New Bike?

[soler]

Well, here's the dilema. Went on 1800 mile trip, and there were a few things disappointing about the X. So, I'm thinking of a new bike, or doing some things to this one to get it like I want. I want a touring bike, but don't really want a Goldwing.

I've ridden a Yamaha Venture. It's okay, but I just don't know if that's the bike for me.

The wind protection of the Honda windshield didn't cut it. I installed lowers, but my covered fork covers kept rotating.

My exhaust shield keeps rattling. I took it off, put it back on, tightened it up real good, and it still rattles at certain RPMs. Not good!

My helmet speakers went T.U., only one speaker works.

My carpal tunnel (spelling?) in the right hand was acting up, needed a cruise control.

Gas mileage. One fillup I got 27.6 mpg!http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif:dontknow: Best I got in the twisties was 39.8. Average was 34.5. Not too great. One guy we rode with towed his bike there in his Pontiac Vibe and got 30-35 mpg.

The Venture has good wind protrection, radio with speakers I can hear on the freeway, cruise control, more storage, and from what I hear it gets better gas mileage (plus an extra half gallon of gas with a gauge).

So, here's the thing, is there anyone in South Texas (San Antonio area) that has a fairing on and I can come look at? Do these fairings shake at highway speeds? I have fork covers and have heard that some fairings vibrate. I don't want any of that. I'm either going to dump some money into my bike to get it like I want, or I'm going to get the Venture. Also, Kawasaki has a new 1700 Voyager coming out soon. Looks nice. What I don't want is to dump $2-3 grand into mine, only to be unhappy when it's done. Wifey won't be happy.

BTW, the fairing I'm looking at is the Type II Tsukayu with their stereo and 6x9 speakers. Can you hear the stereo at 70 mph? Does it offer good wind protection? Does it shake? How does the bike handle with it on?
Thanks!

SOLER

[Bomber]

Wind wise, I've got mine to where I have very little, to no wind at speeds up past 90mph. Wife is very happy on the rear porch too. I'm running a Harley fairing with six speakers that I can hear over the sideburner, but it really is a bit much for the eardrums. I'm in the process of installing a J&M CB/Intercom and Zumo GPS so I'll see how their fancy helmet speakers sound in a week or so.

My only gripe on my bike is the 125 mile start lookin for a gas station range. I'd sure like double that. Thinking about having a tank fabbed up that will hold a few more gallons.

With some work and cubic dollars you can have a real nice touring bike.

Good luck on whatever route you take!

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=673&pictureid=4009

[soler]

Thanks for the reply. 125 miles, crikey!:yikes: Is that a C model with R model fenders? I can get 140-150 before the yellow gas light comes on.

Chime in here fellas, if putting more stuff on is going to make my mileage worse, let me know. That will seal the deal right then and there. I realize more stuff equals more weight and drag, meaning worse mileage. That's a no-brainer. But, I was hoping a fairing will reduce the amount of drag and at least slightly improve my mileage.

Anyone have input? If you've installed a fairing, did your mileage go up or down?

Thanks

[Bomber]

I get around 35mpg so I could push it a bit more, but in uncharted territory I keep it at a conservative 125 miles till I top it off.

[Bomber]

BTW it's an R model.

[Jonathan]

Wind wise, I've got mine to where I have very little, to no wind at speeds up past 90mph. Wife is very happy on the rear porch too. I'm running a Harley fairing with six speakers that I can hear over the sideburner, but it really is a bit much for the eardrums. I'm in the process of installing a J&M CB/Intercom and Zumo GPS so I'll see how their fancy helmet speakers sound in a week or so.

My only gripe on my bike is the 125 mile start lookin for a gas station range. I'd sure like double that. Thinking about having a tank fabbed up that will hold a few more gallons.

With some work and cubic dollars you can have a real nice touring bike.

Good luck on whatever route you take!

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=673&pictureid=4009



Despite not liking flames, I like your bike. I'd like a rig up like that but everything removable. Found a removable fairing w radio and speaks and sisssy bar. Thinking I can fab a rack off of the removable sissy bar to hold hard bags and a truck and get it chromed or powder coated.

[soler]

Despite not liking flames, I like your bike. I'd like a rig up like that but everything removable. Found a removable fairing w radio and speaks and sisssy bar. Thinking I can fab a rack off of the removable sissy bar to hold hard bags and a truck and get it chromed or powder coated.
If you get a fairing, most likely it will use Memphis Shades brackets, and they are quick release. My saddlebags are from Tsukayu, with Easy Brackets. Just insert key, turn, and they come off. The bracket stays on the saddlebag, so all is left is the knobs on the fender stays. You could have your bike stripped back down very quickly. This is what I plan on doing. One of the reasons I haven't just gone right out and bought the Venture. I want it back to stock form for local rides and such.

SOLER

[Bomber]

Despite not liking flames, I like your bike. I'd like a rig up like that but everything removable. Found a removable fairing w radio and speaks and sisssy bar. Thinking I can fab a rack off of the removable sissy bar to hold hard bags and a truck and get it chromed or powder coated.


Thank you sir! I'm way too lazy to be takin all the stuff off for local rides. I just ride :-)

Plus it looks like a bunch of drunk elf electricians wend crazy under the fairing with the GPS, CB/Intercom, and sterio wires all hiding under there.

And I'd like to catch the little bat rastard that designed all the freeking electrical connections that are stuffed into the headlight bowl. That's one beeeeooch makin room for the headlight:twisted: Talk about 10lb in a 5lb bag!

Good luck!