XV1100SE

Sounds like I'm one of the many that don't use the home page. Make the upgrade to the new version. Think the main thing is the communication, tech articles. As for colours... I like the blue tones to keep it looking like the old version. The colours you were playing with are fine. To speed up the site though...go with the fastest colours... like the '09 red/raven RSV.

Hmmmmm ..... "Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Beta 3 "

Took another look at it. You are right, the antenna I originally mentioned isn't the right one. The one you do need is the GTM 20 ($120). From the manuals... the GTM 20 connects to the power connector on the GPS. When using the automobile mount, the GTM 20 connects to the side of the mount. For motorcycle use, the cable that is attached to the mount has a connector for the GTM 20. Looks like status lights are on the part that plugs into an accessory power (cigarette lighter) but you could probably wire one inside the fairing as long as you don't mind not seeing the lights.

On the header, click on "Community", "Members List", then choose the State/Province you want to check. May not all be active but 70 members in Michigan - http://www.venturerider.org/forum/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=26 Pretty sure you have to be a paid member to see the list.

Glad to hear that you and your wife are okay. At least you'll both heal.

For the Zumo 660... the usb connection beside the battery (under cover) is used to upgrade maps/firmware and copy music/routes to the gps. From the Zumo site... you need a traffic subscription and the "GA 25MCX Remote GPS Antenna (Low Profile)" cable. On Amazon it is $20. Using the motorcycle mount (RamMount), the connection on the gps is on the left side under the rubber flap. Easily accessible. http://static.garmincdn.com/pumac/zumo_660_OM_EN.pdf page 5

Looking good Don. I'd say keep the colours (blue) for familiarity. You know some of these old codgers here can't take changes.

First off....welcome to the forum. I have an '09 (candy red/raven). It was two months old and had 2500km on it when I bought it. I have almost 70,000km on it now, did a 10,000km trip West last year, and warranty until April 2015. The only issues I've had are : - chrome trim piece below windscreen - original dealer that assembled the bike broke a couple tabs on it. Yamaha wouldn't warranty it. I used a tip from this site to fix them better than designed - lower left cowling - one of the braces holding the "nut" portion broke. Possibly me over tightening it. Little ABS cement and been holding fine since. Easy fix. - fuel pump - at about 60,000km. Warranty item - rear shock "groans" but no oil leak - until it leaks oil I doubt Yamaha would cover the rear shock but I'll take it in to my dealer in the spring and find out. Groaning is probably the bushing There are no recalls on the '09. Think the last recall was for the '07 because motor bolts weren't torqued properly. Okay... so your new ride : 1) how many miles are on it? Too low might mean it wasn't ridden enough and some of the fluids might need changing. These engines will last 300,000 miles + with proper maintenance 2) do maintenance records come with it? Regular oil changes are the most important. Brake/clutch/coolant should be changed every couple years. Rear wheel gear oil too. 3) how mechanically minded are you? Most members on the site would recommend doing your own maintenance. I think because so few Ventures were sold per dealer, your local dealer might have limited experience working on them. My local dealer seems to use the same tech on Ventures - most experienced tech with Ventures. Too many horror stories of dealers screwing things up worse than what was wrong with them going in. Even with minor mechanical ability, there are enough resources on this site and members in North America that may be close enough to help you 4) as mentioned, the 5 year warranty starts from original purchase date. Check with a Yamaha dealer and they can tell you based on the VIN. Have them transfer the warranty to you. They might be able to provide you with a list of warranty work, and possibly service records for work done at a Yamaha dealer Since you've bought the bike, make sure you check the rear shock for oil leaking. If there is oil residue on the bottom mount, you need a new shock. Check the site for recommendations. If it did leak previously the shop or previous owner may have cleaned it off. You'll know when you ride it if the bike seems to "pogo" or bottoms out easily. Also, check the steering head to make sure it is tight enough. There is a tip in the read only section for a "quick" method for tightening the head. Too loose and in corners the front wheel will feel like it is floating thru the curve. Check the plugs to see what kind of condition they are in. You'll have to remove the tank to get at the spark plugs, but may be worth a look to see how they are burning and if they should be replaced. TIP - remove the tank with low fuel, less awkward. Again, tips in the read only section. Check the chrome trim below the windscreen. If there is a gap between the chrome and the windscreen, you should check the tabs. Don't buy a replacement ($250+) but use the tips to fix the tabs. You'll find most people run 36-40psi in the front tire, 40-42psi in the rear. Check dates on tires. If they are 5 years old, you'll be replacing them soon. Dunlop E3's the most recommended. The OEM Bridgestones or 404's should be replaced if they are still on the bike. Make sure you have the carbs sync'ed. Will ensure you get the best mileage. For "required" purchases, get a lift adapter from Carbon One (Larry). If you do any work on the bike yourself, you'll need it. Plus...for winter storage, you can store the bike on the lift adapter (get it with the legs). A CarbTune to sync the carbs is good but there are probably members in your area that have one. Last point.... post pics of your bikes and show off your new ride !!!!!

