DarrinGT

Whatever,... Anyway, Check out this You Tube Video,... It is a Venture Royal with Vance & Hines Monster Ovals off of a HD. I love the sound Low and deep rumble, not to loud, and I think they look great. Just another option for ya,.. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRN_hp_Bksc]YouTube - Vance & Hines Monster Ovals on Yamaha (Star Royal Venture)[/ame]

Removing the tank is not a big job, Remove the seat, you have a couple of bolts under there, then there are 2 bolts at the neck of the bike, remove the chrome cover over the speedo, unhook the 2 plugs and hose there, unhook the fuel hose at the valve, and there is one more plug under the seat. Take your time it is an easy job. If the clutch was just replaced he may have not cleaned all of the gasket material, Pretty easy job and if you have the bike on the kickstand you wont loose much oil. You have to be careful on the clutch bolts as they need to be torqued to only 89 IN. LB's If it was overtightened that may have messed up something as well. Thats about the extent of my knowledge,.. not much hu?,..keep us posted,..

Welcome to the site, It looks like all of your questions have been answered and you are happy with the performance of the bike. One line that you said on your origination post was this: A nice option for you if you feel you need more acceleration is to swap out the rear end unitfor one out of a V-Max. It is not a real big job, and you can pick them up off of ebay for about $100.00. I am not sure of the actual gear numbers but it would be like going from a 3:73 to a 4:10. Just a suggestion that I didn't see anyone else bring up for you. As far as a tac, You can hook up an older automotive tac with a couple of diode's and it works great. Here is a pic of mine installed in an aftermarket fairing: http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/46719/2952236500101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Good luck with your new ride!

LOL,.. Gotta have Ice Cream,.. Heaven at the end of the ride! Thanks Tom! http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/48412/2332611090101950171S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/46991/2680402260101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

That would be great Joe! We are actually using it at our Church on our Blessing of the Bikers service as well. Looks like Lori will be reading it herself. Let me know how it goes.

I am truly Blessed to have an awesome wife that has a true heart to be able to write this, and mean it. Plus she loves to ride! I appreciate all of the kind words and am glad that this writing touches us all like I hoped it would.

Now that I have put a few miles on the bike, I have a few more questions. The bike does not have a tool kit, Is there a list of tools that should be on the bike? or does anyone know where I can get a tool kit? I would like a brighter headlight and passing lights, Is there a good replacement for these? I also would like to adjust my passing lights, I cant see a up/down adjustment without bending the bracket, Will the light move in the housing itself? One is too high, one is too low,.. I got my Matzu Backrest, and with all of the information that I gave them about my bike, they still sent me the wrong one! I sent them pics of my bike and everything. There is no application on thier website for the 96-99 RST, just 99 and up. I am waiting to hear back from the, In the meantime, Is Utopia the only one that makes a drivers backrest for the 97 RSTC with the Yamaha Corbin Seat Setup? Would anyone here have one that they would like to sell? Any other sources that I cant find on a Google search? Lori and I rode last night and it seems like we are bottoming out the resr suspension a little, we are not heavy people, I did not do anything with the rear shock this winter but from the research that I have done it looks like there is some adjustment. It also looks like I will need a tool for this, Would this be the same shock setup as Road Star,, my buddy has a tool for his, thought it may work on mine. Any input on this would be great as well. Thanks for your help!

Thanks! We are pretty excited about the new ride! Just need some better weather,..Friday looks good for this week. I own a car lot and if I am asking $6500.00 for something and someone offers me $6K,.Ill take it, not insult them and say,.. I can go down to $6,450.00 pretty ridiculous! But it sounds like you did pretty good anyway with the 03! As for the ole weinie wing,.. it was a great first bike for us, The new owner just emailed me some pics of it, He restored it and it now has a new paint job on it, Looks great! http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/45615/2108213340101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Thanks for the kind words on the bike, I appreciate it, I hope to get some fininshed pics on Friday, i just saw the forecast, and looks like it will hit 55 Deg and sunshine, Well plan on a ride and ill get some pics then. Friend request accepted, hope to meet you sometime as well.

