leafer-67

There wasn't any visible signs until the bike was placed on a hoist. It lowered to the point there was no chance of putting the bike on the center stand as it hit the ground after only about 2 inches of movement. It wasn't an expensive fix, but you do need to find a mechanic that has the ability to weld. The brake happened just in front of where the rear shock attaches. The frame simply was folding in the middle. Shock still worked, and would raise and lower the bike, but all settings came in about 2-3 inches lower than normal. Once fixed, I never had any future issues with the bike. Frame broke around 250,000 km on the odometer. This was about 15 years ago. I put over 380,000 km on my 1983 Venture Royal so chances are, I've experienced everything you have or will with yours. I'm 6' and about 200 lbs. Riding mostly solo with the shock pressure at medium on the rear, and light on the front. Pulled a Bushtec trailer for about 100,000 of those Kilometers. My final voyage was back in 2007 when the entire transmission just fell apart after getting it running in the spring. I had a friend push me to get it going as there was no clutch, and road it to the shop. There I was told the bad news. Without a complete rebuild of the transmission the bike would never run again. No sense in doing that without rebuilding the motor at the same time. Far too much money to put into an old bike. The 83 Venture was the best bike I've owned. Now riding a 2007 Royal Star Venture. Not quite as sporty as the original venture, but it's even more comfortable. I only wish it had a fixed fairing and the new Royal Star would be perfect. Past member of the VTS - Chapter 3 - Ontario

You may want to check for a broken wishbone. I had the same issue on my 83. Had it welded and the issue was fixed. Bike just slowly became a low rider and there wasn't a snap or breaking sound at all. I'm guessing you may have the same issue. Gas tank will need to be removed for safety.