NLAlston
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Everything posted by NLAlston
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A Carb-Rebuild is already being performed on my bike, but I ran across some info on doing it myself - in the event that such work is warranted in the future. I thought that the instructions were very clearly laid out, and that it might help some of us, here, who are not as knowledgeable about this as most of the others are. From what I've gathered, this instructional article is referencing 'Honda' carbs, but (and I could be wrong) it is my way of thinking that motorcycle carbs are basically the same - and that they are all dealt with it, primarily, in the same manner. If it can help someone - here is the link: http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/Rcarbs.html
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I can't say for any type of certainty that there is. There was nothing mentioned about that (return policy), at all, when I initiated the purchasing decision for this bike. I knew of all the things that I should have done, regarding this whole thing - but just didn't do it. I wanted the bike so bad, and just allowed that feeling to set up blinders on my sight against everything else which should have been brought to the forefront. I should have gotten all things told to me (pre-purchase) in writing. Then, I'd have a real leg to stand on. If defective issues continued to crop up, and I elected to take them to court, it would boil down to their word against mine. With no ammunition at my belt, I don't have to tell you what the outcome would be. I would, flat out, lose. I chalk it up to plain foolishness, on my part, and just hope that I won't find myself paying too much, behind this. I only wish that I knew someone, personally, who knew enough about bikes (particularly the model line that I have) who could go over it and clue me in to the exactness of any possible issues with it. But I do not, and will just have to play everything by ear. We live and (hopefully) learn .
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Hi Condor, I wouldn't mind, at all, sharing the requested information with you. As far as the mileage is concerned, all I know is that there were 20K+ miles showing on the speedometer. Original? That's what I was told (but you know how THAT often goes). Just over $2,900 got me the bike, helmet, jacket, plates & taxes. They keep telling me about the previous owner, and how much work he had performed on the bike - but never anything about the nature of corrections or repairs made, outside of the water pump that was supposed to have been replaced in September of '06 and (I just learned today) of how that owner had gotten a tune-up on the bike, earlier this year; put a little over a hundred miles on it, then brought it in to trade on a new Yamaha. Yes, it is quite possible that I got 'stung', this time, and I guess that it serves me right. I should have went about this bike-purchasing-matter in a whole different way. But I don't think that I have any recourse in this situation. It is all about ME trying to make the best out of this issue, and the one sanity-saving thing about that is within knowing I have help from all YOU good people.
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Hi. I wouldn't know what to duplicate, from the stock toolkit, because my bike didn't come with one. But I will get a 6-pt Metric socket set, as well as Metric Allen wrenches. HF (Harbor Freight) often has a sale on their Torque wrenches, and I will get a large one of those, too. The only thing that really concerns me is the "Dip-Stick" which (I read) was included in the stock toolkit. Oh, by the way - I heard from the cycle shop's service dept., just a little earlier today. It turns out that they are rebuilding the Carb. They also stated that it could be done as early as sometime tomorrow. But (as bad as I would like to have my bike here) they can take all the time they need, to get it 'right'. I don't know what a job like that would cost, out of pocket, but - whatever it is - I am SO thankful that the dealership is handling it. It's a Blessing, indeed.
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The only ones that they had (like the ones pictured) are the red ones that I bought. I haven't gotten into the installation manual, of either set that I bought, to see what was entailed in their proper installations. I am hoping that it is laid out in an understanding manner .
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Thanks Thomas. I will look to get a good Metric set, with a few extensions & phillip's head screwdrivers, TODAY!! One thing that the manual described as being in the toolkit, was a dipstick. Maybe I will be able to pick up the proper one from the dealership, when I get my bike.
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Hi Randy. I went out this morning, To Harbor Freight, and picked up two different horns (both on sale, and one of them will be returned). I saw the one that you had referenced, and bought it, as well as another. The latter mentioned cost more than twice what the other did, but it was a more compact unit, plus it stated how it uses the existing horn's wiring (I thought it might be a little easier to install, and there was no requirement for a hose). I don't rightly know what the decibel level rating is, for this particular horn, and won't find out until I get into the package (the 'red' set has its decibel numbers written right on the packaging). Costing more, however, doesn't necessarily mean better, and I'd like to know which of these you'd opt for - betwixt the two. Just for the heck of it I have thrown in pictures of both. (by the way, I also DID pick up two cans of that Sea Foam. Now, it's about getting my 'Stallion' back here ).
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Hi Wil. I really wouldn't mind tinkering with the bike, it's just that I (presently) reside in a total fog over & above regular maintenance procedures . I DO know that the absolute FIRST order would be to find the 'proper' tool kit for my bike (as one did not come with it). So if you could direct me to just what I would need, in a 'good' tool kit for it, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
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Thanks RandyA. Harbor Freight is only five or six minutes away from where I live, and I will stop in there tomorrow to see if they yet have them. Thanks.
