Evolution of "AZZI" a mild mannered MKII to "AZZI-MAX"

[VanRiver]

Well I have decided to try and follow in the steps of many before me on this forum to bump up the performance on my Sweet mild mannered Brown 1986 Venture Royale named AZZI.

 

Thanks to my buddy @cowpuc for selling me a collection of some sweet V-Max parts, As of today I have started the slow evolution of this bike to hopefully a hotrod in cruiser's clothing.

 

So it was 112 degrees (44 Degrees C for my Canadian friends) today here in sunny Arizona (felt like 200F in the garage) so I thought the time was right to strip down to my skivvies and turn some wrenches on poor unsuspecting AZZI. My project today: Swap out the old Venture Differential for a better geared V-Max Diff.

 

Now you need to know something about this old gal of a motorcycle of mine...she fights me every time I work on her....She just doesn't like change! She likes to snap bolts, hide tools in my garage, and also tries to injury me during the process.

 

But, for some strange reason, today was different. Otherwise AZZI wanted the new Diff or the heat got to her and she gave up....the job went smooth like butter. Even inserting the driveshaft, she lined up on the first time with a simple push (with a liberal coating of YamaLube/Moly Grease of course).

 

She is all buttoned up and ready for a test ride......I sweated my butt off in the garage, drank 2 gallons of water in the last hour, lost 10 pounds, and haven't pee'ed once today.....a new record!

 

Here are a few pics....You may be asking why a Red diff....well red stuff goes faster....it's physics...look it up. Stay tuned over the next 10 years as I also swap the heads, cams, v-boost, and carbs. As I said it is a evolution, and I'm kind of lazy since I like riding more then turning wrenches. But someday she will be done!

 

[Black wing]

the diff is actually blue, its just moving really fast.

[cowpuc]

OPEN THE GATE AND GET THE WAYYYY,,, AZZI AND RIV COMIN OUTA CHUTE 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:guitarist 2:

:bikersmilie::checkeredflag:

 

Awesome Riv - glad to see your getting the project started inspite of the obvious handicap of !! = AZZI aint gonna know how to act with a V-MAX backside attached - LOOKS GREAT CHAMP!!

 

Your welcome on the parts deal Riv - they could not have landed in a more deserving set of hands!!

 

Your ol buddy

Puc

 

PS - THANK YOU again @Carbon_One for passing along those parts to me so I could pass em along to Riv = the tears of JOY are just FLOWING out of Riv

[Yammer Dan]

Mild ??? Brown Sugar cain't even spell Mild!! Did they make 2 different 86s??? I got a V-Max rear on the shelf. Skeered of it!!

Edited July 22, 2016 by Yammer Dan

[VanRiver]

Well, I found a donor-cycle today to help put a new "Heart" into AZZI. Being that I'm rather lazy and don't like being rushed on my projects, I decided to pickup a spare engine to do the V-Max upgrade on instead of using her current engine. That way I don't need to rip AZZI apart and miss out on riding her in the Arizona sun while I tinker with the engine upgrades. According to the title this 1986 vintage 1300cc motor has only 53,000 miles on it compared to the 200,000 miles that AZZI has on her current power plant. Looks like the Previous Owner had aspirations of making a naked stripped down Venture super cycle. But as many ambitions projects, he got to the stripping down part but not the building back up part.

 

I got this bike for a steal, and the PO even was kind enough to deliver to my house. So from a spare parts list I got the following:

 

1. 1300cc Engine

2. Full set of carbs (not in picture)

3. TCI and coils (supposedly working)

4. Wheels and rotors (tires are shot)

5. Forks with super brace

6. rear shock and venture diff

7. Frame and swing arm (tail part is chopped and will be trashed)

8. Exhaust manifold pipes and collector

9. Radiator and cooling pipes/hoses

10. Aftermarket risers, handelbars, and front light.

 

Another step closer on the journey. Now to tear her down and dispose of the frame and stuff I don't need before the wife gets too mad at me for bringing home "another piece of junk". She unfortunately doesn't appreciate the finer things in life, like motorcycle spare parts!

