Looking at an 83 Venture Royale

I took a look at an 83 Venture Royal last night : it's showing its age but overall not bad. 87000 km (55k miles) on the od.

Started immediately, trim panels need some repair as 3 were held in place with tie wraps, tires good, front shocks feel solid. Took it for a short ride around a small parking lot (not plated) and immediately found the rear brakes were not there at all. Front were fine. Second gear (which I heard is a common failure) was present, smooth and not making any undue noises. That was the extent of the ride.

Little concerned that the coolant bottle seemed empty but there were no visible leaks anywhere.

Anyone have any input/thougts/things I should be wary of ? All are appreciated.

 

I bid on the Tampa one on Sleasebay; went for $670 ? Tranny all stuck.
Then there were 3 more, but too far for me to drive, all VERY low prices !
You don't see Gold Wings for under a grand.
One had the newer 1,300 engine installed- - carbs gummed up- - non-running. I'd like to have a big, fat touring bike just once to see how I like it.

 

I'd love to get a Venture too - something bigger so my wife and I could be comfy - so I know where you're coming from! I'd like to find one '86 or newer as they got the updated 1300 engine as well (think retuned V-max engine). Supposedly the late 80's were considered the best of the bunch.

As long as it's running well, no problems with 2nd gear, and no visible leaks, I'd say it sounds like a good bike. The V-4 engine is known for it's reliability almost as much as our XJ I-4's.

Rear brakes aren't hard to fix - just time consuming as it takes a lot to get the rear wheel off these bikes.

I guess it comes down to what the price is really....

 

Thanks for the input, fellas. You both echoed my thoughts on it & I emailed an offer about 2 minutes ago... we'll see what happens.

When I told her I was looking at another bike, my wife rolled her eyes so hard she got dizzy...

 

Well, it appears I struck at the right time. The guy had been listing it for more than 6 weeks, and happily took my offer. I pick it up tomorrow, provided it fits in the back of a Dodge Ram 8O

Once she's road-ready, I'll really be stuck - do I sell the 750 Maxim or keep it (the wife may kill me) ? It would be like having a Camaro (the Max) for Saturday night cruising, and a Caddy (the Venture) for a Sunday drive.

 

Notice that I had a Venture in my stable at one time. I still have the Maxim. I'd advise hanging on to the Maxim.

 

I'm with you... but now I have to ask : Why specifically hang onto the Maxim ?

 

I've never owned nor ridden a more comfortable, well-mannered bike. For about town jaunts, it is just right (kinda like baby bear's porriage). Mind you, mine is a 650, yours will have slightly more grunt and ammenities.
But my Max is gold, like a faithful wife. I've looked after her and she has taken very good care of me. I couldn't ask for more (except when I get that wild "speed" hair up my snoot). She has a very pleasant (to me anyway) hypoid gear whine that is just music to my ears and docile handling character that makes life (or riding) easy.
Besides, I'm a sucker for "it'll never run again" cases. I got her on the cheap 'cause P.O. didn't look after her right. Found her advertised in the S.D. mechanic's specials section. "Doesn't run, parts only" it read. Yeah, right! Sentimental fool I guess. I'll will her to my nephews or daughter in due time.

 

Aaaaaahhh, I know of which you speak, my friend...

I've logged a lot of miles on my Maxim. Launched it skyward one night when a dog-sized raccoon ran in front of me and hit it (I didn't go down). I physically chased 2 would-be thieves that almost stole it (they punched the ignition and almost had it started), catching and apprehending one (teenaged kid) after 10 blocks of all-out sprint (guess he didn't figure I am an amateur triathlete). There's a thousand stories...

That inline howl, the gut-pull from 5500 rpm to 7000, all with relative comfort and smoothness.

We'll see what happens. The crux will be space in my garage...

 

Give thought to a cheap shed? $300 will buy you a fair amount of space. Check out the holiday sales at Sears or Home Despot. Figure you can park the "unused" ride outside and avoid the weather and "interested parties" for a reasonable price. Best of luck with the Missus, no way to tell which way the wind will blow when it comes to the fair sex. She might just understand. Then again...

 

Oooohhhh, she won't understand. She'd really balk at the idea of BUYING a shed to store a "surplus" (her words) motorcycle.

Granted, I could compare it to her having more than one pair of high heels or purses... but I'd lose.

Funny how that is.

 

There's another one just within my driving distance- - Virginia- - running, last bid $500.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcyc ... m245.l1318

The fact that it overheats will scare away alot of bidders.

 

that bike looks sweet