5bikes

There are many Lincoln museums, parks, monuments, around the area. Visit Chamber of Commerce. Illinois State Parks, and the new Lincoln downtown National Museum is great. Also it is the state capital with 2 buildings and Lincoln's office with free tours. Lake Springfield is a warm lake.

1984 Venture with 15K miles 1. If 2nd gear is not abused (full throttle shifts, shifting without the clutch, or overloading) will it last longer than the 50k miles many are experiencing before it goes out? 2. What recommendations would you have to extend it's life? 3. Would you fix it now before it goes out? 4. Are some getting 100k before it goes out? Best bike I've owned in 40+ years!

1. Add a $6-9 battery switch (60-70 amp available many auto supplies, ie. PepBoys) to the negative side of the battery. Mount switch next to battery (in fairing on 1st Gen.). Saves battery if bike sits for more than 2-3 weeks. 2. Add a 10 amp headlight switch to reduce the load when starting up on low/bad battery. Cut into fused side of the headlight circuit. 3. Add a 10 amp switch to turn on the radiator fan anytime. From the accessory side of fuse curcuit run power to a switch then down to the fan circuit along left side frame, light blue wire. The noise should remind you to shut off the power when engine is stopped. Use when thermostatic switch comes on too late, non functioning, or with extended idling. 4. Install individual switches for different accessories, if they don't completely shut off. (memory, clocks, CPU's) 5. Run external wires off the battery to connect a a charger so the cover does not have to be removed. Cover exposed ends well. 6. Screens on the radiator to easily remove bugs and prevent stone damage. Aluminum looks best. 7. Trunk handle- mounted to open trunk easier 8. Install power outlet for temporary accessories, car compressor, etc. 9. Magnets (strong ones) mounted on the center stand to trip stop lights, cheap at hardware stores. 10. Pull carb caps off and slide out. Replace white spacer to drop jet needle .010-.015" Needs to be deeper in emulsion tube. Increases MPG by 5. 1/2 hour job. Use small washers. 11. Drivers back rest. Mine cost $20-30. Walmart Igloo cooler. Added foam pad. Spongee corded to trunk and passeger handles. Adds a lot of storage. 12. Fork seals. Put a second set if yours are leaking on top of 1st set. Leave originals in place, they lubrication new set and last 50+k miles, 10 years longer! Use super glue around edges. 13. Add plexiglass wings around the windshield for added wind protection. Use a sharp drill and rubber washers. 14. Throttle rockers help weak wrists and reduce fatique, Ebay $10 15. Hiway forward pegs, JCWhitney, Ebay, allow legs to stretch. 16. Reposition clutch and brake levers so they are easy to reach, & even, this is a major safety item. I like them lower so my fingers do not have to wrap up over levers. 17. Lower the foot gear and rear brake levers so you do not have to lift you foot off the pegs. All are adjustable, easy job, much safer too. 18. I got more!! Questions write me chuck_french@juno.com make sure you write a decent subject line so I don't delete.

There's a few on Ebay for a little less $. If anyone has any other ideas I'd appreciate it. Thanks to all.

No extras like cuise control, air compressor, etc. It was in such good shape, very low mileage I could not complain, and he came down to my price. I'm really good at adapting, just need an idea where to start. Never thought I'd miss Cruise Control until you don't have it.

I had a full feature Cruise Control on a previous BMW touring bike. I have a Throttle Rocker and Vista Throttle lock on my 84 Venture now. Has anyone adapted a speed variable cruise control to their bike? If so, what kind?

This is my 24th bike and maybe my best yet. I wanted a Venture when they first came out in the 80's but I had a bad experience with a 81 GoldWing. It was too hot, heavy and slow. I was more into less costly sportier bikes then. This year I sold a 2000 BMW K1200LT (Luxury Tourer) which we did not like because it was way too heavy overall, top heavy, unreliable, uncomfortable, terrible in winds, hard to work on, expensive parts and nearest dealer was 275 miles. We still wanted a touring bike so I went looking for a Venture. I found it, none running in near show room condition in PHX with 14k miles. Got it running, cleaned carbs & tank, new fork seals and fixed leaking water pump in 4 weeks. It is everything I want in a bike. Simple to work on, parts cheap, comfortable, torquey, 46 mpg, light for a touring bike, easy in winds, good handling and after reading about the problems (all of these points compared to the BMW) are negliable. Also $5000+ cheaper! It's a keeper! Wish I had done this sooner.