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RedRider

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  1. RedRider

    Just curious

    RedRider replied to Condor's topic in Trailer Talk

    In Chicago, yes, if you are paying cash. If you are using an I-Pass and go through the automatic lanes, they just ring up the standard fare. RR
  2. RedRider
    BTDT - it seems like there is no end. You are effectively asking one of the first questions I asked - How long does it take for the pain to go away? Answer - Permanantly? I don't know. It hasn't permanantly gone away yet and it has been 7 years. However, after a year or so it becomes bearable and doesn't pepper your thoughts and conversations. You do get better, it just seems to take too long. As for the kids: Just be there for them. Explain things when they ask, no need to volunteer info they may not want, or need, to know. Emphasize your love for them, yet maintain discipline. Don't try to buy their love and attention with gifts and excessive freedom. They will accept these things, but it will do the same damage as offering these things when you were still married. I certainly hope you got shared custody or at least a healthy schedule of visitation. Don't ever miss these times. If you can, volunteer in groups your son is involved in - sports coaching, Boy Scouts, band parent, etc. If you can't already - learn to cook. Have meals together, not in front of the TV or computer. It doesn't need to be fancy, or especially good, just something to eat together. To prepare food for someone else shows love. You might even enjoy experimenting with different foods together. If it doesn't work out, keep the number of the local chinese restaraunt and/or pizza joint on speed dial. Many experiments don't work out the first time - don't ask me how I know. And, since you asked for advice - keep you social life away from your son until/unless it becomes really serious. You don't need to hid it, just don't put it in your son's face. And, since this is a motorcycle forum - ride, ride, ride. Going thru my divorce was when I got my first motorcycle (my Venture). It is surprising how the wind in your face can keep the thoughts out of the brain. Good luck. Lesser people have gotten thru this successfully. RR
  3. RedRider
    It should. I have looked at http://www.tourtank.com/index.html for an auxilliary tank. There is a company called Sampson (or something like that) that makes MC aux tanks including one that goes behind the license plate on the FJR1300. RR
  4. RedRider
    When I first got my trailer, I took it out with a couple of 40 lb bags of rock salt to see how it felt. It made a difference how the bags were placed in the trailer. You may want to do some testing with salt or sand bags. They are easy to move around and they stay in place. Also, when you are pulling your trailer - check your rear tire pressure and wear. The extra weight of the trailer will make a difference in the life - don't ask me why I know this - it was almost a major face plant in the wilds of WV. RR
  5. RedRider
    I do believe there is a $5 donation that needs to be made here. RR
  6. RedRider
    I'll be there Saturday with my Dad and 2 of my sons. RR
  7. RedRider
    Only if you subscribe to the extra 'traffic' feature like Don did. I think the TomTom includes it. RR
  8. RedRider
    1) Pick up Microsoft Streets and Trips. It is the easiest to use trip planning software around. 2) Check out http://www.motorcycleroads.com/. They have state by state evaluations of local routes by local riders. 3) Check out advriders.com. There are several regional forums that discuss great routes in each section of America (actually, of the world). 4) Get a US map and try to hit as many National Parks are you can. 5) When you decide the route, pack the map in the trunk and just head out and ride. Plan on 2 or 3 destinations a week, and just ride in the general direction for the balance. 6) Take over as VR Ambassador from Lowell and see if you can stay in a fellow inmates place every night. Just think, 30 days on the road and all it would cost is gas and lunches. I dream of being able to take 30 days to ride. Alaska, Rockies from Northern Canada to Arizona, Copper Canyon in Mexico, Belize, 4 Corner Run, etc., etc. Have a ball. If you head into Wisconsin, let me know. We will have a bed, meals, and beer ready for your arrival. RR
  9. RedRider
    Look in the classified and get a set of Rick Butler's saddlebag bolts. They have knobs on them that make it easy to remove without tools. +1 on just dropping the bolts in the bag when removed. Colorrite.com should have the correct paint codes for your ride. RR
  10. RedRider
    I had an IPhone for 3 days and exchanged it for a Blackberry - for one reason only. You cannot voice dial with the IPhone. There are a couple of purchase-able applications that will allow voice dialing, but not over the bluetooth. Why does that matter (to me)? This lack of feature prevents being able to make phone calls while riding on the Venture!!! The Blackberry (just like my Motorola Razor) syncs right up with the Zumo, and with the addition of the Buddy Rich cord, puts the control of the phone in my helmet - voice activated. It also allows me to voice dial on my truck setup. Other than that, it seemed like a cool phone. The Blackberry has been flawless - just less sexy. RR
  11. RedRider
    Use Blue Loctite. Since you may want to adjust your handlebars after you install them (up or down) and get a chance to test the fit, RED loctite would prevent you from ever removing them (without heat - not good for chrome). Also, you occasionally will need to remove the handlebars for maintenance (lubing steering head bearings come to mind). Just use BLUE. FYI - I just cranked down on the bolts until they were good and tight. They haven't moved in a year of riding. RR
  12. RedRider
    Double check on the CB. If you turn your radio on, and hit the transmit button, and see TX (small - at the top) display, your CB is on. This will kill the radio sound. It's happened before. RR
  13. RedRider
