Brenner

Can you feel it? It 's coming, it's almost here! Boy am I getting excited, I haven't hit the pavement since boxing day. Today was a lovely -10 celcius (14 fahrenheit) with lots o sunshine. I can feel it, I missed last months Friday 13th but I want to make this upcoming months as the next will be in November. For those who don't know please look up Friday 13 Port Dover, it is a large motorcycle gathering. If the roads are clear I will try to make the 2 hour trip from my place. I know the video I posted below is not my venture but it is Vicki my Virago who is insured until April and I just had to wake her from her sleep. I want to get my use out of her before my venture replaces her position. She sounded great after a little nudging to get her to wake up. So can you hear it? It's on its way, riding season is almost here!

Very nice... sometimes you gotta reward yourself.

Now you are showing your age my friend.....

Marcarl brings up a good point. The opinion on loud pipes will change with the riding habits of the riders. I have been offered to ride with a few people that I know of but I really don't care to get involved with them. Nothing wrong with the people themselves but they have the habit of going to a coffee shop for an hour or two then to ride half hour or so to another coffee shop for another hour or so. I prefer the riding but could care less about the coffee shop especially when they spend the majority of time drinking coffee and talking about their rides they have took but when you see the mileage on their bikes the stories and odometer don't match up. Getting back to my point and not side tracked, most who make these short rides have their bikes mostly for show and want to be heard. Possibly their reason is image, unlike those who actually put mileage on their bikes which more often than not have quieter exhausts. My short run bike is loud and my venture is quiet in comparison so this theory is supported even though I usually ride alone. Lastly the comment mentioned earlier about those who wear ear plugs with loud pipes, well IMHO that just shows the noise is an image they are trying to portray.

I like how we all think alike (referring the the land yacht comment). I have named my venture "The Queen Mary" after the english cruise ship due to the fact that over the years I have always named my rides and my wife recently complained I do not name anything after her. Well since she will ride the queen seat, and the bike is a boat, and her name is Mary I thought it only fitting. I call my Harley "Grace" for the serenity she can bring. I think you are lucky to have that many friends in on the project. People I know come around when I start or acquire a project then fizzle out and away when the real work starts then come back when the project is done. Keep the updates coming.

My personal liking of loud pipes is usually in the long stroke engines. A true V-twin something with torque quite like the old big block automotive engines they have to thump where you feel it in your chest. All the short stroke engines do not sound right to me with loud pipes and sorry to say the sound of my venture with its slash cut exhaust just does not sound as good as my V-twins. I really like my virago 750 with its jardines as it has a nice bark to it but not too loud like other who pull the baffles out. My Harley and its screaming eagle baloney cut sound great but are a little to loud but and in my opinion even the old thumper singles make my heart skip a beat.

Thanks for the reply both of you. I had not noticed that thread before as I had not been looking specifically for that mod. The reason I asked for pics is just to determine what height and size or the mounting brackets would be. I may attempt this and I would like to make a set that look factory correct as I have done the same to all my upgrades on my bike. I try hard to keep people guessing if it is stock or not but any knowledgeable true venture lover would know what has been changed. I will be watching this build.

Sadly I only have a years experience in the motorcycle world and never knew anyone close who rode. This pic is of my first project bike a 1984 Virago 750 Canadian model (US models were only 700cc). This bike was a one owner who bought it rode a couple of seasons then had a child and wifey said no more bikes so it was stored for 24 years then came to me from the owners son in Oct. 2013. It was all seized and rusted chrome and basically forgotten till I saw it. 4 months playing in the garage and alot of polishing and elbow grease and I had my first bike to learn to ride on. Now I am 6'2" so I quickly out grew this machine after 7600 km and my venture is replacing it. There is my one previous owner Low Glide Harley (only vehicle I ever purchased needing no work) that came after my virago but I don't think I will be able to ride it as my wife now wants to ride the rear seat so I traded some work for a venture project for her comfort. I prefer a naked bike but as they say "Happy wife, happy life" and the touring is better for long distance. Please excuse the messy driveway. 1984 Yamaha XV750 Canada only 1985 Harley FXRS Low Glide

