Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: zsiska on November 19, 2012, 05:49:22 AM

Title: Yamaha Venture
Post by: zsiska on November 19, 2012, 05:49:22 AM
I had an accident with the Concours (hit a deer).  Looking for another bike, I picked up a Yamaha Venture touring bike.  For me it was a good fit size was (I am pretty large).  And I know it is a cruiser (sort of) but it has plenty of power and handles pretty damn good for an 800-900 pound bike. It had tons of add ons when I bought it and runs really well despite having 68K miles.  It is carburated but is also shaft drive and is rated at 100HP.  It is a V4 engine (same as the Vmax).  I am not downing Harleys at all, but this is bigger than the Electra Glides, more reliable, and has much more power.  For$3500 I think I did well.  Also came with a trailer to pull behind it.  And every receipt imaginable for accesories, parts, and maintenence.
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: gPink on November 19, 2012, 05:54:30 AM
Glad you're alright. Sounds like a good score.
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: ugocon on November 19, 2012, 07:23:21 AM
Lucky you got the carburated version: the EFI latest models are a reference for underpowerment!  >:( ;D
Heavy and slow!  ;)
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: wahrsuul on November 19, 2012, 07:24:38 AM
I think I saw that bike when it was on eBay.  Good price for what it is and the accessories.  Where are you located?  As I recall, that bike wasn't far from me.
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: RFH87_Connie on November 19, 2012, 07:37:26 AM
Looks nice Zak!  Hope you're felling better.
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: Pokey on November 19, 2012, 09:59:50 AM
Very nice find, good for you!!! I had totally forgotten that those had a huge V4 in them, but "hardly" like the V max.  ;)
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: zsiska on November 19, 2012, 10:01:49 AM
Lucky you got the carburated version: the EFI latest models are a reference for underpowerment!  >:( ;D
Heavy and slow!  ;)

I didn't think they had an EFI model.  When I last went to the Yamaha dealer, they said the Ventures have been the exact same since 1999.

Looks nice Zak!  Hope you're felling better.

Yep doing well.  Wrist is still sore and cramps pretty bad at times, but so far so good.

I think I saw that bike when it was on eBay.  Good price for what it is and the accessories.  Where are you located?  As I recall, that bike wasn't far from me.

I found him through the Venture Riders forum.  I think he did have it on Ebay though.  I am in Northern VA and he was in Lexington SC.  Met him in Wilson NC to pick up teh bike and eat some good BBQ and fried chicken at Parkers.
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: zsiska on November 19, 2012, 10:03:14 AM
Very nice find, good for you!!! I had totally forgotten that those had a huge V4 in them, but "hardly" like the V max.  ;)

Same motor, just slightly different insides and different rear (from what I have read).  I am looking at swapping to the Vmax rear now.  Still haven't read much on it yet, but supposedly an easy swap and fairly cheap.
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: Leo on November 19, 2012, 10:35:07 AM
A couple of years ago I borrowed one of those.  It was very neutral feeling and I got comfortable on it pretty quick.  The midrange torque of that engine was a delight for crusing.   Riding home tired I was not thinking clearly (I should have gotten a hotel).  I was making up sometime on the old state highway and got into a place I needed to lay it over hard to round a corner.  WAY too much stuff started grinding and I could not get that long bike to make the curve.  I ended up riding it right off the road.  The ground was rough but luckily there was no ditch.  I gave up a couple  pay checks to replace the stuff I damaged.    I guess I am saying, enjoy the new bike, but don't forget that it is radically different than a Concours, esp if you try to push it hard.  Good Luck
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: ugocon on November 19, 2012, 01:31:41 PM
I didn't think they had an EFI model.  When I last went to the Yamaha dealer, they said the Ventures have been the exact same since 1999.

Wooops... :-[
You're right: I messed up with the KAWASAKI VN1700 Voyager
They look alike and the Kawasaki, yes, it's underpowered!  ;)

Sorry for my mistake... ::)
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: Skinny on November 19, 2012, 02:05:07 PM
That's a beauty, like the yellow, fits on that bike.

I owned a 2007 Royal Star Tour Deluxe right before this bike.  That motor does run nice, but it had the dreaded chirp.  Turned out the higher rpm's made the chirp less noticeable and that's where it was happy running anyways.  Here's my old ride.
I found that by turning the fuel off 1/2  block away it kept the fuel smell at bay from full up float bowls. 


It was solid in most departments except in the slowing down one. 
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: twowheeladdict on November 19, 2012, 04:06:34 PM
Wooops... :-[
You're right: I messed up with the KAWASAKI VN1700 Voyager
They look alike and the Kawasaki, yes, it's underpowered!  ;)

Sorry for my mistake... ::)

I don't think it is underpowered.  It pulls like a tractor.  Of course you can't compare it to the Concours which has more power than most can use (legally).

To the original poster, enjoy your bike.  Definitely one of the most comfortable stock seats ever made.  I'm not a fan of handlebar mounted fairings, but love the v4 that looks like a twin.
Title: Re: Yamaha Venture
Post by: RFH87_Connie on November 20, 2012, 05:28:15 AM
Oh yeah.  If Pam doesn't ride on that, she ain't riding nothing with you!  Please don't show it to Donna.  At least she doesn't like Goldwings - go figure.  I keep her looking at the sport bikes.