Great Minds,...

My wife Lori wrote this and sent it out to our riding group, I thought it was pretty good and I just wanted to share it with you: What have I learned during my backseat riding? Always trust your guide and driver. They have looked ahead and are able to guide me through the turns and hills with confidence, avoid the bumpy roads when possible. A driver has a better view of what is ahead than I do from my backseat. My guide and driver need to be someone I trust, who I know, and I know will want to make sure I have the best ride. A guide who is looking out for my safety. Always trust my guide. Trust, Trust, Trust, and relax. Rains come and go; sometimes you just have to go for it. When surrounded by good people, I don't mind being wet and cold so much. I know that the cloud will pass or that we will find protection. When we find shelter I can quickly warm up with the bond of a shared experience among friends, and at times laughter that we made it through. Don't let the chance of clouds deter me from my trip. I can enjoy, and appreciate, a different perspective of what I see on the same road during different seasons. Sometimes a difficult task for me, Every season holds its own distinct beauty; looking for and finding that beauty is up to me and will make my ride more enjoyable. I need to wear the appropriate gear; armor, if you will. My helmet protects me not only during an accident, but it also protects my head from the winds of the world throwing debris at me from any which way. I am protected from the small, pesky irritants that are flying at me; annoying me just enough to distraction. The face shield keeps my eyes protected, reduces the distraction, so I can keep focused on the road and enjoy the sights. Putting on my leathers protects my body from the changing winds and weather; helps keep me from feeling the sting of cold and rain. A burdensome task at times, but it is for my own good, Invest in my armor and remember to put it on before the ride. Our saddlebags can only hold so much, and I never need as much as I think I do. Make sure I have the essentials, anything more will just weigh me down and frustrate me as I try to stuff it all in. I can trust those I am with will help me if I don't have what I need, and I will do the same for them. If someone is overloaded, take some of what they can't stuff in their bags and carry it for them, you can be sure they will reciprocate when you are overburdened with your stuff. Pack light and help others when their load is too much to carry. Often we meet other riders along the way. As we pass, most riders will give some sort of nod, wave or acknowledgment. This is an unspoken gesture to each other saying something like, “I get it, I have it running in my veins, too”. An acknowledgment that we have a common thread; we are a part of a ”remnant” on the roads. Occasionally we come across those that will not look our way, will not give that acknowledgment that we share something in common. Most times it is because we don't ride a certain kind of bike; we are not “like” them, not up to their standards. We are judged to be poor attempts at being what they consider true riders, and maybe we are. I like to think that I can enjoy and appreciate the gift of my ride more with a smile, and want to share this joy with other riders. We have met some really nice people, and our meetings happened only because we both appreciate riding. Be nice, life is more enjoyable. The end of the ride brings a strange mix of feelings. Sadness that the ride is over tangles with the comfort that I have arrived home, and can rest. The joy and thrill of the ride The deep sense of security that I have made it home safely lulls me into contentment; I am thankful as I sink into the warmth and peace of protection from the elements. Treacherous roads, chance of rain, cold seeping into my bones, winds stinging my face. All risks I take going on the ride. Warmth of sunshine, witnessing God’s endless creativity in nature, deepening relationships with God and those I love. All absolute unbeatable joys I have going on the ride. More importantly, teaching me more about myself; that there are times I have to adjust to the road and the seasons, take a chance, invest in my armor, trust in my guide and driver, and always be thankful for the gift to ride.... rain or shine. runs through my mind as I struggle with coming to terms that it is done, for now. Let’s ride…….

Looks pretty cool,.. I like it,,.with just a quick look I would rather see the bottom of the front fender match the bottom of the rear fender, I think it would match the lines of the rest of the bike, and and let them flow better.

