Old News 2006

22nd November 06     Wildstar Recall - A Thanks To Yamaha

Thanks to Steve Butterworth's experience on his Wildstar and to Tony Clarke (Centre 4 rep) telling me of the trouble, I was lucky to have the Wildstar gearbox issue brought to my attention.

At the time I had just had an inferno on my back brake caliper nearly turning my girlfriend pillion Em, into even hotter stuff !! Cost me £200 notes for a new disc, callipers, pads and labour, no complaints. What else can go wrong I thought?? My Wildstar is 6 years old, had 3 owners with 58,000 miles on the clock!!

Sure enough, when I rang my local dealer in Redcar mine was on the list. One week later it was in. Yamaha had already sent the parts and paid the dealer for doing the job. Two weeks later, I've got my bike back. Done and dusted. To top it all, I have just fitted some new Jardine Slash/Drag rumblers, feels like a new f***in bike!!

Just wanted to put a positive shout in for the boys at Yamaha and my local dealer.

Cheers ,Lew (Centre 4)

11th November 06     More Recall Experiences

Hi, just thought I'd let you know of my experience with Yamaha UK regarding the recall of Wildstars due to a gearbox problem. I first saw Steve Butterworth's article and then read chips (c15) notes and decided to ring Yamaha to see if my bike was on the list, to my surprise it was ( it wasn't when they were last recalled 18 months ago) I was told to book the bike into my local dealers and they would take it from there. Dealer reckoned 1-2 wks for parts and 4 days work, not bad I thought. Imagine my horror when dealer (who by the way, have been most helpful, thank you Damerells of Plymouth) phoned to say Yamaha would not sanction the work until all UK Wildstars had been done first and mine was an import from Netherlands and I was looking at a 3-5 months wait. Now first of all I did not know mine was an import ( logbook states declared new at first registration) but most of all why should it matter, its a Yamaha and its on the recall list am I being discriminated against because I'm not the first owner and bought it privately? I think Yamaha's after care service stinks so be warned all Yamaha owners of imported bikes. Maybe I should buy a Harley! I will certainly think twice when I change my bike.
I am notifying Trading Standards of this and contacting Watchdog so watch this space.
Trevor (mem 4624) C18

24th October 06  A Member's Notes and Thanks on the Recall

Due to recent events regarding Yamaha and the Star series, some being recalled, after checking my chassis numbers against the list I got off Steve Butterworth, I found my Wildstar was not on the list and was glad of it, but I had a nagging feeling in my head so first thing today (Monday) I phoned Yamaha UK up. Guess what? My bike is on the recall list and was told that under no circumstances should I be riding it!

When asked why I wasn't notified about this (it's not import bike) he replied, the first owner would have been notified. Now I'm 2nd owner with all necessary paperwork, so even I know it ain't rocket science to contact DVLA and notify the owner. With this answer Yamaha bloke was stuffed and we diverted to something else. Strange when you consider how serious the matter is that Yamaha couldn't / wouldn't be bothered to notify the right people.

Depending on supplies of affected parts, my bike could be off the road for up to 3 months - imagine that in the summer period.

The moral of the story is even if your number's are not on the list, phone Yamaha UK on 01932 358000 and check it out because I thought I was ok but wasn't.

Final note - I'd like to thank everyone, regarding these events, for all the information I have received.
Chips (C15).

17th October 06     Warning for Owners of Yamaha XV 1600 Wild Star Motorcycles

Note: If you are in any doubt if your bike is affected, contact Yamaha UK or your nearest Yamaha dealer and they will advise you of what to do. I've just confirmed that all bikes - even the first ones produced - are covered under this safety recall.

From Yamaha UK's website www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/corporate/latest_news/.... on 16th October 2006

Note that this recall has been declared by Yamaha in Germany as well

To further clarify this issue, Steve Butterworth from Centre 6 had a lock up very recently and may have been a catalyst to this latest saga of the transmission recall...

