Looking at a '83 Venture

[Madness]

Alright all you Venture owners...

What are your likes/dislikes of the early Ventures? I found a '83 Venture in the local Nickel Ads for $850. I called the guy up and am going to go take a look at it tomorrow. It's got 31k on the odometer. It's been laid down lightly by his brother who was the previous owner. Mostly cosmetic with bent engine guard, and scratches on the fairing and trunk. His brother put $1200 worth of maintenance into it before he bought it from him. He said he rode it once to get it insured and has been parked in his barn since. He says it starts right up and runs great.

I know to look for the second gear problem which Yamadog let the Venture inherit from the XS/XJ's. Any other problems to look out for with this bike? Like I said, I'm going to take a look and test ride tomorrow. From what I've seen in other ads and Kelly Blue Book the $850 asking price is quite a steal.

Thanks

[mitch]

Venture

Jim as u are probley aware i have a 84, I paid 4000 canadian about 7 bucks american, for mine with 30 ks on it . I have put 10000 klms on it this summer and it was better on fuel and loves the twisties which suprized me! Downfall is it is heavy around town, and in parking lots etc. Check the exhaust it is very expensive for mufflers . I just put two shorties on mine I like the noise, just me.Bent two pipesto go from the converter to the mufflers, everthing bolted right on it was a small job really.They have a hydrulic clutch make sure the fluid is clean same as the brakes. I find that the venture has as much grunt at highway speeds as the xj did so they dont lack in that end. They dont have as much clunk when u put them in 1st, and i think venture drivers tend to be eazier on the tranny than xs riders , Ok guys just an opinion But u do look silly driving the snot out of a touring bike ! Would i buy another one ? Yes for sure i like it nice to take gear with u on trips, beer on ice, oops thinkin out loud .........MITCH