VanRiver

Hey @cowpuc here is the episode dedicated to Jay's Festiva Shogun. One interesting fact, the Ford SHO high performance engine that is stuffed into this little box of FUN was actual designed by Yamaha! Probably a Venture motor with 2 additional cylinders glued on! Those little Festiva's sure look like fun! Like you said, just like driving a go-cart! Your kids were sure lucky!

I have to confess, I really enjoy Jay Leno's Youtube series...and today I stumbled upon a episode he did highlighting a small company here in the USA that build front end full articulating kits to turn your bike into a 3 wheeler but without losing all the lean a feel of a 2 wheel motorcycle. Another interesting part is the creator of this new conversion kit put it on a V-Max when he was first designing it and set a land speed record at Bonneville salt flats in the "3 wheel motorcycle" category even beating out the big Motorcycle Companies who were also competing. So it is not just for Old guys with bad knees wanting to stay riding bike heavy bikes but also for cornering, speed, and performance too! It is rather a long video, but watching Jay and the guy who created it go for a ride is cool to see the full front-end articulation in action....it is at the end part of the video.

Wow nice yard art @venturesome!!! Very creative, and looks great!

Today I was trying to remove an engine from a donor bike so I can rebuild and upgrade it with V-max parts to be installed in my Brown 86 Venture Royal. Was sweated my butt off again in the Garage at 112 degrees F....but still very enjoyable...turning wrenches is relaxing for me and a good workout in the heat! Here is what a Naked 86 venture looks like next to a fully dressed 86. (Viewer Discretion is advised - contains Motorcycle nudity ) Hard to believe they are the same bike (except for the aftermarket Bars and Headlight the previous owner put on it of course)

Hey @utadventure, Thanks for the offer Buddy! If only we lived closer I would certainly consider it. My lovely wife would kill me if she saw another full Venture show up in the Garage! I'm currently hiding this parts bike under some blankets so she doesn't see it before I can rip it apart and hide the various parts around the garage!:no-no-no::no-no-no: I feel so naughty living life on the edge like that!:shock3: How about you, would you like my frame so you can do the swap and get that bike back on the road?

Yup she is picked pretty clean, but I got a good deal on her and was really only after the Engine. Less parts to clutter up my garage as I have a genetic pack-rat gene which runs in my family.....makes it hard to throw anything away!

Hey @Prairiehammer, hope you are well. I picked up a Donor-cycle today and thought you might want to add it to the Database. Model Year: 1986 Original Color: unknown (all plastic bits are long gone) Date of Manufacture: 11/85 VIN: JYA1NL003GA000954 Valid Arizona Title....But I will be salvaging the bike to use the remaining parts on my other Ventures.

Well, I found a donor-cycle today to help put a new "Heart" into AZZI. Being that I'm rather lazy and don't like being rushed on my projects, I decided to pickup a spare engine to do the V-Max upgrade on instead of using her current engine. That way I don't need to rip AZZI apart and miss out on riding her in the Arizona sun while I tinker with the engine upgrades. According to the title this 1986 vintage 1300cc motor has only 53,000 miles on it compared to the 200,000 miles that AZZI has on her current power plant. Looks like the Previous Owner had aspirations of making a naked stripped down Venture super cycle. But as many ambitions projects, he got to the stripping down part but not the building back up part. I got this bike for a steal, and the PO even was kind enough to deliver to my house. So from a spare parts list I got the following: 1. 1300cc Engine 2. Full set of carbs (not in picture) 3. TCI and coils (supposedly working) 4. Wheels and rotors (tires are shot) 5. Forks with super brace 6. rear shock and venture diff 7. Frame and swing arm (tail part is chopped and will be trashed) 8. Exhaust manifold pipes and collector 9. Radiator and cooling pipes/hoses 10. Aftermarket risers, handelbars, and front light. Another step closer on the journey. Now to tear her down and dispose of the frame and stuff I don't need before the wife gets too mad at me for bringing home "another piece of junk". She unfortunately doesn't appreciate the finer things in life, like motorcycle spare parts! If anyone needs a Arizona Titled MKII frame let me know as I have no where to store it and will be scrap it otherwise, free if you come pick it up! (no shipping sorry).

Thanks Puc for the heads up!!! I just checked and there was an error with my transaction....looks like I put in an incorrect email for you. I got it resolved and you should now see the Ice-cream money waiting for ya! So the good news is that there was no security breach! I'm a computer and cyber security guy by trade, so having my Paypal account hacked would cause some major egg on my face in my industry! Thanks @Freebird for bringing this to peoples awareness. I STRONGLY suggest that everyone use 2 level authentication for ALL websites and accounts that support it. 2 level authentication just means that you still have your old trusty password you need to enter, but then you are sent an immediate one time use code to your cell phone to validate your identity as well. This means that even if a Hacker gets their hands on your password they still will not be able to access your account unless they had your cell phone as well. You would be amazed how easy it is to find huge lists of accounts and passwords being sold on the internet by hackers. That is why 2 level authentication is a must in my opinion! Be careful to there in Cyberland!!

