What to look for before buying....

[Makriluc]

Hey fellows.

I'm new here, but not new to the bike scene. I'm from the RoadStar crowd (2005 1700). I'm mechanically inclined and looking to change my ride for the second generation RSV.

What Should I be looking for when test riding a RSV?

Thanks

[bongobobny]

Umm, pretty much how comfortable you are on it!

 

For the most part, they are very dependable bikes, but there are a few known issues. For every issue, we have a cure! The biggies are the ignition switch, which a member makes a bypass kit to take some of the electrical draw away from the switch contacts, the fuel pump points, we have an alternate solid state fuel pump conversion, and the rear shock, and we have a member who rebuilds them for practically nothing!

 

So, look under the rear at the rear shock. If it looks oily, you will need to replace it. Replacements run from $500 to $1000. Check the date code on the tires. If they are older than 6 years, they should be replaced. Rear brake pads wear uneven and should be rotated every season.

 

They are a tad top heavy and have poor low-speed manners, but there are a couple of things that help it out, going with a smaller front tire, and lowering the front...

[videoarizona]

Bob has the major points down for you. I'm 5'10" and retired....so I lowered the front end to change the geometry a touch giving the bike a better handling in slow speeds.

I added the ignition switch bypass to get the load off the switch, switched over to LED bulbs, and have no regrets at all after 2 years.

 

Just got back from a fully loaded 4000 mile trip and despite the rain and winds, the scoot was very comfortable!

 

Here is a list, that may seem scary, but realize that most of us have no problems with these bikes. They are very dependable. Use this list to go over the bike and Q&A the owner/dealer with this list.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?1067-A-list-of-known-problems-on-the-Second-Gen-Venture

 

Last thoughts: Make sure the bike fits you as Bob mentioned above. It is a heavier bike, and can be intimidating at low speeds or trying to push it around. But she is a sweet ride and very comfortable...

 

Good luck...and if you buy it....come join us!

[djh3]

Reliable scoot for the most part. Some had a whine that reportedly is from the clutch basket. The ones that I have dealt with were ones that had towed trailers. There is a fix for it also. I wouldnt say its a common as the fuel pump quitting.