Recent content by niagara1

Point taken about CAA Plus - got that one covered! Thanks all for the advice. My bike didn't come with a tool kit (lost somewhere in the mists of time with previous owners...) so I guess I'll cobble something together. Best Regards, Mark

For a 100 km trip, I don't take anything. Or, at least, I haven't taken anything when perhaps I should have. As for chain lube, my bike ('87 Yamaha Virago 535) is shaft drive, so I guess that solves that issue! ; ) Thanks for the advice!

Greetings folks, I'm heading out for what many riders here would probably consider a "short" jaunt, but for me it'll be my longest ride: approx 850 km from Niagara to the New Liskeard area. I "think" I'm prepared, except for tools. I have little idea what to bring. The roads are paved except...

Well, I suppose it's not technically a Star or VStar, but I'm on an '87 Virago 535. It's my first season of riding, my first bike and so far, it's been awesome. Every now and then I see another one of "us" on the road. Hope to make people's acquaintance at some point...

Yep - definitely an option. I've only had to do that a couple of times in a car. Could see doing it on a motorcycle too.

Perhaps a newbie question, but . . . why is that?

I agree with you for point #1. I've done tons of driving in the GTA and have only encountered truly "erratic" drivers a handful of times. I can see having more power to get around them being useful. #3 though - that's an interesting one. It's my experience while driving that a tailgater will...

Thanks for the advice! The bike came with a windshield. I haven't ridden without it due to several people commenting how they're planning on adding one to their bikes this year. Sounds like it's a good thing to have.

When I drive my van, I usually do just that. My philosophy is that driving/riding is supposed to get you from point A to point B. Ideally, one will do that in as safe and efficient a manner as possible. I leave tons of space, drive according to conditions and am very aware of what's around me...

My advice-givers would probably say to stay off the major highways no matter what I ride. I guess I'll find out soon enough ;)

Figures from a Virago 535 tech forum gives approximate redline speeds (in mph). 1st - 32 (51.5 km/h) 2nd - 46 (74 km/h) 3rd - 60 (100 km/h) 4th - 75 (121 km/h) 5th - 91 (146 km/h) Interesting to know, but it's still all book knowledge. One more week (and a couple of days) before getting on...

I figure the first few times on the highway will be an eye opener. Thanks for your advice!

Section 5-5 of the manual - recommended shift points. 1st --> 2nd: 16 km/hr 2nd --> 3rd: 24 km/hr 3rd --> 4th: 32 km/hr 4th --> 5th: 40 km/hr Just going by what I've read. More real-life experience obviously required ;) Oh - and just for a bit more joy - the Virago 535 doesn't have a...

This brings up a question as to what is the "right" gear? Most certainly a newbie question...but there it is. The Virago 535 has five gears. The manual says it should be in fifth from 40 km/hr and up. If I need to accelerate quickly to highway speeds, I'm assuming I'll need to downshift to 4th...

Wow. I'm really grateful for the opinions you've shared. It really helps open up my perspective. The other riders I've spoken to are all generally riders of larger bikes. Some are retired police officers. Most have ridden since they were in their teens. Some are current riders. Others are...