Well I have decided to try and follow in the steps of many before me on this forum to bump up the performance on my Sweet mild mannered Brown 1986 Venture Royale named AZZI. Thanks to my buddy @cowpuc for selling me a collection of some sweet V-Max parts, As of today I have started the slow evolution of this bike to hopefully a hotrod in cruiser's clothing. So it was 112 degrees (44 Degrees C for my Canadian friends) today here in sunny Arizona (felt like 200F in the garage) so I thought the time was right to strip down to my skivvies and turn some wrenches on poor unsuspecting AZZI. My project today: Swap out the old Venture Differential for a better geared V-Max Diff. Now you need to know something about this old gal of a motorcycle of mine...she fights me every time I work on her....She just doesn't like change! She likes to snap bolts, hide tools in my garage, and also tries to injury me during the process. But, for some strange reason, today was different. Otherwise AZZI wanted the new Diff or the heat got to her and she gave up....the job went smooth like butter. Even inserting the driveshaft, she lined up on the first time with a simple push (with a liberal coating of YamaLube/Moly Grease of course). She is all buttoned up and ready for a test ride......I sweated my butt off in the garage, drank 2 gallons of water in the last hour, lost 10 pounds, and haven't pee'ed once today.....a new record! Here are a few pics....You may be asking why a Red diff....well red stuff goes faster....it's physics...look it up. Stay tuned over the next 10 years as I also swap the heads, cams, v-boost, and carbs. As I said it is a evolution, and I'm kind of lazy since I like riding more then turning wrenches. But someday she will be done!

Hey Yammer, time to go to a Apple Mac! I have converted all my personal computers and all my staff in the company over and it has made a ton of difference! Plus a lot easier to use as well in my opinion....sounds like you are already an Apple family with the iPad too so not such a big step to convert over. Only thing is Mac's are more expensive, but last a lot longer and hold their value better.

Spent some time sweating in the Garage today her in Arizona....106F outside but 350F in the un-aircondition garage! My right knee don't bend as much as it used to, so I installed a set of floorboards on my bike AZZI today. Hauled those boards all the way from Canada...customs officers got a little suspicious and opened my bag up during the flight and proceeded to lose a bolt and c clip during their "Inspection" of the dangerous bag filled with Yamaha Venture floor board parts! Anyway, got them installed and now my knee can stretch out a bit. By the way, a big shout out to @paysaw for selling me the set of floor boards as well as sending me pictures so I could figure out how to install them! Thanks Buddy!

Wow, I'm so jealous! Great Pictures @Jamsie Thanks for sharing!

I came into possession of a Brand New OEM speedometer still wrapped with care and love from Mother Yamaha's factory. Been sitting on the shelf for almost 30 years to be opened for the very first time by yours truly. This is a very rare occasion in my life to actually be able to handle "new OEM parts" since all my motorcycles are of "vintage" age and usually scrapyards are my parts stores. I was so excited about this piece of virgin motorcycle history I thought I would share the very significant event of opening this time capsule with y'all! It's the little things that make me happy! The gleeful feeling knowing that my bike will someday not have a squealing speedo that is so loud that it drowns out all motor and road noise (and thats when it's greased!). Here is the official unwrapping, and the speedo seeing the light of day for the first time since probably coming from Japan! And NO I did not pay the retail of $97.39 as marked on the box.....got it for a steal from a guy who supposedly had it sitting in his garage for many many years with no bike to match it. I almost felt bad taking it out of the box, like I should have been wearing white gloves or something!

Hey @Tater, thanks for the pics.....very nice pair of scoots!!! Nothing beats going for a ride with your father.....especially on matching Ventures'! I try to go out with my Dad on our matching first Gen ventures every chance I get....life is short...enjoy it my friend!

I'm more of a Dr. Pepper man myself for all my vehicles. Up here on the tundra of Canada, Squirt would crack a block during one of our chilly July nights!

Hi @yamagrl and @Venture n Dixie, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I was not aware that the video I found via a general search on youtube for "Vmax engine repair" was unauthorized by the Author and is actually content that is sold. Damon did such a fantastic video and took the time to share his knowledge, that totally deserves compensation. Disappointing that the person on youtube who posted the video decided to break that policy. As a result, I will be taking the following actions: 1. I will be removing the Youtube links from my original post. 2. I personally will be reaching out to Damon to purchase his fantastic videos so I can continue to use his deep insight for my engine repairs. Sorry, I thought I was simply sharing a link to a public domain youtube video.

WOW @Freebird......That is my dream rig! Looking snazzy! Those shots could be in a Mother Yamaha Venture calendar....Miss July for sure.

