BlueSky

Try a Suzuki. They don't have super high resale value and they last. Or a Mazda, Mitsubishi, or an old Ford Escort/Focus.

Car oils that are sold as "synthetic" are Group III dino oil and I would bet that it is the same with motorcycle oils. They may have some real synthetic such as PAO blended in. You can swap back and forth, mix them, it doesn't matter. I would stick with the JASO spec oil whatever you use.

I have a personal philosophy of not buying anything from axxholes! I think it has served me well over the years.

The gear on the end of the cable at the wheel is usually plastic. I'd check that even though the cable is turning when you push it. I haven't checked the VR but that is the way my Kawasaki is.

Please, always tell us what you are riding and how many miles are on it if it is a mechanical problem.

Actually, I think that must be the satellite radio antenna! Or maybe the transmitter antenna that allows the IRS/CIA/FBI/NSA to track my every move on the bike!

I checked the choke linkage and all of the enrichment plungers were all the way in. I just assumed there were butterfly valves somewhere too. Wrong! I've got some education in front of me. I rebuilt my Kawasaki carbs but it sounds like they were simple compared to these. Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it. How far do I have to tear down the bike to set the float levels? Also how do I check the coasting enrichment diaphragms? Thanks Again!

I did some looking at my suspected rich condition by checking the choke. all 4 appear to be completely open judging by the linkage. I previously confirmed that the pilot screws were one turn off the seat. I then removed the air filter and looked down into the carbs with the engine running. All 4 sliders appear to be working properly. With the air filter off, I got a slight backfire on one carb when I closed the throttle quickly. I assume this is normal with the filter off. The engine didn't appear to be putting out any unburned gasoline running it this way. The air filter was an Emgo and was a little dirty. Could the filter be restricting air flow enough to cause a rich condition? I don't think this is the problem because it responds to the throttle on the road really well. Makes me smile! The search continues.

I looked at my VR battery and charged it and I see this wire dangling with a coil on the end. Does anybody know what it was supposed to do/be? http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/RR322/YamahaVenture003_zps4dda9a92.jpg

I didn't see any mention of price! I know I can't afford it according to my wife anyway!

The Wing is the ultimate two-seater touring bike in my opinion. Can't blame you a bit for buying one. I looked long and hard at used wings in the 2001 up style but decided I wasn't serious enough to spend that kind of money. Besides, I love the style of the Gen 1 Ventures and Puc and many others have proven you can't wear them out!

What about a seat cushion? Maybe one of those gel cushions? I have not tried one, so I don't know what I am talking about.

I got tossed out after 20+ years when the company downsized. They picked on the 20 yr people who were going to get good pensions if they stayed. Anyway, I have been working temporary contract jobs ever since. It was a blessing in disguise. I have enjoyed the contract jobs more than being direct. They have been more challenging, interesting and more lucrative with a lot less politics. I was divorced at first and that frees you up. Then I re-married and it's a little more inconvenient. But, I never had any thoughts of going direct again. Life has been and is good!

Just for fun, make sure the battery cables are tight!

Glad you had a safe trip even though it was a little troubled. Post more photos if you can. We will enjoy immensely! What tires did you have trouble with, I mean brand and model? Thanks

Thanks for allowing us to enjoy the fantastic trip with you and Tippy! You guys are doers, not talkers!!! Willie Nelson had better watch out! You'll be taking over his job!

There were several of these the same brand on Amazon with different prices. The one I posted a link to was the most powerful and most expensive. I think they fit any bike because they are much smaller than the conventional battery. They come with spacers to fill up the box. Supposedly they are good down to 14 degrees F, which is good enough for the southern crowd. The weight savings normally would not matter but considering where the battery is located, that would be the place it might matter a tad by reducing some top heavy weight. I was wondering if anyone had tried one.

I'm looking for a new battery and the Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries seem to have advantages in CCA that might help start a Gen 1 with 2 brush starter. What do you guys think? [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-BTL35A480C-Lithium-Phosphate/dp/B00F9LPL5E/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1404786170&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=Battery+1989+Yamaha+Venture+Royal]Amazon.com: Battery Tender BTL35A480C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Aw0QgaO4L.@@AMEPARAM@@51Aw0QgaO4L[/ame]

I wish you a safe and bike reliable trip! We will all be anxious for a full report when you finish the ride!

Arthur's eye is a few miles east of Wilmington right now. It hasn't been that bad. We didn't get a whole lot of rain and the wind hasn't been too bad either. When you are on the north side or east side of a hurricane is when you really get hammered.

Now they are predicting it will be a category 2 soon by the time it passes my home in Wilmington, NC. We have had 4 direct hits from the hurricanes since I have been living here (20yrs). The worst was a cat 3. I was so lucky in the past not even losing a shingle from my roof. Others were not so fortunate though. They always tear the beaches up, especially the outer banks. It looks like I will be okay this time with the storm center off the coast when it goes by.

Hi, I live in Wilmington. I unfortunately went back to work (I thought I was retired!) and I'm home for 3 day weekends now. I want to change out my starter for a 4 brush that I have in hand and I'll be ready to ride my new to me 89 Venture Royale. I hope to get the starter replacement done this weekend. Bill White

This is probably not your problem. But, the hemi engine will drop a valve seat if it runs hot. Otherwise it is bullet proof. And I just read on the LX forum about a guy who has over 300k miles on his 3.5 V6. So, if would appear to be a great engine.

Sounds like the pilot jets are plugged. Just guessing. Maybe it needs a carb rebuild. I would put a bottle of cleaner in the tank. Everybody recommends seafoam. I've used Valvoline complete fuel system cleaner in one of my bikes with success. I think I would use gumout with regane on the label. Walking that much you won't have to worry about your cholesterol level!

On the Kawasaki forum, a FJR1300 owner said he used Rotella and had samples checked and it didn't last long at all. He switched to another brand that held up much better. The only way you know for sure what oil holds up is to get samples checked at the lab.