meach

In case you know Al in Jacksonville FL I bought his 07 RSV and drove it back to my home today north of Atlanta GA (about 370 miles) My first time to drive one (I've been riding a honda vtx1300). I've been looking into getting an RSV last 6 months or so. Main reason for the RSV was a better ride for the wife, and a few extras for me (cruise control, radio, etc.) bike did great. Drove back roads to get used to it before I got on the interstate, didn't take long, good part of the way back is state highway anyway. I was double extra cautious, didn't want to be famous for wrecking a bike bringing it home. (I know of a guy that did that one time, poor fella) My first impression of how the RSV rides is what you might get if you were to mate a vtx with goldwing, seemed to have traits of both. Got some minor adjustments here and there to make it fit me better, looking foward to many miles on it and I know where to come if I need help with it.

FYI Other rides in the E. TN. area. http://www.southerndozen.com/

Didn't want to kill myself when I got back into riding several years ago so I got me a 750 shadow (dry wt = 669), wanted something bigger for trips so couple years later got my vtx1300 (wt = 709) had to get used to a little more weight in really slow turns like U-turns but the added size made the highway rides smoother, when I test drove a GW (wt = 792) not long ago had no problem maneuvering it around the parking lot, was a little surprised how easily it seemed to be pushed around by crosswinds at higher speeds (took it for a spin on the interstate) . The GW drove more like a sport bike from my younger days. I've gotten used to cruisers both going slow in parking, etc. and on the highway. I can see why the RSV would be harder to handle in slow manuevers (wt = 800+) but a nice smooth ride out on the road. Stopped by a dealer today that had a couple RSV's, had one sitting next to a GW so had wife sit with me on each one to see what she liked, she thought the RSV was more comfy but the GW had more room for her but not me, I'm just too cramped on one, the RSV felt much better.

Hey Mike, yea I was thinking of you as a back up plan to test drive. Thought if any of the local dealers had anything to drive I'd take em up on it. just been looking around while I'm out and about. Not in any hurry to do anything, probably not until after first of the year unless I find a deal too good to pass up, mainly just curious what's out there. None of dealers nearest me have anything but the dealer in Lawrenceville had a couple. Been looking on line (ebay, craigslist, etc.) around the country for comparisons.(its nice having all this free time to do whatever since I've retired). I'll check out RH next time I'm thru there. Nice looking trailer. Couple years ago in TN I met a couple in a campground that was pulling a popup camper behind their HD, they were from Oregon. Said as soon as snow breaks they leave and travel all summer and get back home before snow returns.

Lots of good info to think about from folks. It's always good to hear from actual owners. While looking around for one to test drive I will also be looking to see whats out there for sale. No hurry since we have the vtx to ride and staying close to home anyway over the winter. Haven't decided yet if we'll go new or used, may depend on what we can find and any deals that might be out there and how the economy goes. It appears from the history page that each year is a different color or maybe two, not sure if that will be a factor with the wife. thanks again, Meach

thanks for the feedback, gonna check and see if I can test drive one sometime. Have driven GW and couple diff. HD, had been flipping back and forth between the two. At a recent gathering of vtx riders one of the guys brought his venture and he was telling me about it and showing it to me, might fit our needs well. Be nice to have more power for 2up and possibly one day pulling a trailer but the trailers not a given. Looks like the venture can do a trailer but the power of the gw would handle it better. We like to camp, I've taken my vtx camping solo (3 nights on the Natchez Trace) don't see it happening on the vtx 2up with gear. FI vs Carb. not that big a deal to me, used to carbs, ABS would be nice but again never had it so wouldn't miss it. Might look into some heated gear, my wife doesn't like to be cold. I'm use to just adding another layer as the temp drops thru the winter or riding the higher mountains out west.

Would like some feedback from those who ride 2up. New to site here, been riding a honda vtx1300S last few years, wife just recently riding along more so looking for a better ride for her mostly in particular on longer trips. Any others from a x1300 background as to how the venture compares at highway speeds or any other areas for that matter. I have looked at GW, HD, etc but giving the venture a look. Smoother ride with the v4, more room to stretch out (compared to GW, sport/touring bikes, etc. I'm 6'2"). I'm in the early stages of looking so any constructive comments welcome and appreciated.