CaseyJ955

That is an amazing gift indeed! When you say Riches do you mean Riches cust upholstery? I had a Triumph Sprint seat done there back when I lived in Seattle if it's the same place, excellent results and yea, not cheap and was an all day affair. I cant recall what suburb he was in but it was a little ways out of Seattle proper. I have not returned to the Pacific Northwest since I moved out in 05 and as I recall he requires the backside to be present for the seat to be made right.

That is one comfy looking seat! When I get strange electrical symptoms on any vehicle I go straight to grounds, I hope the updates sort it out.

Its true. I can see how my Vmax experience and things I have taken from the other board will lend nicely to getting this Venture dialed in. Thinking that the tuning experience should be valuable but I'm still going to have to read about float levels and jetting/needles. I know I mentioned it before but the Synth imp ps/at fluid with the progressives in the Vmax seems perfect, it feels like a modern road bike instead of an outdated pig, when I got that bike it was also nervous, harsh and jittery. I'm confident and anxious to get the same treatment on the Venture. What we should do is fish for someone thats not doing the springs, but only the oil and see what results the oil alone yield. I considered just doing that in the name of science but I really have to get this sorted so I can take a trip before the weather turns, the tourists are going home and I always loved to go to MT through Tetons/Yellowstone outside peak season and continue my hunt for a cheap rural fixer upper house to retire in. I'll post my results in a new or existing fork thread so that someone searching for the information can find it. I cant thank you guys enough for all the information in finding the starting point for tires and fork parts.

He said that it does vary from brand to brand and that the MSDS info would be more specific on a brand. I downloaded the MSDS sheet for the Valvoline and I dont see any wt specification but it has plenty of other information. I'll search around later and see if I can find the info, I would like to know. I'm not sure I would feel the difference but anything less than 10wt would seem a little light to me but I have yet to experiment with to many different wts on different steeds.

I asked Morley about the synthetic import PS or ATF fluid wt, he confirmed that it ranges between 7-10wt and that MSDS info can shed more light on it. Just thought I would throw that in in case anyone else is thinking about using it. It's right where I want to be so I'm using it when I install the progressives.

Thats exactly what I needed to know to get the parts ordered, didnt realize it was a piston for the lower. Just placed the order, seals, covers, slides and pistons all shipped for under $160, not to shabby for OEM stuff. I plan to leave the anti-dive solenoids alone for now, they seem to function as they should. On the ATF as fork oil, I got the idea on the Vmax board from Sean Morley (Highly respected tech and vendor). He said any FULLY synthetic ATF or PS fluid specifically for import cars. He was very clear about specifying the import part. I ended up using this. http://www.valvoline.com/our-products/automatic-transmission-products/import-multi-vehicle-automatic-transmission-fluid I couldnt find any wt info on this but from searching around synth ATF seems to be around 7.5 -10w. I did that at the same time I did Progressives and the difference was night and day on the Vmax. As it was explained to me the beneffit of using this instead of traditional fork oil is that it's much easier on the seals and the fluid lasts considerably longer. I'll see if I cant find out specifically what wt this oil is, I would prefer to err on the side of soft than too firm. I'll update if I can find the specific wt info for this oil, I will make some effort to use the lightest suitable oil to keep it less jarring on bad roads.

I really need to soften it up, my driveway has parts that are badly washboarded, aside from some of the off the beaten path places I end up when I tour, I better set her up for poor road conditions to minimize vibration and trauma to the bike over crappy surfaces. Maybe better to use a 10w, I really dont know how the Synth PS fluid compares wt wise. I'll ask Morley and put the info here in case any readers are interested. The advantage I have heard is that the fork seals and fluid both last quite a long time.

The guy at the bike shop said it was wall height difference. I figure unless I can save a decent chunk I'll go for the E3, or E4 if thats all they have and take it in the size listed as OEM. I might as well use something tried and true rather than something designed specifically for a Harley.

