Ttaskmaster

HURRAH!!!

The starter clutches are a little prone to buggering up. Changing the oil filter usually requires removing the pipes, so many people fit relocator kits. That's about all that springs to my mind.

She'll likely still have problems - Mine is only 5' 4". Part of the issue is simply being sat in a fixed position for 90+ minutes, especially if you have no backrest. Stopping is always good anyway. Keeps you fresh and alert for all the dickheads out there and if you haven't done much long distance 2-up riding before, it's great to ease you into it.

Well, if it ain't worth that much to anyone (or even if it is) you'd still do better, in my (not so) humble opinion, by chaining it to something immovable that requires an expensive plasma torch to cut it free. But like I say, if you fancy giving it a go, then by all means. I'm not actually trying to disuade you and will follow any progress thread with genuine interest!!

Yes, but check you haven't accidentally overfilled it as this is often what causes the problem, specifically changing between positions 1, N and 2.

Not used one, but any pro bike thief will lift your bike into a van that is shielded against such things, rendering the unit useless. However, some people have had success with recovery, so if it's something you fancy doing just because you can, feel free!

Check the oil level. Too much and the gear change will be anything from 'fiddly' to 'fuggin' impossible'.

You do not NEED to re-jet, but every mechanic I've ever known strongly suggests you do. Take from that what you will... Personally - if you do not re-jet, your fuel consuption will go down (which is good), your power and performance will fall (bike will be notably slower) and you may find your pipes burn up by the headers, resulting in a heavy bluey-black patina.

2-up is pretty good. Lags a bit, but you only notice it if you usually ride like a loony. Top end is around 85 easy. Perfect for motorways. Make sure your pillion grips you low down, as you'll find you use your upper body a lot to steer. Backrests are very useful for this reason. Also, the pillion pegs are quite high up so remember to stop and let them stretch their legs.

Dunno what the issue is myself, as every time I get up to Scottyland, it's blistering hot sunshine with the occasional strong breeze and perhaps a bit of mist around the glens!

Hmm... How do they accomodate the fatter wheel, then? They have narrower spacers, or summat? I can't say I bothered to look that closely at my ex's Classic. Just enough to see the wheel was as fat as her arse, heh heh!!

Classic wheel is indeed massive (for no good reason, apparently). Not sure about the forks, but I imagine the Classic yoke is wider to accomodate the fat wheel.

Err... He's a Scot, returning from a 6-year sentence on 'Ye Olde Penal Colonie'. I think he's familiar with the UK's bad weather, heh heh!!

"Nothing special", he says... Fuck me, that's a fair amount of 'nothing special' there, dude!!! I mean that in a sort-of 'impressed' kind of way, incidentally As far as I know, the main difference with the American models is that some States require a mod to reduce the emissions. I do know the wiring diagram in the Clymer manual differs from that in the Haynes one, and both of those (rather unhelpfully) also differ from the diagram in the official Yamaha Workshop Manual, so there may be some issues there. Many American bikes I've met seem to run with both the indicators permanently on, so you get these constant orange running lights. Not sure how they work when actually indicating for a turn, as I'm usually busy watching the road myself. Certainly that's where the wiring thing comes in. That said, any bike mechanic worth his job title should be able to figure out the wiring on your bike anyway, especially if you tell him there *might* be a difference (stress the 'might', so he won't do his nut seeking a problem that doesn't exist). But since yours sounds like a proper, pukka, boney-fidey Aussie model, I think you should be OK. Certainly most basic components will fit, like starter motor and so on. One thing, in case you didn't know, a number of people have said the starter clutch on their 1100 Draggies have failed, so that's worth bearing in mind. Also, I don't know how you've done your mods, but there is a kit that relocates the oil filter so you don't have to take the pipes off every time you wanna change it!!

Custom speedo - Fitting it is easy as pie. Hell, *I* could do it, so it's clearly not that hard!! You'll probably need a slightly longer cable than the stock one, depending on how you choose to route it and all that. Once that's sorted, it's mostly just a case of bolting it all together. However, as Noisy says, you'll have to consider the big hole left in the stock tank, as well as what to do about the 'idiot lights' - Indicator, Beam, Neutral and Engine Warning. Can you do without them? Do you want them relocated as well?

Being a Reading chap, I also know someone who can do this. Several people in fact, but some are seriously overpriced. My decent guy is just past Cemetary Junction. He knows the Draggies very well (both of mine in particular) and could quite easily handle the 650 takedown for you. Let me know if you're interested. As for the 1100, yes it's very possible but the thing would likely not stop very well. The 1100 has 60HP of serious low-end torque and there's a FUCKING GOOD reason it has twin discs... It's not something I would really advise, especially if you're going to fiddle about with it. Heck, even the 650 could do with a second disc!

I find Cruisers usually do tend to dampen even the driest of lady gardens, so conga-rats on getting your way, especially with such a sound choice of bike!! And welcome to the forum, too!!

Offset? Dunno what that is exactly, but I'd be checking Ye Olde Workshoppe Manuale just to be safe. Usually has all the answers. You have any further info, or maybe some photos? Possibly just got the terminology crossed...?

Expect to need some modding, just in case.

650 can do just over 5 seconds if you rag it's nuts off and clutchless shift at the exact right moments. I used to outrun my mate on his 1100, until he fitted a Hypercharger!

That's why I still ride a 650. The 1100 has 50% more grunt, but it's mostly needed to shift the higher weight!

Stay away from any dogs and be careful not to step in the dead fish that, depending on which area of the Algarve you choose, often litter the streets.

I get mine from Reading... of failing that, any garage where they will let you watch/talk you through so you can learn. Talk shop, make friends and go from there. This one is my wife's ex, actually. Amazing bloke, fantastic mechanic!

Trying to start in gear? Sidestand switch? Seriously, check all the silly little things.

Ha ha, I used to ride with TVV! Very good club for those just starting out. Might do Lion. I kinda abandoned the social side though, partly through work, partly through associations with 'certain types' of Club and partly because all my best rides have been alone. This forum is about the most social bikerly thing I do these days!