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Next: V Star 1100 tires
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External
Since: May 13, 2004
Posts: 19
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 5:05 am
Post subject: VStar 650 Classic
Archived from groups: alt>motorcycles>yamaha (more info?)
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I was looking for an old Norton Commando for far too long and just got
tired of all the ebay nonsense with regards to motorcycle sales, so I
went down to my local Yamaha dealer and purchased a 2004 VStar 650
Classic. The last time I'd ridden a motorcycle was in 1971 or
thereabouts. This was a very different experience than tooling around
on a '68 Honda CB 350, the bike I last owned. It was no Norton 750,
either, probably the fastest and smoothest bike I ever rode. In fact,
it reminded me at first of a Triumph 650, with all that torquey pull.
I don't know why some people are complaining about a lack of power.
This bike has plenty of power for such a big heavy machine, which is
somewhat difficult to get the precise feel of, especially at parking
lot maneuver speed. Not that I claim any expertise in the matter. I
just bought the thing last Friday!!! But it has plenty of oomph for
me. I haven't even begun to see what it will really do and I've
gotten up to speed several times very quickly, indeed, with barely a
turn of the grip. Well, I just passed a guy who I'd been following up
a grade and he turned onto another street I was also intending to
take. So I pulled into the center lane and goosed it in second gear,
maybe about half-turning the grip. The bike jumped forward and
accelerated like a champ. I wonder, is it because I'm 180 pounds,
5'8", and 53 years old, or are all these guys complaining about it
just a tad full of bull?
I will admit it is somewhat difficult deciding what gear to be in.
This bike takes some getting used to. I'm far from making any of the
adjustments I've heard others mention, such as rejetting the carbs or
replacing the pipes. I think the bike is beautiful as is. Why fuck
with it? Now, obtaining a decent luggage rack has been more than a
tad frustrating. They don't seem to make regular old luggage racks
anymore for a decent price. I ordered the Yamaha version that mounts
on the license plate holders and it should be here in the next few
days. Yeah, I know, you can't put much weight on it and it is very
expensive for what it is, but I needed something to stow a jacket and
my cable lock onto, let alone a few odds and ends I might ferry home
from the store.
Any comments about this bike from confirmed users? Any tips for
advanced riding techniques or quirks I should know about but have yet
to encounter? Did you go with saddle bags, a windshield (the wind
hits you hard in the chest at highway speed, that much I've found
out), a backrest and luggage rack? What's the farthest ride you've
taken this bike out on and in what conditions (mountains, flatland,
etc)? How did it perform? |
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External
Since: Jan 23, 2004
Posts: 174
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 5:10 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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>
>I was looking for an old Norton Commando for far too long and just got
>tired of all the ebay nonsense with regards to motorcycle sales, so I
>went down to my local Yamaha dealer and purchased a 2004 VStar 650
>Classic. The last time I'd ridden a motorcycle was in 1971 or
>thereabouts. This was a very different experience than tooling around
>on a '68 Honda CB 350, the bike I last owned. It was no Norton 750,
>either, probably the fastest and smoothest bike I ever rode. In fact,
>it reminded me at first of a Triumph 650, with all that torquey pull.
>I don't know why some people are complaining about a lack of power.
>This bike has plenty of power for such a big heavy machine, which is
>somewhat difficult to get the precise feel of, especially at parking
>lot maneuver speed. Not that I claim any expertise in the matter. I
>just bought the thing last Friday!!! But it has plenty of oomph for
>me. I haven't even begun to see what it will really do and I've
>gotten up to speed several times very quickly, indeed, with barely a
>turn of the grip. Well, I just passed a guy who I'd been following up
>a grade and he turned onto another street I was also intending to
>take. So I pulled into the center lane and goosed it in second gear,
>maybe about half-turning the grip. The bike jumped forward and
>accelerated like a champ. I wonder, is it because I'm 180 pounds,
>5'8", and 53 years old, or are all these guys complaining about it
>just a tad full of bull?
> I will admit it is somewhat difficult deciding what gear to be in.
