Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine Forums

Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine Forumshttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.comJoin the Motorcycle Enthusiast Forum at Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine to discuss your motorcycle, places to ride motorcycles, latest bikes and accessories, shows & events, and more.http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7898449/the_general_forum/which_cruiser/index.htmlSun, 08 Nov 2009 08:11:05 -0800Which Cruiser
I'm thinking about getting a cruiser soon for next riding season. Right now I just ride sportbikes and dirtbikes. I have it narrowed down to 3. Vulcan 2000, VTX 1800, or a Honda Fury. I love the looks of the Honda Fury the best, but like the bigger size bikes. Any experience which is best??

]]><![CDATA[Which Cruiser]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7898449/the_general_forum/which_cruiserhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7934783/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/oil_pump_clatter/index.htmlSun, 08 Nov 2009 00:11:48 -0800Oil Pump Clatter
I have a 2000 Fatboy, and it appears that there is a little clatter coming from the oil pump. I have good pressure, but fear there might be worse issues with the oil pump. Question....Do the 2000 Soft Tails have a known Oil Pump problem? My thoughts are that the cams are nylon (plastic) and have worn, and therefore I'm not getting proper oiling. Any insight would be appreciated.

]]><![CDATA[Oil Pump Clatter]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7934783/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/oil_pump_clatterhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7973151/the_general_forum/lets_ride/index.htmlFri, 06 Nov 2009 02:11:21 -0800Let's ride!!!
Hi, Is there anyone wanna ride with these sexy biker singles? Check them out on www.bikerforlove.com Share your riding experiences and passion with thousands of biker singles and friends there. Let's ride!!

]]><![CDATA[Let's ride!!!]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7973151/the_general_forum/lets_ridehttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7929449/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/fork_re_assembly_assistance_needed/index.htmlThu, 05 Nov 2009 00:11:59 -0800Fork Re-Assembly Assistance Needed
Replacing the fork seals on an 86 Honda Magna VF700C When I used the slide hammer technique to seperate the tube from the slider, the Rebound Spring and the flanged Sleeve popped out of the slider. I have no clue as to what the orientation or order of these should be. Should the Sleeve be orientated A or B (as pictured) and should it go on the tube or slider side of the retainer ring? Also, where exactly does the rebound spring go in relation to the flanged sleeve? I know I am not reassembling this side correctly because, with the fork tube fully extended, I am getting Figure B when I go to put the air cap on. When I originally took the air cap off, the spacer was protruding above the end of the tube as in figure A. The left side fork is good to go and ready to be filled with fork oil. Since there is an anti-dive at the bottom of the left fork, the design is different. The drawing in the Hayne's manual don't show the retainer clip or the flanged sleeve. Help? Thanks in advance. Need to get these fork back on before it gets butt biting cold (working outside on a carport.....ick) http://ripteam.org/misc/bike/right%20fork.jpg

]]><![CDATA[Fork Re-Assembly Assistance Needed]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7929449/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/fork_re_assembly_assistance_neededhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7970103/the_general_forum/random_question/index.htmlWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:11:30 -0800Random Question
Suzuki 800 intruder is l/c, as is Kawi 800 and the newer 900.Intruder 1400 looks almost like the 800, but it's actually an air/oil cooled engine. If you want a larger bike, Kawi 1500 would fit the bill. If you want to make your character a little retro, put him on a Kawi Drifter (most of the looks of an old Indian, just with modern mechanicals). A number of them have been dressed to look like old Indians, pull up images on the web. They were built 1999 thru about 2007, and are available for 2 grand or so (800, 1500 is a couple grand more, old base kawi 1500 somewhat less). If you pick the 1500, remember, the Drifter went fuel injection in about 2001 (not sure the exact year, but they were the 1st FI kawi 1500). Everything else followed the next year. Years ago, Issac Asimov (science/science fiction/ religion / Shakespeare) observed that the 1st principle is the suspension of disbelief. If you give them something that is falsifiable in their mind, they will not believe the rest of the story, no matter how well crafted it is.

