csf

I certainly understand all that now as I just bought my 06 Venture 2 weeks ago. And I assume I will now use my GPS/MP3 on the Venture exactly as you do. (The V-Strom was of course a different situation.) But I just wanted you to know how much I liked the UClear, how I do think its a quality unit, that nothing they advertised has turned out to be misleading, and that although I have not used it as an intercom I would bet it works well as that too. Its just a very slick little device. Good Luck. Craig

I have it and LOVE it. I have had it a year and use it alot. But I use it alone and in a full face Vehmar Eclipse helmet on my Suzuki V-Strom, so I am not communicating with anyone else on the bike. The Eclipse is an Italian helmet and is pretty quiet, and the V-Strom is quiet also. I have a Sony Bluetooth MP3 player which it works perfectly with, and the sound is excellent. I have a Garmin 220 which it works perfectly with through Bluetooth although the sound is in mono. And I have an HTC Incredible phone which it also works perfectly with, and callers on the other end hear me perfectly. It is just incredible not having an external mike. It is one of my favorite purchases. But again, I have no experience with it as a communicator between riders . . . Hope this is of some help anyway. Good luck. Craig

Just to update this thread, today I did purchase the used 2006 Venture, now with 6082 miles on it. The bike is spotless, truly looks new, and has always been garaged. It has new tires and battery, dealer maintenance, replaced rear shock under warranty, and apparently has some extras like a trunk rack, led lights, a trailer hitch (never used), and some minor soft accessories. It passed our state inspection in 15 minutes and the inspector said it looked great. I paid $10k including delivery - some may say too high but I could not find a better example with such low mileage near me. The bike certainly does make some noise . . . but I did not find it objectionable. I have never ridden such a heavy machine so I look forward to getting more comfortable on it. Thanks again for all the advice. Craig

RSTDdog Thanks for the reply. I know I am confusing. First, the older Venture in the garage was the older style. It was beige/tan in color, I thought he said it was a 96 . . . maybe he said 86?, but it was the old style for sure. Second I am comparing an immaculate 06 Venture with 6000 miles and a few Star extras, brand new tires and battery, new rear shock and dealer serviced and inspected, under warranty for 3 more months, for $10,200 plus tax and tags . . . . with a leftover 09 RSTD for $10,999 at the dealer, who wants $500 extra for freight and setup, plus tax and tags. The Venture will be around $11k on the road, the RSTD over $1k more. Nothing against the RSTD, but the Venture like alot more bike for less money here. I am surprised you think this Venture is not a good deal. It was here that some suggested I look at used Ventures . . . how much less can I go on this? I don't think he'd sell it for $9k, and he has other potential buyers. It seems the 09 will be worth thousands less the second I take it out of the dealer, and it seems I cant lose too much on the Venture if I flip it or trade it.. I know you have far more experience here . . . tell me what I'm missing. Thanks alot Craig

This morning I did go see the 2006 Venture with 6070 miles. The bike looks like it belongs in a showroom, and indeed was in a large garage with several other motorcycles and cars, including an antique Oldsmobile. The bike has a few Star accessories. It started immediately, everything seems to work and it has new tires, a new battery, and valid inspection in place. I was not able to ride it as it was pouring and the owner was not comfortable with me taking out it in the rain. He had no problem with me riding it on another dry day, but was adamant the bike runs flawlessly with no loud whine. In the same garage was a 96 Venture with 106,000 miles, which the owner says he still likes more than his new one. That is the only reason he is selling. We have agreed on $10,200, which seems a very fair price, and I gave him a small deposit to hold it for me. I know this is the RSTD forum, but any comments would be appreciated. I can go back to ride it but he is 90 mins away and also has other interested buyers. I know the whine can be an issue . . . .but I did put 20,000 miles on a Ducati once with a open dry clutch - ironically, people modify those bikes to make the clutch sound louder. To each his own I guess. Thanks. Craig

Well, as the original poster I want to thank everyone so far for their input. The dealer with the brand new leftover 09 RSTD did not really want to budge off their price of $10,999. So I did not buy that bike yet. However, as things sometimes tend to work out, I have just found an 06 Venture with 6000 miles, garage kept, nearly immaculate, for about $10k. The bike is owned by an older gentleman who is downsizing the number of vehicles he owns. He will even deliver the bike to my home, 63 miles from his. The bike is under warranty for a few more months. Has new tires, new battery, a few Star accessories, and has been serviced by a Yamaha dealer. He states he has never heard a loud whine at any speed, in any gear. It did require a rear shock replacement, under warranty last year, due to a leak. I was not happy to hear that, but I am going to look at it Sat, and at this point this bike seems a better deal than a brand new 09 RSTD for about the same price but with full warranty. We will see on Saturday, but I am seriously planning to give him a deposit if it is as nice as he says. Will post more after weekend Craig

Thanks again for the additional replies. I will admit that while I'm not thrilled with the carburetors I have owned many Japanese bikes with them and they have all generally been reliable. I do find the combination of the V4, the air suspension, the comfort, the liquid cooling, and the cruise control intriguing. But I have decided the dealer's price is too high so I will return to see if they will come down by at least another $1-1.5k. If they will I will seriously consider buying the bike as it is a brand new bike. If they will not deal any further I will look into some other cruisers and tourers, or some a nice used RSTD . . . thanks again to all Craig

THANKS for all the replies so far. The bike I am looking at is brand new, never ridden, 0 miles, leftover stock, and the dealer says it is their last one. They have many leftover 09's, 10's and 11's in inventory in many models and brands. They have old stock of everything from all the Japanese brands and others - FJRs to all the Triumphs to Goldwings, plus all the new models as well - its a pretty big dealer. This red RSTD has MSRP 0f $15.6k, is listed at 10,999 - tax, tags, fees, etc put it near $12k. I have not sat down to negotiate yet, but obvioulsy the full 5 year warranty comes with a new bike versus a used one. I know its still a good bike based on many reviews, and was a really great bike in its day . . . just trying to decide if its still a good choice now. I understand thats a personal call. Thanks again to all Craig

Hello, I am brand new to the forum. I am 51 yo, been riding for 30 years, many bikes of different styles and brands over the years but never a cruiser. Currently riding a Suzuki V-Strom, which I actually adore. I am 6'2" tall, 225 lbs, 34 " inseam. Lately I have been considering a cruiser/touring bike. I am not interested in any Harleys, but have been looking at some Japanese bikes. My local dealer has one last brand new red 2009 RSTD, which I can buy for just over $12k on the road. He sells many brands and models, but says this bike, with all its features, at this price with the 5 year warranty cant be beat. I think I fit nicely on the bike, although I've never ridden a bike with my feet out in front of me. I am considering this RSTD over every other cruiser due to the way I fit on it and the great V4 engine. But as I read the boards here I have discovered multiple issues, including the gear whine. It seems while many love these bikes, many also have serious issues . . . some never want to get rid of them, some cant wait to dump them. And I cant believe I"m even considering a bike with carburetors in 2012. So I'm just hoping, without offending anyone, if any current owners here believe these are still bikes worth considering in 2012, or have they become outdated, and if that gear whine is a rare occurrence or much more common. I guess what I'm asking is should I consider this bike as a new bike purchase or look elsewhere? Thanks alot in advance for any advice or comments. Craig