Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance riders, touring enthusiasts, and owners seeking comprehensive self-maintenance capabilities.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Voyager, Indian Roadmaster.
Vehicle Strengths:
Powerful V-four engine, comfortable ergonomics, extensive touring amenities, and robust build quality.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, significantly reducing dealership service costs.
Empowerment:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to understand and maintain their motorcycle, enhancing reliability and longevity.
Engine And Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of engine disassembly, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, and exhaust systems.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, final drive, and lubrication.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork, rear suspension, swingarm, steering system, and frame components.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder, hydraulic lines, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator/stator), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, and starter motor.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and throttle body.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, luggage systems, and cosmetic components.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common issues, fault codes, and diagnostic procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment (if applicable), and fluid checks.
Component Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, carburetor (if applicable) or fuel injection system servicing, and brake caliper rebuilding.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing electrical faults, testing components, and following wiring diagrams.
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, and steering bearing replacement.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire mounting and balancing, wheel bearing inspection and replacement.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and component rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics.
Configuration:
1294cc (79.0 cu in) liquid-cooled, DOHC, 32-valve, 90-degree V-four
Bore X Stroke:
81 mm x 63 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 98 HP (at crankshaft, may vary slightly by year/market)
Torque:
Approx. 86 lb-ft (at crankshaft, may vary slightly by year/market)
Induction:
Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (Research Octane Number)
Type:
Digital TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Length:
Approx. 2590 mm (102.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 975 mm (38.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1570 mm (61.8 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 348 kg (767 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 372 kg (820 lbs)
Maximum Load Capacity:
Approx. 200 kg (440 lbs) including rider, passenger, and luggage
Front Tire Size:
150/80R16
Rear Tire Size:
150/80R16
Front Wheel Size:
MT3.50 x 16
Rear Wheel Size:
MT4.00 x 16
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (Standard for many Japanese vehicles)
Crash Test Data:
Motorcycle safety ratings are generally not standardized like automotive; focus is on structural integrity and rider protection through design.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, with Linked Yamaha Braking System (LYBIS) on some models for integrated braking.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, auxiliary driving lights, LED taillight and brake lights.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy steel frame designed for stability and rider comfort.
Ergonomics:
Comfortable seating position, wind protection from fairings and windscreen, floorboards for rider comfort.
Audio System:
Integrated AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player (depending on specific year/trim) and CB radio/intercom compatibility on some models.
Speakers:
Fairing-mounted and rear passenger speakers.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system for highway riding comfort (standard on Venture models).
Accessory Ports:
12V auxiliary power outlets for charging devices.
Dashboard Display:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock, and various indicator lights.
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 4,000 miles or 6 months (refer to specific manual for exact interval)
Spark Plugs:
Check at 8,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to specific manual)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 4,000 miles, clean/replace as needed (refer to specific manual)
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 2 years or as needed (refer to specific manual)
Coolant:
Check level regularly, flush and replace every 2 years (refer to specific manual)
Engine Oil:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 L (3.9 US qt) with filter change; 3.5 L (3.7 US qt) without filter change.
Coolant:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (ethylene glycol-based) with demineralized water, 50:50 mix.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Final Drive Oil:
Yamalube Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 85W-90 API GL-5.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on connectors, particularly in the charging system or lighting circuits, can lead to intermittent faults.
Suspension Seals:
Front fork seals can wear over time, leading to oil leaks.
Idle Control System:
Some models might experience minor issues with idle speed stability due to sensor or valve issues; covered in troubleshooting.
Rear Shock ABSorbers:
Original rear shock absorbers may lose damping effectiveness over extended mileage, impacting ride comfort.
Yamaha Motor Company:
Founded in 1955, Yamaha is renowned for its musical instrument heritage and has a long-standing reputation for innovation and quality in motorcycles.
Royal Star Lineage:
The Royal Star series debuted in 1996 as a cruiser, with the Venture touring variant introduced shortly after, leveraging the powerful V-four engine and focusing on premium touring features.
Design Philosophy:
Designed to compete with established American touring bikes by offering Japanese engineering precision, reliability, and advanced features, particularly its distinctive V-four engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some assembly possibly occurring in other Yamaha facilities.
Initial Release Year:
1996 (Royal Star platform), Venture variant shortly thereafter.
Key Updates Onward:
Models from 1998 onwards continued to refine features, electronics, and comfort, with variations in color schemes and accessory packages.
Motorcycle Reviews:
Consistently praised in motorcycle publications for its V-four engine smoothness, comfortable ride, and comprehensive touring features, often winning comparisons in the luxury touring segment.
Industry Acclaim:
Yamaha's V-four engine technology, used in the Royal Star, has received accolades for its performance, reliability, and unique character.