Again I am being educated by this forum, I had no idea they had a kit to move the rear trunk. Another member of this forum mentioned the idea of moving mine when he came to see me and the thought does come and go for the comfort of my passenger but I thought it would have been something I had to make up. If there is a pic available of one please post it as I would like to see what I am missing. Yammer Dan if you sell to Resilient please would you grab a pic so I can educate myself further? Had I known I might of looked for one earlier. If Yammer Dan can't grab a pic and you come across one Resilient will you do me the same favor of sending me a pic? I am really interested in this option now. Inquiring minds would like to know.

Resilient, I also can understand the road you are about to travel with this machine. Mine was a little worse for wear when I started and with plastic repairs and my being fussy I opted to go for a full repaint to make my bike suit my taste. You are at the stage where you can set your own limits with it. First see what you have to work with then set you budget. Most likely you will break your budget but if you are like me the bike will progress nicer and nicer. I personally am so fussy I ordered the lettering for the controls.. lol... Any how, I love seeing people work or rebuild their projects rather than "buy " their way into riding. I look forward to reading your updates and results and or customization/personalization of the bike. Lots of members on this forum are good to deal with and educated in the ways of the venture, and are like part of a family. As a last thought that has crossed my mind a small piece of advice that might be beneficial to you. After looking over my bike to see my needs, I personally used the search function and researched old posts of upgrades that others had done. I ended up upgrading rather than rebuilding many of the original components, for example I went with R1 caliper rather than rebuilding the originals it was cheaper and suited my needs better. Good luck we are pulling for you and as Red Green says "keep your stick on the ice"

Vanriver, thank you for confirming that two way tapes holds on the reflector. Flyinfool, now you did it. My bike is going green but now green with envy as that was a nice job on your fabrication and install. I personally like the outline look. Another upgrade to add to the list... dna9656 please keep us posted on how you you light up your trunk as I am interested and like to see the personal differences made by each rider. I am so happy you brought this topic up as it was on my mind.

Mine was held on with two way tape and I was lucky enough to get a like new (aside from one 1" crack) trunk on ebay for a $10 bid. The reflector and paint on it is perfect and the crack is hidden by the backrest. It's a shame I have to paint it to match my bike. Check ebay they had cheaper NOS reflectors when I was looking. I will look at what it takes to remove it as I will need to do so when I repaint. If anything different than two way tape I will post the difference.

Thanks guys, a lot for me to mull over. I will make my decision within a month. If any one else has info to contribute I am still all ears.

The rear trunk reflector that I am thinking of is not the same between 83-83 but rather 83-84 and 85-93. My 85 came with a cracked trunk and I replaced it with a 93 model which was the same and has the large reflector across it. My original trunk reflector had been removed and had its rear plastic removed with a set of small lights behind it. These were not hooked up when I acquired the bike and they were not led but incandescent and seemed to have been used in the bikes earlier life. Leds would be much better for life expectancy and ease of use. I do not think I will be doing this to my project but the thought had crossed my mind and the only reason I have not chosen to do it is that after all the upgrades and changes I have done to my bike I just really want to see it together and ride it to see how much I like it first. Hopefully in another week or so I will get to paint and install my led reflectors on the side bags and front reflectors. If you do attempt it please post pics and what materials you used as it might be a future project for me if I like the bike.

Puc, to answer your question about the size of that engine pictured I would have to say looking at the intake and water pump hose to intake it is an early chevy big block ( manifolds and alternator/power steering pump location tell that) and to estimate size well I would guess a 396 or early 427 as most 454 engines has a different water pump/ intake configuration. But you never know what an engine builder has done or changed on it. It reminds me of my old 67 firebird I had but the difference is that the 67 was a one year only with the vent windows on the door and the rear quarters did not have marker lights as they were not mandated till 68 and 1969 had a more square look to the sides and different tail lights. I had fun in that car and christened my local walmart parking lot with lots of burnt rubber marks when they were building it. Mine had a 327 small block the previous owner put in it and she sure liked twisting the mono leaf springs when I hammered it.