>This bike takes some getting used to. I'm far from making any of the
>adjustments I've heard others mention, such as rejetting the carbs or
>replacing the pipes. I think the bike is beautiful as is. Why fuck
>with it? Now, obtaining a decent luggage rack has been more than a
>tad frustrating. They don't seem to make regular old luggage racks
>anymore for a decent price. I ordered the Yamaha version that mounts
>on the license plate holders and it should be here in the next few
>days. Yeah, I know, you can't put much weight on it and it is very
>expensive for what it is, but I needed something to stow a jacket and
>my cable lock onto, let alone a few odds and ends I might ferry home
>from the store.
> Any comments about this bike from confirmed users? Any tips for
>advanced riding techniques or quirks I should know about but have yet
>to encounter? Did you go with saddle bags, a windshield (the wind
>hits you hard in the chest at highway speed, that much I've found
>out), a backrest and luggage rack? What's the farthest ride you've
>taken this bike out on and in what conditions (mountains, flatland,
>etc)? How did it perform?
walnecks classic cycle trader had dozens of norton's every
month. some are quite reasinable. expect to pay $3-5k for a
decent runner. cheap when you consider that crap garbage
truck cruisers are 10-30k.....<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> |
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External
Since: May 13, 2004
Posts: 19
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 12:12 am
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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tooftoof DeleteThis @verizon.net (e) wrote in message news:<G5Noc.15276040$Id.2532007@news.easynews.com>...
> >
> >I was looking for an old Norton Commando for far too long and just got
> >tired of all the ebay nonsense with regards to motorcycle sales, so I
> >went down to my local Yamaha dealer and purchased a 2004 VStar 650
> >Classic. The last time I'd ridden a motorcycle was in 1971 or
> >thereabouts. This was a very different experience than tooling around
> >on a '68 Honda CB 350, the bike I last owned. It was no Norton 750,
> >either, probably the fastest and smoothest bike I ever rode. In fact,
> >it reminded me at first of a Triumph 650, with all that torquey pull.
> >I don't know why some people are complaining about a lack of power.
> >This bike has plenty of power for such a big heavy machine, which is
> >somewhat difficult to get the precise feel of, especially at parking
> >lot maneuver speed. Not that I claim any expertise in the matter. I
> >just bought the thing last Friday!!! But it has plenty of oomph for
> >me. I haven't even begun to see what it will really do and I've
> >gotten up to speed several times very quickly, indeed, with barely a
> >turn of the grip. Well, I just passed a guy who I'd been following up
> >a grade and he turned onto another street I was also intending to
> >take. So I pulled into the center lane and goosed it in second gear,
> >maybe about half-turning the grip. The bike jumped forward and
> >accelerated like a champ. I wonder, is it because I'm 180 pounds,
> >5'8", and 53 years old, or are all these guys complaining about it
> >just a tad full of bull?
> > I will admit it is somewhat difficult deciding what gear to be in.
> >This bike takes some getting used to. I'm far from making any of the
> >adjustments I've heard others mention, such as rejetting the carbs or
> >replacing the pipes. I think the bike is beautiful as is. Why fuck
> >with it? Now, obtaining a decent luggage rack has been more than a
> >tad frustrating. They don't seem to make regular old luggage racks
> >anymore for a decent price. I ordered the Yamaha version that mounts
> >on the license plate holders and it should be here in the next few
> >days. Yeah, I know, you can't put much weight on it and it is very
> >expensive for what it is, but I needed something to stow a jacket and
> >my cable lock onto, let alone a few odds and ends I might ferry home
> >from the store.
> > Any comments about this bike from confirmed users? Any tips for
> >advanced riding techniques or quirks I should know about but have yet
> >to encounter? Did you go with saddle bags, a windshield (the wind
> >hits you hard in the chest at highway speed, that much I've found
> >out), a backrest and luggage rack? What's the farthest ride you've
> >taken this bike out on and in what conditions (mountains, flatland,
> >etc)? How did it perform?
> walnecks classic cycle trader had dozens of norton's every
> month. some are quite reasinable. expect to pay $3-5k for a
> decent runner. cheap when you consider that crap garbage
> truck cruisers are 10-30k.....
