2018 Star Venture

[joeke3el]

I think I read that the lifters were hydraulic?

 

Yes

[mm482]

That’s about the same HP as the RSV and with about 25 moref/lbs of torque.

 

Earl

[joeke3el]

That’s about the same HP as the RSV and with about 25 moref/lbs of torque.

 

Throw in the 90 extra pounds that has to be carried with the new model and things in that department start to become quite equal with its predecessor.

[BlueSky]

I'm sure the new Venture will be much quicker off the line.

[Du-Rron]

Yes

 

Half the lifters are hydraulic. Valve adjustment will still be required. Just like on the Raider.

[tomephil]

I like the design and all the bells and whistles but air cooled?

My wife and I just made a trip to Vancouver BC with a trailer and we were stuck in the mother of all traffic jams on the #1 highway.

Very hot, constantly clutching 5 to 10 feet at a time for hours. Couldn't shut the bike off. Yes, I got the heat from the fan but can't imagine surviving the traffic jam on an air cooled v twin.

Waiting to hear stories of how this bike is in city traffic.

[orlean1]

A guy named Bill Matthews runs a group on Facebook called over 50 and still on 2 wheels. His wife and him rode the bike and they said it gives off a fair amount of heat. They also said that bike is for the larger framed person. I love the bells and whistles. But I don't know if I can deal with the air cooled engine especially since we are moving to Florida in the next couple of years.

[BlueSky]

I just read an article about how the sales of large motorcycles are plummeting and Harley sales are plummeting the most. So, Yamaha decides to compete with Harley. Some things are hard to understand. I think a Gen II with the V4, made lighter, lower center of gravity, and a frame mounted fairing would have made more sense. But, it is what it is. We shall see if it is a success. I hope so.

[camos]

I think a Gen II with the V4, made lighter, lower center of gravity, and a frame mounted fairing would have made more sense. But, it is what it is. We shall see if it is a success. I hope so.

So basically the new bike with the V4 and shaft drive? Heh, heh, heh.

 

I think Yamaha did an awesome job of designing the bodywork. It's way prettier than the Gen II.

[BlueSky]

So basically the new bike with the V4 and shaft drive? Heh, heh, heh.

 

I think Yamaha did an awesome job of designing the bodywork. It's way prettier than the Gen II.

 

You missed "lighter" which is very important. The new BMW K1600 GTL weighs 767.2 pounds wet, about 200 lbs less than the new Venture. It is smoother, lighter, and much more powerful.

 

Appearance is subjective to each individual but I think the Gen II with a newly designed frame mounted fairing with redesigned round gauges instead of the 57 Ford speedometer would be better looking.

[joeke3el]

I just read an article about how the sales of large motorcycles are plummeting and Harley sales are plummeting the most.

 

I concur with that. There are a growing number of articles on that subject. At what point does a motorcycle become more a chariot to carry the engine than the rider? If a touring motorcycle's engine delivers ample power, does anything beyond that just become about how fast you can give your passenger whiplash? These are touring bikes after all. It's a competitive market and engine prowess is one of the main features they compete with. The manufacturers are in a battle of CC's and how many goodies can be stuffed on your dash in order to get our attention. At some point I think it begins to feel like you're in your Lexus and not on a motorcycle anymore, especially with the price tags. I know however a lot of people go for this stuff but I wonder for how long. Motorcycling to me always seemed to be a way to unplug and relax. Having evermore gizmos on board and carrying around larger gas tanks to feed the beast below may run it's course if it hasn't begun already.

[snyper316]

I concur with that. There are a growing number of articles on that subject. At what point does a motorcycle become more a chariot to carry the engine than the rider? If a touring motorcycle's engine delivers ample power, does anything beyond that just become about how fast you can give your passenger whiplash? These are touring bikes after all. It's a competitive market and engine prowess is one of the main features they compete with. The manufacturers are in a battle of CC's and how many goodies can be stuffed on your dash in order to get our attention. At some point I think it begins to feel like you're in your Lexus and not on a motorcycle anymore, especially with the price tags. I know however a lot of people go for this stuff but I wonder for how long. Motorcycling to me always seemed to be a way to unplug and relax. Having evermore gizmos on board and carrying around larger gas tanks to feed the beast below may run it's course if it hasn't begun already.

