Weld? to any cracked joints or seems? Anything else? Thanks everyone!
  5. 1joeranger
    Thanks everyone for reply's and advice. Being a Texas Aggie I believe I will follow 5bikes' advice, leaving the bike as is, since my bike did not ping and it did not knock, and I did not feel any surges during cruise. I will pull a plug from time to time and monitor the color and eventually I probrably will add another washer. Thanks again, 5bikes OK, Ill try to answer all other questions: GeorgeS I reused the original plugs after cleaning and regapping them since they looked fine. I wish I had taken a picture of the plugs before cleaning them but I'm just not that smart! (See Texas Aggie above!) The plugs did look normal before I cleaned them. Squeeze: I don't know what WOT is. I rode the bike as if I was making a long trip, which is my plan in the near future. I rode normal, through the town and out onto the local highways with speeds from 40 to 75 mph. Cruising speed was usually 60 to 65. I emptied the tank over two trips the first for about 100 miles the second for 71 miles. I have never been a speed demon so I did not do any heavy acceleration. Thanks GeorgeS and Squeeze!
  6. 1joeranger
    Did the 5bikes modification to my 2005 RSTD during my spring tune up. After cleaning and regapping the plugs (original) I replaced the carb plastic washer with a #4 stainless steal washer I found at Lowes. 1 tank of gas later, 171.3 miles without hitting the researve tank, I achieved 45.3mpg up from 38mpg. Happy about that! I just pulled the plug and would like some interpretation! Thanks all and especially 5bikes!!
  7. 1joeranger
    So thats not his real girlfriend? After seeing those I was stunned not to hear both tires had blown!
  8. 1joeranger
    Best bike I've found ever! My only disappointment was the seat which I found to be to hard on my bony hind end. It may have been due to the Honda Shadow 1100 I had before the RSTD! That seat was the best stock seat I've ever rode on. Keep in mind this is relative! Others have commented on how good their RSTD seats are and I believe their opinions are just as valid! Tires and brakes seem to be the only other complainants I've heard about! I've put Avon Venoms on mine after the stocks wore out and plan on switching to a car tire when the Avon wears out. My brakes do squeal, which can be rather embarrassing at times, and I will switch them out (front) once they wear out! Some have mentioned lowering kits but at 6' 2" with a 32" inseam that does not seem to be an issue for me. I also have no problem seeing over my windshield but there are great articles here on cutting them down to an adequate size! You will love the cruise control, the easy maintenance required, and the handling! The bike needs little in the way of accessorizing. I've put in a cup holder, foot pegs, and an led tail light! I will be adding speakers in the near future and that will be about it! Gas mileage, for me (again relative) is about 38 and when I haul a trailer about 36. I plan on messing with the carbs here in the near future to see what improvemnets I can make on that. Again there are great articles here on that subject! Good luck on yours!!
  9. 1joeranger
    The girl I date has her own bike, a HD Road King! She is also mechanically inclined! So we help each other when working on the bikes! She also cooks and is fun to look at! I know, I know, it's good to be me!! The only problem I see is that some of you might have a hard time finding the "right one" at the local autozone!!!
  10. 1joeranger
    Nice Job!! Is the plate for the cooler? Where did you get it!
  11. 1joeranger
    Love my 2005 RSTD! The first time I saw one I didn't know what type of bike it was. Stunned to find out it was a Yamaha cause I just knew it was some kind of exotic, way out my league, expensive bike! I thought it was the sexiest thing I'd ever seen! The paint scheme Raven over Raspberry is what really sold me! Had mine now since last September! I hook a trailer to it when going long distance and ride cruiser style when going around town. I just cann't get enough of her! Only disappointment I encountered was the seat. My previous bike, a Honda Shadow 1100, had the most comfortable stock seat I have ever been on and it spoiled me! RSTD stock seats ... well they just suck! After some research and consideration I bought an "Ultimate Seat" which I absolutely love! I will admit I almost didn't get it due to the price but it has been one of the best investments I've made. Ride all day and forget my butt has been on a bike! I would love to add a cd player and speakers, cause I enjoy listening to books on tape while traveling! Just have not quite figured out how to do that without adding a fairing. I have thought about putting the cd player in the trailer and the speakers on the handlebars but someone more savy then me gonna have to tell me how to wire it! Anyhow hope this helps!!
  12. 1joeranger
    Did over 1000 once getting from Savannah, GA to Houston, TX on a 78 Suzuki 550! Next day had to finish by going to San Antonio another 200 miles away. Did not want to get on that bike!!
  13. 1joeranger
    About $110 http://www.calsportbike.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?cart_id=9320610.29764&pid=1988&count=1 I found this installation guide for a RSTD. Looks fairly easy! http://www.speedohealer.com/your_pics/royalstar/sh_install_royalstar.pdf Or try http://www.speedohealer.com/your_pics/index.htm for different bike
  14. 1joeranger
    I put these Kuryakyn footpegs http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.StoreSelect on mine and love em! Some of our members are using CT on their rides and you can find threads regarding the pro and cons of switching to the darkside! Welcome HOME!!
  15. 1joeranger
    Taken a long trip this summer and wanted to stock up on parts that might need, such as cables, which always break at inopportune times! So whats the recommendation out there for cables! Is there an upgrade to what comes stock for a 2005 RSTD? Thanks!!
