Very helpful advice and much appreciated by us new to RSV folks. I recently test drove the 2002 RSV with 50,000 on it that I'll be picking up in a couple of weeks. It is at a great dealer that really encourages long test rides. I did 20 minutes solo and another 40 with the wife. It did have a bit of a subtle whine that I have read is common.
It was just barely noticeable to me, but it really depends on what you are used to.
When I asked the wife for her opinion, her only comment was that after riding many thousands of miles on the back of my Volusia with street rode cobra pipes, the Venture was very peaceful!
Good luck!