Cov_AL

I had them on mine when I had the 125 - And I miss them Sooo much! And I could still get 23mph out of it when they were on lol (iaf I could scrape 70mph - going downhill with a tailwind, that is) Ain't got them on the 650 - Damn my vanity, they just look too ugly!!

There are various suppliers of "bike protection kits" which look like clear, sticky-back plastic - mostly aimed at plastic bikes (ones with fairings) although I've no idea how well they work...

You could try a "jack up kit"... Cheap and easy - as long as you can find one for your bike.

Long answer is: mostly what Goff has said above The UK Dragstar is the US V-Star, So a Dragstar custom is almost identical to a V-Star custom (california models have an extra "Emission Control Unit") Likewaise a Dragstar classic is almost identical to a V-star classic for the same reason. Some but not all parts are interchangable between the custom and classic models (see first link) here are a couple of links for you: http://www.vstar1100.com/03_star_accessory...ation_guide.pdf And http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/servic...ls.aspx?ls=star

The short answer is: yes.

Ooh dear X-Jay, you've only been here a week and already you've started the "Jaffa Cake: Buiscuit or cake debate" btw, it's a dunkable cake!

Yep, probably even longer - but "reccomended service interval" is just erring on the side of caution, obviously checking it now and then is a good idea (about as often as you check the shaft drive maybe? lol) but seriously - these belts are made to last! I found a Hardly Driveable website with some stories to ease you mind... like this one - "Im running an 89 FLH with 210,000 klms,BURNOUTS,drag racing, ang generally hard riding over 20 years.The last 40000 klms with a good sized chunk missing from the outer edge but the belt's still going strong.Dammm near indestructable."

I wish someone had reccomended muc-off to me earlier - I'd seen it in the shops, but only used it for the first time the other week - and it's FANTASTIC! acf-50 is pretty good stuff too.

I'd ask your dealer, but I wouldn't have though that you'd need one before your MOT is due (how many mile do you do??)

I have one piece of advice to add here, and that is - Get a new mechanic! There is only so much we can do over a forum, especially without pictures - But any decent mechanic should be able to think of all the suggestions that have been made here. I would expect them to take a test ride after they've worked on it too - to make sure it's fixed and adjusted properly.

Sorry if i was a bit short with you, bad day and such... Welcome to the forum, and I hope your new fuel pump sorts out your problem for you. We're here for good times and bad, so pop your head into the other areas and add your two cents wherever you feel like it and let us know if the new pump has your machine running nice and smooth...

It's a good itea to put the steering lock on evey time you park, so that's the left on the xvs650.

As far as I'm aware, when belts go - the just go... No warning, just suddenly no drive. Should have a service interval (i.e. replace after x-amount of miles) and self tensioning However, I haven't owned one before either - so may be a bit wrong. Advantages: - No maintenance other than a very rare change of belt - Much lighter than shaft drive

For a start, I think you should have posted this in the Workshop section or, with it being a Royal Star the Customs section. Second, Do you really need to "gun it" to merge? Third, When did it last have a service? The more info you give us the more we'll able be to help.

Blimey! Not bad at all...

I. am. SO. Jealous!... I'm drooling at the sight of it!! If you don't mind me asking, how much did it set you back after trade-in?

I know a lot of people in the VSOC that have drilled out up to 12mm without re-jetting and no problems... No noticable differance in fuel consumption either. Careful if you start messing with the needles/jets - guessing it could make things worse. (if you do then get on a rolling road and do it properly!) anyway, it's not like your putting 3" straight throughs on...

Haha good one!

I'd take it to a Yam Dealer and ask them if I were you, they should have diagnostic equipment. BTW how much did your new coil set you back?

I've gone for the drill out option, I've done six 12mm holes in each exhaust. Did it well over a year ago and no problems... I know a fair few others that have done the same too. also, MOT wise they didn't even blink.

I had a sit on one at the NEC bike show - and I want one! Seriously I'd have the 950 over the 1300 or 1900!! Popped into one of the dealers near me and they said £6400 If I had a nice warm garage to look after it in - I'd be ordering one tomorrow... Just how long can I resist temptation???

A different (and cheaper) option for making the bike sound better is drilling the rear baffles. Six 10mm holes in the end of the exhaust - Sounds much better and no need to re-jet! Should look something like this - It also means that you keep the kite marked pipes - making MOT time a little easier!

If you read the replies for long enough the original poster admits it was a joke - urban legend has it that some kid really did try it once.