Are you a new member? Come here and say hi!

[coffee_brake]

Oh, just that Shinkos "ride poorly" but not much solid info to back it up. I'd certainly try them (rear is almost due), what kind of mileage are most folks getting?

Bike has 32k miles, the head bearing may very well be going bad. No clunks yet, just a really wishy-washy front end over any kind of bump...and lots of scary moments the past couple days when leaned over in a turn! My Concours shaft drive doesn't do this, but I need more time to learn this bike. I was reading up on the solid washer replacing the rubber one in the neck assembly, I can see that it would be a good (and cheap) place to start. It would also be the best time to check that bearing. So that is for next week.

I need to "start over" with this bike, and do all the major services that I don't know were ever performed, like changing out the coolant, final drive oil, synching the carbs, and the valve adjust. Is it hard to do the valves?
I don't have the Clymer's yet, is it supposed to idle at 1k RPM? I put it at 1.2K and it sounded happier.
Front rotors are warped...are the EBC "floating" rotors worth the price? I thought the bike was about to overheat riding it home in Atlanta traffic and again yesterday waiting on the green light, it got all the way to the red and as soon as I looked for a place to pull over, the fan came on and pulled the temp right down. Is it worthwhile to modify the temp switch so it turns on sooner?

Are folks here finding the speedo is accurate?

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help..I try to do all my maintenance on my bikes, but I'm in a completely new place with this one, and with no Clymers yet, I have to ask all these dumb questions. It's probably the most complex machine I own....

 

[KJShover]

Bike has 32k miles, the head bearing may very well be going bad. No clunks yet, just a really wishy-washy front end over any kind of bump...and lots of scary moments the past couple days when leaned over in a turn! My Concours shaft drive doesn't do this, but I need more time to learn this bike. I was reading up on the solid washer replacing the rubber one in the neck assembly, I can see that it would be a good (and cheap) place to start. It would also be the best time to check that bearing. So that is for next week.

There are several sections on this, alot of times it can be fixed by just tightening up the the head bolt.

http://www.vmaxforum.net/tags.php?tag=wobble

I need to "start over" with this bike, and do all the major services that I don't know were ever performed, like changing out the coolant, final drive oil, synching the carbs, and the valve adjust. Is it hard to do the valves?
I don't have the Clymer's yet, is it supposed to idle at 1k RPM? I put it at 1.2K and it sounded happier.

Hard to say without knowing your mechanical ability, changing fluids and syncing carbs are easy, you might not find valve adjustment as easy. many syncing tools out there, many use the Morgan Carbtune ( www.carbtune.com)
http://www.angelfire.com/ia2/vmax/carbtune.htm

Front rotors are warped...are the EBC "floating" rotors worth the price?

I run these and absolutly love em' great for the price, and a good guy to deal with.
http://www.vmaxforum.net/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=296

I thought the bike was about to overheat riding it home in Atlanta traffic and again yesterday waiting on the green light, it got all the way to the red and as soon as I looked for a place to pull over, the fan came on and pulled the temp right down. Is it worthwhile to modify the temp switch so it turns on sooner?

Some use a lower temp thermostat, others mod thier switches to kick on at a lower temp or to work manually all together.
http://www.vmaxforum.net/showthread.php?t=5434&highlight=thermostat

Are folks here finding the speedo is accurate?

The speedo tends to be off 2-4mph. give or take.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help..I try to do all my maintenance on my bikes, but I'm in a completely new place with this one, and with no Clymers yet,

Here is a online copy of a service manual:
http://vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/VMX12-Service-Manual.pdf

I have to ask all these dumb questions. It's probably the most complex machine I own....

No problems, thats what this is for

 

[82ndCowboy]

I try to do all my maintenance on my bikes, but I'm in a completely new place with this one, and with no Clymers yet, I have to ask all these dumb questions. It's probably the most complex machine I own....

:You_Rock:

I think I'm in love... LOL!

Ohh by the way. You might Think about Metzler ME880 for tires if your not happy with Shinkos. I love the Metzlers, especially on the front. Because it doesn't have a center groove in the tread, I think that is what causes some slopiness in the front.

 

[KJShover]

Welcome to the VMax forum - Coffee Break, btm_fdr and breyton! :welcome_sign:

I second that unk:

 

[coffee_brake]

:You_Rock:


Ohh by the way. You might Think about Metzler ME880 for tires if your not happy with Shinkos. quote]


Awww...shucks!

I'm running a Metzler 880 on the back of the Concours and it's fine, feels good on the road. Well over 10k miles on it, but it sure doesn't stick or lean like the Avon I had on there before...which only got 6k wonderful, peg-scraping miles.

