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My good buddy Frank passed away this past March after getting more time than his doctors thought he would. In my last conversation with him he told me he wanted to give me his 2006 Royal Star Venture with 75K miles on the clock- The bike was sitting in his garage for most of a couple of years as he faded, and frankly, he wasn't ever the most diligent maintainer due to his inclination (he was known as the bungee cord king) and finances. I'm planning on flying out to Ohio and jumping right on the bike to bring it home to Seattle in a 4 day ride. I've had it towed to a shop that's a bit more dirt bike/sport bike oriented (28 Motorsports in Columbus), but the owner seems to be on the ball and competent. He knows that I want it to be a safe ride and I've told him I'm willing to pay for safety and convenience. Wanted to see if anybody on the forum had any suggestions for things I should pay particular attention to in getting this bike prepped for a 2500+ mile ride- I know it needs tires, oil, brakes, vacuum seals, but curious if I should look at and suggest preventive maintenance or checks on anything else. Hoping to reduce the chance of missing something and ending up in a uhaul instead of riding, or worse. Also, can I assume that 75K on the clock is not a deal breaker to keep this thing going strong for some years to come, provided I maintain it properly? First time posting here, excited to join the community after lurking for a bit trying to get a feel for this bike. I've been happy on my 1995 Harley Dyna for the last 15 years, and generally keep my bikes forever. I'm excited to give this bike a try on a long cruise- I figure the cross country ride will help me decide if it's a good bike for me long term, but want to make sure I make it across successfully whether or not I keep it forever. thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions and hope to meet some of you on the road some day

The oil in the air box comes from having too much oil in the crankcase. Should be no more than halfway up the sight glass.

I would put a bottle of Gumout for high mileage engines in the gas tank, or Chevron Techron

Thanks for the reply. They are factory parts bought at my local dealership genuine Yamaha. I will try and post the pics so you can see the difference later today.

I replaced mine once. Turned out that I bought the line from a local tractor supply, more for yard tools. Well they would collapse under heat and higher rpm. Took me a while to figure out. Just saying if you went with a thin wall fuel line.

All the above...LOL! I run 38-40lbs air front tire. 5lbs air in front forks. 42lbs in rear tire and 25lbs air in rear shock. Everything stock except I lowered my front forks 1inch like @djh3. That helped with low speed handling. The forks need to be even in air lbs. The rear swing arm needs to be lubricated with good bushings. Tires can always be an issue. I've put lots of miles on both Ventures and the above has worked for me. Solid scoots at any speed.

Wow! I’ve been riding for 20 years and I think I just had the most enjoyable 200 miles of my career. My 87VR has spent the last month in the stable going through some carb and grips and other fixes and finally got out today for a real ride. About 40degrees this morning and my new Avon heated grips were nothing short of Amazing! Met up with another couple and to park city we went for lunch. About half way there I remembered that there are side vents to the engine…opened those up and Wow what an amazing rush of warm air to my legs and feet!!!! Yamaha did that one right for sure! Had lunch at an amazing Motörhead inspired Mexican restaurant next to Park City. Went south through Provo canyon then back up I15 to home. Averaged about 85-90mph on 15 without a hitch. The bike rode amazing! For a couple minutes here and there I even forgot I was riding vs driving I was so comfortable. I hadn’t realized before I did the carb fixes that I had been fighting myself and the bike. Big thanks to all of you who helped me get through the albiet easy fixes but so necessary to enjoy the road. @luvmy40 Thanks for recommending getting grips with the throttle boss! I adjusted it a few times throughout the day and think I got it where I want, my hand didn’t go numb and I didn’t even realize I was using it most of the highway miles. @skydoc_17 thanks for the diaphragm/sliders and needle shims. Unlike my previous 80 maybe miles to the tank I did the last 110 miles today 80 of which high speed highway and still have two bars left.

I just got my parts yesterday and finished the install. They were Tour Max branded on the box (dealer said K&L when I ordered them, might be related 🤷‍♂️) I was happy to see made in Japan on the box. Exact same logo and other markings on the new boots, letters and numbers differed but for sure leads to mold or batch markings. Everything is running well, first time ever hearing the bike run without a vacuum leak.

Welcome aboard, I have a Clearview on my ST1300 and it has made huge difference for me with buffeting, the big advantage I find is yes they are wider, but they also have a slight lip at the top that helps direct the wind over your head. Mind you I have the advantage of being to raise and lower my windshield while riding, but since installing the Clearview it has been kept in the lower position. As far as the grey tint, the times I have looked through the windshield it does not hamper my vision at all. Mike

Include me please. I'm in Pell City (20 minutes from Woody) but visit relatives & friends in Huntsville.

Be careful and have an epic trip!

thanks for all the suggestions and help from the forum, the bike is just about ready for me to pick up next week with new tires, brakes, battery, carbs cleaned and synced, fluids replaced and tested out by the awesome shop I found- Ryan at the shop is going to have his first baby just before I get there to pick up my new baby- then it's off to Bloomington IN for first night with some friends, on to Sioux City IA, Sturgis SD, Missoula MT, Spokane WA and Seattle- going to try and get off the interstate where I can, maybe in the Cheyenne or Bighorn, maybe Lolo if the weather is good and I have enough time- will post some pics from the road, here's Frank and his bike last time I rode with him a few years back