2004 Midnight Venture with 3K miles!!! for $5,000 - Would I be stupid not to buy

[TarMack]

Looking at a 2004 Midnight venture with only 3,200 miles for $5,000 in very good condition. Should I buy it? My only reservation is i hear these bikes don't handle great. I'm not expecting a crotch rocket, but i do like to lean into corners. Can handling be improved with tires or air pressure added to rear shock? Also, it is popping on decel. Split line in the AIS system? Thanks for any and all input.

[Great adVENTURE]

Im assuming this is your first gen2 venture? Seems like you did your homework already. I picked up my 07 RSMV with 8,000 miles on it in july 2015 and paid $5,000. Still needing to do a couple things to it then and the fact i knew they have a proven track record for a full dress bike you cant beat it. Cash talk, haggle a little bit and maybe there is some more room there. Good luck.

[TarMack]

Thanks for your input. Yes, first Venture. You happy with your purchase? I got him from $5500 to $5000. Finalizing deal Tuesday.

 

Doing my homework as we speak. Researching the AIS (sync carbs, cracked tubes, exhaust leak at Y). Great forum!!

[BratmanXj]

No mater what you do the bike will always be a big tourer/cruiser.... but you can improve the bike and make it a capable long distance bike that will still have some performance in the turns.

 

1. Replace the OEM Bridgestone Tires. There are a lot of options for better tires, Dunlop E3 (E4?), Michelin, Shinkos...etc.

2. When replacing the front tire go to a 130mm width vs the OEM 150mm. This will lighten the steering of the bike.

3. Lower the forks 3/4" in the triple clamp or go to shorter straight-weight fork springs; more aggressive steering angle.

4. I'm a Big guy and I ride hard. Put a heavy duty rear shock on the bike, raises the back of the bike (less static suspension sag) for more aggressive steering angle.

 

5. Late model RoadStar (or early RS Warrior, or mid-90's R1) front brakes and 14mm Master Cylinder for a much more aggressive brake setup.

[Great adVENTURE]

Thanks for your input. Yes, first Venture. You happy with your purchase? I got him from $5500 to $5000. Finalizing deal Tuesday.

 

Doing my homework as we speak. Researching the AIS (sync carbs, cracked tubes, exhaust leak at Y). Great forum!!

 

Lots of research and reading, especially venturerider, I was able to dial in my bike to my liking. I feel that the venture offers the most bang for the buck and wrenching the bike yourself is pretty easy with the guidance of so many on this forum.