New Yamaha Bagger

[Alpha Dog]

I predicted this back in June 5 upon release of the Venture, however I expected not until 2019. 

First off I like the looks and the tech.  I am not thrilled by the estimated 34 mpg, however the 6.6 gallon tank makes up for some of that, but jeepers 34 mpg.  The weight of 875 pounds may be the most in this class, not sure.    The Venture is getting good reviews by the motorcycle journalist who have road it, but it has not hit the shops as yet I believe.  Anyway here it is.  The new Yamaha Eluder.  I hope it does not Elude buyers, time will tell.

http://ridermagazine.com/2017/09/06/2018-yamaha-star-eluder-first-look-review/

[Cracker Jack]

Don't believe I want a bike with "impact" anywhere in it's name/color!

[Westernbiker]

Copy of the F6B

[Gavin_Sons]

i like it 

[baldo]

Looks sharp, and has a good roar.....

[msb]

Not a bad looking bike especially in the Black where those side cowlings don't look quite so cumbersome, and it appears to have some pretty good features. Not a fan of the name though...Eluder???

[..]

More ugly "cat catchers".

[vanavyman]

I like the looks more than a F6B but not a fan of twin V air cooled bikes. I do like the looks of the new BMW Bagger K1600B but not it's price tag.

[cookiedough]

Copy of the F6B

not even close,  one is a 6 cylinder, the other a v-twinky like the rest of them are.

Pretty horrible mpg at 34 or so if true for a 2 cylinder.  Most get 40 mpg on up.

[Westernbiker]

Copy of the F6B

not even close,  one is a 6 cylinder, the other a v-twinky like the rest of them are.

Pretty horrible mpg at 34 or so if true for a 2 cylinder.  Most get 40 mpg on up.

One is a 6 cylinder, the other a v-twinky, REALLY? NO KIDDING? 
I'm talking as far as looks go SHEESH!

[Gavin_Sons]

Copy of the F6B

not even close,  one is a 6 cylinder, the other a v-twinky like the rest of them are.

Pretty horrible mpg at 34 or so if true for a 2 cylinder.  Most get 40 mpg on up.

One is a 6 cylinder, the other a v-twinky, REALLY? NO KIDDING? 
I'm talking as far as looks go SHEESH!

I dont think it even looks close to the B. That's like saying Jennifer Aniston looks like Moochelle Obama. 

[baldo]

I like the looks more than a F6B but not a fan of twin V air cooled bikes. I do like the looks of the new BMW Bagger K1600B but not it's price tag.

I looked at that big Beemer 1600 this summer. That is a pretty impressive machine...

Bells and whistles galore.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Looks to me like in many ways it spanks the newer Hondas. Around 18flbs more torque than an F6B. 2 year longer warranty. 6th gear. Electronic cruise control. ABS, traction control, heated seats and grips. 126 flbs of torque. Yes I'd rather have 126 plus HP and a motor based on their V4 but at least they are bumping up the performance envelope a little.

Sad indeed that Honda has sat on it's laurels in engine performance so long that an air cooled V twin bagger can approach it's performance and beat it's warranty. I love my Valk and have waited many years for a new Valk with at least 20% more HP, a 6th gear and equal comfort and good looks. What made our bikes so great 20 years ago was American muscle bike styling and performance in a durable, comfortable "balls to the walls" motorcycle. Doesn't Honda remember that formula?

Honda's present day cruiser engineering seems to be geared towards not offending anyone with real horsepower and performance. And hence, we have entered an age when an air-cooled V twin bagger is nearly the equal of a liquid cooled six-cylinder which ought to be putting out 130 HP but instead is hobbled by the corporate equivalent of a lawn tractor governor. Don't get me wrong, I know the 1800s have a performance boost, but, after 20 years, 300 more cc's and fuel injection they should have a much larger performance boost than they do.

I keep trying to talk myself into buying one of the still new $10,000-$11,000 Valks sitting in dealerships, then selling my current bike to fund trying to make the new one into the bike I'd like, but so far I just can't make myself do it. The FJR's just keep looking better and the 8 valve HDs may even beat Honda performance wise in a year or two. Wake Up Honda!

To say I'm disappointed in today's Honda would be an understatement.

[baldo]

Looks to me like in many ways it spanks the newer Hondas. Around 18flbs more torque than an F6B. 2 year longer warranty. 6th gear. Electronic cruise control. ABS, traction control, heated seats and grips. 126 flbs of torque. Yes I'd rather have 126 plus HP and a motor based on their V4 but at least they are bumping up the performance envelope a little.

Sad indeed that Honda has sat on it's laurels in engine performance so long that an air cooled V twin bagger can approach it's performance and beat it's warranty. I love my Valk and have waited many years for a new Valk with at least 20% more HP, a 6th gear and equal comfort and good looks. What made our bikes so great 20 years ago was American muscle bike styling and performance in a durable, comfortable "balls to the walls" motorcycle. Doesn't Honda remember that formula?

Honda's present day cruiser engineering seems to be geared towards not offending anyone with real horsepower and performance. And hence, we have entered an age when an air-cooled V twin bagger is nearly the equal of a liquid cooled six-cylinder which ought to be putting out 130 HP but instead is hobbled by the corporate equivalent of a lawn tractor governor. Don't get me wrong, I know the 1800s have a performance boost, but, after 20 years, 300 more cc's and fuel injection they should have a much larger performance boost than they do.

