vzuden

This past summer there was a large number of Nissans being stolen in our area. Supposedly it was teenagers who were able to duplicate the code as a "master" code rather than the normal way shown in the video. These guys would simply go for joy rides and leave the stolen car in the street when they jumped into the next one.

I had a 2007 RSTD and put about 50,000 miles on it. I traded it in on my current 2012 Venture and it now has 20,000+ miles. I really don't think there is any difference in handling between the two. In my opinion, the stock windshields for both offered the same amount of protection. They are are same bike beyond the stuff on the top side and I raised the rear of both with leveling links to improve the handling. In fact I had made my own leveling links for the '07 and then removed them to add to the '12 before I traded it in. Storage is the big plus with the addition of the trunk for the Venture. You get the radio/cb with the Venture if that makes any difference to you. After seeing all of the RSTD quick release windshields and sissy bar/luggage racks for sale on Ebay, with the RSTD I was always a little concerned about leaving the bike in motel parking lots overnight. Both items can be removed in seconds with the quick releases. I never had a problem - only a little concern they could turn up missing. My '07 had the clutch whine and I really didn't mind it. I had the basket replaced under warranty but I don't recall that it helped much. My '12 does not have the whine.

I'm going to the show in Chicago this weekend - was hoping to see the new Venture there. If it's not, oh well, I'm sure there will be a Gold Wing

They are so cheap you can buy another set and use two left mufflers. That’s what I am using

That rider needs some diamond cutting done. Let his sparkling disposition shine

I’ve had one like that for 30years. As stated, green limbs work best and the cutters stay sharp longer. I put down a large tarp near the outlet with edges elevated to help contain the chips. Usually just large diameter limbs holding up the edges and a few on top of the tarp to hold it down

I wish they all had the tailgate step. I have it in my new F150 and for an old guy with bad knees, I would buy another Ford just for that feature.

I used to think I needed a V-8 in my full size trucks too. I bought a new F150 12 months ago with the 3.5L and love it. 21,000 miles and 21-22 MPG on the highway and plenty of power.

Brand new bike (Venture) and on first long trip at 400 miles from home the rear tire was flat in a hotel parking lot. Aired it up and took it to the local dealer and it had two small nails in it about 1/2 inch apart. Luckily they had a new Avon in stock (only the one tire) and it was nearly too old to sell due to the date code. Got a great discount on it and still wore it out before it reached the 5 year mark.

I second that nomination (SE MI)

Both my 2007 and my current 2012 models had very little grease in the swing arm bearings from the factory. In my opinion it would be wise to take them out and repack before tightening them down.

I used to use Panadora but switched to IHeartRadio because I think there are fewer commercials. Free versions of both

I never had the need to tie a clutch or brake lever back on a Venture but I did so several times on mid seventies Honda front brakes. The theory is that the random air bubbles want to rise and do so on their own and eventually find their way to the atmosphere. I didn’t do this as standard procedure, only on the stubborn ones and with success.

I bought them on eBay for my current and previous bikes. Sheepskin97 is the seller

Agreed. That is what I did with mine. I think I used a little moly lube. I don’t think you will need to open them up much

I carry a small compressor in my saddle bag. Added an external power outlet for that and other power needs

Not my bike. The picture was the work of the diamondcut guy and I am pretty sure he cut the fins after someone had painted them to match the bike

The dog bones are the front motor mounts

When looking for a cover I have found this to be a key feature (copied from the one in Condor's link): Weather-protected venting allows vapor escape and helps eliminate condensation

I believe you are thinking of @Rickbutler

Maybe I’m lucky but I have had mine for nearly 6 years without a problem. It is a Custom Dynamics and it did cost a little more

You can purchase wide chrome clamps to use instead of those. I am not close to my bike right now but I think those I have are 1 1/2 inches wide

Take look at the date code on your tires. If they are 5 years or older they need to be replaced and that should make your decision easier. i had an Avon Venom once but on the rear so if it were to have any negative impact on handling I probably didn’t feel it. I had a flat on a trip so I was at the mercy of the closest dealer and it was all they had in stock. That tire served me well and I replaced it at 20,000 miles. Other than that one, all others are E3’s. By the way, Jake Wilson usually has the best price with fast service.

I was listening to a MC podcast a week or two ago and the speaker was relating how he drove his Zero through a stream. The bike was set up as an off-road version with knobby tires. As he proceeded the water level was over the handlebars so it was completely submerged. He crossed or rode through the stream, climbed the bank on the other side, turned around and crossed back over again. Then he had a one hour ride home. It never missed a beat