]]><![CDATA[Random Question]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7970103/the_general_forum/random_questionhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7926653/the_general_forum/group_to_ride_with/index.htmlTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:11:14 -0800group to ride with
I am 55 and female. Bought my second bike a 950 Yamaha V-Star Feb. this year. My first was a 350 Honda approx. 35 yrs. ago. I LOVE my bike and LOVE riding. I don't mind riding alone but am not having much luck finding groups to ride with. Any suggestions?

]]><![CDATA[group to ride with]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7926653/the_general_forum/group_to_ride_withhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7967640/new_motorcycles/new_yamaha_v_star_250_or_2004_v_star_650_custom/index.htmlTue, 03 Nov 2009 03:11:02 -0800New Yamaha V Star 250 or 2004 V Star 650 Custom
The 250 will do 55 as long as you're willing to sit there. I understand they're a little buzzy, but, if you replace the rear sprocket, you can tone it down a lot. The 650 is much larger, but, it doesn't come with 3x the horsepower. On the flip side, if it feels a little underpowered, you can get something like a thunder air kit (fancy intake cover, k&N filter, new main jet, and instructions on how to set it up). Skip the exhaust mods. They increase horsepower at high rpms, the intake increases torque at low rpms, which is where everybody wants their engine to run. Oh, yeah, find the Morotcyclecruiser article on adjusting your carb, and make sure your mechanic reads it before starting. The instructions don't talk about pilot and idle circuits. I don't know if a thunder air kit is available for the 250, but, it would have a similar effect

]]><![CDATA[New Yamaha V Star 250 or 2004 V Star 650 Custom]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7967640/new_motorcycles/new_yamaha_v_star_250_or_2004_v_star_650_customhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7925600/new_motorcycles/milan/index.htmlMon, 02 Nov 2009 23:11:58 -0800MILAN?
I've got my favorites I'm looking forward to, but with the EICMA show in Milan only a few days away, I was wondering what new models/bikes are on everyone else's radar. So, what are you looking forward to/lusting after for the new year?

]]><![CDATA[MILAN?]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7925600/new_motorcycles/milanhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7965921/the_general_forum/prospective_1st_time_rider_needing_advice/index.htmlMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:11:31 -0800Prospective 1st-time rider needing advice.
Steve, first, as an Army veteran myself, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your service! (If you think your post was long, you ain't seen nuthin'!) I was in your place July 2008. First thing to do is take a rider safety course. If you're still in the Corps when you get stateside, I believe the Marines require that you take their safety course before you can buy a bike and ride on base. Part of this requirement is because, last year...and this is a fact...more Marines were killed stateside in motorcycle accidents than were killed in action in Iraq! An astoundingly sad statistic! You seem to be taking a very logical approach to getting into this most wonderful lifestyle, and who-ra for that! But a safety course has to be your first task. Then, as others have said, practice and lots of it. After I took my Motorcycle Safety Course, I spent about the next month practicing in a nearby school parking lots at night and on weekends building my skills and confidence, then moved on to little-used streets. I bought a V Star 1100 and sort of grew into it (from a skill level, it is a perfect size bike for me--6'1", 250ish). It's a good mid-size cruiser that probably honestly is almost too much for a first bike, but I got a great deal on it and my financial situation was not one where I could afford sell it and buy bigger bike 6 months after buying it (plus, it was too good a deal and sounds and looks too badass!). To find the bike that's right for you, go to lots of dealers and sit on lots of bikes, test ride what you can to see what feels and sits right for you. If you get a chance to go to the International Motorcycle Show when you home (Google that for a location maybe near you...depending on when you get back, shows are in Michigan, Chicago and Ohio, maybe one's good for you), you'll have a great opportunity to see and touch almost everything. And talk to lots of riders for lots of perspectives (like you're doing here). Then, get and use the right safety equipment, the most important being your head. Keep a level head and never drink and ride, and ride to your skill level. I still remember when 20 and 30 mph seemed like I was flying. Let your skills, confidence and experience grow together. You seem to have a level head on your shoulders...keep it that way, good luck in making your choice of bike, and most important, come home safe and sound...Semper Fi...

