Hey Brian,
All the preceding messages have been a wealth of good information, in which case I would like to add some.
* It was said, the bike tends to want to take you down at parking lot speeds. Ride like a pro teaches you exactly how to overcome this. Do not worry, look and use your head. Friction zone riding is a key element to the enjoyment of a good all around ride with any bike, but especially with the Venture.
* I have been riding my 2006 RSV for one year now. I have noticed that is is very important to be perfectly upright with your posture in the saddle. You will see by having a better arm position relationship to the handle bars, it all of a sudden feels like the horse has power steering. Some articles within these forums speak to this a bit, with several alternatives to help you achieve this. It basically puts the bars closer to you, in a nut shell. ( obviously I am not aware of your particular situation, but these comments are intended to give you some additional mental tools to work with ) So: riser extenders, Barons makes a set of bars which they claim you need not extend any of the controls / cables / lines, etc..
* I use on my RSV Michelin Commander tires. I have not had any issues with them. The wear on the tires after 10K miles is minimal and my best guess I should be able to go another 10K if nothing bites them on the road. The sizes are stock sizes and I do not use the links in the rear. I am 5'-10" and I am riding the machine and having a blast.
Good luck with your purchase, and get out and enjoy the ride.
P.S. - I purchased my RSV from a gentleman down in L.A. (lower Alabama) Same day started home to N.Y., with the wifey on the back. Her and I felt comfortable and safe for the entire ride home, Blue Ridge Parkway and all that. Take er easy dude.
Ricardo Bustamante
Star Touring and Riding Association
VentureRider.Org
Venturers.Com