I assume they'll do a back-up again when they start the upgrade. If they restore your back-up we'll lose all the quality posts since you took the back-up.

When do you think you'll try again?

From posts, the 404's will last 10-12,000 miles. The alternate OEM tires are Bridgestones and you might get a little more than the 404's but their handling isn't very good. You'll find a noticable improvement if you go E3's front and rear.

Riding thru Montana last year I went 70km on reserve (pulling a trailer, 2-up) and when I finally came to a gas station I shook the bike...there was no splashing of fuel in the tank - I was on fumes. Put in 5.2US gallons.

Make sure that when the rear wheel is off they lube the splines. Good time to replace rear gear oil if it hasn't been done in a while.

Did a search...on vBulletin site it says : Easy upgrader tool Convert your database with easy-to-use tool Works with vBulletin 3.x to 3.8.7 plus all versions of vBulletin 4 Also provide easy conversion from IPB x. etc. I take it you tried the upgrader tool ? That would convert the old version to the new. Says it works with 3.x versions.

With a new db structure, usually an import of old data will fill in the fields necessary. If you can run the install of the newer vBulletin as an "upgrade" it will convert the existing db to the new layout, adding fields, putting data in the right ones. If the old version is too old, you might have to do incremental upgrades to get there.

Sounds great ! And with Yamaha soon to announce the new Venture... will be a good time to upgrade ! As long as you don't mind not having a cassette.

If you do a clean install, can you import the old data/settings?

The more I hear things like this... the more glad I am that I live in Canada !

Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad you came out of it with relatively small injuries.

Sent a pm...but in case anyone else wants to know.... Sorry for the delay... Inside dimensions (bottom shell has a curved out area so I went with the lesser of the two). 42"Lx43"Wx22"D Very good trailer for the price. Took it on a 10,000km trip last summer without issues. Read the customer reviews and apply the upgrades (very minor). Hope it works for you !

Bike looks great. Now if you can just clean up the rider !

Yeah...my dog would lick you to death. Now the cats....that's what you have to watch out for !

Ain't gonna happen !

Not to start a debate on guns or steal the thread...but difference in Canada is that the attitude of most citizens in Canada wouldn't be to start arming themselves. We would say there should be a few more security people at the entrance to Parliament but that would be it. Metal detectors at the entrance? No...that would spoil the look of the building. If I wanted to buy a gun more powerful than a pellet gun....I don't know where I would get one. They don't sell them at Walmart here. We don't have gun shops on every corner. Our way would be to go to Tim Horton's (that we have on most corners) and have a debate/discussion. If you look at why ISIS or other terrorist organizations would attack Canada...it's because we offer token support for U.S. policy. We aren't taking "real" aggressive action against ISIS. We sent six F18's in a support role. Would be different if it were a peace keeping mission...then you'll see Canada on the front lines with troops on the ground. Different attitude. Different response to actions. Debate, discuss, learn about and understand people of different cultures and beliefs, respect others. The "Civilized" approach. That is Canada. But...take aggressive action against us...you'll be sorry. For example...the Sergeant-at-Arms in Parliament and Provincial legislatures is seen as a ceremonial position. I didn't know one of his responsibilities is security. He was leading the police and security against the attacker and is credited with taking the fatal shot. In 29 years of RCMP work he never fired his gun. But against an attacker...watch out !

Despite yesterday's action in Ottawa....Canada is the place to feel safer ! Yesterday was an isolated action. I don't feel any less safe because of the action of one person. This type of thing is rare in Canada.