Valve Vacillation
Oh Great and powerful Swami of all Scooterdom. Wise One from the oily workbench. I have traveled far through treacherous lands to ask this question. (Actually, it was about fifteen feet to the computer, but I did trip over a cat toy). Why does the Yamaha V Star 1300 need to have the valves checked or adjusted every 4000 miles, while the V Star 950 only needs it every 16000. Please cast your glow of enlightenment upon us.
Ron Rickers
Elk River MN

2009 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE
MSRP: $7699

2010 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD
MSRP: $12,799

According to my wife, I don't own any motorcycles. No. What I own, according to her, are several complex mechanical jigsaw puzzles that are stored in a big box, called a garage, where normal people generally keep things like lawnmowers, cars, and occasionally, fully operational motorcycles.

When's the last time you changed your bike's antifreeze? Can't recall? Don't be embarrassed, neither can I, and that's probably true for far too many of us.

In 1935, BMW released the R12, a watershed motorcycle most notable because it was the first bike offered to the public equipped with a hydraulically damped, telescopic front fork. Despite the many advances in motorcycle technology over the ensuing 75 years, the fixed orifice/damper rod front fork has changed little; a technician familiar with BMW's seminal design would have little trouble working on any variation that's succeeded it.

2010 Star V STAR 950
MSRP: $8290
Caretaker: Cherney
Measurements: 5'7"/155 lbs/30" Inseam
Odometer: 1,750
Miles Since Last Issue: 975

Retiring
I have a 2006 H-D Electra Glide Standard, with 10,500 miles on the original Dunlop tires. In the spring, I expect to replace them. What is the typical mileage I can expect from any tire? The owner's manual says to only use H-D tires. If I replace with the same size tires I am sure I'll be safe, so when the owner's manual says to use only H-D tires, are they doing so to promote sales or is there a safety issue?
John
Milford, Ma