Yamaha Star Venture Road Test
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- čas přidán 3. 02. 2019
- Yamaha's powerful 1,854cc V-twin Star Venture delivers plenty of torque to go with its elegant style. The perfect combination for luxury tourers. Did our guest rider Ken Edick agree?
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I've had this ride since May (shipped in the crate at that time) 2018, and 37,000 miles later...what a wonderful machine, that as I compare it (the ride and the features...) to any other bike out there...even for 2022, like the brand new Indian Pursuit Limited (Premium Package)...even that fine new Grand Tour, does NOT have many...of the features and 'sub menus' of this fine bike. This morning at a 5:00 AM ride (April 24th 2022) with ambient temp of 58 degrees...I had my Saddle at Medium (with my 1 out of 10 sub heat settings that I had already tuned for my personal preference, and no other production bike offers this...only preset heat levels from the factory...) my Grips at Medium (again set to my 1 out of 10 for my Medium setting) and just luxuriated in the comfort and the quiet ride with pretty much the road to myself... I LOVE this bike...and even if I wanted to...just for a change...there truly is...no other bike, by ANY manufacturers-->Honda, BMW, Indian, Harley., Kawasaki, Suzuki....NONE of them...that has the ENTIRE feature set of the Yamaha Star Venture Transcontinental. None...so , I always smile after my 'just curious' looking at other models of any production year, ...and simply once more, realize, that ***I am ALREADY***, riding the best...simply the best rendition of a Grand Tour Heavy Class (two up) motorcycle ever made to date. I am so glad that I made the decision to buy one (ordered one in October 2017) but ended up with a late delivery from Yamaha with riding away from the dealership, the next early May, 2018. Once you own this bike...truly, truly, unless you are the type that needs to change up, only for the very reason to....something to distract you...with new....you will have the best Grand Tour Motorcycle, ever made...already, waiting for you, with each ride...waiting for you...in your very own Garage.... Cheers!
Hey Joe, be sure to keep up on the recalls for this bike. Had the starter replaced with the five magnet, and brake switch. Probably a good idea to have your local Yamaha dealer run a recall check periodically, that's how I found out about the aforementioned. No evidence so far of the soft cam/cylinder issue that others have experienced. My bike was number 691 in the production run (it's stamped on the motor, left side) and I've heard that the cam issues were mainly in the first 500 bikes produced. If you've made it past 30k miles with no problems you may have dodged the bullet.
May wanna try using that sportbike technology here and that VMAX engine on the Goldwing killer next time.
Keep this videos coming....ride safe !!!!!!
I think it was either in 2015 or 2016, a Yamaha dealer told me Yamaha was going to build a full touring bike with a larger version of the Vmax V4. I was looking forward to its announcement and was so disappointed it ended up being an air cooled twin, and they nuetered the engine's horse power. But it is a very good looking bike.
I did a test ride on one at Daytona Bike Week this year. If I had a second bike or traded my current bike, this would be the one for me.
I love my 2004 Yamaha 1300 Royal Star.
They should have used the aluminum Statoliner frame and it would have had more appeal for that price point.
Got a new Yamaha Super tenere this year and in the Yamaha dealership spotted this. Been looking for a long distance tourer and had the usual suspects ultra limited, Goldwing and roadmaster in mind. Now this has taken my fancy. Is this still relevant in 2022. Don't see 2022 listed on Yamaha website so wondering if Yamaha is still making these. Any updates from a long term use perspective will be helpful. Cheers.
Yamaha lists them new for 2021. guessing they will not be bringing in 2022 models which wouldn't. Be different from the 2021
how do you do. i'm a korean. Unfortunately in Korea, I can't buy this motorcycle because it's not imported. How can I buy this motorcycle?
It's amazing that this big engine is air cooled.
We rode our 2018 SVTC to Phoenix, AZ in July of 2019. We had two days at 104 F (in the direct sun) We rode around...idled at red lights, some traffic, and absolutely no sign of distress to this engine. Super finned...and ceramic bored. This bike was Re and Re'd in such places as Death Valley, so it went through its engine heat control with vigor.
I’m so in love with this bike. Just need to find out how much it would cost for me to import it to Trinidad and Tobago.
I own one...but how would you get it serviced? Yes, you could diagnose and import parts...but what a pain that would be...and then to resale? Just wondering...
