Topic: 1st actual road test of the new Venture (Read 5206 times)

Phantom309 · « **on:** July 23, 2017, 05:55:27 PM »

I've been watching for one since they came out and tired of the thousands of generic walk-arounds they call "reviews". I wished they had more footage in the cockpit, but maybe on the third one coming up ... I had to laugh about the "potato-potato" comment, we all know only one bike makes that sound ... except for the M8s, they go Honda-potato, Honda-potato, lol.

Sounds pretty good, but it better be at the same price of a new HD!

willymax4 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2017, 08:25:32 AM »

i'd like to ride one, 25 large is right there with Harley touring bikes, and it ain't exactly homely like some of the other metric touring bikes.

Phantom309 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2017, 03:48:23 PM »

More like 27 large if you want all the bells and whistles. I'm itching to ride one too, but no way buying ... at least not even thinking about it until they offer blue as a color. Only offering two color choices is pretty lame if you ask me when you are spending that much. I also hate that it's air-cooled, promised myself no more new ones until I found one 100% liquid-cooled with a REAL water pump. I can't see buying another toy for almost 30 grand that you can't ride anywhere and everywhere without worrying about cooking if you get stuck in traffic. Sure, you could always cough up another 3 or 400 hundred for a couple fans.

There is also the fact it's a Jap bike, try to unload it a year or two later and be prepared to take a hit for at least 10 grand if something better comes along you would rather have.

I have been searching for the perfect bike my whole life and still can't buy what I really want. Looks like I should keep what I have and just build it one piece at a time like Johnny Cash.

Phantom309 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2017, 04:08:03 PM »

Part 3, nothing earth shattering ...

muddypaws · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2017, 04:11:24 PM »

Looks pretty nice...

moscooter · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2017, 07:10:54 PM »

$:-\$
If I were younger, (don't rack up those kinda road miles anymore), I'd sure give this one serious attention. I'm all for the park/backup feature on a heavy tour machine, HD should have offered that years ago. Hell, the HD trike had reverse on it as an "option".

I doubt the air cooled motor on this machine "cooks" your legs like a harley. I also doubt the need to replace the lifters and/or compensator in short order..........and the list goes on.

I think I can see a blue one in someones near future..............

load97 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 26, 2017, 08:23:58 AM »

I don't think the bike looks very good. Way to bulky looking. The infotainment system in the promo vids does look better than HD.

moscooter · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2017, 04:01:52 PM »

Quote from: load97 on July 26, 2017, 08:23:58 AM

I don't think the bike looks very good. Way to bulky looking. The infotainment system in the promo vids does look better than HD.

Most would agree it has a bulky look, and compared to a Street Glide, it is indeed. Kinda why I traded my bulky SE Ultra in for a Street Glide a few yrs ago. Any Tour model carrying a big tour pack on the back end plus bags and a full fairing on the front end..............is gonna look bulky.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2017, 04:56:52 PM »

Quote from: load97 on July 26, 2017, 08:23:58 AM

I don't think the bike looks very good. Way to bulky looking. The infotainment system in the promo vids does look better than HD.

I think it looks funky. The lines on the bike from the side hurt my eyes. With the angle of the front fairing and the opposite angle of the rear saddlebags and trunk, it looks like someone has grabbed it at both ends and is trying to break it in half.

Very odd design cues.

YELLOWBIRD · « **Reply #9 on:** July 27, 2017, 07:00:12 AM »

I would be willing to bet that a 2018 HD Touring bike will be in a service bay sooner then the 2018 Yamaha Star Ventura!

YB

moscooter · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2017, 08:31:52 AM »

Quote from: YELLOWBIRD on July 27, 2017, 07:00:12 AM

I would be willing to bet that a 2018 HD Touring bike will be in a service bay sooner then the 2018 Yamaha Star Ventura!

I wouldn't take that bet. Not only that, if there were to be a problem, I believe Yamaha.......of those other than H.D., likely has one of the better dealer networks around the USA.

