Yamaha Introduces All-New Star Venture

CYPRESS, Calif. - June 5, 2017 - Yamaha Motor
Corporation, USA, today introduced the all-new Star Venture touring
motorcycle model combining a new level of power, technology and
comfort features that will redefine the luxury touring motorcycle
market.
JOURNEY FURTHER
Powered by an air-cooled 113 cubic inch (1854cc) V-twin
fuel-injected engine, the Star Venture incorporates
never-before-seen features on a touring model like forward-reverse
'Sure Park' parking assist, dual-zone audio capability, "Drive
Mode" settings that adjust throttle response, traction control,
adjustable rider backrest, heated grips as well as rider/passenger
seats and backrests, a fully featured infotainment system and more.
These features set the all-new Star Venture apart, while Yamaha's
renowned quality, performance and reliability plant it firmly on
top of the luxury touring segment.
"The all-new Star Venture is one of the most highly anticipated and
important new motorcycles to come from Yamaha in years, and
everyone here is extremely excited to introduce this impactful new
model to the world of touring enthusiasts," said Mike Doughty,
General Manager of Yamaha's
Motorcycle Group. "As the 'Journey Further' tagline indicates,
the Star Venture will make you want to travel farther and
experience more while enjoying the comfort, performance, and
technology features you expect from Yamaha."
ENGINE
The Star Venture boasts a massive and torque-rich 113 cubic inch
(1854cc) air-cooled V-twin engine with a class-leading 126
pound-feet of torque providing smooth and responsive power delivery
even when fully loaded. The huge torque and relaxing V-twin pulse
are complemented by lightweight forged alloy pistons,
carefully-tuned twin counterbalancers and advanced composite engine
mounts, which combine to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride on
long days in the saddle while reducing fatigue. The engine's
semi-dry-sump design lowers the effective center of gravity by
allowing the engine to sit lower in the frame. An external oil tank
is integrated into the aluminum subframe to centralize mass and
reduce weight, and a compact oil cooler is hidden between the front
frame down tubes to help maintain ideal engine temperatures.
Developed specifically for the needs of long-distance touring, the
Star Venture's new six-speed transmission features ratios chosen to
make the most of the huge low-end torque - from brisk acceleration
in lower gears to relaxed highway cruising. At 75 MPH in sixth
gear, the Star Venture cruises along at an ultra-smooth 2750
RPM.
The most technologically advanced luxury touring model in history,
the Star Venture features a new Yamaha Sure-Park System that
provides forward and reverse drive modes simplifying otherwise
potentially tricky parking situations, even on rough or poor
traction surfaces.
Yamaha's Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T®), a
ride-by-wire throttle control system, converts the rider's grip
input into calculated throttle control providing precise and
refined responsiveness. Yamaha D-Mode allows the rider to choose
from two different throttle response settings - an ultra-smooth
touring mode, and a sport mode for sharper response, while the
traction control system helps prevent wheel spin when dealing with
reduced traction road conditions. Yamaha is the first manufacturer
to offer this type of system in the full-dress touring class. A
finely-tuned cruise control system also comes standard on the Star
Venture providing for less fatigue and improved fuel economy.
The Star Venture's exhaust system features a twin-muffler design
with a throaty V-twin exhaust note. To achieve optimum sound
quality, Yamaha carefully developed the exhaust tone throughout the
entire RPM range in collaboration with the audiophiles at Yamaha
Music.
Paired alternators - mounted low and forward in the engine cases -
provide ample electrical power for the heated seats and grips,
audio system and lighting. With 750 watts of total output, riders
can add common electrical accessories and usual heated apparel
without taxing the motorcycle's charging system.
INFOTAINMENT
The all-new Star Venture features a state-of-the-art infotainment
system mounted high in the cockpit for maximum visibility. A 7-inch
full-color LCD screen displays an array of information. Controlled
via touchscreen, handlebar controls or voice commands via accessory
headset and mic, the infotainment package gives the rider access to
vehicle control and data, a range of audio sources and wireless
Bluetooth® communications options. The locking fairing storage
includes a USB charging and interface port. By integrating vehicle
systems into the infotainment console, running data such as trip
computer functions and tire pressure can be easily confirmed
on-screen, while elements such as the heated seats can be
controlled by the rider.
