luvmy40

The GS series are solid bikes. I had an '82 GS850L that I bagged and mounted a Vetter WindJammer 2 on it. It was my long haul bike until I got the Venture. I'd pick it up if the price was right. Maybe $700-800 if it is really good cosmetic and mechanical condition. $0.02, YMMV

I'll have the ColorTune there.

I could have saved myself a couple hours work if I'd looked at the manual closer at first! It was indeed the start switch. I pulled it apart, cleaned it up and she's shining and flashing all proper now. On a side note, I didn't lose any screws or have any left over after reassembling the fairing. That is a rare occurrence for me.

It appears I misunderstood the manual. By "Starter Switch" it means the push to start button, not the main ignition lock switch. That'll be much easier to check when the rain stops.

It looks like the starter switch is the culprit. I followed the Yamaha factory manual's trouble shooting flow chart and after realizing the reserve lighting unit is easier to get to than the starter switch, found there is no 12V at the RLU. According to the flow chart this points to a) a bad head light fuse(checked OK), b) a bad starter switch(haven't pulled it yet) or c) the wiring of the above components. Unfortunately, I'm forced to work on this outside as my shop is overflowing with other projects right now and the weather is not cooperating. I have never had to pull the starter switch before. Is there an "easy" way?

Yes. and all the fuses are GTG.

'83 Standard 1200 My head light and turn signals quit working while parked for a couple days. The marker lights work. The hazards flash. The head light does not come on in high or low beam. The head light warning light is not on. I tried two spare bulbs just to be sure. Here's the head scratching thing. I measure 12 VDC at the head light connector both in high and low beam positions measured through the connector, not to frame ground. Would the reserve lighting unit possibly be the culprit?

Fortunately, Ohio hasn't completely trampled the Constitution into oblivion. I would never sell or give a gun to anyone I wasn't sure about. I always ask if they are CCW holders and ask to see their license if they are. If not, and I don't get a bad vibe I just ask for an Ohio DL and have them sign a bill of sale stating they are not prohibited from owning a firearm. All perfectly legal in Ohio. And, BTW it is a felony to KNOWINGLY sell or provide a firearm to a felon or otherwise prohibited person.

Well, it looks like the trade for the '89 is not going to happen. I am, hopefully meeting up with the owner of an '86 to do some horse trading today. He want's a smaller bike and likes guns. I have a smaller bike('82 Yamaha Maxim 750) and more than a few guns. Sounds like a match made in Venture Heaven. The maxim has been in storage for nearly 2 years. I remember it being much more shiny and clean than it actually is. Funny how the memory works, isn't it? I was thinking the Maxim's worth at about $800. Low mileage, runs good, has always been reliable, etc. Well, Sow I'm thinking $500-$600 is more realistic. she's seeping oil at the valve cover gaskets and after sitting so long, the carbs definitely need a good cleaning. She started right up and runs like a champ but I can't get the idle dialed in, even after a quick sync. The throttle hangs a bit on deceleration. Hang may not be the right word. The revs don't drop like a rock and the engine braking is not crisp. It's more a slow decline in rpms. It's not mechanical. The cable is free and the linkages snap back to idle position instantly. The CV slides are just sluggish. She rolls off idle and snaps your head back when you twist the wick though. I think I have enough lead slinging bits to make the deal good for both of us. I sure hope he does his own work and likes the restore process like I do. Hopefully Ill be posting pictures of my '86 Gen1 MK2 later today!

That's good to hear. What about the frame? are the'86 frames prone to breaking like the '83? In case it's not obvious, I am looking at an '86 Royale as well as the '89. The '86 has slightly more miles on the clock than the '89 but is looking good as far as trade possibilities. It might let me keep The Beast in the family as well.

Does anyone know what serial number is the end of the second gear issue? I recall it being talked about in several threads, but I can't remember if there was definitive #.

That's a great bag at a great price! Thanks J

So, the weekend was a bust. The '89 owner had to work and wound up working late Sunday so we did not meet up. I hope he hasn't changed his mind as I have gotten myself excited about the trade. I tend to do that and then get totally bummed if things don't work out.

Half way is only about 1/2 hour to 45 min. depending on exactly where he is in Louisville. I'd waste that on a ride just to ride

What kind of mileage/fuel economy do you get from your '89?

That's something I'll have to deal with eventually either way in this case. As well as the feeble factory starter clutch. The beast is starting to show signs of the starter clutch problem. Every once in a while I get that rock tumbler grind when starting. Not every time and only a split second when she doesn't grab and kick over right away.

My wife keeps reminding me of all the time and money I have into The Beast. I keep thinking about all the blood sweat and cursing I put into bringing her back to life from the barely running heap she was when I got her. I still think the '89 will be the better bike for us in the long run. I dread the day that I go out to put The Beast up on the center stand and find the frame is broken. Not to mention the almost certainty of second gear going bye-bye eventually. I ride my bikes every day, whether permitting and I don't consider rain or cold as limiting factors. Only ice and snow keeps me off 2 wheels. I would really like to start taking longer tips with the wife and the extra stowage and amenities of the MK2 Royale seem like a good upgrade to me. I will have to buy another delinking brake kit from Skydoc_17. I will have to buy another set of progressive springs. I will have to tear down the top end to check the valves and inspect the carbs. I always plan for the fact that the battery will more than likely need replaced when I buy a used bike. I also plan on new tires for the same reason. I hope that all of that can wait. At least till this upcoming down season. Are there any MK2 specific issues I need to look for? I see at least one wiki type page that states the factory spec for fuel economy was only 29 mpg on the 1300. Is that true? the 1200 was rated at 42 mpg. The best I've ever gotten is 36 mpg.

Here are some pictures the guy sent me last night. We are going to meet half way Sunday sometime to look things over from both sides.

Here's a link to the CL listing(I know!) https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/mcy/d/louisville-1300-yamaha-venture/6882582250.html One thing that concerns me is the pictures appear to be of 3 different but similar bikes. I hope they are just pictures in time lapse, so to speak over the life of the bike. Obviously, I will test ride and inspect before closing the deal.

I paid over $900.00 for it about 12 years ago. It's the original S&W SS Railed 5" 1911 I think the E series are going for about $750 these days so I'd realistically price it around $600 unless there is some collectible value that I am unaware of.

Well Puc, the owner of the '89 claims to have had the carbs "professionally" rebuilt with new floats and diaphragms a couple years ago. No idea on the fork springs but they're not mentioned so I'd wager they are OEM.

I did not change the front end. I just upgraded the front brake MC with an MK2 MC.

I have a possible trade in the works. My '83 standard and a Smith & Wesson 1911R for a very nice looking(in the pictures) red '89 Royale. I have put a lot of time and money into making my '83 mechanically and electrically sound and safe. I just finished delinking and rebuilding the entire brake and clutch hydraulics with Skydoc_17's SS delinking kit. I just installed progressive front springs and the Ignitech programable CDI not to mention the many, many hours and $ spent on the carbs a couple years ago. My plastics are in what could only be described as sorry shape. but they are complete and all original. The advantages that I see in the MK2 are: Increased stowage volume. Upgraded stator No possibility of frame breaking No possibility of losing 2nd gear at some point Plastics appear to be in much better shape The cons in my mind are: Luggage is not easily removable Still has factory linked brakes with original rubber lines still has original CDI(maybe not a real issue) What are your thoughts?

So, what car is that meant for?

Sounds like fun. What's the camping situation like there?