2007 Yamaha Venture/Venture Midnight

     It’s never too early to think about the next riding season as manufacturers are already announcing their 2007 offerings. One particular model I am glad to see return for the new model year is the Yamaha Venture. If you are looking for a cruiser that offers more than the average motorcycle, you owe it to yourself to check out the 2007 Venture.

     While basically a cruiser style bike, the Venture has the touring extras that make those longer trips more enjoyable. In addition to color matched hard side bags and trunk, there’s cruise control and a full fairing. The Venture also comes standard with an integrated audio system including a CB radio and intercom. Try and find those standard accessories on your average cruiser!

     Today’s Venture has been around since 1999 and is significantly different from its previous incarnations. Initially, back in 1983, Yamaha presented the Venture as a straight up touring model designed to compete directly with Honda’s very successful Goldwing. Unlike Kawasaki and Suzuki, who used existing platforms with in-line four engines, Yamaha opted for an all-new approach using a water cooled V-four overhead cam engine and a frame with an adjustable suspension which offers good rider ergonomics.

     The original version of this bike was in production from 1983 to 1986. In 1987, Yamaha made a number of changes including upping the engine displacement to 1300cc. That version went on for another 6 years until 1993 when we saw the last Venture roll onto showroom floors. The bike didn’t totally die then and there however, Yamaha employed the Venture’s power plant in another performance bike (albeit with some tweaks to wring out more horsepower) that would become a legend in it’s own right – the V-Max. From there, this same platform later gave rise to a cruiser version that was designated Royal Star. As the Royal Star grew in popularity, accessories began to build up for this large capacity cruiser and it seemed inevitable that out of this, the Venture would be reborn. In 1999, that’s exactly what happened. Yamaha utilized what had become the Royal Star cruiser platform and added all the bells and whistles that would make a truly deluxe touring cruiser. Incidentally, Honda had done the same thing that year, taking a Goldwing off-shoot cruiser, named Valkyrie, and added similar touring amenities such as hard bags, trunk, fairing and audio equipment. Honda’s model was the Valkyrie Interstate, but alas, its production lasted only a few short years.

     The Venture has continued on and seen several mechanical tweaks since it’s initial introduction, most notably in its mono-shock rear suspension. Today’s model offers additional features such as a trunk lid that props itself open, integrated passenger grab rails and roomy floorboards. Being a cruiser platform, the bike utilizes forward controls that feature a well spaced heel-toe shifter, allowing for comfortable foot placement, and a large, easy to find, brake pedal.

     Venture’s cruising power is derived from its 1294cc, DOHC, water-cooled, V-4 engine that is fed by four 32mm Mikuni CV carburetors. The carburetors have built-in 15-watt heaters that help insure even performance in all conditions. Developing a claimed 98 horsepower, engine output is fed through a 5-speed transmission and delivered to the rear wheel via shaft drive. A hydraulic clutch provides for smooth shifting. Suspension is telescopic fork up front and the aforementioned mono-shock in the rear; both with adjustable air assist. Stopping duties are easily handled by twin disc brakes in the front and a single disc at the rear wheel.

     With a 67.1-inch wheelbase, the Venture is almost 4 inches longer than an Electra Glide. At 807 lbs. (dry weight) it’s only 40 lbs heaver than the comparable Harley model. Seat height is 29.5 – about average for any cruiser model. Gas tank capacity is 6 gallons, which translates to about a 200-mile cruising range, depending on your driving habits and road conditions.

     One of the more valuable features of the 2007 Venture is the 5-year factory warranty. This is amazing since it seems that most cycle manufacturers have rolled back their warranty coverage to the one-to-two year range. More amazing is that this warranty includes roadside assistance! How’s that for peace of mind?