]]><![CDATA[Prospective 1st-time rider needing advice.]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7965921/the_general_forum/prospective_1st_time_rider_needing_advicehttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7924196/the_general_forum/stay_warm_this_winter/index.htmlSun, 01 Nov 2009 23:11:13 -0800stay warm this winter
When I rode last winter, I found layers were the key. Still looking for really good gloves, though, where my fingertips don't get too cold. Liners helped some and I tough it out, but riding any time it's not wet or icy is always the best. Ride safe, keep warm...

]]><![CDATA[stay warm this winter]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7924196/the_general_forum/stay_warm_this_winterhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7964613/motorcycle_apparel_gear/heated_vest_jackets/index.htmlSun, 01 Nov 2009 23:11:30 -0800heated vest/jackets
Tour

]]><![CDATA[heated vest/jackets]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7964613/motorcycle_apparel_gear/heated_vest_jacketshttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7923572/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1992_harley_fxrs_lowrider/index.htmlSun, 01 Nov 2009 17:11:18 -08001992 Harley FXRS LOWRIDER
Riding Yesterday, Can't start today? Just get a click when pushing the start button. Battery is fine and fully charged. Any Ideas anyone.

]]><![CDATA[1992 Harley FXRS LOWRIDER]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7923572/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1992_harley_fxrs_lowriderhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7961640/motorcycle_apparel_gear/revit_jacket_contest/index.htmlSat, 31 Oct 2009 13:10:06 -0700REV'IT Jacket contest
Disregard.

]]><![CDATA[REV'IT Jacket contest]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7961640/motorcycle_apparel_gear/revit_jacket_contesthttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7960431/used_motorcycles/88_vs_750_intruder_1500_firm_ton_of_work_done_to_it/index.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2009 15:10:53 -070088 VS 750 Intruder $1500 FIRM.. Ton of work done to it.
http://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/1441394411.html Check it out. Ive spent over $3200 on this bike, and im selling it for only $1500 because I lost my job and need the money. Great bike and better looking then most ive seen. email me at costa226@yahoo.com thank you. Alex.

]]><![CDATA[88 VS 750 Intruder $1500 FIRM.. Ton of work done to it.]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7960431/used_motorcycles/88_vs_750_intruder_1500_firm_ton_of_work_done_to_ithttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7957590/motorcycle_wheels_tires/rear_tire_on_front/index.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2009 23:10:36 -0700REAR TIRE ON FRONT
Look at Avon Venom tires. They are a little more sport tread, and may work. But, beware, the sidewalls are a little thinner so, you will want a couple extra psi over manufacturers recommended, and if your suspension is aging, you still will not like the effect. Been there, done that, bought front springs, and new rear shock (loved it after).

]]><![CDATA[REAR TIRE ON FRONT]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7957590/motorcycle_wheels_tires/rear_tire_on_fronthttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7915937/motorcycle_engine/premature_engine_failure/index.htmlTue, 27 Oct 2009 21:10:47 -0700premature engine failure:
The 1st thing I'd suggest is to go to this website: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ Select report defect. If you find a number of other people who have the same problem, the government will force a recall to correct the defect. Don't get your hopes up. I belive it's somewhere over 2.5% of all vehicles to get a declared defect. Other choice, (and the 1 I did with my Subaru) is to contact Harley direct, and ask for a special accommodation. They usually won't pick up the full tab, but, since you are like me, the warranty just ran out, they usually are willing to hork up half. They don't want you totally pi$$ed off, you could interfere with future sales. If they do it like Subaru, they will contact your dealer to see what level of service you did on the bike. If you had some of the work done elsewhere, tell them, it's in your best interest. If they do get involved, you owe me a beer, at some rally to be named later. If we can't get to the same rally, we can each buy 2 at a rally in our neighborhood. and do a toast that way.