YB

Fullsac Performance · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2017, 10:34:41 AM »

Quote from: Phantom309 on July 24, 2017, 04:08:03 PM

Part 3, nothing earth shattering ...

Three days to go 700 miles? What king of road test was that? Lol.........

Steve@fullsac.com

ridefar · « **Reply #12 on:** August 02, 2017, 10:59:50 AM »

If you can get by the overall look of the thing there is much to like in terms of performance and features. Form follows function ?

I once took a chance on first year Yamaha product and was not disappointed. If they they screw up they own it and fix it for free with the upgraded parts. Not

like HD acting like they are doing you a favor selling you the improved part plus labor at your expense to fix their screw up. Sick of it!

Will demo one and hope that I hate it!

load97 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 02, 2017, 01:41:04 PM »

Not with my Yamaha I had, so you are wrong. I had to pay for their improved part.. Isn't just HD. Hell, my Blue Ember gas grill had a defect, and I was made to pay for the new improved stainless version drip tray, granted I was 1-2 months out of the warranty, but they obviously had a defect with their chit metal.

moscooter · « **Reply #14 on:** August 02, 2017, 03:42:59 PM »

Quote from: load97 on August 02, 2017, 01:41:04 PM

Not with my Yamaha I had, so you are wrong. I had to pay for their improved part.. Isn't just HD. Hell, my Blue Ember gas grill had a defect, and I was made to pay for the new improved stainless version drip tray, granted I was 1-2 months out of the warranty, but they obviously had a defect with their chit metal.

$:-\$
Wow, I had never heard of a Blue Ember grill and so I did a quick "google" and found this..........https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2009/07/after-reported-injuries-fiesta-again-recalls-blue-ember-grills/index.htm

Shoulda bought a Weber...........

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #15 on:** August 03, 2017, 08:26:15 AM »

Quote from: Fullsac Performance on July 28, 2017, 10:34:41 AM

Three days to go 700 miles? What king of road test was that? Lol.........

Steve@fullsac.com

I agree. The years my wife and I ride to Sturgis, we do 758 miles the first day. This makes for an easy 580 mile second day. She rides her own road glide.

ridefar · « **Reply #16 on:** August 03, 2017, 11:09:48 AM »

Quote from: load97 on August 02, 2017, 01:41:04 PM

Not with my Yamaha I had, so you are wrong. I had to pay for their improved part.. Isn't just HD. Hell, my Blue Ember gas grill had a defect, and I was made to pay for the new improved stainless version drip tray, granted I was 1-2 months out of the warranty, but they obviously had a defect with their chit metal.

Your bad experience may have had something to do with your charming demeanor and relevant conversation.

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 16, 2017, 10:48:05 AM »

I got to see and sit upon one of these in Sturgis. It's a BIG bike....very wide feeling. It had a inexpensive feel to the trunk and saddlebags (light weight plastic) but it sat well for me. Fixed faring but the infotainment system didn't seem to be as far away as my '15 SERGU does. Flat footed on it but whew, while it carries the 953 lbs well, it's still a heavy sucker. Pictures do not do it justice and I did not get to hear it running. Reminds me of some sort of 1950's Caddy-Pontiac-Chrysler from the rear...and she's got a large rear. The operation of their electric reverse/forward controller is something every big bike should have....pretty ingenious. Overall it's not a bad effort from my first impression.
There do need to be better color choices. This color grey doesn't do this bike justice.
Pictures....

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 16, 2017, 10:48:39 AM »

Another

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2017, 10:49:17 AM »

one more

moscooter · « **Reply #20 on:** August 16, 2017, 11:44:04 AM »

$:-\$

"It had a inexpensive feel to the trunk and saddlebags (light weight plastic) but it sat well for me. Fixed faring but the infotainment system didn't seem to be as far away as my '15 SERGU does. Flat footed on it but whew, while it carries the 953 lbs well, it's still a heavy sucker. "

Good feedback, but I'm puzzled by the (inexpensive feel and light weight plastic) commentary regarding the trunk and saddlebags..........Pushing the scales to 953 pounds, I would want each and every part/item to be as light as possible and still provide the intended function........which I would presume the bags and trunk are able to do.