First you make me envious of the trips you are able to take then you show me that 68 firebird you came across... I am sooo jealous..... Dang it puc, how will I be able to keep up?

Flyinfool, I mentioned that I already did the starter upgrade in my original post as was recommended to me in my earlier postings. Just out of curiosity do many riders perform a ground mod to the 4 brush starters? I didn't think there was a need for that. As far as heavier battery cables, why not? I was rebuilding and am hoping I will not have to touch this bike again for any thing aside from normal maintenance thus all the upgrades being done prior to my first ride. Only upgrade I believe I have not done is the delinking and still am on the fence as some say good some say no good so I will ride it linked and see how I feel. dna9656, I looked into the interstate battery listings and come up with S150-N18L-AT as the battery with the probe. Now when I look up other similar models I find the 150-N18L-A without the probe but is the same battery for roughly $20 less so I am thinking if I go with the interstate battery I will use the probe I already have and with my licensed tech discount (I get the same deal as shop cost) I will not be paying all that much. I still want to see what others have to say as I am seriously considering all options. Interstate has two other batteries listed for our bikes but both are AGM (350cca) the same idea as the Harley battery (420cca) I mentioned earlier.

Many of you who have read my earlier posts know that I am resurrecting an 85 Royale and upgrading many of its components. I have replaced the stator with the newer upgraded part number, suspension to progressive, brakes all round to R1, final drive to v-max, heavier gage battery cables, and transmission and starter to second gen. I am at the stage where I am considering batteries. I my last rebuild (a 1984 Virago) I upgraded the starter from 160 cca to 420 cca as that model is known for starter issues. I did my home work and learned the physical size limitations and found a Harley battery to fit the battery box with the extra cranking amps I desired to get that quick spin that model needed and it worked great. I would like input on what model or size battery many of you are using so I might be able to make an informed decision on my battery choice. I currently have a 420 cca battery in the battery box and it fits well but in my opinion this bike has a different charging system and different needs than a long stroke v-twin. I do understand if I choose to go AGM I will need to install the resistor for the CMU and I have seen skydocs Deka battery option but I would like to know why the choices are made. For example, only one that was found to fit, or most members use this model, or known to be reliable, etc... Thank you in advance for any and all they may reply.

Boy Yammer Dan sure loves his ice cream...... lol..

No offence taken on my part. If there was a post cutting up a venture on the Harley forum I would post the same stating ride what you like and let others make their own choice. As far as imitations or other manufacturers making their bike look like another companies models well that my friends is competition and should keep the manufacturers on their A game. Not saying it does. I can't afford much and love the V-twin sound, Harley or not and my first bike was what the other forum I had been on called "A poor mans Harley" which was the virago. My first total resurrection after an original owners few years of use then sat for 24 years in a shed, then to me in very rough condition (I cut the factory equipped tires off the rims). I still love that bike but I am tall and it hurts after 3-4 hours in the saddle. So I started looking and came across my Harley, a very clean vintage original bike same age as my virago but in exceptional shape. The previous owner wanted a lot of coin and listed it wrong in his ad and I emailed him and corrected his mistake and we started communicating. Long story short I bought the bike for half of what he was asking (he pulled his ad when we started communicating). Very nice man who was a cancer survivor that could not ride anymore as his license was pulled. He loved the bike and loved the fact I knew what it was and everything about it ( numbered) and felt I would take care of it as he did. We still keep in contact. My point is you do not need lots of money to afford a bike you just need the ambition and be willing to work for one or acquire an older model. I personally prefer the older bikes and honestly if I had the choice of a new bike this years model I would choose ( getting ready for the flames) the rocket III roadster. I love the aggressive stance and the way it fits me as a tall rider. The only bike I have found that my feet fit the controls right off the bat. This bike is large and I love torque (2300cc) and hate a high revving motor. Maybe my choice would change once riding one but right now it would be my choice. I still love and prefer the naked look of a bike but now that my wife has shown an interest in riding with me I have to think of her and her comfort so I am now in the touring group. She wanted no part of bikes when I acquired my virago and harley but changed her mind when she saw me come and go so now I am on a different path and to try and make her part of my appreciation of riding on two wheels.

