Barrycuda

Thanks for the clarification. I guess I was on the right track....

Smsgt. Just saw your profile. Ha ha, the best color 03 RSV for sure:big-grin-emoticon:

Really? Well thank you. The color is somewhat cool. I have a corbin seat in the garage with the same colors. I don't see how it's the fastest, if they are all basically the same bike. Can you explain? IMO, it's probably the slowest, since I have everything stock. No engine mods, or stuff like that . But thanks for the compliment.

Thanks for your feedback. Your bike looks sweet. I am new to riding the RSV. Seems like there are more potential things to go wrong with the venture vs. my Vulcan. FREEBIRD and co. Assure me that all is well w the bike. I trust them. Still nervous ....

Rick, I LOVE your bike.

Maybe it's not a MM, due to black seats. Maybe it's an 2004? Also, does wheat belly refer to the color of the shirt, or the belly due to its girth due to drinking beer with wheat ingredients... :confused24:

I have named my Kawasaki Vulcan "Spock" . She is never temperamental, is non emotional, performs and is always reliable. Have yet to name the '03 Venture, but have a few names in the running...

Hey Rick, here is your answer. Here is the website of where to get the maps, http://www.epgsoft.com/index.html it will explain to you how to click in the state. Then you save it to your computer and insert it into your signature through your User CP. Can't take credit, this came from Squidley when I asked about it myself one day. Barry

I rode my RSV about 6-7 weeks before buying a utopia from one of the members of this fine site. It does feel comfortable and can adjust, however for me, it doesn't fold flat down in the front to allow me to easily board the bike. Seems more of a struggle. As for the support when riding? Awesome. I am used to the OEM backrest from my kawasaki Vulcan 1500. It folds flat down to allow me to get on bike and then pops up. I don't know exactly what adjustments I need to make yet regarding folding it and such, but for comfort, the utopia does a fantastic job. That is my

Thanks Don as usual...

Thanks flyinfool. I comprende loud, red and clear on LOCTITE and plastic.

I would like to see about setting up a time and place to meet up with you. Like Steve K, you seem to have some good ideas and answers.....

Instead of the slime, what type of plugs are used and where can I purchase them?

Pinnacle makes good stuff. Before I was married I had a BMW M3. I used pinnacle all the time. For the convertible top I used aerospace 303. Still use the aerospace on my truck and bikes with rubber on them. I also use nevr dull and it is a great product on the cheap. Hey, wanna show us some pics?

As usual, excellent and informative replies. I appreciate all the info given. As for the slime question, it was in reference to the kit in case of a flat on the road. Someone showed a pic of a small square battery operated air pressure kit.

Ok gang here we go. Those who read my posts know I am not mechanically inclined, however I would like to ask a few questions that have been on my mind. I am a " why do you do that" guy and I am sure the normal crew and then some may answer so here it is... (Please bear with me) 1- what is the actual purpose of LOCTITE? What's the primary reason it is used? When do you use it, and WHY? Is is a preventive measure or after something occurs? Where does this apply and when would I need to use it if at all ... 2- I read all the time that those who change their own oil tend to use the Rotella T oil, or mobil1. The chaps at my dealer, who are long time guys, say that stock oil is just fine in Florida and may use the 20 weight in summer. Again...WHY are you guys using it and what are some of the many positives vs straight stock oil... I am interested in eventually changing my own oil and want to learn the why... 3- i have read here before that the oil filter used most often is the purolator. It is actually written on the notes in the manual from previous owner. What makes that superior and WHY is it preferred. What model purolator? 4- what type of slime tire kit do most of you prefer. Anyone have a picture? With me being still learning and adjusting to the bike/forum etc, I Read many replies. I read as many as I can from the usual suspects ( FREEBIRD, Squidley, Eck and anyone else I may have not mentioned by name) . I want the best for my bike to live a healthy and long lasting life, without me having to get ripped off at dealer or go to mechanic school to do so. Any and all information would be appreciated as I am trying to educate myself a bit on the bike and its plus and minuses on subjects. I am not interested or equipped to be a gear head. But some basic preventive maintenance wouldn't be so bad. Thanks in advance mates...