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 16, 2017, 02:06:31 PM »

Quote from: moscooter on August 16, 2017, 11:44:04 AM

Good feedback, but I'm puzzled by the (inexpensive feel and light weight plastic) commentary regarding the trunk and saddlebags..........Pushing the scales to 953 pounds, I would want each and every part/item to be as light as possible and still provide the intended function........which I would presume the bags and trunk are able to do.

I'm not belittling the fact of the saddlebags being plastic but opening and closing the lid of the trunk, it had a flimsy feel to me. As in most (I said most, not all) of the Asian touring bikes, everything that can be is plastic (fenders, "chrome" covers, bags, trunk, mirrors, etc.). The MoCo, Indian, Honda use light weight materials to reduce the excess weight, too. The Yamaha effort in this is the same concept but they had a cheap (for lack of a better word) feel to them....bag and trunk lid in particular. Having experience with owning Yamaha's in the past, the product should fare well in everyday use, however. Maybe that's a better way to word it but however it plays out, the Venture is a nice effort and should do well.

I wish I had the opportunity to hear it running and see the reverse/forward electric gear operate (just watched the video). One thing I did forget: the factory wind wings (two on each side) are large as the pictures show. They do look like they will direct as much or little wind on or off the rider and passenger. I was afraid they would look huge in person but actually ended up liking them.

scottt · « **Reply #22 on:** August 16, 2017, 08:05:32 PM »

Thanks for the update. Looks like Yamaha did a great job. Appears to be a decent looking bike that you can tour and use as is. My guess is that the buyer will make this choice because they don't want to spend thousands after the sale. More interested in riding than show. No offense to HD owners ( I have owned 12 new Harley's over past 27 years ). Love seeing competition for Harley, when companies compete riders win.

CVODON · « **Reply #23 on:** August 16, 2017, 08:56:35 PM »

It is a new Jap bike geared more toward the BMW type buyer, even looks a little like a BMW. And to say they don't have troubles with Jap/Euro bikes is just wrong. Go on the other forums and check it out yourself, our complaints seem minor compared to some of theres.
And unlike some, the look is important to me.

SDCVO · « **Reply #24 on:** August 17, 2017, 01:36:59 AM »

Quote from: CVODON on August 16, 2017, 08:56:35 PM

It is a new Jap bike geared more toward the BMW type buyer, even looks a little like a BMW. And to say they don't have troubles with Jap/Euro bikes is just wrong. Go on the other forums and check it out yourself, our complaints seem minor compared to some of theres.
And unlike some, the look is important to me.

I have had 4 Harleys and 1 BMW. All the Harley issues combined don't come close (including and especially dealer service) to the BMW. Fastest they ver turned a warranty issue around was a week and that was rare. Tried 2 different dealers and same with both. Talk about "could not replicate". That was always their answer if I rode it in...
Your right, go to one of their forums...

Bagger · « **Reply #25 on:** August 18, 2017, 04:01:53 PM »

113" engine / 109.4 rear wheel TQ
http://ridermagazine.com/2017/07/21/2018-yamaha-star-venture-road-test-review/

RonandJanet · « **Reply #26 on:** August 18, 2017, 06:07:51 PM »

I bought a new Honda Shadow 1100 and the rear drive shaft was always clicking. I took it in 3 times and they never fixed it (it would get better and come back) nor offered to replace the bike. Reading about it the drive shaft bearing could be a catastrophic failure. I took that less than a year old bike and bought my first Harley, a Heritage, and have had less trouble through five bikes than I had with that Honda and the dealer was always there to resolve the problems. I know HD has it's issues and yes for the cost of these bikes there should be less issues but overall they are dependable bikes.

Author Topic: 1st actual road test of the new Venture (Read 5206 times)

ultrarider123

ultrarider123

ultrarider123

ultrarider123