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Thanks Marcarl & BradT. I don't have my bike back yet, but I will be getting some of that 'Sea Foam' tomorrow (providing that I can get to the auto supply store). I am not really as bad as I have made myself out to seem, over this matter. And that is solely because of knowing that I have this fantastic place (full of fantastic people) to help me along with whatever expressed issues I may have. I will honestly do all that I can to overcome problems on my own, because of not wishing to flood the forum with countless concerns. But I know that you ARE here, to have my back with matters which are found to be larger than my understanding. And that, my friends, is priceless.
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for my '83 VR is a horn, and a backrest. The horn on my bike is pitiful, with not enough voice to alert anyone to anything . I would like to know what is the legally loudest horn set that I can get for my bike. Also, where would be the best place to get the best price for a backrest?
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Hey Buddy, Yes, they did haul it back yesterday evening, and I haven't heard anything on it yet. If they haven't come through with anything, by Friday, I will give them a call to see if they can share what the problem was. I didn't think of replacing plugs, or anything, when that situation happened. I just SPAZZED . But I have calmed down, and just waiting to get my sidekick back. I will be sure to get some of that 'Sea Foam' stuff, and I will report back here as soon as I learn the scoop.
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Man, I wouldn't wish what I went through on ANYONE - and I am sorry that it happened to you. I will let you know how I make out.
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You know, I really DON"T have any mechanical talent or capability, to mention. Neither do I happen to know of anyone qualified. I had earlier mentioned that I had no mechanical inclinations, at all, and I probably expressed that wrongly. Though I wouldn't know what to do, in a mechanical situation, it isn't though I would be adverse to applying myself toward 'trying'. My intimidation would be high, I know, because of all the numerous small parts involved - and the fear I'm sure I would have over not getting something back as it was supposed to be . A manual did come with the bike, but there was no tool kit. So, I will have to find a good set for a motorcycle.
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I'll be SURE to do that, and will post back pronto. Thanks.
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I've got the thumbnails showing, when I view-back. Please let me know if it they still aren't working for you, and I will try just attaching a single pic to six different posts (respective of the number of pics). I also forgot to add, in my initial post, that the general appearance of the bike wasn't bad at all. I could have taken better pictures, but I was in a bit of a hurry. Allow me to list the few things that were wrong: 1). There is a crack on the horizontal fiberglass piece, which sits below the radiator area. If you look good, you can kind of see it. I didn't find it to be a big issue, as it was something which I knew could easily be fixed. 2). The windshield has some small, cloudy looking patches over most of the upper part. I would imagine that there is a solution which is formulated to clean this type of stuff off, without causing further visual damage to the shield. If not, then a new shield shouldn't be, in any way, cost prohibitive. 3). The three storage compartments are of slightly different color from the body of the bike itself. It isn't something that I would find difficulty in living with, but there is a color difference that I did not see, until I saw the bike in the light of day. 4). The seat looks as if it was original, and in very good condition, save for a ripping of the leather at the very front of the seat where it meets the bike's housing. 5). Lastly, the radio unit has problems. It does work, but I haven't found how to change stations on it. There are missing buttons, at the bottom of the radio panel, and the owner had a length of solid wire (which can be seen near the radio panel, if looked closely) which served some type makeshift manner for doing something with the radio controls. Just what...I have NO clue. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... All in all, I feel that I could be very happy with the bike (Lord knows, I can't afford anything newer) providing that the mechanical issues are properly dealt with.