There are always going to be haters. I for one thought it was interesting they went with air cooled engine. I own a Raider which rhis engine comes from. It has a load of torque and power. If I were in the market for a touring bike, I would look into this bike. Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
I have a 2014 Raider as well, a kick-ass bike to be sure. I so liked my Raider that I also bought this Venture. Nay-sayers be damned. I love this very capable tourer, even put a trailer hitch on it, to use with a Bushtec trailer.
This is a completely new engine and did not come from the Raider
@@tfhummer I have been studying the Eluder and Venture Trans Continental to an almost biblical level. I have a 2017 Raider and I am looking for a touring bike now and after trying Indian and Harley the Yamaha's are now the only option I would consider for a V-twin tourer. I have read the entire factory spec sheets for both the 2017 Raider and the 2018 Eluder/Venture which I could get my hands on.With the exception of a flywheel damper on the Eluder/Venture and some updated sensors they are the same engine 1854cc engine.
POPPASHANGO I traded in my 2017 Street Glide for this Venture. The ride quality of this bike is what sold me. I’m still getting used to the difference in the engines between the Harley and the Venture. The Milwaukee 8 is a good motor, but vastly different from the Venture. If you’re a two up touring rider, this is the bike for you. As was my previous generation 2005 RSV which I rode for 10 years. It’s just my opinion, but the Ultra is not as comfortable as the Venture, especially if you’re a bigger guy. My friend’s Roadmaster is a nice bike but I couldn’t get past the look. So far I’m very happy with my Venture. Best part, the leftover 2018’s can be had for $18k now. The 2020’s are special order only and will run you $30k out the door.
@@gabbyhayes1568 Thanks for sharing! The main draw is the two up touring for me. I would immediately jump on a 2018 if there was one available here in Alberta... But they were all snapped up. My dealer said they will slot me for a test ride next season. They even said they would squirrel one away for and cut a good deal for my Raider. So we will see what happens. Thanks again!
He didn't like the infotainment system, which is about as high tech as you can get, lol. Actually, it's very intuitive and easy to use and has both touch screen (with gloves on) and handlebar controls operate it.
We own a 2018, and this bike has many menus, and so many features, that I think it can intimidate some riders. So, they come across as a 'negative'.
It would be interesting to see a review of DCT Goldwing and the Yamaha reviewed compared. I believe the Yamaha sounds really good! I already know the storage is way more room than Honda.
Vastly different bikes so that's a really non-sensical type of comparison. The Venture absolutely dwarfs the Honda in size. The Honda is a large sport tourer and the Venture a land yacht touring cruiser. The buyers of these types of bikes are not interested in the other, you either like the sport touring genre or the touring cruisers.
I test rode the 2019 Yamaha Star Venture and then the Goldwing DCT model. The seat was lower and MUCH more comfortable than the DCT Goldwing seat that felt VERY hard to sit on. The Flat Goldwing engine is silky smooth but has no character VS the Yamaha Venture that has a really nice low, pulsing rumble at steady cruising speeds. The gearing on the Yamaha Venture felt short and really clunky compared the Goldwing DCT transmission when it shifted. Because the Yamaha Venture engine has a much longer stroke the engineers designed the gearing to be very short and make you feel the need to upshift at around 2,500 to 3,200 rpm's. The star Venture pulls really hard when you shift at 3,800 rpm's because of the high torque this engine puts out at lower rpm's. Once the rpm's reach 4,000 rpm's the engine feels like it really straining to gain rpm's.. In contrast, the much shorter stroke Goldwing engine likes to rev out. The seat to floorboard position was VERY comfortable on the Yamaha Venture. I could move my feet up or down on the floorboards on the Yamaha Venture. The feet peg position on the 2019 DCT or 2019, clutch model Goldwing had my ankles feeling really cramped up after only riding 43 round trip miles back to the Honda dealership. I'm 5 10 and 178 pounds.
@@amphibdriver1 Well, I guess I stand corrected, lol. However, most Goldwing guys I know wouldn't even consider a Venture. Myself, I'd take the Venture hands down.
Gabby Hayes - My bad for not knowing the difference I suppose. I long ago rode a 87 Goldwing. Fond memories. I’m old and slow...
amphibdriver1 - Thanks so much for your detailed reply. I have looked even sat on the Yamaha as I am short 31 inch leg-tall upper body. I haven’t sat on a DCT Honda because they sell out quickly in my town.
