CaseyJ955

I told him I knew it was probably worth a couple bones more than I was was offering, I let him know the story about going to Sioux City to buy one for a price and that was about all I had, so if he thought the owner would like to sell it today I would take it home. I guess the owner was ready to let it go. I think it's one of these bikes that just need the right buyer. He also let me know that it's a buyers market for used bikes right now and that the market is pretty soft. I didnt know the rear tire could do the howl thing, I had him check the pressures before I left as my gauge was buried in the trunk. I would love not to replace bearings so I'll get it on the center and see if I can find any evidence of bearing failure. This howling would totally disappear when bikeperfectly upright but even the slightest lean would bring the howl back. It's probably time to search the threads for recommended tires. I found the progressives on ebay, progressive # 11-1112 from oemcycles. I sent a message about Yamaha OEM seals and dust covers to, I'll send another about the neck bearings unless there are any forum members or known trusted sources I should hit first. The ride home was about 4 hours, not quite 300 miles but I hit some life-changing crosswinds and blinding rain blowing sideways around Kadoka. I noticed all the Sturgis Rally traffic hiding in gas stations and under rest stop area picnic areas. It was quite bad for about 20 miles. Really surprised how well the Venture did. I'll get some pics up later on, going to take the Vmax out for a ride and meet my daughter for sushi after I roll my account membership to full, pics later. Thanks again to all who responded and assisted me, I look forward to seeing you guys at a campout rally soon!! Tony

Ok, I just got home with a sexy blue 89 Venture Royal. I rode it home from Mitchell. It has 69k, valve adjust and major service done 4k ago. One owner since new, this shop sold it to him new and the guy I bought it from is the guy that put it together when it was new. It was a consignment. He wanted 2800, I said "oh no, no matter what it's worth 2000 is at the top of my range, besides it's a 30 year old bike." He said 2100 and I said 2050 out the door so I have gas money. So I paid 2050, brakes and clutch just flushed, coolant flushed, oil and final drive just changed all 4k ago. Tires two years old. EVERYTHING works, it includes all the factory headsets and doodads, even come with a bike cover and OEM tools/owners manual. This is the condition I was hoping the one in Sioux City was. On the way home I did notice a couple things that will need attention. Finding it was a total accident, had no idea it was there, just spotted it while stopping for lunch on the way home. Not sure how much of a perk it is but it has a trailer hitch to. 1. Forks need rebuilt, they are weeping so before I even ride it again it's getting OEM seals, dust covers and progressive springs, probably a better brace. 2. At highway speeds its twitchy and nervous, not very smooth or stable, if I look down through the fairing hole at the fork tubes I can see them vibrating back and forth ever so slightly, that with the really vague parking lot/low speed feel tells me the head bearings are probably quite loose, so clean, grease and adjust. 3. I hear a tictictictictic somewhere in the front behind the fairing, consistent with road speed rather than engine speed and starts up at around 35mph, no idea what it is, speedo is steady and accurate. 4. MPG was around 25mpg at 80-ish, it seems pretty low, but running well and has decent power. I learned quite a bit about the CV carbs with the Vmax so I'll try synch and inspect diaphragms and see how that looks. 5. at highway speeds it has a sort of a howl. It disappears if the bike is perfectly upright, but reappears in a corner, or even if I lean to compensate for a crosswind. It sounded like it was coming from up front but I think it might be from the rear wheel area, maybe wheel bearings? Final drive? I did some searching and will do some more, try to find the best sources for parts and ideas on what these things might be. Overall its fantastic on the road, not sure why I didnt pick one of these up decades ago, it's a brilliant machine.

Heading home from Sioux City, passed on the bike. We just stopped in Mitchell for a steak sandwich and damn if we didnt see a blue mk2 sitting outside a small motorsports shop. Very nice 69k maintained with service Hx. They want 2800. I said my number and hes 100 higher. Going to ride it after I eat. It even has the oem headsets still in the plastic. Maybe. Ot coming home empty handed after all...

I think you guys are right, ill have to pass on this one as my gut agrees. Im lucky enouh to have an awesome wife so its a fun drive, Sometimes we do this sort of thing for no reason at all. In the sellers defense I believe he did his best to represent it, actually find the guy likable but hes not a tech type and I think he was surprised when I pointed out all the issues. A good couple days anyway but coming back empty handed. Another poped up local to me so ill have a look when I get home. Now after riding one I simply must have one, no wonder these things have such a following! Thanks for the wisdom and guidance! Its a huge help.