 

I think you have said it best, These are all toys we would like, but are they really necessary? I remember after I got my drivers license. I would just go out and drive not really knowing where the road would lead and where I would end up at. Sometimes running out of gas in the most inopportune times. But hell it was fun, with all these gadgets anymore driving has become a chore to me. Well kind of its no longer enjoyable as it used to be. Kind of why I got a bike, loved riding the mini bikes, dirt bikes, and I remember wondering what it would be like to have a street bike. I knew I didn't want those so called bikes I see more then I do Harley's. Well this used to be true anyways till I moved, I have seen some really nice Motorcycles all within blocks of me. I do not give @cowpucs R1 the definition of motorcycle, It is not in my eyes it is nothing but a crotch rocket. Would I like to ride one, Yeah sure but will probably never own one. However that is cowpucs version of my Lamborghini I want I want the ELEMENTO...... love that car. I do love the looks of this new venture and by the time I can afford one I will probably need the gadgets to tell me how to get to Sesame Street. AKA Home lol. Got to love getting old and forgetting where you put your keys.... or remembering where soemthing was so I am sure it will morph into not being able to find my way home.

[BlueSky]

I think it may be related to the fact that the average cost of living adjusted salary for non-college graduates hasn't increased in over 20 years and many of the potential customers just can't afford an expensive toy like a new Harley.

[joeke3el]

I think it may be related to the fact that the average cost of living adjusted salary for non-college graduates hasn't increased in over 20 years and many of the potential customers just can't afford an expensive toy like a new Harley.

 

There's a lot of truth to that. InvestorsInsight has a 2013 article showing the decline of median household income between 1999 and 2013. Yet motorcycles have been adorned with new technology and features bringing prices to new heights. Some models are just way out of the arena of recreational costs. It'll also be interesting though as to how far manufacturers can go with all the goodies until there's a resurgence of simple more cost effective bikes which have their own style of "fun factor" from days gone by. As an example, there were days when there was no substitute for hopping on my '96 Triumph over my high powered/high tech Concours 14. (which I eventually traded for my RSV) :-)

[Kretz]

Here's a link to Rider Magazine's Road Test Review

 

http://ridermagazine.com/2017/07/21/2018-yamaha-star-venture-road-test-review/

[camos]

If a touring motorcycle's engine delivers ample power, does anything beyond that just become about how fast you can give your passenger whiplash? These are touring bikes after all. It's a competitive market and engine prowess is one of the main features they compete with. The manufacturers are in a battle of CC's and how many goodies can be stuffed on your dash in order to get our attention. At some point I think it begins to feel like you're in your Lexus and not on a motorcycle anymore, especially with the price tags.

It isn't just the manufacturers it's also the boomer generation. Look at the several wishlist threads on here, they are full of gotta have 1800 cc engines and built in GPS, satellite radio, explosive sound systems or what have you. Many seem to have lost track of what is actually necessary for touring. Seems to be more about one up-man-ship.

[Rafterd]

Got to spend a little time with one at Sturgis this week. No rides, but did sit on it, start it, played with all the buttons.

its cool, but I'm not sure I'd ever buy one. I've got other things I'd like to do with $25grand.

[camos]

Somebody asked about the rake on the front...from https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/yamaha/yamaha-star-venture-ar176763.html :

"The steering comes raked out quite a bit at 31-degrees with 5.7 inches of trail, so the Venture is going to be quite stable in the straights and comfortable over the long haul. Even though the factory took steps to try to reduce rotational inertia through mass centralization, there’s no arguing with the steering numbers, and this bike is going to feel a little reluctant in the corners.

I'm guessing it will drive more like a truck in the parking lot as well. My Virago has 32-degree forks and, while much lighter and therefore easier to control, it isn't as nimble as my Gen 1.

[BlueSky]

Somebody asked about the rake on the front...from https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/yamaha/yamaha-star-venture-ar176763.html :

"The steering comes raked out quite a bit at 31-degrees with 5.7 inches of trail, so the Venture is going to be quite stable in the straights and comfortable over the long haul.

