Looking at a Yamaha Venture or a classic Honda Goldwing for 2 up touring

[Jedz123]

Howdy
So I'm looking at a couple of cheaper used touring bikes while Shan and I figure what s going to work for us to replace the Connie for the long haul. Since we don't ride a large amount of miles together (maybe 2-3K a year) I can't justify buying a big bike that's going to take a big bit out of my wallet. So we looked around on the internet and came to the conclusion that we'd like to get on a classic Yamaha Venture (83-87) or a classic naked Honda Goldwing (76-88, may go faring as well). We thought it would be really cool to ride a machine that was as old (or older) then us and still rack some big miles. I know both of the bikes listed are rocks in the reliability scale but really are aiming for big mile comfort for both of us without being grossly overweight. I have yet to ride either one...
I know the Venture uses a variant of the V-max engine and know that 2nd gear like to go south. IS there anything else to look for? I have 2 on the schedule to look at, both in the 30K mile range, both south of $1000, both 83's. As always I intend to haggle down the price:
https://plattsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1983-yamaha-venture/6302647440.html

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/164825190750536

As for Wings, I have no idea what to look for. I heard that electrically they need to be checked and also the timing belts... other then that nothing. I have found a few good deals, they tend to have a bit more miles then the Ventures I';m finding but hear they are good to 1/4 million miles.
Here's a couple I'm looking at:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/487109164985870

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/285365258606739

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/351156735341310

I have the GS750 on it's way out to fund this for the 750 is just not going to work to tour on. The FZ6 is great for me and my commuting but for the both of us we are limited to just a few hundred miles a time with it, plus getting luggage for it would be quite expensive...

Anyway as always I greatly appreciate your inputs.

Best,

-Justin

 

[storm 64]

A Gold Wing! A Venture! WAKE UP JEDZ Wake up buddy! You're just having a bad dream! Haha Don't leave the Kawasaki Voyager out of the equation. Kawasaki makes a pretty good land yacht ��

 

[Guest]

The blue Yamaha is a repaint, who knows what else it's hiding. Have you considered renting? http://www.motovermont.com/rental-bmw-r1200rt http://www.2wheeltravel.com/Motorcycle Hire/USA HIRE/Vermont Motorcycle Rental.htm http://www.eaglerider.com/manchester

 

[Jedz123]

A Gold Wing! A Venture! WAKE UP JEDZ Wake up buddy! You're just having a bad dream! Haha Don't leave the Kawasaki Voyager out of the equation. Kawasaki makes a pretty good land yacht ��

HAHAHA Thanks Norm... I'll look into that as well!

 

[Jedz123]

The blue Yamaha is a repaint, who knows what else it's hiding. Have you considered renting? http://www.motovermont.com/rental-bmw-r1200rt http://www.2wheeltravel.com/Motorcycle Hire/USA HIRE/Vermont Motorcycle Rental.htm http://www.eaglerider.com/manchester

I have but generally when the Mrs. and I go for a tour we go for a week... Renting would be prohibitively expensive. I'd rather take the coin and put it toward the trip or the machine...

 

[bccap]

I've always liked those 70's naked Goldwings. Seen a few restored at shows on the island. They clean up nice......

 

[Jedz123]

I love the look of the Classic Gold wings... Just as long as I can bolt a windshield to it, I'm good to go. She loves the look of them... Really that's all that matters for I'd likely only ride it with her anyway.

 

[Guest]

I'd like to put a word in for a Kawasaki 1100 A1, A2, (81-82) low miles and exceptional shape a given, but a solid choice-

A very nice example, too much money, and too far away, but you get the idea-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki-Z1100-IMPORT-/222668059820?hash=item33d80cf4ac:g:evAAAOSwxmJZ1h39

 

[RichDesmond]

Don't forget the Kawasaki Voyager XII. 4 cylinder, and a much better bike than the original 6 cylinder Voyager. Kind of rare, but everyone I've talked to that had one loved it.

