captdrac

I had the same problem. I had the system re-flashed, well the entire informant system was replaced (another story) and it worked for the phone I had at the time. I got a new phone and the same problem returned. We just have a 2016-17 system that doesn't auto update and Yamaha likes to charge (map update) to send us a update.

I'm looking for an extended warranty myself. Mine expired in May and Yamaha wouldn't extend the warranty when I asked about it last year and again recently (no surprise there). What type are you considering for purchase? Aturella offers a 2 yr for $924.44 and 3 yr for $1124.00 Non transferrable warranties. I'm communicating with Aturella because in the contract it states that normal maintenance records are to be kept and shown before they honor service. I do my own maintenance as far as oil and other fluid changes unless I'm too far out of town (touring). $35-45.00 is waaay better than $250-350.00 and I do it every 3000 miles. The ones I'm considering have sent me the contract to read over before signing.

Well, I've tried tapping on the bajo bolts / joints while bleeding the system. still the same problem. I ordered a front master cylinder and hope that the replacement does the job. Since I've had the cycle, I would sometimes get a code 51. According to the service manual, it indicates that the ABS is getting too high of a voltage from the electrical system. If this doesn't work, to the shop it goes. My problem with that is the tech I trusted at the shop to go to was hospitalized and now isn't returning. Any suggestions on what shop I could trust for us living in SE Wisconsin?

I'll try it today & give an update. Thanks!

Hey fellas, HELP!!! A ugly situation reared its head for me! I changed my tires and checked my brakes for wear and the pads were still good at 35K miles. The only thing I did was to separate the front right caliper piston by hand a little to put it on the rotor. When I took it for a test ride, the front brake lever pulled to the grip and I had no front brakes! After 1-2 pumps of the lever, I had full braking power. It happened almost every time I used the lever. The rear brakes are fine thank God. After returning home, I bled the front brakes. I took the Venture out again, and still the same problem. Any suggestions on what anyone thinks may be the problem? I'm thinking about buying a rebuild kit for each front caliper and rebuilding them. Can anyone suggest a inexpensive, reliable parts store for my Venture besides the dealership that, from what I can see, only has individual parts and cost $$$ for the few pieces I need for the rebuild.

What's up Venture riders. Well, I'm writing about my experience with the Ivan ECM. I've had it for a month now, give or take a few days, and ridden with it around 4.9K miles. In my opinion, it's one of the best addons I put on the Venture. NO MORE HESSITATIONS on rolling on the throttle! Now I can do slow speed maneuvers without giving high RPMs just to use the friction zone effectively. NO MORE PUTT OUTS!, well not yet. Throttle response is MUCH smoother! I use the 3rd added mode (besides the Tour and Sport modes) a lot since I received the ECM. It's not as aggressive as the Sport Mode, but not as laid back as the Tour Mode. As Goldie Locks says, "Just right!". I also like the fact that I can get the engine in its happy RPM. NO MORE EARLY SHIFTS! The Ivan ECM did not alter my MPG much either. What I mean about "much" is that it may have increased my miles per gallon. I now have over 4K miles on the Ivan ECM. I just returned from a trip to NY state (Lake George area). I did an Iron Butt run going there (not on purpose), in one day. 1042 miles in 17 hours, taking my time and riding for at least 200 miles each tank. Only once the Venture started counting down when I reached about 228 miles on the tripdometer and it took 5.4 gallons on fill up at 238 miles. Overall, I think it's the best value for the money I've spent on this bike.

Hey Chuck. Well, you need to disable the VOX in communication settings. You can also turn off the CB if you're not using it, that way you can use VOX instead of pushing the talk button (for the passenger, they would need to push the talk button to start talk, then push it again to stop.)

I think I know what kc61 is trying to say since I've gone through dealer visits over for the last month or so after complaining so long about the same problems that everyone else is having w/ their 2018s from the start (fob, informant and map problems). My dealer 1st replaced the brake switch (again) and updated the system (I did it the 1st time). After the update, the GPS had me somewhere in the middle of Lake Michigan. I live in Milwaukee. Then, the fob and GPS antennas were replaced after problems with the update. The new parts and the map update did nothing to correct the problem so save your $100.00. Now, Yamaha is sending out the new, updated (2021) informant system. My dealer said it will be a total replacement. He stated Yamaha said I had to go through all of the previous B.S. before getting to this point. I did call Yamaha a few times to complain. At some point I think Yamaha will save some money and skip on unnecessary parts replacement and just replace the system as a whole. I'll keep everyone updated.

Well, I had my update installed by the dealer the 2nd time (1st time I installed it) when I took it in for fob problems (another story). After the install, my GPS on the informant showed me somewhere in Lake Michigan. I put in the updated map firmware again ($100.00), and nothing changed. It seems the update will corrupt informant system. The dealer stated Yamaha will send a new GPS antena & module. Once that was installed, the same problem. Now I'm waiting for a totally new, updated informant system. The dealer stated that Yamaha said everyone would have to go through what I did before receiving an updated system. It's B.S., but I guess Yamaha likes wasting money on a known problem. Well, I guess, I'm hoping this will solve the problem. As of now, I don't have GPS, or TPS. The dealer (I assume) simply forgot to reprogram the fob code to the system. My suggestion, take it to the dealer and go through the same B.S., so you too can a updated, new system.

Well, I used the USB card that Yamaha sent. It did download a second time. Now the update is causing problems with the informant system as well as the navigation portion. After riding for approximately half hour 45 minutes, the system started to malfunction. Entercom turned on, the volume was rapidly going from mute to maximum and returning the mute, Sirius would not play, I couldn't get it to change music venues, and the navigation froze shortly after I exited the freeway. I guess I'll go to my dealer to see if he has any suggestions on way to go from here.

I have a problem uploading the map update to the informant system as well. I'm downloading it again from the toolbox. I hope it works this time. I don't want to be $100 out for a program that doesn't upload to the system. Another fine update problem from Yamaha. This time I even paid for it.

Thanks all. I totally missed "Adjusting the headlight beam". I just saw the fog light adjustment. I do it the way Saddlebum suggests, but at 20'.

Hey riders, hope everyone is well and staying safe...in all aspects. Has anyone tried to adjust their headlight height? I can't find how to adjust it in the service or owner's manuals. I'm tired of being flashed, and they are about 10" higher than standard height at the 20' distance measurement.

I've been looking as well. Spider, Indian, H-D, Goldwing, but no custom fit for Ventures. For custom fit parts, Yamaha has cut out the after market accept for Big Bike parts & Yamaha accessories don't offer much.

My prayers and thoughts of a quick recovery are sent to/for you Freebird!