Yamaha 1300 Tourer - Yamaha 1300 Tourer Fansite

Hi Y'all,
I'm a Canadian Airman, living in Texas on an exchange tour with the US Air Force.
I'm enjoying this site a lot. I thank all those who are contributing. I'm learning so much from your posts.

I just upgraded from a V star 650 Silverado to a 2009 V star 1300 Tourer.
I started riding again last year, after a 23 year lull. Rode about 10,000 miles in one year on my 650.
I love the 1300, so far, and can't wait to get over the break in period. I'm 5'3" and still manage ok with the seat height.

I have a few questions:
- What do you consider a break in period, and what do you think should be done (or not done) during the period?
- What do you recommend for good and stylish passing lights for the Tourer?
- Where can I find a cheap set of RSTD handlebars?
- How much can this bike be lowered?
- Is regular gas ok, or do you recommend mid-high octane?

Thanks, and looking forward to chatting.
J-P Lafleur
New Braunfels, TX, USA
Originally from Montréal, Québec, Canada

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2009-09-10 Update:

Thanks to everyone who replied. As I assumed, you are a great source of info, and I intend to share what I can with y'all.
But of course, a couple more questions came up from your replies:
1- Do the longer, narrower handlebars (whether RSTD or Bagger bars) interfere at all in tight turns?
2- Can someone elaborate on this too-good-to-be-true deal at Wal-Mart? Does anyone have a photo?

I am following the manual, but just thought I'd ask about break in and gas, because I hear that you often get "generic" info from the instruction manuals. I want to make sure the bike lasts a long time. I agree, Mike, not fun varying speeds and staying below 1/3 throttle. BTW, how the heck am I supposed to know what 1/3 throttle is, if I can't go full? ;-)

No drilling of anything, here. I need to keep the bike as stock as possible (emissions-wise) to be able to import it back to Canada.
Even though it's really tempting to try to drill the hole in the exhaust, to reduce the jerking and add a little rumble to it. Although really pleasant, I find it really unsafely quiet.

Conrad: I'm an Air Combat Systems Officer (aka Air Nav), stuck behind a desk doing IT Acquisition. but life is good. Good challenging job, and I'm in Texas :-)

Dude62: thanks for the buying tips.

Thanks again, everyone.