New Member, New Rider, New '07 VTX1300R!!!

[KeithWfromLB]

Hi All,

What a Valentines day I had!!! Picked up my new ‘07 VTX1300R! It’s my first bike and I’m glad to see that I wasn’t the only one who had concerns about such a big bike “out of the starting gate”. I have to admit that my first 4 or 5 miles were a bit scary. I took the bike on some local streets just outside of the dealership. Stalled twice, but quickly learned that this big bike likes a bit more throttle and needed to feel the friction zone while making turns. Live and learn I guess… Then took her right onto the highway, heading home before it got dark. - What an amazing ride. Best 24 miles I can remember.

Got the bike for a steal. It was a black ‘07 leftover for $7499. I got the 5 year extended because I didn’t want any problems down the road.

I’m really happy to have found this site tonight as I would have never known about the 600 mile tune up. I’m curious if this will be covered under my extended or not. The dealership I bought from was not very informative and I basically sold the bike to myself. I really couldn’t believe the lack of knowledge, enthusiasm, and salemanship this dealship had. Although, I suppose I could have bought it from the high pressure guys at another dealership I priced the bike at.

I’m glad to hear the consistencies about the loud 1st gear and the noise of the brakes reported on this site. Being that this is my first bike, I don’t know what to expect….:choppersm

Here’s my wish list after 44 total miles:
1) Self canceling turn signals - Does anyone make some after market that are decent?
2) Fuel gauge. - I see a lot of people want this. Please let me know if anyone finds one that works.
3) Cruise control. - Is there anything electronic that can be worked along with the throttle.

[Bassdude404]

Welcome, and congrats on the new ride!!..I bought my '07 1300R last September....That 600 mile first service is on you....The warranty doesn't cover that....I called around to the dealerships closest to me, and compared their prices, and what all services they actually do to the bike...The first one I called quoted me a price, and said that they could have it done the same day I drop it off...The next place quoted me a price, listed all the services that they do, and made sure to tell me to leave the bike overnight, and pick it up the next day...It's very important that the bike sits overnight so the engine is cool enough to adjust the valve properly...If a dealer/mechanic says he can tell by "listening" to the valves is full of it....Move on to the next place...The only way to tell if they need adjustment is to let the bike sit overnight, then tear into it the next day using feeler gauges to check valve clearance....Don't let them B.S. you into thinking that they can do it same day....:nono:

I took mine to the second place I called...They were cheaper, and did the job properly....:cheers:

[firekick3]

what sorta price range are we lookin' at for the 600 mile job? I have no idea, so any help would be great.

oh and welcome to the site! Congrats on the new ride, still a bit chilly up there though eh?

[mscales]

Welcome to the Cafe. There is a lot to learn here and some great people to help you out. As for self canceling trun signals, I don't worry about it. I turn it on and leave my thumb on the switch and as soon as I start turning I flick it off. The fuel gauge for me doesn't matter much. Your mileage will vary depending on how and where you ride. I figure about 120 miles and I will be on reserve. For freeway riding I just let it run out and reach down and turn it to reserve and it fires right up and I am still at speed. No matter what i just reach down and turn it. If I am stopped I will just go to reserve at 120 or more miles anyway.

[Bassdude404]

what sorta price range are we lookin' at for the 600 mile job?
Had Jen look in the checkbook, and I paid $162.40 total for mine....I've heard of some folks getting charged $300 for the same exact job....Do like I did and call around, and ask the right questions, so you don't get screwed...

[poolmaster79]

Welcome to the Cafe and congrats on your new X.
My advice to a new rider is wear a helmet and take a MSF rider safety course. That's the best accesory you can buy.
Here's a link:

http://www.msf-usa.org/

:choppersm

[Beastie Boy]

Let me ad a Congrats, a Welcome, and my +1 on the MSF. My VTX is a first bike, too. I am awful glad I took the course. If you haven't taken it already, do it soon. It will make you a safer rider.

[thundrhd]

what sorta price range are we lookin' at for the 600 mile job? I have no idea, so any help would be great.

oh and welcome to the site! Congrats on the new ride, still a bit chilly up there though eh?
I checked my service invoice: 260$ for complete service all fluids except rear differential changed,valves checked adjusted, etc...this also included pick up & drop off when finished..Side note: tell them you want the tech to list the clearances on the valves.