Sitting here in Sioux City. Shes defiantly 109 and not 9k. Bike needing TLC, not as cosmetically clean as the pics indicated. Some cracked plastics and broken side vents/dash pieces on the right, i could smell it running rich when I was driving behind him and I got it to pop throuth the intake a couple times, maybe a synch but maybe carb rebuild/ float level adjust. i hear the v4 lope but also sounds pretty agricultural so guessing valves need adjustment. There is no service history. Its been down but the damage is minimal, plenty of scratches. Tires not great, Class system displays E-4 but I read about the fix, brakes are soft, rear brakes mostly ineffective. It rode ok, forks pretty bouncy. This is the first venture I have ever actually riden and I cant believe how light and flickable it is for a full dresser, I expected it to be a pig. if there were any doubt about the Venture being the right machine that doubt is long gone. Im thinking I may have to pass but interested in thoughts or what you guys might pay for such a machine. Im afraid I would have to lowball or pass. Thanks for tolerating my relentlessly beating this thread into the ground.

I will probably do brake work over the winter, EBC pads, SS lines and a delink. If they work as they should I'll get through the season on them. If there is any brake problem I think $500 is a good discount to start with, thats assuming that I want to ride it home 6 hours with a brake issue. I have been reading what things cost what to fix to help make an offer after I see/ride it. What I'm not sure of is how the value will be affected if the bike actually has 109k instead of just 9k. If it's really 9k and as clean as the pics look I'll give him his asking price of $2000 as in my perception that would be an excellent price. I could probably use input on what a fair offer might be for this bike if it's clean and has 109k? I can use that info to arrive at a fair base offer and go from there if I see areas that need work.

I'll do exactly that. He texted me pics of the bike. If its at 109 it has been remarkably well cared for. It looks exceptionally clean in the pics but an extra 100k would have to be cocnsidered. I hope it presents in person as it does in the pics. I will carefully inspect these areas and see, it shouldnt be hard to spot the difference in wear between 9 and 109. I looked for a thread and might have missed it but if anyone has a Venture specific pre-purchase inspection link or thread I would love a link, otherwise I'm sure I can get by on my experience although im now to all the electronics. My last touring bike was a KLR650. Thanks very much! Not sure if you guys know how much this all helps but its appreciated greatly.

If an odometer appears to have 9k, is it possible that it has rolled over to 109k? Is there a good way to tell other than general condition of the bike? Why do so many Venture ads list rear brakes as needing work, is there a misunderstanding with linked brakes or a design issue? Yup, just when you thought I was all done with the questions!

Ill use Intercom, my current wife is the first one that I actually like talking with and rarely ride in groups. I read something on a GW page about it being common to ise CB to communicate between bikes on group rides. Its extremely rare that I ride with others but it might be cool to meet other venturers on the road sometime. Bluetooth capabilities might be a feature I should consider when purchasing though. Maybe I can bring my FLAC library on long rides too,

That is the one, seller said it has just under 10k on the clock. I called him and we spoke, let him know I was a serious buyer with cash in hand and he offered to hold it and I accepted this generous offer, ill get there wed eve and unless something is really amiss ill be bringing it home. According to the pics and his description its a steal. Thats why I was fishing for anyone nearby to put eyes on it and make sure it is what it looks like since its quite a drive. If nobody nearby ill head over anyway, it looks well worth taking a chance on, I haven't seen anything better for less amd sure no closer to me.

I think I found her! Looks great in the pics and seller put a sale pending hold on it for me until I can get there. The pics look fantastic but if anyone here is in Sioux City and willing to do a quick inspect I would be delighted to paypal that person enough for a big fat burger and a couple beers. Im making the 12 hr round trip Wed to pick it up but would not mind someone peeking at it if anyone is near, ya know, before I make the trip. I am comfortable with the sellers description but it is a long ways to go to figure out its not what it seems. I think its on the up and up but cant be to safe. Im getting giddy and excited! Thanks folks Tony

I want the parts bike too, its a 1300 also so im thinking about doing a rebuild with vmax heads and Morleys version of vmax cams and tossing it into my 99 vmax. I want the shorter 5th gear anyway and maybe the Venture R&P to help out with all the open roads around here when I ride the max. As for the parts bike I would have to dismantle it, box it up and give away the frame and big chunks, I really dont have space for another whole bike. I hope its still listed when i get done working next week. If it is what they say ill ride it home but im not afraid to walk away if its not. High hopes though. I want to take at least one long trip before the snow flies again!

I bought a full chatterbox setup in the early 2000s to go from one bike to another. It was a bad use of money aside from several cable failures on a 4000 mile trip. It was ok until about 50 mph when it did work but useless at hwy speeds. Im glad things are pretty stamdard now and with the system already there I have no problem buying decent headsets. Glad its not some obscure unique setup. Im only looking at 86+ Royales with all functional electronics so im really happy to know that its standard plug and play stuff. I would assume that something purchased today would be superior to a 30 yr old headset. Im getting excited, hope I find one soon. The one I'm looking at next week is supposed to have everything working except cruise, but comes with a.replacement cruise module brainbox thingly from a parts bike. I may take the parts bike to if its all still there when im done working, I think they want an additional 200/for that. Thanks again for the great info folks!