Sure, there are a lot of old Nortons for sale, but the really good
ones are not cheap at all. In fact, they are getting up to $8k for
them now. Occasionally you can luck out and find a decent one for $3
or $4 thou, but those are usually in some out of the way place where
it will run you another thousand just to get the thing home and find
out how much more you will need to pump into it. Nope, I spent weeks
tracking down a number of them, looking them over carefully, and
grilling the sellers repeatedly. Finally, I decided that if I have to
spend five or six thousand for a good bike, including shipping, I
might as well buy brand new. I think I made the right decision.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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External
Since: Jan 23, 2004
Posts: 174
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 5:12 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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>Sure, there are a lot of old Nortons for sale, but the really good
>ones are not cheap at all. In fact, they are getting up to $8k for
>them now. Occasionally you can luck out and find a decent one for $3
>or $4 thou, but those are usually in some out of the way place where
>it will run you another thousand just to get the thing home and find
>out how much more you will need to pump into it. Nope, I spent weeks
>tracking down a number of them, looking them over carefully, and
>grilling the sellers repeatedly. Finally, I decided that if I have to
>spend five or six thousand for a good bike, including shipping, I
>might as well buy brand new. I think I made the right decision.
5k with shipping isn't bad. but remember that owning a
vintage bike isn't for the faint of heart. with an old
norton, at the least, i would put on an amal, a boyer,
replace the isolastics with a 1975 set, check the vin for a
post crank mod, replace the case gaskets and test all the
wiring.
i had a 72 combat commando in 2001, did all that and it was
fine. i did not use it for a daily rider, (my sr is
perfect) but did ride it weekly.
i currently have a 69 triumph tr6r that i am doing those
mods to. it will be a daily rider because of the easy
starting.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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External
Since: Nov 10, 2003
Posts: 51
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:43 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"traveler" <Vallecito DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:aa96aeec.0405130305.3dc2d861@posting.google.com...
> I was looking for an old Norton Commando for far too long and just got
> tired of all the ebay nonsense with regards to motorcycle sales, so I
> went down to my local Yamaha dealer and purchased a 2004 VStar 650
> Classic. The last time I'd ridden a motorcycle was in 1971 or
> thereabouts. This was a very different experience than tooling around
> on a '68 Honda CB 350, the bike I last owned. It was no Norton 750,
> either, probably the fastest and smoothest bike I ever rode. In fact,
> it reminded me at first of a Triumph 650, with all that torquey pull.
> I don't know why some people are complaining about a lack of power.
> This bike has plenty of power for such a big heavy machine, which is
> somewhat difficult to get the precise feel of, especially at parking
> lot maneuver speed. Not that I claim any expertise in the matter. I
> just bought the thing last Friday!!! But it has plenty of oomph for
> me. I haven't even begun to see what it will really do and I've
> gotten up to speed several times very quickly, indeed, with barely a
> turn of the grip. Well, I just passed a guy who I'd been following up
> a grade and he turned onto another street I was also intending to
> take. So I pulled into the center lane and goosed it in second gear,
> maybe about half-turning the grip. The bike jumped forward and
> accelerated like a champ. I wonder, is it because I'm 180 pounds,
> 5'8", and 53 years old, or are all these guys complaining about it
> just a tad full of bull?
> I will admit it is somewhat difficult deciding what gear to be in.
> This bike takes some getting used to. I'm far from making any of the
> adjustments I've heard others mention, such as rejetting the carbs or
> replacing the pipes. I think the bike is beautiful as is. Why fuck
> with it? Now, obtaining a decent luggage rack has been more than a
> tad frustrating. They don't seem to make regular old luggage racks
> anymore for a decent price. I ordered the Yamaha version that mounts
> on the license plate holders and it should be here in the next few
> days. Yeah, I know, you can't put much weight on it and it is very
> expensive for what it is, but I needed something to stow a jacket and
> my cable lock onto, let alone a few odds and ends I might ferry home
> from the store.
> Any comments about this bike from confirmed users? Any tips for
> advanced riding techniques or quirks I should know about but have yet
> to encounter? Did you go with saddle bags, a windshield (the wind
> hits you hard in the chest at highway speed, that much I've found
> out), a backrest and luggage rack? What's the farthest ride you've
> taken this bike out on and in what conditions (mountains, flatland,
> etc)? How did it perform?
