to make the jump to a Venture .. 2003 or 2007?

[IrishOgre]

Hi all - enjoyed my '97 RSTC for the last 9 years and have been getting the itch to upgrade to a Venture, especially after moving out to Minneapolis area 2 years ago ... so many more places to go, plus I'm halfway closer, if you get my drift! Anyhow, what I'd like to humbly ask for is opinions on which of two to get for a few reasons.

2003 Midnight Venture ... great condition, 43k, hwy pegs, studded seats w/ backrest, asking price $5995 at a dealer.

 

2007 Royal Star Venture ... blue on black, great condition, 27k, a little more chrome, no hwy pegs, pillow seats w/ backrest, asking $7995 at a dealer.

 

Looking for best value, longevity ... and comfortable ride. Been spoiled by the Mustang seats on the RSTC ... how comfortable are those "flat" studded seats for long exploration? I can do 400 mi per day, and am looking forward to Rolling Thunder in DC coming up in 3 wks, annual 2500 mi roundtrip. Pillow seats better? What differences are there otherwise between both year models?

 

Also, getting $2K on trade ... considering I paid $5500 nine years ago, feels like another reason why I'll never switch from Yamaha and always recommend them.

 

Thanks to everyone in advance.

[bongobobny]

My personal choice would be the 2007 mostly because I love the blue and black. Other considerations would be the nice cushy pillowtop seats! Lastly, newer, less miles, and missing highway pegs can be added on very easily!!

 

Other than that even 47K miles is hardly broken in, these bikes are good for 200,00 miles easily! So if funds are a little tight go with the 2002...

[BlueSky]

And then there is this one owned by a member!

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/photopost/showproduct.php?product=597&title=2009-royal-star-venture&cat=2

[cowpuc]

Both sharp scoots in their own right.. Looks like the 03 also has a hitch and appears to be a pretty clean bike too. Thinking if it were me and I had any interest in towing a trailer in the future I would lean toward that one.. On the same token though, a trailer hitch could mean that it has been towing a trailer and not everyone is equal in their trailer pulling skills - clutches and brakes could possibly suffer from this.. :think:Kind of like buying a home with swimming pool - some folks consider em a must have - others deem them as a detriment...

If I were in your shoes, thinking that no matter which one I picked I would try and work out a deal of some kind of warranty on the rear shock. At a minimum, take a peek under the scoot and make sure you dont see any sign of dampness indicating a blown one.. It just seems like I have read a lot of stories on here about shocks going south and I would at least take a shot at covering the possibilities of that happening. Never hurts to ask:guitarist 2:!!

Both are low mileage gorgeous scoots Irish! Gotta a hunch that no matter which one you choose you will find many many miles of smiles ahead of you!!

[djh3]

Dont let the lack of highway pegs worry you. I think I have a set in the garage I can make a deal on. I loved my pillow top seat as did the boss.

[DblTrbl]

if you have the funds, I would offer him $5K cash and the $2K trade in for an out the door deal.

 

IMO, the Venture seat is the most comfortable seat I have ever had on a bike. I was able to ride from Fl to NH and not once did I get saddle sore.

[Freebird]

I think that those are both great looking bikes. The 2003 has a lot more of the Yamaha chrome extras and some of that is getting hard to find. I tell you though, I just spent a lot of time looking for another bike before I found the 2005 Midnight that I bought. I looked all over the USA at both dealers and private owners. There are some good deals out there. I don't think that either of those are too terribly high but I honestly think that both are about $1,000.00 high based upon my own searches. I would do a little more negotiating.

[IrishOgre]

Dont let the lack of highway pegs worry you. I think I have a set in the garage I can make a deal on. I loved my pillow top seat as did the boss.

Excellent!! I'll be reaching out about the pegs if the 07 comes home. [emoji106]

 

Thanks!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[IrishOgre]

Thanks everyone!! really appreciate the advice. To me, the pillow seats are more the swing to decide vs. the hitch ... figuring seats are more expensive to switch, plus I haven't hitched yet and those bags are bigger than I've had in the past. I'll do some haggling to walk it out cash, :mo money:I'm going to pay that way, the value/price advice helps. Checking dealers and private owners, I'd seen it comparable in that range recently for many, but kept missing them by a few days as they sold.

 

Cowpuc, GREAT tip on checking the rear shock and asking for svc warranty on it - I'll definitely check before closing.

 

BlueSky, gave it a TON of looks, but didn't want to insult folks going that low for cash. My trade is the kicker to close.

 

Will keep everyone posted ... thanks again!!

[SilvrT]

The prices south of the border are $1000-$1500 less than what they are up here. That said, if a Canuck were to buy down south, the exchange rate and duty would probably eat up the difference.

