Couple questions comparing the RSTD to the Venture

[cowpuc]

Got into a discussion about the RSTD today (perfect time of year to talk bikes).. Guys lookin at one of the newer ones (think he said its an 05). Guy comes from a HD background, rides two up a lot, one of the things he and his partner want to get away from is the engine heat - especially on the passenger..

I told him that on my 1st gen's I have ran a lot of miles both with and without the side panels on them. When I run with a passenger for long distance I always run side panels cause Tippy complains about getting hot legs without them..

Are the newer bikes thermostated differently to run cooler than the older bikes? Is there a difference in air flow on the RSTD that makes a big difference in engine heat?

I know that the RSTD he is looking at has "lowers" and he would like to be able to keep them on. Wouldnt running lowers actually interfere with the airflow on the legs of the passenger?

Also, I know the earlier models of the RSTD had smaller carbs, different tranny's.. How do the later models compare in performance to the 1st gens (I know Dan,, nothing compares to our 1st gens )..

Told him about VR, he may chime in here...

Thanks

Puc

[BigLenny]

Hey Puc,

 

First of all, i gotta ask a question; Do you work nights, or is it you just cant sleep? Lol. My problem is i have a toothache and i cant sleep.

 

Anywho, my wife and i have ridden almost 40k miles on our 2007 RSTD, and neither she nor i have had issues with engine heat, and down here in the south, we ride in some serious hot temperatures. We do not have lowers on our bike, so we get to experience the normal stock airflow that usually comes around the radiator cowling. Engine heat is a serious concern i have when i think about buying an air cooled bike. My wife is a little girl (5'3", 125lbs) and is quite sensitive to temperatures. I dont need her screamin about heat coming from the motor. Lol.

[Mike G in SC]

Cowpuc,

I have a 2006 Midnight RSTD and a 2009 Venture.

I think you are asking RSTD vs 1st Gen, can't help there.

 

My RSTD is my daily commute, around town ride. And sometimes state wide if I am solo.

The RSV is my two up and any other long distance.

 

As far as my two bikes, neither have engine hot spots or radically heat the rider or passenger. During hot summer, yeah any bike is hot. I would guess these are hotter than a Goldwing but not as hot as HD.

 

Between my two, the RSV gives a lot more torso and arm wind and rain protection than the RSTD.

Also, the passenger will get more protection on the RSV.

I also find myself riding the RSV to work when it is below 60F.

For the legs, they are about the same.

 

Two suggestions on venting:

1) Get the adjustable vents that go by your feet on the cowling.

They are good during the winter and rain. Not as effective in the summer for cooling you, but can deflect some engine heat.

 

2) Get the "Knee Blockers" off this site, Buddy Rich.

They are good for winter riding. They take the direct hit off the knees (but will give a little more turbulence in the torso area, nothing serious). They are easy to pull for warmer weather (seconds).

 

Friend will love the 2005-2009 RSTD.

 

As for early RSTC, I don't remember them having the Cowling, so would get more wind, like a Road Star.

On my Road Star, Bucks Lowers made a world of difference.

 

Mike G.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Mike G in SC

[MiCarl]

Just thinking aloud:

 

The RSDT is water cooled. The coolant picks up much of the heat which is then dumped at the radiator, ahead of the engine.

 

Harley's are air cooled. All the engine heat radiates directly outward from the cylinders and heads. I've read somewhere that the heat off the rear cylinder on some models can be very unpleasant for the passenger.

[GeorgeS]

My brother in law, bought a full boat harley Touring model about 3 years ago. Sister rides on the back.

First trip out, after 10 miles she told him, turn around, go home, " I can't stand the HEAT !!! ( She is an experienced back seat Harley passenger )

 

He spent a lot of money modifying the Exhaust System, to fix the heat problem.

Complete different aftermarket system.

And added, a higher capacity, OIL Cooling System.

 

Either the RSV or RSTD, will NOT, have excess heat for the passenger. Nothing compared to a Harley !!

[cowpuc]

Thanks guys!!! ALL great advice and greatly appreciated! I printed off a copy of your responses and gave it to my buddy, he said "tell those folks thanks a million".. I also told him that an added benefit of either model (RSTD/RSV) is he would finally be able to keep Tippy and I in site when we travel with them (what are friends for) ... Wouldnt be a bit surprised to see him riding Yamaha this year!!

 

Puc

 

Oh yea, BigLenny, I have always been a night owl, worked third shift for many years too.. Like that ol Willie Nelson song goes - the night life, aint no good life, but its my life:stirthepot:

[Flyinfool]

be sure to tell him that a 2nd gen still may not keep your 1st gen in site.....

[friesman]

my 2 cents, I find that my RSV is quite a bit hotter on my upper legs than my 85 G1 Venture was, especially when stopped in traffic. I always ran the 85 with the plastic fairings on and found it gave me goos weather protection.

The RSV gives me good weather protection but I have had a passenger or 2 say that they got some wind buffetting until I put the xxl clearview windshield on. But I am taking that windshield off as its too tall and I cant see over it in the rain. I think I am going to order the large Baggershield so I have the best of both worlds for wind/protection.

 

Brian

[cowpuc]

be sure to tell him that a 2nd gen still may not keep your 1st gen in site.....

 

Here is how I explained to him,,, the Venture world is a little tricky to understand.. But being a close friend and to protect him from buyers remorse its important for him to understand it.. Even though their ugly (he has always told me how ugly he thinks my 83 is) 1st gens come in first because when Yamaha tried to give the 2nd gen RSV's/RSTD's that HD look, that he loves so well, they also detuned the mighty V-4 as much as they could to also come close to his HD in performance.:rotf::rotf:

 

 

my 2 cents, I find that my RSV is quite a bit hotter on my upper legs than my 85 G1 Venture was, especially when stopped in traffic. I always ran the 85with the plastic fairings on and found it gave me goos weather protection.

The RSV gives me good weather protection but I have had a passenger or 2 say that they got some wind buffetting until I put the xxl clearview windshield on. But I am taking that windshield off as its too tall and I cant see over it in the rain. I think I am going to order the large Baggershield so I have the best of both worlds for wind/protection.

 

Brian

 

Brian, thats what I was wondering about.. When Tippy and I ride two up on our 83 she will complain about her legs getting hot (depending on ambient temps of course) if I am running without the plastic fairings.. I have NO experience with either the RSTD or the G2 Vennys and only brought it up to him cause I know neither have side fairings and I hate to see him go water cooled and still not be happy..

I may be overly sensitive to the whole thing because when we get out in the desert heat sometimes we like to ride in shorts (I know, I know,,,, shame on me - I even like to ride shirtless too,, sometimes even take my shoes off) and those side fairings are what make doing so tolerable.. My buddy is smarter than I and would never do that but still...

Good point on the windshield, wonder if anyone makes the shield with the "lip" on the top that forces the air more upward... Maybe with that you could run a lower shield and still get adequate coverage... The G2's always looked like the passenger seat sets higher than the 1g's do.. Maybe this puts the rider higher up in the air foil...

Thanks for the info brother!!!!

Puc