Model:
Royal Star Venture S Midnight
Model Variant:
Venture S Midnight
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Vin Code:
N/A (Motorcycle, VIN structure differs)
Positioning:
The Yamaha Royal Star Venture S Midnight was positioned as a premium, full-dress touring motorcycle designed for long-distance comfort and style. It appealed to riders seeking a classic aesthetic with modern V-twin power and amenities.
Competitors:
Competed directly with other American-style touring motorcycles such as the Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, and Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad during its production run.
Features:
Iconic 'Midnight' blacked-out styling, powerful 1294cc V-Four engine, comfortable rider and passenger accommodations, ample storage (touring trunk and saddlebags), integrated audio system (on many variants), advanced suspension, shaft drive for low maintenance.
Engine:
1294cc (1300cc) V-Four, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder; Engine assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetion or injection depending on exact sub-model), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
5-speed manual; Clutch operation, transmission internal components, gear shifting mechanism, final drive (shaft drive).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery, lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, ignition coils, sensors, fuses, relays.
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, front suspension (forks, steering bearings), rear suspension (shock absorbers, swingarm), wheel bearings, brake system (front and rear discs, calipers, master cylinders, hydraulic lines), clutch system.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, body panel repair and finishing, luggage systems (touring cases, trunk), seat assembly, windshield adjustment/replacement, trim components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance checks, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, drive shaft lubrication, clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, valve clearance checks and adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues, starting problems, braking system concerns.
Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, suspension fork servicing, brake caliper rebuilding, electrical component replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Depth:
Complete factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, timing, and electrical schematics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Format Details:
PDF (Portable Document Format). Searchable text for easy content retrieval. High-resolution scans of original factory documentation.
Printability:
Printable. Pages can be printed individually or as a complete manual for workshop use.
Binding:
Digital download (no physical binding).
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital format).
Operating Systems:
Compatible with all versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, V-Four
Displacement:
1294 cc (79.0 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 75.0 mm (approximate, confirm specific sub-model)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (approximate, confirm specific sub-model)
Horsepower:
Approximately 98 HP @ 6,000 RPM (claimed, may vary slightly by year)
Torque:
Approximately 115 lb-ft @ 4,750 RPM (claimed, may vary slightly by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (Mikuni BDSR40 x 4) for earlier models, Fuel Injection (EFI) for later models (confirm specific year's system).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.5 US gallons (20.8 Liters)
Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Yamaha Coolant (or equivalent) - mixture of 50% ethylene glycol and 50% distilled water.
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh 5-speed
Clutch:
Wet, multi-plate, manual operation
Final Drive:
Shaft drive, enclosed, spiral bevel gear
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios, generally optimized for touring (e.g., 1st: 2.400, 2nd: 1.785, 3rd: 1.370, 4th: 1.100, 5th: 0.916).
Transmission Fluid:
Yamalube Gear Oil (or equivalent) SAE 80W-90 API GL-4.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 0.7 US quarts (0.65 Liters) for final drive.
Overall Length:
Approximately 100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Overall Width:
Approximately 35.4 inches (900 mm)
Overall Height:
Approximately 57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 67.3 inches (1710 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 790 lbs (358 kg)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 858 lbs (389 kg) (fully fueled and ready to ride)
Max Load Capacity:
Refer to manual, typically around 500 lbs for rider, passenger, and luggage.
Front Tire Size:
130/70R18 M/C 63H
Rear Tire Size:
150/80R16 M/C 71H
Front Wheel Type:
Cast aluminum
Rear Wheel Type:
Cast aluminum
Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Motorcycle wheel mounting differs)
Safety Certifications:
Meets or exceeds all applicable federal motorcycle safety standards for its model years.
Braking System:
Hydraulic dual front disc brakes, Hydraulic rear disc brake. Often equipped with linked braking or ABS on later variants (confirm specific model year).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight/brake light, amber turn signals, passing lights (on some models).
Frame Construction:
Steel double-cradle frame designed for stability and ride comfort.
Suspension:
Telescopic front forks (air-assisted on some models), Monocross rear suspension with adjustable pre-load and rebound damping.
Audio System:
Many Venture S Midnight models feature an integrated audio system with AM/FM radio, cassette player, and often a CD changer port or integration. Speaker placement is typically in the fairing lowers and/or trunk.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control is a standard feature on the Venture S, enhancing long-distance comfort.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional or standard feature on certain model years of the Venture S. Manual will cover its operation and basic troubleshooting.
Charging Ports:
May include accessory power outlets for charging devices (confirm specific model year). Manual will detail wiring for accessories.
Initial Service:
Typically at 600 miles (1,000 km) for first service, including oil change, filter inspection, and general inspection.
Regular Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically at 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km) or as specified in the manual.
Coolant Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4, SAE J1703 or FMVSS-116.
Fork Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., Showa SS-03 or equivalent).
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, tires, clutch plates, spark plugs, drive shaft splines (require periodic greasing).
Potential Issues:
Corrosion on chrome components (if not maintained), regulator/rectifier failures (common on many bikes of this era), occasional issues with electronic components if exposed to excessive moisture.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha Motor Company has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, renowned for innovation, performance, and reliability across a wide range of models, from sportbikes to cruisers and touring machines.
Royal Star Lineage:
The Royal Star line began with the Royal Star in 1996, a cruiser styled motorcycle. The Venture variant was introduced to offer a full-dress touring package, and the Venture S enhanced the styling with blacked-out components and other premium features.
Production Years:
The Yamaha Royal Star Venture (and its variants like the S and Midnight) was produced from the late 1990s through the mid-2010s, with the 1999-2012 range covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