I grant you the Yamaha seat feels like a wonderful sit too my boney skinny butt. Having plenty of flat footedness is refreshing. Amphibdriver are you a Marine? Your call sign indicates so. 🙃
How bad is the heat in stop-start traffic? I've heard other reviewers really take Yamaha to task over this.
They talk about it for a few seconds, starting at about 3:11.
It throws off some heat when you're in stop and go traffic, but then again so does just about any air-cooled V-twin. Just the nature of the beast. Once you're underway I don't think it's any worse than other V-twins. My Harley M8 threw off heat as well.
@@gabbyhayes1568 I agree, and I just had a ride on my Kawasaki ZR-7S, an inline air-cooled 4 cylinder 750cc..and I noticed the same 'amount' of heat coming around and off the fins against my pant leg. So...for a massive almost 1900 cc engine...very well managed air cooling. We were also in Phoenix in July of '19...and not one minute were my wife and I distressed riding in 105 F for two days of our vacation. You need to ride in long pants, not shorts, but then again, you should never wear shorts riding a motorcycle. For uh...obvious reasons....right?
Nice bike 🏍
Very good ok
💕💕💕
Sweeeet!
does this have reverse?
Yep, the website says the following:
"Yamaha Sure-Park System
With Star Venture’s Sure-Park™ System, parking maneuvers are a breeze, even fully loaded. Controlled from the handlebar, an electric motor provides forward and reverse drive to assist during tricky parking situations, especially on rough or poor traction surfaces."
Absolutely Forward and Reverse. I use it all the time to mount my Stinger XL-112 motorcycle trailer. I start the engine, engage the shift mechanism, press the forward left hand handlebar switch ..and my 2018 SVTC walks up the ramp like there's no tomorrow. Same for dismounting from the trailer...but of course now in reverse. A great feature, and a powerful one. It is an actual SEPERATE MOTOR that only runs that system, not like Honda that borrows the Starter Motor coils...and is very weak as a result. Also, many don't mention, is that this bike has 2 (TWO) high output Alternators, one on each side of the crankcase...that puts out massive electrical power...for such as anything you can imagine to load up like rider and co-rider heated tour suits...and it even comes standard with a 12v car plug, just for those usages. The bike, is a powerhouse of features and technology, that isn't even AVAILALBE on the Honda Goldwings ..current even, or the Harley Davidson. There's simply nothing else to want that doesn't come standard, other than a heel and toe shifter, and the upper set of wind deflectors, but even that..is a rider choice...and not necessary for optimum enjoyment. I have had our 2018 since May of 2018, and it is simply amazing. No problems with the engine, or valves...no problems with the belt rear drive...I don't abuse my bike, and my bike in reward keeps stroking the miles...not giving me any worries... After owning 7 past model year Goldwings ...absolutely no buyer's remorse... None whatsoever. A Goldwing like a car, gets you there. A Yamaha STVC gets you there, with a smile on your face, and knowing you are not sitting on a two-wheeled car. I owned both, and totally prefer a large bore V-Twin, for low center of gravity, and rider involvement. Hand's down, more fun than any of my Wings...they were all great rides...all very capable...all very reliable, ..but so have been all my cars...but simply lacking excitement. Not so, with sitting above a 1,900 cc V-Twin...and feeling that power pulse...not so, with that! Cheers.
@@sesquashtwo Nice response! I just got mine (2018) and seems everything you said is true. I was sold on the wing....until I rode it. Then I rode the Venture TC and no comparison! People really don't get it unless they have ridden both. Anyway, I'm loving mine!
7
He said vertically challenged LOL! I’m sure feelings will be hurt.
I think the engine is the same one in my 2013 Stratoliner.
all touring bikes could be a little lighter. beautiful bike, 960 plus pounds wow.
I own one...for the three years...it is indeed heavy, but any speed faster than literally 5 mph, and you'd think that the bike lost 400 pounds. Very stable in crosswinds...very.
Wind vents are standard not an accessory !
They are and if you install the lower wind deflectors, tons of air can be directed into the rider position, or away from it, in early Spring or Late Fall. We love it...both my wife and myself. This bike rides like no other...
If it had crash bars I probably would buy it. That bike is too big to not have them.
Richard Harrell , it has crash bars, they’re hidden under the lower fairings and in the back it’s the lower corners of the saddlebags that do that job.
@@691053 Absolutely right...and oh...'left' side as well! :)
I'd rather have a new Goldwing. A big air cooled v twin turns me off when it comes to this kind of bike .
