clarke

Post a pic when its installed

Looking good - looking forward to see your new exhaust... Here's mine: (just finishing changing the handlebars & adding saddlebags will post new pic once done)

Especially before the new 3rd Driving Licence Directive comes in - new test will be (as I was told) "Basically the idea behind 3DLD is to restrict young rider’s access to the most powerful bikes. It will introduce a new category of licence, A2, which will sit between A1 and A. A1 machines will be 125cc and under, A2 will be equivalent to 33 bhp / 400cc type machines, and A will remain the unrestricted category. Riders who start riding A1 machines at 17 will have to have at least 2 years worth of experience before they can complete a test and gain access to A2 machines. They will then require a further 2 years experience (minimum) on those machines before they can do another test to gain access to category A machines. The alternative is for young people to wait until they’re 19 and do ‘direct access’ to category A2, or wait until they’re 24 and do direct access to category A machines (3DLD raises the age of direct access from 21 to 24)."

I think he meant where in the UK are you from...?

Jack's O2 Mod can only be bought (new) in the UK/Europe from Alchemy bikes as Jack agreed a deal with them. If you buy from them it's £70 + postage (if you call they might do it slightly cheaper?). If you don't want to shell out £70 + you're good with a soldering iron, Jack was kind enough to post a guide on how to make your own here: http://vstar1300.pbworks.com/Jack%27s+O2+Mod As said above the bike is brilliant + am sure you'll love it (Post pics when you get it)

Hi, I bought my XVS 1300 last August. Put 1200 miles on it before winter set in (roll on Spring...) Overall I love the bike + couldn't be happier with it. Don't let this put you off as it's an absolutely fantastic bike, but these all all issues I'm aware of: Many people change the handle bars to one's that come further back as they can become uncomfortable after a while riding (this is height specific + many find them ok, but I'm 5'11" + just changed mine..) Some people find that it 'surges' at low speeds but you can slip the clutch to combat this or buy (or make) Jack's O2 mod which helps eleviate this. There have been reports of front end clunk (which I haven't noticed) but many have + they've fixed by installing progressive springs / heavier front fork oil. I'm thinking of lowering the rear slightly on mine as although I can reach the floor ok, it sometimes feels when the missus on the back that I'm slightly too high when needing to support the bike. One final thing, I've not done this but many have is they drill their stock exhaust to get more grunt (like a Harley), but many also end up changing their exhaust, air filter and fuel management system to get more grunt + HPs - guess that's a personal choice. Oh before I forget, the 2010 model has come out in the US which has a new handle bar, chromed headlight + a slightly 'lower' seat - not sure if its coming to the UK but worth asking... If you've got anymore queries feel free to ask + I'm sure others will also chip in (or PM me if you want more of a chat etc)

Glad you're sorted. Hope the MOT goes well + happy riding

At 16 it's category P = moped (which you need a CBT for). Category P = 50cc and 50kph (31mph) restriction. Then when you hit 17 you derestrict your 50cc to go 45mph or put a 70cc bore kit on for 60mph, then you watch your insurance go through the roof...! Or you buy a 125cc & get practicing for you test before your CBT runs out (unless your lazy like me and redo your CBT again before doing your test)

If it's the battery that's the problem you can try and bump start it. Sit on bike, turn electrics on, choke on, side stand up, put in 1st or 2nd keeping the clutch in, then either roll down a slope or paddle the bike to a speed, let clutch out and give the throttle a turn. When my brother's VT125's battery gave up, it would charge + start a couple of times but would loose all charge quickly. I bought a new one from a shop which came fully charged - once plugged in was ready to go. May have cost a bit more than off net, but it's an instant fix... Hope you sort the bike out soon

Also, check how much petrol is in the tank... if there's not much turn the fuel switch to reserve (or prime). When mine 'ran out' of petrol it was a bugger to get started when I first switched to reserve. [Another thing, make sure it's in neutral (or the side is up & clutch pulled in)]

And you must display L-Plates, you cannot use a motorway and you cannot carry a pillion passenger (think that sums it up). Oh, unless you're 16 in which case I think it's 50cc restriction and 125cc at 17? The 33bhp restriction applies to the A1 license which you get when you pass your test on a 125cc.

If you're in the US try http://store.valueaccessories.net/luggageandaccessories-10.aspx I think they do aftermarket ones fit your bike + hold more weight than standard one. There's also http://www.yamahasportsplaza.com/pages/catalogs/detail/26/203/403/20548/1/0/0/1/4/90/5464/63354/rear-luggage-rack.aspx for cheaper OEM one Good luck

Check out RSTD bars (you'll need new grips) or V star 950 bars (you can use OEM grips). Are you in US or UK? If US checkout SS Custom's website, if UK I can let you have the part no. I'm in the process of installing RSTD bars + they come back about another 2 inches As this is an old thread, PM me and I'll point you in the right direction

A lot of rear luggage carriers (the kind that bolt on to the back of the sissy bar) say max weight 10kgs but loads of people put much more than that on it without problems. I guess the manufacturers put on a max weight to give you an idea not to go mental (+ carry a tv etc on it!). I'm sure they'd take the weight of a chain, sandwich & book. As for the fender, the fender takes the weight of my other half (on the passenger seat), and whilst she's not a large lady she weighs more than 10kgs!!! My saddlebags are useful for putting things like gloves/beer/shopping in when I'm on my way home... If you're buying bags + supports get the same brand as they're bound to be different from each different manufacturer

Doesn't sound good that Shane didn't reply. I've emailed before + he emailed back pretty quickly. Maybe he's misplaced your email? Having said that I emailed Roy at Alchemy Bikes last night at about 11pm and had a reply this morning. Could be worth an email. When I bought the O2 mod, they were having a sale but said the O2 mod wasn't covered. They still gave me some discount.

