Question for you lop eared East Side of Michigan folks,,, or anyone for that matter..

[cowpuc]

Any of you varmints know anything - good or bad - about Approval Powersports over yonder in Sandusky Mi?? Got a really good buddy (fellow member here) who is thinking of doing some business with them and we are trying to get the scoop on em.. Also, any chance that any of you rascals live in or right near Sandusky and would have a couple minutes to stop and get a peek at a used scoot?

As always, any and all thoughts or input would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks

Puc

[The Tooch]

Hey Puc

 

Are they looking at that 1988 with only 20,000 that they have in stock?

 

Just being curious?

[stanG]

Yeah they are right in the town where I work. I have been told to watch them closely as they may try to pull a fast one on you. Don't count on em for parts or service. That said, they do move a lot of motorcycles out of there. My suggestion would be a good long test ride on any used bikes to make sure everything is OK. Would be happy to check out a scoot for you.

[cowpuc]

Any of you varmints know anything - good or bad - about Approval Powersports over yonder in Sandusky Mi?? Got a really good buddy (fellow member here) who is thinking of doing some business with them and we are trying to get the scoop on em.. Also, any chance that any of you rascals live in or right near Sandusky and would have a couple minutes to stop and get a peek at a used scoot?

As always, any and all thoughts or input would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks

Puc

 

Hey Puc

 

Are they looking at that 1988 with only 20,000 that they have in stock?

 

Just being curious?

 

Yeppers Dave, that is the one! Not a bad looking scoot, hoping it all works out for our fellow lop eared varmint!!

 

Yeah they are right in the town where I work. I have been told to watch them closely as they may try to pull a fast one on you. Don't count on em for parts or service. That said, they do move a lot of motorcycles out of there. My suggestion would be a good long test ride on any used bikes to make sure everything is OK. Would be happy to check out a scoot for you.

 

AWESOME STAN!!!! We would REALLY appreciate anything you could do for us!!

Stan, its the Maroon colored, 1988 Venture they have in their used inventory. Our buddy has cash down on it already but is wanting to make sure that it is what its suppose to be before he flys in and rides it home. I wish I were feeling better cause I would scoot over and take a peek myself but thats not going to happen. Anyway, some concerns are:

 

- it shows 20k miles, would like to check rotors for wear and see if they look like 20k rotors. Any pics you might be able to get would be a HUGE plus for us!

- tire conditions, do they appear to be ok for a 1500 mile trip home.. Again - good pics would be awesome!!

- a really good warmed up to temp test ride to check for sticky brakes, drive train noises and all that would be OUTSTANDING if you have the time my friend!!

 

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH FOR RESPONDING STAN!! Looking forward to any light you can shine on the subject!!

 

 

Puc

[cowpuc]

Hey Stan, here is a link to the scoot in question.. http://www.approvalpowersports.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?veh=4333803

 

Once again, THANK YOU for offering to check her out for us!!!

Scott

 

Oh yea, anyone else have ANY input into this that they would like to share,, feel free to click on the link, take a peek and fire away! All your thoughts and opinions are more than welcome and appreciated ya bunch of lop eared varmints!!

[BlueSky]

Nice looking Venture!

[cowpuc]

A little more info.. I did a google on the names on the back of the bike, Chuck and Sarah Konn, and came up with a phone number.. Gave the number a quick shot a second ago - figured it was worth a try. Unfortunately a Fax Machine answered the phone and I dont speak fluent Fax lingo so that was a bust.. Anyway, current info shows Chuck (or Charles) as an older gentleman (+70), having lived in Warren Mi like the bike suggests and currently living in "Applegate Mi" (never did hear of that one before).. Would have liked to have had a brief chat with Mr. Konn about mileage accuracy and all that stuff but it didnt work out..

Also wondered if he may have been one of our own here at one time... Any chance any of our east siders knows Chuck and Sarah or recognizes the scoot:fingers-crossed-emo?

[stanG]

So I went down to take look at it and it appears to be solid. The paint is all good and there only seems to be a couple of suspect tabs on the plastic that may need some repair. One is on the right side vent (by your leg) and the other may be a lower one on the rear of the right side cover. Brake pads and rotors look pretty good and the brakes do no seem to have any stickyness. Tires are more than adequate for a 1600 mile trip the rear is pretty new and the front has some wear but has at least a few thousand miles left in it. The guy said that the previous onwers had it in the garage for some time and that they went through the carbs.

 

Now... They would not let me take it for a ride saying that because of their insurance requirements they could not allow this unless the bike had been paid in full. So I cant tell about how it runs or anything else like that. Cosmetically it is in great shape.

 

As for the previous owners, I am not familiar with that name but I can do some checking.

 

Here are some pics:

 

[cowpuc]

THANKS A GAZILLION TIMES A GAZILLION STAN - YOU ARE DA MAN BROTHER!!:clap2::dancefool: A PERFECT example of what makes VR such a fantastic family to belong to!!

