New to the forum, thinking of buying a venture royale

[Keemez]

and places like Kyrukyn will not help in telling you what fits your bike.

 

Kuryakyn, in case you do go looking for aftermarket bling.

[bongobobny]

Yup!! Tim is right on! It takes a special breed to own a collector worthy MC and the VR is definately in that category!! But, if you are willing and able, you will be hard pressed to find a better bike for the money!! Besides that, this site has a lot of talent and are more than willing to help you out!!

[dz]

Thanks guys.

 

As I said I've made a few older bikes reliable from the 70's. I am a electronic forklift technician so working on bikes doesn't bother me. I've been riding all sorts of toys with engines since I've been 3 (I'm 28 now). I prefer two strokes but the government has put a stop to that. I also have a 1987 Honda Helix 250cc scooter with 20,000 miles that rarely ever needs any maintenance, just add gas and change the oil when it tells me. It's sad but I am more comfortable and can ride longer on my 87 scooter than my 2005 Honda Shadow 1100. It's a shame motorcycle manufacturers have been designing newer bikes with "smaller is better" mentality. I don't necessarily want a bike from the 80's, but I feel as though I have no choice because of my size and physical conditions (I had severe carpal tunnel in both wrists had the surgery but only lessened the pain some, the bad discs in my back and neck, my weight etc.). If I could find a newer bike that I could fit on and could drive longer than an hour without having to jump off of the bike I would. The newer goldwings are so heavy and cumbersome I'm worried about holding it up with my bad wrists. So many issues to think about, which kind of leads me back to an early 80's wing that naked or just has the vetter fairing or something. I don't know, just kicking things around. I've even tried the new 650cc scooter but am super cramped on them, I fit better on my 250cc scooter, whats going on motorcycle manufacturers? I also tried a few sport touring bikes and if the handle bars were taller they could probably work.

[Trader]

never having riden one I am only going by what I have read here....but aren't the 2nd gen bikes more laid back ....legs out front instead of under you?

I would think it might be a more comfortable riding posiiton for someone with your issues.

[RandyR]

Thanks guys.

 

It's a shame motorcycle manufacturers have been designing newer bikes with "smaller is better" mentality.

 

I don't think that statement is necessarily true. I have a 30 inch inseam and am finding it increasingly difficult to find a bike that appeals to me with a seat height under 31 inches. many are 33 inches.

 

That said, the seating position on a 2nd gen Venture / RSTD along with the footboards seems to make a very comfortable riding position for riders of various leg lengths. Padding can be added to the seats (ala sofa seat or Rick Butler) to give additional height if needed.

[bongobobny]

never having riden one I am only going by what I have read here....but aren't the 2nd gen bikes more laid back ....legs out front instead of under you?

I would think it might be a more comfortable riding posiiton for someone with your issues.

Yes the riding position is more comfortable, but I actually found then to be a tad too wide but got used to it in no time. I find the 1st gen better handling IMHO but that's just for me...

[dz]

Well, I went back to the mom and pop placed and took another hard look at it. I drove about 500 if not more miles looking and sitting on bikes all over the place before going back. I've sat on different older gold wings and they all felt cramped and my shins would hit the engine guards when taking my feet off for lights and such. All of the cruiser style bikes are just too cramped and most my knees would hit the handlebars during turns and the seats are just too hard. It was about 32 degrees this morning and she fired right up without any hesitation (battery is a bit weak though). Smooth and quiet. Idle is a little low but otherwise I think she is going to make a fine bike! The rear brake is dragging ever so lightly so I will have to address that before any serious riding but most definitely taking it on a short cruise. I will be picking it up next saturday. I took a few pictures on my cell phone which make the bike look really well, make no mistake she needs a little rubbing compound and chrome polish. The air shocks held their air since last weekend when we aired them up so I was happy about that.

[dz]

Pictures:

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/original-dz/1989%20Yamaha%20Venture%20Royale/0326011305a.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/original-dz/1989%20Yamaha%20Venture%20Royale/0326011305-1.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/original-dz/1989%20Yamaha%20Venture%20Royale/0326011305b-1.jpg

[Reddog170]

She will make a nice bike for you. Now there are a couple suggestions for you. 1 if they are not already in it get the progressive springs,2 replace the fuse box with a spade fuse box. I would also recommend joining our group formally, best 12 bucks you will ever spend. Good job with the pictures. Shaun

[Reddog170]

Ohh yea, run a can of sea-foam through her. Will help clean things out. Shaun

[RandyR]

Looks good. see you at Maintenance day

[dz]

Forgot to mention, while I was going through the top trunk and saddle cases I found the driver and passenger headset intercoms, upholstered to match driver backrest, bolt on passenger arm rests, maintenance manual, and some other goodies.

 

Where is the maintenance day being held?

[bongobobny]

Methinks ya done good!!

 

Rear brake can be hanging up for several reasons, semi stuck caliper probably due to buildup of crud on the pistons, or the brake fluid has crystalized. The proportioning valve may be clogged. Easy to disassemble and clean out. Rotor may be a little warped. I strongly recommend completely flushing both brake systems, front and rear! The fluid is probably quite old, and should be changed out every few years. Rear brake and one front brake are linked, asnd you will also find another bleeder above the battery box near the forks. A very nice update is to switch to R1 or R6 calipers, and switch to stainless steel lines. You wil stop on a dime and give 7 cents change...