sho_greg Posted January 28, 2010 #1 Posted January 28, 2010 Wanted to get some feedback on the second Gen Venture... Have had some tourers- my first bike at 18 was a 1987 Yamaha Venture Royale... Couldnt even ride it home- first time on it I dropped it in the middle of the road... lol... Good Times.. Second was a 99 Kawasaki Voyager- really liked that bike until something went crazy with the handling on the front end... Third was a 800 Suzuki Volusia- miss that one sometimes.. Third was another Kawasaki Voyager 2002 (used) -- had same issues on the front end... Had to sell... Present is a Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500.. Really nice but now its time to get married and she kinda likes to ride... The seat sucks... SO--- How many miles are to many miles for a venture?? Im thinking there is no difference between a 99 and a 09.... Unless they went fuel injection somewhere... and the seat design changed in 02... Any input appreciated.. My ideal bike would be a 2002-2006 with around 20K-30K... Also the 2000 Millenium Edition would be great also... Lower miles are the key and price range around $6000-$7000... Is it feasible... Thanks Greg Sumter, SC
Renne Posted January 28, 2010 #2 Posted January 28, 2010 "He who hesitates is lost" Renne,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
atlm Posted January 28, 2010 #3 Posted January 28, 2010 Ventures seem to be bulletproof. There are plenty around with over 150,000 miles. That said, the lower the miles, the better in general (as long as maintenance was completed properly, of couse), since resale (if for some reason you don't like it) is much easier for a low miles bike. 1999 had a few small things that were fixed in later models (antenna mounts and wotnot). The seat changed in 2001 to the pillow top on non-midnight models. Nothing else has changed since then, except the paint and engine colors. There are plenty of bikes for sale in that price range if you look hard enough, some with even less miles than 20k. Pay close attention to condition, of course. A bike that's spent its life outside in the elements is going to have a lot more wear than one that has lived in a garage. Search this forum and you can see what a lot of folks have bought their (used) Ventures for recently.
sho_greg Posted January 28, 2010 Author #4 Posted January 28, 2010 DId they make a 2010 model??? Or are they restyling this year... I know Yamaha had the market on CRUISER/Tourer for a LONG TIME- since 99... But now Kawasaki has the Vulcan Voyager.
eusa1 Posted January 28, 2010 #5 Posted January 28, 2010 plenty of venture owners above 150k miles without any trouble. tell us where your located and we may be able to point you to a member or dealer with a used machine. mike
Pecker Posted January 28, 2010 #6 Posted January 28, 2010 DId they make a 2010 model??? Or are they restyling this year... I know Yamaha had the market on CRUISER/Tourer for a LONG TIME- since 99... But now Kawasaki has the Vulcan Voyager. Yes, there is a 2010 model Venture. The only thing different from the original '99 is the color and I think the CD changer is standard. Yep, it's still got the cassette player too. Dave
painterman67 Posted January 28, 2010 #7 Posted January 28, 2010 while you in here take a look at the calssified section on thhis site. There are a few that are close to the price range you want. Maybey a little more but they seem to be newer also. David
Iowawegian Posted January 28, 2010 #8 Posted January 28, 2010 From a wife's point of view: 1st bike: 90 Benelli 9 yrs old 2nd bike: Yamaha 125 13 yrs old 3rd bike: Yamaha Virago 1100 41 yrs old (now my bike) 4th bike: Yamaha V Star 1100 45 yrs old traded it off for our 5th bike: 2005 Yamaha Midnight Venture 47 years old We plan on keeping the Venture till we're so old, we have to trike it out. You'll love it. Get her a sheepskin, she'll love it. Have fun! Midnight Venture's the best bike there is for 2 up riding....in my humble opinion.
BuddyRich Posted January 28, 2010 #9 Posted January 28, 2010 If its outta warranty be sure the rear shock is not leaking. They are 500 for the shock alone. Otherwise, I don't think one has ever died from overuse.
Tom Posted January 28, 2010 #10 Posted January 28, 2010 May be selling mine soon..Eyes on another bike,BUT I know its unrealistic but it is gonna take $11000.00 to get mine..Nothing less as I dont really need to sell it,but it has EVERY piece of chrome on it plus a Garmin Zumo 550 and BuddyRich cable. They are great bikes,go for one at your price as they are a good bike and many can be found under 10 grand. Mine is a 2004 Midnight but still you can find them alot cheaper.
painterman67 Posted January 28, 2010 #11 Posted January 28, 2010 theres an 03 midnite in the classifieds for less than 9000.00 David
Color01 Posted January 29, 2010 #12 Posted January 29, 2010 theres an 03 midnite in the classifieds for less than 9000.00 David I bought my 03 midnight with 4000 miles , 2 1/2 years ago for 8000.00
Squidley Posted January 29, 2010 #13 Posted January 29, 2010 May be selling mine soon..Eyes on another bike,BUT I know its unrealistic but it is gonna take $11000.00 to get mine..Nothing less as I dont really need to sell it,but it has EVERY piece of chrome on it plus a Garmin Zumo 550 and BuddyRich cable. They are great bikes,go for one at your price as they are a good bike and many can be found under 10 grand. Mine is a 2004 Midnight but still you can find them alot cheaper. Another winger....I knew it!
BuddyRich Posted January 29, 2010 #14 Posted January 29, 2010 Yea, I don't think he liked that wing walkin away from him like that....