This is Steve Butterworth, Janet's husband, 

I'm not sure whether you have been told of my return trip back from Centre 4's Darlington Rally. I'll go through it anyway. It was Bank holiday Monday, 28th August 2006

We live in Preston and we were about three miles north of our junction on the M6 when I noticed knocking sensations through my Wildstar's footboards and then loud crunching and cracking sounds. At the time I was in heavy traffic in the third lane. Obviously, my immediate aim was to get onto the hard shoulder, but it took nearly a mile to get a slot through the lanes. 

As I got into the first lane I selected second gear to slow down for entry into the hard shoulder. As soon as second was selected, the back wheel locked up and I was in a rear wheel skid for about thirty feet or so. It was a good thing that it was raining or I may not have been able to control the skid. The clutch didn't help, and I wasn't going near the front brake !

Once the bike came to a halt, I stupidly set about trying to get it into neutral. It was a good thing that the traffic was so heavy, in normal circumstances this would have been suicidal.
The first thing I should have done was to put the side stand down and run for safety. The gearbox jam eventually broke free and allowed me to push the bike onto the hard shoulder. This was the first instance where I was to consider myself lucky. The traffic behind me was able to see my predicament and stop in time.

Once home (two hours later) Janet scoured the internet for information on the recall we are all aware of. I wasn't holding much hope of getting anywhere with this because KJM Superbikes (where I had bought the machine in 2001) had already issued me with a letter three years ago, stating that my bike wasn't included in the recall figures. 

Then we had a bit of good news, Janet had found in a previous Clatter, your list of serial No's. This also showed that the recall was up issued on two occasions to add more bikes to it. 
A second stroke of luck was that my serial No. was included in the later revisions of the recall. Armed with this information, I contacted KJM and took the bike to them on the understanding that they inspect it for damage and report back on their findings. KJM at first stated again that my bike was not involved in the recall. We told them of the additional serial No's. being added. This shocked them somewhat because they weren't aware of them. YAMAHA UK CONFIRMED THAT THEY DO NOT CONTACT PARALLEL IMPORTERS WITH RECALL INFORMATION. They said that they have no records of who the importers are, so they only supply information to importers of UK models.

The result of all the crunching I experienced was directly attributed to the circlip problem detailed within the recall text. It had broken free and allowed the gear it was retaining to travel along it's lay shaft and smash into other gears on the way. In all, three gears were found with teeth missing or damaged. The bike was being worked on at Chorley Yamaha, and it was explained to me that this was THE FIRST INCIDENT OF IT'S KIND IN THE UK. 

Chorley Yamaha agreed to replace EVERY gear, bearing and shaft in the gearbox together with the oil pump. In effect, I got a brand new gearbox for nothing. All this was done in a three week period and I got my bike back last Saturday. IT SEEMS VERY COINCIDENTAL THAT YAMAHA HAVE SENT THEIR MESSAGE OUT WHEN THEY HAVE. 

I have written an account of my experience for the Clatter mag and have included some photo's of the gears. This was to waken everyone up to the seriousness of failing to keep up with recall messages. I'm glad that Yamaha have seen fit to give this the level of importance it deserves. I wouldn't want anyone else to experience what I went through in August. 

Best Regards,

Steve

6th October 06     So we've got an email request from Indonesia....

Hi Bro,  I need u're help. I've drag star 400 cc (orange/black). Do u have service manual drag star in pdf format?, Coz in my country (Indonesia) big bike's like drag star not much in here. Safe rides  Thanks before bro.. please send me it. If anyone can help Darwin Rangga, please email [email protected]

4th October 06     XV Starters Supplier

I've just put a request on your site for a few electrical parts, and during my web search came across www.smallenginestarters.com who have XV starters - long and short shaft for about $160 US. Thought it might interest all Virago owners who've had "the clunk".

Thanks to Andy Hendry.

17th September 06     Carburetor FAQ's and Help

As I know you get more than your fair share of carburetor-related questions I thought I'd add my 2 cents to your bank of information. If you ever find that any of your subscribers need extensive and thorough carburetor work, please feel free to consider offering my services as an option.

