83 Venture = Victory Vision?

[keithert]

I was looking at some pics of my old 83 Venture last night and it reminded me somewhat of the style of the Victory Vision. I know they don't look that similar but with the lines of the 83-85 saddlebags the bike does have a swoopines that reminds me of a Vision. I'm not old enough to remember when these bikes were new. Was the Venture seen as a radically styled bike at the time, like the Vision is now?

 

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/epic_mcy/250/83_venture_250.jpg

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:HP63CONAb7UmAM:http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%2520C/Victory%2520Vision%2520Street.jpg

[skydoc_17]

Hey Keith,

When I purchased my first VR in 1991 (it was an 86') I had seen more than one of the MK1's scooting around and was impressed with the style of the bike right from the start! I think at that time the style was so different that a lot of people either "loved it" or "Hated it". I'd say that is the case with the Victory Vision. If it wasn't for the fact that it's a twin, I'd be taking a MUCH closer look at it. I like the look of the Vision myself, Jean on the other hand thinks the rear seating area is a bit on the "cramped" side and the luggage ares is small.

Just my thoughts,

Earl and Jean

[Venturous Randy]

The early 1st gen reminds me more of the new Kaw Concours.

RandyA

[CrazyHorse]

The early 1st gen reminds me more of the new Kaw Concours.

RandyA

 

The new Concours is pretty nice. When I visit Arizona in Decemeber I gonna rent one and try it out for a couple of days. Sure wish they would remake an updated modern 1st Gen.

[Yamaman]

The new Concours is pretty nice. When I visit Arizona in Decemeber I gonna rent one and try it out for a couple of days. Sure wish they would remake an updated modern 1st Gen.

 

When you start to compare the 1st Gen to the Concours, that tells me that what you want that the 2nd Gen doesn't offer is more of the Sportiness / performance side of riding. So wouldn't the modern updated version (as provided by Yamaha) be the FJR?

[keithert]

Both the Concours and the FJR have too forward leaning of riding positions to be a replacement for a first gen Venture.

[Squeeze]

When you start to compare the 1st Gen to the Concours, that tells me that what you want that the 2nd Gen doesn't offer is more of the Sportiness / performance side of riding. So wouldn't the modern updated version (as provided by Yamaha) be the FJR?

 

The FJR is smaller than a 1Gen, underequipped when compare Storage Capacity and Touring Gimmicks AND it's got the all wrong Motor Design(inline Four).

[Cerviperus]

Both the Concours and the FJR have too forward leaning of riding positions to be a replacement for a first gen Venture.

Never ridden a 1st Gen, but the FJR was definitely too far forward for me. I'm sure some bar risers could help that a bit, but I'll stick with my RT.

[Strider]

The Impact of the Venture was immediate. Honda had been crafting its Goldwing progressively first starting with after market Vetter Windjammer style aftermarket fairing and bags. Honda then crafted the Americade version of Wing and this somewhat unified the styling of the fairing and added lowers, bags and a trunk finally offering a factory dresser.

 

The only other Japanese company which had offered a factory up till that time was Kawasaki with a 400 cc twin with matching saddlebags and handlebar fairing.

 

This was a time of bailing out the HD motor company (the peoples' motorcycle) and tarriffs imposed pushing the cost of cycles over 700 cc up to protect the peoples' motorcycle company.

 

I remember the first time I saw the first two-page in CycleWorld. There it was, the bike I had imagined, Black (the only color a bike should really be) with an integrated wholeness which gave me the impression of a wasp, with a broad for-section, narrow abdomen, and again widening rearsection, rear section. (Craig Vetter had been hinting at where bike styling could go with the Triumph Hurricane, http://www.triumphhurricane.com/ and the Kawasaki Mystery Ship, http://thenewcaferacersociety.blogspot.com/2007/11/vintage-1980-vetter-mystery-ship.html.

 

So here it was! More than I had imagined! And it was Sexy, and looked muscular with the 83-85 sized baggage, like the Cobra motorcar, and it was the new "Muscle" look for an engine, a V water-cooled, and a Yamaha, (i swooned).