I bookmarked yamahapartshouse, looks like a valuable site on many levels. I'll try boats.net now, I went to a stealership today and got some part numbers and prices for my gen 1.2 dust covers, seals and All Balls head bearing kit but only upper bushings, they say they dont see any lowers on these forks. Prices are only marginally cheaper for this stuff on Ebay. I try and support local business if their prices arent out of line but I cant ignore a big savings. Have any of you guys used synthetic foreign car power steering/transmission fluid in the forks? It's a thing a lot of Vmax guys are doing and it's working quite well on mine. EDIT: Boats.net shows only list one metal slide per side. Is this her? It's about half price of the dealer for this item and cheaper enough on the rest I'll just order it from them once I know if this is the bushing in question or not. http://www.boats.net/parts/detail/yamaha/Y-3JJ-23125-00-00.html Thanks. [h=2]METAL, SLIDE 1[/h]3JJ-23125-00-00

Has anyone tried the American Elite tires? I can buy them locally and I guess they are a dual compound tire, they look and feel similar to the Dunlop E3. We have a local bike shop that charges $25 a wheel to mount and balance if the wheel is off, regardless of where I purchase them.

Super fun bikes, I have learned a ton about tuning them and have done just about everything to this one including paint/clear coat. You can find gen1 vmaxes for even less than that but watch out for 2nd gear on the earlier models, same issue some of the Ventures For $3400 it should be pretty nice, I have seen them in the ~$2500 range in fairly decent shape. I gave $3000 for mine with 16k on the clock but already had the Kerker 4-2-1, which I might add is blissfully musical. I had to undo some Dyna Jet crap that was in stalled and retune the whole thing to get that arm socket stressing acceleration. Check in on vmaxforum.net, tons of good info, if you have any vmax questions feel free to pm me also, I have learned quite a bit and always willing to help. A pic of just after I brought her home.

I'm looking through your post here. More work! aawww haha. I just ordered the Progressives and sent a message to an ebay vendor about the bearings and there is some confusion on part number. Does anyone have off the top of their head the part number for the Balls head bearing kit? Also if there are any trusted sources for OEM seals, covers and bushings I'm all ears, it sure would be nice if there were a kit with all this in it. > $50 for seals and dust covers seems lofty to me, or would that be in line with whats expected. I'm cheap but I'm not about to use a non OEM fork seal. I got through my Vmax forks just fine with no special tools, will I need anything special to replace the bushings or anything in these forks? The bushings just slide in/out, yes? This is what I found on Ebay, they look OEM and the price seems reasonable, are these the same for the 89 1300? http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Yamaha-Slide-Metal-Fork-Bushing-XVZ12-V-MAX-1200-Venture-Royale-1983-1984-/351646490833?hash=item51dfc3a0d1:g:xHMAAOSwFqJWs9aC&vxp=mtr

No worries, Hijack away, I got some amazing information in this thread, which is what I was after. It also got me thinking of my old RD400 in the fugliest green with white stripe. I'm a bit of a 2 cycle nut, if I ever find an H2 in any condition I'll probably cave and snag. Puc, dont worry about being a nut, I'm nuttier than a Chinese chicken salad! rock on brother, it's all good! I now have information on tires, I went to some of these vendors and researched some of the mentioned tire choices and have it narrowed down considerably, really liking the E3 and a couple others. I called a local bike shop and was blown away by cost to mount and balance if I just walk in off the street, and at one of the shops it came with some attitude, presumably about not going there to pay $100 more for the tires. In the spirit of self sufficiency I'll be picking up a basic cheap balancer and some better spoons and doing it myself since my Vmax needs them to (Also 880s with feathering) I guess I'm done with Metzler and starting with doing my own mount/balancing. The best money I have spent so far was the $12 to be a member here. This is worth much more than the price of admission.

Thanks gents, I almost expected to get flamed for making a tire thread! I will check into that, I also noticed the Metzler failure threads and didnt plan to buy them again. On the Vmax there is no radial produced for the rear, to run them one would have to buy a modified rear rim (big $$$). I'm glad thats not the case for the Venture. I really dont stop riding until there is ice on the road and my driveway is 3 miles of dirt and washboard gravel but I'm conservative when road conditions suck or I'm off the pavement. I might have mistakenly assumed that virtually any current tire would have at least some competence in adverse conditions or spirited riding, maybe I should rethink that. I do know that some last a whole lot longer than others. I have a jumping off point now, going to start getting things ordered to make her whole so I can get at least one meaningful trip this year yet.

