Detroit Venturer Project

[Radioguylogs]

The Trouble with Handgrips

Thanks Mike P and Schming.

My 'need to know' is satisfied, learning the silver knob was added by the PO.

That NEP Cruise Control would work for sure for $20, although it is less substantial ('cheaper') than the one I am struggling with. The NEP does work OK, as I have had it on a couple of my other bikes.

We'll see what works the best.

Isn't it humorous that I did the front wheel bearings, the steering bearings, new fork seals, new front tire, rebuilt brake calipers, rebuilt front brake MC, fixed the CCT........and I am posting my struggles with HANDGRIPS!

[MaximPhil]

Hi Mike,
My tank has the same crack pattern....except the PO pianted over it.
With some gentle heat you should be able to peel off the decal in theory anyway.
Phil

[Radioguylogs]

Decal Removal

Phil: I was dreaming of a scenario where I could remove the decal and save the paint.

I suspect there is a clear coat.

Maybe some combination of sanding and heat?

[MaximPhil]

Phil: I was dreaming of a scenario where I could remove the decal and save the paint.

I suspect there is a clear coat.

Maybe some combination of sanding and heat?

Hi Mike,
Worth a try. Very fine grit maybe 1000 or even 1500 to get the clear coat off.
Or leave it alone and live with the cracks.

Phil

[Radioguylogs]

Odds & Ends

Today's theme is pictures of the findings that needed attention.
___________________

The gearcase filler plugs and filter bolt were replaced because they are badly buggered. You can see the PO ground flats onto one of the plugs to remove it:



These are the connector terminals that were sitting a puddle inside the vinyl bag behind the headlight:





I had cleaned the bigger terminals twice with Deoxit and brushes, then decided they must be replaced.

I have always been skeptical that crimps were truly impervious to corrosion. I was always a believer in solder. I measured the resistance of these corroded crimps and found no measurable resistance! (Can you hear Marty applauding?!?)

It took me 2 tries to buy the right tool (for non-insulated), but now I have new skill:



I used the zip-tie suggestion from Mike P and was successful to position the front connector bag upside down, as best I could:



Some will scoff, but I found the fusebox is in good condition. My older XS's had brass terminals that broke off, and the terminals had resistance that made them heat up. This bike has plated steel terminals that still look fine with a little cleaning, and the (robust- haha) crimps are still shiny. So, I just cleaned it all up and made a fresh label:



I still have to rewire the taillights on the trunk, and the radio/lights in the fairing; but I will come back to that later when I am "re-dressing" the bike. I am eager to pull of the rear wheel and swing arm to service those items next:

[Radioguylogs]

...and Another Thing...

Oh yeah, forgot about the IGN switch connector:



PO had it zip-tied together. Effective, bot not eloquent nor durable.

I was surprised the replacement from Parts-n-More was an exact replacement for about $3, so I didn't bother to change the female side.

[motoman]

Mike, good to see your correcting notorious issue areas. I would also suggest removing the Stop/Run switch and clean those contact points. This connection completes the running circuit and is notorious for being a voltage drop area. Cleaning of contacts, etc. is easily done by dropping both halves of switch into a shot glass of Evapo-Rust for a couple hours(switch and all), remove, rinse with watwr and blow-dry pieces. Re-attach to bars and plug-in of wire harness is located at top right frame rail under fuel tank.

[Radioguylogs]

Brant (Motoman)

It's already done exactly as you described.

I find the trouble seems to be that tiny spring gets rusty and it doesn't move to make the parts contact.

Thanks for looking out for me.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the posts of your continued adventure of your Venturer restoration. While the fuse panel looks good remember the glass fuses can fail while appearing good so carry some spares.
Hope to ride with you again perhaps even on my Venturer.

Phil

[kboehringer]

Wow... Another super Mike Restoration

Mike,
Not sure how I missed this thread. I reviewed everything and again must pass along my sincere compliments. Darn that thing is gonna be beautiful.
Kurt.

[Radioguylogs]

While the fuse panel looks good remember the glass fuses can fail while appearing good so carry some spares.

Hope to ride with you again perhaps even on my Venturer.

Phil

Phil:

I did buy fresh fuses and I made sure there are extras stored on the bike in the provided reserve spots.

The PO had actually used the US sized fuses in two locations.

I do hope to see Addie this fall. Now that you are 'retired', you have time to get her ready, right?

Kurt: Thanks for the encouragement. I'll need it when I start polishing the cases.

[IanDMacDonald]

I knew u'd appreciate this Venturer. If I find another one in good condition, I'll buy it.

[MaximPhil]

Phil:


I do hope to see Addie this fall. Now that you are 'retired', you have time to get her ready, right?

.

Hi Mike,
I like to think so too but so far the early part of the year continues busy. Boat delivery from Florida and preping the Concours for Colorado will keep me busy.
No XSSE for me this year.
Phil

[Radioguylogs]

I knew u'd appreciate this Venturer. If I find another one in good condition, I'll buy it.

I'll return the favor if I see one!

[Radioguylogs]

Hi Mike,
I like to think so too but so far the early part of the year continues busy. Boat delivery from Florida and preping the Concours for Colorado will keep me busy.
No XSSE for me this year.
Phil

Won't be complete without you.

You'll be missed, but we understand.

[You're gonna let Brian walk away with the long distance award uncontested?!?]