23rd Sep 2014, 16:50
Hello,
This link http://www.venturers.org/Tech_Library/index.php?action=article&cat_id=001013&id=126 may be very useful to solve the wobble problems. Read the section of Roy Richards, Florida VMOA director (Vmax).
I haven't done this yet myself, although I experience the same wobble problems from 120 km/h myself.
In and around town I lower the air suspension of the front forks and set the back higher with the air suspension. This improves handling at lower speeds, making U-turns, parking lots, etc. a lot. Makes the bike very stable at low speeds.
Greetings from Holland.
12th Apr 2015, 18:27
I have a 1988 Royale that I bought new. Only 67000 miles on her, after not riding her for almost ten years and selling my 2006 Wing. The Wing has more power (two more cylinders), but the Venture smokes the wing in suspension (air over oil computerized front and rear). You can eliminate most of the front end shake with the after market two inch front fork brace. The only other issue is finding parts, but she is a classic at 25 years old. Good riding to all.
13th Sep 2013, 19:59
Yes, the big Yammie gets a little loose in the front from time to time. I had an 86 back in 1995, and just bought its twin last year. Seems especially sensitive to suspension settings (and condition) and tires (type and inflation levels). Still waiting to wear out the Dunlop Spitfires and replace with either 491t's or Michelin Macadams, depending on what I can find. Never had the bike wobble so bad that it tossed me off, but if my hands weren't firmly on the bars, control could have been a problem. Max out the pressure in the tires, set the front suspension at about 20 PSI, and make sure the front fluid is as fresh as possible. Progressive springs help some but not 100%. Set the rear suspension at medium to high (40-60 PSI). You will have cured most of its wobble with these modifications, but not all of the head shake is gone. Having said all that, there is not another bike of this vintage that can touch it for overall ride, power and brakes (you will need to use front AND rear controls for them).
The plastic on these bikes was pretty brittle, and I've never seen one without a few cracks here and there, IF it gets ridden.
Anyone else had the problem with leaving one of these out in the rain and then tried to start it? Something gets wet pretty easily (coils)? After it eventually starts, the tachometer doesn't work and it runs on 2 or 3 cylinders until (I guess) something dries out.