 

There seems to be quite a few up for sale these days ... I'm wondering what those owners have changed over to ... just a curiosity.

[SilvrT]

I've noticed, as I look at various ads for Midnight Ventures, that some have chromed control housings on the handlebars and some don't (2004, 2003, etc). I remember my '06 did ... when did this change? Seems maybe around '05 ??

[Freebird]

The Midnights always had the chrome housing and forks, the others never did. I THINK that may have changed in the later years after the "S" models came out. I think the "S" models had the extra chrome also.

[cowpuc]

Thanks everyone!! really appreciate the advice. To me, the pillow seats are more the swing to decide vs. the hitch ... figuring seats are more expensive to switch, plus I haven't hitched yet and those bags are bigger than I've had in the past. I'll do some haggling to walk it out cash, :mo money:I'm going to pay that way, the value/price advice helps. Checking dealers and private owners, I'd seen it comparable in that range recently for many, but kept missing them by a few days as they sold.

 

Cowpuc, GREAT tip on checking the rear shock and asking for svc warranty on it - I'll definitely check before closing.

 

BlueSky, gave it a TON of looks, but didn't want to insult folks going that low for cash. My trade is the kicker to close.

 

Will keep everyone posted ... thanks again!!

 

Yep,, dealing with a dealer - especially if it's an actual Yamaha Dealership like it looks like at least one of those dealerships your working with is - I would at least work out a deal where I could get a new shock at dealer cost if ever needed - minimum..

[SilvrT]

The Midnights always had the chrome housing and forks, the others never did. I THINK that may have changed in the later years after the "S" models came out. I think the "S" models had the extra chrome also.

 

I suppose I might have been mistaken as pics are not necessarily close up enough to be certain. Then again, my eyes aren't so good either LOL

[BlueSky]

The dealers in my area have gotten extremely creative at coming up with additional charges. I inquired about a bike being sold by a dealer in NC. The advertised price was $7585 with a note about additional dealer charges. I called and found out that many additional charges would be added to that price bringing the total to about $8300. So, just be aware of the shenanigans that might be pulled.

[cowpuc]

The dealers in my area have gotten extremely creative at coming up with additional charges. I inquired about a bike being sold by a dealer in NC. The advertised price was $7585 with a note about additional dealer charges. I called and found out that many additional charges would be added to that price bringing the total to about $8300. So, just be aware of the shenanigans that might be pulled.

 

Sky is right on target!! Not to long ago I was reading on a Slingshot site that @Carbon_One told me about. There was a TON of chatter on there about Polaris Dealerships upcharging things like shipping and prep to over 3 grand in some instances. This modern social media day and age really hurt some of those Dealerships because there were also Dealerships selling at MSRP (or even a little below) with NO extra fee's.. As time went on there almost became a "movement" consisting of new buyers driving a few hundred miles to get their new Slingshots when the dealer down the street from them refused to be realistic.. Pretty cool to see people band together and refuse to be taken advantage of..

Sky brings up a really good point here IMHO!

[XV1100SE]

Hopefully you've read the thread on what to look for/problems with the 2nd Gens - http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?1067-A-list-of-known-problems-on-the-Second-Gen-Venture

 

Besides the shock....the next major item is the gear whine. I don't think anyone has mentioned this but it is in the thread I've linked to. Take the bike for a spin and get the rpm's up into the 3,000+ range. If you hear a loud howling/whine, one thing to get the dealer to do would be to replace the "basket" with the "I" version. Some people sell the bike because they can't stand the whine. You will get some whine but if it is really loud....get the dealer to replace the basket or keep looking.

[IrishOgre]

XVS100SE, thanks for things to look for, I'll keep list ready and check it off ... BEFORE I sign!

 

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[dogman]

The 07 with the pillow top seats and back rest you will love. You will be able to stay seated as long as you are awake, so easily you can do your 400 miles a day.

Good luck and enjoy.

[videoarizona]

 

I did a 14 hour day last Fall. I was tired but didn't have a screaming butt!

2005 RSV.

[DblTrbl]

I agree with Freebird, there are Ventures out there, you just have to look around.

 

You can always rent a UHaul motorcycle trailer ($15 per day) and go pick one up. I just did that with the Vstar 1100 I bought. Drove from NH - VA overnight to pick it up.....cost me about $200 in gas and trailer rental for 2 days. Still haven't seen my EZ-Pass bill for toll charges.

 

check out Nationalpowersports.com in Pembrook, NH...they have an 08 venture......

 

about 4 guys from my shop have purchased bikes from them this year. Everyone is very happy with what they got. The shop goes over every bike and they are ready for the road when you drive out. They also ship!!

