Brenner

I've been there and done that on the install as I mentioned earlier on my atv plow. I used a different model that has one heat setting for snowmobiles and man do they get hot. I have two sets of handle bars so i am not afraid of drilling and installing and the cover plate on our handle bar risers will hide the wiring. As far as inserting I believe there is enough room as they are not that large once in hand. I am not sure but I believe the weights in the bars are drilled. I will find out soon when I choose to install my add ons, ( headlight flasher, brake flasher, warmers, etc...). My original set of two heat warmers were for my Harley but since I will not ride it in colder weather I am installing them in the venture.

The type I am referring to are the handle bar inserts, 3 amp draw. The heated grips from what I understand wear and do not last as long. Factory grips are used and you do not see them aside from the power switch. These are the ones I have ready to install Polly Heaters Inc. - PH200

This might be a good time of year to ask about a specific add on that I have been considering for my project. I do not have a lot of experience on a fixed fairing bike so I do not know if when cold weather riding if ones hand might get cold. I plan on using my Harley during summer months but any distance and off season riding will be with my venture. What does the consensus say about adding polly hi/low heaters to the handle bars? I prefer them over heated grips and have a set on my plow atv and they work well. I just don't know how well they will work with the venture line grips being so heavily made. Any one who has experience care to share? I know they draw on the charging system but not a large load and they do not seem to draw down my quad and they do get hot.

Perhaps, I like being noticeably different than the crowd but I really do not find myself that flamboyant. To each their own, it's a colorful world in which we live. Besides I try to keep my projects looking as if they came that way from factory or like a limited production run. I keep my Yamaha nearly all Yamaha and my Harley is all Harley right down to tires, spark plugs and filters ( aside from screaming eagle upgrades). I really would like your opinion on my choice of paint style and colors once I post finished pics. I always like knowing what the following of a specific brand or model think about my non traditional choices. A little too cold to spray right now even in my heated shop and just working some unforseen mechanical bugs out.

UMMMM.................. Yeah.

Thanks Bob but unfortunately hot pink and neon orange are just not quite my taste. lol.. thanks for the chuckle

As a fellow Magnum owner I feel your pain. God I love those cars too bad they only made them a few years (2005-2008).

Very nice Snaggletooth, the only difference is that the items I purchased fit exactly and look like the original reflectors. I too am installing the front amber lights also and have the idea of the two wire trailer leads. I will post pics when the paint is on the bike and have just come out of the shop as I spent all day going over paints and ideas that I have for my paint scheme. I almost changed the color twice but remembered I want visibility and that I already own a dark colored bike. Still thinking of breaking it up with a couple of not so common colors but will make it stand out where ever it sits.

Very well said Randy. I remember a time when people were required the have "Care and control" of their vehicle. Seems like now at days with everyone not wanting to take responsibility for their own actions it is a thing of the past. Now all you hear is weather conditions, road conditions, the vehicles fault. You rarely hear of anyone fessing up to their mistake or see anyone training properly to try to prevent the possibility of accidents and driver error. And most think they are better drivers than everyone around them. I can understand why we think this way just look at all the stunts and crap in the movies and even car commercials showing how with their vehicle "YOU" can drive like a pro, look cool, and make your own rules too. People don't like to hear it but it is the truth that if we all followed the rules in place there would be alot less accidents, but hey rules are for everyone else right?

Thanks all, this is pretty much what I anticipated. I think most likely I will be the same as most of you and keep the bags on most of the time. I am planning on installing led reflectors on the bags sides and debating on also putting a set on the rear rails behind the bags thus the questions. The leds are dual brightness so they will light normally with the running lights and I want to tie into the signals so they flash brighter when signalling just like a cars side marker lights. I am thinking safety first. I was going to smoke my lenses all around but have decided against that and have acquired a full set of chrome lens guards that I will black out and install to give the bike the look of darker lenses without compromising visibility. The bags will have a water tight connector for the wiring to the bike.

Puc, the backrest you have shown is the same as one I have removed from an 84. It also requires the 83-84 crash guards to mount and in my opinion is not considered a quick release as it screws on unlike the venture line model which you pull a clip and easy removal. The one you show will possibly end up as a pay it forward as I do not find it nearly as elegant as the ventureline backrest. I suppose it is a matter of opinion.

I am thinking of making a small mod to my project bike that will effect the convenience of removal of my bags on my MKI and started wondering. My question to all you MK1 or early 83-85 venture riders with experience is : How often do you remove your luggage or use it as intended? Do any of you ever ride without the added storage? The 86 and later MKII models do not have this luxury. Please if you will share any differences you find without the gear. Inquiring minds would like to know.

