New member with questions

[Go Pack Go]

Greetings

I'm a new member here, looks like a wealth of information and a great site. I've been riding for a long time and recently sold my 1999 Roadstar 1600 to purchase a more touring oriented bike. I had a 1983 Venture 1200 a long time ago, so I am a little familiar with the v4 attraction. I 've been looking at Goldwings, mostly 1500's but also some nice 1200's. Never really liked all the plastic on the 1500's though. I have seen some nice used Royal Star Ventures for sale and am wondering what things I may want to look for on these models. I know the big one on the old 1200's was second gear, not so much a thing on the 1300's later. Any such issues on the Royal Star? Any other tid bits to check out on a used Royal Star would be appreciated, thanks

[BlueSky]

From what I have read on this forum, some Gen2's have a loud whine coming from the clutch or transmision or something. I don't think it harms anything but is annoying. The OE rear shock tends to fail. Overall, from what I have read they are very reliable like you would expect from a Yamaha.

[videoarizona]

Welcome to the site!

 

You might want to go to the 2nd gen section and read. The RSV's are heavy at slow speeds but wonderfully comfortable otherwise. Weak points seems to be, low speed handling, fuel pumps and rear shock. All easily dealt with.

Edited October 4, 2017 by videoarizona

[djh3]

The heavy slow speed can be overcome some with a 130/90 front tire. The rear shocks do fail, but thats such a hit and miss deal. I have read where some guys get over 100k with no problem, and an acquaintance on another board had to put 3 in by 60k. A member here is working on a repair for them so that may present a less expensive option. If not a Hagon shock can be had for less than $50 Fuel pumps are a shot in the dark also. Easy fix as has been mentioned. I did a write up on a replacement pump and hardware work around for around $50 and never worry about it again. The ignition switch has been known to get burned contacts because Yamaha designed all the power to go tru the switch. So it archs the small contacts inside the switch. But I make a by pass relay thats plug and play to sort of reroute the power thru a relay made to handle the amps.

Overall they seem to be a reliable bike. Many members have 80-100k on them and still counting. The clutch whine mentioned can be repaired by changing out the clutch basket. I think a member here can get you the required parts at a reduced rate.

[RedRider]

I think all the major items have been covered:

 

- Rear shock - Mine went out at about 100k miles. Replaced with a Hagan for about $400.

- Fuel pump - The points arc. Replacement points are available for about $30. My original is still working fine at 155k miles

- Ignition switch - Routed all loads around the switch early. Not had an issue.

- Parking lot speed heaviness - Installed raising links which helps tremendously.

- Periodic maintenance such as wheel bearings, relube suspension mechanics, replace front springs (need to do this again), lube splines, etc.

 

Other than that, gas, tires, periodic fluid changes, and ride.

 

Oh, and there is a solid contingent of VR folks in Packer country.

 

Go Pack Go indeed!

 

RR

[bongobobny]

One more thing to add, the Regulator/Rectifiers seem to go south a lot more than the 1st Generation ones did.

 

Having had both, the 1st Gen handles much better at low speeds than the 2nd Gen, and the 1st Gen is a tad peppier than the 2nd, but the 2nd Gen is a lot more comfortable!

 

Would I recommend buying one, especially as a touring bike? In a heartbeat! Yet another good product from Mother Yammy that you'll get a good 200,000 miles out of!

[skydoc_17]

Hey James,

Welcome to the forum! Any modern motorcycle is going to have it's pluses and minuses, I suggest that you test ride a few to see which one fits your body, your riding style, and your budget. I did want to mention that on the earlier years of the RSV, some of these bikes were equipped with the very desirable Cassette Tape Player. These were very rare bikes that came with this option, and could actually increase the value of the motorcycle from a resale standpoint. Frankly, I feel that when Yamaha upgraded to the Ultra High Def Blu-Ray player on the later models, They cheapened the riding experience because there is nothing like the thrill of trying to change out a Cassette Tape, one handed, at 70 miles per hour! But hey, that's just me!

 

 

GOTCH'A SECOND GEN. RIDERS!

All kidding aside James, welcome to the VR.ORG FORUM!

[WRIDR]

One bike that hasn't been mentioned yet is the 'undressed' Venture model made from 2005 to 2009 - the Royal Star Tour Deluxe. You might want to spend a little time researching that one as well. Not quite as bulky, but nearly as heavy, however the wind protection and comfort are excellent, and there are no issues screaming to be addressed aside from the tranny whine on some bikes. The bike also came with a five year warranty which was seldom - if ever - needed.

 

You haven't mentioned your age, but the info provided suggests middle-age or possible a bit older? If so, be aware ALL these bikes are top heavy compared to almost anything you may have ridden. There are two ways to discover this; reading about it, or the HARD way. If the latter should arise, best hope help is nearby.~

 

Bottom line: for reliability, comfort, touring capability, and a host of folks on this site willing to provide you with advice on ANYTHING you might ever encounter, you will never find a better bike.

 

Welcome to the group - you'll love it. Rgds, WRIDR.