New Yamaha Star Venture

[azulihawx]

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ ... ealed.html
http://ridermagazine.com/2017/06/05/201 ... ok-review/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ8IfqL4zpw

Can't wait to demo one of these.Looks impressive.I expected them to use the 1700cc V-4 from the V-Max.But this motor should
be a beast.I rode a Stratoliner at a demo a few years ago,and it's motor was very strong.Interested in how it stacks up to the
Roadmaster and HD Milwaukee 8 tourers.Time for Ma Kaw to upgrade the Voyager,especially the infotainment system.

[Tonyvdb]

Ya, there is alot of chatter on other forms about this new bike. It has a good look and options galore.

[the2knights]

I must admit that is a really good looking bike, can only imagine how great that bike would be with a V4 stuffed inside that body work. As good as it looks I really wish it was not a Vtwin.

[bikerking.biz]

I must admit that is a really good looking bike, can only imagine how great that bike would be with a V4 stuffed inside that body work. As good as it looks I really wish it was not a Vtwin.

I'll agree with that. I'm sorry, while it is a great looking bike (love the headlights), and I'm sure quite confident and good handling, I still prefer the smoothness and sound of a four or even six cylinder. The V4 would have been my choice also, but I'm sure that those that think nothing but a V-Twin will do will be happy. Also very surprised that it is AIR COOLED, instead of liquid cooled.

[Mr Jensee]

Gorgeous looking Yamaha. I almost wish I had $25,000 to throw down on another bike. I would probably have to rent space somewhere to park it though. I am not getting rid of my Voyager.

[Tonyvdb]

Going from the Voyager to my nw Victory Vision that is a V twin I can say that its not as bad as I thought. Its actually very smooth and although a but louder than the 4 at highway speed its not alot different and with a 6 speed transmission it cruses at 75mi per hour in around 2000rpm and does not even touch 3000rpm at 85mi.

This Yamaha looks a little like a cross between a Vision and a Goldwing. That 6.6gal fuel tank is awesome!

[823JIM]

Really like the looks of this bike, nicely equipped but lost me with the V-Twin.

[Mr Jensee]

I just got through watching more videos of the New Venture and I have to say, for a V Twin this bike is a total winner. Do you hear that Kawasaki? This bike is far above anything Kawasaki has produced in a long time both visually and technically. Kawasaki cant even come up with a retractable windshield. Keep it up Yamaha. You were my first love back when I was a kid and you are doing it again.

[823JIM]

I rode one a week ago at Sturgis. Very comfortable bike, low center of gravity. Easiest bike to ride of all the bagger (touring bikes) I demo rode. Lots of really nice accessories, wind shield very nice. Very narrow power band, on rev limiter at 4500 rpm. Less responsive than HD Ultra and needs lots of shifting. Should have been a multi cylinder liquid cooled engine. Why is everyone trying to build an HD motor when multi cylinder makes the best touring engines, smoother and more power.

[ghostler]

They are attempting to compete head on with H-D. Goldwing OTOH doesn't attempt that, instead making their own statement. There appears to be a change over the motorcycle landscape. A weekend ago, Christian Motorcyclist Association set up an outdoor hospitality booth off I-25 near Colorado border to New Mexico. Years past, bikes would stop off, get refreshments, take a short breather before continuing on to Sturgis. This time, there were very few individual and group bikers on the highway. Most were trailered motorcycles who weren't stopping.

To California and back, I noticed less motorcyclists on I-40. Attendance is down overall at local motorcycling events. A bike repair and consignment shop in Farwell Texas, near Clovis closed their doors. Owner found another job. Heard at one point he was driving a truck.

The Yamaha is priced near the same as the H-D full tourers. Especially with air cooling, seems they lost their uniqueness. I wonder how well it will sell, especially in this economy. I can handle the XII's weight. I don't know that I would like to lug an extra 200 lbs., and it is priced beyond my interest.

[Mr Jensee]

Good post George. I agree with the changing landscape. As much as I love my Voyager, if I attend the rally next June I am going to have to have a trailer hitch mounted to the Kia. My Sonata with a V6 had one and had no problem towing the bike on a trailer. I road up to east Texas 3 years ago before I was put on dialysis and my butt hurt so bad after the trip I questioned how others can ride so long and so far and still walk.

As for the new Yamaha, if you are not independently rich or have a great retirement plan, it is going to be hard to justify spending so much money on a joy toy after retirement. I know I cant. And this is what these things are, joy toys. Nobody has a motorcycle as their only or predominant source of transportation these days. Justifying buying one is hard for a lot of Americans, especially when employment and salaries are down for the working class. Do you want great looks and technology or buying a classic Harley with a brotherhood already established among the older riders. Best of luck Yamaha for the effort. I applaud you.