 

Yep, it has the rake and trail of a cruiser more so than a touring bike.

[Bextreme]

Hey guys I had the opportunity to ride a 2018 Venture Saturday and was very impressed all the videos I watched talked about how heavy it felt off the kick stand I thought I felt lighter than my Nomad. I road 2 up with my wife and felt very balanced and really agile and light feeling the power was great everything about was smooth as butter. It could be my next bike I want to ride a Indian Roadmaster and compare.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bextreme]

Seems like a step backwards to me. V-twin with a belt drive. Why imitate HD? Aren't we past that?

 

Good looking bike but I wonder why they didn't use a shaft drive.

 

Belt translates to more power to the ground and less maintenance [emoji41]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cowpuc]

The dealership where I buy my stuff is multi-brand. Did Yamaha unwittingly keep the Kawasaki Voyager alive? A Voyager is $16500.00. Kinda hard for Yamaha to justify a $10,000 price difference between the ancient Voyager and the new Venture. $10,000 could really deck out a Voyager that comes with a real 3 year warranty. (Not a 1 year warranty and a 4 year kinda warranty like the Yamaha). Now that the Venture is out Kawasaki may even raise the price on their bike.

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=109705

 

SPOT ON DUEY!!!! Thanks for pointing this out in that other thread @Du-Rron - no idea where I was when all this was going on but brother = I really missed it here!! Another point = it would REALLY pay to shop right now on Ebay and elsewhere (dealerships) - TONS of sales happening!! Amazing the left over NOS stuff out there at HUGE savings!!

 

 

 

Yep, nobody has more fun on his bike for less money than Cowpuc and he sticks with the 1st Gen Venture. There's something to learn there I think.

BlueSky ,,, sounds like my underhanded sneaky ways may be finally catching up with me

 

Let ya in on a little secret,,,, I have actually paid less for a couple of my 1st Gen's than the quoted price for a rear tire on this new one ! Then chased the remaining 200k+ miles out of em by short shifting them into eternal bliss !!! Proofing, amoung other things, positive that doing the same thing over and over again is not only insane but also may be a good test for a persons mental stability:178:..

[garyk]

Maybe I'm missing it, but I've been searching for a ride review from someone who's purchased and ridden the 2018 Star Venture. (I've read the Rider review.) I live in Southern California, and I've seen temperatures of 113F while stuck in traffic on my FJR on Highway 101 in the summer, so, excited as I am about the new Star Venture TC, I'm afraid to buy one. Are there rider reviews on this forum that I'm missing?

[American]

Maybe I'm missing it, but I've been searching for a ride review from someone who's purchased and ridden the 2018 Star Venture. (I've read the Rider review.) I live in Southern California, and I've seen temperatures of 113F while stuck in traffic on my FJR on Highway 101 in the summer, so, excited as I am about the new Star Venture TC, I'm afraid to buy one. Are there rider reviews on this forum that I'm missing?

 

I purchased the 2018 Star Venture Transcontinental and now have 1,000 miles on it, the handling is fantastic, low speed parking lot maneuvering is very stable and easy to control, this does not feel like a 963 pound bike. Cornering while riding is precise and you can make mid corner correction without upsetting the bike, it just makes the correction and your gone. Those who tried to speculate on how this bike would ride and handle are 180 degree wrong.

 

This Star Venture handles better than both my 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour and my 2016 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited Low. As for temperature I feel no more heat from this Star Venture's 113 CI engine than I did from the Victory's 106 CI engine or the Harley's 103 CI engine and the Harley was a twin cool engine.

 

I live in Southwest Florida so it gets hot and muggy here, I really do not see engine heat being an issue for me.

 

I have owned a 1989 Honda GoldWing GL1500, 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour and a 2016 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited Low before this Yamaha Star Venture and of the four bikes this Star Venture is hands down the best bike of the four, the power, handling and comfort of this bike is just head and shoulders above the others.

