Prairiehammer

You are correct, that is the California mandated fuel vapor recovery charcoal canister. While you don't have to do anything, be aware that the associated hoses can leak and the solenoid valve malfunction. If you would, could you tell me the complete VIN for your Venture? I am maintaining a database of First Gen Venture VIN with build date, colors, mileage, etc. Thanks.

Here is a review of several online auction sites. Until I searched, I was unaware of many of them. I know nothing about these sites or their specialties, if any. But you asked for some hints. Good luck.

Unless you have some aberrant noise or vibration that you have diagnosed to be due to a bad U-joint, there is probably no need to check the U-joint. Removing the U-joint requires removal of the swing arm. Fairly big job just to 'check' the universal. One could try removing the rubber bellows and peering at the still obscured U-joint, but replacing that rubber dust seal is fraught with problems. As for the final drive lubricant, use 80/90 weight gear oil with a GL-4 rating.

It sounds like you need to bleed the hydraulic clutch actuating system. If the hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated, usually with absorbed water, the heat acts to vaporize the water in the fluid, resulting in the failure of the clutch to disengage. Flush your clutch hydraulics and bleed.

If you pulled the rear end, perhaps you didn't get the drive shaft into the universal joint and now it is bound up?

I used the SB8125L. Don't the SB8125LL stick out too far? You can also buy the Speed Bleeders direct from the manufacturer.

Deb and I will be there. Might be in the Magnum, but don't ask.

I have been compiling First Gen VIN for a few years. I've entered all VINs that I have encountered through eBay sales, internet salvage sales and other ways. Sometimes I have been fortunate to note the build date with the VIN as well as mileage, color and sale location. If any one will provide me with their VIN I will return via email the Excel database I have compiled. But to answer your question Chris; the only completely accurate way to determine build date is by noting the date on the VIN sticker. I can sometimes extrapolate an approximate date of manufacture of a given VIN, but not precisely. For instance, regarding your quest for a February 1984 built bike, I can say that VIN 41R006EA001766 was built in 01/84 and VIN 59H000FA000394 was built in 11/84 (as an '85). The latest 1984 VIN I have is 41V006EA003008, but no build date. Sorry, but I don't have more information than that as far as build date is concerned. Most of my compiled VIN do not include build date.

I, too had the stripped screw in the load coil (for adjusting the SWR) as well as a missing ball tip and a somewhat bent upper SS part of the antennae. I replaced the factory antennae with a Firestik FL3B Firefly and a low profile base, HS818TNKT with 18' Coax w/ removable PL259 and Terminator stud. Got both in under 24 hours from Walcott CB. http://www.walcottcb.com/firestik-fl3b-firefly-fiberglass-cb-antenna-black-p-897.html http://www.walcottcb.com/18-coax-removable-pl259-and-terminator-stud-p-199.html

If you dry and reuse the old desiccant, be sure to sift out the powder, if any. The fines have been known to get through the screen and cause issues with the solenoid valves.

If you have the brackets for the 1983-1985 Yamaha VentureLine backrest, any VentureLine backrest, from any year, will fit into the brackets. The pad may not match your bike's seat, but the backrest will mount up.

Bob, don't change the location of the hex. When the Snagglestuds are fully screwed on, there is about an 1/8th inch clearance between the hex and the handlebars. In the pic, I didn't have the 'Studs fully tightened.

This month's Rider magazine has an article about Northwest Arkansas Rides. One is through Branson. Check it out:

Um. Yeah. Isn't that how you designed them?

Sometimes there are a few on eBay. But usually not complete or OEM. I removed mine and replaced it with a Firestick with a folding base. Mine was missing the ball at the tip and I couldn't adjust the SWR because the tiny set screw on the load coil was frozen.

While, I hope that setup works for you, I have my doubts. The CLASS compressor can generate 70 psi (or more) of pressure.

Curious that your 2000 has the remotely vented shock. Yamaha didn't start that hose thing on the shock until 2005. Is this the second go around for a rear shock on your Venture?

Yes, it is an attempt to vent the air within the shock's rubber boot. On earlier Second Gens, there was no remote hose like you have and apparently the pumping motion of the shock boot was sucking in road debris, contributing to an early failure of the oil seal on the shock. Later versions, attempted to fix this by venting through a remotely mounted hose vent. Presumedly, the shock boot pumping action would inhale cleaner air.

The part number is same, except for a minor (appearance?) change: 1FK-16381-10-00 for MKI versus 1FK-16381-11-00 for RSV. I would bet they will interchange, but I don't positively know.

Snagglestuds from Bob Myers. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?p=846771#post846771

I had a Swivel Safe on my trailer. It offers the same complete rotation that Saddlebum's. It can be had as an option on many trailers and can be purchased here. http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/Jo0AAOxyVaBS3Cwl/$_20.JPG

No longer available from Yamaha. But unless there is a catastrophic failure of the switch (melted plastic) the switch can be rejuvenated. See Dingy's write-up. Also, depending on Venture model, the inner workings of the clutch lever activated switch may be used to repair a defective brake switch.

Sorry, Bob, that is incorrect. The side cover louvered vents were stock in 1985.http://www.adspast.com/store/skin1/images/pics28/yamaha852ventureroyale.jpg http://http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=85395&stc=1&d=1404080157

Here's one of the hoses with banjo (from compressor to front forks): http://www.ebay.com/itm/83-84-Yamaha-Venture-TK-XVZ-1200-rear-to-Front-Fork-Air-Hose-Line-10623-/191089043526?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c7dcb6846&vxp=mtr http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFgxNTM2/z/2ugAAOxyJX1TDPu7/$_57.JPG

eBay, (though, I don't see any currently). Or submit a 'Want to Buy' here in the classifieds. Make sure it is for 1983-1985 Venture. Later years are different, but some sellers think everything 1983-1993 fits, so make sure what it came off of.