Thanks @cowpuc, your thoughts and insights are always informative. Yes, I plan on using the V-max cams in my project so thanks for the heads up on the potential need for the TCI. From all the other posts on the forum from guys and gals who have blazed this trail before me I have not found a reference to needing to change the TCI, but it does make sense for the spark advance like you were talking about. Hopefully one of those guys and gals will chime in and confirm for the both of us. As for the exhaust, I believe the exhaust ports are a match with our Gen 1's. According to some very informative posts from @dingy while he was building his beautiful bike Tweety he mentioned that Gen 1 exhaust posts were the same with V-max but for the guys that were swapping heads on a Gen 2 they would have to do some mods to get it to fit. Hope I interpreted his posts correctly. Here is a quote from Gary a.k.a Dingy: I did not do an entire Vmax engine swap. The Vmax will however fit right in. I used the bottom end out of a 1988 Venture, which is a 1300cc compared to a 1200 Vmax. This is what the Vmax guys are doing to get more HP. The top end from a Vmax will bolt right up to the 1300 lower end. You want to use 1300 head gaskets. Exhaust headers are a match. The main problem is getting the V-boost system to fit in. It can be done though. Requires modification to air cleaner. Choke is different on Vmax carbs, hand choke on carb body instead of on handlebars. In my humble opinion, the collector is not that much of a restriction compared to the mufflers. From what I could see in the collector, there was only one internal 'swiss cheese' baffle. By shining a light in the intake I could see lots of light through the muffler port. The mufflers are a huge restriction. Gary So Mr. Puc if you got all the parts for this project already in stock, are you thinking about doing the head swap someday too? Then you could call it TweeksisRud in memory of having both Tweeks and Crud (in spirit not parts) coming together?

Roger that Tweeksis, coming in loud and clear! Hope to cruise with you someday Tweeksis....BFF! 10-4 over and out. AZZI's feeling a bit uncomfortable about the open heart surgery due to the novice wrench turning skills of her owner...That is why I'm doing so much video watching and research before I break out the tools....but she is looking forward to a stronger heart beat when all is said and done. Plus gives me justification to feed my addiction of checking E-bay and Craigslist on a regular basis! I don't have a problem...I could stop any time if I wanted too....

Thanks @bongobobny for the heads up on the carb video....I'll see if I can locate that one as well.

And here is Part #2 : -Video Removed-

Found a very detailed and informative video set on rebuilding a V-Max 1200cc motor. This guy builds a Yamaha 1200cc V-Max motor from the ground up and highlights all the tips and tricks along the way from the perspective of a very experienced V-max engine builder. I personally found video #2 the most beneficial as he covers Head assembly, installation, and timing. This is near and dear to my heart as I'm planning a V-Max head swap on my 86 Venture in the near future. This video sure beats trying to interpret mother Yamaha's service manual for a novice like myself! Hope you find it informative as well! 5 hours of Venture/V-Max motor rebuilding pleasure! Part #1 -Video removed-

Prayers up for Miranda.....as well as you and Mom as well. Hang in there buddy, the doc's will figure it out....I know it.

Hello Guys and Gals....well my eBay "buy it now" trigger finger got the best of me today and I bought a set of 1989 V-Max heads. I plan to put them on "AZZI" my 86 Venture Royale I have at my Arizona house which I only paid $250 for, so I think the old gal is worth spending some cash on. Now to my questions.....I suffer from the disease of "More Money Then Brains" or as the professionals call it MMTB. Therefore I know the swap can be done and is a really nice upgrade for these bikes, I just don't know how to do it!! So I thought I would once again reach out to my forum brothers and sisters for help and insight (thank you in advance). Here are my questions: 1. I have read in other forum posts that both Front and Rear heads can be removed while the motor is still in the bike. Should I plan to leave the motor in to save some time and effort or is it just easier for a novice like me to remove it and be able to work on a bench to do the swap? 2. AZZI had a broken speedo which the previous owner never fixed, therefore I have no confirmed mileage of this bike....but the PO said she was "high" mileage probably in the high 100,000 range. Should I look for a different Venture engine do the V-Max head swap on the bench and simply swap the old engine for the new V-Max souped up one after? Or can my well running unknown high milage motor be fine to do the V-Max head transplant on? (Cost is also a factor here too) 3. Additional parts, what else do I need? My V-Max heads appear to be complete and off a low milage (17,000 Miles) bike. What other parts should I buy for this project? I believe I need to still buy the following: A. New Head gaskets B. New V-Max valve cover gaskets C. Do I need V-Max Side cylinder cover plates?????? I believe @dingy mentioned they were required. D. Anything else? 4. I've never done a head swap before..... nor done valve adjustments......or worried about timing adjustment before on a big motor like this......shall I just use my Yamaha shop manual to take me step by step through the process of doing this swap or do you guys have any other info sources I should use? So am I over my head on this project for AZZI? Do you think a novice like me is able to pull it off and not ruin a perfectly good running bike in the process? Your thoughts, insight, and experience are always appreciated!