Newbie in need to used bike guidance

[octoberboy]

Hello all!!! After much thought about what our next bike should be, we are really liking the idea of either a used Venture or Deluxe. Thinking 2004 - 2008 but will go pre-2004 if there is really not much difference in features, ride etc. Our thinking is to keep this bike for 3-5 years then get something brand new.

 

Are there normal maintenance, wear and tear, recall type things for these bikes that I should be considering? As an example; value adjustments at 5,000, cable replacements, etc, etc. Would like to try and avoid picking something up then finding out it needs $1,000 in work.

 

Thanks...

[Kregerdoodle]

Welcome to the Family!! What ever bike you choose you will like, if you plan on doing long distanses and need the extra storage then the RSV is the ticket, although alot of folks on hear can pack their TD real well and have no issuse on trips. General maint is Tires, brakes, Valve adj. miles veries by who you ask, but I am sure there is a millage recomendation for this, I have 46k on mine and have not a valve adj. some that I have seen done at 60+- K miles really didn`t need it. tighten the steering head bearings 1 a season, or at least check, Carb tune once a year or as you think it needs it. All of the above and more can be done at maint days, although a valve adj. is better done with only a few people around, but can be done in a day. adj. the carb floats this can be done at a maint. day also. I am sure I may have missed somthing, but all in all these bikes are pretty bullet proof and with the help from the folks on here, most all can be completed by your self or with the help of neer by members.

 

The ignition switch has been a problem, if they have extras wired through them they tend to get to hot and will go out, my bike is a `01 and mine has just gave out. The rear shock is also a issue for some, but not all. I have replaced mine, although the OEM wasn`t out.

 

I hope this small amount of info will help you, I am sure others will chime in. Join the Family!! It will be the best $12.00 that you have ever spent, and the help, info and life long friends you will gain are priceless..

 

again welcome to the Family!!

 

Kreg

 

 

 

 

Hello all!!! After much thought about what our next bike should be, we are really liking the idea of either a used Venture or Deluxe. Thinking 2004 - 2008 but will go pre-2004 if there is really not much difference in features, ride etc. Our thinking is to keep this bike for 3-5 years then get something brand new.

 

Are there normal maintenance, wear and tear, recall type things for these bikes that I should be considering? As an example; value adjustments at 5,000, cable replacements, etc, etc. Would like to try and avoid picking something up then finding out it needs $1,000 in work.

 

Thanks...

[1joeranger]

I bought a used 2005 with less then 10k that was being garage kept! Over the last 4 years I have done numerous oil changes, brake fluid replacement, antifreeze replacement, carb sync, carb float adjustment, brake pad replacement, valve adjustment, tire replacements, front fork spring replacement, and a few other maintenance items. Not one time has she been into a Yamaha service dealer for maintenance. I am not a mechanic either. I was fortunate enough to find this website were there are mechanics, where there are members with unlimited knowledge and know how, and members that are more then willing to come help. One member here spoon feed me the know how on replacing the springs in my forks. I had never taken one apart before. Another member traveled to my garage to adjust my valves. All that being said you will find our bikes do not need much in the way of service. They also come equipped with just about every bell and whistle you can thing of. Most of us just like to putter!

[octoberboy]

Thanks Kreg. All in all they seem like very reliable bikes. We are looking forward to it and already glad I am joining. Going to try and hit some local places around here and give them a ride this weekend or next, depending on how much sky dandruff we get.

 

 

[steamer]

Hi Pete, And welcome. You will not find a better place for info and friendship then right here.

 

P.S, I sent you a pm.

[djh3]

Octoberboy: welcome. Have you been riding for awhile? Did you just come back to the sport? Your right lots of good folks here. I am a fairly new owner, I just got my 09 RSV mid Jan. WE love it. Have you got your eye on one close by you? Even though I have mine I was checking out Craigs List last night. I found a RSV like 2002 or so with less than 40K for under $6000 Deals are out there you just have to look. But the hunt can be half the fun huh?

[Richie R]

Since you are not in a huge hurry to get one you should be able to find some really nice deals out there. I found my 01 in a guys basement parked in its own room like 4 years ago with 17,000 miles on it. Got it for $7000. It was repainted with the flames and bunch of chrome to.

