Venturous Randy

Well, we already know that 2nd gen shocks are a problem as compared to a 1st gen that seem to last forever, but I wonder if the linkage configuration is different. I posted a question earlier about some differences and did not get one comment. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=82781&highlight=shock RandyA

Yes, it should be. Look on the outside of the starter and see if it has screws that go into the outside. The V-Max starter should not have screws. RandyA

I guess I need to find me a plate washer for the next time I change my oil. I have put 140,000+ miles on my bike and never remember seeing a plate washer. In fact, I bet it is rare that many of these 30 year old bikes have the washer. I suspect that most washers got thrown away with the filter it was stuck to. It is amazing that I learn something on here everyday. RandyA

These carbs can sometimes be pretty difficult to pop out of the boots. If my memory serves me, I just use a long screw driver and find something to pry on. They can also be difficult to put back in the boots. RandyA

The parts list shows the spring to be between the cover and filter. I tried to highlight and copy the picture and ended up coping the whole parts manual. RandyA http://www.venturerider.org/parts/XVZ12TD.pdf Scroll down to page B14, item 4

We had an absolutely beautiful day here in east Tennessee with sun and 73 degrees. Linda had a Dr appointment to get the rest of her staples taken out and after that we had a Mexican lunch and little ride in the cage. She was a bit tired and I brought her home and got the bike out. It has been a month since I had been on the bike after our tip over and I have gone several days without any pain meds for my chest and was feeling pretty good, so I went for about a 50 mile ride. I got everything ready and started down the driveway and had absolutely no rear brakes. I ended up having to bleed the brakes and to do that by myself is a bit of a stretch on the left front. But, I got that done and was good to go.` The bike ran ok, but after it was warmed up, I did a WOT up through 2nd gear to redline, but it seemed a little down on full power. After a few more miles, I again did it and about half way thru 1st gear, it really came on strong. It wasn't a dead cylinder, but something came alive. It really felt good to be back on the bike as I had pretty much given up on riding for this year. I tried to be careful and not get into any position where I has to wrestle the bike around. So, overall, it was a real good day. RandyA

I thought this was another apple pie thread. RandyA

We hope you join as we like 1st gens. Just out of curiosity, what is the last four on the serial number? That makes a difference on the 2nd gear issue. As far as the running. it sounds like you may be running on three or two cylinders. Start it cold and let it run for 30 seconds or so and feel all the exhaust pipes or use a in-fared temp gauge. Plugged pilot jets will make it run crappy as well as holes in diaphragms. These bikes are sensitive about spark plugs and the spark plug caps have a resistor that can corrode. This is just a few of the basics to check and as you get into it, there are a lot here that will help. These bikes have plenty of power when running right. RandyA

Evidently he got it figured out. I copied Cowpuc's post and sent it to him. He ended up dropping one of the shipping charges, so I got a MKII headlight, a tail light assy and a signal light for $27.97 and that is with $25 shipping, so he did make money off shipping. I was just surprised that I was the only bidder on these items and they were listed at 99 cents starting bid, especially the signal light. I have a MKII light in my MKI, but I have had a problem with pivot ball inside the light that adjusts for up and down. Anyway, thanks for all the comments. Oh, I always look at shipping costs before I bid on anything and will usually ask about combined shipping, but this time there was not enough time to ask and get an answer. RandyA

Remember when Nancy Pelosi said: "We have to pass it, to find out what's in it." A physician called into a radio show and said: "that's the definition of a stool sample." That pretty well sums it up.

I really can not blame Yamaha. I remember many years ago going into Yamaha dealerships and seeing a new untitled Venture sitting there that was a year or two old. In actuality, there has been very little demand for the Venture as compared to their other business ventures, no pun intended. If I blame Yamaha for anything, it has always been the marketing strategy for the Venture, as there was not any. RandyA

I need step by step directions on how to combine shipping from the sellers perspective once the sell is complete. Can anyone tell me how to do this? I have never SOLD anything on ebay before, just bought stuff. Thanks RandyA

Here is a picture, just not up close. Thanks Mother for the compliment. RandyA

He did not say he would not, just that he did not know how. Given that comment, I assume he would at least consider it. RandyA

I just won a MKII headlight, tail light and a front signal light for $.99 cents each. The shipping on the headlight was $15 and $10 each on the other two for $35 total. I sent the guy a note and asked him if he would combine shipping and send me a new invoice. He said he did not know how to combine shipping on the invoice. When I pull up any one of the three items to pay, they are added together for $2.98 plus $35 for shipping. It appears ebay has changed their page and I don't know if it can be modified. Any suggestions? RandyA

Hey, now everyone can see where you are from. RandyA

Linda is doing pretty good and we took a ride across the mountains today in the cage. It was beautiful and very clear, but the trees were not real colorful. She had half of her 42 staples taken out Wed and some stitches. She is in good spirits and she appreciates you asking. RandyA

Never heard of a "factory hitch" for a Venture. What does it look like? RandyA

A year ago we had snow in the area up a foot or more and Hurricane Sandy went through on the coast. RandyA

Now you are being shown as being in Alaska. RandyA

Yes, that should fix your problem. You need to change your location as it says you are in Oklahoma. RandyA

Yes, the 89 and 83 are the same. Another option is to go to a 2nd gen Venture with the wider spaced gears. Just make sure you can get the forks and shift drum with it. This might work good if you spend a lot of your riding on flat land and want a higher 5th gear. Stephen, are you in Australia or Oklahoma? RandyA

Thank you and we will all feel better as soon as our necks heals up. RandyA

Lew, I wish you the best and you will be in our prayers. I have been very lucky in my life in not having to experience pain. But, I am still going through a lot of discomfort with my rib/chest situation from the tip over and it sure makes me understand and feel for those that do have to deal with constant pain. RandyA

100%. I have a 3/4 I wear and have tried a full face, but feel I can not see very well with a full face being blind in my right eye. The 3/4 helmets also have intercom that we use. I have some 1/2 helmets and may occasionally wear one if just making a local run around the block. The one area I am bad at is wearing shorts and sneakers. When it is hot, I just can't make myself wear long pants. In fact I think I only had on long pants once all summer for some event. I put on sweats the other day and it felt weird on my legs. The problem I see with not wearing a helmet is a minor event can become a major event very quickly. RandyA