clarke

You can get the 1300 service manual here which I'm sure is similar to the 950 headlight setup. http://vstar1300.pbworks.com/w/page/5760692/FrontPage It may be worth changing the bulb to rule that out as it's the easiest fix + dual filament so hi beam may have gone but low beam be ok? Failing that, it may be worth checking the contacts in the handlebar switch or there's a wiring bundle inside the headlight shroud. If your bike is under warranty (extended), don't touch anything other than the bulb, just return to the dealer for fix

Great bike. 180-200 miles a tank was what I used to get

I have no idea if it's possible but you might want to look at whether you could modify the front to that of a XVS1300 which comes with twin brakes upfront...

I know a lot of people use chainsaw oil as it's cheap and anti-fling. (I use Scotoiler blue oil myself)

Nice one! Well done fella

Better to wait too long than not long enough... Am sure you'll be sorted next time

If you've not done your test you probably can't ride it legally with a big bore kit... If you have done your test, buy a bigger cc bike, much easier, more reliable and the insurance companies won't rape you for modding the engine.

XVS1300A or XVS1300 Custom... fantastic cruisers without being too heavy.

The XVS1300 was a fantastic bike and there's now a custom version too. I'd check them out. Having owned the 950 and 1300, the 1300's extra grunt is fantastic, but the 950 is much easier to handle. I recently rode the Suzi 1800 - great on the straights, bit of a bus in the bends. All will need more cleaning time than the FJR so be prepared to set the odd Sunday afternoon aside

Anyone using Continental Tyres may want to read this: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general-news/continental-recalls-170000-tyres/25409.html Quote from above: "The recall, which Continental is coining the voluntary tyre exchange program, covers 170,000 tyres worldwide in sizes 120/70 ZR 17 and 120/70 R 17. The faulty rubber was sold for both OEM and replacement use between 2007 and 2014 - any tyres with DOT serial numbers between 1907 and 2614 are covered under the program."

TBH no one notices or cares that you have L plates on so put them on, get some experience and do your test. Don't use one on the front and you'll definitely get pulled. Don't use any and if you get stopped you'll have handed the police a reason to do you even if you've done nothing else wrong.

Not sure if this has been posted already, but looks like Yamaha are developing a tourer based on the MT09 http://canadamotoguide.com/2014/08/13/yamaha-set-to-unveil-touring-version-of-fz-09/

Saw this on another forum and thought I'd share. relates to tyres manufactured 2014 http://www.mitas-tyres.co.uk/about/press-releases/savatech-is-recalling-sport-force-radial-motorcycle-tyres-manufactured-in-2014/

O2 sensor mod works well with slip-on such as Cobra [sscustomcycles do great prices & selection]. If you go for a full exhaust system you'll need a remap or something like a power commander. If full system, you probably ought to fit an after market air intake too.

What annoys me are all these restrictions aimed at bikers but no restrictions placed on drivers. You can't ride a 50bhp motorbike at 17 but you can drive a 120bhp car with 4 passengers the day you pass your driving test.

For the 1300 it's this one: (same shop I linked above). http://store.valueaccessories.net/LuggageRackYamaha1300VStarTourerFitsYamahaOEMBrackets.aspx It's machined from a single piece of metal and is extremely strong.

My XVS1300 steered like a bus compared to my Fazer... Nice looking bike

If you want wire it via a switched fused connection so only works when ignition is on.

XVS950 is injection not carb. +1 on O2 mod to smooth out the surging you're experiencing.

Bippo, if you replace it and want to keep the adventure type, look at the V Strom 650 (new version) very fuel efficient and reliable workhorse. Only issue is paint is a bit thin in some areas and needs servicing every 3,500 miles which is crap (but the new 1000 has services every 7500 miles so you could prob follow that if not fussed about warranty?)

Never did it myself. Your best bet would be to look somewhere like 1300tourer.com

You selling/trading the 1300 or just changing parts? If getting rid, what are you thinking of getting (if anything)? Both those items are great additions to the 1300

I know someone on a US forum took the 1300 Midnight Star to over 100,000 miles with no issues, just regular servicing and a few replacement bits around 80,000...

Nice one! I'm gonna bookmark this as I've got 3 of them... what's the specs of the battery?