And of course there's the GK Suzukis, but I assume you've already considered them.

 

[Redman]

A friend has a GW 1200, he said something about the stator being completely inaccessible, requires pretty much removing the engine, or something like that.

I suspect you did not list the zuki Cavalcade because you did not run across one for sale.

.

 

[Steve]

I can offer some insight based on experience. :-k

The GL1500 that I have now is the first Wing that I have owned, but it is not the first Wing I have ridden. Back in 1979, I had determined that my KZ650 was not enough bike for the two of us, along with some camping gear. Friends had a GL1000 ('77 model), so I looked at one, too. Nice enough, but my long legs were not that comfortable on it. I test rode one of the new KZ1000STs, then the salesman mentioned the soon-to-be-released KZ1300. I ended up with the 1300 and did not regret it. Another friend got a GL1100, which ended up fully-loaded, as many Wings do. It was nice, but still had some problems with my long legs. If you do consider a GL1200, be sure to avoid the '85 and '86 fuel injected models. They had too many problems and parts are VERY hard to find.

Several years later, I had the opportunity to ride a GL1200, which was better, but still had some comfort issues, I ended up with a Voyager 1300. As a member of the American Voyager Association, I had the opportunity to meet many other Voyager owners. Some of them had the six-cylinder 1300 and the four-cylinder 1200, and pronounced the 1200 a MUCH better bike. For something a bit lighter, they also suggested the early Concours. One advantage of the Voyager 1200 is the fact that it was made from 1986 through 2003, almost unchanged. There were a few minor improvements and the color scheme (yes, just one) changed every couple of years, but it remained a good bike up to its end.

About 15 years ago, my son got an '83 Venture, virtually identical to the first one you showed. Nice bike, excellent handling. Drawbacks are few, probably the worst one is the second gear issue. The gear itself does not wear out, just the bushing that pushes it into place. It is possible to replace that bushing by taking the engine out of the frame, flipping it over and opening the bottom end to access the transmission. We did not do that, and sold the bike as-is to someone who knew about the problem. He ran it for at least a couple more years, ended up skipping second gear, treating it like a four-speed box with a VERY wide spread between first and second (third) gear. He replaced the '83 Venture with the '86 Venture Royale that is shown in my sig. It's even better. The larger (1300 vs 1200) engine is tuned for low-down torque, but still offers PLENTY of top-end power, while still delivering decent fuel economy.

Redman mentioned stator difficulties on the GL1200. Actually, it was on ALL the four-cylinder Wings, 1000-1200. Yes, the engine has to come out of the frame, as the stator is on the rear end of the crank. There is a solution that is a rather redneck solution. There is a kit that mounts an automotive alternator just outside the fairing, just above the engine. That increased the output considerably, and eliminates any stator problems. To help avert stator problems, you can do the same thing we do to the GSes, clean the connections and install a SH775 R/R.

If you are looking for a decent two-up bike, don't overlook the early GL1500s. They started in 1988, but like many other vehicles, avoid the first year, if possible. There were many subtle improvements for 1989, and they kept getting better from there. They only came fully-dressed, but if you appreciated the protection on your Connie 14, you might like the Wing, too.

.

 

[Jedz123]

I couldn't find any Kawasakis or Suzukis until I dug deep. The Voyager seems to fetch some big coin, found a non running Clavacade for $500.

I'll browse for a Z1100 and GK... I'm not seeing many worth while offerings around here.

Steve I am greatly appreciative of your input here. I know you have had allot of experience mainly with the Voyager models (FYI your link in your signature is going no where).

Very Very informative. I know the CX500 had the same type of Stator, I dropped the engine on mine to replace it... No Fun. The Flying twin was bag enough, can't imagine a 4 cylinder. Good to know about the alternator "upgrade". I have found allot of non running GL's that crank but won't fire because of fouled Carbs. $250-$500, I know there is allot of 1 carb conversion kits for these bikes so I'm half tempted to go this route as well, although I have no idea what the 1 carb does for performance and reliability. I really love the classic early GL's. If I can make it reliable I'd ride it. Must be good enough though for it's not uncommon to find specimens with over 70K miles.

