Jayceesfolly

Earl has the answer but there is a commercial product available. It is called Seal Mate. Go to sealmate.net for details. Jim

When replacing the fluid, note that there is a line on the outside of the reservoir that indicates the minimum level of the fluid. Also, turn the handlebars to make the reservoir level before filling.

When attempting to jump start a dead battery on the Venture, make sure the car or pickup is NOT running. The output of the alternator on the car or truck may be too high for the electrical systems on the bike and may fry some of the circuits. As Carl said above, check the master fuse on the left side of the battery. It is a flat metal wishbone fuse under a plastic cover. If I remember....it is a 40 amp. Jim

I use these for my '89 VR and have for a few years with no issue. They are 180 degrees.

As a last resort, try using a strip of aluminum oxide sandpaper under the clamp and over the crash bar. It worked well on my bike. BUT BE ADVISED: It will permanently disfigure the chrome (assuming you are installing them on the crash bars. Someone else may have other ideas. Jim

Some of the old timers on this Forum used hockey pucks placed on top of the jack to align with the frame of the bike. If you get them located properly, then you can bolt them to the jack if you are going to dedicate the jack to that model of bike. Conversely, you could build a light frame out of angle and mount the pucks to that and set it over the jack. Also, you can use short pieces of 2 x 4 blocks to do the same thing. Jim

I also run my bike in the reserve position. As Ben said, water and impurities built up in the bottom of the tank may prevent you from using the reserve just when you need it. I usually watch my trip meter and fuel gauge and fuel up when I am down to about 1/4 tank. Also monitor the accuracy of your fuel gauge and you will learn when to fuel up. I have found that when the red low warning light comes on on my bike, I have one gallon of fuel left, so its time to hit a gas stop. I also know that my bike gets about 42 to 45 MPG, so that dictates how far I can go before running out of fuel. I have actually gone 52 miles after the warning light comes on but that was at reduced speed. When I filled the tank and did the math, I had 1/10 of a gallon left in the tank. And I have only done that once. I usually try to stop right away, usually within 10 or 20 miles. As an experiment, fill a two gallon can and strap it to the back seat and put your petcock valve in the ON position and ride it till it runs out of gas, then move it to RESERVE and keep riding until you run out of gas again and you will know how far you can go on a tank of gas. Keep track of the mileage each time you run out of gas. Refill from the two gallon can and look for a gas station. Also keep in mind that speed, headwinds, a passenger, and hills or mountains will decrease you mileage so take that into account. I pull a camper and I only get 36 to 38 MPG at 60 to 65 MPH. So that requires me to stop about every 150 miles. Which coincides with my need to take a bathroom break! At 75 years old the bathroom breaks are getting more frequent!!! JIm

Here is a pic off the petcock. Note the arrow on the handle. Jim

Search for member "dfitzbiz" on this Forum and PM him. Dave may be able to help you as he rebuilds them. Jim

BUT the pic is dated 2013 and who has seen her since? Maybe her name is really "Phantom Wife" and not Beverly? Maybe her name is Mary or Sue or Barbara, does anyone really know? Only Phil knows! Has Ben or Carl actually met her in person? Does she actually exist or just in your mind? Stay tuned for the next episode of "The case of the [Phantom Wife]" by Rod Serling. Anyway Happy Birthday, Beverly, may you have many more!

Not sure what the strength is on those turn buttons, so don't overload the bag. Glad to know that they will work. Jim

Todd: I have a pair of "Snagglestuds" that I will send to you if you want them. Not sure where they are in my parts supply but will look tomorrow. I will PM you tomorrow if I find them. Jim

Here is the pic from Amazon https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/718tg703odL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Here is a similar part : Turn Button Eyelet and Stud, Common Sense Fasteners, 10 Piece Set, Marine Grade Nickel Plated Brass, Dot Brand - - Amazon.com A local hardware store may have them or a marine store or boat repair place. If you can't find any locally, PM me and I will send you a couple. I have several of them for use on my camper. But, I don't think my parts are of heavy duty as the ones on the bike. Jim

Go to this thread: https://www.venturerider.org/forum/forum/77-known-problems-and-things-to-look-for/ Then go to this thread for the proper thread for Ist Gen Ventures: Venture and Venture Royale Tech Talk ('83 - '93) Jim

I get 38 MPG at 65 MPH, pulling my camper that weighs about 450 lbs, with my 89 VR. If you are only getting in the 20's you may be only running on 3 cylinders or possibly carb problems.

My mother always told me to share whatever I have. Well, I am sending all this snow to you all down South. We are below zero at night here and I am waiting for three separate storms in the next 4 days. By the time the three storms pass by, we will have 10 continuous days of snow. More than 1/2 of the snow we have is due to lake effect. But I can't complain too much, we have had a snow free winter until mid January. We usually have snow in November. Jim

RIP Kevin, thanks for all the knowledge you imparted to all of us 1st Genr's. Unfortunately, Covid has taken another life from his family and friends. Here is his obit: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/19868100/Kevin-M-Campbell/Granville/Illinois/Dysart---Cofoid-Funeral-Chapel Jim

Ron: I have been to the Kinzua Bridge twice in the last 6 years and it is about a 3 to 3 1/2 hour ride from Niagara Shores Campground. About 130 to 140 miles depending on route. It is worth seeing, quite spectacular to see the bridge lying in the valley. The glass floor is nice to look thru. There is a new visitors center there and it tells the history of the area and the coal industry. I camp in the area when I go there as it is quite a long ride for me( I live only 40 miles from Niagara Shores Campground). I do not know of other attractions in the area, as I have not really looked in the area other than to visit the Bridge. My guess is it would be a long day ride for you. Maybe spend an overnite there on the way to the Rally or on the way home to KY?? Lots of info on Google about the Bridge. Jim

Here is the link for Skydoc's fuse upgrade kit: https://www.venturerider.org/forum/topic/63155-first-gen-vr-1983-to-1993-fuse-box-upgrade-kit/?tab=comments#comment-762274 Here is the link for Pat's write up: https://www.venturerider.org/forum/topic/55321-easy-how-to-fuse-box/?tab=comments#comment-660281 Jim

Here is the page from the recall notice from Yamaha, showing how the wire fits behind the nut. Jim

Saying a prayer for you, Earl. He is one of the best people, has helped me many times with info and parts for my bike. Heal quickly, Earl. Jim

I have a Schengen unit and have mounted it behind the bull nose on my 89 VR. I attached it to a stainless steel plate to act as a heat sink and ran the red and black wires directly to the battery for best performance. It has been working great for three years. 14.4 volts at idle and 14.8 at higher rpms. Plus the bull nose protects the unit from road debris and has great air cooling behind the nose.

Wiring diagrams can be found here in the Tech Library:

John: That is a very painful way to get out of working the rest of the day! I think if you had had a beer first and then sat down in a comfortable chair and contemplated all the work ahead of you, you would have decided to wait until the next day to start the project and then it might have turned out differently. Ah, 2020 hindsight is great!! Jim