Re: Didn't find a Goldwing, But I did get a Venture

Posted by Cabreco on
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Didn-t-find-a-Goldwing-But-I-did-get-a-Venture-tp3611872p3672712.html

I figured I would keep you guys apprised on my progress so far on the Venture project.
When I bought her last month she was running strong. Some mechanicals like
rebuilding the slave cylinder & the air suspension solenoid & compressor but the major thing was cosmetics.
This is how I picked her up.
 


She needed some repairs but a lot of cleaning and plastic work.
One of the first things I did was buy a new seat. I found this one on EBay for $50.
The original seat had a rip by the gas fill & was covered with stick junk.
I've since read this is protectant breaking down & quite common.



I understand that when the original owner died & the bike sat for years.
A major part of my work so far has been tearing her down & cleaning, scrubbing & polishing.
When I took her apart, you could not imagine the amount of dirt I found.

 

The next thing I did was slap a trunk on her. When I bought Fiona, she came with K&G hard saddlebags & an aftermarket trunk.
Since I pulled all the bags from the Honda, I decided to recycle the trunk.

 

This is how early last week. I started the plastic welding on the fairing and other ABS parts.
BTW the hot air & iron plastic welding systems are awesome.
I repaired cracks & fabricated tabs as strong or stronger that the original.



So I've spent the last week finishing the plastic soldering, compounding & waxing. I added the GPS & MP3 as well.  
After 3 weeks solid (being retired & at home helps) and a lot of elbow grease, this is what it looks like now.










 
The only thing left will be a complete paint job. I figure I will wait until next winter to do that.
1st I want to make sure she "deserves" expense of a new look.

One major difference is weight. At 90mph the Yamaha glides on the road, You barely feel her.
Today I was riding Fiona and she felt like a dirt bike. You really don't appreciate just how nimble
the CB750 until you drive around in one of these fat ladies.  
The Yamaha may be for long trips with the wife, but Fiona is my only girl!