arbee_11

http://www.johnniejordan.com/images/mybike.jpghttp://www.johnniejordan.com/images/yamaha-%285%29.jpg

See, I never would have thought of removing the fuel pump. Thanks again! And I will check that fuel line too. Johnnie (Keizer, Oregon)

Ok,ok.. It's probably a stupid question, but as I have said before, I have electrical knowledge and not much mechanical, so I would rather ask a dumb question than risk messing something up. I just went thru the seafoam proceedure and do not wish to start the bike up until I put a new filter in it, but after locating that filter I see that I cannot even get a finger in there, let alone tools to get it removed/replaced. The metal band around the current filter seems to be bolted from underneath and the fuel line (towards the engine) looks like it would be lost, or at least very difficult to retrieve if it slips down into the abyss. Can someone please give me an easy step-by-step fuel filter removal proceedure? Is removing this a delicate surgery with long needle nose pliers and lots of swear words part of the deal? Thanks Muchly... Johnnie

I am going to postpone using it; After reading all your replies and a couple private msg's. I am going to follow several suggestions. One BIGGIE that I found, while putting tools away, there in the bottom of the toolbox was the FUEL FILTER that I had intended to install but spaced it, I had a look at the current filter and noted how dark it is, so MAYBE the plugged filter post might be the culprit, but I am going to do all the other suggestions too. I'm 'a learnin... Thanks all, will keep you posted.. Johnnie (Keizer/Salem Oregon, where we ride for three months and drown the other nine)

I am off to locate that Seafoam (interesting name) and give it a try, I looked on their web site, stuff looks like a miracle in a can. Fingers crossed and I will post the results. Thanks! Johnnie

When I was a lad I had a neighbor who had a first gen Venture, I loved that bike and told myself that someday I would have one. 24 years later I found and bought my Venture from a BMW dealer who had it stored in his garage in pristine (honestly like new) condition with an original 8500 miles on it, it was his personal bike before he got into BMW's and I cannot stress just how nice it is, but was it ever dusty! I drove it the 60 miles home and it purred like a kitten, shifted beautifully, wandered a bit on the highway (25lbs air in both front and back tires, who thinks to check that? oops) Anyway! I decided to take all the plastic off the bike, clean, polish, touch-up, change the battery, oil, filters, plugs, wires etc etc... I spent an entire week, dawn to dusk on that bike, and when I was done, whoa! It looked like it just came off the showroom floor and I was very pleased, right up until I rode it. Before I describe the problem, I wish to point out that I am not a mechanic, on a knowledge scale of 1 to 10 (ten being a pro mechanic) I am about a 3, when it comes to electrical, I am more like an 8 or 9. The problem: Ok, choke the engine and start, it fires before 2 revs, warm up engine and turn off choke. Hop on and and begin to ride, acceleration is very smooth, here is where the "issue" starts. Ok, as you accelerate to say 55mph, you go thru the gears and you reach that 55mph, at the very moment that you reach your speed you let off ever so slightly on the throttle and you feel the inertia of the bike meet the declining engine RPM, in other words you are no longer accelerating and you are not slowing either, it is at that very moment that the engine begins to bog or act as if it is starving for air or gas or spark or???? It continues to go down the road, only once has it backfired, one pop while moving out to pass a car. When I accelerate from the 55mph, there is a 1/2 second delay in throttle response, and for just a moment it seems to "chug" up to speed then accelerate smoothly and normally. Saturday night on the way home from work I tried an experiment, I had driven about 10 miles so engine was fully warm, I would accelerate and experience the above, so I cut in about 1/4" of the choke lever and it accelerated very smooth! It did not "cure" the problem, but made it 75% better.. With the exception of new plugs (I believe I gapped them properly) and wires, battery, oil and filters, I didn't even touch the engine or carbs, but maybe I dislodged a hose, or??? I don't know, I don't "see" anything out of the norm but this is making me crazy! PLEASE, if you have a suggestion or have experienced similar, I can sure use your advice. Thank you muchly! John KB7VZL 73's

I have noticed a bit of a wobble in turns, if this cleans that up I am all for it, sign me up. Johnnie arbee_11@yahoo.com