Sounds good Cha, being the same height and weight as you I can understand your needs. I almost considered building a wing but decided against as it was too low for me. You have your list of wants and sounds like you know your needs and your trip sounds similar to what I hope to take this year. Funny how similar we are and that we both end up looking at the venture models. As far as your confidence in your abilities to build because of the accident, maybe you need just a little more patience as I believe I can relate. I think many out here will tell you that it comes in time, I am in my 40's and still learning that Rome was not built in a day. When I get down on myself for not meeting my deadlines is usually when I make bad decisions or mistakes. For example I took a chance on a $6 seal when I had my motor apart and now need to replace it. Bad decision I should of waited a couple days more, but I wanted to see it together and now it is a little harder to replace. Be confident in your choices but not over confident as there is a fine line at times. I believe I am in the midlife crisis age and want to have a youthful experience as I was unable earlier in my life, perhaps that is why I am trying to accomplish the goals of a younger man. Again any decision you make will affect you life whether positive or negative and you will live with the results, so make it your decision and not let others make it for you. Good luck and I look forward to reading your results.

Chaharly, I do not know your skill set, abilities, or your time line but maybe if you do not find what you want why not build it? My bike will be made of many parts and in my opinion the items I choose are those that I want over this models yearly changes. People fall in love with the odometer and in my experience you are sometimes better off with a vehicle that has been used lovingly and treated correctly with a few miles on it rather than one that has sat and even with low mileage may require more put into it down the road. My advice is not for everyone just remember seals, gaskets and rubber products harden and over time and after sitting may not soften and will require replacement. My project is being built as a budget project. I am aiming for no more than $1500 with upgrades and I wanted a custom color so I chose to use junkers. This not for everyone but when I am done it will be close to what I want and I should not have to touch it for a season or two, this is my goal and knowing me and my history I might have another project bike by next winter. It won't be a first generation venture, maybe a second generation as I don't like repeating a project. Just like my Harley, I really do not want a second like it. My eyes are on an aggressive bike for next year, an inline 3 as I have never had an inline, and insane power (twice the engine size as the MK1). I hope this venture will teach me to be able to handle higher speeds as it is a stepping stone for me. The model I want has a touring option with reduced horsepower but the one I want is the roadster. I have not seen it mentioned on the forum and is a torque monster which is what I like as I do not like high revving engines. Basically what I am trying to say is there are many options out there and you need to decide what is right for you. Every forum you search will give a different opinion some biased and some not. You know your price range, you know what you have ridden, you know how you ride and maybe know what you liked and disliked about your past rides. Maybe now you are in the position to make a change to something that you feel you might enjoy more or suit your needs better. I can honestly say if it wasn't for my wife (her deciding she wants ride my back) and me trying to take a long trip this year I would have never thought of riding a touring bike. One size does not fit all, do not rush a decision and wish you had made a different choice later. You should know when you find the right fit as you will be the one who is living with it and no one knows your comfort and needs as well as you. This is my learning experience, it is not a recommendation, only one of many options that lie before you. Good luck.

Prariehammer, don't know if my bike is an exception but on my 85 resurrection I had to utilize a set of 84 luggage crash bars in order to use the venture line mounts you call MK1. I agree they fit the 83-84 but my 85 did not have the proper tab to use the MK1 mounts. I cannot speak about the 86 and later models as I have no experience. I acquired another backrest on a MK1 parts bike but instead of the diamond cutouts for adjustment it has three screw holes in different positions. Same idea, works the same but not nearly as elegant. IMHO I feel the venture line products I have seen are the highest quality. Once my project is complete I most likely will be putting all my spare parts that I did not use or have need for up in the pay it forward only asking for actual shipping costs and I have a few chrome accessories that I do not desire unless someone local picks them up. People have helped me so I feel it is my duty to return the favor to another in need.

Well yesterday I made a trip to the US and was able to pickup my gaskets I have been waiting for which ended up with me spending some time in the shop. Todays results are mixed as I had good news and bad news. Anyone reading might note I am trying to put this bike together on a budget and honestly I have made some choices on convenience rather than what might be "correct" meaning I have not bought everything new for this bike. Today one of those things bit me in the butt. After sealing up the engine with new gaskets I had an itch I just had to scratch so I filled the cooling system and crankcase. Result one small coolant seep over night that I was able to remedy within 1/2 hour, remember these machine are old and I am using used parts and even with new seals some components are distorted. At this point all seems good cold and my itch is so bad I decide to throw on the carbs and see how she sounds. After a few hard cranks and the beloved starter drive kicking she fires a little clearing of the throat and I let her warm up, she sounds nice and really does not like her choke but I need to get used to not having the long stroke v-twin sound. I start checking things over letting paint and fluids burn off and ensuring all is operating correctly. No coolant guage operation, no biggie I make sure the fan system is working the swap guages off another bike. It works so now I make a list, fix coolant guage. Happy am I, a little rough adjustment to the carbs and she sounds sweet and I am pleased and start wondering how well my new gear set will work. Up on the stand I go and put it through its gears, wow they work great and I start thinking I got away really easy with this bike aside from waiting for parts. I get down then I see it, OH NO, dang it an oil drip. Where and why now? Then I understood it. I ran it through it's gears and I bet dollars to doughnuts it is the seal with the clutch pushrod behind the clutch slave cylinder. Sure looks like that is the location and I did not notice the leak until the clutch was used. Well a call to my local dealer and I am supposed to have the seal by Wednesday. Well I guess it is tear down time as I honestly did not change that seal so it is all on me but on the glass half full though it does run well and I am closer to having it ready for April. I suppose if this is the worst of my problems I really have nothing to complain about and it is just a minor setback. A small video of its first running on a stand blacked out. Please do not mind the mess all around as it is madness. On another note you would not believe the comments I have received on my oversized crotch rocket when the bags are off.