Gamecock Posted January 29, 2010 #15 Posted January 29, 2010 Wanted to get some feedback on the second Gen Venture... Have had some tourers- my first bike at 18 was a 1987 Yamaha Venture Royale... Couldnt even ride it home- first time on it I dropped it in the middle of the road... lol... Good Times.. Second was a 99 Kawasaki Voyager- really liked that bike until something went crazy with the handling on the front end... Third was a 800 Suzuki Volusia- miss that one sometimes.. Third was another Kawasaki Voyager 2002 (used) -- had same issues on the front end... Had to sell... Present is a Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500.. Really nice but now its time to get married and she kinda likes to ride... The seat sucks... SO--- How many miles are to many miles for a venture?? Im thinking there is no difference between a 99 and a 09.... Unless they went fuel injection somewhere... and the seat design changed in 02... Any input appreciated.. My ideal bike would be a 2002-2006 with around 20K-30K... Also the 2000 Millenium Edition would be great also... Lower miles are the key and price range around $6000-$7000... Is it feasible... Thanks Greg Sumter, SC I bought my 04 Venture from a man in Camden who hadn't ridden it in 18 months. I got a great deal on it, and if I pressed I could have gone even lower. But I was happy and he was happy. Love the bike, I'm 6'2'' and 275 and it hauls me and the woman just fine. Even got a trailer now and don't expect that to be a problem either. There are plenty of RSV's out there,good luck on finding "the one" Ben
DragonRider Posted January 29, 2010 #16 Posted January 29, 2010 2003, buy it now........$6990.00.........Wish I could afford it, its my favorite color scheme........... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-Yamaha-XVZ1300-Venture-2T-LOWERED-EXTRAS-UM70066R_W0QQitemZ280457059245QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_motorcycles?hash=item414c8b1bad
BikeDaft2 Posted January 29, 2010 #17 Posted January 29, 2010 (edited) I bought a used Venture 2000 model last year. I'm very impressed with it. The quality, finish and level of equipment is fantastic. I've had difficulty getting the star accessories here for the bike as Yamaha Europe I think are discontinuing. Some are still available though. I have found sources on ebay for accessories ( mainly from the states ) - and parts seem to be well priced and easily available. Its not very popular in the UK, but thats simply due to sports bikes being more predominant here. I think its a great bike. I've no regrets getting one. Its a delight to ride, lovely burble from the V-four engine. Much smoother than a Harley. I test rode a road king, and didn't enjoy that at all. Shakes everywhere and one of the worst side stands on a bike I've ever encountered. The shakes and the weight together really put me off getting one of these in addition to the price. The RSV in a different class - refinement, luxuary - and it encourages you to do big distances. It is very heavy, but the smooth engine inspires confidence regards handling, and I've adjusted to coping with the weight. Edited January 29, 2010 by BikeDaft2
Squidley Posted January 29, 2010 #18 Posted January 29, 2010 Yea, I don't think he liked that wing walkin away from him like that.... Me thinks your absolutely right
RandyR Posted January 29, 2010 #19 Posted January 29, 2010 BuddyRich][/b] Yea, I don't think he liked that wing walkin away from him like that.... Me thinks your absolutely right There's always going to be someone faster. I just view them as clearing out the radar traps for me....
Tom Posted January 29, 2010 #20 Posted January 29, 2010 Me thinks your absolutely right Maybe a Cushman Eagle!!
Tom Posted January 29, 2010 #21 Posted January 29, 2010 Yea, I don't think he liked that wing walkin away from him like that.... YEA but he sure had a funny look on his face when I blew by him FIRST!!!! What a day that was..ahhh thinking back on it!
StarFan Posted January 29, 2010 #22 Posted January 29, 2010 Thinking about buying a Venture,,,,,,,,[/QUOTE] I don´t get this ???? Whats to think about? Do it - you wont be sorry ! Simply great bikes that will last forever if you do the basic maintenance !
N3FOL Posted January 29, 2010 #23 Posted January 29, 2010 All I can say it that these bikes are absolutely very dependable and fun to ride. Just like any other piece of machinery, maintenance is a prerequisite to happiness on 2 wheels. Hope you decide to stick with the 2nd Gens.
loehring Posted January 29, 2010 #24 Posted January 29, 2010 ... But now Kawasaki has the Vulcan Voyager. I have an '07 Midnight and it's the best bike I've ever owned. This is number 6. My wife also likes it the best. At this point there's not another bike out there that I would take over the Venture. Who knows what the next 5 years will bring but as of now, the Venture is my choice. Regarding the KAW........ I haven't heard a lot good about it. They may have a good bike there but not on the first run. Give the model a few years to get rid of the bugs and it may be worth looking at but I've heard too many complaints.
DavidD Posted January 30, 2010 #25 Posted January 30, 2010 I wouldn't wouldn't worry at all about buying a used Venture as long as it has been taken care of. My 02 Midnight Venture is for sure the best ride I have ever owned. My wife loves it for two up riding as well. One option for looking at used Ventures is on e-bay. In fact there is one one there now. A 2000 for $7,500.00 with 38,370 miles. Looks very clean. http://i.ebayimg.com/15/!BkCk5QQCGk~$(KGrHqIOKjQEsmnWIpOKBLV6LvD18Q~~_35.JPG
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