What should I offer for this '89?

[Eastern Shore]

I found this on Craigslist. It is local enough that I could go look at it, Maybe two and a half hours away. I'm curious what more experienced minds think of the things that need to be fixed on this bike. I am concerned when he says it needs "new Springs and seals in the front forks". Has anyone dealt with this issue on a 1st Gen Venture? In general I am not afraid to learn by working on it myself, but this sounds like it might not be a chore for someone without experience. What do you think would be a reasonable offer for this bike? Thanks.

 

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/5896666085.html

 

EDIT: I just realized that this bike appears to be listed for sale on this site. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/photopost/showproduct.php?product=766&title=1989-venture&cat=1

Edited November 30, 2016 by Eastern Shore

[BlueSky]

I didn't see the miles listed. The price should vary considerable based on how many miles are on the bike. It appears that he has had repaired a lot of the typical stuff that it might need such as carb rebuild and clutch slave cylinder replacement. If it has 30k or 40k miles on it and everything worked, it would be worth about what he is asking. I would guess the fork seals are leaking because of what he said and all of these bikes have really soft front springs that could use some new progressive springs that cost about $80 on ebay to purchase.

 

I probably overpaid for mine. About 2 1/2 years ago I bought an 89 the same color with a few more trim options that had 6k miles on it for $3800. It was as pristine as you will find.

[CaseyJ955]

I would have to note that the whole powersports market has been really soft for awhile now, and that it's the season that makes bikes even cheaper. I see he's asking $2500 on CL and $1500 here. I would say for the lower price it's well worth looking at. I rebuilt my forks with new OEM bushings, seals and covers for $155 in parts from boats.net , plus $85 shipped for progressives, which it turns out I didnt need because it already had a set installed. I put the new ones in anyway but if someone wanted to try out a set of used progressives they could have them quite cheap.

 

For $1500 with no major problems, and carbs reworked already, not sure how you can go wrong unless there is something the pics dont show. I paid $2050 for my 89 and proceeded too throw more money and time into it, still feeling good about what I got for what I paid, probably went overboard on getting it ready for touring. If I were still on the market and near it I would go check it out.

[yamagrl]

Yamaha VR's are one of those things that really is kind of hard to put a value on because it's such a "Double edged sword". They truly are pretty much bullet proof but things do wear out and not everything has new replacement parts.

 

I paid $1450 for Big Red in 2012 and I have at least another $2500 or more in him. That doesn't include tools, equipment, motorcycle garage/shop, lifts, hoists, yada, yada, yada.

 

Look at like a girlfriend... how much ya got in your's?

 

Because whether $1500 or $2500 if you love her then you're splittin' hairs.

 

With these particular bikes it's all about being a Venture. But you can find them in all price ranges and conditions.

 

If you think you're going to love it, then just negotiate a price and live happily ever after!

[bongobobny]

The $1500 is a very fair price IMHO. As far as springs go, ANY 25 year old spring is going to be weak just from age alone! A new set of Progressive brand springs will cost you around $75 - $80 and are relatively easy to replace! I would do the seals along with replacing the springs as well but use the more expensive official Yamaha seals as several of the cheaper aftermarket ones end up leaking almost right away. While you're at it drain and replace the fork oil and you will be good to go. There are some bushings inside the fork tubes that if you are careful will most likely be OK but if you want to do a complete job can be replaced as well...

[ddoggma]

It looks to me, like a $2,000 bike if, you didn't have to do the fork seals. $1500 seems fair. I got mine off CL for $1500. Seller didn't know how to get the clutch working.

I found this site and they showed me how to do it. I used the mity vac tool, and that bleeding method works best for me. Great bike and she does not owe me a dime.

I do not think I will need any other MC at this point in my life.