Weekend project advice

[jkt69]

I ordered a new windshield that should arrive Friday, and I plan on changing the oil too.

 

Questions:

 

1) I don't have a center-stand, but I can still change the oil by myself correct?

 

2) For those who have changed windshields before, what should I watch out for?

 

Thanks.

[Tom]

Oil Change is simple..I use Amsoil but Mobil 1 is great to as far as synthetics,just make sure whichever you use is motorcycle specific,( yes I know some of you do not) My theory is better safe than sorry. Changing the windshield is very easy unscrew the 2 inner screws on the fairing,inside by the speakers,VERY CAREFULLY ease off the chrome front piece..Can break the tabs if you get rough with it, then you will be looking at the screws that hold it on.

http://www.venturers.org/NextGenTech/2ndGen/images/fairing1.gif

[yamahamer]

YOU CAN DO IT! BUT CALL IF YOU NEED ANY HELP I'M JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

[jkt69]

YOU CAN DO IT! BUT CALL IF YOU NEED ANY HELP I'M JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

 

I'm doing this on Friday, then heading to see Mike at the Yami dealer to eye ball some of those accessories they got off a Venture. He told me he has chrome floor boards, air covers and mustang seat.

[jkt69]

Oil Change is simple..I use Amsoil but Mobil 1 is great to as far as synthetics,just make sure whichever you use is motorcycle specific,( yes I know some of you do not) My theory is better safe than sorry. Changing the windshield is very easy unscrew the 2 inner screws on the fairing,inside by the speakers,VERY CAREFULLY ease off the chrome front piece..Can break the tabs if you get rough with it, then you will be looking at the screws that hold it on.

http://www.venturers.org/NextGenTech/2ndGen/images/fairing1.gif

 

Thanks Tom. Does the chrome lift up or come away from the shield? From the diagram it looks as if it will lift up and the tabs are at each end and possibly one in the middle.

[Tartan Terror]

You need to lift up but do it gently. Its easy to break the plastic but if you are patient you will have no problem.

[yamahamer]

Thanks Tom. Does the chrome lift up or come away from the shield? From the diagram it looks as if it will lift up and the tabs are at each end and possibly one in the middle.

 

AS YOU LIFT FROM ONE SIDE PUSH IT AGAINST THE SHIELD. IF I REMEMBER IT RIGHT:confused07:

[Carbon_One]

Push up and follow the windshields contour. Then there'll be 6-7 screws for the windshield to remove.

Larry

[AZSpyder]

As far as the oil change the part I had a problem with filling it to the right level by myself. Always afraid I was going to drop it on me stooped over next to it trying to hold it level and still see through the sight glass. I picked up a woman's mirror set at a local dollar store. One full size hand mirror in some bright color I keep in a tool box and a small folding compact type mirror I keep in the trunk. With the mirror handy its easy to check the level while sitting on it holding the bike upright.

Jerry

[ColoNavy]

Or just put a piece from a two by four and a magazine under the kickstand until the bike is just a couple of degrees shy of straight up (So it doesn't fall to the other side?!). Look for the oil in the sight glass to be half-way up.

[jkt69]

basically though i should be good to go with 3.5 quarts...right?

[Tom]

Yes..If you overfill it you will notice an oil leak under the bike..I like to put in 3 qts let it drain into pan good then have a look and add as needed. On mine if I do not have the level a little below middle of site glass it will start the leak. Tom

[SteveP]

Take a look at this article in the tech section about splitting the fairing. Though you don't have then need to split the fairing, windshield removal is part of it. There are directions with photos. You'll be able to see the tabs and get an idea of how it's all held together before you begin to pull yours apart.... a picture is worth a thousand words.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=494

[dynodon]

I use the 2X4 trick on my wifes Shadow ACe Tour. It holds it nearly straight up. If concerned that it could still tip over, take some rope or a tie-down and just secure it on the kickstand side so that it can't come over if you lean on it, or wrench on it and pull it away from the kickstand side.

 

Keep some chrome and general purpose cleaner and a few rags near as you are under the bike, and do some cleaning.

 

I just changed oil on my VR. and cleaned up a lot of stuff I have never seen before (just bought it last fall, and the shop did most of the oil changes up to now, getting other stuff fixed). Very rewarding, and it is always a good time to check for loose bolts/screws.

 

While at the windshield, check out the fairing mounts if you can. A friend of mine found most of his mounts were cracked!

[jkt69]

Thanks for all the help.

[StarFan]

Remember that you should check your oil when the engine is warm. After you fill her up take her for a spin and then recheck the oil level. It should be 1/2 in the glass window when warm.

[jrcain32]

"He told me he has chrome floor boards, air covers and mustang seat."

 

Does Mustang make a seat for the Venture?

[jkt69]

"He told me he has chrome floor boards, air covers and mustang seat."

 

Does Mustang make a seat for the Venture?

 

I didn't think so, that's what he said though.

[1BigDog]

Oil filter change: I didnt see a mention of it so here goes.....

 

The filter is hard to access with a filter removal tool. I usually just reach in and remove it by hand, allowing the oil to drain. I then clean up the surface area, spread a little oil over the rubber seal and then install, tightening by hand :pushups:until it wont turn anymore. It hasnt loosed up on me yet.....

 

Oh yea...stay away from Fram filters. They are constructed like garbage inside.

[yamahamer]

I didn't think so, that's what he said though.

 

All the parts came off of a RSTD they don't know crap there.