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RedRider

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Everything posted by RedRider

  1. RedRider
    Big Tom, I also liked the way they handle. But I take too many long trips to replace them every time. RR
  2. RedRider
    The push-to-talk is only for the CB. The intercom is always on. There is a volume level control for the intercom. Press the center button until you see IC in the display. Use the up/down toggle to increase/decrease the volume. Pretty sure that's your difficulty. Good luck. RR
  3. RedRider
    As some of you may have recalled, I had a tire blow last year while running through West, by God, Virginia. It was a Dunlop D404 that had been put on a couple of months previously. I was beating myself up for neglecting to check my tire pressure and was sure that was what killed it with 5581 miles on it. For a lot of expense (towing, hotel stay, tire, install, etc.) I was able to get another D404 installed so I could get home. That was the only tire available at the time. Well - IT ALMOST HAPPENED AGAIN! I was recently on a 4000 miles run around and was meticulously checking the tire pressure. It never varied from the original 40 lbs. However, as I was checking the tire pressure after getting gas, I noticed the tire wear was extreme. It was already down to, or below, the wear bars in the center of the tire. Thank goodness it was so windy that I wasn't running on the center of the tire. Since I was about half way across South Dakota and had a good 600 miles (most to be at night) to get home, I thought prudence would be the better part of valor. I pulled into a rest area and got on the phone and found a dealer in NorthWest Iowa with a - D404 tire!!! I had to get home and wanted to get there in one piece. When I punched the dealer address into my GPS, I noticed it would be 6:30 (they close at 6:00) before I got there. I pulled off the next exit to see if I could find a dealer any closer. Luck had me pull into Chamberlain, SD. I asked for a phone book but there were no M'cycle dealers listed. The clerk mentioned there was a Honda dealer the next exit down, I called and they had - an Elite 3 in the appropriate size. Apparently, that is what the Wings use. Showed up, they had me drive right into the shop, and the technician and I got to work. I took off the saddlebags, dropped the pipe, and took off the brake caliper. The tech started on the axle. We jacked it up with a standard floor jack balancing it against the kickstand. While the tech removed the dead D404 and installed the E3, he told me where the Moly60 was and I greased the splines. We reinstalled and I paid the standard bill (list price on the tire, but no complaints here). Slipped the tech a twenty on the way out for getting right on it and for letting me help. 45 minutes in and out with a new E3. OK, bottom line. I got lucky this time. The D404 was not designed for this bike - regardless what the Owners Manual says. The D404 that blew in WV had 5581 miles on it. I now firmly believe the WV tire died a natural death, not from neglect (although, I neglected to inspect for tire wear). This tire, when removed, had 4311 miles on it. Would it have made it another 600 miles? Maybe. But there will never be another D404 on my bike - if I can avoid it. Just a note on the E3. I felt the tire was not quite as smooth on groved pavement as the D404. Almost like it was a 'harder' tire. However, it might be that the tech did not balance the tire. I was in a rush and we both just forgot. I'll throw in some Dynabeads this weekend and that might help. It is a very small price to pay if I can actually make a trip and return safely with the same tires on the bike. The Darksiders almost had me coming over after this. We will see how the E3 works out. Hopefully, I will be able wear it out this year - by riding a lot!! RR
  4. RedRider
    It was a long winter. RR
  5. RedRider
    Just got back from a 5 day, 4000 mile trip. Went the first day (1140 miles) with a sheepskin only and was OK but not ready for any more. Used the Airhawk for the next 4 days including a 1044 mile last day (got in last night at 1:30 am). While I am not ready to ride another Iron Butt today, it would not have been possible without the Airhawk. I also have the Butt Butler seat mod that helps with the tailbone. You will need to play with the air pressure. It doesn't work well when it is fully inflated. About 3/4 full seems right for me. For reference, I have a non-pillow top seat. Money well spent. RR
  6. RedRider
