Opinions on a 83' Venture Wanted

[Yard Dogg]

I haven't been on here for a while because I had to sell my XJ1100 last year that I worked so hard on . But I'm back today because yesterday I made an impulse buy on an 83' Yamaha Venture. I saw it on craigslist for sale and the only thing missing was the bags. I went over there and test rode it around the block then gave the guy $950 for it. Later I came back with my dad so I could ride it home. When I got on the freeway I tired to role into the throttle to see if all the hype was true, and this bike bike is a total slug. I could barely get it to do 90. It did not pull like a 1200 should which tells me it is neglected. I have always heard from members on here that a venture should run right next to or even pull away from an xs11, and I know what they can do cause I've had 2. This guy told me he bought the bike last september from a yamaha mechanic. It has about 60k on it. I suspect that the valves haven't been checked in quite some time because I here very little valve noise. I just want to hear some opinions from those of you who have owned one, or ridden with people who do. How much power should a Venture have compared to a xs11? I think I will go ask for my money back. I was hoping to buy a bike and ride it for once instead of having to do a bunch of work.

[Yard Dogg]

I just called the guy and asked for my money back and he has already spent most of it at home depot for a new front door. Looks like I'm stuck with the slug. This is a sad day. If anyone is looking for a venture, I would trade it for a good running xs11.

[rdmcguy]

venture

Sorry to hear the bike is such a dog.
I know very little abut them other than they are the platform the vmax is based upon.
I have been told that they are extremely difficult to get to run anywhere as good as a vmax.
If you wind up needing any parts for it there is one on cl here in denver that is being parted out.
Let me know.
Joe (rdmcguy)

[jetmechmarty]

I understand the '83 Venture is prone to the same 2nd gear issue as our beloved XS11. Be careful with it.

Since you paid $950, you need to turn lemons into lemonade. The bike runs, so making it better shouldn't be too big a deal. Get on a Venture forum, fix it, and flip it. Maybe you can double your money!

[Yard Dogg]

That looks about like my bike right there. Mine has a bit more use and the bags are missing but that's the one. I realize valve adjustment and carb tuning is part of the deal, I just wasn't looking forward to tearing it apart right away. I don't think it's totally hopeless, cause when I downshift the tire skids, so I know there is compression. I guess I'll just have to wrench on it after all. Still is available for trade though.

I've already read a bit of info on the Venture. They do have the second gear problem, the steering neck likes to work their way loose, and a few other inherent troubles. Being familiar with the 11's, second gear is one of the things I was looking for during the test run, so far I haven't noticed anything. Maybe it's already been done to it? The steering neck does feel a bit loose, I'll have to address that. Just maintenance at this point.

[Old Red]

You need to joint the www.venturerider.org site; it’s a lot like this site. There are several very knowledgeable people over there.
1. A good running Venture will do 90 mph in third gear, no problem.
2. Let’s hope your second gear has already been fixed. The gears from a 1300, 86 and up will fit in the 1200 engine.
3. The carb vacuum diaphragms are bad for getting pin holes in them and will kill power.
4. There should be a vacuum hose running from the #2 cylinder carb (front left) that goes to the pressure sensor that advances the ignition timing. The sensor may be bad or the hose may be leaking vacuum. This may not heart the power that much, but it will hear fuel mileage.
5. 90 mph sounds about right for a Venture that is running on three cylinders.

The Other Earl

[Old Red]

Hurt power and gas mileage.... Sorry I can not spell or type!!!

The Other Earl

[Yard Dogg]

These are good reminders of things to check for. Thanks. I'm noticing a lot of broken plastic which is always a bummer, but after all the work on the XJ making custom parts out of polyester fabric and fiberglass resin, I have confidence now that I can fix anything plastic related. I'll probably do that first because it's getting hard to remember which broken pieces go where, lol. After about an hour of working on it I'm starting to feel it a bit more now. I've always had a hard time turning down a project.

As far as the engine, I'm going to check valve clearance and if enough of them read zero then I will pull the heads and lap the valves. If they are good then I will move on to other mentioned things.

These are pretty spiffy looking bikes. I think I'll also repaint it a solid color , trim down the windshield a few inches and find some original hard bags for it. I like the idea of have plenty of trunk space to carry things. My other bikes were always lacking in that area. No bobbing this time.

[Old Red]

When you get it all worked out, you will love this bike. I have an 86 Venture that I put 130,000 miles on it. All I have had to do to it is normal maintains.

[Old Red]

[tcoop]

I have an 83 venture. it's currently my daily ride. Once you have everything dialed in you will love the bike (at least I did ). Mine had an issue with the diodes in the TCI and second gear. I tried to replace them but ended up messing it up. I ended up getting an aftermarket one. Second gear is only problem at hard acceleration.

Some would tell you to put some seafoam in the tank to clean the carbs (does not hurt to try). I like to make sure its clean so I pulled mine. The diaphragms are easy to check with out removing the carbs.