just purchased 1st generation Venture

[ScottB]

I just purchased a 1988 venture that is in good shape and only has 42K miles on the speedo. I have been browsing this site with great interest picking up as many tips and info as I can find. I do have a few questions, I just checked my gas mileage and I am getting 28 mpg. Is this normal for back road riding where I am running in the 2500-3500 RPM range? I have not been " jumping " on the throttle as I am still getting used to this style of bike. This is a big adjustment from the sport bikes! I also notice a slight " wobble" from the front end when making a slow sharp turn. Is this something the aftermarket fork brace will handle? If so anyone have one for sale? I have the factory service manual for this bike and it calls for 20-40 oil. I am going to change the oil in the near future any recomended oil brand to use? I do notice a bit of noise from the tranny gears when sitting at an idle, Is this normal as well? I am thinking a synthetic oil might be a good choice, your comments? Sorry for all the questions but like I said this is a new style bike for me that is very different from all my previous rides. I really enjoy taking this bike out for a cruise as it is so comfortable and I do get many " what kind of bike is that? questions.

Any information that you can provide me with would be very much appreciated.

 

Thanks, Scott

[GigaWhiskey]

28 mpg is not normal for this bike, you should be getting around 40mpg. You could need a carb sync and you might have some vacuum leaks around the carbs. It is possible that you need new diaphrams. Those can easily be checked for pinholes.

 

The low speed wobble could be related to a cupped front tire or you are getting fork flex that a superbrace or condorbrace could resolve. Check the tire for low pressure and cupping first. It is possible that the head bearing need to be retightened.

 

The engine oil type should not be energy conserving. This labeling can be found on the back of the bottle. Do a search on this site for Rotella. On those threads you will see what people choose to use and why.

 

Changing the oil might resolve the engine noise but it could also be the clutch slightly engaging. Could also need some work on the clutch basket parts.

 

References to your bike are 1st Gen and MKII. MKI's are the 83-85 models. Just so you know.

 

Keep searching this site for questions to be answered and do not be afraid to ask any questions. This is not just a motorcycle site, it is a family. Attend a Meet and Eat (M&E) and/or Rally in your area and get to know some of the other members around where you live. Generally, we are all willing to help in ways you cannot imagine!

 

Glad you joined, enjoy your stay.

[Captain Murph]

Welcome, Scott:

 

Once you get some more miles under your belt, you will certainly understand why the First Gen Ventures have such a rabidly loyal following.

 

Everyone will probably chime in with tips, but here are a couple of observations.

 

I've always used 10W40 in the fall/winter and switched to 20W50 in the summer. I've always used old Dino oil (usually Penzoil or Castrol GTX). I've never made the switch to synthetics on anything (gotta be a throwback to the past in some areas) and have had nearly 50,000 miles on my '86 with no noticeable engine wear evidence in the oil pan chip detector.

 

Handling depends quite a bit on the type of tires, wear and tire pressures. I normally always run 40 in the rear and 34-36 in the front with Dunlop Elite II (F) or III ®. If you have a wobble, it might be cupping wear on the front tire or simply low pressure. I doubt that the fork brace will have much effect.

 

I'd say that your mileage is a tad on the low side - particularly the way you desribe use. If the bike has been sitting much in the past few years, I'd run a good fuel system cleaner through in the next few tankfulls. Make sure you don't add too much; one of the typical automotive bottles should be good for about 4 tanks.

 

These are great bikes and, while they may seem huge and complex, the combined knowledge of our compaderies here will make any knowlege challenge quite easy.

 

Enjoy. Don't hesitate to ask. That's why we're all here.

 

Murph'

[KingSizer]

I will not answer any of your questions until you have posted some pictures.

There are rules ya know...:big-grin-emoticon:

 

 

and congratulations on your purchase...

[GigaWhiskey]

I will not answer any of your questions until you have posted some pictures.

There are rules ya know...:big-grin-emoticon:

 

 

and congratulations on your purchase...

 

 

Whoops, my bad. Need pictures please:big-grin-emoticon:

[sgn]

Get some - lets all say it together - Seafoam!

 

dose the bike with abouthalf a can and enjot a short ride. If you can restrain yourself let it sit for a day or so and then ride!

 

Don't worry about using to much seafoam - if the bike smokes it will stop as the Seafoan gets burned away.

 

I have found with my 83 that air pressure in the tires is the most important thing to control the wobble - my front was down to 25 psi and it wobbled lie a drunk with a cane.

 

This forum is the best source of info on these bikes.

 

Take some time and get to no yours, work out the little things and you will find for a bike that weighs in at nearly 800 pounds these things rock with the best of them!

 

When you have questions or problems the folks here are always glad to help.

 

Ride safe, ride happy!

Steve

[MikeM8560]

28 mpg is low. Im getting 46

 

need :photographing:s

[Gearhead]

From LondonGreg's table, average seems to be mid-high 30's for mileage.

 

I use Castrol GTX 20-50. Many use Rotella T 15-40.

 

Mine has a front wobble during tight turns too. By tight I mean doing a u-turn in a parking lot. The bars oscillate a little. That sensation has endured a new tire, greasing the head bearings, Progressive springs and a fork brace. Mine also has a tankslapper-type wobble in the front, worst at 30-40 mph. BUT - it only happens if I take my hands off the bars, so I just don't do that! It has also persisted thru the above work, but the new tire reduced it greatly.

 

Jeremy

[ScottB]

Thanks for all the replies! I know I have to post some pictures, I was hoping you would bend the rules a bit for a new member of the family:fingers-crossed-emo I know rules are rules and as soon as I figure out how to post a pic I will get a few posted.

 

My front tire is a Dunlop K177F with only 600 miles on it and no signs of cupping. The rear is a Dunlop D404 and is new as well, 200 Miles. The previous owner ran 32-35 Psi in both front and rear, I was running 40 PSI in the rear and 32Psi in the front. I will bump up the front tire to 34-36 Psi and see if that helps.

 

Here is a test I did the other day. I put the bike on the centerstand and locked the forks. I went to the side of the front tire and grabbed it at the 3 and 9 O'Clock position, I then tried to turn the wheel left and right. In doing this I can see a slight flex in the forks in the area of the brace. I am going to go over all the fork bolts to verify that all is tightened properly.

 

The only time I notice the wobble is in a tight turn such as a 90 Degree. Riding in and out of my work driveway ( 2b stone) is a treat also, Front end wants to go all over.

 

I will pick up the Seafoam.

 

Thanks, Scott

 

Scott

[Dano]

Scott B.

 

 

 

Where's the pics?????????????????

 

Dan

[ScottB]

The moment you all have been waiting for....... I Just added a picture to my profile. Now I am going to get a can of seafoam and go for a ride.

 

Scott

[PBJ]

Welcome home Scott .I just bought an 85 and the guys and gals here have all been great. Good advice , friendly invitations to meet and eats and rides galor wherever more than two members gather. Our bikes my be old but they're still Stars or Yamahas or whatever they call them now. Welcome.

[GigaWhiskey]

From here that is nice looking scoot!

[ScottB]

Just to let everybody know I put in 1/2 can of seafoam and went for a 50 mile ride, I thought the throttle response was pretty good before but I find it much more responsive now. I am going to be busy for the next two days and will not have time to ride the bike, this will give the seafoam a chance to work while it sits.

 

Next week I will take a few more pics and post them in my album.

 

Scott

[BradT]

Congratulations, welcome and you can post pictures in the threads as well. I would run a another tank of gas with Seafoam, it won'd hurt.

 

Brad

[Dano]

Good lookin' ride there, Scott. Take care of her and she'll take care of you!

 

Dan