Venturous Randy

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4833471422267639&pid=15.1&w=169&h=126&p=0 I got a Ducati 125 Bronco just like this one about four months before I turned 14 on June 1st, 1964. It had the candy apple red tank. I was at my girlfriends house one Sunday evening and when we came home from church, it was gone. I had a good idea who stole it, but could not prove it. It was found in a river after being thrown off a bridge. I got it back and ended up completely taking it apart and cleaning all the mud and mica out of it. I put it back together and rode it for a few more years. In retrospect, that helped a lot in my learning about bikes and mechanics at an early age. The guy that stole it came to an untimely death a few years later with a 12 gauge shotgun to the chest, but that's another story. RandyA

Thanks for the clarification Rick. Evidently Yamaha realized the earlier RSTD"s were just too high geared to be able to use 5th gear very much. This does give us 1st genners more options for those that want to consider transmission replacements, especially for the 83 to mid 85 models with the 2nd gear problem. Cowpuc, with the way you load your bike and the off road trips you take, the V-max rear would be great for that part. The approximate 5% higher in 5th would probably not hurt on level land, but for pulling, you may have to drop back to 4th a little earlier. 4th is the same ratios with the 83 stock setup and the RSV trans, V-Max set up. I keep putting off changing to the spare engine and would actually like to pick up a 1300 engine and set it up with the RSV trans, V-Max rear. I think the extra torque would be even better. RandyA

When you replaced the cover, did you use a new gasket? The clearances are so tight that if you did not use a gasket, it can bind up. RandyA

To add to Dingy's great pics, if you look at each of the shafts, there is a score mark that lines up with the split in the clamp. As far as the heel/toe shifter, I have heard several that have broken their stator cover with this shifter. It may be due from the load being different during shifting. RandyA

Another great story Scott. You make us feel like we are there. Thanks. RandyA

The V-max rear is not for everyone. I don't think many on a 1st gen would like them if they did any interstate riding. I know that on my 83, it gets a bit buzzy at 70 and up. But it is a lot of fun around town and riding the mountains. Ruffy, you would do well with the RSTD trans and the V-Max rear. They have a 5th gear that is about 5% higher than the Ventures. The RSTD would do even better as that have about a 6% higher primary gear on top of the taller 5th gear. You would still have the peppy low gears, but still have the lower RPM's on the highway. My spare 83 engine has a 2nd gen Venture trans and I am looking forward to having it in. I don't usually do much running in the 80 to 85 mph range for any great length of time. RandyA

As I have stated before, on my 83, a front Avon and a rear E-3 is the best handling setup I have had and I have put 133,000 miles on the bike since I have had it. RandyA

TN law is 15" above the seat. My stock bars are probably over that with the lowered Corbin seat I have. I just could not imagine how much more difficult it would be than it already is to maneuver these things around at low speeds with ape hangers. RandyA

If it does have a blown head gasket and has sat that long, I suggest you pick up another engine and transfer the carbs, starter, etc, over to this engine. You will have a lot more time and money in rebuilding this engine. The biggest concern would be any rust in the cylinder with blown head gasket. As far as strapping bike down, I put the strap hooks up under the fairing on the frame. There is a good place on each side to hook. RandyA

The story was not about Harleys. It was about the law on red lights and motorcycles. Just remember, not everything is about Harleys. RandyA

One thing all this shows is how much air pressure is under the cover and therefore going to the inlet to the airbox. RandyA

Just out of curiosity, do you know why the 90 does not run? I say this because with the 83 transmission and frame problems, spending some time and money on the 90 may be your best investment. If you do go to the 90 change over, make sure you change the headlight and all related stuff. RandyA

And, first and foremost, I always know when I am starting to need gas and that is how my butt feels. I can go 200 miles if I have to and if I did that without stopping for a few minutes, my butt would know it. RandyA

Yeah, you resurrected an almost six year old motel thread and it has taken off again. RandyA

I also bought a 4 brush starter off ebay for about $50 that came from Pinwall. It looks very good, but I have not installed it yet. I mainly bought it because no one else even bid on it. I am always leery of broadcasting anything on ebay on here because I think the person that has been watching something they want should have first chance. RandyA

I have put about 133,000 miles on my 83 and it has always been on reserve and I have never run out of gas. RandyA

The best my 83 has ever handled was with an Avon on the front and an E-3 on the back. In fact, I may go back to a front Avon when the E-3 wears out. RandyA

Wow, I got one right for a change. It looks like what you have is an RSV trans with the gear ratios you noted. I think you will be more happy with this setup than if you had used the RSTD setup. These ratios are a bit closer together. This is a comparison of the three different gear sets. I just need to get off my butt and get the engine in my bike with the RSV trans after I have been running the V-Max rear for a while now. RandyA

Why don't you just take your RSV rearend and measure the hole location/size and then machine your V-Max rear? RandyA

I would at least ask him if he has signed an organ donor card. At least he may be able to help someone else out. RandyA

I did not have any air leaks, but going to Progressive springs solved any air issues as I don't run any air in the front now. RandyA

I like mine and have had it for a long time. I scooped mine out some and it is very comfortable to me. Corbin's are a bit firm, but you get used to it. RandyA

Congratulations and George is one Lucky man. RandyA

I suggest going all the way to the starter with you hot wire. There was a four brush starter on ebay starting at $50, but I don't see it now. It may have been sold. Any of the 2nd gen 1300 engines have a four brush starter. You should not be going to ground from the solenoid. Something is not making sense to me what you are saying. RandyA

Yep, most likely the CMS. The most likely points that need to be resoldered are the row of contact pins that connect to the wiring harness. Usually you will be able to see cold solder joints, but not always. To me, the pencil type soldering irons work best and make sure it is very hot before you start. You want the solder to melt quick and then remove the heat. To me, the electrical soldier that is small in diameter and comes in the small tubes work best. One suggestion is after you get the dash back in, take a plastic wire tie and wrap it around the wiring harness and one of the bars and pull it up slightly to take the weight off the points in the harness connection. RandyA