 

Richie R

[1joeranger]

Did my research, shopped, and bought mine from these:

 

http://www.cycletrader.com/Yamaha%7C2321194-Tour-Deluxe-Motorcycles/search-results?type=356953&make=Yamaha|2321194&model=Tour+Deluxe|764863152&year=2005:2005&modelkeyword=1&sort=year:desc

 

http://vehicles.oodle.com/2005-yamaha-royal_star/for-sale/condition_used/has_photo_thumbnail/?q=Tour+Deluxe&s=date&inbs=1

 

After several months looking I contacted my seller, flew in, purchased the bike, and spent three days riding back to my home. It was a fantastic way of getting acquainted and familiarizing myself with her!

[Rick Haywood]

Welcome to the place. As was said any bike you buy you will love. As for things to worry about there are the shock issue and the ignition switch problems. As for what year it doesn't really matter. I bought a 2000 MM Edition on July 27th 2010 that had 17,500 miles on it. I now have 65,000 miles on it and other than the ignition switch going out a month after I bought it we have had no troubles with the bike. I am putting in new friction plates in the clutch this week and did upgrade the clutch spring at 40,000 miles. I love our bike and as you can see we ride the heck out of it I am also doing the valve adjustment this spring for the first time. Other than that the only things I have done to the bike are tires, brakes and safety chrome.

 

Good Luck

Rick

 

:wel_ani3Tay:

[Yammer Dan]

Sounds like you have a idea what you want. The Venture was first made in 1983 to 1993. Was brought back in 99 or 2000 til now. Same engine but a lot different in the plastic wrapped around them. Both great bikes. If you read up on here a little you will see that. The 83 to 93s are years ahead of their time and great ones can still be found. Some of us enjoy the feeling of keeping something like this on the road but it doesn't require a lot of effort with a well maintained 1st Gen. The 83 to 93s are 1st Gens. 99 to now 2nd Gens. We have a lot of fun on here with the two. The 1st Gens are FASTER and don't let those 2nd Gen guys tell you any different. Now that I have you even more confused WELCOME!! Browsing on here would be a good way to get a idea what you want to look for and there are some great bikes on here for sale. Check our Classifieds.:wel_ani2Wa::wel_5Wa::wel_4Wa:

[octoberboy]

Thanks all!!! So here is my story.

 

I did not start riding until last year. Decided it was time. From my internet research it seemed like a Vulcan 500 was a great first bike. Found one on craigslist with 750 miles on it about 2 hours from home. Took a ride over, looked fine, never dropped, price was great, said what they heck, and shelled out some $$$. That was last March. Took the course and got license in June.

 

Took it for lots of rides. Made sure I went on all kinds of roads, over train tracks, highways, city, day, night, no traffic, lots of traffic, etc. Almost every time out I could reflect back on what we learned in class, felt myself getting more comfortable and getting that sort of feeling.

 

Put on 1,200 miles by myself before letting my wife hop aboard. First thing she asked after we got off that first ride was "Can we take this to Florida?" Well, yes and no but really no. We would need a different kind of big, something bigger. So she said, "Then let's get one." Am I blessed or what?

 

Over the past few months I did a bunch of research, checked out a few biker sites, browsed a few shops, went to the International Motorcycle show in NYC in January and sat on anything I could. Did some more research and, well, here I be.

 

Don't think I care where I pick one up. Just want to find a couple around here so I can at least take for a spin first. Probably start advertising my Vulcan this weekend, unless my wife decides she wants her own.

[XV1100SE]

Read this thread for known problems.

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1067

 

Other thing to consider is the 5yr warranty. It starts the day the original owner buys the bike. If you buy something purchased in 2007/8 you'll have another year of warranty left because it is transferable to the new owner, no matter how many times it changes hands.

[1rooster]

The 1st Gens are FASTER and don't let those 2nd Gen guys tell you any different.

 

 

 

I will have to ask Skid if the 1st gen is faster than the 2nd gen.

[playboy]

Put on 1,200 miles by myself before letting my wife hop aboard. First thing she asked after we got off that first ride was "Can we take this to Florida?" Well, yes and no but really no. We would need a different kind of big, something bigger. So she said, "Then let's get one." Am I blessed or what?

