JFootman

@cowpuc, bike off, clutch released, rocking forwards and backwards I’m shifting up & down from neutral-2nd-3rd and back down. Can’t get into 4th or 5th. Tried it again and stuck in 3rd both with clutch engaged or released. Gonna check MC port then banjo bolt next.

Thx for the thorough write-up, Puc. I'll admit it saved me some time searching the forums on "how to bleed a banjo bolt"! I will do the bleed & the rocking test. I'll have to do a little research on the clutch basket and once my posts meet the quota I can post some pics for y'alls inspection! Thx again, gentlemen. You've renewed my hopes in keeping the ole' girl!!!

Sadly if that is the case, I'm the only one to blame as it was shifting like a champ last week. While I've applied more pressure than required for a standard shift trying to get it out of gear I don't feel I "forced" it but will check for a bend now. Thx!

Clutch seems to be releasing enough. In fact it feels better than it was before replacing the fluid and purging. Feels like a mechanical issue especially since it shifts from neutral into second and third and engages as I release. I did notice this morning when I dropped it into second it tried to lurch and died (indicative the clutch was still engaged). I admittedly didn't let it warm up long so not sure if that's typical with wet clutches. I've heard both sides of the argument with gravity bleeding but in addition I probably did 20 cycles of traditional bleeding with no bubbles for probably half of them. Can try the banjo bolt bleed on the cylinder. I used a syringe to clean the MC and the hole didn't appear clogged but I can try the fine wire trick. Thx!

Apologize for longevity but will share history of current situation. Picked up a ’83 Venture 2 weeks ago with 56k on the odometer (seller said likely closer to 65k) for a more than reasonable price (IMHO). Told it needed brake work, speedometer cable replaced and had the dreaded 2nd gear issues. Tires with “a year left” and had all the plastics (multiple tabs broken but grossly intact) as well as intact saddlebags and trunk (typical cracks). No apparent frame damage/internal rust (lifts up on center stand). Guy had been driving intermittently to & from work 80 miles each way for nearly 10 years. Said he was only getting rid of it because he didn’t want to dump money into it and admitted just turning a wrench was nearly out of his comfort zone. While it was more bike than I needed the price was right and couldn’t pass it up. I’ll preface by saying I can turn a wrench but I’m far from a mechanic! My knowledge is what I have garnered on vehicle repairs over the years by watching videos or surfing the forums. Even less knowledge of motorcycles. Here’s what I’ve done in the 2 weeks: -engine cleaning -replaced the speedometer cable -fixed the speedometer (bound up spring) -repaired multiple tabs on the plastics (next is the upper front fairing tabs) -new filter and oil -radiator drain & fill (didn’t clean d/t potential risks) -replaced clutch fluid & purged -replaced front & rear brake fluid & purged -disassembled left front caliper & cleaned (needs rebuild & possible piston but brakes now working) -1/2 can Seafoam to 2 gallons then additional ½ to 5 gallons Needless to say, minimal investment & most members on this forum are more than capable of all the above while half asleep! I started driving to work last week and other than having trouble getting into first at stops (user error due to not shifting into first while rolling?), and some bogging down around 3k rpms (shortly after the Seafoam but better now) everything seemed “OK” for a 38 year old bike. Rode to work yesterday (~3miles) and while pulling up (and rolling) couldn’t get it into first. At lunch started it up and dropped right in. Left after work (sitting in sun) and 2 blocks away I couldn’t get into first again (while rolling), however it wouldn’t shift up or down either. Drove home in 3rd and parked it for a few hours. After scouring the forums and retracing my steps I was concerned about overfilling engine oil. Although I only added 3.5 quarts and saw the very bottom of the bubble in the sight glass I siphoned off about a quarter of a quart of oil that remarkably was dark (indicative of other issues?). After sitting for about 20 minutes, started it up & was able to shift into second and neutral but still no first. I’ve not been “aggressive” in attempting to up- or downshift. Interestingly (and maybe indicative of other issues as well) when I was in second previously I would get a grind immediately when releasing the clutch & wouldn’t drop into gear. Now it pulls forward in both second and third. When releasing the clutch there’s now a faint “buzz” on the left side above the shifter I didn’t notice before when the clutch was out and in neutral. Again, retracing my steps I purged the clutch line (no bubbles) and also attempted a gravity purge last night for good measure. Unfortunately no overnight miracle cures and still won’t shift into first. Clutch pull feels firm as would be expected (no sponginess). Disgusted but still willing to see it through I called the only motorcycle shop in town today. While he said they would “consider” working on a bike that old in the off-season, he wasn’t willing to get into it now. Asked if he knew anyone (even a shade-tree mechanic) that he would recommend. Referred me to a shop an hour south with the same reply except he wasn’t even willing to get into it in the off season. Both guys when asked their thoughts said, “get rid of it”. I’m sure you know where this is going…. I am wide open to advice and recommendations. I truly believe at its heart it’s a solid bike. I’m aware there are numerous things that CAN and WILL go wrong with it but I don’t think anything will be as expensive or labor intensive as a transmission job (correct me if I’m wrong). My biggest fear is that if I cowboy up and try to undertake it myself (unlikely & probably ill-advised) in doing so I create not only more work but more expense fixing or replacing everything I damage in the process (not to mention I will likely need to purchase a number of tools to complete). The irony is that (God bless her heart) my wife says she wants me to fix it and enjoy the bike “even if it costs another $1k”. One of the shop guys said “I think you probably know what you should do but need someone to confirm it for you”. Unfortunately that can’t be further from the truth. I just don’t know what to do. Here’re my considerations: 1. Sell the bike as is. I refuse to pull the wool over someone’s eyes so whether I’m going to take a hit on it or not would remain to be seen. Most bikes around here in much worse shape or age or mileage have gone for a lot more than I gave. 2. Part it out. With less than 65k on the bike there’s a bunch of good stuff to be had. This is probably my least favorite option even if it garnered me the most money because I think she’s got so many miles left in her. 3. Park it until fall/winter and HOPE I can find a shop willing to take on the transmission work on AND not get screwed in the process. 4. ATTEMPT to complete the project myself. I’m not one who likes open-ended projects and it will likely become all-encompassing. As a husband and father of six I don’t want it to become my god at the detriment of my family. 5. Outsource the job to someone else with more knowledge and skill than myself & hope once again I don’t take it in the caboose (financially or otherwise). 6. Wait to hear what wisdom and insight you all have to offer…. Thanks in advance to everyone who’s had the patience to read the above and more importantly willing to offer their perspective on my dilemma!

