New Member in Chicago

[Liquidog]

Hey guys.  Just got myself a gently used/horribly ravaged '82 Vision.  I haven't decided yet.  I'll attach some pics in another post.  The story of the bike:

I live in Chicago, bought the bike from a guy on Milwaukee CL.  He drove it down in a pickup and handed it over with a clean title signed by the previous owner, for 375 total.  The bike doesn't run, but he has heard it run (or so he says).  However, she was only firing on one cylinder.  Research here leads me to believe she will need either the rev limiter wire cut, or a replacement TCI.  The bike is also missing a battery, battery box cover, and various nuts and bolts here and there.  (Which is why the tank looks off-kilter - it's not really attached.)  I do have the side covers and they are actually in nice shape. 

So here's my plan:

1)  New Battery.  Try to get the electrical system connected the way it's supposed to, get lights working and such.
2)  Replace other various missing nuts and bits, get tank attached and airbox back in place (currently off the bike.)
3)  If after this the bike won't run right, try the rev limiter trick.
4)  If that doesn't work, get a replacement TCI from those Czech guys as seen on this thread:  http://ridersofvision.net/rovforum/index.php?
5)  Once that's all taken care of, go through the bike piece by piece, replace all fluids, remove rust.
6)  Ride the crap out of it.

I welcome any and all thoughts, comments, ideas.  Also if anyone has a battery box lid they don't need, I'm interested.  Can't seem to find a new one. 

Thanks!

[Liquidog]

Picture 1

[kev10104]

She doesn't look too bad at all.Welcome and enjoy.

[Liquidog]

TCI electrical mess:

[Liquidog]

Battery box electrical mess:

[Liquidog]

Exhaust rust:  (who made this exhaust anyways?  doesn't appear stock.)

[Walt_M.]

Well, we seem to be in similar situations. I was able to get mine running today though. Try new sparkplug wiring and disconnect the rev limiter. Mine has just an amazing amount of rust and corrosion but I expect to get it roadworthy in a few months.

[Walt_M.]

That is a Mac exhaust and doesn't look all that bad. Do you expect perfection in a 28 yr old bike? You have to figure what you plan for the bike and how much effort you plan to expend. If you want it to be reliable, expect to expend a lot.

[kev10104]

I ride with the Mac's and love them.

[Liquidog]

Thanks for the replies guys.  Perfection, not even close.  I figure if I can put some time in I can have a nice daily driver, and maybe take some longer trips.  I'm not super worried about performance or looking really snazzy... my last bike was a Honda VTR1000 and it was kind of a monster.  I'm ok with just getting around on the Vision.  My minimum criteria for bikes these days is the presence of a V-twin, I guess.  :)

[Tiger]

 :) Hi and welcome to the ROV family... 8)

That's not a bad looking Vision mate...believe me when I tell you that I have seen, rebuilt and put back on the road, Vision's a lot worse than that!!! My "tally", at present, stands at 18!!!...and #19 is under a tarp on the back patio :o ::) ;D :D :D :D :D :D :D... ;). Many of the "family" started out with far worse examples of neglect... ;)

Make use of the ROV... Use  "Search" for answers to most of your questions and/or ask as many questions as you like, all will be answered over time.

Need parts?? check the swap shop, put up a wanted thread...or just ask!!

Once you get her sorted, the Vision is a fun ride...ENJOY 8)

                8).......TIGER....... 8)

[Re-Vision]

I have an extra battery box and cover with rubber for the bottom, I'll have to look for the screws  tomorrow.   BDC

[QBS]

It would appear that your TCI box came from a used parts place that marked their data on the back.  You might see sales date there.  Don't buy a replacement TCI until you know for sure that your current one is  bad.  I've had two TCI failures.  Both failed by exhibiting nominal operation until 2k rpm was reached.  After achieving that rpm, the engine refused to go higher.

The bike will start and run with the air cleaner off.  Rig up a pony tank to do all your carb, ignition, and tuning work with the tank and air cleaner off.  Do a carefull rust inspection on the tank, both inside and out.  Out of hand, I would definitely plan on soaking and sychning the carbs.  Carb cleaning via the spray carb cleaner technique is a waste of time.  Strip them down and have then professionally cleaned and blown out.

Seat repair can be easily handled by a local auto/boat trim shop for not a lot of $.

[Liquidog]

Tiger - thank you!
Re-Vision - PM sent.
QBS - that sounds about right.  I'll get the battery first, button up the electrics, rig up a pony tank (out of what, not sure yet) and see what I can do.

[Tiger]

Tiger - thank you!

...rig up a pony tank (out of what, not sure yet)

Your welcome... 8)

For a pony tank, I use an overflow/expansion bottle...works like a charm 8)

                     8).......TIGER....... 8)

[don_vanecek]

Remember new spark plugs, I have had the working on one cylinder problem that two new plugs solved. Although I have feeling you need a total carbs cleaning before you have a chance of a good running bike. 

Good Luck!