Questions about '83 Venture

[Richie C]

Thank you!

 

I just picked up an 83 VR, and I'm working my way through the requisite issues that come with a cheap purchase.

As you are likely familiar with us new guys having all kinds of questions, I will try to save mine until I can peruse some of the existing threads.

So far, I've changed the oil, draining 7 quarts from the case. This doesn't include pulling the plug at the clutch basket. Right off, I think I'm getting closer to why this bike wouldn't run so well ...

 

I've been told that one carb was recently cleaned, but it was done by someone with no understanding of the electrical system, who decided to fiddle with it anyway. I've got some broken wiring that I hope to correct without too much trouble.

 

Trying to be preemptive, I picked up a wiring harness - before finding out that the seller was wrong when he told me it was an '84 instead of an '83. Just found out that the harnesses are not compatible, so the old one gets fixed. I'll be replacing the fuse block with blades, and hopefully testing my relays to ensure they are still ok.

 

Some of the fairing parts were removed by that quasi-mechanic, and he made sure to break some of the fasteners in the process. More unnecessary repairs, fun, fun, fun!

 

Some of my plans include brakes upgrades. I'm finding out that some of the F1/F6 setups are compatible, so I'll be checking out the fora for those. Also, I'm looking at the possibility of upgrading the TCI. Acts it was this particular research that brought my attention to this group.

 

Anyway as I begin to prove my long-windedness, I will stop here. I'm already much impressed with the knowledge, encouragement and politeness among this group, and I'm happy to be here. As soon as I figure out how to sign on for a full membership, I'll be doing just that.

 

Thanks again;

Rich

[Marcarl]

I see you found out how to sign up properly,,, good step in the right direction.

Don't blame anybody too much for broken tabs,,, you'll find more I'm sure, so best to get good at making new ones,, then you can be an expert.

Carbs will suck in oil from an overfilled crankcase, so expect to re-live that.

Good thought on the fuse box, a must do for sure.

Second gear will probably need a fix, so while you're at it, pull the swing arm, and the rear wheel and do the service there.

Brake work much better with stainless lines, so give that some thought.

The front forks do well with a set of progressives, so there is another thing to keep you entertained.

Anything else you need to know,,,,, just ask.

[Great White]

R6 brakes won't just drop on to your 83 forks.

 

You either need to fab up some adapter plates or you need to swap to 86+ forks.

 

You will also need an 86+ master cylinder to drive them properly. The 83 master cylinder piston is too small. The 86+ master is already sized for for piston calipers.

[Richie C]

Thanks for the tips!

Once I get her running, I'll be able to assess if I have a 2nd gear issue. There are hints all over the bike that it has had considerable maintenance over the years. I'm hoping its all the good kind, but careful diagnosis will tell. Maybe I'll find that someone already beat me to the rough stuff. It already has stainless front lines, so I'm hopeful. At this point, I still don't even know the mileage. Once I wake up the electrical system I'll know much more. That should be coming soon.

 

I'm on the lookout for parts for the possible brake upgrade, it's not my top priority, but I'll get there soon enough. If I don't get the rear end apart before the end of the riding season, it will be a good winter project. My next item is replacing the mangled fuel petcock and moving the fuel filter just a tad so that replacing it does not require experience with performing arthroscopic surgery.

 

Hopefully, I will have good news very soon.

 

Thanks to all for your input.

 

Peace,

Rich

[bongobobny]

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