    Fattboy, That mileage seems a little short for a front tire, but that's OK. If it needs changed, it needs changed. Yes, it is OK to run different tires front/rear. There is a lot of discussions on here about tires. Avon is well respected as is Michelin and Dunlop. Do a search and you will get lots of discussions. If you were a little closer to Wisconsin, I would give you one of the half worn / half good front tires I have. When I changed from Bridgestone to Avons, I changed both and still have the Brickstone front. Southwest Moto Tires seem to have the least expensive tires available. Google this and you will find them. There are a couple of ways to improve the low speed handling of this bike. First, if you are not vertically challenged, you can go with the Diamond R raising links (they are actually shorter links, but the mechanics end up raising the bike - if I remember correctly). These links change the geometry of the bike and make low speed handling much better. They raise the seat height about 1". If you, or a friend, have a motorcycle jack, they are really easy to install. Another solution is to go with a narrower front tire, or to lower the front forks. Again, do a quick search and you will find specifics for the tire and/or instructions to lower the front. As for the CD, no there isn't a stock CD to replace the cassette in the dash. However, you may notice next to the cassette, there is a 3 mm female plug. This will accept an MP3 player input. Controls are under AUX in the radio/CB controller. You can also hardwire an MP3 player under the fairing using a special cable made by one of the members. There is a factory option for a CD that will mount in the trunk. It is a 6 disk unit built by Clarion. While it works fine, you get skipping if the road is rough. MP3 player is the way to go. I had one of these units installed on my bike but removed it (and sold it to another member here) when I got my GPS with integrated MP3. Again, controls for the CD player are in the radio/CB controller on the handlebars. You can purchase these 6 disk CD players on EBay for much less than thru Yamaha. Speakers - Search for stereo upgrades in this website. A couple of audiophiles have upgraded to Pioneer and Polk Audio speakers and liked the results. Agreed, the stock speakers are pretty weak. These guys have also installed auxilliary amplifiers to improve the sound. Good luck in your upgrades. RR
  14. RedRider
    You can get custom seats for both the Goldwing and BMW (and I'm sure the Harley too) that will scoot you back some. I have a friend that is a true 7' and he fits fine on a Wing with his custom seat. I sit on his bike and I can't even reach his highway pegs - and I'm 6'4"! Good luck in whatever you choose. RR
  15. RedRider
    I saw an interesting product on www.woot.com this morning. If you are not familiar with woot, they sell one product a day for really good prices - generally refurbs and/or overstocks. $5 shipping for anything. I am not associated with woot in any way, just buy things from them periodically. Today, they have a solar battery charger. The description claims it to be a standard charger with float charging technology. Appears to be a 'battery tender' type product that runs on sunlight. Claims to work with gel type batteries also. I thought this might be nice for some folks who store their bikes in sheds without electricity. It is too large to be a travel charger (over 3 feet long). $100 + $5 shipping. If interested, just go to the website and it is on the opening page. RR
  16. RedRider
    I prefer solar heat - from the Arizona sun! RR Sorry, not a very helpful post, but it is -9F this morning and I am ready for summer.
  17. RedRider
    This post is in support of BuddyRich - How do I clean my chrome? Just a minute ... (walks to the hallway down from the kitchen and cups hands around mouth) "Honey? What do you use to clean the chrome on the Venture?" (Mumbles thru the flour of making pies for dessert) "OK, got it. Thanks. Those pies are looking good." (walks back to computer) I'm back. Mothers chrome polish with elbow grease. Does a great job and is easy to use - or so it appears. RR
  18. RedRider
    This is good to know. I thought if the kickstand was down it wouldn't even crank. I'll have to check this. Glad you found the problem. Now, how did you fix it? On my dual sport I have bypassed the side stand switch just to prevent this type of thing happening (riding off road fills the switch with gunk and it quits working). Perhaps I should also do it with the RSV. I assume it is just making contact between two wires. RR
  19. RedRider
    The BuddyRich cable works as advertised with the Zumo 550. Well worth the money to keep your setup looking 'factory installed'. Easy to install. You won't be disappointed. RR
  20. RedRider
    Clock - just press and hold the left button for a couple of seconds and the clock displays.
  21. RedRider
    If you have air in the hydraulic clutch line, you will not get movement performance, but you will get high engine revs. Basically, your clutch will slip. This does not sound like the issue. You need to get a service manual, not just the owner's manual. Sounds like something in your carbs. Good luck. RR
  22. RedRider
    Brad, Florida is kind of big. What area are you looking for space? Not that I can help seeing as Wisconsin is as cold as Kitchner. RR
  23. RedRider
    Replace it with an Odossey. Better battery and longer lasting. Then invest in a Battery Tender. Should get 5 to 7 years out of a battery. If you live in the north, take the battery out when you put the bike away for the winter. Hook it up to the battery tender. When spring rolls around, reinstall and ride with confidence. RR
  24. RedRider
    Great list Maineac - but don't forget from the Winter brothers (the ugliest guys in R&R) - Frankenstein and Boys are Back in Town. RR
  25. RedRider
    Think about this - they were displaying a speed of 300 kph - that is about 180 mph. AND THE GUY PASSED HIM DOING A WHEELIE!! That is an amazing amount of power - and stupidity. Just think how fast it would be if it were a "first gen" 'busa. RR
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