XV1100SE

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You can get Seafoam at Canadian Tire, NAPA, etc. Somewhere between $12 - $14 a can. You want the one that says "motor treatment". You can use it in your gas, pour directly into the carbs....even use it in the oil. If you put it in the oil, do it just before your next oil change and ride 100 or so km. You'll have blue smoke behind you when you put it in your oil but it will help to clean out the gunk. I'm in Kitchener so not that far from you. I have a 2nd Gen and not that familiar with the 1st Gen but there are some people in Burlington, Caledonia, and even a notable person in Brantford that know the 1st Gens intimately. Some more intimately than others. :-)

Those with the most mileage can't post....they are out riding !

Might be an idea if you do the same thing. From the sounds of it the dealer didn't do a very good job on triking your bike. Maybe Hannigan should give it a once over and correct the mistakes.

Have to agree on using the CB for group rides. Even bluetooth only connects to a certain number of other riders. With CB everyone in the group can listen and if you get spread out works for a greater distance than bluetooth. As for other use....even the truckers don't use CB as often as they used to. But on a highway/interstate when traffic is heavy or congested, I'll flip to ch 19 to hear what is going on. I use head sets all the time and like using what is with the bike - I have my gps connected directly and bluetooth between my phone and gps and have the Buddy Rich cable so I can make and receive phone calls. Most of what I listen to is mp3's from that I have loaded on my (Garmin Zumo) gps. My wife and I use the intercom and I wouldn't want to go back to not having the ability to takl at a normal voice level rather than shouting to be heard. It would be nice to go wireless. I have the J&M headsets.

To paint the back side of the cowl deflector....just clean it and spray the back with light coats (maybe 2) of paint. Doesn't matter if it is flat or glossy paint, from the front it will appear glossy because of the plastic.

If you still have it apart....post a picture, it might help. It might be on the parts diagram. Could look there to see if it has a part number and description.

I did that too and worked/looks great.

Hopefully you've read the thread on what to look for/problems with the 2nd Gens - http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?1067-A-list-of-known-problems-on-the-Second-Gen-Venture Besides the shock....the next major item is the gear whine. I don't think anyone has mentioned this but it is in the thread I've linked to. Take the bike for a spin and get the rpm's up into the 3,000+ range. If you hear a loud howling/whine, one thing to get the dealer to do would be to replace the "basket" with the "I" version. Some people sell the bike because they can't stand the whine. You will get some whine but if it is really loud....get the dealer to replace the basket or keep looking.

We rode the Beartooth a couple years ago....12,000 ft...and had no issues. As well as what Jeff mentioned, our carbs have heaters. I have to agree with him...your friend on his Harley might have issues keeping up with our V4....and they'll want/need to stop to rest more often than you and your wife on the sofa seat of the RSV.

How complete is your build at this point?

From what you've gone thru with the dealer....don't think I'd recommend them.

What was the resolution on the key ?

Congratulations on the retirement. Have a safe vacation

Two Harley light bars on ebay now... http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Harley-Davidson-Touring-Rear-Turn-Signal-Light-Bar-/231929434796?hash=item36001252ac:g:GrIAAOSw9~RXJPcB&vxp=mtr - some pitting, $150 http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Harley-Davidson-Touring-Rear-Signal-Light-Bar-w-Rack-Chrome-Vintage-Style-/262143233149?hash=item3d08f44c7d:g:Ef8AAOSweuxWRh2N&vxp=mtr -- $180 - some rust and wear

I don't remember if you had the spoiler on your old 2nd Gen but the spoiler doesn't light up very well. You will want to get the under trunk bar. I added a controller to mine so with brake it flashes for 5 seconds then goes solid. I like the looks of the Harley light bar too but as they are hard to find...I know the Custom Dynamics aren't cheap but they are bright. I only see the OEM horn...something louder on your list? Do you have dates on when fluids were changed? It was already pointed out about the clutch fluid...but what about rear gear oil and coolant? Hope you don't mind the rest of us helping you spend your money ! BTW...are you going to be looking for a trailer? Just wondering what you are considering. If something like the Piggy Backer... under $500 the Harbor Freight Tag-Along is a good option. It isn't a Bushtec...but it does the job (and matches the colour of the bike).

Second that. Couple things "missing" : - flag pole(s) - under trunk light bar - tach (?) Does it have the run/turn/brake lights? Not sure if you like the look...but the fork wind deflectors...I'd suggest painting the back-side of them black. I like the continuity of colour rather than the plastic that stands out.

WOW. Nice looking bike ! You are right....there isn't much to add! You certainly don't have to spend time searching for parts with how nicely loaded it is. Good buy ! Just wondering....what is happening with all the HD clothing now that you are back on a Venture?

Other option...fix the 1st Gen, sell it, and keep the trike

You forgot what a good bike is like. You are used to the heater on the HD cooking your ....

You know what they say...."Happy wife, happy life". So....sell the car, keep the bike...and buy her a convertible Problem solved.

Getting excited ? How many hours to go ?

Don't wax.....WRAP !!!! http://www.wakegraphics.com/boat-wrap-portfolio/ http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/3Mgraphics/Resources/eNewsletter/Archive/?PC_Z7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECIE20KBP7000000_assetId=1319226767165

I like the w/w tires on the midnight. They give that "old style" look to it. On my '09 Red/Raven I don't think they'd look as good. What brand tires are on the bike now? How old are they (I'm sure you'll check the date code anyway)? What tires do you prefer?

I like the white walls too on the black bike. Was the previous owner a VR.org member?