[Newbie girlie rider sez hi/help!]

Wotcha everyone

So ok I'm 43, over 18 years married and am on my third go at starting to ride

Attempt No 1:

When we lived in Los Angeles for hubby's job in 2001, I thought good weather, nowt much else to do with my time (not allowed to work, shame, and no kids) why not?! Did California Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, bailed first one 'cos of extreme heat and major blisters on my hands!! Bought a brand new Kawakasi Ninja 250R in girlie yellow and purple paint scheme (doesn't seem to be available anymore). Lots of practice on parking lots in Winnetka area where we lived in the Valley aided by my lovely patient hubby. Loved my bike, BIG cheesy grins every time I rode it. Went back on the course October 2001 and passed - Hubby lost his job the very next day!!!! Sold my bike to a neighbour and flew home 3 weeks later.

Attempt No 2:

Mid life crisis, took UK CBT August 2003 with a mate of ours, what is it with me and riding in heatwaves?! We nearly melted that day but felt pretty confident and enjoyed it. Then I bottled it. Used lack of funds as an excuse to not get a bike but truth wuz I lost my nerve.

Attempt No 3:

Retook CBT this August and got a bike quick smart.

Settled on 56 plate YBR125 in red. Only bin out once since but managed to get going and not fall off. Trouble is I picked up an old problem on this CBT and I need to work on curing it.

I have trouble with throttle control, instructor said I'm possibly dropping my wrist which makes right turns, u-turns and figures of 8 a 'mare!!! Anyone got any sage words of advice/tricks to try?! Once we find somewhere off road where I can practice lots I'll stick at it till I sort it. Promise.

Cheers.

Alot of times this can be your arms are too short for the handle bars. Try having the bars adjusted back towards you. Also sit as far forward as you can even on the edge of the tank. Other than that it just takes alot of pratice, Good Luck.

[Vstar 1300 valve adjustment]

Thanks for your help. I was hoping this was not necessary, but such is life. Did you also have to remove the throttle bodies?

No that part I skipped that I took off the Air cleaner filter and left it at that. I did the radiator by the book but I think next time there must be a easier way to drain the fluid off or at least enough to take the top hoses off. And no I did not have to take the air cleaner off but I wanted to keep it from getting scratched up and only 4 screws.

[Vstar 1300 valve adjustment]

Just bought my 07 Vstar 1300 and am approaching the first valve adjutment interval. The Yamaha maintenance manual states that you have to drain engine coolant, remove throttle bodies, intake manifold assemblies, thermostat inlet hoses etc. Has anyone done a valve adjustment on this bike? Is all this draining and removal really necessary? Thanks for your input.

Yes you do have to drain the engine coolant. The valve on the front intake cylnder is cover by coolant hoses. I could not find a way to get to it without draining it and did not want to chance having coolant drip into my engine if you can let me know.

[Need some info on V Star]

Could be alot of things the easiest is bad gas dump replace it and try a good carb cleaner. Then you can adjust the clutch cables if that does not help

[V-Star 1300]

The only whine I've noticed is from my wife. When the divorce is final, I expect that to go away.

(Sorry. Couldn't resist. )

My clutch was not adjusted properly at the dealership. Might be worth a check.

Everything got considerably quieter when I did the first oil change to synthetic. Passed 2000 miles now with no troubles.

Bags get a bit wrinkly in the rain, despite all the mink oil treatments. Maybe they skinned an old Kaw?

Cheers,

Renfield

Thanks I will check the clutch. You are a lucky man I cant afford a divorce thats what the bike is for I found at 60 mph you can barely hear her screams.

[V-Star 1300]

Is there any 1300 riders out there?

I just picked mine up the other day. I love the fit and trim traded in a 02 kaw concourse and the yamaha beats the hell out of kawasaki. I do have a whine at about 30-40 mph I thought at first it was a wheel bearing but if I pull in the clutch it goes away. I think it might be in the transmission. Ant one elese have this problem? Does it go away?