Hi all,

I've been reading through the forum and it looks great! Thanks for assembling all of this Vulcan knowledge into one website!

My name is Mike from Northern NJ (Morris County). I own a 2000 VN750 that unfortunately has been sitting in my driveway for far too long because of work and family obligations. I'm just now getting back into riding more often, but the bike could use some help and I've never been that good with more challenging maintenance projects, so I'm sure I'll be learning from everyone's posts here and asking questions (after searching the archives thoroughly, of course).

I have the Vulcan Service Manual, but it's a little advanced for me so I have a few other books on the way (Clymer's Repair & Zimmerman's Essential Motorcycle Maintenance). Some of the projects I'll be starting off with are:
-Replacing the speedometer and tachometer (they've rusted quite a bit)
-Getting a better seat and possible saddlebags
-Replacing the Handlegrips with Kuracyn ISO's and throttle control
-Getting better at oil changes and other maintenance checks (brakes, etc.)

Here's a funny story: So, right now, my oil filter is stripped and stuck on and I can't find a filter grip that works. I bought like 4 types of filter grips already but I'll probably wind up poking a long screwdriver through the filter to turn it with leverage). I can't honestly remember which way I'm supposed to be turning the filter, and I've tried both way but the thing is stuck. Can anyone help my dumb ass to figure out which way to turn the filter so I don't dig my hole any deeper? :) Also, any other suggestions for the projects listed above are most welcome.

Take care and thanks,
-m

Counter-clock-wise. Remember the righty tighty, and lefty .....

I've found using a strap wrench on the filter is a good solution.

Hey Mike, and welcome.
There certainly is alot of info here! But don't hesitate to ask any questions if you're not sure.
Besides useful info, there's also helpful people.

Enjoy getting back into riding.

Welcome to the group.
As you will discover, replacing the speedo and tach with brand new OEM parts is going to be very expensive. Tachs aren't too bad on ebay and there is at least one for sale right now. However, the rusted gauges seem to be a problem inherant in the materials used to make them. Another in our group had the same trouble and instead of replacing them, he painted them black. Check out the link below.

http://www.vn750.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1566&page=2

I have the same rust problems on mine and will be doing the same mod only I am going to try and match the color scheme on my bike.
Have fun here and enjoy learning about this wonderful machine.

Large monkey wrench will loosen that filter! Also, I saw a post on the yahoo forum just today I think, where someone is selling a mustang seat.

Welcome to the forum, and enjoy your 750!

For the tight oil filter, get yourself a chain wrench (that attaches to a socket wrench). I picked one up at my local NAPA store (Sears doesn't sell them - at least here in NJ). With a few good tugs, I was able to get a stubborn filter off my bike. The chain destroyed the filter, but at least it came off!!

Also, all the VN750 riders in NJ are getting together for a ride in the Poconos on Saturday 9/16. If you are interested, drop me an email and I will forward the info along to you. Right now, there are about 6 of us planning to ride.

Dom