Could it have been wrecked?

[SC89Venture]

Hi guys (and gals),

Hope all are enjoying the early spring. The other night I took the Venture out (89 model) and did not get far. Headlight was pointing down towards the ground. Tried the adjusting nut, no change. Next day I went to investigate. Took the front headlight moulding off, and lo and behold, the freaking headlight unit is attached with 2 wire ties, were I am assuming there should be 2 bolts.

 

I don't know what I have gotten into, bike came with a clear title but all kinds of alarms are going off. Did I get a wrecked bike that was rebuilt? Confidence is low right now.

[MiCarl]

There should be 2 screws in the top. If it's not snugged down there it'll point at the ground. I think they're M6.

 

The bottom of the lamp assembly has two protrusions that go into grommets on a steel bracket attached to the fairing.

 

The wire ties don't necessarily mean it's been wrecked (although I'll hazard that there are few 1st gens that have never been down). They should raise concerns about the level of care someone was using while working on it. I'd do a thorough go over on the brakes, tires and wheels before riding it anymore.

[Guest scarylarry]

Hard to say, check the paint see if it matches even under the bars, you know them hard to get to places..

Also check the bolts see if they match when they are say 2 or more bolts that hold the same part on, the lettering on the head could be different...Just some thoughts.

Or run the VIN sometimes that will tell you unless a shadetree mech. did the repairs.

[Guest scarylarry]

There should be 2 screws in the top. If it's not snugged down there it'll point at the ground. I think they're M6.

 

The bottom of the lamp assembly has two protrusions that go into grommets on a steel bracket attached to the fairing.

 

The wire ties don't necessarily mean it's been wrecked (although I'll hazard that there are few 1st gens that have never been down). They should raise concerns about the level of care someone was using while working on it. I'd do a thorough go over on the brakes, tires and wheels before riding it anymore.

[mraf]

I wouldn't be alarmed at all. What you have bought is a 1989 motorcycle. Do the math and it is 21 yrs old. There are some people out there that bungee cord this, black tape that and generally get by their whole lives on a wing and a prayer. You need to massage your bike back to life as you would want it. Plain and simple. I have probed and prodded just about every nook and cranny on my 86 since I bought it. I wouldn't want it any other way. If this bike died tomorrow I could bring it back to life with my eyes closed. I have enjoyed every minute of it. Beware though! Once you start you can't quit it's like a addiction. Like this site!:rotfl:

[Snaggletooth]

The two bolts that attach the headlight bucket are shoulder bolts with washers that allow the bucket to pivot up and down to adjust beam height.

 

The adjustment link to the knob fastens to the side of the head light bucket with two screws.

 

On the bottom of the bucket there is a flange that runs to the rear and there is a gray plastic assembly bolted to that the allows horizonal adjustment of the bead.

 

I have mine on the bench now so if you need any pics of how it should look let me know and I can post them tomorrow.

 

Mike

[SC89Venture]

This site is awesome. I would very much appreciate the pictures if you are able to do it. I know it is a 21 year old bike, I really enjoy this bike. I have started going over things and I think I have some previous owners work that I would have done a little bit different. Thanks for all the replies. Let me ask, is it best to remove the windshield trim and headlight trim, will that give access or do I have to take the fairing apart or off?

Thanks again,

Don

[skydoc_17]

Hey Don,

When I got my 87'VR I got the "bright Idea" to change the headlight bulb to the Silverstar H4 bulb, figuring that you can't have too much headlight. Well don't you know, I dropped both of those bolts right into the fairing and they are still there to this day! Not being the kind of guy that would put "Zip Ties" on my headlight, I went to the closest hardware store and purchased two new metric bolts and washers. BUT I could see how someone with the MAC Gyver gene would throw a couple Zip Ties on there and call it a done deal. ANYONE that says that they have NEVER had their VR tip over, brush against something, or just flat out "dropped it" is one helofa rider, or is full of BS! Look over things well, repair things properly as you find them, Don't take your tires, brakes, or electrical system for granted, and you will be doing what EVERY other First Gen. owner on this site has been doing for the last 27 years!

Welcome to the site, don't be afraid to ask questions, get your hands dirty EVERY DAY doing something on your VR, and you will find that you will be hard pressed to find a better motorcycle on this planet! First thing, download the service manual from the First Gen. Tech. Section!

Now, off to the hardware store ya' go there Lad,:crackup:Soon, you will be on a first name basis with that guy!

Earl

Edited April 9, 2010 by skydoc_17
CRAYON BROKE!

[Snaggletooth]

To see everthing you need to see at least the windshield trim and headlight cover need to come off and remove the retainer for the head light and the head light itself. If it's flopping around some parts are missing.

 

You have a MKII model and mine is an '84, a MKI. Headlights are a bit different but the the basics are the same. If there is something greatly different somebody will pop in here to point it out.

 

It will be tomorrow evening before I can get the pics posted but I will get it done ASAP.

 

As you are finding out some PO's are very creative. Some in good ways.....some not so much!!

[MiCarl]

The two bolts that attach the headlight bucket are shoulder bolts with washers that allow the bucket to pivot up and down to adjust beam height.

 

 

Not on a MKII (86-93). On a MKII the bucket is locked down tight and the adjuster pivots the mirror inside the bucket. Don't bother with the pictures either, the 89 will be quite different than your 84.

[Venturous Randy]

Not on a MKII (86-93). On a MKII the bucket is locked down tight and the adjuster pivots the mirror inside the bucket. Don't bother with the pictures either, the 89 will be quite different than your 84.

 

My 83 is like an 89 because I changed out the whole thing to an 89 unit and am very glad I did. That was one of the best upgrades that I did. Thanks for the post Carl as I was just about to say the same thing.

RandyA