    Redneck, I am leaving this evening for Vegas via Amarillo, Tombstone, 89A to Prescott, and then up to Vegas. Expecting to be there Sunday evening. If you are still around, leave me a message as to how I can get ahold of you to say hi. Mobile number is in my profile. I will be leaving Vegas Monday morning to head back to WI via somewhere north (Wyoming, etc.). Just don't want to do the boring ride thru eastern CO, NE, and IA. Don't have time to do anything other than the slab, mostly. Just taking 5 days to burn some dead dinosaurs. RR
  7. RedRider
    I had to replace a rotor, but not because of the HH pads. It was because I didn't have the HH pads and the ones I had wore out too soon. Well, maybe it was because I didn't check them as often as I should. It was an expensive lesson. I seem to learn most of my lessons the expensive way. RR
  8. RedRider
    Oh yeah, I will. After the potential disaster in Ohio, I had the relatively new Dunlop go out while riding the twisties in WV. That was a scary blowout in a corner at about 45 MPH - pulling my trailer. The WV blowout ended up costing about $600 (towing, hotel, etc.) - that was an expensive rear tire. But it certainly could have been worse. The Dunlop 404 rear tire on the bike has about 500 miles on it. I will be checking the pressure regularly (every gas stop) for the first 1000 miles or so and then every day riding after that. I have installed an aux electrical hookup with a 10 amp fuse for the travel compressor. Need to test that tonight. I want my next rear tire change to scheduled; not an emergency. RR
  9. RedRider
    1071 miles in 19.5 hours, slept a 7 hours and made it to Oxford, AL for a total of 1507 in 36 hours. Will be heading out Friday on a trip that should be about 4200 miles in 5 days. Would try for 5000 in 5 days, but two days will be riding with my brother. He doesn't go with that kind of riding. We will see how the Butt Butler works out - and the new auxilliary gas tank. The extra 3 gallons should allow me to do about 300 miles before stopping for fuel. I think the limitation will be the 45+ year old bladder. We shall see. RR IBA 33089
  10. RedRider
    Eck, I did remove the fuel pump otherwise my ham hands wouldn't fit into the cavity. Great idea on the tape with that nut. That damn nut was the biggest pain of all. RR
  11. RedRider
    Well, the season is starting again on Friday. Heading out to Dallas, Las Vegas, and back home via Bozeman, Mt (if the weather cooperates) in 5 days. I will really see Rick Butler's work on my seat holds up. Estimated 4200 miles. And, yes, the back tire is relatively new (about 500 miles on it). The pressure will be checked every day - if not every fill up. RR
  12. RedRider
    I will have to remember that. Now, if I can just have a 'scheduled' rear tire change rather than an emergency change like my last 2, it would be a great thing. RR
  13. RedRider
    Like TX said, you are OK with one set of heated clothing while at speed. The stator is a little light for too much though. I run a full heated jacket liner and gloves, a GPS, radio cranked, and I am OK as long as I am not sitting still. I use the Warm n Safe Heat-troller for variability of temps in the jacket liner and gloves. They are wired thru an aux. fuse block installed in the battery compartment under the seat. My GPS is directly wired to this also - as is the aux power outlet for the compressor (stock cig lighter won't carry that much juice). +1 on getting a small volt meter to monitor the charging if you are running a lot of extras. RR
  14. RedRider
    Yeah, they really do. Before you buy them, give the bike a ride while still stock. I did the Experience Rider Course while still stock and then immediately bought and installed the links. I like them. And I don't know what I was thinking not mentioning upgrading the horn. The Stebel horn fits nicely right where the current stock horn is. There is a member here that makes a stainless bracket that allows installation to be a snap. You can find it in the Classified. Post on here when you are ready to do this install and we will provide a few tips. Also, if you are inclined to do your own wrenching - and have a lift - I highly recommend a Carbon One lift adapter (spring for the extra dollars and get the one with legs). It is worth its weight in gold. Also to be found in the Classifieds. If I recall correctly, the Roadie is a V-twin. If so, don't expect to ride the Venture in the same way. The V-4 power band is at higher RPMs. It likes to be wound out. The V-twins have more torque at the lower RPMs. There is a rev limiter on the Venture (no tach) that kicks in at about 65 in 2nd. Sounds like it starts missing (well, because that what the rev limiter does). You don't need to go to that extreme, but it doesn't hurt if you do. RR
