Really Impressed

[Jamaha]

Greetings Venture riders,

I’ve been lurking here since the new Venture came out, but just joined to post my thoughts after riding the bike for the first time today. Technology may have saved you all as I just wrote a long, detailed post but when I went to send it, the site made me log in again and my blather disappeared.

 

Anyway, I’ll try to be more succinct this time. I’m 49 years old, my wife, kids and I live in Colorado Springs, and I’m currently riding my beloved Honda ST1300 I bought new in 2003. Other than having to replace the fuel pump last summer, it has been really reliable, but I’ve been wanting a touring bike with more comfort. Below is a quick list of what I tried before the Venture Transcontinental:

 

1. 2017 HD Ultra Limited- Liked the new motor, good handling, great paint and chrome, but I felt cramped (5’10 with long legs), the suspension still needs more travel, and the tranny to primary fluid transfer issue concerned me. It may be resolved now as I haven’t followed their forums in a while.

 

2. 2018 BMW K1600 GTL- Great handling and brakes, smooth motor, good storage, but felt cramped again, and the valve adjustments are expensive. Would love to have a new LC 1200 GSA to go with a new touring bike, though:cool:

 

3. 2018 Goldwing Tour (ST on steroids)- Lighter, more comfortable than previous gens, new motor is good, 6 speed manual and power windshield (finally), but less fuel capacity (more efficient but range stays the same), less storage, and not impressed with the new suspension. Felt numb up front and a little harsh on the rear, but it’s probably rider preference. Some like it, while others are going with a Traxxion upgrade. I would have to upgrade if I bought one.

 

4. 2017 Indian Roadmaster- My favorite until today. Great handling, paint and chrome, comfortable for me (especially with highway pegs), great stereo and nav system, easy to maintain, but heat is an issue. This is mitigated with new headers, exhaust and tune, but yes, it’s more money. It does help though. I rode a Chieftain with their 116 upgrade kit (right before the stop sale) and Freedom headers/True duals, and never felt any heat on a warm day. It went like stink for a bike in this category, too;)

 

Then I got a chance to ride a new Venture Transcontinental in Denver today. I’ve liked the looks of this bike since it came out. The front, back, and side profile are very destinctive. It’s different in a good way, and sets it apart. It’s also not a wanna be Harley something or other.

 

The dealer let me go alone and where ever I wanted, so I took the same 14 mile route the Indian demo rides go on to compare the ride to the Roadmaster. Right off the bat I was impressed with the slow speed stability, and was blown away with how easy it made a tight u turn with little counterweight necessary. The power in Touring mode was decent and about what the Indian is, but Sport mode woke it up nicely. The pick up was stronger, and I never hit the rev limiter in first or second like some have complained. I found myself naturally shifting before it, even when accelerating hard. The torque sweet spot is much lower, anyway. I think some of those riders aren’t familiar with how to ride a v twin, and the Indian and HD redlines aren’t too far from there.

 

Let me say that I’m not expecting this bike to be a drag racer, but I’m of the mindset that more power is better than less, especially when passing or avoiding distracted drivers. It also helps when riding at altitude, especially in the Rockies.

 

On my way back to the dealership I got cut off by a lost delivery truck, so I had to go up to the next light and make another u turn. This time I turned the bars full lock left, let out the clutch, and again the bike came around amazingly well despite its weight. My friend rode it right after me but wasn’t as impressed. He’s more of a sport bike guy, which is fine. There’s a butt for every seat.

 

Ultimately, I’m really impressed with the new Venture Transcontinental. Yamaha did a great job engineering this motorcycle in my opinion. Great handling, comfort, looks (to me), storage, power in Sport mode, brakes, and technology (standard and Transcontinental package). While I’m aware of some of the previous gen Venture rider’s issues with this bike (namely no V4) and I get it, you really have to ride this bike before ruling it out. Would I have preferred a liquid cooled V4? Probably, if it didn’t compromise the excellent handling, but the 1300 is no slouch. And to those who think air/oil cooled v twins don’t last, there’s a guy on an Indian forum with a 2014 that has around 250,000 miles with only a couple of minor issues, none of which were engine related. Several others with over 100,000, and that’s not including all of the Victory riders with that or more.

 

My only complaints, and they wouldn’t stop me from buying it, are the stereo sound quality (could have been the radio station) and the frequent maintenance intervals on some items (oil changes every 6 months, plugs every year, valve adjustments required, etc). Again, these wouldn’t keep me from buying it, but I had to mention them.

 

I look forward to learning more about the new Venture Transcontinental as I get closer to making a decision. I had three Yamaha dirt bikes growing up and a 760 Waverunner in the late nineties, and all were good to me, so it may be time to have a new Yamaha street bike. Until today my heart and mind were set on the Indian, but there’s a new sheriff in town. Thanks Yamaha, I think?

 

 

Sorry for the still somewhat long post, and if my original reappears from cyberspace. Apparently I need to relearn the definition of succinct.

