skipbasler

Thanks for all the replies guys. We'll check the forks for oil and springs, though unless I'm totally wrong, most of the time fork problems are more noticeable cornering than straight line riding. I pushed the bike in several corners harder than prudent with brand new tires and really couldn't fault the handling. I don't think Rob will try a high speed ride with his wife aboard, he just is too afraid of the handling. From what y'all have said this seems to be the nature of this beast. Find it hard to believe Yamaha built a tourer with this high speed fault, although when it was made you couldn't legally run this fast. Have a notion there will soon be a good looking, fairly low mileage, mechanically good Venture for sale. Thanks again folks, ya'll have been great. Skipper

Yes, thanks Kerby. These tires are incredibly smooth with no balance weights, I'm impressed that they're that good and so cheap (wish I could say the same about the new Bridgestones I just mounted, they suck!)

Bike does not have on board air system. Forgot to mention he's running 12 lbs pressure in the forks. Machine feels a bit stiff legged compared to my Eleven special. Seems to corner fairly well, no darting or oscillation though a bit sensitive on steering input. Must admit I'm a bit daunted by the weight of the bike (getten old I guess).

O.K. folks, I am not a Venture owner, my son is. He bought an 84 XVZ 12 DL. Has complained about high speed stability from day one. I just returned from a short ride (about 75 mph) on I 75. The bike feels as though it's riding on rain grooves or a draw bridge grate at these speeds. I wouldn't take a long distance trip on this motorcycle if you paid me. We need some help,,, Please! A bit of background. Both my son and I are long time performance auto mechanics. Rob just mounted a set of Shenco Tour Master tires. Re- packed/ replaced wheel bearings, replaced brake rotors, removed and greased final drive splines, checked and adjusted steering head bearings ( set with a very slight drag with wheel off ground). We've checked swing arm bearings (no play) and I went over the rear frame with a flashlight looking for cracks (yes, I had my glasses on). The only way he'll ride is with the rear tire at 45 lbs. the front at 37. Though keeping the tires over inflated (my opinion) helps, this thing is almost scary. My Eleven is more stable over bridge grates. What do we do/ look for? Any help will be greatly appreciated.