I've had mine about three months. I'm very pleased with it. At 80mph,
cracking the throttle produces acceleration, but it's nothing to write home
about. OTH, I may never do that again. I get on interstates only where
there is no reasonable alternative.
I put a small (14.5 inches) windshield I bought from JC Whiteney for $65.
It keeps the wind off my chest and that's what I wanted. I got a small pair
of saddle bags for groceries, rain gear, etc. In addition, I bought a
sheepskin seat cover to help with the monkey butt problem. ;O)
My longest ride, so far, hasn't exceeded 100 miles by much. I don't know
that I'll do much long distance. Had I planned to do so, I'd've gotten a
bigger engine.
With the 650, I'm exceeding 50mpg. Since I got it I hardly ever drive the
Ranger. I filled it in Feb and still have a quarter tank. I'm saving
enough on gas to make the bike payment. grin
cheers
bob<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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External
Since: May 14, 2004
Posts: 1
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 12:50 am
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I took my 650 loaded with camping gear through three provinces, over the
mountains to the west coast and then down through the northern states. It
was a great ride - extremely comfortable for even 12 hour days. I will
admit that I was wishing I had more power almost since the first day I
bought it, and I now have an XVS1100, but I happily rode the 650 for a few
years before I upgraded. >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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External
Since: May 13, 2004
Posts: 19
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 2:12 am
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Bob Thomas" <robobt.DeleteThis@earthlink.net> wrote in message news:<Vbapc.622$H_3.370@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>...
> "traveler" <Vallecito.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:aa96aeec.0405130305.3dc2d861@posting.google.com...
> > I was looking for an old Norton Commando for far too long and just got
> > tired of all the ebay nonsense with regards to motorcycle sales, so I
> > went down to my local Yamaha dealer and purchased a 2004 VStar 650
> > Classic. The last time I'd ridden a motorcycle was in 1971 or
> > thereabouts. This was a very different experience than tooling around
> > on a '68 Honda CB 350, the bike I last owned. It was no Norton 750,
> > either, probably the fastest and smoothest bike I ever rode. In fact,
> > it reminded me at first of a Triumph 650, with all that torquey pull.
> > I don't know why some people are complaining about a lack of power.
> > This bike has plenty of power for such a big heavy machine, which is
> > somewhat difficult to get the precise feel of, especially at parking
> > lot maneuver speed. Not that I claim any expertise in the matter. I
> > just bought the thing last Friday!!! But it has plenty of oomph for
> > me. I haven't even begun to see what it will really do and I've
> > gotten up to speed several times very quickly, indeed, with barely a
> > turn of the grip. Well, I just passed a guy who I'd been following up
> > a grade and he turned onto another street I was also intending to
> > take. So I pulled into the center lane and goosed it in second gear,
> > maybe about half-turning the grip. The bike jumped forward and
> > accelerated like a champ. I wonder, is it because I'm 180 pounds,
> > 5'8", and 53 years old, or are all these guys complaining about it
> > just a tad full of bull?
> > I will admit it is somewhat difficult deciding what gear to be in.
> > This bike takes some getting used to. I'm far from making any of the
> > adjustments I've heard others mention, such as rejetting the carbs or
> > replacing the pipes. I think the bike is beautiful as is. Why fuck
> > with it? Now, obtaining a decent luggage rack has been more than a
> > tad frustrating. They don't seem to make regular old luggage racks
> > anymore for a decent price. I ordered the Yamaha version that mounts
> > on the license plate holders and it should be here in the next few
> > days. Yeah, I know, you can't put much weight on it and it is very
> > expensive for what it is, but I needed something to stow a jacket and
> > my cable lock onto, let alone a few odds and ends I might ferry home
> > from the store.
> > Any comments about this bike from confirmed users? Any tips for
> > advanced riding techniques or quirks I should know about but have yet
> > to encounter? Did you go with saddle bags, a windshield (the wind
> > hits you hard in the chest at highway speed, that much I've found
> > out), a backrest and luggage rack? What's the farthest ride you've
> > taken this bike out on and in what conditions (mountains, flatland,
> > etc)? How did it perform?