[floridatank]

Welcome to the Cafe and WTG on the X!!Checked my invoice for my first check and it was $277.

[pastordave]

Welcome to the Cafe.:choppersm

[bigc]

Welcome to the board, I myself am not much for posting. Glad you found it.
When ever I have a question about my 1300 I come here to look up the info that I need. The people on this board are really nice and very informative. Just remember one thing, the only stupid question is the one you don't bother to ask!!!! Have fun, ride safe, get a good helmet and please take the safety course.:choppersm

[VTXDad]

Good to see you here! Read as many posts as yer eyes can handle, there is tons of info on stuff for you new X here. This site has some of the greatest folks i've met on the internet, always ready to chip some info and help you out.
1. Don't think they make a canceler, but theres a fella here what sells a signal beeper add-on, I have it beeps till you shut it off, his name is Glen his site is www.glensvtxgarage.com (http://www.glensvtxgarage.com)
2. Not sure about the guage either, most folks do a comparison run or two using the trip meter on the speedo, run it to reserve in the city and do the same on a long run on the highway. I did that and just use the trip meter nowdays as the gas guage.
3. There are a lot of after market cruise controls on the net. I'd do a google on motorcycle cruise controls or maybe wait for some of our other folks , see what they have and like.

[beitz67]

welcome to the boards!
+1 on all the good advice above, especially on making sure the valves are checked properly at 600 mile service, and the MSF courses - very helpful indeed.
I paid $160 for the 600 mile service, but didn't know about needing cool valves then, so I know it wasn't done right.

Enjoy your scoot, and welcome again!

[woof359]

its about a 3 hour job if done correctly, checking the bvalve just takes smoe time but its no biggie.

glag your one of us now. Welcome

[KeithWfromLB]

Thanks for all of the great information guys!

I had taken a safety course just a couple / few weeks prior to picking up the bike. It was a one-on-one that the trainer said that I appeared to be an experienced rider. (Although I have not owned a bike before, I have been on a few, but I would certainly still call myself a novice for sure). The course was not a "certificate" type of program, but gave a bunch of excellent pointers and safety information. Driving figure 8's and around cones... standard stuff I suppose. I would recommend a one-on-one versus a large group environment as the training is really more tailor made to suit personal needs.

I have a couple of questiona about the Clayton modifications for those who have done it:

1) Is there a difference between the Claytoon and "deep Clayton"
2) How many baffles are there in these stock pipes.
3) Has anyone experienced a "loss of pressure" and a dip in power while throttling up?
4) Has anyone found any negatives about the Clayton mod?

Also thanks for the information about signal cancellation (Which I'm getting better at), but still see a "blinker" on after a turn every now and again.

And, as far as the 600 mile service concerned, I asked the dealer I bought the bike from and they quoted just under $200. I think it's reasonable considering some of the VTX members have seen upwards of $300.

*** Really enjoying the Cafe! Excellent fraternity here!

[Bassdude404]

I have a couple of questiona about the Clayton modifications for those who have done it:

1) Is there a difference between the Claytoon and "deep Clayton"
2) How many baffles are there in these stock pipes.
3) Has anyone experienced a "loss of pressure" and a dip in power while throttling up?
4) Has anyone found any negatives about the Clayton mod?

Also thanks for the information about signal cancellation (Which I'm getting better at), but still see a "blinker" on after a turn every now and again.
I'll give my findings....

1) "Clayton mod" is just drilling holes in the muffler endplates..While "Deep Clayton mod" is then drilling some holes in the next baffle using a 7/16"x12" drill bit...It really lowers the resonance frequency of the pipes..(Lowers the tone quite a bit)

2) Here's a pic of a stock pipe cut open to reveal it's guts.....
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh31/Bassdude404/2361Exhaust_cutaway.jpg

3) Nope, no power loss that Ive noticed at all..In fact the bike feels like it runs better now.....

4) Nope, no negatives yet...


As far as the turn signal issue...Here's a solution...visit www.glensvtxgarage.com (http://www.glensvtxgarage.com) He has some turn signal beapers to remind you to turn it off after completing a corner....I'd suggest getting the 4-way flasher setup also....I installed this same setup on my 1300R, and it's top-notch....Really easy to install, with the best instruction sheet I've ever seen...

[barttoday]

nice ride, good luck, and enjoy.