Currently I am a member of the Virago Owners Club and the VMAX Owners Association. In case you ever cruise to any carbs sites, you might find info on me out there. I am listed on the web page of Mac McCurdy (Technical Director for the Virago Owners Club) as a source for carburetor work. His site is found at www.drpiston.com. I am also listed on the web site of David Denowh, who rebuilds the Virago TCI ignition units for the older bikes.

Here is my current web link. www.geocities.com/mike33div/My_Bike_Page.html

Right now I own 5 "riding" bikes a '84 Yamaha XV1000 a '85 VMAX and a '84 V65 1100 Honda Magna, a '86 Yamaha Fazer 700, and a '84 Honda VT700 Shadow. In the past year I have also owned a '85 XV1000 Virago, a '85 Yamaha Maxim 700, a '84 XV700 Virago and a "83 VT500 Honda Ascot. I like bikes ya might say!

I'm closing in on my 200th carburetor restoration, and my customers are always very happy to recommend me as a source of professional carb work. I am very humbled to say that one of my recent XV1100 Mikuni restored carbs just sold on Ebay for over $600, and a similar set of XV750 carbs went for $320. When you invest in my services, you get your money's worth! 

Sometime this Fall I hope to have my website www.classiccarbsandmore.com on line. 

I hope that you do not consider me too bold in suggesting myself as a source of professional repair, But I do feel that I can offer a proven method of restoring excellent carburetor function and reliability.

Many thanks in advance,

Mike Belluomo/Classic Carbs & More

415 South Fountain
Wichita, Kansas 67218-1327
USA

29th August 06     Stolen

During the hours of 9pm to midnight on Saturday at Darlington
The entire "Wiltshire flock" and the dog, "Shep", were stolen whilst we were in the bar. The Scrumpies find this very distressing and want them back unharmed or molested. These are no ordinary sheep that can be bought in your local Kebab shop, they are a hand reared rare breed and dear to our hearts.

The following morning, "The Joneses next door" reported that theirs had been stolen as well, only we think they stole it from us in the first place!!

After a search of the camp we recovered the dog and four of the flock.

Unfortunately we were too hungover and due to leave, so were unable help this poor soul but we know who's got him.

This still leaves a further two to find.

We want our sheep back you thieving bastads!!

The Scrumpies

17th August 06     Venhill Motorcycle Braided Cables

Dear Nick,

I have recently been in contact with your colleague Kevin Hoyte regarding a range of braided cables that we have available for the Yamaha Cruisers. Kevin is sure that they will be of interest to XVS owners and recommended that I forward details for the website.

Best regards,

Karl Radley
Business Development Manager - Motorcycle Division
Venhill Engineering Ltd

Click here for the pdf information (32kb)

3rd August 06     MILWAUKEE MAN MAKES DRINKING SO MUCH FUN!

With that said - Put-on some BLACK LEATHER CHAPS... SET your Butt Down on a comfortable Motorcycle SEAT... GRAB your Vibrating Control Unit... and here I GO!!! First, the introductory... I’m Randall Flann, Mad Randy, KEGHEAD; America's Salvador Dali and a Milwaukee, Wisconsin Inventor that was issued a United States Patent on October 19, 1999, for a liquid dispensing device worn on the head. The patented invention trademark name: RoFo Headgear. Pronounced RōFō. Its' slogan: RoFo Headgear – the only hat that gives good head... of foam! World's Most Famous Beverage Container. It's a lightweight plastic beverage container that holds, transports and dispenses a beverage in a safe, efficient manner while worn on the head. 

NOTE. While often created for entertainment value, my RoFo S.D. (abbreviation for Self-rehydration Device) Headgear serves a more serious, humanitarian and practical application. The headgear is for Self-rehydration in the fields of Astronautic and Aeronautic; Medical; Military and Silent Sports. Now back to...

The device is made of the light-weight food grade quality plastic, Polyethylene (PET). The commercial apparatus weights approximately one pound empty, and about four pounds, when maximally full. The device holds and dispenses around 5 ½, 12 fl oz glasses of refreshment. The volume held is an individual control process. While on a wearer's head a second person can operate the device by means of turning the RoFo Motific Spigot’s Tap, dispensing favorite refreshment that comes out of the RoFo Motific Plug bottom into a glass or into another.