I appreciate the kind words! I also like how you worded it,.."you just started doing",..well put,.. because that is pretty much how I felt like I went about it, I have never tore into a bike before, just sorta knew what I wanted and ran with it. It has been a very rewarding winter doing this makeover and now my wife and I get to enjoy it for years to come. We got to put about 125 Miles on it last week on a cold ride but it performed flawlessly, very comfortable, lots of power, great sound, and about 37 MPG. Still waiting on a few parts to come in today or tomorrow, drivers studded backrest, kuryakyn ISO grips, throttle lock, chrome brake reservoir covers, and oil cap. I hope to get the carbs synced this week, and wait till we get some sunshine and I will post pics of the finished product. Ride On,...

WOO HOO!,.. Got the bike on the road tonight! I rode up and filled it up and ran it around the block, 5 whole miles and no problems! ha ha The bike felt great, no clutch slipping, the fairing works great, no vibration up to 75MPH, only wind on me was my legs, and at 30 deg. I felt it! I just had to take it for a quick spin, I should have the front turn signal in the mail tomorrow then my wife and I will be heading out for a ride on Thursday afternoon. Lets Ride,..!

Thanks for the Props guys! I appreciate it, It is good to know that others are enjoying this as much as I am putting it together! I am still waiting for a couple of parts to come for the turn signal's, should be here tomorrow and the bike will be back on the ground. My wife and I along with thousands of others went to the Motorcycle Swap Meet on Sunday to see what we could find. I didn't have any luck finding the grips, backrest, or throttle lock so I orded them today. But what we did find is a nice tour pac. We needed some luggage that is not as wide as the normal stuff out there so the saddle bag lids will open and close with the luggag on the rear rack. So this fit the bill nicely! http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/TourPacYamaharoyal006_zps8deb66b2.jpg http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/2133/2041283080101950171S600x600Q85.jpghttp://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/TourPacYamaharoyal008_zpse422c87b.jpg http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/47500/2721061680101950171S600x600Q85.jpg I am going to work on the bike for a while tonight, just getting it cleaned up and hope to be on the road tomorrow! Lori and I are ready to ride, Been a long winter,...

One of the best and easiest things that I have done on this makeover thingy, is to replace the wimpy (I actually think it was broke) horn with the Stebel Air Horn. Super Loud and you still can just bump the horn and get someones attention without blasting it. The thing that made this the easiest thing to install is the bracket and wiring harness that is available form Carbon One. http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showcat.php?cat=24 If you are have the stock horns I recommend this upgrade and with Carbon Ones bracket and wiring it is a plug and play professional install. So big thanks for this kit! Here is a pic: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/080_zps69e3a89d.jpg http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/43825/2899837940101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Thats it for now, Just waiting for the new turn signal and a little warmer weather. Then I will get it to my buddy for the Carb Sync and Valve Adjustment.

The Fairing is completed and installed with the windshield. Once I had it installed I removed it just to see how it would go adn it takes about 3 minutes take off and put back on. Real happy with that and how it turned out. Couple of pics, one with a flash and one with out: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/076_zps83b7eb23.jpg http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/077_zpsc837448f.jpg http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/39272/2948147350101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Also got 3 of the 4 front light visors installed: http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/46565/2850057710101950171S600x600Q85.jpg I used chrome screws washers and large acorn nuts for the windshield install: http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/46620/2229220760101950171S600x600Q85.jpg KURYAKYN OFFSET DUALLY HIGHWAY PEGS installed: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/080_zps94f1b952.jpg http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/48259/2244998370101950171S600x600Q85.jpg While attempting to install the LH front visor and clear lens, I found out that the socked was pretty corroded and decided not ot try to restore it. I ordered a new one, hope to have that by Monday or Tuesday and get this thing finished up. http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/081_zps17cdfe38.jpg http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/44875/2254865300101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

Anyone,...? We are heading to a motorcycle swap meet tomorrow, but they can be spotty for specific parts, but you never know.

Thanks Shaun, The lights may be a little bright but the camera does exaggerate them a little, However if they are too bright I will tint them with a black Sharpie. I am not able to do any pics today, My computer crashed, so I bought a new one and just got it up and running,...Been a long expensive day!