I used Alchemy bikes for 'Jack's O2 mod' They were really friendly + really quick to respond. They've kitted out a XVS1300 which looks + sounds fab. Speak to Roy & am sure you can work out a deal...? Failing that you could try Shane at SS customs, but that's a US site so you'll pay shipping + tax. May still work out cheaper?? Good luck!

On my 125 Dragstar I've got Yammie leather saddle bags that bolt to the side of the fender from inside the bike. They've got metal mounts that support them off the frame etc. They don't lock but never keep anything in them really. Never had a known problem with them re security. I used to carry a big fat chain with me, but now only use a disc lock on the front wheel (with reminder coil that comes off lock + attaches to front brake so you don't ride off by mistake). Much better to carry around + enough to stop someone pushing it off. I know it wouldn't stop someone determined with a van etc, but is enough for most theives + told my insurance I don't use locks & they don't seem to mind (guess they figure a cruiser is low risk of being twocked?)

You may have another problem with this... I tried to fit OEM hardbags to my XVS1300 and they don't fit with the sissy bar. Long story short, my dealer eventually phoned Yamaha and they admitted there's a printing fault in the 2009 catalogue which lists the 1300 sissy bar incorrectly. The one in the catalogue is actually for a XVS950. Yamaha stated that the 950 sissy bar will fit the 1300, but will not fit the the OEM hard saddlebags/saddlebag mounts. If you're planning on buying one make sure that your dealer confirms the correct part no with Yamaha before ordering, as it'll fit but may cause future problems!!

Could be, but my XVS1300 has a 33bhp restriction on it (until May this year!) and it'll do 80mph with me + the missus on it so I imagine the 650 would get above 60mph (assuming it's done right). Even my XVS125 with its 13bhp gets up to 60mph. I guess if its getting a full service they could check out any restrictions while they're at it...

I did my test on a 125cc and am restricted to 33bhp. Bought my XVS1300A last August (09) and this is restricted to 33bhp. Got the restrictor fitted (and removal due this summer at servicing) for free as part of the package. My 1300 still shifts + runs great (it easily weighs 400kg with me + the missus on it). On the 1300 it's a throtle restiction, which means it only turns about a quarter turn. I reckon the Fazer will still run great even with the restriction + when your 2 years are up it'll be like having a new bike!

Swinton are doing £30 cashback at the moment when you buy online... will cost me £38 for my XVS125 Dragstar this year Third Party Fire & Theft. You pay the full amount (£68 in my case) + they email you the claim form and you have to post it to them. Once you've had the policy for 90 days they send you the £30. Just remember to fill out the form + post it back!!!! Another thing, Aquote sent my renewal for £105 - which the letter said was their cheapest deal & to save me the hassle they'd take the money from my bank account! When I phoned to see if they could match Swinton their price suddenly dropped from £105 to £75 - What is that all about??? Remember NEVER accept the first renewal quote you're given!

He reckoned he was a locksmith but not convinced... will look around + post how much it costs in the end (barrels only held in by two allen bolts so easy to remove) Not sure Yamaha stuff are about warranty - just no-one seems to make aftermarket ones yet. I reckon it would be cheaper to have them made + chrome plated (or even sprayed matt black to match bags & frames). Will post a pic of them when I get round to install.

Hi Ttaskmaster, I got the saddlebags from the US (ebay) - they were from a dealer who said a customer bought a new tourer version of the 1300 but said he didn't want the bags. Got them for about £650 delivered (instead of what was £899 over here, now £920). Only thing was the dealer didn't say that they didn't have any keys in the add (though he was offering a new lockset for $80). I agree entirely that a decent locksmith could. I went to my local locksmith and he made the key for the bags (am all for supporting local guys). But when I collected the barrels/keys + asked if he would be able to re-pin them + he was quite abrupt and didn't seem at all interested. I figured either he can't get the pins or doesn't want my cash? I used to work in a locksmiths years ago so I might go back to that shop and ask the fellas in there if they can re-pin (if not I'll ask them or my local bike shop for an decent auto locksmith). I can buy a new lock set from Yammy for £80 - it'll put the bags + sissy bar on the same locks but would rather have bags & ignition on same key (don't care about sissy bar lock as won't be taking that off when I'm out and about). Incidently, 4th Jan I bought saddle guards for my 1300 at a cost of approx £180, Yamaha have just increased their prices & according to their website these are now a whopping £299!!!!!! That's some BIG hike even taking into account new VAT rates! (maybe it's supposed to say £199?)

Hopefully the locksmith can cut the key as mentioned above, or re-pin the cylinder - though my local locksmith said he couldn't re-pin the cylinder as he didn't have the pins... Got two keys cut by my local locksmith for my XVS1300 saddlebags 2 weeks ago which cost £10 (shame he couldn't re-pin the bags as have a key for ignition and seperate one for bags)

Hi, Here's a link to another page that links to the workshop manual: http://www.yamahaclub.com/forums/topic/13057-how-do-i-post-a-workshop-manual/page__hl__%3Cspan%20clas Good luck with repairs