 

If anyone needs a Arizona Titled MKII frame let me know as I have no where to store it and will be scrap it otherwise, free if you come pick it up! (no shipping sorry).

 

[utadventure]

Van-

 

I have an '86 frame (salvage title) here in Utah. You can have it and then you can have two bikes! Take what you need to fix the parts bike you just got

[VanRiver]

Hey @utadventure, Thanks for the offer Buddy! If only we lived closer I would certainly consider it. My lovely wife would kill me if she saw another full Venture show up in the Garage! I'm currently hiding this parts bike under some blankets so she doesn't see it before I can rip it apart and hide the various parts around the garage!:no-no-no::no-no-no: I feel so naughty living life on the edge like that!:shock3:

 

How about you, would you like my frame so you can do the swap and get that bike back on the road?

[utadventure]

This is a frame ( I also have some miscellaneous parts) only but the power plant and drive system are long gone.

[cowpuc]

Well, I found a donor-cycle today to help put a new "Heart" into AZZI. Being that I'm rather lazy and don't like being rushed on my projects, I decided to pickup a spare engine to do the V-Max upgrade on instead of using her current engine. That way I don't need to rip AZZI apart and miss out on riding her in the Arizona sun while I tinker with the engine upgrades. According to the title this 1986 vintage 1300cc motor has only 53,000 miles on it compared to the 200,000 miles that AZZI has on her current power plant. Looks like the Previous Owner had aspirations of making a naked stripped down Venture super cycle. But as many ambitions projects, he got to the stripping down part but not the building back up part.

 

I got this bike for a steal, and the PO even was kind enough to deliver to my house. So from a spare parts list I got the following:

 

1. 1300cc Engine

2. Full set of carbs (not in picture)

3. TCI and coils (supposedly working)

4. Wheels and rotors (tires are shot)

5. Forks with super brace

6. rear shock and venture diff

7. Frame and swing arm (tail part is chopped and will be trashed)

8. Exhaust manifold pipes and collector

9. Radiator and cooling pipes/hoses

10. Aftermarket risers, handelbars, and front light.

 

Another step closer on the journey. Now to tear her down and dispose of the frame and stuff I don't need before the wife gets too mad at me for bringing home "another piece of junk". She unfortunately doesn't appreciate the finer things in life, like motorcycle spare parts!

 

If anyone needs a Arizona Titled MKII frame let me know as I have no where to store it and will be scrap it otherwise, free if you come pick it up! (no shipping sorry).

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]106428[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]106429[/ATTACH]

 

 

NOW WE'RE TALKING RIV!!!:dancefool::dancefool:

 

Sounds like an AWESOME deal brother - ya done GOOD!!!

[venturesome]

This is what I did to get rid of a spare swing arm, some worn out mower blades, rusty shovels, etc!

Edited July 24, 2016 by venturesome

[VanRiver]

Wow nice yard art @venturesome!!! Very creative, and looks great!

This is what I did to get rid of a spare swing arm, some worn out mower blades, rusty shovels, etc!

[snyper316]

This is what I did to get rid of a spare swing arm, some worn out mower blades, rusty shovels, etc!

 

Now that is a Shovel Head but could have swore you could ride a shovel head you forgot the motor lol

[VanRiver]

Had a visitor to the garage today. Our good friend @videoarizona took some time out from deck build and other "Retirement" duties to come see AZZI and have a great chat over lunch. He also came bearing gifts too! Thanks David for the Windshields, much appreciated buddy!

 

Here are some pics:

 

 

Videoarizona is a real CLASS act! (only first gen Venture guys will get that joke!)

[venturesome]

My '84 aint got no CLASS!

[videoarizona]

Welcome James! Thank you for the SuperBrace and lunch! I love that last picture... the shock was whispering in my ear that she hopes you will install her in Azzi as she can't wait to pull wheelies with that VMax motor!! She misses her motor cousin!!

 

I forgot! @cowpuc .... Thanks for the "hi". The "Best" back at you!

Edited July 25, 2016 by videoarizona

[cowpuc]

GREAT 's RIV!!!

