SpencerPJ

I like the RS with a fairing, and bags, and trunk for overnighters. I wish the trunk came off with lock and key, like my 83.

I'm considering upgrading my 83 to a more current model, say 07 or later. I like that my 83 trunk comes off, because I generally ride it locally as a cruiser. My question is: On second gens, do the trunks unlock and come off easily? Thanks

Harbor Freight jack worked great. Definitely buy straps to stabilize it.

Thanks Puc, I feel the same way. Appreciate it. Off to HF tomorrow.

So I've read many posts on jacking up these beasts, seems to be many opinions. I'm looking to buy the Harbor Freight model 61632 http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-capacity-atvmotorcycle-lift-61632.html My question is: Is it safe (for the bike) to jack up directly on the exhaust, or should I make some wood block modifications to contact frame? I need to take rear wheel off and grease stuff, and I'd like to have it to assist moving into corner in winter, but not going to use but a few times a year, tops. Thanks

Well, Sold before I get take a look at it. Bummer Appreciate the 2 cents from all. I am stewing over this, but my 83 has issues when it's wet outside, I need to replace the TCI and remount it. With 30k on it, 2nd gear will go in the future, and I'm not savvy enough to dig that deep into a bike repair, and would rather sell it prior to the issue. Having said this, it sure would be cheaper to throw a couple Gs at the bike and make it a long term perfect bike. I'll wait for the right deal, or keep enjoying the 83. If anyone comes across a 2nd Gen great deal in Indy area, let me know. Thanks

Thanks all. There's just not much around in good shape, with Fairing, at that price. I plan to look at it next week, gone for the weekend. Trust me, I'll start low with cash in pocket. Maybe he wants it gone.

Would I be able to see that shock leaking by just looking under rear end, or would I need to take something off?

I'm debating trading up my 83 Venture. She runs fine, just an 83, a little cautious to ride over 100 miles, I picked it up a couple years ago, didn't realize what kinda great bike it was. Have some spare cash (little), and just not feeling shake of a Harley. Love any of your advise on the attached link here close by Indy. Thanks http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/5217674565.html

Oh all places, I found the exact SS screws at Menards, and modified a screwdriver with the grinder, and got the screws out. AMEN

Ok, that's what I thought. Thanks Jeff, I'll let a bit more out and carry a wrench.

I'll just be honest. Last year I topped off my Brake Fluid, all was fine. Recently I had noticed front brake pads, very thin, so today I changed them out. Prior to compressing the pistons, I tried to remove reservoir cap, and both screws are crap, I tried a hand impact, I'm too afraid I will break reservoir, and screws are crap. I know I need to drill them and fix with some SS screws as Dingy has once posted. I also know I need JIS screwdrivers for future projects. My question is? I loosened a bleeder screw and let little bit of the fluid out that way. I have all back together, brakes work great, but my sight glass does not show ANY air at the top. What would be the downside of an overfilled reservoir. Will 'heat' and expansion be an issue? I know I need to correctly fix, But I'd like to put off for a fall/winter project. Any comments would be appreciated, thx

Thanks for info syscrusher, I will keep this in mind, a winter project. I took for 10 mi. ride again today after cleaning and inspecting Fuseblock. Ran fine. I'm not sure I didn't get some moisture in TCI, maybe even the radical humidity we are suffering right now in IN.,

Thanks for the info. I certainly will dig into the fusebox issue better first, replacement seems to be in order, prior to TCI troubleshooting. If it leads me to TCI, I'm sure I'll be back

Fuse block seems in tac, perfect condition. I checked that when I had battery out.

83 has developed a sporadic issue. Few days ago, went to start, and it simply turned over, no start. Turned key off, pondered a minute, turned key on, and viola, it started, ran fine. Concerned, I took battery out, cleaned and made sure everything seemed snug and plugged in. Today, Started and ran fine. I was out and about, running fine, and all the sudden, died, dead, had to coast to side of road. Turned key off, pondered a minute, turned key on, and viola, started right up and ran home. Bike runs great when running. It sure seems like a lack of spark issue, but a mechanic I am not. Any suggestions?

Ya, I'll start with the connectors, I was hoping others may have had the exact problem and possible solution.

I have stock 83 Venture, 24k miles, and the last couple rides (not always), after sitting maybe a week, when I turn the key, sometimes I do not hear fuel pump click (prime). Today, I did not hear it, started it, it acted like it was starving for gas, I turned it off, key back on, heard maybe 10 clicks (fuel pump) started right up, ran fine all day. So, does this sound like my fuel pump is starting to go bad? OR should I be looking at something else?

I had issues once, and the most simple sure way is: Loosen Reservoir lid, squeeze clutch lever slowly until all the way to bars, tie off with rope, and let sit overnight. All the air will naturally come out. Tighten reservoir lid, untie lever, and you should be go to go.

I would pull the hoses on each side of fuel pump. That would drain the tank for sure, and most of the lines to the carbs

I had a similar leak looked for solution many times. You'll love this, stuff a rag in from backside. Lasted a whole season, then I started smelling oil, changed rag and viola. Call me what you want, it's not fixed, but I don't have a drip every time on my garage any longer.

I had a similar issue, I dropped my front tire pressure down to 32, rode for a 100 miles, back up to 38 and all is good. I find 40 a bit too high.

I've looked at the mods, Dingys extra wire etc. All seem great. I'm hoping to afford a 4 brush, the consensus is do it... We have a local cycle recycle in the city, hope to find one there. Actually Yammer Dan has a great question, does anyone know? Looking at the links Michel sent, there seems to be a Phillips screw in the side of the 4 brush, ???

I wondered the same about snowmobile starter, they look similar. I did snug connection on starter, seems better, still is not right. Since it has not actually failed me yet, and I am a big guy and tried a push starter in case it ever does, and it fired very easy, I'm holding off unless necessary. Tight on funds right now. I actually feel my connection issue on the starter is the primary issue, and I plan to take off and mess with it in the fall so if I break it, I can replace with a 4 brush starter.

I've replaced my battery this spring and everything was fine. Now I get the dreaded hot (no start, or maybe a slow drag and start). I've cleaned cables, tightened all. Added an additional ground, but when I mess with power wire at starter, the whole mess (stud and all) turns and I'm afraid of breaking. I'm considering just buying a replacement 2nd Gen starter, as others suggest. I can not seem to find anything reasonable on the net, or ebay, and I'm not sure what P/N I should buy. (I have an 83). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thanks