My new SVTC

[Dhansonrrt]

I have ridden Goldwings for about 15 years and wanted something different. The New Goldwing doesn't have the luggage space i need for the type of trips I can take. The Beemer is a great bike, I am just not a fan of the look. HD was never a consideration and I have read in several publications that the indian just doesn't handle that well. So I got a SVTC. I have ridden mine for about 4k miles now including two 400 miles days back to back. My biggest complaint is that the stock seat absolutely sucks for long rides. The Corbin saddle made for the SVTC is butt ugly (no pun intended) and doesn't use the factory heater controls. I do like the adjustable lumbar pad and tend to move it forward during canyon riding. I am having a local Upholsterer redo my seat with some shaping, rebound foam and new leather as well as shaping the adjustable lumbar pad a bit. Then I will put a Utopia Backrest on it. The lumbar pad is a bit low to support you when really twisting the throttle. The grunt from the motor is quite impressive and without a backrest you can feel the pushback into the seat and then starting to peel your hands from the grips. I have figured out how to program and upload my own routes into the GPS. The VOX settings on the intercom leave much to be desired as it is either on/off and doesn't function at all seamlessly like my Wings have. I am still working on some solutions. Phone calls work well, receiving a text message from my fiance' is kind of cool and then I can just call her back. The bike definitely took an adjustment to my riding style on curvy mountain roads moving from a Wing. It is definitely more top heavy, especially with a full tank of gas since the tank is actually the gas tank and not a shroud. Wind protection is far better than the new wing and luggage space, well it goes without saying. I don't notice the engine heat unless I am stopped then you definitely notice it. There are plenty of adjustments to keep engine heat off of you or to use to your liking. I love the exhaust note and don't miss the "Goldwing Whine" at all. Everyday I ride it, I get more used to it, and in turn the rides become better. I have pressed it pretty hard in some corners and felt confident in the Bridgestone tires and as confident as you can be with the front end on a 960 lb bike. Spirited riding takes some energy, the bike is just plain big. It can wear you out if your whole day is spent on mountain roads. At speed on the highway I think it is more stable than my GL1800 and doesn't seem to be affected as much by heavy crosswinds. Roll on the throttle getting on the freeway and it thunders to life, and acceleration from highways speeds is right now. I have had the cruise on for 30-40 minutes at 75-80 and it just purrs along at about 2750 to 3000 RPM's The suspension is good, not great but better than my 2010 wing when it was brand new. Adjusting the rear preload involves taking off a side cover to adjust rather than electronically. I like that I can turn on the high beams and not lose the lower lights, like my wing. I think once the seat issue is sorted out, long rides will be great. Overall I am happy with my decision. One cool thing is that most people don't know what it is. It doesn't say Yamaha anywhere. Two Yamaha logos and "Star Venture" in fairly small, script on either side of the fairing. is all you see. I was at a Cycle Gear a few days ago and a guy on a HD said from the front it looks like an angry Pontiac. I though that was appropriate.

[sldunker]

I like your review and agree on most of it. Your right on the Indian as I test rode one and it was wobbly thru corners. I told the salesman that the bike wasn't set up properly for riding curves and he said that is the way it is. I really like the low center of gravity on the Star Venture. I agree on with you on the seat. I believe it has gotten broke in now and it seems to be better. Have 13,000 miles on it. Gonna upgrade the windshield on it but waiting for Freebird to get his new shield from Clearview so I can see what it is like.