>
> I've had mine about three months. I'm very pleased with it. At 80mph,
> cracking the throttle produces acceleration, but it's nothing to write home
> about. OTH, I may never do that again. I get on interstates only where
> there is no reasonable alternative.
>
> I put a small (14.5 inches) windshield I bought from JC Whiteney for $65.
> It keeps the wind off my chest and that's what I wanted. I got a small pair
> of saddle bags for groceries, rain gear, etc. In addition, I bought a
> sheepskin seat cover to help with the monkey butt problem. ;O)
>
> My longest ride, so far, hasn't exceeded 100 miles by much. I don't know
> that I'll do much long distance. Had I planned to do so, I'd've gotten a
> bigger engine.
>
> With the 650, I'm exceeding 50mpg. Since I got it I hardly ever drive the
> Ranger. I filled it in Feb and still have a quarter tank. I'm saving
> enough on gas to make the bike payment. grin
>
> cheers
>
> bob
Ok, here's the deal. I've had the thing a week and now I'm beginning
to experience some real problems. Riding it home from the dealer on
the first day, it felt like the bike had a loose chain. Of course,
this model has a driveshaft, as you know. There was an unacceptable
amount jerking back and forth between no throttle and just a bit of
throttle. I hoped it just needed to get broken in. Over the
following days, I endeavored to find out just what the proper shift
pattern ought to be for any given situation. The jerking began to
subside as I kept it in a second gear for slow driving around my
neighborhood, in third gear until speed was up, and in fourth gear for
around town on the boulevard, particulary uphill. I never shifted
into fifth until out on the highway. That strategy seemed to work
pretty well until it got warmer, like today. Frankly, the bike has
been riding much better uphill then on the flat and not good at all
going downhill. It seems to either accelerate or decelerate, but
won't run smoothly at one chosen speed. And when you let off the
throttle completely, the compression practically stops the bike by
itself unless you're in fifth gear. I'm getting more confused and
frustrated rather than getting the operation down, as I should. The
owner's manual suggests shifting into a higher gear every five miles
per hour. That seems ridiculous, especially since the bike has such
good acceleration if you leave it in a lower gear awhile longer. But
if you try to favor their recommendations, you'd expect the shifting
to be very smooth to facilitate it. Nope, it clunks real bad on the
upshift if you don't get the revs up. And the clutch has only about
1/4" of travel from fully engaged to fully disengaged. Something is
clearly wrong here. If this is the way the bike is supposed to
operate, I'm not happy at all. I think something must be wrong with
the drivetrain. Today, all the improvement I thought I was noting
went right out the window. The thing was running like shit. The
clutch was grabbing, the bike was misfiring, and it ran bad whether I
kept it in a lower gear longer or upshifted real quick. Piece of
shit. I'm really pissed off. I've only got 200 miles on the big
heavy turkey. Got any suggestions before I sue?<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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External
Since: May 13, 2004
Posts: 19
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 2:22 am
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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tooftoof.DeleteThis@verizon.net (e) wrote in message news:<Xd6pc.15338611$Id.2539971@news.easynews.com>...
> >Sure, there are a lot of old Nortons for sale, but the really good
> >ones are not cheap at all. In fact, they are getting up to $8k for
> >them now. Occasionally you can luck out and find a decent one for $3
> >or $4 thou, but those are usually in some out of the way place where
> >it will run you another thousand just to get the thing home and find
> >out how much more you will need to pump into it. Nope, I spent weeks
> >tracking down a number of them, looking them over carefully, and
> >grilling the sellers repeatedly. Finally, I decided that if I have to
> >spend five or six thousand for a good bike, including shipping, I
> >might as well buy brand new. I think I made the right decision.
>
> 5k with shipping isn't bad. but remember that owning a
> vintage bike isn't for the faint of heart. with an old
> norton, at the least, i would put on an amal, a boyer,
> replace the isolastics with a 1975 set, check the vin for a
> post crank mod, replace the case gaskets and test all the
> wiring.
> i had a 72 combat commando in 2001, did all that and it was
> fine. i did not use it for a daily rider, (my sr is
> perfect) but did ride it weekly.
> i currently have a 69 triumph tr6r that i am doing those
> mods to. it will be a daily rider because of the easy
> starting.