Attached are some photographs of the RoFo MOTORCYCLE Headgear. By turning the RoFo Handlebar Motific Tap, it dispenses a beverage that comes out of the bottom of the front wheel, thus making the wearer a Dynamic Factor. Its design allows for practical weight distribution of content, without being “jumpy”. Empty, weighs about 1 ½ pounds. Full, weighs approximately 97 fl oz. Dispenses 8, 12 fl oz cups (an eight (8) PACK), roughly 5 ½ pounds on a head. The resale price per Unit (like all the various RoFo Headgears) is $29.95. The Product when produced will be made from Food Grade Quality Plastic: Polyethylene with a Polyurethane Recess Inner Liner. Great for tailgate parties, rallies, picnics, at the beach, or at an intimate soirée. Hubba, Hubba, Hubba!!! 

The RoFo Headgear has an easy one-size-fits-most design that keeps it balanced, stationary and comfortable while worn on the head. Its polyurethane recess inner liner swatches provide a secure seal without fear of its becoming unbalanced or falling off the user's head. The design helps to keep any liquid Hot, Cold, or Carbonated while inside the headgear, without affecting the wearer’s head. Cleaning the inside is easy and quick using ordinary Dish Liquid Detergent, rinsing, then is ready for reuse. The Product is a Nonalcohol Beverage Container. This statement protects RoFo Enterprise, Corporation and I against frivolous lawsuits pertaining to the unwarranted use of alcohol associated with the product - including freedom from responsibility for its misuse. But you can write about it - the way you see fit!

Upon completion of financing RoFo Enterprise, Corporation‘s distribution center is based in Milwaukee. My sincere hope is that you, your staff, and its publication will see its functionality, Merits and Fun as I do. Upon request, I will mail you a RoFo MOTORCYCLE Headgear Press Release CD-ROM with hi res images of the product specifically modified to your periodical’s Subject Matter, Focus and Significance. 

With a Flair of being Unusual, an Appetite and Appreciation for the Finer Things –

Stay individualistic,

"Mad" (The Slightly Insane Yank) Randy Flann ;-)

Email [email protected]

P. S.

I also designed a RoFo Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Headgear... but those are a little bit too BLUE and sticky to mention. 

3rd August 06     Buying a Vehicle? Read Here...

If you are about to buy a bike (or car) and need to do a quick check to see if it's registration number matches it's details,

then click here:- www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk/ 

Click on  Vehicle Enquiry and then Next

and enter Registration number and Manufacturer.

An alternative is to pretend to sell a vehicle on ebay, enter registration number and up comes all the details that eBay extracts from the DVLA database.

Both enquiries cost you nothing. (I was just about to buy a '90 Yellow Mazda MX5 today, but did the above check and found it was registered as a 99' Black Toyota MR2 so I walked away from that one!!.)

Regards

Martin
C10 Dep Rep

25th May 06     Useful Satnav Info

Hi there,

Just bought a Virago 1100 after 10 years away from biking and I'm loving it. I'm using your site to get some spares I desperately need and also to learn about the bike. It has been a massive help and I would be buggered without your accumulated knowledge. Will join your group soon as I get over paying for the bits.

Meanwhile I thought you might like to check this out. http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/ has a downloadable database of speed cameras for use in various satnav devices. I use it in my Tomtom 300 and after some fiddling I now have the Tomtom device warn me of the type of camera and speed it is set to. It is quality and figured you might get some use out of it. Requires a £2 monthly sub to download but is lots cheaper than most satnav speed camera enhancements such as Tomtom Plus.

Peace,

John Shack
[email protected]

ps: How tricky is it to find reasonably priced air filter cover sets?? Only ones I found had usual "live to ride" tat on them. Plain teardrop a la Harley Davidson are rarer than the proverbial rocking horse dung!