Couple of quick updates,.. This weekend I was able to do the following: Fix an oil leak on the sender for the gauge, had to re remove the tank. Installed a new Stebel Air Horn Installed thanks to Carbon One bracket and wiring, NICE! Flushed out all of the Brake and Clutch Fluids, They were real nappy! Reinstalled the saddlebags, tank and seats. Installed Offset Highway Pegs. Got some minor tweaks on the Fairing. Pics to come tomorrow. There are a few items that I still need and would like some input on what to buy. 1 Throttle Lock 2 Drivers Backrest 3 Grips, I like the Kuryakyn ISO's. What do you recommend and where is a good place to buy? Thanks!

If you want to here it run and see the gauges operating, Here is a link to a video on my photobucket: http://s1306.photobucket.com/user/Darrin-GT/media/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahRoyalFaringdashboarddonerunning009_zps5066ad0b.mp4.html?sort=2&o=116 Just a footnote,... the Music was not planned, it just happened to be on in the back ground as I fired up the camera,..pretty fitting,.. ",.......she was a fast machine she kept her motor clean,......" good timing I guess,.

Got the Fairning wired up, the bike is running again, and everything works! Pretty darn happy about that! It was good to hear it run again, it has been over a month since it has been runnable. Here is the wiring job: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahRoyalFaringdashboarddonerunning004_zpse7ffb66f.jpg http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/42365/2578342880101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Here is where the wires come from the bike to the plug above the headlight: http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/45941/2518063840101950171S600x600Q85.jpghttp://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahRoyalFaringdashboarddonerunning007_zpsad1c7032.jpg Plug under the fairing above the headlight: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahRoyalFaringdashboarddonerunning008_zps69e51da9.jpg http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/46108/2204511280101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Dash and gauges all lit up: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahRoyalFaringdashboarddonerunning002_zps1db9af87.jpg http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/46719/2952236500101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

Now back to the Fairing: I had to build a bracket/shelf for 2 reasons, First I feel that the bracket will make the bolting area much stronger and the fairing sturdier, the second reason is for the shelf to hold the Shark Audio System 100amp amplifier, wiring block and misc wiring. So I bought some aluminum stock and had some diamond plate around the shop and got that built: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahaRoyalclutchandfairing001_zps3853e327.jpg http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/27089/2553369650101950171S600x600Q85.jpg I am double nutting and locktighting everything to assure that nothing comes loose from road miles: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahaRoyalclutchandfairing003_zps1990478b.jpg Well start hooking everything up tonight http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/45608/2029413380101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Now for the Dashboard, Lower corner there are 2 switches with red LEDs that will light up in the on position. One will power everything in the fairing itself, The other will turn on the lights for the gauges. http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahaRoyalclutchandfairing004_zpsf08880be.jpg http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahaRoyalclutchandfairing004_zpsf08880be.jpg Center is the Tac, Lower right is the on off and volume for the audio system, above that is a 12V power port and right next to that I am wiring in an audio input for an Ipod, MP3, or Satellite Radio, whatever I decide to go with. Top 3 are the Oil Pressure, Temp, and Volt gauges I also added a pair of BSM Handlebar Clock and Outside Temp Gauges. http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/YamahaRoyalclutchandfairing004_zpsf08880be.jpg http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/48113/2135151930101950171S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/46896/2627888900101950171S600x600Q85.jpg It is coming together!