 

Travis

Edited July 22, 2018 by Jamaha

[SilveradoCA]

Nice summary of your experience Jamaha.

 

Though I haven't ridden a new Venture yet, I do like them a lot. Yamaha makes a great motorcycle (my favourite brand, honestly). I've only owned my 2008 Royal Star Venture for less than two months, but having put just about 7000Km on her, I can say that I'm suitably satisfied, and retain my fondness for Yamaha bikes.

 

I'm in the camp that is disappointed that the new Venture doesn't carry a V4, but only because the Venture name has a proud history with that motor, and because the new V-Max mill is a monster that, even in a subtler tune, would destroy all comers in the segment.

 

That said, as a former Road Star owner, and having extensively ridden a number of V-Star and Virago bikes, Yamaha makes excellent V-twin engines.

 

All else about the new Venture bikes seems well sorted, and they look cool with that '60's muscle car front grin built into modern lines across the rest of the bike.

 

Free advice being worth exactly the price paid, I think you should go with your impression and... Buy It. Ride It. Smile.

[Jamaha]

Nice summary of your experience Jamaha.

 

Though I haven't ridden a new Venture yet, I do like them a lot. Yamaha makes a great motorcycle (my favourite brand, honestly). I've only owned my 2008 Royal Star Venture for less than two months, but having put just about 7000Km on her, I can say that I'm suitably satisfied, and retain my fondness for Yamaha bikes.

 

I'm in the camp that is disappointed that the new Venture doesn't carry a V4, but only because the Venture name has a proud history with that motor, and because the new V-Max mill is a monster that, even in a subtler tune, would destroy all comers in the segment.

 

That said, as a former Road Star owner, and having extensively ridden a number of V-Star and Virago bikes, Yamaha makes excellent V-twin engines.

 

All else about the new Venture bikes seems well sorted, and they look cool with that '60's muscle car front grin built into modern lines across the rest of the bike.

 

Free advice being worth exactly the price paid, I think you should go with your impression and... Buy It. Ride It. Smile.

 

Thanks SilveradoCA, and congrats on your new to you RSV. Haven’t ridden one, but would like to. Totally agree about the V-Max mill comment too. Amazing motor.

 

Reading a few Gold Wing forums, I think some are feeling about the new wing like many are about the new Venture. They’re both enough of a departure from the original formula that it doesn’t seem right to use the same name.

Some have said the new Wing should be called an ST1800, but I’m not sure what to call the new Yamaha. Maybe just Yamaha Transcontinental, with and without Nav?

 

Being a V4 fan myself due to my ST, I hope Yamaha finds another bike to put theirs in other than the V-Max. The dealer I rode the Transcontinental at today recently became a Motus dealer. No inventory yet, just Lee Con’s personal bike as eye candy until their bike shipment comes in. Another amazing V4 according to most who have ridden it, and it’s based on a Chevy LS motor. Unique story and bike with top shelf components stock, but a steep price to play for some sport touring riders.

 

I’d be interested in your thoughts if you ever ride the new Venture, and I always find it helpful to ride my bike to the dealer anytime I’m trying something new just for comparison sake.

 

Enjoy your new ride.

[BG Hawks]

Test road the Transcontinental Friday afternoon. Matter of fact it was the wife who made me go. I have been thinking about it but not wanting to go in case I liked it. I will admit to watching the unveil at home on my PC and was disappointed that it was not a V4. We all try to make these our own and its easy starting off with something that you don's see very often. But that being said I have always liked the looks of the new bike...YAMAHA, YOU SHOULD HAVE ROLLED IT OUT 6 YEARS AGO!!! I'm afraid that you missed the market. The TC was a very easy riding bike with plenty of power especially in the sport mode!! Handled well at low speed as well as on the highway doing 85!! I thought I was getting more wind (that's ok) and the stock seat needed to go. Did not play with the stereo a whole lot as I was enjoying the ride. If ever there was a bike to replace mine that was it. Still thinking about it as mine is bought and paid for. These days I just don't seem to get to ride as much as I want and living here in Iowa; 6-7 months at best!!

 

If you have a chance, ride one!!

[SilvrT]

If you have a chance, ride one!!

 

You can be sure of that for me!

[BigBobIa]

Test road the Transcontinental Friday afternoon.

...

These days I just don't seem to get to ride as much as I want and living here in Iowa!!

 

Rode one at Star Days a week ago. Bought one on Friday. 500 miles done Sunday night when I got back to Des Moines. So where in Iowa are you?

[BG Hawks]

Cedar Rapids...been awhile since we had a meet and greet in Iowa...probably about time we have one...will look at the calendar.

[Pacho]

Greetings Venture riders,

I’ve been lurking here since the new Venture came out, but just joined to post my thoughts after riding the bike for the first time today. Technology may have saved you all as I just wrote a long, detailed post but when I went to send it, the site made me log in again and my blather disappeared.

