SpencerPJ

I plan to start with fuel line and fuel filter. Then look in tank for rust / plugged petcock. Thanks for advise on 87 octane. I thought I read, possibly even in manual that it needed higher octane than 87. Hate spending the extra if not necessary.

I will check on vent, but I did loosen the gas cap last ride. Bike rode nice last ride, not as long, more city tooling. I'll try some of above next week and report back. It does act just like a bottle that doesn't vent well enough.

I really don't think it's a carb issue, seems to be a lack of fuel delivery, based on the filter running pretty low. Maybe 5k miles ago, I put a smaller filter (supposed high flow), maybe something acting up. Filter seems cheap enough, and no harm done replacing with larger one. I don't feel comfortable tackling carbs, give me an old Mopar that's another story. I plan to start with fuel filter replacement, and hoses, ride, then look inside tank. Looks spotless from top, lol. I just took for 30 min ride, ran great. I just put some seafoam in yesterday I just don't understand why a gravity fed system, through the filter at least, why it wouldn't keep full?

Been riding 50-60 miles a day, and recently I seem to have a fuel flow issue. Once hot, bike tends to starve for fuel at higher rpms, (getting on it). I let gas run low, filled at different station, premium of course, and still same issue. Not as bad, but higher gas head pressure I'm thinking. I looked at my clear filter, and it has a small amount of grit, and one small rust chunk. I was thinking that maybe I had a rust clog at my petcock, but pulled the fuel line by the fuel pump, and it flowed nicely through the line and filter (made a great mess). The filter is newer with 5k miles. So, I have observed that after a ride, my fuel filter is almost empty of gas. Today after ride, I let idle in garage and watched. Gas dribbles into the filter, and then fuel pump cycles on, clears the filter, and seems to cycle off. (I'm thinking this is normal) So my question is: Should the filter stay filled with gas at all times since it is a gravity fed system? I've loosened my gas cap wondering if it's not a vapor lock of sorts? Any suggestions? I did replace the fuel pump earlier this year with another used 83 off ebay. Thanks...

Glad to see you got it running. Be safe

I always use this site for identifying part numbers http://www.yamahasportsplaza.com/oemparts/#/l/yam/50042475f8700209bc787e25/1983-xvz12tk-parts This write up is excellent http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?496-Fork-Seal-Replacement

My was a little rough, and hit on all 4 as well. HOWEVER, I replaced the 1983 spark plug boots, plugs, and wires, and runs like a new bike. I always start with 'Good basic tune-up ideas first'

Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. Enjoyed every bit of it.

83 Venture, Indianapolis, State Farm, Full Coverage, 250,000/500,000. $295 / yr.

A squirt of Ether in the carbs works every time.

Update: I'm thinking it's the starter relay. After additional research on the interweb, others claim that's the issue. For me, while charging my low battery, I smacked the starter and the relay. 2 hrs later, hooked up everything, started fine. I think I partially welded the contacts in the relay while holding start button maybe too long. Anyways, I plan to replace the relay on simply this hunch.

Went to get 83 out today. Acted quirky, didn't start, kinda ran the battery down a bit, then the starter kept turning over engine, even after I turned key off, took key out, and turned killed switch off. I disconnected battery, and when I go to reconnect, turns over without touching a thing. Any ideas where to start. 30k miles, original starter, original everything.

Sounds like a plan. One last question, if I don't hear clicks and it has sat a couple days and I should have, if I turn key off, and go to measure across fuel pump as suggested, will there be any other special circuitry that will interfere with the 12v reading I should get for the first few seconds, after I turn the key on once again?

So, it's not my kill switch, turning over is never the issue, it always turns over. The fuel pump doesn't always run, or click. I'm just like snyper316, So if I get in a situation and it doesn't click after sitting a couple days, is there a way I can determine if I'm getting power to the relay, and then power to the fuel pump. I'm jus a tick above dangerous with a meter. Also is there a way to possibly clean the relay?

So it's warming up here in the Midwest, and put the battery in my 83. Turned key, no fuel pump clicking. Turned the switch on handlebars off/on a few times, viola, clicking and primed carbs. Would you guess it would be possible fuel pump, relay, or connections? This happened a couple times last season, and off with the key, back on, clicked and worked fine. I have looked at, messed with connections, all seems fine. 30k miles, but it is an 83. Any suggestions? This might not happen again until after 20 more rides. Never has let me down, and it's only happens first ride of the day. (after that I never get clicking, my fuel line is great about keeping prime).

Very Nice. I found one place that sells covers for the hole.

Been thinking about Buying a 2005 - 2010 Goldwing. The truth is, I will use it as a daily cruiser way more than a long ride hwy bike. Just throwing this out for suggestions, what do these beasts look like when you strip the trunk and passenger back rest off. I really like the look of the F6B machines. Is what I'm looking for feasible?

Hey Guys, wanting to upgrade from my 83, and buy an 07 RSV, found a super clean, low mileage gem. I took it for a drive (first 2nd Gen ever been on), and I felt the handle bars where way to low, tucked really close, bike seamed top heavy. I mean seriously, I had a hard time driving at low speeds. Totally turned me off, and I walked away from bike. Scratching my head (I really want a 2nd gen RSV) came to our trusted Forum. Did research on handle bar options, and looks like many like the RSTD bars on thgeir RSV, a little involved changing cables etc., some say the baron 1.5” risers. So much to absorb. I’m 6’2”, 275lb turd. Anyone else make modifications to their stock RSV handle bars. I sure like how I have moved my 83 bars out and up a tad. Just would like to hear I can do this / or that and get a comfortable position on a 2nd gen RSV, before I start looking possible at other bikes. Any suggestions / comments would be greatly appreciated.

For me, get a 5 gallon can, pull the hose on bottom of fuel pump, under left cowling. Easy to get to, and stick the hose in the 5 gal can, minimal mess. But I agree with others, store it with full tank (and fuel conditioner)

Thanks Joe

I like the RS with a fairing, and bags, and trunk for overnighters. I wish the trunk came off with lock and key, like my 83.

I'm considering upgrading my 83 to a more current model, say 07 or later. I like that my 83 trunk comes off, because I generally ride it locally as a cruiser. My question is: On second gens, do the trunks unlock and come off easily? Thanks

Harbor Freight jack worked great. Definitely buy straps to stabilize it.

Thanks Puc, I feel the same way. Appreciate it. Off to HF tomorrow.

So I've read many posts on jacking up these beasts, seems to be many opinions. I'm looking to buy the Harbor Freight model 61632 http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-capacity-atvmotorcycle-lift-61632.html My question is: Is it safe (for the bike) to jack up directly on the exhaust, or should I make some wood block modifications to contact frame? I need to take rear wheel off and grease stuff, and I'd like to have it to assist moving into corner in winter, but not going to use but a few times a year, tops. Thanks