PBJ

Thanks Yammer Dan and Randya for those helpful words. I'm seriously thinking I'm not running on all four cylinders because though the engine is quite capable of pulling with two up and its plenty fast it doesn't seem to pulling quite as hard as i thought it should .Even my old in line four XS1100 seems a bit torquer and thats pulling my sidecar. As I said i haven't done a tune up on it yet and I know the bike had been sitting 8 months before i bought it and who knows how long before the last owner bought it. To answer your question Dan the bike only has 35k so it hasn't been ridden alot in its life time. The last owner really wanted a Wing (and subsequently bought an 83) but he had the carbs cleaned and synced last year and gave me all the paperwork on the job. But there are still so many unknowns to how this bike was treated. I plan to drain the radiator and replace the fliuds, change the oil and filter, plugs and probably a K&N air filter. The poor girl needs a new windshield badly because someone tried to remove a flaking anti glare film with something rough along the top edge and its so clouded you have to look over or under that top edge. This is minor stuff i'll have no problem fixing but i need a point of reference for the bikes performance capabilities. I'll go by Randya's descriptions and see how the Sea Foam, plugs and filter work out. i'm hoping its not a coil or something like that. It may even be just a loose wire or connection. Thats what last night's little power surge has me thinking. Okay thanks again guys count on me looking to your advice in the future, Thanks, Phil.

I just purchase an 85 1st gen Venture. When i start it there seems to be high compression for a split second upon starting then she fires up great and holds an idle. But running seemed rough. I am comparing it to my 84 Honda sabre V65 which is a 90 degree V4. I was wondering if it's just how the engine feels . Then last night I craked open the throttle to make a pass and for a split second there awas a shot of extra power and a slight smoothening that seemed to feel right to me. Then she went back to her normal running. The bike also seems un happy to run in fifth gear at anything less than 65 mph. It'll do it but it seems rough. I haven't changed plugs or airfilter since I brought it home and I intend to run a couple of tanks or Sea Foam through it as well but any suggestions to a newcomer? Thanks Phil.

Brad thank you . I was searching this thread to see if anyone with a 1st gen was having a problem like that. I just bought mine a month ago and not having ever ridden one before i wasn't sure what the engine should sound or feel like. It starts witha slight hesitation like heavy compression then fires right up. It idles but the exce3lleration seems lacking. Theres a slight vibration but after riding my 90 degree sabre I was wondering if the 70 degree engine was just slightly rougher. But last night when i started to excelerate for a pass for a split second I gain a burst of energy and i smoothness that made me wonder. Instinctively it also felt right to me too. Now I think I'll change the plugs and do a total tune on the bike. Freebird and any others out there anymore suggestions?

On page 72 of the July 2008 issue of American Motorcyclist there is a product endorsement for a hidden antenna Put out by KK Motorcycle Supply( Sorry no website listed) It fits into your fairing and replaces a whip antenna. It says in the ad that its for Harleys but its not a Harley made pruduct so maybe they make them for Ventures and Wings too. the unit goes for about $80.00 this might be an altenate answer to your antenna situation.

I've done the Americade parade a couple of times . They plan it so the bikes move at a relatively smooth pace without any stops or clutching. They travel two by two up to one end of town then turn and head the other way so the paraders get to watch the other members as they go by. The crowd gets to see it all. If you've never done it its worth doing once. They have a local radio station play marching band music and everyone with a radio on their bike tunes in the station so that theres marching band music throughout the parade. Very well thought out. Anyway thats really the only way you'd want to do a parade. Of course we did once have a custom bike shop enter one of our local parades once. The guy had his girl friend ride her custom chopper through the village in nothing but a thong bikini. The dad's LOVED it ,the mon's weren't anywhere near as appreciative.LOL! To be truthful though, the young lady was very attractive but unfortunately it only reinforce the negative biker image that many of us have been trying to quiet for years.

Alrady did and its not its 110 . But so far the second gear feels strong and holding good. But i'll be keeping an eye on it if neccesary. I'm not usually a gear slammer so I'm hoping that ai'll get plenty of miles out of it yet.

hey Wildhair , just remember that every sale of an old friend means another VR member into the fold. Like me! I just bought my 85 VR from a couple in Michigan. They really wanted a Wing and found one so sold my little beauty before they even realize what they had on their hands. On top of that they sold it to me for only $1800.00. What A Deal! A little cleaning a set of fork seals and a replaced fairing vent and she looks almost brand new. Only 35K on the clock and she's got years of riding ahead of her and us. So thanks to previous owners like you for letting go of your old friend so others like us can enjoy a wonderful bike! Ride safe all!

I had to go to Michigan to get my 85 XVZ. I rented a pick up from Enterprise and loaded it into the back strapped it down and headed home.no problem. The trailer Idea might work with a small light bike trailer but remember the brakes on your bike will be having to accomodate more than twice the weight they were designed for. ( Just a Thought) A chopper trailer might ork but I'd pick the flatest route possible on the way home. Better to go with the box unit or a pick up. Enterprise usually has limitless mileage on their pick ups. Good Luck.

I just had the forks seals replaced on my 85 and was sad to discover how even with full air pressure the front ends still bottoming out. Reading about the difference between the stock and Progressive springs answers alot of my questions. Obviously the stock units are either weak and compress quickly with use or are just plain too short even with the air assist. It didn't help that the shop guys first ordered the wrong parts then took over a week to put them in. Needless to say I won't be going back there again. Looks like new Progressive front end is on my list of fixes.

I worked at a bike dealers for a while in the 90's and selling bikes was tough. Lots of looky lou's but not many buyers. To screw a potential cutomer is pure suicide. I was selling a Gold wing had the deal all but signed we were selling the bike at cost but Honda was still giving dealership $1500 for every Gold Wing Sold. Then the owner said no. The customers were shocked buy the owners attitude. They didn't blame me but thanked me for all my work then promised never to return. They subsequently bought a similar bike at the same price because another dealer was willing to settle for the $1500 from Honda. Powersport dealers that don't klnow the business should stay out. Oh an the shop I worked for? I quit two months later and they went out of business 4 months after that!