UK_in_NY

Thank you! Yes, it was definitely a selling point. looks even better now it is fully cleaned and dressed. Just waiting to go back on!

OK, think i got it. Thanks !

I think I need to go get the right sized allen socket. Any idea on size? I have the manual but it isn't the most helpful! - Assume it is the one referenced as the "sand plug?" - that needs loctite and 31lb ft torque?

Sound good! will give it a go! I also have a slightly leaky valve cover gasket - (I know, I know, chinese crap) I am going to try and reseat it but I suspect it won't work!)

OK, good to know. is that a horrid.job?

Thanks Marcarl. Quite possible. Will take a look tomorrow.

Thanks! - Unfortunately, while the tires are basically new.. they were new in about 2014. So they are OLD. They are also very cracked. So no road tests yet. And yes, next up is brakes. I have a front brake but it is marginal (although i am comparing to a GSXR race bike and my 2020 Katana - so that's a tough comparison. I suspect I've got some work to do there, especially in the back. I don't feel any rear brake at all at the moment. Forgot to mention, some of the exhaust smoke is me using some ethanol free 2 stroke gas to keep it well lubed. However, i am seeing a lot of smoke at the rear of the motor... so i think it needs a good clean up. (lots of oil from previous leaks) have to say though... that motor does sound good.

haha! i got it! I bit of contacts cleaning, a little trim on the HT leads and new spark plugs and she fired right up on all 4!!! I am gonna bet that is the first time those rear cylinders have fired in a while. A LOT of smoke but the motor sounds awesome!!!!! OK.. whats next.

Ok... so managed to put a little time into the old girl this morning. I adjusted the carbs (by ear/guess - sync tool being orderd soon) and it immediately was a lot happier. (starts quicker and idles, and now revs somewhat smoothly) however.. quick check of the exhaust pipes shows it is only firing on the front two. Rears are ice cold. So I have two questions for you experts (remember this is an 83 - which I believe has a different ignition set up. 1. What is the logical order of things to check? I do have brand new spark plugs waiting to go in but don't want to foul them immediately if it is still running on two? 2. since i put my carbs back on after being rebuilt the choke cable now seems to be too loose when the choke is off - where is the adjustment to tighten it up? Thanks!!!!

OK thanks. I think you are right. To OP, you may want to look at this!??

Just a question for those who know more than me (and becuase it effects me also!) is this the right location for the rubber seal? The carb diagram I have would indicate it goes the other side (and the gasket appears to have a larger hole cut out for it?) = That is where I put them, so I may well be wrong?

You are right. I'll do it when I get back to it this weekend. 2 kids take up a lot of time! However, the summary is I just did a full carb rebuild (1st time ever, learnt a lot) and it idles beautifully but bogs when you crack the throttle. just changed the fuel filter and I am going to put a new fuel pump on it. need to order a sync tool and follow your lead!

Ref picture below. These red lens covers on the Drag specialties rear end are now almost 40 years old and a few have cracks etc. Anyone know where new ones can be obtained?

Sounds good. i'll get some pics up. it is in pieces at the moment!

I'm trying. Its quite an early bike too. would have been a really nice spec when new. I was a sucker for the gold.

Ordered a replacement flasher relay as mine is shot. A few days ago I replaced the fuel filter. Now I have to order tires. Bit by bit we'll get this old girl on the road. She is fighting me though.

x2 on this. I ordered them before I knew this and while I got them to work they are a B**** to fit.

Funny story.. One of the main reasons i bought 1983 was the saddle brown seat. It looks awesome and was in basically perfect condition. When i got it home I gave it a deep leather clean and it came out awesome. I guess because it was always garaged? Now, if I can get the bike on the road I'll be able to sit on it. lol

So? did it work? Those jets were ROUGH. I just rebuilt the carbs on mine (still having a few similar issues) but mine were clean as a whistle compared to those. The pilot jets? not so much... 3 of 4 were clogged.

Some good ideas here. My 83 has ALL the Drag specialties accessories which ALL have lights in. The rear is something silly like 12 lights. I did try to add LED bulbs but it is going to need some electrical work to make that work. My snow plow (belly pan) is currently being powder coated and I will be putting LED's in that when it comes back.

Thanks, that's a good yardstick. I bought my early 1983 VR with 39k miles for $1200. It had sat for about 10 years, but almost no damage anywhere (couple of plastic cracks) and all original books and accessories (I even have the chainlock that uses the original key!) - Just getting started on it. Needs tires, servicing and a good carb clean - it runs, but not well.

Hi Guys, new to this site. I Picked up a 1983 Venture Royale in December and just getting started on it. I am more of a sport bike guy (GSXR track bike and a GSX1000 Katana for the road) but saw this and thought it was too cool. Looked comfy too! Bike is in good shape and was well loved but unfortunately the owner got sick and it sat in the garage for probably a decade. Oddly enough, getting it registered in NY was a bit challenging as the bike was registered in NH for years with the wrong vin! (One digit short) Here is the full VIN. Bike is Gold. 39k Miles.