 

Aren't they great if your wife enjoys riding on the back of that Vulcan she will absolutely love the back of and RSV. 400 miles a day is a breeze and even more if you want. My wife usually takes pics while were riding in scenic country and has actually fell asleep and I never knew it till she asked me when did we go through Little Rock.

[Squidley]

Thanks all!!! So here is my story.

 

I did not start riding until last year. Decided it was time. From my internet research it seemed like a Vulcan 500 was a great first bike. Found one on craigslist with 750 miles on it about 2 hours from home. Took a ride over, looked fine, never dropped, price was great, said what they heck, and shelled out some $$$. That was last March. Took the course and got license in June.

 

Took it for lots of rides. Made sure I went on all kinds of roads, over train tracks, highways, city, day, night, no traffic, lots of traffic, etc. Almost every time out I could reflect back on what we learned in class, felt myself getting more comfortable and getting that sort of feeling.

 

Put on 1,200 miles by myself before letting my wife hop aboard. First thing she asked after we got off that first ride was "Can we take this to Florida?" Well, yes and no but really no. We would need a different kind of big, something bigger. So she said, "Then let's get one." Am I blessed or what?

 

Over the past few months I did a bunch of research, checked out a few biker sites, browsed a few shops, went to the International Motorcycle show in NYC in January and sat on anything I could. Did some more research and, well, here I be.

 

Don't think I care where I pick one up. Just want to find a couple around here so I can at least take for a spin first. Probably start advertising my Vulcan this weekend, unless my wife decides she wants her own.

 

Pete,

 

Please take what I am going to say with an open mind, I am not trying to be a smart arse. Making the jump from a 500cc Vulcan to this 1300cc touring bike is a HUGE step. That Vulcan is a minibike as far as weight and maneuverability is concerned compared to the RSV or RSTD. I just want you to be aware that either one of these bikes will not handle like that Vulcan.

 

I dont know how old you are, again not being an arse, but these bikes will get away from you very easily if given the chance. Slow speed handling is treacherous if your not used to them. I have been riding 30+ years and there have been a few times that I was lucky enough to get the bike back under control.

 

I just want to let you know that they can be a handful and to be prepared for that. If you do acquire one, and I hope you do, make sure you get VERY familiar with it BEFORE you let your wife ride with you. A passenger absolutely changes how these bikes ride.

 

Again please take my statements as what they are intended to be, not personal, but information. We'd love to have you with us here, but none of us want you to get on a bike that you might not have enough experience yet to safely ride....

 

That being said, get all the information you can here from the members and off the site. As you can see we are more than happy to answer any questions you have

[steamer]

Sounds like my story. I started 4 years ago with a Vulcan 900lt.The next year my wife started riding with me. we figured out real fast the 900 wasn't big enough, then Two years ago i picked up my 99 rsv. It was love at first ride, but it was very heavy for me to hold up with the two of us on it. So last year we fixed that problem by buying a 99 rsv trike. yeh, I'm not right in the head, but we're having more fun then we have in years.

[XV1100SE]

.....make sure you get VERY familiar with it BEFORE you let your wife ride with you. A passenger absolutely changes how these bikes ride. ....

 

Second that !

I went from a Virago 1100 (just under 500lbs) and it is true... be careful at slow speeds and get used to the new bike before taking a passenger. One tip... make sure the bike is rolling before taking a turn at slow speeds !

[Richie R]

I came from riding a 1100 v star my wife and I rode it all over for a couple of years before we got our 01 venture. Yes you need to really to be careful at slow speeds and use rear brake only at those speeds. It will feel top heavy at first but it goes away after you get moving and the motor loves RPMs. Just do some solo rides at first so you get to know the bike and then take your honey for a spin and she will love it.

 

Richie

[BradT]

I went from a 750 Seca to a first gen then to the 2nd gen and you can do it but as Brad mentioned just be aware.

 

Personally I believe if you are taller these bikes are easier to handle, note I said easier I did not say easy.

 

Welcome and Enjoy what ever you purchase. (500 is too small for you and the missus)

 

Brad

[octoberboy]

I had originally been thinking about going to a 900 class machine as my next stepping stone. A number of my friends are all HD guys. They all said I was too tall for a 900, wouldn't be happy, and I should get a bigger bike. I went to an HD shop and while they were noticeably heavier, they also seemed to be easier to balance than my 500. I went to a BMW shop and took a K1200LT for a spin. Nice bike, about 800lbs too. A bit more of a challenge to balance as it seemed pretty top heavy. But no problems with the ride. Great ride, loves high RPM's too.