11th May 06     CDI Units for XV535's

Hi, this is Steve from www.cdiunits.co.uk . Just to let you know that we now have exchange and new pattern cdi units for Yamaha XV535 m/cycles. 3bt single pick up models only. Also XV535 2gv will be ready soon. Cheers Steve....

24th April 06     New Design by 'EXACTREP©' 

Dear Virago Members Club
Newly Designed and Manufactured by 'EXACTREP©' ( www.exactrep.com ) 

'V-STAX'S'©

Carburetor Covers to fit the Yamaha Virago 535, In Stock at £55.00 inc VAT pair, and the Yamaha V- Max, In Stock at £105.00 inc VAT (set of 4). 
Made From CNC Machined Aluminium
Consists of a Set of 4 Carb Covers Totally boost the look of your Bike! 
Complete with necessary screws to fit in seconds. 
note: not supplied with mesh etc....
Tel +44 (0) 2476 442054 Fax +44 (0) 2476 659864

Exactrep Specialists in VMax motorcycle parts, cast metal, moulded plastic spares & accessories.
Worldwide mail order from Coventry, England. 0247-6442054 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
http://www.exactrep.com

6th April 06     New Computer for Anyone?

http://www.choppercomputers.com/

This is a significant upgrade to the classic computer case and the dawn of a new era in computer modifications. The Chopper Computer follows the concept that a computer should be seen and not heard. Water cooling technology allows for quite computers, increased reliability, overclocking, and adds to the overall style of each computer. To be seen, the computer components are exposed just like the engine in a a motorcycle. They're not hidden in a small box with a window. The Chopper Computer combines the latest computer technology with the latest styling's of chopper motorcycles to give computing that sex appeal it's always deserved. 

Each Chopper Computer is one-of-a-kind and custom built to your specifications. Our first prototype is only an example of the possibilities in design. If you want it to look like your own hog, or need to enhance your corporate image, or you want to add a hundred flaming skulls on the gas tank... whatever you desire can be yours and we'll help you design and build your dream computer with the look, feel, and components that meet your need for outrageous styling and pure processing power. 

Chopper Computers are designed to draw attention and provide owners with the ability to have not only a unique and incredible looking machine, but also have the quality and performance they deserve. Every part is hand crafted to be authentic to the chopper motorcycle heritage, utilizing a steel frame construction, hand crafted seats, custom paint jobs, and complete modularity for expansion and modification of PC components. 

We are dedicated to building only high quality computers with luxury and style that appeal to gaming enthusiasts and those who appreciate the fine art of motorcycles, computers and the incredible combination of the two arts. We want to hear from everyone including computer gamers, hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts, overclockers, modders and everyone else who appreciates our work in what future models should look like and how they should perform by listening to your comments and continuing to build dream machines. 
Final Production Designs Completed 

The prototype model came out great and with only minor imperfections but there is always room for improvement. The new designs add greater authenticity to the frame with an hourglass neck, removable chrome neck caps, removable oil pan and air scoop, and a longer backbone to accommodate more gas tank styles. The computer side has also been upgraded with a smaller motherboard tray with a lighted logo on the back, a hard drive tray to show off the hard drives better, a new faceplate design, and a redesigned rail system to allow for easier sliding of the motherboard tray. And these are only some of the improvements to the original design...

http://www.choppercomputers.com/

Thanks to Ian Thoburn for telling us about this one.

28th March 06     Star Oil Filter Relocation Kit Will Fit Virago

Just wanted to let you know that the oil filter relocation kit made for the Star will also fit the Virago 1100 (I have a 1996 Special) with a little modification. I injured my knees and was forced to put a sidecar on my bike, but changing the oil would have been a real pain the a**, so I had a friend make a bracket that will attach to the starter were it bolts to the engine, to hang the filter from.
It really turned out pretty good.

Bracket before being painted

Many thanks to BB

6th February 06     Traveling to Europe? You'll now need a EHIC

For those of you who travel abroad regularly and used to have the E111 card this is no longer valid. You will need to apply for a EHIC now. This can be done here http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/fs/en

Bob Dawson