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Thanks for the letting us know Don, and May he Rest in Peace. Craig

Bike looks beautiful, I have its little sister. Look up "tracy plug" there is a fix that needs to be done on the secondary to keep oil in it. When you change oil you have 3 places to drain, motor oil, secondary oil and rear oil. Take good care of the secondary they are hard to find and replace. Otherwise they are great bikes, you will love the power that motor puts out and yes it does have hyd valve lifters, no adj. needed. Hope you can get it running without too much trouble. Craig

When we first married I had the Madura and at the time it was a "big bike" but Kim was never really comfortable on it so we didnt ride much together. Then our daughter was born and Kim spent all her spare time with her. Once Tine was older and off on her own, Kim wanted to ride again, so I looked for a bike that was all about her comfort, and the first gen was the ticket. Found this site and we rode to every MD and Meet-n-Eat we could. Then 4day trips up to 10day trips usually just the 2 of us, we had some really great times. Moved on to a beautiful 06 black cherry, alot lower and much easier to flatfoot, we toured up and down the East Coast, met alot of great people and saw some beautiful places. It has always been an adventure and my co-pilot has made it alot more fun. She is more comfortable if I go alittle slower, take the turns alittle easier and take a break after about 2hrs in the saddle, and I dont mind at all. I still like to jump on the Madura by myself, crack the throttle thru the gears and wind thru the turns faster then I should, but on a long trip it is always more fun with Kim on the back. Hope we get the chance to enjoy alittle more seat time this summer. Craig

Pretty sure John knows the bike is made to run long, I had the pleasure of meeting him at Dons MD a few years back and he was sharing stories of his rides criss-crossing the US. Great to hear from you John and hope all is well with you and your family. Why dont you head east and hit the NY Rally this year, be great to swap stories. Take care, Craig

Seems to be pretty many owners of the new Ventures, someone needs to fab up a stand like Larry did for the 2nd gens, once I set mine on those legs it was solid as a rock. Craig:2cents:

Hey Peggy, enjoyed this story about you and your first husband, as well as all the other stories and conversations you start. You have been a major reason this site has stayed active for as long as it has. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting you and Ron at a gathering knows just how special you are. You have always been so warm and welcoming to Kim and I and are always good for a laugh and a funny story. Guess I just wanted to let you know you are a big reason in why this family has stayed together for so long. Look forward to seeing you both this summer. Craig

I was always told the last thing you want to do is lay down and take a nap after a head injury. But it may just be an old wife's tale? After reading about your symptoms I also think you should see a Dr. But you sure as hell aint gonna listen to me! Get that checked! Craig

I felt bad having to back out of the last 2 MDs, but it has always been one of our favorite gatherings. To us, its been the official start to summer riding season and a family reunion all in one. I actually enjoy somewhat smaller crowds as it gives more time to talk and get to know more about each person I meet. I realize its alot of work on your end Don and you want to see as many folks as possible enjoy your party, but I dont believe the number of guests ever affected the quality of the party. We would do our best to be there, but if you decide every other year:thumbsup2: Craig

Glad to hear your wife is doing well and you were there when she needed you most. Its alrite to be tired, you need to take care of yourself or you wont be able to take care of her. All the best, Craig

Have one on every Venture I have owned, never any issues with overheating. Got mine on ebay, simple install and has held up well. Craig

I love DQ, heath bar blizzards especially! Dont care whats in it or how they make it. Tastes great and thats all that matters to me. I would be rite there with you on opening day Ron.

I know they make a special teflon tape for gas lines, its grey and heavier then reg. teflon tape. Mite check an RV forum for more info. Good Luck, Craig

Rite back at ya Ben, if we were closer we would be at your meet n greet, but see ya at the "shores" Craig

Are you bringing the "broom" or the "groom" hey congrats on the wedding and retirement! You look too young to retire tho. Craig

Looks Good! Garage does too:thumbsup2: Craig

I live in Pa also, 2 bikes, one 35yrs old owned from new. I have never drained carbs on either bike. Heavy dose of Seafoam or Stabil at last fill up, run bike for 10min to make sure mix gets thru carbs. Bikes always fire rite up in the spring, and I have never rebuilt carbs on either one. Probably just jinxed myself:ignore: Oil, tires and how to store your bike for the winter, you are gonna get alot of opinions. Craig

Very sorry to hear this, will keep Eileen in our thoughts at this difficult time. Take Care, Craig

Really sorry to hear this Randy, give Linda our best and hope she heals up quickly and as painless as possible. Craig

Very sorry for your loss, it is never easy. Best to try and remember the good times and smile. Take care, Craig

Not meant to scare anyone, but if you have back pain that lasts more then a month or so, ask your Dr to set you up with a bone scan. I worked in construction most of my life, always had back pain one way or another. Then at 64 woke up with pain like OP posted, tried Chiro, massage and Phys Therapy, Aug till Nov. the last therapy session I saw lightning shooting out of every opening in my body, convinced me to go back to Dr. Set up bone scan and then the news Multiple Myloma, Cancer in the bone marrow. So if that pain dont seem quite rite, ya mite want to get it checked. You can balk all you want about taking drugs, but like the nurse in ocology told me, you will be back and you will need the drugs. I was, and I do. Craig

Thanks Steve, glad to hear your health and the weather are allowing for a nice ride today. I am doing alot more napping then riding lately:snow2: Craig

Thanks and the very same to you and yours. Craig

Rick Butler would be the guy to talk to, if he is still doing it. A corbin seat will also get you quite a bit lower. Raising the fork tubes up in the trees will help, also rear lowering kit. A combination of the 3 will get you 2-3" lower. I am 5'5" and could flatfoot my 06RSV Mite want to check your bike for leveling links, it will raise the rear about an 1" from stock. Anyone 6' tall ought to be able to flatfoot a stock Venture no problem. Craig

All Paid up:fnd_(16): cant wait. Craig

I have sprayed WD40 on just about everything, havent seen it damage anything yet. Your results may vary:2cents: Craig