[videoarizona]

[IrishOgre]

97 RSC on the left ... 07 Venture on the right. Let's ride!!

 

After a LOT more soul and online searching, popped the final question to my wife ... and she said yes. Ummm ... not to get remarried, but to enjoy many, many, many miles on the 07 Venture. She sorta resisted the RSC for years, but after riding on the RSV last night - she was excited. As everyone said, BIG thumbs up for pillowed seats!

Also, considering I bought essentially on Mother's Day weekend ... wife is world class.

 

- bought @ Mason City Powersports in Mason City, IA. Would highly recommend them, say hi to Rob, Logan, and Cory if you go by. Multi-dealer type, they all took the time to answer any questions, didn't pressure me at all and held the bike for 2 wks (prior to post) for $500 down. Yes, others would do it ... but a few turned me off, treating me like a #.

- Bike is immaculate ... incentive for me to spend some quality garage time. Woot!

- chirp is there, but not high pitched. Rear shock is solid. Rob the manager and I went over both before I left. Call it positivity, chirp sounds like a low purring to me, especially at high rpm. RSC had a bit of backfire ...

- three last funny things

1 - I knew RSC bars were changed (by PO), but didn't know complete difference before rides these past 2 wks. Must be hwy bars, not quite chopper high style, but more wide. Put in 200 mi yesterday on Venture ... felt great, so I'm not worried to learn something new.

2 - a guy parked and came over and asked if that was the Venture and was I buying it? I said yes. He groaned and said he wanted to get it. Sales team showed him some other types and took down his name for future looks if one came in ...

3- as I got off test ride of RSV, up rides a guy on an immaculate Indian, closer to RSC style. Logan turns and laughs, "you're not going to believe this ... that's Scott, the original owner of the RSV pulling up".

After looking for Allen Funt in the bushes, I say, "what, does he work here?". Scott, "nope, he just likes coming in". Long story short ... we get to talking, I asked Scott about the RSV, he said he enjoyed it for 9 yrs, but was just looking for something new and wanted to get an Indian. Had explored the North Shore and upper edges of MN with RSV. I thanked him and shared I'd be taking the RSV out to DC and back in 3 wks. He assured me it would greatly improve the quality of the ride. Too funny.

 

Thanks EVERYONE for ALL of the tips - made the decision much easier and more reassuring.

[Guest divey]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]105245[/ATTACH]

97 RSC on the left ... 07 Venture on the right. Let's ride!!

 

After a LOT more soul and online searching, popped the final question to my wife ... and she said yes. Ummm ... not to get remarried, but to enjoy many, many, many miles on the 07 Venture. She sorta resisted the RSC for years, but after riding on the RSV last night - she was excited. As everyone said, BIG thumbs up for pillowed seats!

Also, considering I bought essentially on Mother's Day weekend ... wife is world class.

 

- bought @ Mason City Powersports in Mason City, IA. Would highly recommend them, say hi to Rob, Logan, and Cory if you go by. Multi-dealer type, they all took the time to answer any questions, didn't pressure me at all and held the bike for 2 wks (prior to post) for $500 down. Yes, others would do it ... but a few turned me off, treating me like a #.

- Bike is immaculate ... incentive for me to spend some quality garage time. Woot!

- chirp is there, but not high pitched. Rear shock is solid. Rob the manager and I went over both before I left. Call it positivity, chirp sounds like a low purring to me, especially at high rpm. RSC had a bit of backfire ...

- three last funny things

1 - I knew RSC bars were changed (by PO), but didn't know complete difference before rides these past 2 wks. Must be hwy bars, not quite chopper high style, but more wide. Put in 200 mi yesterday on Venture ... felt great, so I'm not worried to learn something new.

2 - a guy parked and came over and asked if that was the Venture and was I buying it? I said yes. He groaned and said he wanted to get it. Sales team showed him some other types and took down his name for future looks if one came in ...

3- as I got off test ride of RSV, up rides a guy on an immaculate Indian, closer to RSC style. Logan turns and laughs, "you're not going to believe this ... that's Scott, the original owner of the RSV pulling up".

After looking for Allen Funt in the bushes, I say, "what, does he work here?". Scott, "nope, he just likes coming in". Long story short ... we get to talking, I asked Scott about the RSV, he said he enjoyed it for 9 yrs, but was just looking for something new and wanted to get an Indian. Had explored the North Shore and upper edges of MN with RSV. I thanked him and shared I'd be taking the RSV out to DC and back in 3 wks. He assured me it would greatly improve the quality of the ride. Too funny.

 

Thanks EVERYONE for ALL of the tips - made the decision much easier and more reassuring.

Nice ride and great choice (although I'm a bit biased). Doug

[bongobobny]

Outstanding!! Now get out and ride and meet some fellow Ventureriders one on one or at any M&E! You WILL enjoy hours upon hours of riding satisfaction!

 

The B&B is one of my favorite color combinations!!