  15. RedRider
    Did you take the clutch plates out? If so, double check to see if all the tabs are in the appropriate slots in the clutch basket. If one of them is off, your clutch will hang up and not work. RR
  16. RedRider
    OK, after 60,000 miles, I thought it would be a good idea to change out the fuel filter. WHAT A HUGE PITA!!! I now see why so many have changed out to the inline auto style filter. Next time for sure. Time to ride. RR
  17. RedRider
    Similost, First, welcome to the family. You have found the most friendly and helpful group of riders around. Second, you mentioned going with the Venture over the Wing due to legroom. I assume you are relatively tall. If so, this opens another easy mod that is the best I have done. Leveling Links. The geometry of the Venture is such that low speed handling is somewhat cumbersome. It gets easier with practice, but it still handles like a top heavy cruiser at slow speeds (parking lot speeds, not slow in-town speeds). Diamond R makes a set of leveling links that slightly change the geometry of the bike and really make a difference in the slow speed handling (and no change in the highway or twisty handling). They are about $75 and easy to install - if you have a lift. There are also instructions on the site for making your own. If you are more vertically challenged, many have gone to a thinner front tire for the same effects. OK, on to your suggestions - AIS - limited improvement (if any) that should not be done until out of warranty. Backrest - essential if traveling any distances. The seating arrangement of the bike will entice you to lean back and relax. The backrest will allow you to do this. Bag rails - trunk rack - yup. This will allow you to bungie a bag there. Saddlebag rails - cosmetic only. Arm rests - wait until she gets a chance to ride it stock. Again, with the laid back seating she may not need or want the arm rests. Tires - Avon Venoms, Michelin Commanders, Dunlop E3. Ignore the darksiders . Again, welcome to the family. RR
  18. RedRider
    Well, I will throw in my HOG story. When I was between wife 1.0 and the upgrade 2.0, I was dating a young lady that owned a Sportster (since upgraded to a Springer Softtail - nice bike). I was in my first year of motorcycle ownership and rode my RSV (first bike). Her Brother-in-Law also rode a Harley and was a member of HOG. My GF and I were invited to join the HOG chapter for a ride one Friday evening. We met at the local Harley dealer and rode about 100 miles to a nice place for dinner. While I was prepared to take some abuse for riding a metric bike, I was pleasantly surprised at my reception. All were welcoming and many came over to review my ride - all positive comments. They welcomed me as a new rider and many shared their history of owning Jap bikes. All in all, a very nice group. There is no punchline to this story. It was all positive. Other than the fact that I don't like riding with a large group, I would ride with them anytime - although they may not ask me. RR
  19. RedRider
    Your dealership is feeding you a line of BS. The Battery Tender will work fine with AGM batteries. RR
  20. RedRider

    one album

    RedRider replied to bj66's topic in Watering Hole

    Kansas - Leftoverture Did someone actually say ABBA ? http://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/ymca.gif
  21. RedRider
    Centech 2. I will get a picture later today and post. RR
  22. RedRider
    The 450 has been obsoleted by Garmin. There may be a few still out there available though. RR
  23. RedRider
    The cables are push/pull. RR
  24. RedRider
    To get a better response, tell us a little about yourself. Height, weight, and the type of riding you like to do. This is not really the best bike if you like to just tool around town - although neither is the VTX. But if you are into touring, the Venture is a comfortable, reliable, and good looking bike; and is the best value on the market. And, of course, Welcome to the family. RR
  25. RedRider
    Please keep in mind the 450 has been obsoleted by Garmin. If you buy one, it may be used, refirbed, or NOS (new - old stock). Make sure of the warranty. These have had been known to just stop functioning (as will all electronic equipment). Garmin customer service is excellent and they get the problem taken care of quickly. Just make sure this service is available to you - if you need it. RR
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