 

I completely agree that for whatever we end up with, I'll need to log some solo time to get comfortable with the difference. Great advice and much thanks for that.

 

A butt in a seat is better than butt on the ground!

[Phoneman1981]

Hello Pete: Welcome to the site. This site makes owning a motorcycle so much fun!!! I purchased a used 05 RSTD for several reasons. It still had more than a year of warranty left at the time. It fit my 30" inseam, had cruise control and my wife liked it more than I did. I have had to make modifications to get the bike comfortable for my frame. Windshield, Seat and Handlebars. 3 years and 15K miles later, I like the bike more everytime I ride it. In my humble opion (IMHO) if you are traveling two up, I would reccomend at least a 1300 CC machine. Maybe even bigger depending on the the size of the rider and passenger. Keep us posted!

[TDunc]

Octoberboy,

 

Very good comments from everybody so far. In your first post you asked about some of the differences..

I have both and as far as the bike, Same bike. Mine are both 06's

biggest differences are as some have already eluded to.

 

TD ........................................Venture

Removable windshield ...............Faring with shield

Removable passenger backrest ...Bolted on trunk

smaller gas tank .......................larger gas tank

brushed finish forks ..................chrome forks

 

Along with the fairing comes some of the creature comforts. CB, AM-FM, intercom and the almighty highest produced Cassette deck to ever enter the motorcycle market.

 

I have ridden the Tour Deluxe on trips as long as Charlotte to Cape Canaveral solo and 2up ridden the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Without anything major to change the bike I was comfortable and so was my wife. I did buy it with Mustang seats with drivers backrest.

 

The reason I have a venture is that for those very long rides, it is more comfortable for my wife than the TD. Also, if riding in a group, CB keeps you in touch real easy with everyone else.

 

Other than that.... I like the ride of both... I like my pearl white TD better for looks than my venture.

 

When I am by myself I still like to ride the TD.

I hope this helps to fill int the gaps for you.

 

BTW - Shamless plug.... My TD is for sale in the classifieds. I cant afford two..I have two kids just turning 16.

[Keemez]

I went to a BMW shop and took a K1200LT for a spin. Nice bike, about 800lbs too. A bit more of a challenge to balance as it seemed pretty top heavy. But no problems with the ride. Great ride, loves high RPM's too.

 

A couple of us around here have ridden K12s as well, and the general idea is that that bike has got to be one of the topheaviest pigs around. It's very comfortable at speed but handling and maneuvering it around at walking speed can be a challenge to say the least. I haven't ridden any 2nd gen Ventures or the RS iterations either, but I would submit that if you can comfortably handle the K12 (scary, ain't it?) you'd be just fine on anything Yammy offers.

[JerryT]

Everyone has an opinion on which is the best bike. Only thing that's important is what is right for you. I think both the RSV and RSTD are great bikes. To me a lot has to do with what type of riding you want to do. If you are mainly doing short rides, the TD is great. But when you want to go on a trip, you can't beat the RSV. As mentioned, the front fairing with CB, tunes and trunk make the RSV worth the extra money for long trips. It also has a much better stock seat.

As to age of bike, like mentioned, they haven't changed in over 10 years. Sometimes also not a lot of difference in price after they are a few years old. There are bargins out there if you take the time to find them.

As for my previous bike, I had a 1700 Roadstar Silverado. This is a great bike and again great for shorter trips. Very low center of gravity and MUCH easier to ride then the RSV. If I were to have a second bike, it would be high on my list. I just didn't like to ride it over about 400 miles a day or I might still have it. I feel better after riding my RSV 650 miles then the Roadie 400 miles in a day. If you are planning on shorter trips and changing bikes in a couple of years, well worth considering if you are worried about your riding skills.

Good luck with your search and ride safe.

[CalhounWV]

An Experienced Rider Course ( now called BRC-2 ), is a great course to take with any bike, that is new to the Rider.

 

I went from a C50T to a RSTD, there was some weight difference and handling differece.... just get to know the new bike and ..... Ride... Enjoy... Ride more, enjoy even more... etc etc etc....

Edited February 9, 2012 by CalhounWV
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