 

Then the reviews came in. Where the wing had 60 ponies, the Venture had more than 90. A 1983 Venture with a 150 lb. rider would cut a 12.2 thru the quarter give you 45 mpg. and go thru corners like it was on tubular roller coster rails, and this was a 730 lb bike. The Wing did not have the geometry of the Venture and the rest is history.

 

The first Ventures were first Standard models, offered in black and a choice dark purple and red, Royales were offered as the "Yellow/Gold" Palamino scheme, then added radio, on-board front and rear suspension air compressor. In 96, and upgrade to bigger bags, cruise control.

 

I owned an 83 and made it from D.C. to Bristol in 5 hours on 66 and 81, this dog had legs. I liked the design so much I bought an 88 to get the extra stuff. I've also had an 83 frame with 86 motor and rear end and currently have 89.

 

The 83 centerfold is exactly that and as beautiful to me as something Heff might show.

 

So Yamaha has had the Idea since '83 and to Victory I say, what took you so long, (the peoples' bike did not place).

 

I was heading in to work on I-10 south toward Tucson, and a Victory rider made great efforts to get ahead of me in traffic, he had very loud pipes, and at about 70 mph, and me on 3800 rpm, I began to pull ahead and distance myself from him, quietly. (I don't think he expected that to happen).

 

 

Ray

Edited November 19, 2008 by Strider

[PBJ]

Strider you hit the nail on the head. I still feel that direct decentant of the Old 1st gen is the Fjr1300 even if the engine is an in line 4 When yo look at the saddle bags on the FJR they definitely got their inspiration from the the 1st Gen along with its sport oriented nature. Yamaha took one great bike (the 1st. Gen) and made two, the 2nd gen and the FJR.

[Rottdoglover]

For my , gotta say my reaction to the first Venture I saw was 'futuristic alien looking thing'. Same for the Vision. First Venture ride convinced me it came from another planet 'cause it was a rocket!! Must say I do like the Vision's swoopy look, but not the twin motor or the high $$$. But I would have to ride one before taking a firm stand. Anybody wanna loan me one 'till I'm ready to give it back?

[FJR Rider]

Both the Concours and the FJR have too forward leaning of riding positions to be a replacement for a first gen Venture.

 

Handlebar risers take care of that problem for those so inclined to need to sit more upright.

[CrazyHorse]

When you start to compare the 1st Gen to the Concours, that tells me that what you want that the 2nd Gen doesn't offer is more of the Sportiness / performance side of riding. So wouldn't the modern updated version (as provided by Yamaha) be the FJR?

 

No I want more equipment radio,CB, more storage, bigger but sportier. Really like the BMWK1200lt but I want to stick with the V4. FJR doesnt provide this. Looking for a modern looking technologically advanced touring bike that performs. Rooting for a 3rd Gen that fits this description. Not to insult anyone that loves a classic look but you look around and cant tell apart one bike from another. No wonder there is a huge aftermarket for different parts cause all the bikes look the same. I just find it a boring look. Thats just me I know I'm out numbered but I think the you will find more of this look (sporty) due to the fact many baby boomers who fueled the whole classic look that wanted to remember the bikes of thier youth arent going to be buying that many more motorcycles in the future youll see the styles change to more of a sporty look. Just my HO.

 

The FJR is smaller than a 1Gen, underequipped when compare Storage Capacity and Touring Gimmicks AND it's got the all wrong Motor Design(inline Four).

 

 

Yes Squeeze totally agree with you.

Edited November 20, 2008 by CrazyHorse

[keithert]

Handlebar risers take care of that problem for those so inclined to need to sit more upright.

 

Even with risers you are still in a back slanted forward position. I much prefer my back to be upright like on either generation of Venture.

