On initial viewing when Yamaha announced this new behemoth I was impressed. However, they lost me when I read "air cooled" and 40# heavier than a GL1800. 2018 dollars for 1940's technology just doesn't work for me.

 

What you’re saying is the state of the art infotainment system, fuel injection, traction control, fly by wire throttle, slipper clutch, touring and sport throttle response modes is 1940’s technology.

Funny thing is I don’t recall my Dad mentioning any of those items as being available on a motorcycle in the 40’s.


:doorag:

 

Well..... it looks like the delivery and availability wars are over. Yamaha wins.

:congrats:

 

Actually I think HD won.....I had a '18 in my garage since September...>

 

New toy day is always a great day. Hopefully the new owner will lay down a pile of worry/trouble free miles.


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Wow that's a big bike. And the guys helmet looks huge to!

 

Altho I wouldn't buy one, it sure looks good and if Yamaha made it, you know it's going to be a great machine air cooled V-Twin not-with-standing. I love all bikes and thanks for posting.

 

You can't always get what you want. (reminds me of a song) Yamaha and Honda both missed the boat with me.

 

The new venture does look nice. Had a chance to get a bit closer to one at Americade but have not rode on one.
I too have been a Yamaha guy. I have had great luck with Yamaha bikes and for the last 6 years have been riding the 1700 Roadstar. I had an 1100 VStar before that. I seriously considered the Venture because it does have some great features and capabilities. However there are a number of Youtube video reviews where they complain the heat coming from the bike is almost unbearable. Really that was one of the main reasons I decided to make the move to a wing instead of the Venture.
Again am sure the Venture is a great bike and many people will be extremely happy with it however am excited to start putting some miles on a new to me 2014 level 4 Wing.

 

I saw one last week and it was very impressive. The engine sounded OK but needs pipes. Loved the huge, deep trunk - huge selling point for me, easy to fit our helmets in there (they never did fit together in the trunk of our Goldwing). Saddle bags are also huge. The numerous, bright taillights are impressive. Long floorboards. Bike felt good. Don't know if the seat would work without a long ride to test it. Jap bikes seem to be short in comfortable seats. If I was in the market I could be interested in trading my FLHTK.

 

Loved the huge, deep trunk - huge selling point for me, easy to fit our helmets in there (they never did fit together in the trunk of our Goldwing).

I put two helmets in my trunk all the time.

 

If I leave my bike for more than an minute or two I take the helmet with me. They're way to expensive to leave on a bike even in the trunk. It might be a pain but it's a lot cheaper than replacing an expensive helmet.

 

there is a video from a test ride on the Yamaha.....fellow had several big concerns: lots of engine heat (it was a warm day), steering at slow speed was bad, poor acceleration, seat comfort.....I recall he said at higher speeds it was smooth, but still lacked power to accelerate

 

I test rode one. My impression was no noticeable engine heat on a 75 degree day (but I believe it would be an issue on hot days based on various reports), I thought it handled great a slow speeds, I agree with the poor acceleration, rev limiter kicked in a fairly low RPMS, seat comfort was fine for me and my wife (but how can you really tell on a 20 minute test ride?), nice narrow chassis and low seat height inspired much confidence for my inseam challenged body as I could flat foot the bike with bended knee vs. tippy toe on the wing. In fact I love pretty much everything about the bike accept the engine performance.

John

 

Ah, I see the naysayers are here calling me a liar. We use a Nolan N91 modular and an Arai CT-Z. Both have J&M intercoms. These helmets are large and will not fit in the Wing's trunk at the same time. Due to their value I didn't like hanging them off the back of the bike. They fit fine in my current trunk. The Yamaha trunk looks even larger. If the Goldwing's trunk didn't curve inwards at the top they would fit.

 

I was very disappointed when Yamaha didn't show up for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis. Even though I'll never own one because of the V Twin. I was looking forward to seeing one. Always nice to see a new addition to the touring line of motorcycles.

Hope your friend has a lot of happy, safe miles on His!

 

Thought i read some post / video that had a fan "above " n between the jugs that blew air " down as so to dissapate heat better ! ?????

 

Perhaps you are thinking of the Lenale and the the Love Jugs fans for HD’s?

:doorag:

 

After all the unexplained delays it’s Nice to hear the new Yamaha is now available for the public to actually see or buy.
Went for my first ride of the 2018 season today, it’s a beautiful day here but there are spots where the snow is blowing across and freezing to the roads so I’m going back home and hoping for clearer roads tomorrow, maybe tomorrow I will take a ride somewhere to see this new Yamaha in a dealer showroom.

 

I, and my riding buddy, were super excited when Yamaha put the teasers out for a new touring bike. Yamaha has been top self for some time when it comes to quality. Slowly the excitement faded. I've been a Wing and Harley guy for many many years, and know what a V-Twin in heavy, stop and go and stop and inch along and stop again, traffic is like. Even so, in Sturgis last year I saw the Yam set up and quickly went in. They were still setting up but had a few TCs sitting out there. I crawled all over and under that puppy. Didn't like the seat but that is a common issue for me, not brand specific. Couldn't test ride it, not sure if they allowed any test rides. Also I watched a few youtube videos of guys reviewing it, TwoWheelObsession did a nice review and repeatedly mentioned the heat. Lots of pluses but a few overriding cons, for me. Then Honda comes out with the new Wing which no doubt dented Yamahas sales forecasts. I'm staying with the Wing, maybe adding an FJR or Connie for some more spirited riding, but the TC/Eluder is no longer even considered.

 

Having had a Raider & after experiencing it overheating to shutdown several times on a 2 week trip, I totally concur with the old tech comments above. We traveled from Washington State to S Dakota, 2 up & pulling a small trailer (160# loaded) in 2013. The 1900cc V twin had a 120 Cu in upgrade & ran great until it got above 85°f. It just could not deal with the heat. Last airhead for me. Next was an ST1300, & now an 08' Lev 3 Wing. For touring, liquid cooling & shaft drive are requirements for me anyway. Love love love the Wing!

 

I have a feeling the air cooled motor will be water cooled very soon. A lot of complaints about heat on a new top of the line touring bike isn't good for sales

 

Why does a thread about a person getting a new bike, have to turn into everyone explaining why they won’t own one? The new owner got what he wanted and that is good enough for me.




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Why does a thread about a person getting a new bike, have to turn into everyone explaining why they won’t own one?

Typical human nature? >> :shrug:


:doorag:

 

I guess Yamaha thinks a lot of people like the cylinder to wheel ratio of 1:1.:smile2:

 

Oh, that was painful.