I got the Clutch Upgrade Installed, it went very well, but wont know how well it works til the bike is done, Hope to have it on the road in about a week, Weather is getting more promising and Lori and I are getting more ready to ride! One thing that I found on the clutch upgrade install article is that it states that you only loose a small amount of oil,..I am assuming that would be if the bike was on its kickstand. When it is sitting level on a Bike Lift, (like mine is) you loose a considerable amount of oil, and I was not really ready for that. Made a nice mess! The good news was that I was planning on an oil change anyway so that helped The oil that came out was pretty bad, and I plan on using Amsoil. However since the bike was not warmed up before draining, and the oil was so bad, I flushed out the crancase with a ouple clean quarts of standard Kendall Motorcycle oil, Then filled it up with the standard oil, changed the filter. I will drive it for a couple of rides, drain it hot and then do the Amsoil oil change with a new filter. Here is the clutch installed and the rements of my Oil Mess,.. http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/yamaharoyalclutchupgrade_zps1f4d9f1c.jpg http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/34160/2537845360101950171S600x600Q85.jpg

I decided to pass on the progressive springs for now. I wanted to get the front end back together and not have to wait for new springs. Got the shocks refilled with the new Amsoil Drained and refilled the front brake fluid, and it all went back together very nicely. http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockfrontandrearinstalled003_zps7b1e754d.jpg http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/48212/2563711750101950171S600x600Q85.jpg I also was able to install some of the chrome pices tha I have been collecting, Front Fender Bumper, Front and rear fender chrome trim, and center hub chrome covers: I also removed the crhome from the radiator, so I could clean and paint the radiator,and polish the cover: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockfrontandrearinstalled002_zpse5534b0e.jpg http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/48132/2523181770101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Rear of front fender trim: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockfrontandrearinstalled004_zps13fb5ed9.jpg http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/45169/2747746590101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Also got the rear fender trim installed as well, drilling holes in perfectly good fenders,...Not for the faint of heart,... http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockfrontandrearinstalled005_zps3450db6d.jpg http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/44863/2463037860101950171S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/46746/2530340830101950171S600x600Q85.jpg I also decided to do the Clutch Spring Upgrade. When I picked up the bike last fall I was able to ride it for about 200 miles before winter set in, A couple of times I felt the clutch slip a little. We plan on doing a lot of 2 up riding so I figured to spend the money and get it done. Big Thanks to Earl for getting out to me quickly, Should have it installed by this weekend. http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/Clutchupgradeyamaharoyal_zps38707133.jpg http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/7886/2213525310101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Once I get most of the mechanical stuff done I can go back to working on the Fairing. Thats it for now,..

Got some work done on it last night, Flushed out the rear and changed it with new Synthetic. I got the rear of the bike cleaned up and put back to gather, minus the saddle bags, Those are staying stored till I am about done with the bike, No reason for them to be on and risk of damage while I am throwing tools around. Installed a Chrome Rear Brake cover that you cant see when the bags are installed,..but it is there! new/used Luggage rack and tall backrest installed as well. Also I am missing one of the red reflectors for the side of the license plate, If anyone has and extra that they don't need and would like to sell, Please let me know... Few pics: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockoilchange002_zps501bc324.jpg http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/46653/2918407560101950171S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/47813/2733893020101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Then I started dissembling the front of the bike. I decided to change the shock oil myself instead of paying to have it done.: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockoilchange003_zpsc4ef84b3.jpg http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/46323/2148351740101950171S600x600Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/46352/2028084540101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Fork Drain: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockoilchange005_zpsfed5aa71.jpg http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/48112/2831000870101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Looks like Stock Springs,..Would it be worth it to install Progressive Springs,..? Been looking at them but don't know a lot about them yet,... Any Suggestions,.? http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockoilchange006_zps1222a88d.jpg http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/47768/2974501490101950171S600x600Q85.jpg Here is what the old Shock Oil looked like: http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockoilchange007_zpsa03a9d0e.jpg http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/40013/2787810140101950171S600x600Q85.jpg New Amsoil Synthetic 10W to be installed: http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/47035/2987960200101950171S600x600Q85.jpghttp://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s564/Darrin-GT/1997%20Yamaha%20Royal%20Star%20Makeover/RoyalStarShockoilchange008_zps3c62318c.jpg Thats it for now, Going to let the forks drain for a day or so till I decide about Progressive Springs,.. Later,..