[cowpuc]

Maybe I'm missing it, but I've been searching for a ride review from someone who's purchased and ridden the 2018 Star Venture. (I've read the Rider review.) I live in Southern California, and I've seen temperatures of 113F while stuck in traffic on my FJR on Highway 101 in the summer, so, excited as I am about the new Star Venture TC, I'm afraid to buy one. Are there rider reviews on this forum that I'm missing?

 

I rode em numerous times out in Sturgis last year and put the engine/exhaust pipe heat smack dab between the Polaris bikes with the 111 in em and the HD 103/110 which I have some experience on both of those too.. The Polaris Indian being considerably hotter and the Harley being the lesser of the 3.. Keep in mind that my opinion is coming from a "2 up" touring perspective. Ironically,, one of the major bike magazines just spun out a comparison between the three and totally agreed with what I experienced HOTTEST = Polaris 111, HOT = Yam TC and lesser of the three when coming to heat = HD Road Glide with the M8. All my opinion (which we are all entitled to IMHO) - always best do your own test!!

 

Another close friend of mine, brother and fellow VR member also did a journalist ride on the Eluder and SVTC and he found the exhaust header heat on the left side to be unbareably hot and shared your concern.. Personally, I know the person who wrote this and can tell you he has a ton of experience on the tour and I trust his word.. His experience and professional opinion can be read at the link at the end of this paragraph. https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/03/01/iron-butt-comparison-2018-yamaha-star-venture-vs-personalized-2007-royal-star-venture/

 

A new member here at VR named Zelthian purchased the new bike and wrote this as a summary of his ride experience:

[h=2]"""" 2018 Yamaha Star Venture - Mike's Personal Review[/h]

I'm going to attempt to make this concise. Please feel free to ask questions, and I'll add things as I see fit from these questions.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

I'd had my eye on this bike since it was announced back in the June timeframe last year. I was still feeling the effects of the Victory closure announcement (I had a 2011 Victory Cross Roads), and since that time I had been window shopping for my next bike. I had mentally settled on the Indian Roadmaster, as I wanted a v-twin touring bike, but I wasn't completely thrilled with the option. I'm a bit of a geek (as some might have noticed), and while the traditional styling of the Indians is nice, it just wasn't really my mug of coffee. I still remember the first time I saw the new Star Venture. My first reaction was, "Yeah, like that!" on the styling. I was hooked, so I had to force myself to curb my enthusiasm. I wasn't yet in a position to be able to afford it, and I didn't want my fan-boy feeling to cause me to overlook flaws that may give me reason not to buy one. My biggest concern going in was the weight; 963 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. So I did my research, read the reviews, kept up with things in the news and bid my time until my daughter finished school.

 

It was then I saw on on the showroom floor at the same dealer where I bought my Victory. I made the mistake of sitting on it and letting the sales guy hold it so I could check my sitting clearance for my legs. It was, of course, a perfect fit. I let the guy "tell me all about it" (not mentioning the research I had already done), told him I was considering it, and left. A week later I brought my teenage son in try out the passenger seat. Of course he loved it. Told the guy I was still seriously considering it, and left. It was another week and a half before I returned, having done due diligence on finances and whatnot. I insisted on a test ride. The sales guy immediately agreed. I was so nervous I was going to drop the thing, but I didn't. It just didn't feel like a 963-pound bike, even at low speed. It accelerated far more effortlessly than I imagined and it turned and handled very well. When I returned to the dealership, I bought the bike.

 

THE GOOD

 

Now that I've put 2000 miles on the bike, I'm comfortable saying I am more confident riding this bike than my Victory Cross Roads, which surprised me given the 200-pound difference in weight. At low speed it feels like a much lighter bike. On the highway it doesn't break a sweat. Indeed, my son, having eaten good BBQ before a leg of a ride as dozed off on the back more than once (he's ok, no worries). The passenger seat is equally comfortable, and I find myself debating on whether I really need highway pegs (I'm 5' 9" in boots). Despite its bulk, it is a well-engineered machine.

 

Power is awesome for a stock v-twin. Now that I can rev the engine beyond 2600, I've been able to get a better idea of the engine's capabilities. I'm not a expert (this is only my third bike), but I haven't found myself wanting for power. The transmission shifts easily (though I find myself occasionally over-shifting neutral).