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...and what a huge disappointment I suffered. The bike was picked up at noon, and the owner of this cycle business did take time to walk me out to the bike, and go over some basic things about it (mainly its operational procedures). He opened the trunks, and there - in the top one - laid a full gallon of antifreeze. We both did somewhat of a double-take, on this, and I immediately began to have some concerned thoughts. Why was that antifreeze in there? Was it something that had no bearing on a continuing problematic condition with the bike's cooling system, and just absentmindedly left? Or, was it directly related to his experiencing a defective condition, which required very frequent fillings? (These are the things which ran through my mind). ...................................................................................................... Then he proceeded to start it for me, and it was hard starting. He fiddled around with the choke, a few times, then got it to start. The bike coughed, for a little, and then began straighten up some. I finally got it to myself, and headed home. I found the bike to be sluggish, and then it began to backfire. The more throttle I gave it, the more frequent the backfiring became. When I arrived home I parked the bike, as I had errands to run which required my truck. A few hours later, I returned home, and decided to take the bike out on the expressway. It didn't really have the 'pick-up' that I remembered my former friend's VR having, and I thought that (maybe) it might have been sitting for a good while, and just needed some 'pushing'. That is when the backfiring became REALLY bad. I mean, it sounded as if someone was shooting a shotgun right behind my head (I kid you not). Then the bike began to lose power. Now (mind you) I am still on the expressway - with the throttle WIDE OPEN, and my speed began decreasing on its own. At that point, I opted for the nearest exit, and the bike shut off as I came to the off-ramp's traffic signal. I had a bear of a time restarting it (which I had to do numerous times), and - when it would restart, the engine could be heard in a very tired, lazy & sluggish laboring. It was all I could do to get it home, and more than a small portion of that distance was within coasting (because it KEPT shutting off). ....................................................................................................... So now, I feel like a fool. Do you remember the cartoons where the character, in the aftermath of a foolish act, would stand before this wooden contraption with a rope hanging from the front - and a boot attached to the back of two sticked ends? Well if you do, you also remember that character pulling the rope, which would cause the boot to kick him square in the butt. If I had that device I would be on it RIGHT NOW . Seriously though, I hope that things will work out with the bike. The dealership's service department DID promptly send a truck out to pick the bike up. But being a much older bike, I am sure that they will NOT lean towards doing the best job that they can to correct whatever the issue(s) is/are - but will, more than likely, take the 'band-aid' approach - giving just enough satisfaction to last for not much longer than the 30 day warranty period. When I do get it back, I am really considering taking it to another cycle shop, for the purpose of having an in-depth diagnostic test procedure done on it. I don't know what that might set me back, monetarily speaking, but it may be worth whatever the cost. Let me know what you think.
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Thanks again, everyone. I tell ya...this is one great place, with the best folk. RandyA, I honestly have NO idea WHAT the mileage is on this bike. I was initially told that the speedometer reading of 20K+ was original/actual, but I am thinking that there could be another 100K on top of this. I am hoping that the salesperson was being truthful with me, and will find out later today (when I am supposed to take possession of the bike, and the history record will be requested). I love this bike. 'never owned one before, but did have the opportunity to ride a friend's 1st gen. about 16 years ago. He'd always let me borrow it, when he was working, and I would have that bike everywhere. It was just an extreme pleasure to ride, and I always knew that I would (one day) like to have one. If all goes well for me, later today, I will be sure to post pics immediately - to share with my venture family. Thanks again - to EVERYONE - for your very kind support.
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Hello DR, Like yourself, I am no 'Hot Rodder' either. I would enjoy just taking a long, easy rides through the countrysides, while marveling at God's handiwork of our lands. I live in the city, but my every venture would be aimed at getting out to land, land, and more land. For the matter at hand, I am just hoping that the dealership was being 'square' with me about that bike. If so, I WILL be riding tomorrow evening. If they weren't, well...
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Thanks much, guys. Keep prayers raised for me, and I will post back after taking receipt of the bike (already paid for).
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Hello all. I just happened across Freebird's post (http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1066), and was so happy that I did. I am a little concerned over these issues (especially the Stator & the 2nd gear issue, as I assume that these two would be the costliest to rectify) because I just recently purchased an '83 Venture Royale, and will be picking it up from the dealership, tomorrow. I am not mechanically inclined, and really don't have the 'depth of pocket' by which to have any such needed work performed by a professional. I am sure that this will give lead for many to wonder why I chose to involve myself in such a pastime - when being positioned within such narrow financial parameters. The answer is, simply, that I love biking. I know that the bike I'm getting is 24 years old, and that parts DO wear out . But I am stepping out, on faith, that (first) the Good Lord will grant me safety & well-being, and (secondly) that I will know a decent amount of riding time before any heavy repairs are warranted. I will have a 30 day warranty period, and I was wondering if there was a way that the Stator, and shift assembly could be tested/checked for their levels of worth, and capability. Or would the situation with the Stator be such that you wouldn't know of a problem with it until it went? As far as riding the bike to tell how the shifting goes with it, I (naturally) have no experience with it - so I'd have no way of telling whether or not it felt right . I remember, 15-16 years back, how I had occasion to ride a number of different bikes. Some were very easy shifters, while others were not, and I would have no way of knowing what is characteristic for any particular bike - as opposed to something being wrong. Any direction in this matter would be greatly appreciated, and I offer many advanced thanks.
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Thanks all. I kinda figured that I was on the right track...just wanted to make sure, though. Thanks.
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Please explain just what the term "Cages" is in reference to. I never heard this term before joining here, and am now coming across it quite frequently. My assumption is that the reference is being made to any four (or more) wheeled motor vehicles sharing the roads with motorcycles. Please enlighten.
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Where can such an item (Headlamp Modulator) be puchased? And at what cost? I have searched through the 'net, but could only find information on how to go about a 'do-it-yourself' setup. I am not that handy, when it comes to electrical issues, and hoped that I might be able to locate an easily installable kit (depending, of course, on its cost) that shouldn't require too much technical knowledge from the purchaser.
