Not sure where to post it, trying to talk myself into or out of it!

**skyryder** · 01-24-2021, 08:45 AM

I am hoping that between the act of writing this and some well reasoned comments, I will find the clarity I seek.
I have a 2001 1500 Classic that I have owned for about 4 years now. Between work and being out of the country a good bit, it has spent more time the garage than I ever intended. I did add a few farkels to it and am generally happy with the bike. It's not new, but it is mine and looks pretty good for a 20 yr old bike. I put LED lights on, new saddle bags and a few other goodies. It has about 40K miles, and a slight valve knock that my mechanic tells me the only real way to fix is to replace or rebuild the motor. The past 6 months to a year it has started to really show the age a bit with repairs (it has a carb not injected) and my stupidity last winter was an expensive lesson in how NOT to winterize a bike. The biggest complaint I have is the damn seat is very uncomfortable and I need to get a different one.
I tell you all of that to tell you this. This winter as I was sitting in quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for 2 weeks, I got it into my head that instead of spending money on the seat, probable major engine work, etc. I should just get a newer bike. I looked at a newer model of mine, but really like the Yamaha FJR 1300. Good for me that I wasn't at home, because I am sure I would have dropped $8-10,000 on a different bike. Over the past month or so, I am starting to think maybe it is better to stash that money away and just keep what I have got. I really want to do some extended trips this year and have 8 weeks until I will be retired, and Mrs. Sky has decided she likes riding with me. We went on a trip along the Skyline Dr. last fall and all she could say was how much fun it would be on the bike. I'be been looking for a folding trailer to pull it with us, but so far haven't had any luck. If i decide to hang onto the Classic, which is the way I am leaning now, my next project is the seat, probably either a Russel or Corbin. If the Daytona show happens this year, maybe I can talk to the reps there. I suspect this is as crazy as it sounds, but I suspect there are more than a few of us that have faced similar decisions, I am curious what you decided and how it worked out. One thing for sure, there are no guarantees either way. I appreciate any comments you have, even those that point our how big an idiot I am for wasting your time posting this missive.
Best,
Sky

redjay · 01-24-2021, 10:52 AM

Can you define "valve knock". Is it excessive valve clearance ? How many miles are on the bike ?

Personally I would go with the Russell seats because I had them on my Nomad and then my Voyager. My wife asks me every time I get a different bike "are we going to get Russell seats for it".

I had a Yamaha FJR after I sold the Voyager. I did not have it for long. I did several mods to it including Russell seats but I could never get comfortable on the FJR. The ergonomics just did not suit my body.

Monkeyman · 01-24-2021, 11:22 AM

Probably get more views if this wasn't in the Joke section of the forum.

**skyryder** · 01-24-2021, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

Probably get more views if this wasn't in the Joke section of the forum.

To be honest, I agree with you, I just wasn't sure where else to put it. I was just really kind of using this forum as a sounding board since I figured most of the people here are pretty serious about riding and their own bikes in particular. I didn't want to "get off topic" and figured this was the least likely place to be accused of that. I do appreciate the input....Thanks

Chuck A. · 01-24-2021, 11:25 PM

The seat and the noisy valves are a start. If two up, make sure the put a quality set of tires for safety sake. Check to manufacturing date not the tread depth if you travel for work. Cheap price ain't always a good thing. Remember there is only 2 tires. Russell seats are pricey but by far they are a quality upgrade. Had one on the Nomad 1500 and now on the Voyager. None of the 100 different people I ride with can hang with me on seat time, except the guy that bought my 1500. The valve sound can be the timing chains rattling. They stretch. Adding the extension ends to the extender/tensioner can solve the sound. 40,000 miles,, its time.