I know Oil and Tire threads are risky, so I'll stop short of asking "whats the best tire" and go more in the direction of which tires may be most appropriate according to my priorities. This is by far the heaviest bike I have ever owned and the issue is the current tires have feathered significantly enough to cause a howl at any lean angle at all. Metzler 888 Marathon on the rear and 880 on the front. I just purchased the bike so I'm not sure how these tires were run for PSI or riding habits, just that theres a lot of meat left on them and I'll have to replace them just because of how they are worn. I'm interested in what gen1 folks are generally happy with when even wear, mileage and cost are factors. I have never ordered tires online but I think it's time to start so any suggestions on a good vendor is welcome to. I apologize if this has been beat to death but my search didnt quite get me to high mileage long wear tires or where to order them from on the cheap. Tires are sort of expensive so I want to make sure that I can use them for their full life. I found info about a car tire, dont really want to go that route. A link, suggestions or anything appreciated. The bike will be used for lots of open roads and some scenic windy roads so a little grip is nice, just not if it means replacing them every 5k miles. Thanks !

I couldnt agree more, I also value function over form but if a manufacturer can blend both the results are desirable, old or new. I really tend to like vintage stuff as well as a respect for new tech, like Victory and Indian. Polaris is doing something thats been done but they are doing it SOOO much better, IMHO Polaris is going to completely bury Harley Davidson or relegate them to selling only jackets, boots and skull-embossed dewrags made in China. I almost bought a Cheftain I was so impressed with how well built they are but I'm saving for a fixer-upper house outside the city. That XCT is sexy as hell, I tip my hat to Polaris for doing what needed to be done to keep the narrow angle twin relevant and desirable. A pic of my other bike

I meant tired of hearing me say "thanks" haha. Oh yea, I checked out the tires today as you said, lots of meat left on them but they are quite badly feathered, that could be my howl, I'm glad you threw that wisdom in. The backrest is AWESOME! never had a bike with one before. I took it grocery shopping today and pretty sure it holds as much as my old Squareback. I'm excited to get the forks and neck bearings ironed out and get some decent long life tires on her. Thanks for all the compliments and education. I'm sure her and I will be friends for quite a long time.

I figured I would just slip them in here before the pic patrol cites me for noncompliance. Unwashed, it's how she came off the road so not purdied up yet. I know your are sick of hearing it from me, but thanks again for all the answers along the way.

I told him I knew it was probably worth a couple bones more than I was was offering, I let him know the story about going to Sioux City to buy one for a price and that was about all I had, so if he thought the owner would like to sell it today I would take it home. I guess the owner was ready to let it go. I think it's one of these bikes that just need the right buyer. He also let me know that it's a buyers market for used bikes right now and that the market is pretty soft. I didnt know the rear tire could do the howl thing, I had him check the pressures before I left as my gauge was buried in the trunk. I would love not to replace bearings so I'll get it on the center and see if I can find any evidence of bearing failure. This howling would totally disappear when bikeperfectly upright but even the slightest lean would bring the howl back. It's probably time to search the threads for recommended tires. I found the progressives on ebay, progressive # 11-1112 from oemcycles. I sent a message about Yamaha OEM seals and dust covers to, I'll send another about the neck bearings unless there are any forum members or known trusted sources I should hit first. The ride home was about 4 hours, not quite 300 miles but I hit some life-changing crosswinds and blinding rain blowing sideways around Kadoka. I noticed all the Sturgis Rally traffic hiding in gas stations and under rest stop area picnic areas. It was quite bad for about 20 miles. Really surprised how well the Venture did. I'll get some pics up later on, going to take the Vmax out for a ride and meet my daughter for sushi after I roll my account membership to full, pics later. Thanks again to all who responded and assisted me, I look forward to seeing you guys at a campout rally soon!! Tony