 

Viewing the pics - I somewhat question the validity of the mileage,, I do see what appears to be some wear on the front brake rotor that causes me a little alarm (strictly speaking from a "is mileage accurate" concern.. From a different prospective though, I dont see that same feature on the front brake rotor that is activated by the rear brake pedal (left side as sitting on scoot) - maybe the PO used his front brake most of the time (I know I do),.. I also notice that the speedo numbers dont line up nicely - anyone know if this is a questionable point concerning speedo accuracy (not trying to be anal here, just going over things with a fine tooth comb the best I can..

In an indepth phone conversation, I was telling our friend who has money down on this one that I have personally seen many of these scoots, that have been cared for properly, with well over 100k on em still looking almost like new. Explained how difficult it can be to really give a good "feeling" about it.

Anyway,,, Stan, in your opinion, having seen the bike,, can I ask what your thoughts are on the question of whether or not the stated 20k is actual mileage? Anyone else have thoughts on that from viewing the pics?

In the end,, however this shakes out,, thanks again Stan for your time/effort/pics/input into all this - YOU DA MAN BROTHER!!!

 

Puc

[cowpuc]

Ya know,,, closer examination of these new pics (THANKS AGAIN STAN!!) revealed something else... Take a look at the clarity of the window on the front brake res.. Man thats sharp,, now that does appear as you would think a 20k bike should appear:301: Given,,, it could have (and probably/hopefully did have) the brake fluids changed but dont those little windows usually loose their clarity over a life of CTFWing? Seems like mine always did....

[Flyinfool]

Couple more thoughts.

 

When I bought my bike I got the same story about insurance and test rides. The dealer said they had a rash of people that never rode a big or powerful bike coming in for a free rental / training bike and damaging them. But the dealer had no issues with starting it up to let me hear it run. They then gave a 30 minute unconditional warranty so that once I did ride it after I paid for it, if there was something wrong I could still cancel the sale. The only problem I had was trying to wipe the stupid grin off of my puss......

 

I think those windows cloud up over time, not mileage. Mileage has nothing directly to do with it. Part of the clouding could be from UV light. A lot of time on the road is a lot of UV exposure where a lot of time spent hiding in a garage will help them stay clear.

 

My thought was that the front brake fluid looked like it was overdue for a change.

 

My 88 has 55K on it and the front rotors show a lot more wear than those do. Unless of course mine is 155K and I just don't know it.

 

That is also one of the very few 1st gens that i have seen with both corners of the fairing scratch free. If in fact it has never fallen on the right side then the plastic elbow off the water pump should be fine. Even just laying the bike down gently on soft grass will flex the engine guard enough to ding the elbow and case an eventual leak. Seen it a few times.

[stanG]

I would have to say that this is likely a 20Kmi bike. One thing I noticed is that the previous owner had moved the storage bags from in front of your knee to the handlebars. It looks like he had something else mounted near the top of the side vents where the bags were on both sides as I found a couple of screw mounts on each side. Based on the condition of the plastic I would have to say the mileage is accurate. Still working on finding the previous owner. I have the address and will buzz out there later today.

Edited August 27, 2015 by stanG

[cowpuc]

Couple more thoughts.

 

When I bought my bike I got the same story about insurance and test rides. The dealer said they had a rash of people that never rode a big or powerful bike coming in for a free rental / training bike and damaging them. But the dealer had no issues with starting it up to let me hear it run. They then gave a 30 minute unconditional warranty so that once I did ride it after I paid for it, if there was something wrong I could still cancel the sale. The only problem I had was trying to wipe the stupid grin off of my puss......

 

I think those windows cloud up over time, not mileage. Mileage has nothing directly to do with it. Part of the clouding could be from UV light. A lot of time on the road is a lot of UV exposure where a lot of time spent hiding in a garage will help them stay clear.

 

My thought was that the front brake fluid looked like it was overdue for a change.

 

My 88 has 55K on it and the front rotors show a lot more wear than those do. Unless of course mine is 155K and I just don't know it.

 

That is also one of the very few 1st gens that i have seen with both corners of the fairing scratch free. If in fact it has never fallen on the right side then the plastic elbow off the water pump should be fine. Even just laying the bike down gently on soft grass will flex the engine guard enough to ding the elbow and case an eventual leak. Seen it a few times.

 

Thanks Fool, your type of input is exactly the reason I thought best to toss this up - much can be gained from seeking the advice of many wise counselors:thumbsup2:!! Funny you mention the fairing corners.. Now that you mention that - I cant remember ever bringing a 1st Gen home that didnt have some kind of marks on those corners.. Also totally agree about the res window fogging over. Your input is TOTALLY appreciated!!

I am going to suggest to our brother who is buying the scoot that he maybe pop the breather cover when he fly's in to pick it up. Take a peek at what the fuse block looks like - thinking it should be original and not in to bad of shape with those low miles on it? Then take a quick check on the air cleaner just to make sure no mice have gotten into it, results may give a hint as to when the last time was the fuel system was actually looked at?

 

I would have to say that this is likely a 20Kmi bike. One thing I noticed is that the previous owner had moved the storage bags from in front of your knee to the handlebars. It looks like he had something else mounted near the top of the side vents where the bags were on both sides as I found a couple of screw mounts on each side. Based on the condition of the plastic I would have to say the mileage is accurate. Still working on finding the previous owner. I have the address and will buzz out there later today.

