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The lowering kit is via changing out the dog bones on the mono shock?

Hey all, any short folks out there riding Ventures? I'm only 5-6 and it's a concern. After a Venture deal, out of town fell thru, I look at a few local GL1500 Gold Wings. I barely fit on them. I could barely get the balls of my feet on the ground and decided it isn't going to work. It seemed doable on hard pavement, but God forbid if I was trying to park those things in a dirt or gravel parking lot, there'd be a very good chase, I'd be on the ground...

Paul, I believe it is and no I did not buy it. Weird-ish story and really real short version... after quite a bit of research, with fine folks, like your self, trying to find an affordable, local storage unit, arranging transportation, rescheduling everything due to a hurricane coming through, buying a new battery, very patient communications from the seller, with cash in hand and within two hours of me departing, he cancelled our meeting. I couldn't believe it...I was literally slack jawed. He never called me back to reschedule. Then, a few weeks later the bike shows up on facebook. Well, I'm totally confused...now I'm wondering if this isn't some, "send me a deposit scheme. I don't know, like I said, I'm confused. I'm glad you found a 2001 to suit you...

Yes, I turns out the battery symbol was on also. Seller states, "but it's charging, I checked it with a multimeter. Off verses idle, 11.5v and 12.5v." HIP...

Hi, I'm looking at a '93 VR on line. In the sellers video there's a red light on the upper left corner at the top center display. What might this indicate, the seller doesn't know? Thanks, Ray

I tried communicating to the seller about how to get a real good measurement on the crash bars by using a framing square and marking the pavement, because he gave me about, guesstimate numbers. I think he's just trying to eye ball it from above the seat. But alas, I hope a first gener will respond...

Can someone measure the width of the front fairing at it's widest point. I want to see if I can get thru a standard 3-0 doorway. I assume the mirrors would fold out the way making the corners of the front fairing at the direction bumps the widest up front. Then in the rear it looks like crash bars for the saddle bags(?).

By the way, what's the deal with the frames rotting out? Is there any open tube that collects water, which settles in the bottom tubes?

Yeah, good info, I have mostly considered this and either option has their pros and cons. I could see dropping $600-700 +/- bucks into parts for this bike. Basically, any rubber part get replaced, end to end and I don't mind doing the work (great way to know your ride). But yes, Gen-II Royals would have their advantage...

Thanks

Note to self...

Ah, so, this bike does not have a radio or adjustable suspension? (it's funny how you miss things when you don't know what to look for) I just assumed all those items were under the covers on the front fairing. Well, that's a bummer. I'm pretty short at 5-6 and assumed that with the adjustable suspension I be able to customize the right height to fit me...I read, where some say, the seat height is pretty tall, at close to 32" and shorter riders found it challenging to keep their feet on the ground at a stop. With this bike being north of 700 lbs. I felt two feet well planted a stop light would be important. An option maybe to change out the linkage on the mono shock if needed, to get it to squat a bit.... The radio I thought would be cool to have, not that I have any cassette tapes any more, 😂. But that's easily remedied these days. I guess the upside is there's more storage room in the faring compartments without the radios and air suspension control unit....but dang, I thought that would be real convenient...

Oh, by the way, this bike does NOT have any "Royal badging." It's got Venture on like every plastic part, but no Royal. Every other bike I've seen on the inter-web has Royal somewhere on the bike. The other odd thing is the color, It's like a blood red and it's not two toned, which every other Venture seems to be. It does have, what appears to be the exact same pin striping though...

2K

This is what I'm trying to get...the specifics. Next question, can you determine this via a non running engine and use a shift lever test. The ole, put in gear, then rock forward and reverse until the engaged gear provides resistance. If the dogs catch the next gear. Then all maybe good, maybe. If it keeps slipping out you then know for sure there's an issue, and Bob's your uncle, please take off $1000...😉

I read several times in posts that it was fixed half way thru '85 not '84...but yes thanks...

Thanks, it does make for a good negotiating point though. I watched a video of a tranny repair on a Vmac. There the shifter fork didn't fully engage the second gear dogs, so they would eventually slip out. Creating and over rounding condition that just made it slip out more. I think this is what I read on one site the early Venture do/did. A bit of work to repair, but doable...

Something to consider, I've seen recommendation on the K tire brand. Although it seems that some have had continued success with them, in reading the reviews of those tires, quite a few have been very unhappy with them, beads not setting, tires out of round, balancing problems, traction issues...it seems they have some QC issues. So it becomes a real gamble. I'd get them balanced and make a real thorough inspection.

P.s. the bike does crank if that helps with 2 gear check...I know, im reaching the "there's no stupid questions" terrain... ... ...

Tom, "valve stems"...OH, on the wheels! I thought you were talking engine valves. Yeah ok got ya... 😂 So the wheel bearing, yes I would normal repack them if it's of that type. Seal bearing would them need replacing. Are these sealed bearings? This whole second gear issue has me concerned. It there a way to test for this problem on a non running bike. I don't know...by spinning the rear wheel by hand and shifting in to second....I guess that sounds stupid with drive train resistance and engine compression... What about removing the spark plugs, to take compression resistance out of the picture? Any chance of figuring this out? Thanks

McYama, I too am looking for tire choices, go to the search box and just input...tires. search through the threads there's good info there...if you haven't already. What did you find out so far? Ray

Tom, I'm also curious on the valve stem recommendation. I assume the valve seals/bushing are typical brass types. Ray

Tom, any tire recommendations?

Tom, the bikes got 2500 miles. I can appreciate changing all the rubber parts, but, wheel bearings? The last state inspection sticker says 1992! HS. This thing is literally in show room condition...I mean even the clear coat on every engine part and casing is mint and without blemish... Ray

Thanks, I appreciate your response. I've been watching youtube videos for about a month or so, since a few Ventures came up for sale in my area. So, my recent find really peaked my interest, this bike is beautiful. I think I've watched twenty plus videos in the last few days. About an hour ago, I found the Venture manufacturer videos, looks interesting. I will be checking your recommendations in the tech library. Thanks, going there now....