Our test bike has the Transcontinental (TC) accessory package ($2,000), which adds LED fog lights, a security alarm, rear speakers, dual-zone audio, passenger storage compartments and GPS navigation, CB radio and SiriusXM satellite radio to the infotainment system. Standard equipment includes adjustable rider/passenger ergonomics, adjustable levers, heated grips, seats and backrests, Sure-Park electric forward/reverse, an infotainment system (with a 7-inch color touchscreen, voice recognition, intercom, Bluetooth, Pandora and more), keyless ignition, central luggage locks, an electric windscreen, tire pressure monitoring, LED lighting, a 12V socket and two USB ports.

The Venture also has two throttle response modes, traction control, a 6-speed transmission, an assist-and-slipper clutch and linked ABS brakes.Īdvertisement Having the most cubic inches helps the Venture’s V-twin crank out the most torque, and balancers and dampers help it keep vibration and low-rpm shudder to a minimum. Other notable changes to Yamaha’s lineup of race-ready two strokes include an improved YZ85 and a new-for-2022 YZ85LW (Large Wheel) model, offering enhanced off-road performance and a more big-bike feel through the addition of a larger 19-inch front wheel, 16-inch rear wheel and longer swingarm. Refinements to the 1,854cc, 48-degree V-twin include self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters, camshaft and primary drive dampers, twin gear-driven counterbalancers and vibration-absorbing isoelastic engine mounts. Heated seats and passenger backrest are standard.Ī raw and rowdy engine may make sense for a flashy chopper like the Raider, but not for a luxury tourer like the Venture. Passenger speakers, audio controls and storage compartments come with the TC package. And instead of the derivative, Harley Electra Glide-esque styling, the new Star Venture gets modern bodywork that EIC Tuttle described as “R1-meets-1960s-Americana-muscle” in his October 2017 road test. Replacing the V-Max-derived, liquid-cooled V-4 with faux cooling fins and shaft drive is a Raider-derived, air-cooled V-twin with real cooling fins and belt drive. For 2018, with the Star cruiser line subsumed under the Yamaha brand, the Venture has returned after getting a total reboot. Our last comparison test with a Star Venture was back in 2009, when we put a Royal Star Venture S up against V-twin luxury tourers from Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki and Victory. Photos by Kevin Wing.Įditor’s Note: This Quick Read is part of our Luxury Touring Bike Comparison, which you can read here.

2022 yamaha star venture