Thx, Saddlebum! Unfortunately before I was able to repeat the process I found the coolant plug on the #1 cylinder was leaking. Started from scratch & drained it according to the manual making sure I flipped the valve to on. I pulled the plug from the leaking cylinder and drained it (left the other 3), re-cleaned the plug & hole and applied a thin layer of blue RTV gasket. Waiting on drying before refilling. I appreciate the guidance and makes sense however my secondary issue is my temperature gauge is not functioning. This is what added to my anxiety, not knowing if I'm overheating the engine. One of my next steps is to replace the speedometer cable so I'll be pulling the dash and can troubleshoot the gauge directly at that time but any insight as to why my gauge isn't reading or quick troubleshooting options? While I've got anyone's ear who's willing to listen & help, my other current issue is my final gear oil replacement. Loosened the drain plug but for the life of me can't get the fill plug loose. Repeatedly shot it with PB Blaster (even waited 12 hours), used hex wrench with breaker bar, manual impact driver with hex socket, even put my Dewalt impact driver on it. Anxious about applying a torch to it. For a drain plug I can't understand why it's so difficult. Thoughts? Thx in advance & hope to be able to eventually contribute versus just garnering everyone's help to fix my ride!

So, purchased ’83 Venture Thursday and started cleaning her up and doing basic service today. Changed oil and filter, replaced spark plugs, attempted to replace rear gear oil but can’t get fill screw out (penetrating oil hopefully doing it’s thing). Felt pretty confident and decided to do a coolant drain & fill (only drained after reading some horror stories of flushing and/or cleaning). Pulled drain plug, removed plugs on the pistons & replaced, replaced drain plug, filled radiator & started her up. After 5-10 minutes of idling, coolant level didn’t drop & fan didn’t kick on but engine got hot. Unfortunately the temp gauge isn’t currently functional so I have no point of reference. Apparently I had the coolant valve set to “off” when it should have been “on” for the fill. I assume there’s air in the system now? No fluid in reservoir & I haven’t added any there yet. What do I do? Flip the valve to “on” with a cold engine & start her up? How long before the level should decrease? I’m concerned the thermostat may have gotten stuck open but after my boneheaded mistake I’m hoping all will be well after some guidance. I’m aware of the pump impeller issues but right now I need to keep this on a tight budget so I’m hoping to avoid cracking into anything else at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you, gentlemen for your input. Pulled up tonight and he already had it up on the center stand. Started immediately and purred without choke. Could have been lying through his teeth but said didn't burn oil, no oil leaks & reiterated the issues listed in the ad. He's been driving it to work regularly 80 miles each way on her and said he was still doing it up until last week. Appears to be very well maintained. Lotta cosmetic issues as can be expected but all things considered I'm pleased thus far with the $500 investment. Looking forward to taking the first cruise of many tomorrow! Thx again!

(I apologize if this should be listed under "Links to Classifieds, Craigslist, Ebay, Sales, Etc." Please move if inappropriate here!) First time post here but hopefully not the last depending on responses. Hair's breadth from the big 5-0 and between that and the likely future gas prices I checked on a whim to see what FB Marketplace had listed for motorcycles nearby. You'd think after 50 years I'd have learned if a deal's too good to be true.... Found an '83 Venture for $500 nearby with this description: "Runs great, decent tires, needs brakes, speedometer fixed, 2nd gear does not work". 58k miles reported & seller has title in hand. "Runs great" is often a subjective description and I tried to get more details out of him but other than "it's rideable" I couldn't get much so figured it's an excuse for an hour road trip tonight. I had a new 2001 Suzuki Volusia for a short time and loved it and I'm aware the Venture is a beast by comparison but I've always missed the ride and excited about the possibility. I'm not naive enough to think that $500 is the end of the investment and of course no one knows how she was cared for previously. I'm no mechanic but I'm good with my hands and perform most of our "minor" automotive repairs and service. I've read about the 2nd gear issues but assuming it can be skipped for the short-term (I've read it's OK but wanted y'all's expert opinions). I'm a little concerned about the odometer accuracy with the non-functioning speedometer but I've read these'll run till the cows come home if cared for. I'm more concerned about the potential for internal frame rusting on the first gens but have no idea how to evaluate for this. I found a post earlier tonight (can't find it right now) that listed all the "issues" with the first gens and recommended upgrades/replacements which doesn't scare me as long as parts are available and I'm not looking at a $3000+ investment by the time she's road worthy. In a nutshell, what should I be looking for and what issues would be a deal-breaker? I'm driving over with $500 in hand but willing to walk away with just a memory of a pleasant drive with the missus and an excuse to leave the 6 kids behind!!! Thank y'all in advance!