One area that is often overlooked is the gear shift lever. Having a bike set up to fit your preferences can make a big difference in how easy it is to operate. They adjust the mirrors and levers before they even start the bike’s engine. If you rack on the kilometres, however, know that the price comes with a five-year warranty.Experienced riders have a ritual every time they get on a new bike. But it also comes with a big price, starting at $31,999, which is more than the Road Glide Ultra and the Gold Wing, and right on par with the K1600GTL. The Yamaha Star Venture TC is the new (big) kid on the block in the luxury-touring category, and it is loaded with features it is smooth and torquey, and it is manageable despite its size. Engine vibration is almost non-existent, but unfortunately, at speed the bike generates a fair amount of helmet buffeting that disturbs an otherwise smooth ride. Suspension compliance is firm enough to keep the bike planted through sweepers, while soaking up the majority of bumps without harshness.įairing deflectors are adjustable manually, and they combine with the adjustable windscreen to reduce the effects of bad weather on the rider considerably at highway speeds, especially appreciated during an interstate run in cold, single-digit morning temperatures. The chassis is rigid, providing rail-like stability, while making turning transitions effortless. Adding a passenger and gear for a weekend ride will tax passing power, and it’s here where the Venture will likely suffer when compared with the Gold Wing or the K1600GTL, as they have more pulling power in the upper revs, especially the latter.Īs mentioned earlier, the bulk of the bike’s weight sits low, which contributes to very light, neutral steering. Pulling power is, nonetheless, ample when riding solo with no luggage. This isn’t a problem unless you want to make a quick pass in the lower gears, where the engine picks up speed quickly, and then bounces off the limiter rather abruptly. The engine is remarkably smooth, and though it is very torquey it has a low rev limit of 4,500 rpm. Oh yes, the bike has a key fob for keyless staring, and it operates the saddlebag and top-case locks remotely. There are convenient storage compartments in the fairing the right one contains a USB connector for electronic device connectivity, and it locks electrically using the key fob. You can also control the infotainment system via the handlebar switchgear, though there are a couple of issues with the controls: You can only set and adjust the seat and grip heat through screen menus, which is inconvenient, and the windshield’s adjustment buttons are located on the left side of the fuel tank panel, out of easy reach. The passenger, when connected to the bike with a headset, can listen to a separate audio source than the rider, and has access to listening controls, as well as seat-heat control. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your smart phone or a helmet headset the latter can also be used to control the infotainment system through voice commands. The screen, which can be used with gloves, is used to control the infotainment system, which includes and AM/FM radio, Sirius XM satellite radio (a three-month subscription is included), a CB radio, and an imbedded GPS navigation system. The first thing you notice when seated is the prominent seven-inch colour touchscreen flanked by analogue gauges. There’s ample storage capacity for rider and passenger, with 144 litres of storage space available in the top case, saddlebags and fairing compartments two full-face helmets can be stored in the top case. Traction control, cruise control, two ride modes, a tire pressure monitor, and an alarm system are also standard. Seat and grip heat are standard, as is the passenger backrest. The TC stands for transcontinental, denoting long-distance travel, so the Venture is loaded with features.
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