Ok, I just got home with a sexy blue 89 Venture Royal. I rode it home from Mitchell. It has 69k, valve adjust and major service done 4k ago. One owner since new, this shop sold it to him new and the guy I bought it from is the guy that put it together when it was new. It was a consignment. He wanted 2800, I said "oh no, no matter what it's worth 2000 is at the top of my range, besides it's a 30 year old bike." He said 2100 and I said 2050 out the door so I have gas money. So I paid 2050, brakes and clutch just flushed, coolant flushed, oil and final drive just changed all 4k ago. Tires two years old. EVERYTHING works, it includes all the factory headsets and doodads, even come with a bike cover and OEM tools/owners manual. This is the condition I was hoping the one in Sioux City was. On the way home I did notice a couple things that will need attention. Finding it was a total accident, had no idea it was there, just spotted it while stopping for lunch on the way home. Not sure how much of a perk it is but it has a trailer hitch to. 1. Forks need rebuilt, they are weeping so before I even ride it again it's getting OEM seals, dust covers and progressive springs, probably a better brace. 2. At highway speeds its twitchy and nervous, not very smooth or stable, if I look down through the fairing hole at the fork tubes I can see them vibrating back and forth ever so slightly, that with the really vague parking lot/low speed feel tells me the head bearings are probably quite loose, so clean, grease and adjust. 3. I hear a tictictictictic somewhere in the front behind the fairing, consistent with road speed rather than engine speed and starts up at around 35mph, no idea what it is, speedo is steady and accurate. 4. MPG was around 25mpg at 80-ish, it seems pretty low, but running well and has decent power. I learned quite a bit about the CV carbs with the Vmax so I'll try synch and inspect diaphragms and see how that looks. 5. at highway speeds it has a sort of a howl. It disappears if the bike is perfectly upright, but reappears in a corner, or even if I lean to compensate for a crosswind. It sounded like it was coming from up front but I think it might be from the rear wheel area, maybe wheel bearings? Final drive? I did some searching and will do some more, try to find the best sources for parts and ideas on what these things might be. Overall its fantastic on the road, not sure why I didnt pick one of these up decades ago, it's a brilliant machine.

Heading home from Sioux City, passed on the bike. We just stopped in Mitchell for a steak sandwich and damn if we didnt see a blue mk2 sitting outside a small motorsports shop. Very nice 69k maintained with service Hx. They want 2800. I said my number and hes 100 higher. Going to ride it after I eat. It even has the oem headsets still in the plastic. Maybe. Ot coming home empty handed after all...

I think you guys are right, ill have to pass on this one as my gut agrees. Im lucky enouh to have an awesome wife so its a fun drive, Sometimes we do this sort of thing for no reason at all. In the sellers defense I believe he did his best to represent it, actually find the guy likable but hes not a tech type and I think he was surprised when I pointed out all the issues. A good couple days anyway but coming back empty handed. Another poped up local to me so ill have a look when I get home. Now after riding one I simply must have one, no wonder these things have such a following! Thanks for the wisdom and guidance! Its a huge help.

Sitting here in Sioux City. Shes defiantly 109 and not 9k. Bike needing TLC, not as cosmetically clean as the pics indicated. Some cracked plastics and broken side vents/dash pieces on the right, i could smell it running rich when I was driving behind him and I got it to pop throuth the intake a couple times, maybe a synch but maybe carb rebuild/ float level adjust. i hear the v4 lope but also sounds pretty agricultural so guessing valves need adjustment. There is no service history. Its been down but the damage is minimal, plenty of scratches. Tires not great, Class system displays E-4 but I read about the fix, brakes are soft, rear brakes mostly ineffective. It rode ok, forks pretty bouncy. This is the first venture I have ever actually riden and I cant believe how light and flickable it is for a full dresser, I expected it to be a pig. if there were any doubt about the Venture being the right machine that doubt is long gone. Im thinking I may have to pass but interested in thoughts or what you guys might pay for such a machine. Im afraid I would have to lowball or pass. Thanks for tolerating my relentlessly beating this thread into the ground.

I will probably do brake work over the winter, EBC pads, SS lines and a delink. If they work as they should I'll get through the season on them. If there is any brake problem I think $500 is a good discount to start with, thats assuming that I want to ride it home 6 hours with a brake issue. I have been reading what things cost what to fix to help make an offer after I see/ride it. What I'm not sure of is how the value will be affected if the bike actually has 109k instead of just 9k. If it's really 9k and as clean as the pics look I'll give him his asking price of $2000 as in my perception that would be an excellent price. I could probably use input on what a fair offer might be for this bike if it's clean and has 109k? I can use that info to arrive at a fair base offer and go from there if I see areas that need work.

I'll do exactly that. He texted me pics of the bike. If its at 109 it has been remarkably well cared for. It looks exceptionally clean in the pics but an extra 100k would have to be cocnsidered. I hope it presents in person as it does in the pics. I will carefully inspect these areas and see, it shouldnt be hard to spot the difference in wear between 9 and 109. I looked for a thread and might have missed it but if anyone has a Venture specific pre-purchase inspection link or thread I would love a link, otherwise I'm sure I can get by on my experience although im now to all the electronics. My last touring bike was a KLR650. Thanks very much! Not sure if you guys know how much this all helps but its appreciated greatly.