Newby needs advice

[rpjn59]

Thanks

[RDawson]

Look on marketplace before you make an offer. A lot depends on whether you’re looking for a project or a bike to ride. I know it’s near no miles but low mileage 1st gen MKII (86-93)  bikes are pretty available below 2k running. MKI’s have their following and are  worth whatever you’re comfortable spending, MKII’s don’t have the 2nd gear or frame issues of the MKI. Both are an absolute blast to ride. 

[rpjn59]

Yeah, good info, I have mostly considered this and either option has their pros and cons. I could see dropping $600-700 +/- bucks into parts for this bike. Basically, any rubber part get replaced, end to end and I don't mind doing the work (great way to know your ride). 

But yes, Gen-II Royals would have their advantage...

[rpjn59]

By the way, what's the deal with the frames rotting out? Is there any open tube that collects water, which settles in the bottom tubes?

[rpjn59]

Can someone measure the width of the front fairing at it's widest point. I want to see if I can get thru a standard 3-0 doorway. I assume the mirrors would fold out the way making the corners of the front fairing at the direction bumps the widest up front.

Then in the rear it looks like crash bars for the saddle bags(?).

 

[cimmer]

I have an 89 VR and I measured about 33 inches at the widest part of the fairing and 38 inches for the mirrors in their normal position.  The clutch and front brake levers are about 36" wide on my bike also.  Now I have different crash bars then the 83-85 Ventures do and I measure mine to be around 36" also. Your might be not as wide. I think with a little work you could get it thru the door..

Let us know if it does please.

Rick F.

[rpjn59]

I tried communicating to the seller about how to get a real good measurement on the crash bars by using a framing square and marking the pavement, because he gave me about, guesstimate numbers. I think he's just trying to eye ball it from above the seat.

But alas, I hope a first gener will respond...

 

[Paul Martin]

On 9/24/2024 at 10:09 PM, rpjn59 said:

Oh, by the way, this bike does NOT have any "Royal badging." It's got Venture on like every plastic part, but no Royal. Every other bike I've seen on the inter-web has Royal somewhere on the bike. The other odd thing is the color, It's like a blood red and it's not two toned, which every other Venture seems to be. It does have, what appears to be the exact same pin striping though...

Ray, is this the bike you are describing, and did you buy it?  I was #2 in line to buy it but found a 2001 Venture and decided to buy it instead.

[rpjn59]

Paul, I believe it is and no I did not buy it. Weird-ish story and really real short version... after quite a bit of research, with fine folks, like your self, trying to find an affordable, local storage unit, arranging transportation, rescheduling everything due to a hurricane coming through, buying a new battery, very patient communications from the seller, with cash in hand and within two hours of me departing, he cancelled our meeting. I couldn't believe it...I was literally slack jawed. He never called me back to reschedule.

Then, a few weeks later the bike shows up on facebook. Well, I'm totally confused...now I'm wondering if this isn't some, "send me a deposit scheme. I don't know, like I said, I'm confused.

 

I'm glad you found a 2001 to suit you...

[bpate4home]

15 hours ago, rpjn59 said:

Paul, I believe it is and no I did not buy it. Weird-ish story and really real short version... after quite a bit of research, with fine folks, like your self, trying to find an affordable, local storage unit, arranging transportation, rescheduling everything due to a hurricane coming through, buying a new battery, very patient communications from the seller, with cash in hand and within two hours of me departing, he cancelled our meeting. I couldn't believe it...I was literally slack jawed. He never called me back to reschedule.

Then, a few weeks later the bike shows up on facebook. Well, I'm totally confused...now I'm wondering if this isn't some, "send me a deposit scheme. I don't know, like I said, I'm confused.

 

I'm glad you found a 2001 to suit you...

That's a shame because that's a beautiful bike.