Whoever said there are no stupid questions haha. When I check out a Venture for sale how much of a problem is it if the intercom headsets are not present? I have seen a few ads where its a selling point that those headsets go with the bike. I do plan to use the intercom when riding with wifey. Are they fairly universal or would I need to find originals? Im done working Monday and heading to NE to see an 88.

I do believe that Sean at Morleys Muscle would have rebuild stuff, or have sources. I got a lot of goodies from him for my Vmax and pretty pleased. I read about him doing some 1300cc vmax engines and other go-fast/rebuild stuff.

I just heard back from him, the bike sold this morning. The search continues. I think this might be like back when I used to mess with British cars. Buy the nicest one you can afford! I may take that to heart here to.

I just sent this guy a message, the damn thing already has vboost! it's the right bike and if hes willing to do partial trade or soften up the price I'll go to WI and see it/ride it home. Thanks for linking that one, it's the right machine if I can strike a deal with him but his asking is just out of my reach. I'm not ready to go high 2s but for this one I might since so much of the work is done.

I like the Blonde bike to but I'll end up doing what I did to the Vmax, which is pick a color I have never seen on that model and apply it, I'm feeling cocky after painting the Vmax turquoise with rattle cans and having the results look nearly pro. There is a lot of bling, if I buy this one I'll make a lot of that bling available, I'm a fan of the smooth simple look so I'll de-chrome as much as I can, but keeping the floorboards Black hills!!! LOVE IT HERE. I do Spearfish Canyon frequently, Needles, Custer state park/wildlife loop (watch out for bison), Badlands, buffalo gap grasslands. Vannocker Canyon, and so many I cant even remember to list. Mt Rushmore is surrounded by amazing roads and 20 minutes from here. Rimrock scenic highway (closesest pavement to my house) Almost any road you take is scenic and if you go far enough it rolls into rural plains and farmlands. This is a motorcyclists paradise. Rapid City is only a few miles away and at nearly 90k population I'm sure you can imagine it is a very unpleasant place to drive or ride, or be, but its only a dot on this amazing vast landscape. I'm really close to WY and MT also, I can get lost in these states for extended periods of time. Anyone heading into the Black Hills should hit me up. I need to thank all who responded with great information. I'm probably going to make an offer on this 87 but not thinking he's going to sell it at that fraction of his asking price. I've been keeping an eye on the classifieds here but I really do need to try and keep the price down a bit or save for another month or two and just buy one that doesn't need anything. I'm getting really jazzed about having a bike I can comfortably tour. I hope to have one by fall so I can pull it inside over the winter and do all that needs to be done.

I'll spin the wrenches but I have to buy the bike right for that to make sense. I'm happy to trade some of my labor for a reduced price of the bike but not if I'm not going to come out well ahead. You are absolutely correct about the year range I'm after. The Vmax models also had the 2nd gear issue so I choose a 99 to avoid all that. I want the 1300, the bigger luggage and other improvements outlined in the History section. It would be better to spend That adhuntr is awesome, didnt know about that. It works better than repeated CL searches.Thanks!

Thanks for all the responses. I'll be 2-up sometimes so intercom is a real plus, cruise of course is a must so looks like a Royal fits the bill best. I will rack up some highway miles, love to wander the midwest for no reason at all. I see that the $3500 price range can get me into the next generation RSV but for my taste it looks to much like a Road King aside from not having the option to install the Vmax heads/cams/vboost later on if I want to do a frankenbike (very likely). I cant paste the link but its on Rapid City CL ad for $2100 I see that the starter seems to lack the umph to turn spin the engine right but seller says it always starts, I perceive the seller to be an honest guy. When I squeeze the brakes the voltage drops to 8, the air compressor has been replaced with schreader valves to adjust suspension air pressure old-school, It feels like it needs to be tuned and I'm sure I'll end up doing valve adjust and carb synch at the very least, no service history. It looks a little better in the pic than in person so I left feeling like 1200-ish would be fair knowing that I will have to dig in right away. I doubt he will accept an offer of ~half his asking price I have seen some well over 3k but if I look around enough I see that truly $2500 can get a really nice one. I'll continue the search knowing what "Royal" really means. You guys are awesome, thanks! Tony

Hello all. I just made the decision to buy a touring bike to supplement my Vmax, ruled out a Wing after throwing a leg over a 1500. The Venture fits me perfectly so I'm looking for an 86-93 1300 and running into a couple questions that a search didn't satisfy. 1. What does the Royal have that the base Venture lacks? Is there such thing as a Venture that is not a Royal in the 86-93 year range? 2. What is the best way to determine fair market value of a used Venture? I used NADA to book an 87 that I'm looking at locally, its a touch miley at 72k and needs some TLC, he's priced at $2100 but NADA and a couple fellow Vmaxers suggested it's worth about half that. Im saving for a home so cost is a factor and I'm not in a huge hurry or opposed to traveling outside South Dakota to get one. Thanks folks. Tony