  16. 1joeranger
    Taken yesterday! What you see above the warm, white, sand is a 2005 RSTD! As a kid I lived in Northern Maine, as an adult I live where I want!
  17. 1joeranger
    Thought I share some sunshine and beach, Florida style, on this Easter Day! Let me tell you how really good I have it: I have a RSTD! I have two daughters that know, and love, GOD! I have a girlfriend who is not only fun to look at but OH! can she cook! I live in Paradise! But most importantly I know, emphatically, that God loves me! Happy Easter, Everyone!
  18. 1joeranger
    Hey Mike! Moved the wheels as far forward as I could get them (5 1/2"). This in involved taken the trailer apart, imposing on my welder friend, and reassembling the trailer once he finished. I have gotten real good at taken her apart and reassembling her! And I still have a welder friend! The moved shaved about 21lbs off the hitch and I am now down to 39lbs! I know, sounds like a weight lose program. LOL! I also took this opportunity to paint the wheels black. They don't seem to make 8" chrome wheels! I will post pictures shortly but the trailer for all intents looks about the same! Thanks for the interest and kind words!!
  19. 1joeranger
    After modifying my trailer and learning that 60lbs plus was to much for a hitch I googled all hitch manufacturers and requested their load ratings for their hitches. Most came back with 40lbs, one with 50lbs, and finally one at 60lbs. I started corresponding with the rep, Jim Victor who had the 60lb rating. He was a wealth of information and also happens to be the coauthor of "Pulling Your Tail". Anyhow I've reduced the load on my hitch back into the realm of reality and am getting Jim's hitch http://www.customcruiserchrome.com/ not so much so I can pull 60lbs at the hitch but more for a safety peace of mind! My current hitch from MCHitch http://www.mchitch.com/Yamaha_Royal_Star_Venture.htm will be for sale soon at a very attractive price!
  20. 1joeranger
    Mid stream led's sounds good. Got the car tote, luggage rack, or bedspring as one of my friends calls it from Ebay http://discount-ramps.amazonwebstore.com/B000HDJLSW/M/B000HDJLSW.htm I wiped everything down with asetone before painting and had no problem with the paint job which was fortunate because I really would have been in trouble otherwise. I researched LPHV spray guns on line and found a site that spoke highly of a particular gun and how to set it up for optimum spraying. http://www.purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/techinfo/HVLPspraygun.html and http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=2428371 The gun, working as advertised,compensated for my skill level and I came away with a satisfactory finish, not a professional finish, but satisfactory finish ntl! Regarding hitch weight: Spoke with Brake Pad who put me onto the Delphi Forum for Motorcycle Trailer Towing. Thanks Brake Pad I appreiciate the help and concern. Spoke with several over there and then contacted all the trailer hitch manufacturers I could google asking for engineered data for a 2005 RSTD and their hitches. I will post their results in the near future. In the interim I am looking at moving the trailer wheels forward. I'm not sure how difficult that may be and would love some advice! Also looking at redistributing load. Anyhow I figured between engineered data and feedback from the experienced riders I should be able to get some good hard facts!! Thanks everyone!!
  21. 1joeranger
    Rumor going around that excessive weight on trailer hitch is super dangerous?! Definitely got the message with the first or second response! Will not drive the trailer till issue is resolved. That is what I love about this site, a lot of experience is readily available! OK so I like the idea of moving wheels forward, I like the idea of redistributing weight. I am hoping those others with hauling experience can also contribute suggestions! So you guys really like the paint job? Hey did I tell you that excessive weight on the trailer hitch is dangerous? LOL!!! Seriously got the message, and thank you for pointing out the safety issue!
  22. 1joeranger
    OK finished my winter project here in Florida and as promised wanted to share the experience and pictures! Once again thanks to all who contributed such great advice! Extended tongue length to twice the axle length Aligned tongue accurately perpendicular to axle Repacked bearing (17 year old daughter helped!!) Checked tongue weight 65lbs Checked trailer weight 452lbs Painted trailer to match bike Test drove the trailer in 25 to 30 mile winds Sunday. Averaged 35mpg and did not know the trailer was behind me. Did not exceed 62mph during the test drive. My next trip I plan on speeding up to about 80 just to see how the trailer will act. All in all, I am real please with the project. Had a local match the bike paint and did the painting myself. It was my first time and I am overjoyed with the results!
  23. 1joeranger
    At 6'2" I always look at the tent height. I lucked out at Target after the holidays and found a Coleman Tucana tent http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/190-1817521-0866216?ASIN=B000LWGG0K&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000LWGG0K|Coleman_Tucana_Tent_16x10&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000LWGG0K&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001 on clearance for $70! The tent measures 10x16x7' tall. I can stand and navigate the room with ease. Our Queen size air mattress and 2 end tables (containers) fit nicely with plenty of room for the TV (Notebook PC). This may sound like a lot for camping but after the military I saw no reason to be a minimalist any longer! It is my way of combining my love of camping, with my love of comfort!!
  24. 1joeranger
    Stop in Destin and see me! We can ride the Navarre Beach together! I'd love to see your Piggyback and show off my rebuilt trailer!
  25. 1joeranger
    Im in, can't wait to see some pictures!!!
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