I am glad you posted as I did not know these awards existed. I had to recommend an individual for one. Thanks for posting.

XV, I have seen those nice little trailers before and yes they are great for the price. It looks like I will stay with a budget trailer and consider my options in the future for something better. This morning I drove to Niagara Falls and purchased a Voyaguer XL cargo box with keys for $25 used. I am going to watch the harbour freight ads and get the lowest price trailer kit and put my own unit together. I figure this trailer will cost me no more than $200-250 depending on if I run led lights or not. I will make a new post if and when I decide to try to build a small teardrop camper as currently I have enough on my plate with the bike itself. I have a yard of unfinished projects just ask Marcarl as he has seen them and I do not want this to become another. Once I have another I am sure I will have no problem selling this one off for what I have into it if not a few bucks more. Reality is setting in.

Well Puc, when I mentioned trailers I actually meant like upcoming movies or stories etc... you know the ones before the actual movie starts, but you made it even better with a motorcycle trailer. Lol... gotta love it ... These stories have a little something for every member of the family.

Thank you for that link as I honestly was looking for a hitch. I am torn on my decision on what to build. Maybe a cheap unit (harbour freight with cargo box) to start then work on something nicer so I can take my time? Or make a nicer unit next winters project? Honestly I have also considered that if I decide to pull a cowpuc and am able to get my wife to ride with me for a trip maybe even build a small light teardrop (first two links) as she won't tent it but I do not know if a first gen would pull it okay. I am running second gen gearing and a vmax drive. I still am in love with the bike wheels (third link) but maybe it is not a good idea. I have time to consider it as my project bike is still not done yet and I don't want to start another project until it is finished. I have been looking and found this home made camper unit (fourth link) and like it a lot as it has bags as I previously mentioned. I really did not think much about a camper till I saw a few online pics and ideas. Maybe I will need to build two trailers? One for solo and one for with the misses? Anyone know off hand what a first gen is comfortable pulling? I understand no more than 25 lbs tongue weight. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7256/7128022507_9806941b29.jpg http://www.richardflake.com/images/teardrops/aerotear/model%2096/rtfrtqtrl.JPG Tow behind motorcycle trailer, sport touring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiUq8Z1M_Xs Please note all links are found online and not mine but only for reference as to what I am considering building. If I offend anyone by use of links please contact me and I will remove at first request.

Just looking for trailers for upcoming episodes, reminder to self - gotta get some popcorn.

This is starting to resemble a tv series or show. Gets you a little excited and wanting to see what happens next and then cuts off to commercial... LOL.... Dang it Puc, you know how to keep em hanging on don't you? Guess I'll have to tune in next time.

Chaharly, from what I have seen the green cruise light is also found on the 84 but I cannot comment on the 83 as I personally have not seen one in person. Friesman the trunk in that pic is an 85 and to my knowledge fits to 1993. Look carefully and note the reflector strip on the rear. My 85 project has a cracked lower trunk so I found one on ebay that was off a 93 that was dealer replaced under warranty for a small 1" crack in its dealer box and it fit perfectly. I had to install the locks and mounting hardware from the 1985 as it is one year only large trunk and being removable differs from the 86-93 mounts which bolt to the bike and the 83-84 removable mounts are different and mount in a different location. Quickest way to identify the larger tour trunk is the rear reflector.

Randy and Flyinfool thank you for clarifying that. I was under the impression the timer would be powered with key on and the brake switch would start the countdown. My mistake, hey we all make them. As far as having the the pressure start before the switch I find my lever will travel a little bit prior to my switch making contact. Perhaps I will look at other switches from my parts bike as it may be a worn switch contact issue. Since I went with the gold dots I find the brake very tight and less travel compared to the original calipers. All new no play I guess. I do not have drag but there is an adjustment (screw and lock nut) on the lever that I have adjusted and it don't take much for my front brake to start operating. I like a handful of squeeze, makes me more comfortable and in control. I would rather regulate my hand to use a full lever than to adjust the lever to the comfort of my hand as I have seen on other bikes. Speaking of which it may take me some getting used to a hydraulic clutch as I am used to a cable clutch and honestly prefer the heavy feel that my Harley has. Maybe my mind will change once riding my venture for awhile.

Leland, you know exactly what I mean. I kinda like the look of those trailers and to me they are more eye pleasing. I would like to come up with something similar and painted to match my project bike. I have been considering a drop axle or half axle that pivots on front and possibly use a coil spring setup or laugh if one wants to a small air bag setup. Just wild ideas until I start trying to build it. Honestly still trying to visualize it and probably will gather some parts prior to attempting the build, for instance a swivel hitch.