 

Storage space is cavernous. This is my first tour trunk, I've been kicking myself for not investing in one sooner. What I normally carry fits well in the saddlebags, leaving the trunk to stash my helmet and jacket when I stop. The cubbies elsewhere are nice but I haven't found a use for them yet (yet) outside of holding and charging my phone.

 

I have the Transcontinental model, so features are vast. I haven't use the CB yet (I have along trip coming up), but I've taken in most of the other audio options. It's easier to list what doesn't come with the bike than what does come with the bike, which is saying something.

 

This is also my first bike with heated seats and grips. And you can set the levels for High/Medium/Low heat in the infotainment system. I also got the accessory headed grips for the passenger. My son loves them.

 

Generally, I'm getting about 35-37 mpg in the city, and 44-47 mpg on the highway.

 

One year warranty, four additional years extended warranty.

 

 

THE NOT-SO-GOOD

 

Does the engine put off heat? Yes. Is it enough to be a real bother? No. I've found it's most noticeable when I've been on the highway, then I have to stop and wait for several minutes. It's not going to burn your leg off, but it will warm you up a bit on cool days. Also, this heat can be mitigated a great deal by opening the vents just forward of the floorboards to let air in by your legs.

 

My biggest gripes are with some of the niggles with the Infotainment System. These are documented ad nauseam elsewhere on the forums, so I won't go into too much detail. The voice prompts on the GPS can't be adjusted (the voice breaks in too often for my taste). Importing a route is needlessly complex. Routes are limited to 5 waypoints. The Pandora control isn't stable and breaks randomly (viva la Bluetooth). Despite these niggles, it is quite functional. An update should be available "Any Day Now

^TM

".

 

My bike does get a bit of transmission whine from time to time, though it seems to be lessening a bit as time goes on.

 

The throttle can be a bit twitchy. It's a throttle-by-wire system, and there are times when I feel I may have let off just a tiny bit only to have the engine down-rev more than expected. It has taken some getting used to.

 

SUMMARY

 

I've gotten into the habit of telling folks that this is the bike I was waiting for. I really like this bike, and I find myself trying to come up with excuses to get out on it. It is fantastic for what it is, and I'm very glad I made the upgrade.""""""""""

 

And yet another one of the new members who is suppose to be picking up his brand spanking new Red SVTC today, wrote the below after he was finally able to procure a 50 mile test ride up near his home in Ontario Canada. Personally, I think that until we hear of actual riding of the SVTC in the kind of temps you are speaking of in the desert regions where many of love to ride so we know exactly how the new Venture is gonna handle the heat - it is still up in the air.. Here is the report from the person getting his today:

 

Hello all, well, today I was going to head out north to Lake Simcoe, but instead my dealer said that we are definitely on for Tuesday. I said oh...that's good, looking really forward to it...and he said, that's not only what he was calling to tell me about, but that he had a very good reason to have me ride out. I asked why?

 

"

Because I have an SVTC for you to ride, if you want?

"

 

WHAT??!!?!?!??!! HECK YES!.......forget Lake Simcoe...eastbound and riding...zooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom-------------------------arrive at dealer.

 

Before I talk about my ride, which will probably get me banned (just joking...) or de-friended by some here (not perhaps joking, lol) ...here is the birth process of my gal...nearing her completion.

 

https://s17.postimg.cc/4hloaty5b/005.jpg

 

 

https://s17.postimg.cc/g6pnytc9b/006.jpg

!

https://s17.postimg.cc/574gn7tjz/007.jpg

 

Well on her way to being born, and ready to go home this coming Tuesday.

 

Now...the rest of this post is probably going to be strongly opinionated and perhaps worded. I can't help that...because I think there is a terrible disservice being done to the Yamaha Star Venture, and to Yamaha engineering, itself. If I step on toes with the following...I am sorry..I can't help that:

 

The following as I see it, needs to be said/typed:

 

I got to ride a 2018 Yamaha Star Venture Trans Continental in an ambient temperature of 81 F today. It hit that where I was in bright sunshine. Whether it would be 85, or even 90, would have truly made no

tremendous

impact to riding the bike at 81 F.