Boasting paired high-performance speakers, the Star Venture audio
package features AM/FM radio and can also play pre-recorded music
or stream Pandora® from a smart phone via the onboard USB, AUX
stereo or Bluetooth® wireless connection options.
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
The Star Venture is built around an advanced hybrid chassis
designed for light, agile handling with confidence-inspiring
stability. The main steel frame provides optimal rigidity, while
the rear aluminum die-cast subframe reduces weight and centralizes
mass creating balanced straight-line stability with agile handling
on curvy roads.
A 46mm telescopic fork features damping and spring rates selected
to offer an ideal balance of bump absorption and high speed
handling, all without losing a light and responsive road feel. The
rear suspension system features a linkage-type, gas-pressurized,
remote reservoir shock to create a compact design for optimized
handling. As with the front fork, damping and spring rates were
carefully considered to give the Star Venture an ideal balance of
comfort and road feel, with convenient rear shock tuning thanks to
a remote preload adjuster.
Unbeatable braking confidence is achieved through high-performance,
triple-disc brakes featuring advanced electronic control. Yamaha's
Unified Braking System dynamically adjusts front and rear brake
force balance in real time to ensure linear braking feel and power,
and Yamaha's refined antilock braking system (ABS) prevents wheel
lock-ups when dealing with reduced traction road conditions.
Lightweight front and rear aluminum alloy wheels are finished with
machined detailing that highlights the combination of lightness and
strength. Up front, the 18-inch wheel features a 130/70 radial tire
for light and neutral steering feel, while the rear 16-inch rim
mounts a large 200/55 radial for stunning style and road grip.
Both rider and passenger can customize their comfort and
ride position. Five-position hand levers and a 3 position back rest
with adjustable heat control on both the seat and backrest cater to
the rider, while height-adjustable passenger floorboards and a
heated seat and backrest keep the passenger comfortable.
Air management is crucial for any long distance touring motorcycle.
Providing more air flow in hot conditions and reducing air flow in
cold weather was a key element in the development of the Star
Venture. A stylish full-coverage fairing provides ample wind
protection, and the electronically adjustable windscreen offers
more than 3.5 inches of vertical positioning. External visors at
the middle of the fairing can be adjusted to direct air towards or
away from riders depending on conditions. And ducted vents inside
the lower fairing can be opened or closed to further customize
airflow for changing conditions. An array of heated contact points,
including grips, rider seat, rider backrest, passenger seat and
passenger backrest all come standard.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The Star Venture also includes a class-leading 6.6-gallon fuel tank
and all-LED lighting. The side cases, top case and upper and lower
faring storage compartments provide a combined total of 37.3
gallons of storage volume. The USB outlet-equipped fairing storage
compartment, side cases and top case all feature electric locking
lids straight from the factory. Yamaha's Smart Key system with
remote key fob allows for easy access to the luggage system and
fuel tank cap, offers an "answer-back" function for locating the
motorcycle in a crowded parking area and provides for simplified
starting.
TRANSCONTINENTAL OPTION PACKAGE
A range of infotainment upgrades are available with the Star
Venture Transcontinental Option Package, including GPS navigation
with points-of-interest and route logging to help simplify the
planning, sharing and uploading of ride routes from a home
computer. A CB radio system can link riders to other road users,
while SiriusXM® and SiriusXM Travel Link® provides satellite music,
weather and traffic information. With an extra pair of high-output
passenger speakers and Yamaha's exclusive Dual Zone audio control -
allowing rider and passenger to select different audio sources,
hold private phones calls and more with an accessory headset and
mic - the Transcontinental Option Package offers one of the most
advanced infotainment systems ever featured on a motorcycle.
Along with the infotainment upgrades, the package includes
supplemental LED fog lamps, an additional pair of storage
compartments for the passenger and an alarmed security system.
The
all-new Star Venture will be available in Granite Gray and
Raspberry Metallic at Yamaha dealers beginning in August 2017 with
a MSRP of $24,999 for base models, and $26,999 for models equipped
with the Transcontinental Option Package. Authorized Yamaha dealers
will begin taking orders through a Priority Delivery Program
immediately following the model introduction on June
5th, 2017.