I traded in a 2008 Honda GL1800 to receive this bike. Verdict? Have always owned a metric multi engine four, or one of my 6 purchased Goldwing's (over a span since 1975) and with this being my very first ever, large bore, air/oil cooled V-Twin, realize that I would never, never go back to a inline four, liquid cooled or not, never go back to another version of the Goldwing, but would only wish to ride a large bore V-Twin...and why? Because, I never knew...never...how much fun...how exciting it is to feel the engine...ride one...and that for a very long time...very long time...(being in my late 60's) had had not 'felt' being part of the entire ride, like I did when I owned a 1970 Triumph Bonneville....it was the character of the engine, that gave you the total feel, you are riding a motorcycle, and not merely, a 'two wheeled' car. I had lost that for so long...but with my 2018 Yamaha Star Venture Transcontinental, I got back that feeling...of being part of the ride...part of the bike...and why I ride a bike...and not simply step into my car to get to my destination. My Goldwing's were all 'cars' with two wheels....and NOTHING like this wonderful...motorcycle....the power impulses...even the warmth thrown by the motor (not interfering with the enjoyment or ride!) to let me KNOW, that I am on top of a motorcycle...and not a multi-engine liquid cooled, car....with two less wheels and four less windows.... My feelings anyway... :) My 1970 Bonnie gave me that...and many years later, I was reacquainted with the reason...those many years ago...at 16...why I wanted to ride a motorcycle....that feeling came back on the first ride from the dealership on my 2018 Yamaha SVTC. I got that riding/interaction excitement back...and it peeled off 55 years of wear 'n' tear, .... I'd never go back, to a liquid cooled 6 cylinder ever again... nope.
@@sesquashtwo cool! I’m glad your enjoying it 👍🏻😎. Life is short we gotta live all we can while we can
It's a step back from V-max 4-cyl engine, they put a 2-cyl air-cooled engine on such a heavy bike are you kidding me? I'm staying with my Honda GoldWing!!!
Come on. The Stratoliner frame was already in production. How stupid or arrogant is that with company dollars? They could have built a lighter bike easy.
You really need to ride one to understand where Yamaha was going with its design. They needed a more robust frame to handle the additional weight and then all that weight going down the highway translates into stability. The bike really feels planted at freeway speeds, yet highly maneuverable at walking speed in spite of its girth.
Another Tupperware monstrosity.
The review said nothing about being equiped with reverse. Better on the old man knees! 🤔🤗
Gary Bowen it has both, forward and reverse
In what way? The Tupperware is awesome. Do you own one? Let me answer for you...NO, you do not, or you wouldn't have bothered making that comment. Many of the negatives on any of these CZcams 'review's. are people that simply DON'T HAVE A CLUE of what they are are critiquing. They don't own one, they merely react to the reviewer comments, and nothing more. If you are going to talk about a fishing rod...I'd imagine that if I was looking for that model...that I'd expect someone to own the #*@**@ thing, before they can give an honest opinion. Unfortunately, MANY of the negative comments are from those that don't have two cents into the bike...and how can they possibly give a valued critique? By looking at a video? Geez... back to my ham sandwich.
If you are considering spending the long dollar for one of these under powered, overweight monsters , you REALLY need to look at the real life actual owner complaints on sites like Starbikeforums. There you will read about countless engine failures due to its defective design (no Roller Lifters = design failure), people waiting for weeks for parts/repairs and very unhappy campers about the useless info system (not even close to HD's or Indian's) that was suppose to make the bike worth 30 grand. Not to mention the burned legs that showed up on FaceBook. Unless you have an SVTC/Eluder given to you free like Long Haul Paul did, it is probably best to look elsewhere for your touring bike needs! -1 for Yamaha.
Also on those sites, are riders/owners that RAVE about their bikes...that have 40,000 miles, and not one problem...and the only complaint...is the tardiness of Yamaha to put out updates to the control software. The bike itself, if the word 'monster' is to be used..is one MONSTER of a great ride, fantastic fuel economy, MONSTER baggage handling, MONSTER features that are not found for the Co-Rider position on ANY OTHER bike,..INCLUDING the 2018-2021 Honda Goldwing. Yep...as an owner of a 2018...this is one MONSTER of a fabulous ride. I agree so much with your use of the word; "monster'. Yes sir!
@Moms Inc. have you even tried one? Bashing about something you have never even experienced is garbage for me. I’m one of the majority of more than happy owners of this great machine!
@@691053 me too -- well said