Changing gears is easy, but, surprisingly, the Harley’s hydraulic clutch requires the strongest pull and feels grabby compared to the other two. We’ve complained about engine heat on Thunder Stroke 111-powered Indians before, and the situation hasn’t changed.
Bumpy roads? I’ve looked at a few now-every one has had a kink or bend in the windshield bezel-which in itself is just a thin strip of aluminum.
A reverse gear would be a HUGE improvement.
The first 800 mile day I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t go for an Ironbutt, still flet good. No such luck on the Venture. Lots of plastic, parts that don’t fit all that well, just a general impression that put a price point as a major factor. I love everything about the Indian except the heat. Love the air cooled v twin.As full dressers, these bikes have big fairings, big king-and-queen seats, big trunks and big saddlebags. Besides the new colours and styles, the…Diamond Races is a new road racing festival which will be held in October 2021 on the Isle of Wight…. I can’t speak for the Yamaha but I am very familiar with the cramped HD.Only the Indian has a handlebar-mounted fairing, and the weight of the fairing, electric windscreen, infotainment system and front speakers has an adverse effect on handling. It’s smoother, more fun to wind out and loads cooler.I do find the Venture appealing-all the features of the RM (except QD trunk afaik) plus park assist/electric reverse. And the Yamaha? Mine gets about 170 before I hit reserve, and its hauling my 280 lb. I know enough Venture forum members and Yamaha star members that say they were disappointed with the V twin decision. I have a 29″ inseam and the Harley is a little tall for me. The second generation V-Max motor weighs less than that lard-assed V-twin. I am a smaller, older rider (66 years old, 5’6″ and 170 pounds), and I have no problem whatsoever with the handling of my Roadmaster, through curves and with strong cross winds. Grab a handful of brakes and V Star wins the braking duel with only two fingers; the Harley's feel like wood blocks. it’s HOT and the motor transmits all the excitement of watching paint dry. But you’ll be slammed by Indian owners tho lol. Except that “Harley” was a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan. I had a Stratoliner for years and it was by far the best bike I have ever owned. But back to the point. But under these conditions even a liquid cooled bike isn’t much fun.I’d buy a Venture in a millisecond if it came with the VMAX Gen2 engine.I upgraded from a 2010 cross country to a 18 venture and I’m very happy.
963lbs. Ask for this V Star 250 by stock number 2021063 or make and model.
One issue I had with the HDs was the cramped position of the floorboards, particularly with the heel-toe shifter. smooth running V-4s.It’s not just the bike but it’s what you get when you join the Harley family…dealer support that is easy to find across the world. Better paint, lots (but tasteful) chrome. How was it going to weigh more? As for the Heat; take off your insulated pants. So does my R1200RT, which is 520lbs. The bike is 2″ lower than the standard limited. Indian makes one helluva good motorcycle; right off the showroom floor.The Yamaha has heated passenger seat, backrest, and heated passenger grips. Star Venture Transcontinental – 963 lb.Thank you for being part of this journey.Star Venture features a 1,845 cc air-cooled V-twin developing 126 pound-feet of torque and “leaves the rest of the class in the dust”, according to Yamaha. BMW announced a couple of new setups for its 2021 motorcycle model range. I rode an Indian RM…no comparison to the Venture.
The Harley would place second or worse in every category and still somehow the Harley still wins…Why would you need to stop every 100 miles? Needing to change a HD big twin drive belt in the out back in 100 deg heat is like needing an operating theatre to remove a splinter.I test drove the Victory CC and right off the bat I noticed the bike was top heavy and had a clunky trans and an anemic engine.
I would have bought the new Venture with the water cooled V4 .. Now Yamaha says opinions from touring riders and passengers preferred a V twin. but i do not need any of these bikes. That’s pretty low.Not everyone believes a archaic V twin is thee answer for a touring bikes engine. Holy shite. My wife & I put 40,000 miles on it and enjoyed every mile. The leather seat looks more upscale. My 106 puts out better numbers than the new Yamaha with no internal mods, I still have more storage, more cornering clearance, and more stretch out comfort than any touring bike. Way much worse than even the Indian. In 90 plus whether, the bike is a towering inferno whether sitting still or on the move.How about the new-kid-on-the-block Yamaha? Sure there is heat but not bad. I’ll just stick to these three and be happy for now altho I WILL give the Yamaha a test ride just because…I’m a Harley lover through and through.