**skyryder** · 01-25-2021, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck A.

The seat and the noisy valves are a start. If two up, make sure the put a quality set of tires for safety sake. Check to manufacturing date not the tread depth if you travel for work. Cheap price ain't always a good thing. Remember there is only 2 tires. Russell seats are pricey but by far they are a quality upgrade. Had one on the Nomad 1500 and now on the Voyager. None of the 100 different people I ride with can hang with me on seat time, except the guy that bought my 1500. The valve sound can be the timing chains rattling. They stretch. Adding the extension ends to the extender/tensioner can solve the sound. 40,000 miles,, its time.

Thanks for the reply. I put the tires on in the spring of 2018 and know while they have plenty of tread, I need to take a look about the age. They are Michelin tires, and they ride pretty well. I will ask my mechanic about timing chain issue and see what he says. I suspect that time and 40,000 is about the sweet spot for a few "big ticket" items. I have read a lot about seats on this and other forums, and like butts everyone has an opinion. I will say that the Russell seats come out on top in a lot of the discussions, which they should given the price. I don't live far from Corbin, and it would be nice if I could take the bike to them and let them do something great, but that might just be wishful thinking. I see a lot of discussion about a better backrest that is made my someone in Canada, but cannot find a web site or info to get some info on the product. Again, thank you for taking the time to reply.
Sky

ldhthept · 01-25-2021, 12:20 PM

Grasshopper back rest, made in USA, good product <$100. Amazon.

**canuckrider** · 01-25-2021, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyryder

I see a lot of discussion about a better backrest that is made my someone in Canada, but cannot find a web site or info to get some info on the product.

Are you thinking of Ultimate Seats?? I had one of their seats on my '08 Nomad and it was very comfortable.

https://ultimateseats.ca/kawasaki-mo...ic-nomad-seats

**skyryder** · 01-26-2021, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canuckrider

Are you thinking of Ultimate Seats?? I had one of their seats on my '08 Nomad and it was very comfortable.

https://ultimateseats.ca/kawasaki-mo...ic-nomad-seats

I had looked at this seat once before, unfortunately mine is a 2001 carb Classic and the sear doesn't fit the carb models, only the injected ones.

**skyryder** · 01-26-2021, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldhthept

Grasshopper back rest, made in USA, good product <$100. Amazon.

Thank you the information. The reviews I have seen on the Grasshopper indicate it might be a bit lite for my "Non-lite" physique. The one I heard about was from someone named Joe Stapleton, but I haven't been able to find him using Mr. Google.

ldhthept · 01-26-2021, 02:00 PM

If you use the solo height should not be a problem. Very little/no bend and puts the support right where it is needed. In my opinion any support higher than lumbar height is counterproductive. Also solo height is shorter and easier to get your leg over. Just my experience. Good luck.

**plumber63** · 01-26-2021, 05:02 PM

https://www.utpr.com/vulcan15classic.html

This backrest may suit your needs. As for a seat. Russel gets my vote. But $$$$

As for Joe Stapleton says hes on facebook.
http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=48653

