Positioning:
Premium full-dress touring motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Voyager, Indian Roadmaster (during its respective production years)
Touring Amenities:
Full fairings, ample luggage capacity (trunk, saddlebags), comfortable seating for rider and passenger, cruise control, advanced sound system
Utility:
Enables DIY maintenance and repair, reducing reliance on dealership services and saving costs.
Diagnostic Capability:
Provides the knowledge base for diagnosing complex issues, essential for any Royal Star owner.
Engine:
Engine assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission:
Gearbox operation, maintenance, repair, clutch system
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, final drive maintenance and repair
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering system
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, instrumentation, fuses, relays, electronic control units (ECUs)
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injection system (EFI), throttle body, fuel injectors
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter (if applicable)
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, seat, luggage systems, fairing components
Controls:
Throttle, clutch, brake levers, shifter operation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain/shaft drive adjustments, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild (top and bottom end), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel system component repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical issues
Rebuilding Refurbishment:
Detailed instructions for restoring components and the entire motorcycle to like-new condition
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required special tools
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics
Type:
1294cc Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 70-degree V-Four
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 66 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Approx:
98 hp @ 6000 rpm (Estimate based on period specifications)
Torque Approx:
110 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (Estimate based on period specifications)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Mikuni throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-95 octane
Oil Type:
Yamalube 4T (or equivalent API SG, JASO MA certified 10W-40 or 20W-50)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 4,000 miles or 6 months
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 8,000 miles or 12 months
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 8,000 miles or 12 months
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.3 L (4.5 US qt) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Fork seals, brake pads, tires, drive shaft splines lubrication (critical)
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally reliable, some owners report minor electrical glitches over time; the manual's wiring diagrams are crucial here.
Charging System:
Stator and rectifier can be prone to failure on higher mileage units; regular checks are advised.
Heritage:
Yamaha Motor Company, a division of Yamaha Corporation, known for its musical instruments and performance powersports vehicles.
Royal Star Line:
The Royal Star line, introduced in the mid-1990s, evolved from the V-Max into a cruiser and then a full-dress touring machine, with the Venture being the flagship touring model.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Period:
1996-2017 (Venture, with XVZ13TFL designation primarily for 1999-2010 range covered by the manual)