Market Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring riders, cruiser enthusiasts, professional motorcycle technicians
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Voyager
Vehicle Highlights:
V-four engine, extensive fairing, comfortable seating, ample luggage capacity, rider amenities
Dealership Quality:
Contains the same authoritative, detailed information provided to authorized Yamaha dealerships.
Primary Coverage:
Workshop Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhaul
Estimated Page Count:
Over 500 pages (typical for professional workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Professional Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Engine System:
Complete engine overhaul, timing, valve adjustment, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission System:
Clutch, gearbox internal components, shift mechanism, final drive (shaft drive)
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork assembly (air assist, damping adjustment), rear suspension (monoshock, linkage, air assist), swingarm, wheel bearings
Braking System:
Front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, hydraulic lines, disc rotors, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, ignition, fuel injection control, instruments, wiring diagrams, diagnostic codes
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairing removal and installation, saddlebags, trunk, seat assembly, dashboard, controls, instrumentation, body panel repair
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, battery maintenance
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnostics and replacement, body panel repairs
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation
Technical Specifications:
Detailed torque values, clearances, measurements, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve, V-four
Displacement:
1294 cc (79.0 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
79.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Horsepower:
Approximately 98 HP @ 6,000 RPM (Manufacturer Claim)
Torque:
Approximately 110 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM (Manufacturer Claim)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Yamaha Fuel Injection - YFI) with electronic control unit (ECU)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Ignition Type:
Digital CDI with electronic advance
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Overall Length:
Approx. 2,590 mm (102.0 in.)
Overall Width:
Approx. 985 mm (38.8 in.)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1,575 mm (62.0 in.)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,670 mm (65.7 in.)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 360 kg (794 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 386 kg (851 lbs) (with all fluids)
Fuel Capacity:
23.0 L (6.1 gal)
Safety Compliance:
Designed to meet relevant national motorcycle safety standards for its model year.
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated disc brakes front and rear. Some models may have ABS as an option.
Suspension:
Adjustable front fork (air pressure) and rear shock for optimized handling and stability.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, brake light, and running lights for enhanced visibility.
Ergonomics:
Low seat height, comfortable handlebar position, floorboards for rider comfort and control.
Audio System:
Integrated AM/FM stereo with cassette player (typical for 1998 model). May have provisions for optional CD changer or communication systems.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system
Suspension Adjustment:
Adjustable front fork air pressure system for customizing ride quality.
Communication Systems:
Often equipped with CB radio and intercom systems for rider-passenger communication.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000 - 6,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for exact specification)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 - 26,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 12,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent motorcycle specific 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 L (4.2 US qt) with filter change (refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Pre-mixed ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 with distilled water (typically blue or green)
Fork Oil Type:
Yamaha Fork Oil (or equivalent 10W or 15W fork oil)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Final Drive Oil Type:
Yamaha Hypoid Gear Oil (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-4)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, tires, fork seals, clutch plates (depending on usage), wheel bearings.
Potential Electrical Issues:
Regulator/rectifier failure, stator winding degradation (common on many air/oil/liquid-cooled bikes of this era). Wiring harness connections can corrode over time.
Engine Specifics:
V-four engines can be sensitive to incorrect valve clearances and timing. Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity.
Brand Focus:
Yamaha is renowned for its engineering prowess, particularly in engine design and motorcycle manufacturing, with a strong history in racing and performance.
Royal Star Lineage:
The Royal Star series, introduced in the mid-1990s, represented Yamaha's entry into the premium American-style cruiser and touring market, featuring the distinctive V-four engine.
Venture Positioning:
The Venture model was positioned as the top-tier touring variant, equipped with full fairings, ample luggage, and touring amenities.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Likely Iwata Plant)
Industry Awards:
While specific awards for the 1998 model are not prominently documented, the Royal Star line consistently received praise for its blend of American styling, Japanese engineering, and touring comfort.
Long Term Reliability:
Generally considered a reliable and robust touring platform with proper maintenance. The V-four engine is known for its smooth power delivery and durability.