 

Thanks again Stan. Good eye my friend!! I am not really up on the MK2's but do you think the seat is a redo? Also - I LOVE those passenger arm rests, never did have a set.. If you happen to be able to locate those folks please let them know we would appreciate any info they are willing to share. Also reassure them their pretty Yamaha is going to a VERY good home!! I am getting very excited for my buddy!! I am also getting VERY excited for Tip and I because if this all works out, we are gonna get to actually meet yet another of our VR family members IN PERSON (yeeeeeeeehaaaaawwww):dancefool:!! 's and documentation to share are guarenteed if, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, this all ends up like it appears it gonna!

[videoarizona]

Puc, Looks decent to me. rotors look good. Nice and thick. Front axle area looks clean. Some corrosion on the engine casings but it's a bike from the north country...that's normal for you guys, right?

Agree about clutch...probably does need fluid changing...just from old age!

All the pieces are there....all plastic looks good from what can be seen. Radio panel looks weathered...but that is probably all cosmetic.

 

For the price, it the engine doesn't burn oil...and the oil looks good...then price is very good!

@stanG...did you get a chance to start it up? Check charging? Pull dipstick? Check electronics?

david

[stanG]

No they wouldn't allow me.

 

I did stop by the previous owner's house today. He was not home. Will try again tomorrow.

[cowpuc]

Thanks Stan for EVERYTHING!! If its out of your way dont worry about it - you have provided PLENTY of GREAT info already my friend and ALL of it is greatly appreciated!! Will keep you informed of how it all works out in the end - as far as I know it looks REALLY good for another great 1st Gen to be added to our VR family!!

[bongobobny]

I see a huge red flag if they will not start it for you...

[stanG]

Yeah me too but since I am not the actual buyer....

[Flyinfool]

I guess I can kind of see them not wanting to start it if they have a buyer with a down payment. Now if the buyer with the down payment were to call them to say that you are there on his behalf to check out the bike, then they may be more likely to allow you to hear it run.

[cowpuc]

I see a huge red flag if they will not start it for you...

 

Yeah me too but since I am not the actual buyer....

 

I guess I can kind of see them not wanting to start it if they have a buyer with a down payment. Now if the buyer with the down payment were to call them to say that you are there on his behalf to check out the bike, then they may be more likely to allow you to hear it run.

 

EXCELLENT POINT AND ANALYSIS GENTLEMEN!!!

 

I will pm the perspective buyer and see if he would like to chime in here. I will also send him a link to this thread in case he hasn't been available to follow it. I know his scheduled pick up for the bike is during the beginning of September (2nd week), Stan - if he were to call them and instruct them to allow you to start the bike/go thru the controls (radio and all that) and make sure everything is up to snuff - would it be asking to much for another stop by at Approval?? Once again, THANK YOU for all you have done to this point Stan - I know he appreciates it and I know I do too!!

 

Thanks to everyone else who has jumped in here with some GREAT input too - you, my friends, are AWESOME!!

[bongobobny]

Yah, especially if the dealer has a less than flawless reputation...

[Chaplain Dusty]

Puc,

 

Thanks for the thread. I'm looking forward to pickin' her up in Sandusky. Tranferred the insurance today. Fly over to drive her back on the 10th of September. I do appreciate any and all comments or info. on this thread.

 

Chaplain Dusty

[Chaplain Dusty]

Puc,

 

I want to thank everyone for their time and consideration on checking out the '88. It looks like a go. I put insurance on the bike yesterday in preparation for pick-up. I fly in on Sept 10th to pick her up and head on over to see you. It will be my first time in Michigan. I am looking forward to it. Everyone that I've met in my neck of the woods that were from Michigan were good people. Looking at the trip, I will be going through four states that I've never seen in order to return to New Mexico. This will be the longest trip I've ever made on a bike. How is the weather looking up there? I know that it can change quickly. Keep me posted. Thanks my brother!

 

 

Chaplain Dusty

[cowpuc]

Been kinda wet and chilly here Chaplain, suppose to have a warming trend coming up though - back in to the 80/90's .. The 10th is still a good ways off for our weather predictors - usually its anything beyond 20 minutes is a stretch for those characters anyway :crackup: Better off jerking on that rascal @Flyinfool's chain - he seems to know more about predicting it then our local forecasters ..

 

Prayers Up and Blessings Down for a fantastic outcome of the whole journey brother!! REALLY looking forward to meeting you IRL and watching you fill in some more of those states on your map with the new scoot!!

 

You are more than welcome my friend!!

Puc

[Chaplain Dusty]

Puc,

 

You will have to go over how to fill those states in on my online map. I'm no computer wizard. Still learning after all these years. At least I'm able to learn, so I have not completely fallen and can't get up. Remember piper doon! That's when the piper collapses and can't get back up. Poor lass! :rotf:However, I will bring my rain gear! The major thing is that the Lord is in control. We have to remember this or we will .

 

Bless you my brother.

 

 

Chaplain Dusty