Obviously I'm having trouble searching the site effectively, many thanks for the links, especially the manual. Will be submerged in that by tonight.
There's a K&N air filter, checked it this morning. It's very clean and still has the red filter oil from installation, is my guess. I put a touch more oil on it but it was clean. The idle and tire pressure info I needed were printed under the tank cover, duh. The air filter seems to be the only performance-oriented part on the thing. I have no idea if Progressives were installed in the front, but it doesn't feel offensive to me, and I think maybe I could tell if there were straight-rate springs in there. Might have to go in there and see, likely the fork oil has never been changed either.

I have lots of experience doing the valve adjusts every 6k miles on the Concours, but I've never done shim-and-bucket. Can't be too hard, I believe I have the tools and experience to handle it. As long as the motor doesn't have to come out of the frame or some weirdness like that.

Last dumb question for at leaast five minutes: In each cylinder is a tiny hole, maybe 1/8", on the left side, and both of mine have a residue of either rust or oil stains that doesn't wash off coming out of them. I can't fathom what these little holes are or what came out of them. Ideas?

Thanks again, the bike is loads of fun already....

 

[richwrench]

Welcome CB ( and all others). I also run my idle at 1.2K - it works for me. LOTS of very informed dudes here & they are very happy to share info, so ask away. I've learned a TON here in the past year. Bought a basket case '96 at Christmas last year & it's now a daily driver thanks to the info available on this site. It doesn't matter if you have an old beater like mine or a brand new '09 - you are now an exclusive member of the VMAX family. Get ready for people coming up to you " Wow, what kind of bike IS that ?" or " HOLY CRAP ! - I read about those bikes once - they are BAD-ASS !!!" Enjoy & ride safe Bro.

 

[m-cman]

The holes are water drains in case you get water in the sparkplug holes. Nothing to worry about.

 

[coffee_brake]

The holes are water drains in case you get water in the sparkplug holes. Nothing to worry about.

Thanks!

 

[Dirtystinknape]

What's up gents? I have been lurking for quite a while here. I chime in once in a while on the VMOA site and only that site. I do not belong to an a$$ load of forums and don't really care too. I have owned my 06 since spring of 06. I am not a mechanic but I am trying to learn as I go with reading and asking questions. I am a career Soldier and deploy A LOT. I only have 5100 mile on my bike so you can get an idea of how much I am away. I have seen guys on here with like 25000 miles on 06 and 07's. That's insane! I wish I had that kind of time but don't. I am looking forward to stateside stability. Anyway... I hope you and yours has a great Christmas season. I will catch you around the forum.

 

[KJShover]

Welcome to the collective ape, glad to have you aboard.unk:

 

[82ndCowboy]

Yeah Welcome to the forum Ape.
And Thanks For Serving!

 

[naughtyG]

Yo warm welcome to ya - come and enjoy the season with us

 

[guitarman]

new guy hi

:eusa_dance:hi all guitarman here just to say younk:unk:unk:

 

[naughtyG]

Re: new guy hi

yo guitarman welcome! Is that Redditch Worcestershire you're in?

 

[slucker]

Hello I'm Randy from Lynchburg, VA. I just got a 1993 VMax and would appreaciate any info about where I can find air scoops, turn signals, and stuff. Also would like to hear from other VMax riders in the area so I can chat with them.

 

[naughtyG]

Welcome Randy!

Check out the buy & sell section here, next best place is fleabay, or for Yamaha parts at a great price contact Gary @ Mondak Motorsports - details are in the VMF links section and he gives us all 20% off!

 

[gamorg02]

Hello I'm Randy from Lynchburg, VA. I just got a 1993 VMax and would appreaciate any info about where I can find air scoops, turn signals, and stuff. Also would like to hear from other VMax riders in the area so I can chat with them.

hey randy... i have some turn signals if you are interested. they are the amber ones. PM me if you want to discuss!! welcome aboard!

 

[vmaxride06]

Welcome to the new Guys. Pull up a seat and enjoy

 

[gbrown]

Hi everyone! My name is George and have made a couple of posts but not introduced myself. I live in Rapid City South Dakota, 25 miles from STURGIS. I work for a company that puts in underground utilities, yup a ditch digger. I also have over 20 years in the service between the National Guard and Navy. I had an 05 VMAX that I traded in for the 09. I've had the 09 since Dec 4. I miss my 05 but if I still had it I know I wouldn't ride it. There seems to be alot of knowledge here and some characters. Ride safe!

 

[naughtyG]

Welcome George, and happy new year!

And yes, all of us riding Gen 1 are really jealous - u sure you don't wanna swap your '09 for an '86 in great condition!? :rofl_200::biglaugh: