New Venture Owner......"newbie" questions

[VentureDude]

I am lucky enough to have "inherited" a 1980's Yamaha Venture from a customer as payment for work done. That being said, I am new to Yamaha's and haven't been an active rider for a few years so this is a new adventure. I would like to transform this into a custom cruiser and need some help with basic and maybe silly questions.

How do I determine the exact model and in fact year ? Once found are there any suggestions for repair or build manuals ?

Thank anyone in advance for some guidance, I'm pretty psyched about my new hobby and I'm glad to have found/joined this site !!!

The Dude Abides

[OrlinEngh]

Welcome to the site, And you have came to the right place to ask questions there is a lot of knowledge on the Ventures here so don't be afraid to ask.

I have asked my share of questions and have always got a answer.

Orlin

[van avery]

Would be good to post picture if you can.

Look on the right side of the bike below the brake pedal on the tube frame there should be a white tag with the vin number and the date of manufacture. 83 -85 are generation 1 mark 1's and then they are generation 1 Mark II's.

Welcome to the site.

[bongobobny]

Yup!! Look for the white sticker on the frame below the engine for the "born on" date and the serial number!

 

Welcome aboard and for sure we will answer any of your questions, and sometimes it will even be the right answer!!!

[M61A1MECH]

Here is one place to start, plug your VIN into the decoder and it should answer some of your questions.

http://www.cyclepedia.com/motorcycle-vin-decoder/

[cowpuc]

to VR Dude!!!

 

Congrats on the new scoot and all the very best as you sort it out (with our help when needed) and make it your own!! Would LOVE to see some pics of your journey to do so if your so inclined!! Got a few lop eared varmints around this joint who LOVE looking at pictures so dont be hesitant to post em:big-grin-emoticon:

Hope you enjoy the site!!!

[VentureDude]

Thank you all for your enthusiasm and helpful comments. I will post pics as I see fit, this though will be a long, slow, deliberate custom build....., be patient !