 

I see you guys found a way to distract your lovely bride from the fresh outcropping of "viral matrimonial endangrial partiteous" that is occurring in your garage.. Having a good spirited lop eared fellow Venture owner varmint like Vaz stop by and be found by her listening to your shocks air line and then be seen talking back into it while your bride walks past - YOU TWO VARMINTS ARE BRILLIANT,,, the PERFECT distraction = "Honey,, there's a guy standing in our garage having a conversation with your motorcycle:hihi:" is FAR superior to "WHAT DID YOU DO NOW?:buttkick:" !!!

Gotta remember that one Riv and Vaz!!! You two partners in grime are my kinda varmints!

 

PS - wish I coulda been there to supply massively superior supervisional instruction on the motor removal (never did it - have no clue) and supplied you both with ice cream (now THAT I have some experience in)

 

PS/PS - SHARP 79 XL250 in the background - PERFECT emergency escape vehicle if a brother like David doesnt make it over in time!! Guy can have a TON of fun on one of those classics!! "hills n trees n flowers n bee's all lookin like a picture post card,,,, get yourself a Honda,, = from mighty to mini = Honda had it all (cept for a bike that would run with a 1st Gen Venture:guitarist 2:).. Seriously - 560 Chin Shin full knob on the back of that puppy, 2 down on the front sprocket and it WILL climb walls and wheelie like gravity went on vacation

 

Great you two got together - THANKS FOR SHARING WITH US!

Puc

[cowpuc]

Welcome James! Thank you for the SuperBrace and lunch! I love that last picture... the shock was whispering in my ear that she hopes you will install her in Azzi as she can't wait to pull wheelies with that VMax motor!! She misses her motor cousin!!

 

I forgot! @cowpuc .... Thanks for the "hi". The "Best" back at you!

 

Sup Vaz!! Thanks for the get back!! How far from Riv do you live brother? Is he toward Jerome from your house or other direction? Is that your scoot your standing behind or is that AZZI? GOOD LOOKING MACHINE EITHER WAY!!

[VanRiver]

Hey @cowpuc, yup that is my pretty gal AZZI that David is standing behind...my $250 bike shined up pretty nice IMHO!

 

@videoarizona has a beautiful Blue 1989 Venture Royale that I have yet to meet in person. Too hot here to ride long distances so I'm hoping AZZI can meet his 89 during the Christmas Arizona riding season! Hey @videoarizona, I forgot to ask, does your 89 have a name? I feel kind of awkward just calling it David's "89"....feels kind of disrespectful to the bike!. If not, Puc is one of the best bike namers in North America...maybe even the world!!

 

By the way, my parts bike (although not long for this world) was officially named "Maxine".......as her motor will be the recipient of all your v-max upgrade parts......I know, not as creative as an official @cowpuc bike name, but still fitting for my parts bike! Put the 2 bikes together and you will have AZZI-Max!

Is that your scoot your standing behind or is that AZZI? GOOD LOOKING MACHINE EITHER WAY!!

[videoarizona]

Sup Vaz!! Thanks for the get back!! How far from Riv do you live brother? Is he toward Jerome from your house or other direction?

 

Welcome! I live about 150 miles south of @Van River. He is toward Jerome in the West side of Phoenix.

 

I am committed to bring the 89 Beastie up to Phoenix one of these days when it's cooler so @Van River and I can ride together. Maybe a nice breakfast ride to Wickenburg!

May not happen until Christmas vacation... But we will do this! P

The Pucster did give me a name for the 89, but she rejected it. She likes Blue Beastie, but I'm not sure I do. Guess I should let her have her way, she has been very good to me!

[VanRiver]

Well, I would like to request a moment of silence in memory of my parts bike "Maxine". She has left this world and gone to Mother Yamaha's big dealership in the sky.

 

All parts have been stripped and the frame has been cut up and disposed of. The good news, her spirit will live on in the donor engine and many parts she will be contributing to AZZI.

 

During the teardown I have 2 primary observations:

 

1. Darn those Venture motors are heavy beasts! Ever try to lift one all by yourself to get it on an engine stand? Well I have! Anyway, after a lot of rolling around on the floor I finally got it up on the stand (needed to use my brains rather then brawn since I'm too cheap to buy a hoist!).