I can't tell you much about fixing and repairing, as I do very little at this point. However, I can and will tell you about the forum and its members. Bar none, the BEST group. I was on here poking and asking around PRIOR to actually buying one because I knew nothing about them. I was told what to look for and lookout for and thankfully, these guys helped me pick up a nice '03 with a measley 24000 miles. I also has many members inform me that if I needed anything when passing through their town to give them call. Great bunch. The bike itself....mine was lowered before purchase. I have put about a thousand miles on it, practicing its handling. For me it's a bigger bike then my Vulcan 1500. Top heavy, but doesn't quite spook me anymore. Still for me a bit much when having to park up on an incline but that's me and my short stubby legs. I was assured by the group I have a reliable, excellent running bike that can take me anywhere without issues. I do know, on the rare occasion something were to happen, this motley crew, ( said with love) would be able to assist me. Which I appreciate both the group, and the fact my bike is so reliable, I may not ever have to call on them. Nice to know I can. Welcome aboard.

Yeah these guys are always at some of the local smaller and moderate shows. I have spoken with them a few times. Very friendly and easy to chat with. They have select patterns and colors ( last I spoke with them). They say its about the same cost to paint a bike. I inquired about my Vulcan last year ( 1500 cc) and was quoted around $1300.00. What I noticed last time is that they now mask off parts of the bike at owners request to not have the pattern on entire bike, as shown in that green bike on home page.

"Rule number one: no names, Rule number two: never open the package". -- Jason Statham in the transporter

Beautiful bikes. There is a victory dealership in Daytona. During biketoberfest I sat on one, and was impressed. Comfortable, low to the ground, meaning not top heavy. I am a shorter guy and felt good sitting on it. All the bells and whistles. A sharp, modern bike that whispers " take me home with you".

I have Progressive for both bikes and have had it n the Vulcan for at least 6 years. Full coverage, never an issue. I use Amica for my truck and car and they are simply the best as far as I am concerned. I had some guy fly over 2 lanes and proceeded to wipe out the front end of my car. He had GENERAL insurance, the one with the animated general on TV. I was told they are one step above being uninsured, to which idk. Amica had given me a rental immediately, had my car towed to the Toyota shop, had cut check for repairs and parts within 36 hrs and I had to do nothing but watch then kick some royal GENERAL INSURANCE tail....

Eck, very good advice.

Prayers sent!

Randy... I haven't of course diagnosed you and I won't here on the forum. From your basic description, you could have anything from an impingement from the shoulder and or from the nerve. Sometimes this occurs from various reasons, one little known reason is when people tend to sleep with there arm up and over the head. Depending the outcome of MRI, you should lean towards returning to physical therapy. I do not know your finances/insurance. If possible, see about a clinic that has some manual therapy experience. They can stretch, loosen, mobilize the affected areas. You may benefit from your own stretching, as well. People over 30 lose elasticity in muscles and joints get stiff over time. Injuries,inactivity, disease such as osteoarthritis etc play a part. Look to a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who has knowledge of stretching, and can provide you a daily stretch/ strengthening program. I do not want to bash any honest working therapist, however sometimes the VA just can't provide you what YOU need. I would also take contrast baths/ showers with 45-60 sec.intervals. As hot as you can stand then immediately as co,d as you can stand, back and forth. End with hot. Can also use hot packs, to allow blood flow and muscle relaxation, but watch the heat intensity. A good PT or PTA will be valuable in aiding in your recovery. Keep me posted. You can PM me any of the findings, or call ,email if you choose and I can try to help you out best I can. I am a licensed PTA in Florida who does have manual therapy experience and work with orthopedic patients. However, understand I can not give you " treatment program or evaluate" you. Just some friendly suggestions and or a direction you may choose to follow up on. Feel well. Barry