01-24-2021, 08:45 AM	#1
skyryder Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 28	Not sure where to post it, trying to talk myself into or out of it! I am hoping that between the act of writing this and some well reasoned comments, I will find the clarity I seek. I have a 2001 1500 Classic that I have owned for about 4 years now. Between work and being out of the country a good bit, it has spent more time the garage than I ever intended. I did add a few farkels to it and am generally happy with the bike. It's not new, but it is mine and looks pretty good for a 20 yr old bike. I put LED lights on, new saddle bags and a few other goodies. It has about 40K miles, and a slight valve knock that my mechanic tells me the only real way to fix is to replace or rebuild the motor. The past 6 months to a year it has started to really show the age a bit with repairs (it has a carb not injected) and my stupidity last winter was an expensive lesson in how NOT to winterize a bike. The biggest complaint I have is the damn seat is very uncomfortable and I need to get a different one. I tell you all of that to tell you this. This winter as I was sitting in quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for 2 weeks, I got it into my head that instead of spending money on the seat, probable major engine work, etc. I should just get a newer bike. I looked at a newer model of mine, but really like the Yamaha FJR 1300. Good for me that I wasn't at home, because I am sure I would have dropped $8-10,000 on a different bike. Over the past month or so, I am starting to think maybe it is better to stash that money away and just keep what I have got. I really want to do some extended trips this year and have 8 weeks until I will be retired, and Mrs. Sky has decided she likes riding with me. We went on a trip along the Skyline Dr. last fall and all she could say was how much fun it would be on the bike. I'be been looking for a folding trailer to pull it with us, but so far haven't had any luck. If i decide to hang onto the Classic, which is the way I am leaning now, my next project is the seat, probably either a Russel or Corbin. If the Daytona show happens this year, maybe I can talk to the reps there. I suspect this is as crazy as it sounds, but I suspect there are more than a few of us that have faced similar decisions, I am curious what you decided and how it worked out. One thing for sure, there are no guarantees either way. I appreciate any comments you have, even those that point our how big an idiot I am for wasting your time posting this missive. Best, Sky __________________ 2001 Vulcan 1500 Classic, my first bagger. I should call myself "The Sponge", just trying to learn what I can.!

01-24-2021, 10:52 AM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,982	Can you define "valve knock". Is it excessive valve clearance ? How many miles are on the bike ? Personally I would go with the Russell seats because I had them on my Nomad and then my Voyager. My wife asks me every time I get a different bike "are we going to get Russell seats for it". I had a Yamaha FJR after I sold the Voyager. I did not have it for long. I did several mods to it including Russell seats but I could never get comfortable on the FJR. The ergonomics just did not suit my body. Last edited by redjay; 01-24-2021 at 08:48 PM.

01-24-2021, 11:22 AM	#3
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	Probably get more views if this wasn't in the Joke section of the forum. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860

01-24-2021, 11:25 PM	#5
Chuck A. Advanced Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Hartselle Alabama Posts: 995	The seat and the noisy valves are a start. If two up, make sure the put a quality set of tires for safety sake. Check to manufacturing date not the tread depth if you travel for work. Cheap price ain't always a good thing. Remember there is only 2 tires. Russell seats are pricey but by far they are a quality upgrade. Had one on the Nomad 1500 and now on the Voyager. None of the 100 different people I ride with can hang with me on seat time, except the guy that bought my 1500. The valve sound can be the timing chains rattling. They stretch. Adding the extension ends to the extender/tensioner can solve the sound. 40,000 miles,, its time. __________________ Have A Good One, Chuck Patriot Guard Riders Sons Of Liberty Riders Alabama Road Captain 2015 Voyager 2003 1500 NOMAD FI sold 6/19 VBA #2993 RUSSELL DAYLONG SEATS ROCK!! DAMMIT TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling "DAMMIT" at the top of your lungs There is no substitute for laminar flow in which a helmet is the primary disturbance. SO MANY ROADS, SO LITTLE TIME.

01-26-2021, 05:02 PM	#12
plumber63 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 996	https://www.utpr.com/vulcan15classic.html This backrest may suit your needs. As for a seat. Russel gets my vote. But $$$$ As for Joe Stapleton says hes on facebook. http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=48653 __________________ Troy Donat VBA #02401 2015 Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad black(sold) 2016 Salem, Antlers, 2017 Eureka Springs, Lake George, Antlers 2018 Custer NR, Antlers Last edited by plumber63; 01-26-2021 at 05:05 PM.

01-25-2021, 12:20 PM	#7
ldhthept Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tallahassee FL Posts: 1,039	Grasshopper back rest, made in USA, good product <$100. Amazon.

01-26-2021, 02:00 PM	#11
ldhthept Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tallahassee FL Posts: 1,039	If you use the solo height should not be a problem. Very little/no bend and puts the support right where it is needed. In my opinion any support higher than lumbar height is counterproductive. Also solo height is shorter and easier to get your leg over. Just my experience. Good luck.