I still have fond memories of an old Norton 750 a friend of mine had
in the late sixties. It was "Dunstallized," and came with a faring
and clipons, etc., in addition to the stock parts. He'd put that
stuff on every so often just for fun. The bike was incredibly fast
and smooth. You'd go from 60 to 80 with a slight flick of the wrist
almost instantaneously, just smooth power. I'll never forget it,
which is why I'm surprised and disappointed that some of these Norton
owners don't consider them very reliable. Like I said, I spent weeks
researching a number of them and either being unable to reach the
reserve or getting outbid. There was one I was determined to win
because it was not too far away and seemed to be a good one. Another
guy with cash coming out his ears outbid me, paying near 6k. So I
just said fuck it and went with the 650 for 4 thousand down. By the
way, why don't you put on your thinking cap and address the problem
I've been experiencing with it. See my response to the guy who has
owned a 650 for three months. In it I detail the problem.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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External
Since: May 09, 2004
Posts: 42
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 2:18 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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There was an unacceptable
> amount jerking back and forth between no throttle and just a bit of
> throttle.
This is characteristic to one extent or another of a number of C.V. carbs.
The abrupt lurching transition to on/off throttle at low rpm. It sounds
like you just have a terribly bad example of the syndrome. As i understand,
the 650 vstars are wildly disparate in their valve synchronising. Before
you drag your dealer into the parking lot for his lump....either you
yourself sync the carbs or have him so it. This may make the problem get
much better. As for the compression amost throwing you onto the tank when
you roll off the gas, mine does that too. I think it is less a matter of
compression than one of low gearing. It is actually fairly low geared to
make a small engine feel more like a large engine, and to assist a small
engine in moving a large heavy motorcycle. And no, it isnt the easiest bike
to ride smoothly/quickly, kind of like a harley in that respect. When
people ask me how mine is i tell them "it's just as useless as a Harley for
a fraction of the cost"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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External
Since: Jan 23, 2004
Posts: 174
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 6:07 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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>
>Ok, here's the deal. I've had the thing a week and now I'm beginning
>to experience some real problems. Riding it home from the dealer on
>the first day, it felt like the bike had a loose chain. Of course,
>this model has a driveshaft, as you know. There was an unacceptable
>amount jerking back and forth between no throttle and just a bit of
>throttle. I hoped it just needed to get broken in. Over the
>following days, I endeavored to find out just what the proper shift
>pattern ought to be for any given situation. The jerking began to
>subside as I kept it in a second gear for slow driving around my
>neighborhood, in third gear until speed was up, and in fourth gear for
>around town on the boulevard, particulary uphill. I never shifted
>into fifth until out on the highway. That strategy seemed to work
>pretty well until it got warmer, like today. Frankly, the bike has
>been riding much better uphill then on the flat and not good at all
>going downhill. It seems to either accelerate or decelerate, but
>won't run smoothly at one chosen speed. And when you let off the
>throttle completely, the compression practically stops the bike by
>itself unless you're in fifth gear. I'm getting more confused and
>frustrated rather than getting the operation down, as I should. The
>owner's manual suggests shifting into a higher gear every five miles
>per hour. That seems ridiculous, especially since the bike has such
>good acceleration if you leave it in a lower gear awhile longer. But
>if you try to favor their recommendations, you'd expect the shifting
>to be very smooth to facilitate it. Nope, it clunks real bad on the
>upshift if you don't get the revs up. And the clutch has only about
>1/4" of travel from fully engaged to fully disengaged. Something is
>clearly wrong here. If this is the way the bike is supposed to
>operate, I'm not happy at all. I think something must be wrong with
>the drivetrain. Today, all the improvement I thought I was noting
>went right out the window. The thing was running like shit. The
>clutch was grabbing, the bike was misfiring, and it ran bad whether I
>kept it in a lower gear longer or upshifted real quick. Piece of
>shit. I'm really pissed off. I've only got 200 miles on the big
>heavy turkey. Got any suggestions before I sue?
the jerking is normal for shaft drive bikes. the 2 viragos
i've had were very jerky until i got used to them. same with
the old xs750 i'd had.
it's covered by warranty, get it fixed, but remember
shafters are clunky....<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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Since: Jan 28, 2004
Posts: 145
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 6:07 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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On Sat, 15 May 2004 17:07:31 GMT, tooftoof DeleteThis @verizon.net (e) waived the
right to be silent and professed:
>the jerking is normal for shaft drive bikes. the 2 viragos
>i've had were very jerky until i got used to them. same with
>the old xs750 i'd had.
