New to me

[Uthred]

Ok so I went and I guess dove off the deep end and bought 3 bikes, all 1986 ventures. 1 is rideable, 1 has a problem in the tranny or U joint and 1 is a parts bike. Does anyone have any recomendations on what issues to look for on these bikes, for example what are the main issues with these bikes? Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Thanks in advance

Rob

[BlueSky]

Typical issues are things like the spark plug wires corrode at the plug cap and probably at the coils. Snipping off a bit of copper core wire to get rid of the green stuff might fix it.

 

The clutch slave cylinder tends to leak and may need replacing.

 

The speedometer need lubing occasionally.

 

The fuse box is something that most owners replace.

 

Go to the Gen 1 tech section and do some reading.

[Prairiehammer]

Well, the 1986 model year (and later) of the Venture was pretty much trouble free.

I can't recall any intrinsic or systemic issues with the 1300 Venture.

Final drive, transmission, and engine were all good.

 

Since you are in Canada, perhaps you could provide me with the VIN of your three 1986's. The US only got 1986 Venture Royales, while Canada got 1986 Standard Ventures and Venture Royales.

https://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?89793-Seeking-1983-1993-VIN-for-a-comprehensive-database

[Marcarl]

Depending on what was done already I suppose, but here goes.

Get a new one!!!! No NO NO!!! don't do that, these bikes are awesome and you now have 3,,, wow!!

A 1986 and you're not sure what needs to be done.

So

Carb diaphragms and sync

Swing arm should have grease zerks, otherwise it's wise to install and make sure of the bearings.

Rear wheel pins and seals

Brake calipers and fluid change.

Steering head grease and adjustment.

Battery connections and updated fuse box

Shaft drive greased at both ends.

Lube center stand and kick stand, check kickstand bolt for breakage, bending and looseness.

Flush the cooling system, and check all the hoses.

Lube throttle linkage. There are 2 sections, upper and lower. They split at the cruise controller.

That should keep you busy for a night or 2.

 

Want some help or company, give a shout.

[Prairiehammer]

Shaft drive greased at both ends.

 

The rear spline on the 1986 should not be greased. It is lubricated by final drive oil.

Greasing the rear spline on the 1986-1993 may plug the oil holes and prevent final drive oil from lubing the spline.

[Marcarl]

The rear spline on the 1986 should not be greased. It is lubricated by final drive oil.

Greasing the rear spline on the 1986-1993 may plug the oil holes and prevent final drive oil from lubing the spline.

OK, I will stand corrected, thanks!!

[Patch]

All good points, check compression carefully is a good place to start.

And try to check every plug connector and there are many; use a spay lube to open the tough ones. That was a problem on mine.

[jfman]

Overall solid bike and the 1986 doesnt ahve the 2nd gear issue.

 

My advice to you is that before you tear into the carbs(and you likely will), arm yourself with patience, knowledge and some money for parts.

 

And because the carbs are a decent job. and youll ahve the bike apart, it will be a good time to check adjust valves and replace the valve cover gaskets and the intake boot orings.

 

All will be time consuming but feasable.