Will do. I can say in advance that if they work as well as the set of single heat setting heaters I put in my ATV with a plow I will be very happy. I use my ATV to push snow in cold (roughly -25 celcius) and the warmers get so hot that my grips steam and I feel it through my gloves. Now this is on a yamaha atv that has a thumb throttle and it takes a little time while in use to get that hot. The manufacturer claimed they were hotter for snowmobile use but I will be running the Hi/Low models on the bike but obviously in warmer weather. I am curious on what the throttle side on a bike will heat like. One downfall is that these heaters have no thermostatic control but that down bother me as I can turn them on and off as needed. I will post a follow up once up and running.

My choice is to drill the steel tube where the bar bends ends at the mount to the alloy risers and to run the wires within the rest of the leads from the handle bar controls. I believe I can hide it where the bars are adjustable. Not invisible but I do not believe they will be that noticeable to one who is not looking for them. Ever look at the wiring coming from the controls? I think it will blend in fine and will post pics once I have done it. We have alot on our bikes that will hide wires and accessories and I would like the bike to look like it is stock or a dealer option. The only thing I have not figured out yet is where to mount the switch so it does not stick out like a sore thumb. Any suggestions? I am trying not to drill or cut into the original plastics and have one idea but will have to source a proper sized switch to make it look right.

Sad to say but people who make those videos are often jealous, or those who never owned, rode, or tried to afford one. I love Freebirds and Cowpucs fair defense and as a Harley owner and motorcycle lover I just have to say there are some companies that just set the bar that others try to reach but cannot beat. Be it "old technology" that makes them popular which I like to call tried tested and true, or just the lifestyle, or image it creates. They wouldn't keep making them if they weren't selling. Ride what you love and love what you ride, don't tread on others choices as already too many people love to hate on others. Jokes are jokes but at another's expense could cause friction. I am not trying to be biased but rather trying to mellow out and see things from all others perspectives. Live and let live.

Okay you guys got the best of me and I really had to double check as I do not want to mislead or misinform anyone so I went out to the shop and snapped a few pics in no particular order. A pic of my project in current condition still being worked on, a pic of what the handle bar looks like with the grip fully removed which is easy to do, a pic of the handle bar is hollow, a pic of the bar weight which I will need to shorten and cut a groove into so the wires can pass through the weight as they are not hollow, a pic of the heaters themselves, a pic of the heater packages as I have two sets as I am an ebay junkie and $10 shipped each was a good deal for me with all hardware from two different sellers. Two different packages but same heaters and same part numbers. I see no screws having to do with the bar or weights but previously only with the grip ends themselves and I do not see a problem installing these and will have a relay running off the ignition so they will be shut off with ignition as well as there own power switch. Please remember my project is a budget build so bear with me as I slowly move along. As seen in the pics I have tried to do all my upgrades prior to my initial ride on this machine. R1 brake calipers, MKII rotors, 2nd gen transmission, v-max final drive, progressive springs, handle bar warmers, throatier pipes, upgraded stator, MKII forks, fork brace and gaiters, etc..., paint and body work to come

I have not come across the issue with the 8 mm thread or having to remove any screws to remove the grips. I have had my grips off and see no problem with the install. My bike was loaded with accessories when I got it and I have the optional venture line grips, maybe this is different? I have a spare set of handle bars and they are the same. Maybe I will grab some pics and post them to show they will fit. Thinking about it now maybe those who have not removed the grips completely previously are thinking you have to unscrew the ends to remove them. This is not so as once the grips are completely off you are staring into a hollow bar with a removable internal weight. I will double check to confirm I am not mistaken.