I plan on test riding the Ventrue some point this week for the blue one is just down the road from me. I'm drawn to the Venture just because of the readiness of aftermarket support and the fact there is so many bits that work with the Vmax as well so fining parts to fix it won't be as challenging. If I like the way it ride I may suck it up and drive out to Malone to buy the Maroon one if the local one doesn't pass my test. I found this great link for stuff to look for: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/s...st-of-known-problems-on-the-First-Gen-Venture

I have seen guys put Vmax engines in when the transmissions go south on yourtube... Price of motors range from $800 to $1500 depending on age and condition. So that's reassuring... Out of all the bikes the Venture appeals to me and the Mrs. most.

I don't think we are ready to step up to a very heavy Wing. The GL1500 weighs in at 850LBS... 150Lbs more then the Venture and the Connie14. The Connie was already too fat IMHO and I was only keeping it around so the MRs. and I could ride 2 up on. We both don't like the styling of the Modern Wings... We just don't see us wanting to own a Goldwing. That might change as we get older. Right now we want to ride a retro old school touring bike for the few thousand miles we ride together a year.... Also most GL1500's are out of our price range. We are looking for a $1000 bike (or less) that I can refresh over the winter that is ready for us to blast big trips out this spring.

Thanks again Steve! Look forward to riding with you some this coming year! Now that the we are now deeply rooted in home-ownership I look forward to being able to ride out west more this coming year and meet up!

So after reading the feedback the Venture is siding heavy with my nod. A 4 banger GL isn't out of the question, if I can make it reliable with a carb and alternator conversion I may also go this route. Anyone have any feedback on that? Even if the Venture is having a 2nd gear issue, it is correctable without splitting the case. I think any other issue aside I would feel comfortable correcting myself in my shop over the winter.

Thanks guys!

-Justin

 

[Steve]

Even if the Venture is having a 2nd gear issue, it is correctable without splitting the case.

Slight correction there. You DO have to split the cases, but you can do that without removing the top end if you turn the engine over first.

I understand you can do the same thing to a GS, but have never had to do it myself.

Sorry about the link. It's a tinyurl link to a Photobucket picture. For some reason, some of my Photobucket pictures still work, let's try this one:

.

 

[Jedz123]

Slight correction there. You DO have to split the cases, but you can do that without removing the top end if you turn the engine over first.

I understand you can do the same thing to a GS, but have never had to do it myself.

Sorry about the link. It's a tinyurl link to a Photobucket picture. For some reason, some of my Photobucket pictures still work, let's try this one:

.

How is Pillion Comfort?

I see there is some deflectors installed as well, was that for the rider or passenger?

Nice looking machines!!

Thanks for the clarification of having to split the case.

When in doubt, swap it out... And swap in this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-93-07-YAM...ash=item2f08280e30:g:21YAAOSw~1pZen81&vxp=mtr

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Voyager XII is a great bike for its size-fast, stable, well designed, mid to upper 40's in mpg, good looking.

 

[Guest]

I think you should stick with the Honda GW. It is by far the most popular, so fixes for the weak points and parts availability are the highest.

 

[Steve]

How is Pillion Comfort?

I see there is some deflectors installed as well, was that for the rider or passenger?

Mrs. Steve had no complaints on a long weekend trip to West Virginia. The weekend was the first time out with her 'new' 850, so it must have been May, 2005. She was on her 850, I had my Voyager 1300, towing a trailer and had younger son on the back seat. Older son had his Venture. First gas stop out, her bike would not start. No idea what was wrong, minimal tools available, so we talked with the manager of the gas station, arranged to leave it there over the weekend and pick it up on the way home. After transferring the contents of her saddlebags to the trailer, Mrs. Steve hopped on the back of the Venture and enjoyed the rest of the weekend as a passenger. Said it ranked right up there with the Voyager 1300 (had Russell Day-Long saddle) and that older son was a good rider. (He was about 20 at the time, and had been riding for 5 years.)

