85 Venture. Worth buying?

[Tano]

I have a chance to purchase an 85 Venture but am clueless of its value and what to look for. From what i gather her father passed away and never finished working on it. she does not know anything about the bike or it’s condition. Said she’d take $550. I look forward to hearing from y’all and will be meeting up with her to check it out 

[sldunker]

Yamaha fixed 2nd gear in 85 but i don't remember serial number break.

In that condition I would not give anything, well maybe $100. Could always part it out. Looks like he was in the process of parting it out

Edited November 20, 2021 by sldunker

[cimmer]

I would be concerned that the air cleaner box is off the carbs and who know for how long. This brings into question as to what condition the motor is in. So NO I wouldnt give them $500 for it.  Maybe $100 but dont expect it to run and you might be able to get your money back out of it if you parted it out..  I personally would look for one in running condition and pay a little more for it.

Rick F.

[uncledj]

I gotta agree.  Great parts bike....especially if the plastics are intact, but you can get a running Venture pretty cheaply.

Great bikes.

 

[larrydr]

It all depends on how much time you have before you want to ride it ...I spent 10 months on my 1983 1200 ...You need to figure doing a front to back rebuild , my thinking is that it is at most a $250.00 bike ...

[SpencerPJ]

I agree, maybe a parts bike.  Are you a gambler?  Are you pretty handy?  Her father passed and never finished working on it.. um, it's not a carb clean and oil change.

[Marcarl]

Figure on at least 2k to get it up and running, maybe more. So is 3k too much for something you might be happy with? And don't forget the time spent to fix it.

 

[saddlebum]

Not to mention why was it pulled apart in the first place ??? Was it for cosmetic reasons, such as replacing damaged plastic etc.? Accessories and modification or did it have a serious issue that still needs to be addressed? Seems odd that a good running bike would be pulled apart to that extent.

On the other hand if you were in need of parts for a similar bike you already own and had to buy a lot of those parts anyway, it might be worth it to you since you could easily spend that kind of money and more replacing needed parts on a bike you already own and may have dropped or worn out.

Edited November 20, 2021 by saddlebum