Venturer Alert!

[IanDMacDonald]

Mike-

Check ur PM.

[dbbrian]

Mike - let us in on the secret!

[Radioguylogs]

Shhhhhhhh!

[madmax-im]

I've seen that..just SHM...

[Radioguylogs]

OK, good news.

Thanks to the cue from Ian, a Venturer made it's way into our garage tonight:



It has 35k miles and practically no rust.

The only rust seems to be freckles on the headers.

Unfortunately, the lighter colored paint on the tank is cracked on both sides:



It has some funky footrests and shifter/brake controls:



The owner's father bought it new and loved it. The father died in 2002. The son changed the tile to his name in 2004 and judging by the 12-14 year old tires with no wear, he didn't ride it much at all.

It runs, and it sounds great, but it sputters here and there, so the carbs need attention. Owner didn't think the valves were ever adjusted, but looking at his father's collection of manuals (including the Yamaha Final Drive manual) I know better, but we need to have a look anyway.

Surprisingly, everything works and there are no leaks I have noticed.

For $1200, I am happy with it so far.

Thanks for the tip, Ian.

More later....

[motoman]

Looks to be a nice specimen of the Venturer! Backrest looks to have been recovered by the pattern in it. Curious, is the original leather zipper case on rear of backrest still intact?

[Radioguylogs]

Hi Brant:

Backrest is still original, with slight wear on the top corners from the Vetter case. It just didn't show up well in the picture.

The back zipper pocket is like new. I don't think it was ever used because there is not much room to get your hand in between the Vetter case and the backrest.

[motoman]

Zipper case on rear of backrest was same situation with my bought new Venturer when I added the matching color Yamaha accessory top case to bike. That slide in adjustable backrest complete I still have on the shelf in garage, as I changed it all bout' 6yrs. ago for a new lower Yamaha accessory adjustable slide-in backrest that fits the recess in front of trunk.

[madmax-im]

Excellent acquisition Mike...I did see that listing about 10 days ago..i was trying to figure out the logisitcs for getting it..but i knew it wouldnt last long enough.. And as soon and Ian piped up I knew it was gone...
It is a moot point for me now anyways as i am retired from riding big heavy bikes....BUT
I am happy to see it go to a good home where it will be properly cared for..you got a steal of a deal...Cant wait to see it at the VYR...

[IanDMacDonald]

I love it, Mike! I have no regrets passing on it, knowing it went to you. These bikes need to be rode.

[BillyRok]

This will probably be of interest to you --
https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-1981...53.m1438.l2649

Nice addition, glad to see it found a good home!

[Radioguylogs]

Ben: If you want it, tell me now, and we can work it out. Sounds like you are ready for something lighter, though. I have a tough decision whether to bring the Vmax or the Venturer to the rally. I'll probably wait and see how the Venturer progresses.

Ian: Perhaps you'll have a chance to ride it someday.

Billy: That's is of EXTREME interest. Thanks for the lead. My mind was already trying to figure out how I could find a professional to paint the tank, because those pinstripes are beyond my ability.

[MaximPhil]

hi Mike.
Very nice. I would change out those floor boards and go back to original but that is just me.
Phil

[madmax-im]

very cool Mike

Hi Mike...
Thankyou for a most generous offer...My feeling is that the bike is already in the right place and it was meant to be for you...So take good care of it..(i know you will). I am retired from big heavy bikes...
Take care and we look forward to seeing you at the VYR regardless of what bikes you bring...

[IanDMacDonald]

Mike-

I was up in Saginaw two years ago, looking at a pristine '78E. Guy was selling it for $1k. I was interested enough to ride it. Original owner. Husband & wife. He had a Valkyrie Interstate he just bought. There was a ding in the tank, right where u look down. It bothered me big time. I have enough projects that I have yet to start, and I did not want to dive into a repaint. I ended-up convincing him to keep it & ride it. He still has it, so what I told him sunk-in.

XS1100's are all over FB. If there was ever a UJM bike I'd pursue, it'd be a '82 GS1100E. Always wanted one. So simple in styling, yet gives many a run for their money.

My FZ-10 is pretty fun, and beats all naked bikes, hands down. Just not the same as riding the XS though. It gets many compliments.