 

2. Wow those frames are made of thin wall tubing, I was expecting heavy wall pipe to hold these highway tearing monsters together! It took only a couple of minutes with a sawzall and the frame was in bite size pieces! My hat is off to those Yamaha engineers and the men and women that welded those frames and assembled all those bits and pieces to make these bikes back in the 1980's.

 

Well ladies and gentlemen let the motor teardown and V-Max head swap begin!!!

 

[videoarizona]

Yikes! I forgot to remind you to get the VIN for @Prairiehammer! Hope you remembered....cause I sure didn't!

Apologies....

Edited July 27, 2016 by videoarizona

[VanRiver]

Hey @videoarizona

 

Thanks for the reminder, but I'm already one step ahead of ya..."Maxine's" details have already been sent over to Mr. Prariehammer and she is registered in the Database.

 

Thanks again Buddy!

[cowpuc]

Yaohzy - having bucoo phone line problems - things keeps going gazzzzeeeeaaahhhoooozzziip - got the phone company repair dudes coming but cant be here till 8/2,, will have to make this short and see if I can get it to take!! Missing a LOT of phone calls too - get about a half a ring and it stops.. All started at last HUGE thunderstorm.. Thing even self dialed 911 - came home the other night and neighbors said the Police had been at our place..

Anyway - LOOKING AWESOME THERE RIV!!! Soooo exciting and fun!! That AZZI-MAX is gonna be a real shweeet heart!!

[VanRiver]

Well, started testing the Donor engine today to see what I have to work with, and make sure all is good when it comes to the bottom end of the motor which I will be using for this V-Max upgrade project.

 

So I got some good news and some bad news:

 

Good news is, she cranks over real easy and smooth. Has a good 4 brush starter already installed and no starter clutch issues, and cranks over nice and fast with a battery on the engine stand. No bad noises or hard rotation issues. Yippie!

 

Bad news, looks like we have some compression issues on 2 Cylinders.....But I think they are Head and Valve related rather then Ring or Cylinder related which is cool since I'm replacing the heads anyway with the V-Max stuff.

 

So this is what my cheap Harbor Freight Compressions tester told me:

 

Cylinder #1 (Left Rear): Dry Test: 105psi Wet Test: 120psi

Cylinder #2 (Left Front): Dry Test: 180psi Wet Test: 210psi

Cylinder #3 (Right Rear): Dry Test: 170psi Wet Test: 210psi

Cylinder #4 (Right Front): Dry Test: 60psi Wet Test: 75psi

 

So based on my novice knowledge and the compression numbers from my cheap "made in china" tester done dry and wet (oil added to the piston and cylinder), my assumptions are:

 

1. NOT due to a head gasket failure as the 2 low compression cylinders are not sharing the same cylinder bank (aka are not connected to each other).

2. NOT due to a broken Ring or worn cylinder as the Wet test numbers increased basically at the same rate for all cylinders so the oil did not significantly help seal the compression leak.

3. IS most likely due to an intake or exhaust valve not sealing properly which is causing compression to be lost. I haven't taken the valve covers off yet, but this could even have to do with the Valve adjustment being significantly off rather something more major like a bent valve etc...I hope anyway since this engine supposedly only has 57,000 miles on it.

 

Unfortunately I don't have a leak down tester here at my garage in Arizona to specifically pinpoint the assumed valve issue....but since I'm ditching the Venture heads all together anyway I don't think it would add much value trying to troubleshoot this any further. I think I should open this engine up and get the new V-max heads installed and see what numbers I get from there.

 

Do you experts agree or have I possibly missed something in my evaluation?

[videoarizona]

James,

 

I'm not an expert with valves but your logic and conclusions do sound good to me.

 

To me though, the next step would be to check the valves anyway then take the heads off...just to see where you are at with old heads? That seems like the next logical step. Be good to know where you are at with old heads and to write down what shims you have in those heads for future reference.

 

Or, as you suggested, just move on to VMax heads and check those valves?

 

I'm inclined to say...check old heads first...you are already 3/4 of way there...

 

My .02!

 

Now to try and find where my first leak is coming from on my 05 RSV...sigh...always something!

Edited July 29, 2016 by videoarizona
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