WTB 1981 XS1100 Venturer

[TheFrugalTech]

Looking to buy a 1981 Yamaha Venturer to use as my primary long cruise bike.
If you have one you are looking to sell or know of one for sale, please let me know. May consider a partial trade of one of my XSs if seller is interested.
Thanks!

I already know of the one on Craig's List in ME, it is 1,000 miles from me.

[MaximPhil]

Hey Frugal,
The one in Maine looks to be in reasonable shape and if the ad is to be believed is in running condition ( when was an ad not totally truthful?)
Price is not bad either. Don,t exagerate it is not 1000 miles it it only 938
16 riding 8 sleeping you coud be home in 24 hours....... or stuck at the side of the road freezing your ass of in New York
Hope you find one you like.
Phil

[TheFrugalTech]

I've requested pics from the guy and he hasn't come through. He must not want to sell it too bad. And that 938 mile ride isn't worth it unless I'm going there to pick it up. That little trip would cost me almost $400 in gas alone in the tank I tow with. But, if the bike is in nice shape, it would still be worth the total cost.

I see you have a Venturer. Share some pics of it? How is it on long trips (we do 1500 mile weekends now and then)? Any little quirks to be aware of on them? I would imagine the balance and handling would be comparable to the Vetter full dress I have. Maybe better since I have no fork brace.

[xs11lover]

Did you see this one?

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/2031178635.html

[xs11lover]

Ooops. I guess you did.

[MaximPhil]

I've requested pics from the guy and he hasn't come through. He must not want to sell it too bad. And that 938 mile ride isn't worth it unless I'm going there to pick it up. That little trip would cost me almost $400 in gas alone in the tank I tow with. But, if the bike is in nice shape, it would still be worth the total cost.

I see you have a Venturer. Share some pics of it? How is it on long trips (we do 1500 mile weekends now and then)? Any little quirks to be aware of on them? I would imagine the balance and handling would be comparable to the Vetter full dress I have. Maybe better since I have no fork brace.

Hi Frugal,
Unfortunate you have to look at it to know so you are commited to the gas money and time. Can you say road trip When i got mine i was told it was in rideable condition..... with the help of 3 guru's , hands on, and many more with advice and donor parts. 18 months into the program Addie is a runner though we still have not resolved the carb issues.
Despite this Since April she has been to Somerset PA for XS EAst
Minden On for XSNorth numerous 250 plus mile days trips and Suches Georgia for the XSive Fall Rally.the last entailed a continuos burn from Kane PA to Suches GA chasing an FJR 14 1/2 hours in the saddle. Cruises happily on the interstate at 85 mph if you want even faster.
The Fairing is identical to the Vetter on the inside and windshield. Outer appearance is different but i think performace is the same.
Mine sucks gas as though it were free YMMV
Be aware some things are unique to 81 H. TCI,fuel tank,saddle maybe other things too. ignition is a hybrid of the XS and XJ of 82.

I have a fork brace and would say it is essential though I have never ridden without it.
Pictures to follow
Phil

[TheFrugalTech]

The larger tank is one thing that draws me to it but it being one of the first factory touring bikes is why I want one for my long haul cruiser. If I ever find one suitable, it will replace my Vetter full dress. Or not, depending on what the wife thinks about a 4th bike in the garage.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Frugal,
Search " Phil's (not quite) excellent Venturer to see some pictures of the winter project.
Phil

[DGXSER]

Hey Phil, FYI, that TCI/Ignition is shared by the SH model as well. Which may help you out with parts availability some time. But it IS unique to the 81 model year for the XS1100 models.

[MaximPhil]

Hey Frugal
How about this one?

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?p=303645#post303645

Nice road trip out west. Bring your passport
You could be home for Christmas

That is a fine looking example. How i wish mine looked like that.

Phil

[TheFrugalTech]

Nice, just what I am looking for.
Too bad it's 2,033 miles from me.
So far, every one I find is farther away than the last.

On the bright side, I did stumble across a nice 1980 Special with 18,000 miles over the weekend via Craig's List for $400. I couldn't say no.