[Snarley Bill]

have been noticing everyone always seems to skirt around a wing. they ask for all the things the wing has, but keep avoiding it. never paid alot of attention to wings till i got one, but i have to say the wing does it all and does it well. they have superb handling, balls out power from idle to red line. in fact i can't think of a luxury tourer that will stay with one. sleek looks, ultra reliability, turbine smooth motor, great mileage. great warranty, and alot of neat little things that are to numerous to list. best quality of anybike i ever owned. and the price is a bargain. try one you might like it. let the bashing begin.

[CrazyHorse]

have been noticing everyone always seems to skirt around a wing. they ask for all the things the wing has, but keep avoiding it. never paid alot of attention to wings till i got one, but i have to say the wing does it all and does it well. they have superb handling, balls out power from idle to red line. in fact i can't think of a luxury tourer that will stay with one. sleek looks, ultra reliability, turbine smooth motor, great mileage. great warranty, and alot of neat little things that are to numerous to list. best quality of anybike i ever owned. and the price is a bargain. try one you might like it. let the bashing begin.

 

Bill, wings are pretty awesome bikes (The power is intoxicating) I love Honda I own several Honda products 2 vehicles,a watercraft, lawn equipment, but I'm looking for something even more advanced then the wing, the BMWK1200LT in 1999 was more advanced then the current Wing, electric windshield, ABS that can turn on and off, suspension, etc. One friend has a Wing another has a BMW. I like the BMW better, a little better fit for me, but BMW has no dealers compared to Honda or Yamaha. Parts for BMW hugely expensive (arent all parts for any bike I guess) but I want to see what Yamaha can come up with based on the new V4 motor. I know they can do it but will they? Like you said in another post the economy may play apart in what happens but I gotta think they are going to do something after all the research money was dumped into a limited production bike. I havent overlooked i, it would be my second choice.

[dynodon]

I remember when the VR came out, and thought THAT is what I want, but kids and career got in the way.

 

Now that I am 60 I finally have my '86 VR, and love it.

 

I had sat on but not ridden the newer Wings and the BMW K1200 LT, both don't seem to suit me and although I like the style of both, I still hope that Yamaha will say ENOUGH with the fake Harley styling and go back to something unique, and a true update on the VR.

 

Now that Kawasaki has taken a small step in that direction, and the fact that Honda keeps selling their anti-Harley bikes, maybe Yamaha will do it.

 

It doesn't need 1800 Cc and 200 hp either. FI and computer controls on the same V4, maybe punched to a max of 1400 cc and 120 hp would do me just fine. I want 45+ mpg and don't think that will happen with 1800cc.

 

Mustang cars did the retro thing and sold a bunch, I think Yamaha would do well with a modernized VR.

 

Oh, I got a nice ride on a new Ultra Glide and the vibration at idle was enough to blur my vison! Decent once off-idle, but the bike seemed small to me and I wasn't thrilled with the controls. I think I worked through my lust for a Harley.

 

Till someone beats my '86 VR, I will keep fixing it.

[Snarley Bill]

Bill, wings are pretty awesome bikes (The power is intoxicating) I love Honda I own several Honda products 2 vehicles,a watercraft, lawn equipment, but I'm looking for something even more advanced then the wing, the BMWK1200LT in 1999 was more advanced then the current Wing, electric windshield, ABS that can turn on and off, suspension, etc. One friend has a Wing another has a BMW. I like the BMW better, a little better fit for me, but BMW has no dealers compared to Honda or Yamaha. Parts for BMW hugely expensive (arent all parts for any bike I guess) but I want to see what Yamaha can come up with based on the new V4 motor. I know they can do it but will they? Like you said in another post the economy may play apart in what happens but I gotta think they are going to do something after all the research money was dumped into a limited production bike. I havent overlooked i, it would be my second choice.

i would almost bet on a grand tourer being on the boards in an upcoming yamaha based on the v-max motor. infact i would say you can take it to the the bank. the big problem is the rest of the world is losing faith in our buying power. the dollar is increasingly losing it's value in the eyes of the rest of the world. not to many countries want to take a chance on us other than loan us money to get us in deeper. really sad that we can be so blind.