looking for advice on a used 04 venture

[cruzer04]

right now looking for some advice/direction.

i know this can be a loaded question but looking for some good advice on the possible purchase of this bike

i am looking to purchase an 04 venture with 120000 km or approx 75000 mi on it it has been owned by 2 previous riders (seniors apparently) regular maintenance has been performed it has just had a new clutch installed

now i am very unfamiliar with these bikes and the longevity expected from them. i am not necessarily afraid of the mileage but more perhaps a costly expense

i can afford the bike but if there is some crazy maintenance repair that will be need i just want to try to be educated a head of time.

i have learned the Goldwing can go a long ways without major repairs with regular maintenance as any pc of machinery can/will do

if i am able to have a few thoughts on the longevity and possible future repairs would be appreciated

 

thanks in advance

Tim

[Barrycuda]

Tim, welcome. I will give you my 2 cents and I am sure those who know more than me will chime in....they always do I am a fairly new RSV owner, 6 months. I asked questions and I am sure people were tired of me but didn't show. Here's what I learned: these bikes, when properly maintained and treated right, can easily get you 200k miles or more. It was told to me that these bikes rarely have issues. That said, no one can predict electrical failures, but overall MAJOR breakdowns are not common. I just travelled from Florida to Tennessee in the rain, and not so much as a hiccup. To also inform you, I am NOT a gear head, or mechanic. I just wanna ride. From 1999-2013, these bikes are the same and many describe them as indestructible, as well as bulletproof. No machine is perfect. If you have a trusted mechanic friend or shop take a look at this for you, it may make you feel better. Check rear shocks as the OEM do leak and that's a pricey replacement. See about tires, breaks, fluid changes etc. any service records?

I was back and forth, then once I returned from Tennessee I am all in. These bikes are terrific!

Please keep us posted and keep asking questions, these guys and gals on this forum kick royal ass!!

[XV1100SE]

Read this thread for known problems and things to check before purchasing :

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

 

How much are they asking?

 

Several members in the area so you'll have instant friends and help with the bike should you have issues. I'm in Kitchener but there are members anywhere from Toronto to Woodstock.

 

Maintenance Day is this next weekend. Several of us are meeting in Grimsby at the Casablanca exit service centre at 9am. If you can make it there on Friday you can meet some of us and if you get the bike before then, ride down to Freebird's in Ohio where you'll see about 100 Ventures.... plus have people there that can go over your new ride with a fine tooth combe and do any maintenance necessary.

[steamer]

Buy it! Bring it to MD. We will go over it with a fine tooth comb..... I could use some extra par....I mean we will make sure it is in tip top shape.

[Barrycuda]

Buy it! Bring it to MD. We will go over it with a fine tooth comb..... I could use some extra par....I mean we will make sure it is in tip top shape.

 

:rotf:

[eusa1]

Ride to the international rally and i will show you what they look like after 170,000 miles

I just checked the valves for adjustment and they don't need anything yet!

I guess i will check them again at 250k

Gas, oil, tires, brakes, plugs, shocks, and my first valve cover gasket at 168k

Drive it like ya stole it!!

Mike

Welcome!!

[cruzer04]

thanks all for your quick responses and timely advice

if i can make a deal with this guy i may try and catch up with you

he is asking 6900 certified, i have my 05 road star with 30000 km s,I want to trade but he is asking for cash as well which i am not interested in......so we will need to wait and see if he comes around

 

 

again thanks for all the input

[djh3]

My 09 had 7400mi on it when I bought it last year. Now has a bit over 12k and runs great. Look at maybe a brake fluid change and your tires on it.

[Barrycuda]

thanks all for your quick responses and timely advice

if i can make a deal with this guy i may try and catch up with you

he is asking 6900 certified, i have my 05 road star with 30000 km s,I want to trade but he is asking for cash as well which i am not interested in......so we will need to wait and see if he comes around

 

 

again thanks for all the input

 

 

Can always purchase one in the states, perhaps cheaper and ride it back?!?!???!

[BradT]

Can always purchase one in the states, perhaps cheaper and ride it back?!?!???!

 

If you wait you will find a good deal then trailer it home (after some paperwork),

 

Did it a couple times now.

 

Brad

[djh3]

7400 miles is only like 2 oil changes. Shoot aint even broke in yet.

[XV1100SE]

.... have my 05 road star with 30000 km s...

 

If the deal doesn't go thru... come with us to MD on your Road Star ! You'll see 2nd Gen's, (antique) 1st Gen's, Harleys, Gold Wings.... Big thing is you'll have a chance to meet people and get tips on your new ride (even if it isn't the one you are looking at now)