2005 Venture should I buy?

[johnboy]

I am looking at buying a 05 RS Venture, but to tell you the truth I am not completly sold on it. I ride a Ski Doo Grand Touring now that has over 15,000 miles on it and it has been a good sled. My questions on the Venture are:

1. I have listened to the one I might buy running and there is a clanking noise from the clutch area at idle, is that normal?
2. I have heard there is a possible over-heating problem on the 4 strokes in the past is this true?
3. Is the pro comfort suspension brand new to Yamaha?
4. Is the motor a Brand New motor to Yamaha as I have heard and do you think they have the major bugs worked out of it ?

I guess I am looking for an unbiased, honest opinions on the Yamaha Venture to help put me over the edge!!!!! My dealer friend only has one left and I don't want to miss out if it is a good sled for the money.

Any input would be appreciated.

John

 

[MadMax]

The noise is normal at idle. I have a vector with the same noise. NO biggie. The skid is new. And from everything I've heard verrrry plush. The motor is new,but is based on the proven yammie 1300 sport touring bike engine. Add to the fact you have 24,000 miles between valve adjustments I would think you can pass the 15,000 mile mark. Best of all the savings in oil and gas will be huge if you keep it running that long. I hope this helps. MM.

 

[Phantom]

John,
I am new to Yamaha this year also. I have been riding exclusively Polaris for the past ten years with zero problems, normal maint. and wear items only.
I bought a Rage, it has the same engine as the Venture. I spring ordered it sight unseen and I am very happy with the quality of the workmanship and assembly. The machine (IMO) is built like a F1 car rather than a production sled. (Plus it sounds really neat) I feel that the engine will be as reliable and trouble free as all Yamaha Four strokes are.

 

[snowsweat]

The motor is based on the FJR1300 motor (same bore and stroke) and uses a balance shaft too, so it's not a clean sheet motor. True, we won't know how good it is for a year or two but I think its a safe bet. (I hope so!)

 

[DELTABOX]

1. I have listened to the one I might buy running and there is a clanking noise from the clutch area at idle, is that normal?
Evidently some clutch noise is normal on the RS motors.

2. I have heard there is a possible over-heating problem on the 4 strokes in the past is this true?

4-strokes traditionally run cooler than 2-strokes,
There were some complaints on the 02 SXViper but I have never seen a problem on any of the three RX-1s in our group.

3. Is the pro comfort suspension brand new to Yamaha? New for Yamaha this year but has received great reviews and is based on proven torsion spring technology with the nice two up adjuster added

4. Is the motor a Brand New motor to Yamaha as I have heard and do you think they have the major bugs worked out of it ?
Yamaha engines seem to be built to a very high standard I would not worry. If you are concerned my dealer says Yamaha offers a 5-year extended warranty on the 4-strokes. For a high mileage rider like you a 5-year warranty might be a good idea.

For a touring rider the 4-stroke benefits are huge and this sled is a great package. I thought about one of these for the wife but went with a Vecor ER instead. I would go for it you won't regret it.

 

[BigMac]

2. I have heard there is a possible over-heating problem on the 4 strokes in the past is this true?

4-strokes traditionally run cooler than 2-strokes,
There were some complaints on the 02 SXViper but I have never seen a problem on any of the three RX-1s in our group.

I have 2 Vipers. That sled didn't have a rear heat exchanger and there were occasional complaints about overheating. I never had any overheating problems on my Viper ER. My son's sled has triple pipes and Bender mods and we did put a rear heat exchanger on it as Bender demands. Never had a problem.

The Vector/Rage/Venture all have front heat exchangers (won't fit in the rear, I guess) in addition to the ones on the running boards. I can't imagine overheating will be a problem.

 

[Slush Monster]

John...

The clutch noise you hear at idle is perfectly OK . Its just the spider
sliders taping on the moveing part of the sheve. Remember these are
big pistons, and there is a big jolt on the clutch every time these things
go BANG. Once the clutch is pulling that noise is gone. I dont think
that this one will overheat. I has pretty much the same cooling system
as the 4 cylinder but one less cylinder plus spins at a lot lower rpm.
Should be a great sled. You are getting WAY more for your money
with this 4 stroke than anything other brand.

 

[Wilson]

I hope it is good as I bought one . The thing is that we haven't had a chance to ride it and see how it really is . My buddy has been ridingrx1 since they came out .We always ride together . It has never broke down has lots of power and is good on gas . I think that the Venture will be just as good . The suspenson while new to yamaha is not really new to the industry ,so I have no worries there . And if Yamaha,does make a bobo they always come up with a fix that works and look after everyone .

 

[johnboy]

venture

Thanks for the input, as you know it is hard to switch brands when you have been with one for sometime. I do value your opinions. Now for a couple of more questions and then I will make my decision.

Is $7,900.00 plus tax a fair price for the RS Venture? and is the YES warranty something that covers not just the engine but other working parts, such as the suspension and front shocks etc...?

 

[Wilson]

For me that would be a really good deal . It would have almost paid me to cross the boarder to buy . That is about 1000.00 less than what I paid
and I had to work them hard to get to that . I was $700.00cdn less than what they said was there lowest price . You are getting a deal .

 

[acpantera]

I know how you feel Johnboy, I was a cat guy for over 30 years, but like you I was stunned buy the total package of the rs sleds. As for the overheating thing I wouldn't worry to much about that, the RS and Rx seem to have the same front heat exchangers and the longer the skid frame the longer the running board heat exchangers are, 121" have standard length exchangers, 136"skids even longer exchangers, and the ventures 144" are even longer than that. SEEING THAT THE rx engine puts out 145hp(heat)and cools it just fine the RS output of 120(less heat)should pose no challange the the cooling system at all.

 

[Mark O]

Re: venture

Is $7,900.00 plus tax a fair price for the RS Venture?

I just picked up my two (that were ordered last spring) a couple weeks ago at $7,700.00 each.

 

[johnboy]

RS Venture

Thanks to all who gave their input on this sled. The opinions and knowledge on this board helped me make my decision

I took the plunge today and bought the RS Venture and cover for $7,950 before Mi sales tax.

I feel that the price was fair, I hope it meets my expectations. I felt good when I left the dealership today. I will keep my Ski Doo clothing for this winter just in case!!!!. I did not buy the YES warranty just yet, I will try the sled out in December first to make sure I like it. At least I hope we have snow in the UP of MI in December!!!


Thanks again for he input

john

 

[DELTABOX]

Congratulations

Congratulations and welcome to Yamaha. I'm sure you will love the Rage. TY is having a ride some time in December I think in the UP. This would be a great place to roll out the new Venture.

 

[Wilson]

I picked up my Venture today . For the guy that was worried about over heating .There is a heat exchanger in front of the track . i guess every one was looking for it at the back and missed it .