The deflectors were on there when we got it, but they benefit rider and passenger, depending on how they are adjusted. Similar deflectors are available for virtually any bike with a fairing.

.

 

[Wingsconsin]

Let me weigh in on the 'Wing selection.

I have owned a GL1100 - GL1200 - 2 GL1500 - and a GL1800

While they all SEEM heavy - once rolling you will be surprised how well they ride and corner -
They end up feeling lighter than they are. Low CG with the flat boxer engine - counter rotating transmission - and fuel tank under the seat.

The 4 cylinder Wings (11&12) were great fun-
the Stator is the weak point and it is an engine out process
If you want a 'naked' Wing it will be a 1000 (75-79) a 1100 (80-83) or a 1200 (84 only)
The naked 1200 is my favorite - And the 1200 is my favorite of all the Wings for riding , handling, MPG, etc.

The 1500 is a 2-up mile eater - No better bike for 2-up touring. Period.
But they are heavy and long and comfortable with cruise, and stereo and CB and fairing and trunk and saddlebags all integrated.

A carb clean and rebuild on the 4 cylinder Wings is a process with the 1100's being the most difficult to get perfect -
Taking them out and replacing them in is a PIA but the results are staggering - a good clean properly vacuum balanced 4 carbs set-up on a 4 cylinder Wing will deliver 45-50 MPG with plenty of power and low end grunt as well - RPMs are lower but can run up to 7500 if I remember correctly -
The 4 cylinder Wings were easy on tires - the rider - everything -
Belts changed every 100,000 miles - do it and forget it.

The 1100 has easy adjustment valves with the screw and lock nut - the 1200 had hydraulic adjusting valves so no maintenance.
The 1200 was more prone to the stator issue than the 1100s statistically -

Excellent brakes once cleaned and bled - do all the maintenance like you would with any bike and ride the heck outta them.
I turned wrenches on the Wings way less than I do on the GS850 I am playing with

For 2 up --- upgrade the front suspension and get new shocks from Progressive -

The 1500's (88-00) are 6 cylinder Wings -
Fully faired with bags & trunk -
A different machine while being the same -

 

[850 Combat]

I had a naked '78 or '79 Gold Wing. It was the last year 1000, as I recall. I hated it. I sold it to my brother and he hated it too. He sold it to some British guy in Phoenix who loves it.

It was slow, and it handled poorly. It took too turns to open the throttle. It ws so long that you had to lean it over a lot to turn, and it didn't have that much ground clearance. The seat wasn't good. A naked GS1000G is a much better bike in every way, especially comfort, seat, handling, and power. The motor comes out to change the stator, and the carbs appear to be a PITA to work on. I bought mine from a guy who taught auto shop in night school, and all the maintenance was done. It ran perfectly, and it needed nothing. Nothing except an owner who wasn't too used to something better.

I'm told that the six cylinder ones are easier to work on. There is a good chance that a Venture may be ridden less hard than a V Max. The Venture always won the performance handling and back road capability part of the comparisons. I don't know anything about how hard they are to work on. Honda V4s were notoriously difficult to R&R carbs. The Venture may share that.

I didn't like the 2005 Concours 1000 I bought new either though. No low end power, weak fork, buffeting, bars too far forward and too expensive to fix, access to the oil drain and filter made difficult by the useless styling only fairing underbody.

If you had a 1000Connie and loved it you might like a 1000 or 1100 Gold Wing.

Oh yeah, I forgot that my Wing had the gauges on top of the fake fuel tank where the tank bag normally goes on a touring bike. Brilliant.

 

[storm 64]

Come on Combat, tell us what you really think about the Gold Wing! Haha