JPS

Zagger, that is one NASTY looking machine, and I mean nasty in the GOOD way! you've got yourself one head twisting and unique ride, for sure! (and the young lady is not hard on the eyes either!). Thanks for sharing the pics.

There's a great deal on a 1500 lb. lift at Harbor Freight. The deal runs until feb.28 09. Here's the link: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2792 It came on this flyer: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/static_emails/week_909_a.html Not sure if it would work on our Machines, but might be a great starting point. Blue Skies! Joe in Chandler

Those are both real beauties Kurt! Glad you've decided to keep them. Does anybody have any idea where those passenger armrests on the Brown bike came from? I'd sure like to get a set to make my wife more secure. She saw some on a Gold wing and thought they were awesome. Happy New Year to all, Joe in Chandler, AZ

I've tried both of the homemade setups (two bottles with oil and the 4tube manometer with Transmission fluid) and I wasn't real pleased with either. The two bottle setup was difficult to detect fluid movement in. I found I was straining to see small air bubbles moving one way or another, and that made it difficult. Trying to gauge changes in level in an unmarked bottle was impossible, so bubble movement seemed the only way to determine what was happening. My 4 tube transmission fluid filled manometer was extremely sensitive, and I guess my carbs where off a fair bit, so the fluid on the left bank quickly started heading quickly for the carbs. I had to twiddle the balance between left and right sides to get to where I could start to work on the balance between 1 and 2 cylinders. Had to continously stop as air bubbles got into the system, and the system was pulsing. I modified the system with restrictors, which helped, but I found that the system kept trying to pump the Transmission fluid into one bank or the other, and I had to shut off the motor every time this started happening to let the fluid settle and be ready with an adjustment as soon as the motor started. I eventually got to where I feel the carbs are in pretty good balance, but because of the bubbles in the fluid and the drawing in of the fluid into the engine, forcing me to shut down so many times and wait a minute or two, the process ended up taking a couple of hours. Maybe it'll go better next time, as hopefully the sync will be closer, but the Transmission fluid filled manometer is almost too sensitive, I think. I've attached a photo of my setup. I had to drain some ATF fluid out to lower the start level, as it gave me more time to twiddle adjuster screws before the fluid got sucked into the engine. I'd like to hear how others got along with their home made setups. How did it go for you? Cheers, Joe in Sunny Chandler AZ.

Yeah the link doesn't work, because they don't sell it any more. I ordered it, but they responded with an apology that they still have some of the units, but no mercury. They'd sell me the stick at a reduced price, and I'm wondering if I could use it with some kind of heavy oil or transmission fluid in it instead of mercury. Has anybody modified theirs, if so, please advise. Regards, Joe

Hi, I was visiting the 'other' Venture Site looking for more info and tips on those great 1st Gen's when I came across a post with this great, economically priced Carb Sync Tool. It's a 4 tube Mercury (OMG!) manometer, selling for $55. I ordered one so I can get my '90 model running a little better. I've attached the link for all to see. Thanks to all for all I've learned about these great cycles! Cheers, Joe in Sunny Chandler, AZ http://www.saber-cycle.com/store/product32.html http://www.saber-cycle.com/store/product32.html

Geez, my 1st Gen has a trunk light, don't they all? I thought things improved with time! Sure wish I had floorboards though. Regards to all, Joe in Sunny Chandler, AZ

I'd like to be able to sync my carbs too. Where can I get a Carb Stick like that? That's a great price! I promise not to drink the mercury! Cheers, Joe

I've found the same. Denim breathes well. We picked up some nice Frank Howard Mesh jackets with removable liner. The weather is starting to turn now, so I think we'll get some use out of them soon. If you live in the Phoenix area, I can't say enough good things about Boot Barn.. wow, they had lot of styles and types of boots. My wife and I had no problem finding great fitting boots. Okay, they were Harley Davidson boots, but I'm not a snob when it comes to boots. Wife had to go to a Shoei 3/4 helmet for comfort, while I found a Zox Genesis flip up with built in flip up sun visor to be the right choice. By the way, I'm loving our First Gen Venture. What a great bike! Ride Safe! Joe

Thanks for the tips. Wifey and I went out last week and bought some nice mesh jackets (Frank Howard) with removable liners, on sale on spec we'd get the bike soon. Should pick up the bike tomorrow, a '90 Royale with 48K miles, in really nice shape. Rode it last night and it runs like a dream, but man, it's heavy! Gonna take some getting used to.. I'm going to take a course and bring the rusty skills up to speed. Cheers, Joe

Hi, I recently moved to sunny Arizona, and wonder if anyone who is hot weather savvy can make some recommendations as far as helmets, jacket, boots that work best in this heat. I haven't biked in years, but expect to have a Gen 1 Venture Royale very soon, and have no gear as of yet. I'm especially concerned about helmets that won't toast the old noggin. I'm hoping to find something that protects well, but allows some cool air to pass through. I'd also like to wire the helmets to work off the intercom/radio system. Although leather looks great, not sure if it is the best answer for warm weather. Experienced comments would be helpful. Lastly, does anyone know where to find reasonably priced riding gear in the Phoenix area? Thanks in advance for all your help! Joe in Chandler