]]><![CDATA[premature engine failure:]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7915937/motorcycle_engine/premature_engine_failurehttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7914638/motorcycle_engine/2007_vl1500t_c90_suzuki_boulavard/index.htmlTue, 27 Oct 2009 05:10:09 -07002007 VL1500T C90 SUZUKI BOULAVARD
I bought an'07 (NEW)IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR ('09)W/00000 MILAGE.I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SLIGHT BACKFIRING THROUGH BOTH THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE. THIS PROBLEM ISN'T CONSTANT.I MAY RIDE FOR A WEEK AND IT WON'T HAPPEN.THEN IT WILL APPEAR AGAIN.ALSO AT TIMES WHEN I SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND IT SEEMS AS IF SOMEONE TURNS OFF THE KEY(NO THROTLE RESPONSE)THEN IT'S LIKE IT TURNS BACK ON AND RUNS FINE ,UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. .AT TIMES WHEN I STOP FOR FUEL AND TRY TO START IT ITS AS IF THE BATTERY IS ALMOST DEAD. THEN I HIT THE STARTER IMMEDIATLLY AND IT FIRES RIGHT UP.I HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THE BIKE.IT ALSO (ON THE FIRST DAY I BROUGHT IT HOME).WHEN I TURNED ON THE KEY IT MADE A VERY LOUD WHINNING SOUND,LIKE SOMEONE PINCHING THE NECK OF A BALLOON WHILE LETTING OUT THE AIR.THE FUEL INJECTOR LIGHT HAS STAYED ON DURING THESE INCIDENTS. IT IS UNDER WARRENTY AND I HAVE HAD IT AT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND LEFT IT WITH THEM FOR 13 DAYS COLLECTIVLLY, BUT NEITHER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.(IT ISN'T THE GAS.I USE 93-97 OCTANE FROM DIFFERENT STATIONS.AND IT ISN'T THE BATTERY. I'VE HAD IT CHECKED.)ALSO CHECKED KICKSTAND AND KILLSWITCH.IT HAPPENS ON COLD DAYS,HOT DAYS,WET DAYS,DRY DAYS SO ,I CANT FIND A CONSTANT.THE ENGINE CAN BE COLD,OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN RIDDEN FOR A FEW HOURS, MAKES NO DIFFERENCE .HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS?AND IF SO COULD YOU OFFER ANY INSIGHT/OR SUGGESTIONS. THANKS

]]><![CDATA[2007 VL1500T C90 SUZUKI BOULAVARD]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7914638/motorcycle_engine/2007_vl1500t_c90_suzuki_boulavardhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7952640/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1987_honda_cmx_250c/index.htmlMon, 26 Oct 2009 19:10:34 -07001987 Honda cmx 250c
Hi i have a 1987 Honda CMX 250C and need to change the oil and need to know what type I should use I see that they have 2 cycle and 4 cycle :mad: PLEASE HELP ME OUT I TOOK THE OIL OUT AND WAS TOLD TO USE 20w50 on it I used it but it feels wird :confused: I need to know if I did good or if I should dump it out ASAP so it wont get messed up THANKS :smirk:

]]><![CDATA[1987 Honda cmx 250c]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7952640/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1987_honda_cmx_250chttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7952502/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1985_virago_700_hesitates_and_sputters/index.htmlMon, 26 Oct 2009 18:10:04 -07001985 Virago 700 hesitates and sputters.
Just got the bike and found that when it's cold the rear cylinder does not run properly, misses and backfires. When it gets warmer (ambient above 50 deg F) then the cylinder kicks in and runs fine. Put drygas in and runs better? but still not perfect. Thanks for your replys. :confused: :(

]]><![CDATA[1985 Virago 700 hesitates and sputters.]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7952502/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1985_virago_700_hesitates_and_sputtershttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7951974/used_motorcycles/ride_for_next_years_run_to_the_wall/index.htmlMon, 26 Oct 2009 14:10:52 -0700ride for next years run to the wall
If you want to look truly retro (old school, not old), find a Kawi Drifter, they were made in both 800 and 1500cc versions. I had the 800, and except for having to lube the chain with full valenced fenders, it's a snap to own, maintain, and ride. They come in in the high 500-low 600lb range, with low center of gravity. Pop a thunder air kit on it, and you have quite a bit of torque. Pop on an aftermarket exhaust, you get a little more horsepower, and noise, but, you lose the torque boost. The money you save on one of them would pay for a stunning paint job.

