Rider Magazine's October issue contained a very positive review of the 2017 Star Venture. It was originally advertised that they'd reach dealers sometime in September. It was a decent day so we took a ride to a Yamaha dealer (Motor Sports Intl) in Auburn, MA to maybe get a look just for fun. No Star Ventures there. The salesman told us the same thing that the article reports at the link below. Star Ventures delayed until Christmas.
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/09/05/2018-yamaha-star-venture-delivery-delayed/I asked the salesman if any customers put down a $500 deposit to pre-order. His response, no, none. I wouldn't want to put down a non-refundable $500 deposit on at $25,000 plus motorcycle either without a test ride.
We looked around the showroom. There were two pre-owned silver GoldWings there. Sherry got a look at the back seat and said, "I want that!". Mind you, she's only had two rides on the Valkyrie in recent history. Of course I said, "no, I'm not buying that." I do think the Goldwing could use a face lift. I asked the salesman about it. He said there's not even a hint of any changes to the Goldwing from Honda.
We found a good diner in Webster on the way home, the Alley Cat Diner. It's just a little bit west of route 12 on route 16 westbound on the right side. It's biker friendly, good food and service with lots of grub for the money. If you're in the area and hungry, I recommend it.
It was a fun ride.