 

I rode the motorcycle for over 50 miles...(he told me I could...and welcomed my opinion as of coming off years with a Gold Wing. I later found out he bought it for himself, with part of it, being my unbridled enthusiasm in anticipation for mine, and that I left a Gold Wing et al. Where he got it from, I didn't ask. It was in great shape and red!)

 

With all that out of the way. I want to open up by saying that my 'intelligent expectations', were met at a level of 600 per cent. I'd say...my experience was 6 times or more, GREATER, than I would have 'hoped' would be my ride, down country lanes, on the Highway 401, up hills..down into dales, all of it. This motorcycle folks..from a guy who has ridden untold thousands upon thousands of miles in over 50 years uninterrupted, is truly The Ring, that Rules Them All... The ride, the torque on tap from the get go. The open full throttle hell-bent response of this magnificent motor...is AT LEAST as fast up taking as the 118 hp, 6 cylinder Honda Gl1800. The first time I took it from 2-6, at full throttle on Sport Mode, it was snapping my head back..and I had to hold onto the bars, for my body sliding backward! This engine, AND FORGET IT BEING 77 horsepower...my gawd...the torque and PULL this thing has...can put your lips back over your forehead...H.S.!

 

When I was then within my 50 miles, (no 15 minute demo...with bikes all around me...no...I WAS RIDING THIS BABY!!!!) Full throttle pulls, slow progressive shifting at 1200-1500 up shifts, etc...5th and 6th gear low RPM roll outs...all of it... I became angry....yep...real anger...that lots of poor souls, looking for a different ride, perhaps looking for this exact ride...are being misinformed, being 'played' by what I feel, could be a group of forum and YouTube posters, that have an agenda...yes...I said it...(here's the banning banter...) AN AGENDA, to want to see this bike fail...to want to punish Yamaha, for NOT putting 'the' engine that they wanted to see in the 'new' Venture. They hate the choice that Yamaha made...are angry with the choice that Yamaha made...and want to get in their 'shots'....to punish Yamaha...and to PROVE that their engine choice, a large bore, traditional V-Twin WAS THE WRONG CHOICE! That it was air/oil cooled, and not what they wanted to see in the new rig...a liquid cooled engine...WAS THE WRONG CHOICE....and so...they came, these certain bloggers, riders...to any number of Yamaha Demo Days, to want to ride this big bore, V-Twin configuration, READY, like a gunfighter on the streets of Laredo...ready to pull out, and blast anything they did not like about the bike...and most...c'mon...most already had a bug up their wazoo, BECAUSE of the choices Yama Mama made...that did not align with their hopeful expectations.

 

First off....to all those bloggers who had me worked up that this bike has a really bad HEAT Output problem...and 'Oh...it about cooked my left thigh! Oh...man....I started cookin' at the red light. Oh...jeez...it's so hot, who could ride this bike in 80--90 F temperatures...Oh...Oh...."

 

All you folks...and every one of those 50 miles today, says you are spouting a crock of **##*@@!

WHAT HEAT? AGAIN....WHAT BLISTERING AND SO UNCOMFORTABLE HEAT? WHERE? BELOW ME? NOT! ON MY LEFT THIGH? NOT....ON MY LEFT ANKLE...NOT! What a crock of

was being blogged and YouTubed out there on these Demo Rides...by folks that had absoltuly NO wish to own...did not WANT to own a V-Twin, air/oil cooled...most were NOT HAPPY WITH YAMAHA in their design...and quite frankly...wanted to dumb down the bike. 'Oh man...this is why I would NOT BUY this bike...". What a load of ##&@*, the all of it.

 

Folks, if you want the truth....and you are open to it...and every SVTC owner on this forum will also tell you....THEY HAVEN'T FELT blistering....uncomfortable...oh 'JEEZ'...heat...being given off by this engine...whether (at 82 F) sitting at a red light

LIKE I DID

, whether being stuck in 15 minute 401 lane closure back-ups

LIKE I DID

, running at stop and go for 1 mile

LIKE I DID

, and then rode slow 30 miles per hour loping along in 3rd/4th like I did...or blasting down the roadway at 60-85 MPH, like I did today...in 5th and 6th.

