Venture advice needed.

[fredrikrosen]

Hi all.

 

I am planing to buy a Venture 1200/1300 first gen. I wonder how the sparepart availability for engine parts are? Not ordinary serviceparts, but engine details if something should break. And i also wonder if there is any real big differens between the Venture and the 1200 Goldwing?

 

Regards,

Fredrik, Sweden

[Yammer Dan]

Venture parts are not real hard to find but you got to remember 1st Gens can be 30+ yrs old. In my opinion a 1200 gold wing don't even come close to a good 1st Gen. But then what do I know???

[Venturous Randy]

Hi all.

 

I am planing to buy a Venture 1200/1300 first gen. I wonder how the sparepart availability for engine parts are? Not ordinary serviceparts, but engine details if something should break. And i also wonder if there is any real big differens between the Venture and the 1200 Goldwing?

 

Regards,

Fredrik, Sweden

 

Hey Fredrik, great to hear from you.

Here in the states there seems to be a pretty good supply of parts, both new and used for these old bikes. As far as engines, they are pretty bullet proof and love to be run hard. There are some issues on the 83 to early 85,s on a second gear problem that is well documented here. I just swapped out the engine on my 83 that had 167,000 miles on it and it ran great and did not use oil. I put in a 30,000 mile engine I had put a 2nd gen transmission in it.

As far as the comparison between the early Venture and the 1200 Goldwing, the Venture is more of a Sport Touring bike with a bit more power and I think many on here will say handles better.

RandyA

[fredrikrosen]

Sounds great!

 

Thanks for your replies

 

Regards,

Fredrik

[Barrycuda]

But then what do I know???

 

Took the words right out of my mouth.....:rotf:

[Yammer Dan]

Took the words right out of my mouth.....:rotf:

 

 

I get no respect!!!!

[mralex714]

Hi all.

 

I am planing to buy a Venture 1200/1300 first gen. I wonder how the sparepart availability for engine parts are? Not ordinary serviceparts, but engine details if something should break. And i also wonder if there is any real big differens between the Venture and the 1200 Goldwing?

 

Regards,

Fredrik, Sweden

 

If you had never ridden a Venture you would be happy with the Gold Wing, It's a good all day straight line ride.

[fredrikrosen]

I have found a 1200 from -1984 that has 36500 miles on the clock for about 3500$. Can that be a ok deal? It seems to be in very good shape and have 3 owners since new.

 

Regards,

Fredrik

[Flyinfool]

That sounds a little high to me.

6 years ago I bought my 88 with 25K miles for 3500.

Kelly Blue book lists an 84 Venture Royal in excellent condition at $1935 suggested retail.

It would be closer to a good deal if the 2nd gear issue was repaired. That is a very expensive fix if done by a dealer.

That 84 may also have a lot of extras on it to make it worth a little more.

[Freebird]

I honestly don't know if that is high or not. Remember guys, he is in Sweden. I have no idea about the prices of used bikes there but would imagine that the Venture isn't that common.

[Howard B]

bought my 88 vr 4 years ago and got it for 2800. It had 29000 on the odometer. it runs great, just does not like cold weather. gets a little hard to start around freezing.

[Flyinfool]

I missed the Sweden part.

 

I have no clue what a good price would be in Sweden.

[fredrikrosen]

I honestly don't know if that is high or not. Remember guys, he is in Sweden. I have no idea about the prices of used bikes there but would imagine that the Venture isn't that common.

 

Prices for new vehicles are higher here in Sweden than in the US, and i also think the prices for used bikes and cars are lower in the US. Sweden is a pretty "expensive" country even compared to other EU countrys. Many buy used cars and bikes from Germany cause of lower prices, but also Italy and France are cheaper. Much cause of bigger markets compared to Sweden with only 9.5 million inhabitants. But many of the bikes from Germany are used as daily commuters and are offen not in the same shape as a Swedish sold bike. Here is bikes more of a hobby and are taken care of like babys.

 

Regards,

Fredrik

[Wizard765]

In your country that is probably a fair deal. I know in Canada it would be pretty close if in Great shape and those low miles. Make sure the clock is not 130,000 miles. Very possible in 30 years. You won't have to worry about the 2nd gear issue for another 30,000 miles but will eventually. It is a fairly big job but very doable with the info on here.. If she is in great shape you will be a happy rider.. I loved my 84 and in lots of ways miss her..

[fredrikrosen]

Re there big differences between the 1200 and the 1300 Royale? Which is "the better" of them?

 

Regards,

Fredrik

[Freebird]

The 1200, actually 1983 - mid 1985 had problems with the transmission. Most if not all will lose 2nd gear eventually. Expensive fix unless you are inclined to pull the engine, split the case and do it yourself. I would go with an '86 or later model.