14th Jul 2006, 09:01

I own a 1983 1200 Venture, bought it in 2002 with 64.000 km. It just rolled up to 87.000 km.

To date I have replaced the stator, which was the most costly.

Brakes, fork seals are just normal maintenance.

Other than that, it is a sweet machine, and I use it as a daily ride.

I do fear my 2nd gear is starting to get weak, as it sometimes doesn't seem to go into gear all the way.

The computer monitor is also an issue, but I understand that was common.

Like I say, sweet ride, too bad they discontinued the model and fairings in search of the Harley look.

3rd Apr 2007, 15:37

I have owned a 1988 Yamaha Venture for about a year, and had good luck with it except for a noise and a vibration by the foot pegs.

Took it to a place to get fixed, but they could not pin point the problem.

Now I am asking for some help. If anyone has had similar problems, please leave a comment.

11th Sep 2007, 23:27

I owned a new 85 Venture when I was 20 years old and loved it. It was all black with thin gold stripes; the only one I have ever seen to this date, not sure how many were offered in black and for what years.

Fast-forward 23 years later and I'm about to get back into street bikes. I've found an 88 Royale to buy and repair; could ride anything, but can't forget the great bike it was, and I'm only willing to ride the same again... that says a lot about a bike.

Any other people ever ride an all black Venture??

13th Sep 2007, 16:12

I own an 86 Venture. It is like an easy chair, on wheels. 98HP is plenty to make things happen fast, even on a big bike. I'm now looking for a 92 or 93 in perfect shape to ride and keep. Mines got about 65,000 miles on Her, and has seen better days. Cost more to redo, than buy another in great shape --- Love the wind in my face, and bugs in my teeth, John.

9th Oct 2007, 14:42

For the party that fell in love with the black 85 Venture, I have an 83 in really great shape mechanically and in looks that I would like to let loose. Interested please email me at hgiles747@yahoo.com

20th Oct 2007, 14:33

I just bought a 1300 1988 Venture Royale with only 6,500 miles on it. It's absolutely clean from end to end. New tires & windshield & fluids in July. I'm really excited about this bike. I'm looking forward to riding with my fellow Patriot Guard Riders in "STYLE"... It's got a lot more electronics on it than I'll will ever use.. I hope I have good luck with it. I haven't even seen another one around Indiana like it yet...

If anyone has any tips or comments on this bike feel free to e-mail me. lindaandjan@myvine.com

26th Oct 2007, 21:30

I just bought a 1988 Venture Royale. I love it.

Got it from a customer that needed some plumbing work. 11,000 miles.

The folks bought it new and after 4 years they put it in storage for 10 years.

When they got it back from storage they sent it to the Yamaha dealer for tune up and carb, work. I've been checking it out and have only put 50 miles on it. Got to put new tires on before I take it on highway. The bike looks like new, but the windshield is faded and I can't clean it. Got a new one ordered.

Anyone have any comment about what I need to do to make sure it's ready for the road? Everything works except having trouble setting the air front and rear.

I would also like to know the horse power. Can't find it in the owners book. Comments welcome. My name is Bill. The reason I have to check it out? After they got it back from the dealer, they let it sit for 3 more years.

9th Nov 2007, 07:39

I bought my 1988 at an auction with 63K on the speedo. My son and I had to partially disassemble it to get it into the van to get it home. After fitting it with a new battery ($75 at the Yamaha dealer) and changing the oil and gas, it started and ran, but not well.

My local Vintage Japanese Bike mechanic continued by cleaning the carbs, changing the plugs, adjusting the brakes and replacing some toasted wiring which may have been damaged by mice. I highly recommend having any used bike looked over by a reputable shop before hitting the road.

At first, this bike felt enormous to me, but after a few days, it became more familiar and comfortable, with a few glaring exceptions. Firstly; on hot days, there is so much heat coming off the engine, if I wasn't wearing long pants, it would have burned the hair off my legs. The vents help marginally, but wind deflectors seem a must. Secondly; trying to roll the beast back out of a parking space may require help. I quickly learned to back into, even a slightly declined space, when parking. Thirdly; the electronics are cool, but hardly ever work 100% of the time.

Now that the season is ending, I'm bring it back to the mechanic to change leaking manifold intakes and leaking gaskets to get it ready for next year.

Even with it's imperfections, I realized how beautiful this ride is when compared to my old kz. It's comfortable, it has great music when I plug in my Ipod to the tape player, the trunk space is unbeatable, it's got plenty of power and it sounds like a muffled version of the Dodge Challenger in "Vanishing Point".

23rd Nov 2007, 07:22

I brought an 1988 1300cc Venture Royale at an auction for $2400; my son found it. Has 83k and runs like a top. I haven't ridden in about 20 years, but I love the hell out of it, and being on the open road this thing cruises like a champ.

Had to replace the rear tire and change the fluids. And back on the road. I just love this bike.

26th Jan 2008, 16:35

I have a cream colored 88 Venture Royale that I bought one year ago, and have been riding the heck out of it. I love it. I am now finding that the fairing is cracking; due to age no doubt, and it's very, very brittle. I can't find all of the used parts I need; every now and then one or two I need on ebay, but not a complete set. I'd like to find the upper and lower fairing, both right and left sides. Any help would be greatly appreciated.