utadventure

I think I'm nuts.....I listed my 1986 Venture Royale on the local sales site (ksl.com) for $1,100 and I'm getting nothing but offers to trade or extremely low ball. I was offered $600.00. Yes, It's a 30+ year old bike and isn't perfect, but it's in good shape and I would be willing to take off and go. Am I crazy and asking too much? Is the market really down on bikes now? Am I too early in the riding season?

Alan and Annie gave us one when they came to the States. I'm not good at it......yet. Dave

I've got an '86 but I'm not very close to Florida

I've had my '86 for sale locally but no one has been buying. It's ready to ride and I'll take $1000.00 for it. Dave

Ed- Glad to here from you again and that things are improving in your life. Best of life for you!! Dave

I had a chance to ride the 3 gen Venture this afternoon. There was some good points but nothing that would make me rush out and buy one today. I liked that they returned to the frame mounted fairing, the seat and center of gravity is lower than 1st or 2nd Gens, power was good from the v-twin. Storage is large and you can even open the truck with a passenger on. Power was good even when accelerating in 4th rather than 3rd up a hill. The windshields ability to adjust was nice. At 5'10", in the lowest setting I could see over it and in it's upmost position I looked through it, but just barely. Wind buffeting may be an issue for the passenger. The mirrors vibrated whether stopped or moving. It is hard to get a good opinion of a tour bike when you don't get to ride more than 15 min and where you don't exceed 40 mph. While it was 90* during the ride, it wasn't overly hot as the rider but I reached down and believe heat may be an issue for the passenger. I could enjoy this bike, even the v-twin, but time will tell regarding the reliability of the air cooled engine. I also looked at the brakes and wonder if they will be reliable after they age a bit as they may be undersized. Definitely give this a try if you can. Dave

Have a similar issue with my '99 but not as severe. 1. Mine works with a little in and out motion while applying pressure in the turn direction. I don't even notice it anymore. 2. Use a electrical spray cleaner/lube in the ignition not WD-40. It will both clean, lubricate and then the excess will evaporate. 3. Yamaha put to much through the ignition switch, which can cause it to fail and leave you stranded. If you don't already have the one, there are two bypasses available from DJH3 in Florida (member). One will reroute the excessive electrical load, bypassing the switch but leaving key necessary to start the bike. The other will completely bypass the switch (this option would solve your issue but may leave the bike less secure) Best of luck!! Dave

A gorgeous place to ride!!

Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to your sweetheart. It is never a good time to lose your mother. Mine left us almost 17 years ago and is still missed. Dave & Jan

Aussie, So few dealers carry a lot of parts anymore, especially for an 30+ year old bike. They may have a tire. If the bike can be ridden, you may be best to leave earlier for Sturgis and stop along the way to make your repairs. For example, you can order a tire from Jake Wilson and have it delivered here in Salt Lake City within a couple of days for you to install or you could stop at their shop and have them mount it. You could likely order parts for the forks and have them delivered to a member along the way, stop and do the repairs. Dave

This is one that I purchased. I've used it for a variety of purposes. https://shop.antigravitybatteries.com/products/micro-starts/xp-10/

Mike- Sorry you're having so much trouble with the insurance. I'm glad to go up to Ogden and physically verify your bike and it's condition and I can still work of getting the trailer to SLC too. I'd suggest either Honda World in South Jordan, Plaza Cycle in West Valley or Steadman's in Tooele (to-wil-a). I've had work done at both Plaza and Steadman. Dave

This is what you need: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-8-oz-ABS-Cement-in-Black-308893/100345366

You'll want ABS glue. The glue actually doesn't stick it together, it creates a chemical reaction that melts/welds the pieces together.

Agreed! That is a beautiful bike!

Thanks for the help all!!! I got everything pulled out and apart a few days ago and ordered the replacement parts, including Skydoc's vent hose replacement filter. After disassembling the "twinkie", I got all of the parts cleaned up while I waited for the parts to come in. Once the new gaskets for the twinkie and the o-rings for the oil standpipe came in, I reassembled the twinkie on the bench and put the lower gasket in place and let the warmth of the day warm it up and relax it while in place (facing up). This morning the gasket was ready and I reinstalled the twinkie and oil standpipe back on the bike. Next was to replace the oil lines. Instead of the oil vapor line that goes to the bottom of the air box, I decided to upgrade to the air filter. Also the water line. Next, put the carbs back on. Finally the air box, filter and battery. The bike even fired up and no signs of the leak!!! Success!! She's running a little rough so I'll double check the carb sync in the morning.

Sorry to hear about your accident but glad you will heal. I hope you recover quickly. If if the bike and trailer are in St. George, Utah, please let me know and I'll see if I can help get it picked up. I don't know if it will help to be in Salt Lake. Dave

You pretty much have it if you have a 1st Gen bike. You will have to remove the handle bars etc. to get to the top of the forks. An 1-1/8 inch socket removes the fork tops. Be patient putting them back on as they can cross thread. When measuring the oil, you might want to see about using something to remove it from the top. It's a pretty easy switch out and a great ride without having to add any air. Dave

I have a K & N filter in my '86 and also have shimmed the needles. Runs great! I just cleaned mine this afternoon with Dawn and it worked great. Just a couple of things, let it the soap soak but not dry on the filter and rinse from the inside of the filter pushing the dirt and oil out. Dave

Got the replacement parts ordered! I think the only thing I still need is the torque spec on the twinkie bolts. Now, sit and wait for the parts delivery.

If my memory is correct, there is not only a separate switch for the 4-way flashers but also it has it's own fuse. I believe the fuse is in the secondary fuse box that is tucked behind the battery.

Thanks! I find the twinkie gaskets online in the Radiator page but don't find the o-rings for the standpipe. Any idea where the o-rings are on the parts lists? Dave

Aussie- Here's the thread to Alan and Annie's visit. They'll be in SLC Aug 1-5. You're welcome then or most anytime. Link Dave

Is this the oil line you are talking about? Which end? Or do I need to remove the line and replace o-rings and gaskets at both ends? The water stain starts in the valley underneath the line. I'm wondering if it's leaking from the upper end and dripping off of the line or from the lower end and running down what I think is called the twinkie. Dave

I noticed a small puddle a while back under the bike a little bit in front of the side stand. I haven't been riding the '86 much so it's been sitting. I pulled it out yesterday so I could figure out where the leak is and she was kind enough to leave me a clue. Any suggestions on where to start looking? Thanks Dave