>it's covered by warranty, get it fixed, but remember
>shafters are clunky....
Huh? I've had 4 bikes, all shafters. I rode a few chain drives, too. I
don't know what you're talking about.
--
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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Since: Jan 23, 2004
Posts: 174
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 6:09 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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>I still have fond memories of an old Norton 750 a friend of mine had
>in the late sixties. It was "Dunstallized," and came with a faring
>and clipons, etc., in addition to the stock parts. He'd put that
>stuff on every so often just for fun. The bike was incredibly fast
>and smooth. You'd go from 60 to 80 with a slight flick of the wrist
>almost instantaneously, just smooth power. I'll never forget it,
>which is why I'm surprised and disappointed that some of these Norton
>owners don't consider them very reliable. Like I said, I spent weeks
>researching a number of them and either being unable to reach the
>reserve or getting outbid. There was one I was determined to win
>because it was not too far away and seemed to be a good one. Another
>guy with cash coming out his ears outbid me, paying near 6k. So I
>just said fuck it and went with the 650 for 4 thousand down. By the
>way, why don't you put on your thinking cap and address the problem
>I've been experiencing with it. See my response to the guy who has
>owned a 650 for three months. In it I detail the problem.
they can be made reliable. VINTAGE is the word now. they are
30+ year old bikes...
i did address your problem...lmk how it works out.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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Since: May 13, 2004
Posts: 19
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(Msg. 13) Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 10:31 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"senilax" <senile.TakeThisOut@home.net> wrote in message news:<10ack838b06nrd8.TakeThisOut@corp.supernews.com>...
> There was an unacceptable
> > amount jerking back and forth between no throttle and just a bit of
> > throttle.
> This is characteristic to one extent or another of a number of C.V. carbs.
> The abrupt lurching transition to on/off throttle at low rpm. It sounds
> like you just have a terribly bad example of the syndrome. As i understand,
> the 650 vstars are wildly disparate in their valve synchronising. Before
> you drag your dealer into the parking lot for his lump....either you
> yourself sync the carbs or have him so it. This may make the problem get
> much better. As for the compression amost throwing you onto the tank when
> you roll off the gas, mine does that too. I think it is less a matter of
> compression than one of low gearing. It is actually fairly low geared to
> make a small engine feel more like a large engine, and to assist a small
> engine in moving a large heavy motorcycle. And no, it isnt the easiest bike
> to ride smoothly/quickly, kind of like a harley in that respect. When
> people ask me how mine is i tell them "it's just as useless as a Harley for
> a fraction of the cost"
Heh heh heh, that's funny. Good comments. Sync the carbs? (groan)
You can't even see them -- they're buried under the tank. I remember
never getting that down on the first two-carb bike I owned, a Honda
350. It's so much easier getting one carb to work just right. Today,
I spoke to the salesman who sold me the bike. It was one of their
clearance machines. I got nearly 500 bucks off the usual price
because they are switching to watercraft for the summer and getting in
the 2005s in two or three months. He, too, thought it was pretty much
"normal" for this bike but advised I bring it in to make sure. The
only thing I could think was I put some 10% ethanol regular unleaded
gas in it and maybe that made the carbeuration issue a bit worse. So
I put some premium in it today (50mpg!). Can't say I note much
difference so far. I just hope the lurching lessens with time. I've
only got 200 miles on it. In any case, the upshifting is awfully
rough, especially if you don't have open road to rev it up first, and
the downshifting, as you say, pitches you forward and makes you look
like you don't know what you're doing. Since I'm over 50, they
probably think I'm an old fool as it is. Don't want to make it worse.
I get the feeling they don't tune these new bikes much before they
sell them. They had the thing prepped by the time I drove down to the
dealer after telling them I was coming in to buy it. You didn't
remark about the 1/4" of travel on the clutch between full clutch and
no clutch. I'd say a good inch would be much better and at least a
half an inch would be ok. I was thinking I ought to install a Barnett
racing clutch. I did that on my 350 and it was like a whole new bike.
