Thanks to all...

[NorthAZxs]

After a few months surfing this site I finally bought a '79 XS Venturer. Many thanks to all the posts I've read helping me to know what to look for, which problems are fixable and which bikes to walk away from---I looked at about 20 before buying the '79...

Anyway: For $850 I picked up a Venturer with all the bags and trim in place and in good shape, plus an older Goldwing top box painted to match. Many touring accessories, some smart (intercom system) and some overkill (onboard compressor plumbed to front forks... heavy!). Runs OK, but I'll be going through the carbs soon.

As with any new old bike I'll be going through it bow to stern before spring, so I have a few questions, some are probably basic, but I appreciate the help.

New and used parts source(s): Carb rebuild kits, headlight hi/low switch, oil dipstick, misc that's sure to crop up.

Models & color info: Is there a site showing the various model designations and correct colors by year? My XS is pearlescent orange (not a misprint), but I want to restore it to the correct color

Anyway, that's it for now. I really am grateful for all the advice I've read here, so if anyone's around the Prescott, AZ area and needs a rack for the night drop me a line via email...

NorthAZxs

[CatatonicBug]

Welcome! You have definitely found the right place for all the info you need to make your bike the thing of beauty you want. Tons of places for parts all over the internet, and even several members here with parts for sale.

As for the oil dipstick, there isn't one. Never was. you have to use the little window below the fill hole, viewed on the center stand (or at least balanced on center). If you are referring to the middle and final gear lube dipstick, there is a diagram in the tech tips so you can make your own, or some have mentioned that they are still available from Yamaha.

Pearescent orange actually sounds pretty nice to me Many people have re-painted their bikes with all sorts of various colors, but if you are looking for the stock colors, I'm sure there is a listing out there somewhere.

[NorthAZxs]

Oil dipstick... D'oh!

My mistake: Not a dispstick, rather the oil filler cap.

My XS currently has a faded-to-illegible oil temp guage in place of the cap. I'd rather run a temp sender from an oil galley to a guage in the fairing, and replace the existing guage with the stock cap.

[bikerphil]

New and used parts source(s): Carb rebuild kits

Partsnmore.net has a lot of things for our bikes.

[Jerry]

After a few months surfing this site I finally bought a '79 XS Venturer.

You might want to check the VIN or engine number; the Venturer was a Yamaha package sold in '81. It has the larger gas tank, "swirl" wheels, and a factory oil cooler. Known as an '81 H model, the VIN / engine number should start with 4R1.

[motoman]

No "swirl" wheels on the 81 Venturer Jerry, those were on the Midnight Specials and the Maxims(XJ models).