Yamaha 1300 Tourer - Yamaha 1300 Tourer Fansite

Hello Everyone! I have been hiding behind my computer for long enough. I am finally getting around to introducing myself. I live in the town of Clayton in Northern California. It is approximately 30-35 miles from the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area.
I have been reading and scouring this web site ever since I bought my 2007 1300, about six months ago. Honestly, I was looking for a Roadstar that I could afford, when my friend at a Yamaha dealership emailed me that they just brought in this bike. The original owner could not ride it anymore due to health reasons. It was a killer deal with only 2200 miles.
I would like to thank everyone for all the interesting, valuable and creative suggestions that have been posted to this website. It seems to me that 1300 owners are a special breed. I am not sure if it is because it may not be as popular as some of the other Star products or we have all found a niche that is a little different and we enjoy being a little different, Any way it is a cool bike that just needs a little tweaking and customizing to make it a real bitchin ride.
I especially enjoy this site as there seems to be no “I know it all attitude” but, instead a whole lot of genuine , helpful people that enjoy the special bikes they ride.

Here is a list of the modifications that I have made so far. Most of these have been at suggestions from this site.

Within the first month of ownership :
Drilled exhaust – Sounds great and so easy a cave man can do it.
Installed royal star Handlebars, weights etc. – Couldn’t Yamaha have had done this in the first place? Geez…

Month Two
Lowered rear end 1” with adjustable lowering links – bought from Ebay.
Custom rider backrest from Ebay – Great item ! Highly recommend and easy to install - $120. Love this thing, comes on and off instantly to make it easier for the passenger to mount bike. Much cheaper then replacing the seat.

Month 3 and beyond:
Hand Made, Home Depot Lowers to help with the dreaded “Buffering” Problem.

Still to do:
Drill Air cleaner – Jury still out on this one.
Ad Driving lights – Not sure if I want the cool big buck, Star ones or the Walmart type, any way thee is a big dark spot in front of the bike for the first 15 feet or so.
Additional rear, stop lights
Replace the wimpy horn.
Tweak the low speed bucking problem – HELLO Yamaha – People need to cruise coolly, and slowly in parking lots!
Chrome, Chrome and More Chrome!

I would enjoy hearing from anyone regarding this great Bike! I would especially like to hear from owners that live in my area. Is there a Nor Cal 1300 group yet? Anyone? Anyone?

My Email is johnvill@comcast.net
Thanks and God Bless!
FastDad