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That is the big question that I have. Do you think that they will build another larger touring bike or even a large cruiser? I have to tell you, I am one of the, probably few, here who truly like the Star Venture when it came out. I actually like the large V-Twins and except for the painfully low rev limiter, it was really fun to ride. Yamaha has a pretty long history of a lifespan of at least 10 years with no major changes on their models, the fact that they dripped the Star Venture and the Elude so quickly is ample proof that it was a resounding sales failure though. Even though I do like the bike, I will always wonder what the heck were they thinking. To me, the facts are pretty clear, American rides who love the big V-Twins are always going to buy an American bike. Harley or Indian primarily. If you want to draw sales away from them, you have to offer something compelling and different. The Honda Goldwing carved out their own niche. Most V Twin riders won't give them a second look but they weren't targeting those riders. They target those who yearned for a more rifined and smooth running bike. Yamaha did the same with the original Venture starting in 1983. After dropping it in 1993, they came out with a cruiser style in 1999. A lot of the ld die hard Venture riders didn't like it but many of us did. Those of us who lover the cruiser styling but also the smooth power of the Yamaha V 4 engine were quick to accept it. It would never really compete strongly for the V Twin riders but it was unique in the industry and was a proven and good running V 4 engine. They owned that segment. The RSV was a beautiful, and dependable bike. I will be the first to admit that after more than 10 years, it was time for an upgrade but they already had an engine that was ready. The new VMax motor was ready to go. With some slight modifications, and more much less research and development that was spent of their new air cooled V Twin, I believe they had a winner waiting. Will they do it now? Doubtful. with big touring bikes on the decline, I fear that the time has past. Yamaha may surprise me but it would indeed be a surprise. I'm a member, some of you are also, of a Facebook group named Senior Riders. It is riders primarily between 60 and 90 years old. There are riders of all brands in that group and some still ride big Harleys, Indians, BMWs, etc. I will say that the vast majority however have moved to lighter and more agile styles. Adventure bikes, standards, even some sport bikes. I stil have to wonder though. Would Yamaha have had more success if they had come out with a new touring bike with a V Max V4 instead of the air cooled V Twiin. If I were looking to buy a new touring bike right now, it would likely be the Indian Pursuit. It's a liquid cooled V-Twin rated at 120 HP and dynos at 108 HP at the rear wheel. Now look at these two pictures. For me, there is no contest on which is the better looking bike. Put a 120 - 140 HP V Max based water cooled V 4 in this Star Venture and I would favor it at least 10 to 1 over the Indian. I think that Yamaha did great on the styling and it had most every advanced riding feature you could ask for. I think that they could have kept their existing Venture Rider base and added to it. What do you think?

First try to refresh the fuel in your tank. Add about 1/2 tank of fuel and 1 full spray can of carb cleaner to the fuel. Not the bottle type, use the spray stuff. Let it run to get warm, shut if off for about 1 hour then repeat 3 or 4 times. Now fill the tank and take it for a ride. If fuel keeps pouring out take the handle of a screwdriver and tap the crabs to jar the floats loose. Maybe it will solve your issues.

Yea I picked up over on the Victory site. Reminded me of a joke from many years back when I bought a Vette. Went something like Got a good deal on a Vette only paid XXX. Dozen roses to break news to wife X. Dinner when took wife for ride in said car XX. New scarf, sunglass XX and so on so the total went up.

Actually, I do think many riders are downsizing. Take a good solid look at the new Royal Enfield 650 Super Meteor. It's coming to the US this summer. A solid, well made cruiser thats taking the motorcycle media by storm. Its a simple, humble well built bike. Even has ABS and Brembro type brakes. But a strong motor, simple instrumentation (reminds me of the VStars), and solid fit and finish. With an estimated price tag of around $8K, it should sell very well here. Why? Well...... Because.....The mid sized cruiser market is barren. Yamaha pulled the VStar 950 and 1300 that were truly the best cruisers out there. They were far better than HD's or anyone else's cruisers. Upgrading those bikes would have given Yamaha the lead in the mid size cruiser market. They still own the small size cruiser market with the VStar 250. Its been crediting as being the best small cruiser for beginners, for the quite a few years now. Add to that, the new "touring" bikes being introduced are smaller, lighter and far faster than ever. Many have V4's in them!!! There are called sport tourers or adventure bikes. The former are larger and road worthy...the latter are smaller but equally suited for light off roading and highway riding. From Yamaha? Think Tenere. That's where the money is going right now. The touring market isn't going away...it's changing....and the Star riders didn't even notice....hence the new Yamaha touring scoot that failed to sell despite being a tremendous effort by Yamaha. Well...as I said before...if the newest Yamaha had been a truly unique touring machine, I would have bought one. I've completed my 75th year of life, and my riding days are nearing the end. My body is telling me to slow down. Been riding since I was 17ish. The RSV has served me well and I still love to ride it. But yearn for the smaller, lighter, more nimble scoots like the VStar 950Tourer. Fast, comfortable economical and put my old body in the wind nicely. Maybe I'll sell the RSV and get that Royal Enfield cruiser. I doubt Yamaha will give me a choice.....shame. Hope all are well...do miss youse guys and gals! david

The problem with trying to compete with HD is that your not just competing with the bike. Your competing with a brand name, a following, a mentality, a culture, an ideology, so strongly ingrained that even ford and dodge built HD edition trucks. So no matter how much better you build the bike you cannot compete and hope to come on top. The only way to gain is listen to those who already prefer the Yamaha brand keep them happy instead of trying to win over the HD clan. You may even win over some of the HD owners indirectly through currant Yamaha owners, instead of trying to appeal to them directly. If you combine all the none HD touring bike owners you still have a big market to appeal to. I also believe if along with performance and handling one placed a lot of emphasis on the joys and flexibility of economic MC traveling, like outdoor outfitters do when it comes to canoeing, backpacking and wilderness camping. There is a chance of creating a whole new following. JMHO.

I would have bought a new Venture if it had been a 4-cylinder, liquid cooled, but settled for a used Venture. I am not really into the V-Twin, I prefer more cylinders. Since I am pushing 70 real hard, I will keep riding my Venture bike and trike as long as I can.

Many of you may be familiar with the Star Touring Group that recently went bankrupt. There was a Meet & Greet this weekend in Ohio for past members to get together, ride and share some good times. A good friend and riding partner of mine was involved in an accident while attending this event. She's got some serious injuries but sounds like she will survive. I would ride with her any day of the week, anywhere. She is very experienced, has ridden her cycle from coast-to-coast. If I found the right news story regarding her accident, she was subject to a hit & run. The Police are investigating. Meanwhile, she'll be in a Columbus Hospital for awhile.