davitk

Thanks! I'm hoping to make it to the Slimy Crud. Flag me down if you see me.

Well, I really did want a Venture, even sat tight and waited for the right deal to come along but dang! this Valkyrie hit the market locally at a price I couldn't pass up and it is now parked in my garage. Again, thanks for the help, you guys are all right. http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150419_164202017_zpsk9w80znw.jpg

Englehart would not budge on the price, they decided cosmetically it was nice enough to bring full price regardless of any mechanical problems. So no deal. Thanks everybody for helping me think with my head not my heart, you saved me some money today.

The salesperson had to look it up. Of course. They installed a sealed wet, said they have trouble with gels. ?

The choke operates freely only to about half way closed. Occasionally the button will pull all the way out, not sure if something is bent or just sticking. http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150408_165714314_zpss8ducw3p.jpg As for clutch basket whine, it is present at all speeds, most noticible while decelerating. It goes away completely with the clutch disengaged. I wouldn't classify it as annoying or irritating, but of course once I was listening for it was impossible to ignore.

This bike is appearing less and less of a good deal. http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/IMG_20150328_104135524_zps31j4i7nq.jpg

...and the front tire is awful, I could feel it slip during a fairly mild turn. When I parked it I ran my hand along the edge, it felt hard and waxy. The rear seemed OK. http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150408_172811655_zpsxihurotd.jpg

Good call on the rear rotor. http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150408_165431040_zpscimxq5a1.jpg

Hmmm... http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/IMG_20150408_165251926_zpsdiswcitn.jpg

Indeed! Right now the ball is in the dealer's court as I wait for them to replace the battery and (hopefully) check the charging system. The bike is being sold as is so I doubt they'll put too much time into it.

I'm getting the feeling someone hamfisted the choke and bent the linkage, the missing metal plate may have been functional to keep it positioned correctly? Was hoping to drive it today and listen to the clutch. There was some driveline noise first time I rode it, not much but didn't know what to listen for. Was also hoping to start it cold so that I could use the choke, the salesman had it started and conveniently warmed up for the first round. Second rate tires no doubt. However they are new-ish and the date codes make them less than two years old so they'd be hard to throw away. I'm currently riding an 87 Goldwing and burned through a set of Shinkos last season, installed Michelin Commander 2s in November and boy what a difference. I'll have to check the shock for oil, although from what I could see everything but the carbs looked squeaky clean. Does tupperware need to be removed to get a good visual? Thanks for the help and offers to check it out! You guys are all right, I don't care what the Goldwing Riders say about you.

I'm looking at an '03 with 55k, nice and clean one owner Venture at the local dealer. It ran beautifully once it was warmed up, but the choke lever is sticky, and there is residue up under the carbs. I'm not sure what is normal and am hoping you guys can help me out. I rode it twice a week ago, then went back today and it didn't start. They are saying someone left the ignition turned to accessory and toasted the battery. While I'd like to take what they say at face value let's be real these are professional salesman. There is a battery tender on the bike, and of course the cap was off the plug so apparently it had been used recently. How likely is it there may be a bigger charging system issue? Final question for you guys is value. Tires are fairly new, Bridgestone Excedra and Dunlop 404s. Cosmetically excellent. Opinions and advice appreciated! http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150406_151805125_zpsnqgrlcs5.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150406_151944419_HDR_zpsbd4y8akq.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20150406_151605463_zpsfvxuzaem.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/_20150406_193223_zpsrfxq5jyr.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/IMG_20150406_151854181_HDR_zps8pk3xikj.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/IMG_20150406_152129283_HDR_zpsnkfnml3s.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/IMG_20150406_152143560_HDR_zpsddcl3kvw.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa93/davitk/IMG_20150406_152112603_HDR_zpsthwxm29w.jpg