The salesman told me that would be beneficial but that they don't get
problems with the stock clutch reported very often.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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Since: Jan 23, 2004
Posts: 174
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 12:54 am
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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>
>On Sat, 15 May 2004 17:07:31 GMT, tooftoof.RemoveThis@verizon.net (e) waived the
>right to be silent and professed:
>
>>the jerking is normal for shaft drive bikes. the 2 viragos
>>i've had were very jerky until i got used to them. same with
>>the old xs750 i'd had.
>>it's covered by warranty, get it fixed, but remember
>>shafters are clunky....
>
>Huh? I've had 4 bikes, all shafters. I rode a few chain drives, too. I
>don't know what you're talking about.
>
there is a noticeable difference between a shaft and chain.
they shift and sound differently.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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Since: Jan 23, 2004
Posts: 174
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(Msg. 15) Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 5:14 pm
Post subject: Re: VStar 650 Classic [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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>"senilax" <senile DeleteThis @home.net> wrote in message
> news:<10ack838b06nrd8 DeleteThis @corp.supernews.com>...
>> There was an unacceptable
>> > amount jerking back and forth between no throttle and just a bit of
>> > throttle.
>> This is characteristic to one extent or another of a number of C.V. carbs.
>> The abrupt lurching transition to on/off throttle at low rpm. It sounds
>> like you just have a terribly bad example of the syndrome. As i understand,
>> the 650 vstars are wildly disparate in their valve synchronising. Before
>> you drag your dealer into the parking lot for his lump....either you
>> yourself sync the carbs or have him so it. This may make the problem get
>> much better. As for the compression amost throwing you onto the tank when
>> you roll off the gas, mine does that too. I think it is less a matter of
>> compression than one of low gearing. It is actually fairly low geared to
>> make a small engine feel more like a large engine, and to assist a small
>> engine in moving a large heavy motorcycle. And no, it isnt the easiest bike
>> to ride smoothly/quickly, kind of like a harley in that respect. When
>> people ask me how mine is i tell them "it's just as useless as a Harley for
>> a fraction of the cost"
>
>Heh heh heh, that's funny. Good comments. Sync the carbs? (groan)
>You can't even see them -- they're buried under the tank. I remember
>never getting that down on the first two-carb bike I owned, a Honda
>350. It's so much easier getting one carb to work just right. Today,
>I spoke to the salesman who sold me the bike. It was one of their
>clearance machines. I got nearly 500 bucks off the usual price
>because they are switching to watercraft for the summer and getting in
>the 2005s in two or three months. He, too, thought it was pretty much
>"normal" for this bike but advised I bring it in to make sure. The
>only thing I could think was I put some 10% ethanol regular unleaded
>gas in it and maybe that made the carbeuration issue a bit worse. So
>I put some premium in it today (50mpg!). Can't say I note much
>difference so far. I just hope the lurching lessens with time. I've
>only got 200 miles on it. In any case, the upshifting is awfully
>rough, especially if you don't have open road to rev it up first, and
>the downshifting, as you say, pitches you forward and makes you look
>like you don't know what you're doing. Since I'm over 50, they
>probably think I'm an old fool as it is. Don't want to make it worse.
> I get the feeling they don't tune these new bikes much before they
>sell them. They had the thing prepped by the time I drove down to the
>dealer after telling them I was coming in to buy it. You didn't
>remark about the 1/4" of travel on the clutch between full clutch and
>no clutch. I'd say a good inch would be much better and at least a
>half an inch would be ok. I was thinking I ought to install a Barnett
>racing clutch. I did that on my 350 and it was like a whole new bike.
> The salesman told me that would be beneficial but that they don't get
>problems with the stock clutch reported very often.
you're kind of forgetting you need to break the bike in.
until you have 2000 miles on it, you have no clue what kind
of bike you have. go out and ride. find a road where you
have to speed up and slow down, shift and stop.
and stopping neurotically obsessing. is the gas the right
octane? fine. leave it be.
just break it in before you go whacko.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: VStar 650 Classic |
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