]]><![CDATA[ride for next years run to the wall]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7951974/used_motorcycles/ride_for_next_years_run_to_the_wallhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7871731/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1987_honda_cr250_clutch_question/index.htmlSat, 24 Oct 2009 03:10:45 -07001987 honda cr250 clutch question
ok have a honda cr250 that i bought really cheap because it needed a clutch cable, so i was told. replaced that and then replaced the clutch as well. i need to know about the clutch lifter. the bikes clutch does not disengage and when i finally bought the service manual, it shows the clutch lifter in a different position in the left side cover than mine is. mine is higher than the one they show (the position withe the clutch released, where the cable ties into the lifter). basically when i pull in on the clutch lever, the top of the lifter is hitting the top of the case. i need to know if i can take the lifter out or do i have to split the cases to take out the lifter

]]><![CDATA[1987 honda cr250 clutch question]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7871731/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/1987_honda_cr250_clutch_questionhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7910159/motorcycle_engine/what_motorcycle_should_i_buy/index.htmlSat, 24 Oct 2009 00:10:25 -0700what motorcycle should I buy
I want to buy a motorcycle to keep for a very long time but I rida about 30k miles at year. What bike can I buy that it is worth it to keep a long time and re build it if it is necessary?

]]><![CDATA[what motorcycle should I buy]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7910159/motorcycle_engine/what_motorcycle_should_i_buyhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7909904/used_motorcycles/searching_for_my_holy_grail/index.htmlFri, 23 Oct 2009 22:10:38 -0700Searching for my Holy Grail?
Hello out there. This is my first post! I am interested in purchasing a used bike that is reasonably fuel efficient, has a nice smooth engine (have prostate trouble and must have smooth), and can pull a Velorex side car. My wife and I plan to take day and perhaps weekend trips and will travel on local and secondary highways for the most part. I would also like to have shaft drive, a reasonable sized gas tank with a fuel gauge and a wide seat. I a six feet tall. I have looked at gas mileage figures and they are all over the map! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Dub

]]><![CDATA[Searching for my Holy Grail?]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7909904/used_motorcycles/searching_for_my_holy_grailhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7871398/the_general_forum/mid_sized_cruiser_with_good_fuel_economy_that_can_drive_a_side_car/index.htmlFri, 23 Oct 2009 21:10:00 -0700Mid Sized Cruiser with good fuel economy that can drive a side car?
Hello out there. This is my first post! I am interested in purchasing a used bike that is reasonably fuel efficient, has a nice smooth engine (have prostate trouble and must have smooth), and can pull a Velorex side car. My wife and I plan to take day and perhaps weekend trips and will travel on local and secondary highways for the most part. I would also like to have shaft drive and a reasonable sized gas tank with a fuel gauge. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Dub

]]><![CDATA[Mid Sized Cruiser with good fuel economy that can drive a side car?]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7871398/the_general_forum/mid_sized_cruiser_with_good_fuel_economy_that_can_drive_a_side_carhttp://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7871377/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/99_r6_clutch_cable_stopper_missing/index.htmlFri, 23 Oct 2009 21:10:59 -070099 r6 clutch cable stopper missing
Hi, i dont know the name of the part but its the thing that stops the tube that the cable is in from moving with the cable. Basically both the cable and the tube move together so the bike wont move forward. Does anyone know the name of the part im talking about and how to install it?

]]><![CDATA[99 r6 clutch cable stopper missing]]>http://forums.motorcyclecruiser.com/70/7871377/motorcycle_repair_maintenance/99_r6_clutch_cable_stopper_missing