Unplanned Venture owner

[Peder_y2k]

$450 that's one hell of a good deal. I had to pay $800 for mine from a private seller and rent a trailer etc. etc. etc., but then mine started right up after sitting in a carport for 3 years in eastern WA state.

-Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

[bongobobny]

Call the cops, someone just STOLE a 1st Gen...

[Ben Rollins]

Man what a great deal, congrats

[Ed S, SE Nebr]

While waiting for parts to arrive I've done a bit of poking around. I believe the canister in the middle means this is a California bike.

 

I don't plan to do anything to or about it, though.

 

eds

[Ed S, SE Nebr]

Here's another image, this of the back page of the owner's manual. There are no other maintenance records in the manual. I assume the PO (who was either a good mechanic, or an extraordinary tool collector) had recently purchased the bike and changed the oil.

 

Right now the odometer shows just over 90K miles, so that's 2K in 14 years.

 

If this is accurate, and there's no reason to think it wouldn't be, I'm much more concerned about the tires.

[Ed S, SE Nebr]

But, some good things to add.

Here are some images of the pinstriping. Holy cow! What talent.

 

Looks like the signature is "Kafka '89".

 

eds

[Prairiehammer]

While waiting for parts to arrive I've done a bit of poking around. I believe the canister in the middle means this is a California bike.

 

I don't plan to do anything to or about it, though.

 

eds

 

You are correct, that is the California mandated fuel vapor recovery charcoal canister. While you don't have to do anything, be aware that the associated hoses can leak and the solenoid valve malfunction.

 

If you would, could you tell me the complete VIN for your Venture? I am maintaining a database of First Gen Venture VIN with build date, colors, mileage, etc. Thanks.

Edited July 8, 2014 by Prairiehammer

[KIC]

Haven't seen a scarecrow, KIC. Will keep my eyes open, though.

Someone's trademark?

 

Yes. Mine has some nice pinstripping with two scarecrows on the back. I was told by a member here that 'Scarecrow" did pinstripping at one of the Venture rallies. Since mine has two with different dates, it means the owner was at at least 2 rallies and had work done to the bike.

[Evan]

Ed, I sort of stumbled on this forum when checking out an 8VR that I also sort of stumbled on about 6 years ago. Like you, I got lucky as both this site (including the people involved) and the VR's are truly amazing.

Enjoy your good luck!!