Peder_y2k

Yes those parts can be welded. Personally, I'd find a good used chrome trunk mount on e-bay and order it. Then I'd take the bike to a good welder and have a steel washer welded to the broken frame tab closing up and reinforcing the gap in the hole, and finish paint it black. 2nd what churchbuilder says. Also check the front fork brace for cracks, or broken/loose bolts. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/mcy/3901177460.html

3 Hrs. No need to remove the right muffler, just take out the rear bolt and loosen the forward muffler clamp to swing it to the side for clearance.

How bout satin black..........leave the bright parts untouched, and maybe add silver pin stipes. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I've got one with chrome rubbed off a spot. Now that I know it is stuck on with double sided foam tape, I can get it off. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

The owners manual says for checking oil level, to warm the engine first, then with the engine stopped, place the bike up on the centerstand and wait a few minutes for the level to settle before checking. The oil level should be between the upper and lower lines. The manual warns that a slight tilt to one side or the other can give a false reading. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

What's this cover/lid? Associated with gen1 bikes, but I don't know what it's for. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

I don't know of a specific schematic that shows the kind of detail you want, however, the service manual gives a lot of body panel references spread throughout the sections. The details are there, just have to find them. There is a general panel schemetic in the manual, but it won't help much. I'm thinking a downloadable manual is available in one of our files section. BTW, I have found panel repair to be relatively easy using ABS cement/glue/adhesive.... the kind associated with ABS plastic plumbing pipe. There is also a 'Bumper Repair Kit' sold in many auto parts stores that basicly uses the same ABS cement. Good luck -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

How to find paint codes for '88VR? Wanting to have some paint mixed for minor repair applications. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

In general, batteries are NOT for powering the bike. That's the job of the alternator. The battery's sole purpose is to power the starter motor, and, provide initial ignition power in the starting process. Once the engine is turning, the alternator begins to power the bike, including the ignition, charge system, and all lights and accessories. Using the battery to power anything other than the starter function depletes the charge for starting. Small battery...........small charge capacity. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

Check this video

Prolly gumnt busy snooping.........(interfering in your personal life) Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

When I encounter those kind of situations, I ask for a deposit up front, then refund on return. Lost too many good tools using 'trust'. With deposit, everything has come back. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

Thankyew.....thankyew.........thankyew Now I have an emergency spare TCI to carry with me for easy swapout. I've relocated the TCI to the top of the air cleaner box making it simple to service. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

QUOTE: "The 41R series is for the 1984-1989". That being said, any 41R series TCI box will work OK for any 1984-1989 Ventures. Correct? If so, what would account for the difference in the subseries numberS, 41R10, 41R11, etc.? Inquiring minds want to know.......... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

My '88VR is equipped with the 41R11 TCI box, but I also have a spare 41R10 that I picked up somewhere, and can't remember what it fits. Anyone know what bike the 41R10 goes to? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

'Courding to the manual, the cable only passes through the rubber guide on the front fender. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Thinking about getting a 3rd early Venture. Can buy a cheap fixer, use mixed plastic parts from e-bay, and rattle can them all Satin Black, not quite ratbike, but getting there. Anybody got pics of a flat black, or satin black early Venture so I can get and idea what it can look like? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

It should as there were only minor differences between the two years. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Yes, very possible. Cover would retain heat as the heat rises from the engine upwards into the carbs and surrounding space. On my '88, I took the side covers off permanently to aid cooling. I live in a very temperate climate so high heat flowing out would be infrequent. Try parking your bike outside for an hour after riding before bringing inside. Thought occurred to me that a warm carb could be weaping fuel, and when cool, it may be sealed up. Also check the carb drain tubes for evidence of wetness. May be that the screw valve is not tight and produce a drop or two that evaporate. Weaping fuel may be very difficult to see, until it accumulates dirt. Here's where one could dust the carbs with talc as a test. The talc will darken when it comes in contact with a liquid, no matter how minimal. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Malfunctioning float valve (fuel inlet valve). First sticking closed, then sticking open. Could be float is somehow misaligned and jamming in the chamber. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Keep in mind the old addage: "That which is new, is not necessarily better". -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

Scooter type CVTs wear out sliders, belts, sheaves, and clutches. Auto CVTs wear out anything moving, and dribble oil. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

I've got a couple similar flashlights (under $14), and bring one in my bike for use as a substitute headlight just in case. Good for about 2 hours before 4000mah battery needs replacing / recharging. I notice the ad does not include lumen rating. My f-lights are 1000 and 1200 lumens. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88

The Concourse is a really nice smooth bike, have ridden a friend's as we exchanged rides for one road trip together. My lady did NOT like the passenger accomodations (there are none) and was relieved to be back on the Venture. My friend did not like the big Yamaha as it was too heavy. To each his own........I remember when the choices of road bikes were few, a Harley, BSA, Triumph.............ahhh....... now there are so many it boggles he mind. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '83,88