Folks...with lower level fairing vents open on both sides of the bike for Summer riding, with the two wind deflectors moved inwards to capture cool air, (that they were designed to , and for to be used), there NEVER...let me repeat that...NEVER was a time that this engine, put out MORE heat than my 750 cc in-line four Kawasaki ZR7S!!!!!

 

Yeah..had to shout that...

 

This bike, runs...COOL...cooler in the cockpit, and on my legs and thighs, than even my in-line air/oil cooled Kawa, at only 750 CC's

 

Am I banned yet, Freebird? (hope not...) I believe that after actually riding this bike...experiencing this bike over 50 miles...in traffic, out of traffic, at crawling along, at 30 mph, at 80 mph...by my own, and not somebody's ELSE'S YouTube commentary...that there is absolutely to this man's mind...that there is a

conspiracy with intent

by some, to see this model, this first year release, and the choices that Yamaha made regarding this bike...TO FAIL...because (sour grapes) it did not match their metrics and expectations. Simply that....

 

I can't imagine how many potential adopters, have been put off...scared off...by quite a few riders...that HAD NO SKIN IN THE GAME...had no intentions of seeing this motorcycle as their possible next...had no intention whatsoever...than came on YouTube, came on varied Forums, and told their tales of SVTC woe..."there was so much heat put out..that I felt it was cooking my leg....blah, blah....B.S....blah.

 

Folks...FORGET their comments, if they had never said, they had gone to the demo, with a true interest in mind...to purchase this bike. Their comments are totally 'glad I didn't buy this...because wow...the heat...the heat nearly cooked my leg..." are biased as H*ll!

 

Forget their comments...heck, forget MY comments...and please...if you want a change up of venue...if you want a new ride, for ANY of your good reasons...and have been dissuaded by what you have read, or what you have 'rode along with' by bloggers such as ..well, I won't name them...

 

You will be shooting yourself in the foot..if you truly bypass riding this motorcycle

for yourself.

...being sure that the bike has been configured for the season you are riding in....Summer Fall, Spring....open the lower vents...move in the air deflectors to collect cool air...and RIDE...you will surely feel a warmth...but folks...Jesus....it is only a nice hugging warmth...that any engine will put out...even my 750 Kawasaki...but in NO WAY, NO WAY, are you going to feel uncomfortable...going to feel that this heat is rider-unbearable. That, my friends...with 50 miles in the saddle...on this magnificent motorcycle...those outlandish comments...is a crock of you-know-what!!!

 

Ride for yourself...and foment your own opinions....not rely on other's riding comments...and heck...even my own here....ride for yourself!

 

If this bans me...then it was a great run, here folks...but it had to be said. Some really bad copy was being published since the reveal...and I, and so many others, must have at some of it, bought into it. I still purchased, on

intelligent expectation.

My ride today...two days before Charlotte comes home..SHOWED me, that my years of riding...my years of "hmmmm reading that Yamaha Engineers put out a bike that was for some,

cooking their legs, thighs,

that..but from my experience, over 50 years of riding air, air/oil, liquid cool motorcycles, ....THAT doesn't, or didn't gel, or sounded right"....

 

Folks...my ride today...rewarded my 'intelligent expectations, by over at least 6 times what I had HOPED FOR, to experience. Off the soapbox....but it has to be said....there is a conspiracy of sorts...my ride today made

that clear

... This bike, runs normal, and runs cool. You feel warmth, you do NOT feel

HEAT

! You feel no more engine warmth output than any air/oil cooled, inline four 750cc!

 

Cheers

 

Can't wait...and glad that I did NOT make the opinion of another, the Opinion that RULES THEM ALL.

 

And that includes my opinion, quite frankly. If you have ever thought of owning a traditional large bore, high torque at low maintained RPM...then go do yourself a favor....

go out for a ride.

..(put the bike into summer or fall mode...) and see for yourself. Trust me on one thing, you won't be coming back smelling like Prime Rib...sorry, you'll still have to take your lovely co-rider out for dinner, to get that....

 

Joe