2018 Yamaha Star Venture
Yamaha has filled a gap in its line-up with the launch of the luxo tourer – but only in North America at this stageHere's the Yamaha Star Venture full-dress luxury tourer, the company's answer to the likes of the Honda Gold Wing, Indian Roadmaster range, Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited and BMW Motorrad K 1600 GTL.
While the company has sportstourers and cruisers in its line-up, the Star Venture plugs a hole – and the specs suggest that it's taking the plunge all guns blazing.
The Star Venture is powered by a ride-by-wire 1854cc air-cooled V-twin engine with cruise and traction control, and other features includes a seven-inch touch-screen infotainment system, lockable saddlebags, storage galore, an electronically adjustable windscreen, heated grips and seats, an adjustable backrest, and a system dubbed 'Sure Park' which is an electric motor that helps riders to manoeuvre the bike – forward and reverse – in tight situations.
The four-valve engine has basically been overhauled from the existing unit found in the Roadliner XV1900A, which includes adding an overdrive sixth gear and now using twin counterbalancers as well as rubber mounts to keep the vibes under control.
It remains belt-driven for minimum maintenance – that also holds for the hydraulic valves – with a claimed peak torque of 171Nm at 2500rpm.
The Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) offers sport and touring modes, and the engine also has a new air intake and exhaust as well as a revised cam profile.
At this stage, the Star Venture will remain a North American model, and there are no plans to bring it Down Under. But funnier things have happened…
The base package will go on sale in America for $US24,999 ($A33,100).
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