Venturous Randy

I think you are unsyncable. Is that a word? Randy

Is anyone coming to Asheville wanting to get their carbs synced? I will bring the tools if so. Randy

And you know if Linda is going to be there, we for sure will have a good time. The long range weather for Asheville for the rally is predicted to be in the low 80's with about 20% chance of rain. If this holds true, you can not get any better than that. Randy

The reason that the MKII driveshaft is different is because it is longer and that is because it fits deeper into the final drive coupling. This is because the coupling is made to lubricate the splines with the final drive gear oil. I see no reason that a MKII final drive would not be a direct bolt up to an MKI, as long as you used an MKII driveshaft. And, other than occasionally greasing the u-joint coupling, you don't have to worry about greasing the final drive splines. Randy

Yep, when mine failed, I was in a very remote place in the mountains by myself. I was not sure what happened, I just knew it was drive line related. I ended up being able to put as little power to the rearend as I could and made it home. I ended up replacing the collar on the rearend as it was chewed up too. From that point on, it was greased every time the tire was off. Randy

And I thought I was too old to learn anything else. Randy

A V-Max final drive, which is about 10% lower geared, only takes a MKII driveshaft and mayby a different dust cover. I say maybe because when I put the V-Max final drive in my 83, a new plastic dust cover was with it. The V-Max final drive really goes great with the 2nd Gen trans, which also fits the 83 Venture, but you will need forks, shifting drum and all gear sets. The advantage is with the V-Max final drive, compared to a stock 1st gen set up, 1st gear is about 10% lower, 2nd 5% lower, 3rd and 4th the same and 5th is about 5% higher. This makes it quicker out of the hole with a more comfortable 5th gear for interstate riding. The best of all worlds. The only difference is wider spacing between gears, but it is not enough to drop out of the torque range when cranking it on. I have a complete 2nd Gen transmission set up as a spare that I may be interesting in letting go if interested. Randy

Thanks, that got me back where I wanted to be without messing up any other stuff. I still have no idea why it did what it did. Randy

All of a sudden my page went to tiny font everywhere. What happened? It is not like this when I go off venturerider. Randy

Looking good there Woody. We don't like much having the camper loaded and ready to go. randy

Yes, been there, done that TOO many times. We discussed this earlier where text disappears and didn't someone say to do Control Z to get it back? Randy

I'm sure it could, but I am curious as to why you specifically want a V-max trans. Randy

Be careful, it's addictive. If I had a buck for every time my 83 has seen 8,000 rpm's, I could live a lot higher on the hog. It seemed the harder I ran it, the better it ran and these things are made to rev. Randy

For those coming to the Asheville Rally, I always like to do an "In Case of Emergency" list. Thankfully, we have not had to use the info for a crash situation, but it was used for coordinating of meet-ups. I would like to use this format so I can just do a cut & paste: It also helps if you keep it a simple font and no color. Your name(s), phone numbers, where staying, estimated arrival, emergency contact number with name or relationship. Randy Atkins 423-726-0431 , KOA, Thur afternoon, 423-335-1484, son Please forward it to my home email; rsatkins@comcast.net or PM me here. I will have copies for everyone who is on the list upon arrival and will be glad to e-mail you a copy before you leave if I have the info by Wednesday. Thanks, RandyA

For those coming to Asheville, whether it is for four days or just the weekend, could you please go to the calendar and go to August then click on Asheville and note if you are coming, or may be hoping to come. I know there are several that are planning on being there that are not on any RSVP list. Randy

I found that if I take a lot of naps that I am OK if I don't get up too quick. Randy

Deer scare me to death in the Miata because you don't run into them, but run under them, which means they are in your windshield. I had one really close encounter on the bike and don't know how I missed it as it happened so quick. Glad you two survived as good as you did. BTW, Miatas are a great alternative to motorcycles when you reach that time when you are not comfortable on the bike. Randy

Because they evidently make a lot of money. Randy

Hey Andy, great looking bike. Are you going to be able to ride it down to Asheville? Linda and I sure hope so. How are you liking Jonesborough? It is a shame it has been so hot as it has been about 10 degrees above normal since you moved down here. When ever you can, we need to get together for a visit. Randy

The heat and humidity, especially after a short rain reminds me of when I was in Ubon, Thailand in 1972 in the Air Force. This was during the monsoon season and it rained and rained and did not cool off at all. When the sun did pop out, the moisture drawn up off the flightline concrete was like a low fog. It was interesting to see the new troops as they would have on their rain gear(we could not use an umbrella while in uniform), where as the seasoned troops just learned to work in the rain. We did have to keep our tool boxes closed so they would not fill with water. I also remember having a bucket with some cool water in it so when the sun was out and I reached for a tool, I would drop it in the water so it would be cool enough to handle. Now, if it is too hot, I just come in and take a nap. Randy

It was said to be 98 here yesterday on the local news. I don't think I even went outside until 8pm and it was hot and muggy then. Randy

It sure is an easy way to do it. Randy

What kind of gas prices are you folks seeing? We are seeing reg with 10% ethanol down to $1.75 per gallon here in NE TN. Randy

or anything else. Our normal high temp for this time of year, here in NE TN with mountains all around us, is about 85 degrees. We were at about 95 degrees today with hotter temps due for the weekend. I know that a lot of you are having hotter temps, but for around here, this is hot and we are not used to it. It is so hot that even the Miata is not fun to ride around in. Randy

OK folks, we got four weeks until Asheville. I again want to invite everyone to one of the bestest, funnest get togethers that you can be part of. We have always had a great time and hope to this year too. If you have not been to any of our VentureRider get-togethers, you can camp, stay in a cabin or there are several motels close by. I will also have my carb sync tools there for anyone that would like to take advantage of this opportunity. I would like to get a better idea of who all are coming. Randy