 

Anyway, I’ll try to be more succinct this time. I’m 49 years old, my wife, kids and I live in Colorado Springs, and I’m currently riding my beloved Honda ST1300 I bought new in 2003. Other than having to replace the fuel pump last summer, it has been really reliable, but I’ve been wanting a touring bike with more comfort. Below is a quick list of what I tried before the Venture Transcontinental:

 

1. 2017 HD Ultra Limited- Liked the new motor, good handling, great paint and chrome, but I felt cramped (5’10 with long legs), the suspension still needs more travel, and the tranny to primary fluid transfer issue concerned me. It may be resolved now as I haven’t followed their forums in a while.

 

2. 2018 BMW K1600 GTL- Great handling and brakes, smooth motor, good storage, but felt cramped again, and the valve adjustments are expensive. Would love to have a new LC 1200 GSA to go with a new touring bike, though:cool:

 

3. 2018 Goldwing Tour (ST on steroids)- Lighter, more comfortable than previous gens, new motor is good, 6 speed manual and power windshield (finally), but less fuel capacity (more efficient but range stays the same), less storage, and not impressed with the new suspension. Felt numb up front and a little harsh on the rear, but it’s probably rider preference. Some like it, while others are going with a Traxxion upgrade. I would have to upgrade if I bought one.

 

4. 2017 Indian Roadmaster- My favorite until today. Great handling, paint and chrome, comfortable for me (especially with highway pegs), great stereo and nav system, easy to maintain, but heat is an issue. This is mitigated with new headers, exhaust and tune, but yes, it’s more money. It does help though. I rode a Chieftain with their 116 upgrade kit (right before the stop sale) and Freedom headers/True duals, and never felt any heat on a warm day. It went like stink for a bike in this category, too;)

 

Then I got a chance to ride a new Venture Transcontinental in Denver today. I’ve liked the looks of this bike since it came out. The front, back, and side profile are very destinctive. It’s different in a good way, and sets it apart. It’s also not a wanna be Harley something or other.

 

The dealer let me go alone and where ever I wanted, so I took the same 14 mile route the Indian demo rides go on to compare the ride to the Roadmaster. Right off the bat I was impressed with the slow speed stability, and was blown away with how easy it made a tight u turn with little counterweight necessary. The power in Touring mode was decent and about what the Indian is, but Sport mode woke it up nicely. The pick up was stronger, and I never hit the rev limiter in first or second like some have complained. I found myself naturally shifting before it, even when accelerating hard. The torque sweet spot is much lower, anyway. I think some of those riders aren’t familiar with how to ride a v twin, and the Indian and HD redlines aren’t too far from there.

 

Let me say that I’m not expecting this bike to be a drag racer, but I’m of the mindset that more power is better than less, especially when passing or avoiding distracted drivers. It also helps when riding at altitude, especially in the Rockies.

 

On my way back to the dealership I got cut off by a lost delivery truck, so I had to go up to the next light and make another u turn. This time I turned the bars full lock left, let out the clutch, and again the bike came around amazingly well despite its weight. My friend rode it right after me but wasn’t as impressed. He’s more of a sport bike guy, which is fine. There’s a butt for every seat.

 

Ultimately, I’m really impressed with the new Venture Transcontinental. Yamaha did a great job engineering this motorcycle in my opinion. Great handling, comfort, looks (to me), storage, power in Sport mode, brakes, and technology (standard and Transcontinental package). While I’m aware of some of the previous gen Venture rider’s issues with this bike (namely no V4) and I get it, you really have to ride this bike before ruling it out. Would I have preferred a liquid cooled V4? Probably, if it didn’t compromise the excellent handling, but the 1300 is no slouch. And to those who think air/oil cooled v twins don’t last, there’s a guy on an Indian forum with a 2014 that has around 250,000 miles with only a couple of minor issues, none of which were engine related. Several others with over 100,000, and that’s not including all of the Victory riders with that or more.

 

My only complaints, and they wouldn’t stop me from buying it, are the stereo sound quality (could have been the radio station) and the frequent maintenance intervals on some items (oil changes every 6 months, plugs every year, valve adjustments required, etc). Again, these wouldn’t keep me from buying it, but I had to mention them.

 

I look forward to learning more about the new Venture Transcontinental as I get closer to making a decision. I had three Yamaha dirt bikes growing up and a 760 Waverunner in the late nineties, and all were good to me, so it may be time to have a new Yamaha street bike. Until today my heart and mind were set on the Indian, but there’s a new sheriff in town. Thanks Yamaha, I think?

 

 

Sorry for the still somewhat long post, and if my original reappears from cyberspace. Apparently I need to relearn the definition of succinct.

 

Travis

I came off 2 Victory XRs drove the Indian then the TC. Bought the TC that is coming in next week. The TC amazed me on comfort, handling and I love the V-twin mill.