I keep trying to talk myself into buying one of the still new $10,000-$11,000 Valks sitting in dealerships, then selling my current bike to fund trying to make the new one into the bike I'd like, but so far I just can't make myself do it. The FJR's just keep looking better and the 8 valve HDs may even beat Honda performance wise in a year or two. Wake Up Honda!

To say I'm disappointed in today's Honda would be an understatement.

If Honda did shock the world and come out with a 'new' Valk with the power and improvements you speak of, I wager there'd be more than a few used Valks on the market pretty quickly.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Looks to me like in many ways it spanks the newer Hondas. Around 18flbs more torque than an F6B. 2 year longer warranty. 6th gear. Electronic cruise control. ABS, traction control, heated seats and grips. 126 flbs of torque. Yes I'd rather have 126 plus HP and a motor based on their V4 but at least they are bumping up the performance envelope a little.

Sad indeed that Honda has sat on it's laurels in engine performance so long that an air cooled V twin bagger can approach it's performance and beat it's warranty. I love my Valk and have waited many years for a new Valk with at least 20% more HP, a 6th gear and equal comfort and good looks. What made our bikes so great 20 years ago was American muscle bike styling and performance in a durable, comfortable "balls to the walls" motorcycle. Doesn't Honda remember that formula?

Honda's present day cruiser engineering seems to be geared towards not offending anyone with real horsepower and performance. And hence, we have entered an age when an air-cooled V twin bagger is nearly the equal of a liquid cooled six-cylinder which ought to be putting out 130 HP but instead is hobbled by the corporate equivalent of a lawn tractor governor. Don't get me wrong, I know the 1800s have a performance boost, but, after 20 years, 300 more cc's and fuel injection they should have a much larger performance boost than they do.

I keep trying to talk myself into buying one of the still new $10,000-$11,000 Valks sitting in dealerships, then selling my current bike to fund trying to make the new one into the bike I'd like, but so far I just can't make myself do it. The FJR's just keep looking better and the 8 valve HDs may even beat Honda performance wise in a year or two. Wake Up Honda!

To say I'm disappointed in today's Honda would be an understatement.

If Honda did shock the world and come out with a 'new' Valk with the power and improvements you speak of, I wager there'd be more than a few used Valks on the market pretty quickly.

Agree!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Looks to me like in many ways it spanks the newer Hondas. Around 18flbs more torque than an F6B. 2 year longer warranty. 6th gear. Electronic cruise control. ABS, traction control, heated seats and grips. 126 flbs of torque. Yes I'd rather have 126 plus HP and a motor based on their V4 but at least they are bumping up the performance envelope a little.

Sad indeed that Honda has sat on it's laurels in engine performance so long that an air cooled V twin bagger can approach it's performance and beat it's warranty. I love my Valk and have waited many years for a new Valk with at least 20% more HP, a 6th gear and equal comfort and good looks. What made our bikes so great 20 years ago was American muscle bike styling and performance in a durable, comfortable "balls to the walls" motorcycle. Doesn't Honda remember that formula?

Honda's present day cruiser engineering seems to be geared towards not offending anyone with real horsepower and performance. And hence, we have entered an age when an air-cooled V twin bagger is nearly the equal of a liquid cooled six-cylinder which ought to be putting out 130 HP but instead is hobbled by the corporate equivalent of a lawn tractor governor. Don't get me wrong, I know the 1800s have a performance boost, but, after 20 years, 300 more cc's and fuel injection they should have a much larger performance boost than they do.

I keep trying to talk myself into buying one of the still new $10,000-$11,000 Valks sitting in dealerships, then selling my current bike to fund trying to make the new one into the bike I'd like, but so far I just can't make myself do it. The FJR's just keep looking better and the 8 valve HDs may even beat Honda performance wise in a year or two. Wake Up Honda!

To say I'm disappointed in today's Honda would be an understatement.

Maybe I'm just getting old. But there comes a time when enough horsepower is enough horsepower. I can accelerate pretty fast, I can cruise pretty fast, I can get all the performance I need from my 100 horses. 

[old2soon]

Looks to me like in many ways it spanks the newer Hondas. Around 18flbs more torque than an F6B. 2 year longer warranty. 6th gear. Electronic cruise control. ABS, traction control, heated seats and grips. 126 flbs of torque. Yes I'd rather have 126 plus HP and a motor based on their V4 but at least they are bumping up the performance envelope a little.

Sad indeed that Honda has sat on it's laurels in engine performance so long that an air cooled V twin bagger can approach it's performance and beat it's warranty. I love my Valk and have waited many years for a new Valk with at least 20% more HP, a 6th gear and equal comfort and good looks. What made our bikes so great 20 years ago was American muscle bike styling and performance in a durable, comfortable "balls to the walls" motorcycle. Doesn't Honda remember that formula?

Honda's present day cruiser engineering seems to be geared towards not offending anyone with real horsepower and performance. And hence, we have entered an age when an air-cooled V twin bagger is nearly the equal of a liquid cooled six-cylinder which ought to be putting out 130 HP but instead is hobbled by the corporate equivalent of a lawn tractor governor. Don't get me wrong, I know the 1800s have a performance boost, but, after 20 years, 300 more cc's and fuel injection they should have a much larger performance boost than they do.

I keep trying to talk myself into buying one of the still new $10,000-$11,000 Valks sitting in dealerships, then selling my current bike to fund trying to make the new one into the bike I'd like, but so far I just can't make myself do it. The FJR's just keep looking better and the 8 valve HDs may even beat Honda performance wise in a year or two. Wake Up Honda!

To say I'm disappointed in today's Honda would be an understatement.

Maybe I'm just getting old. But there comes a time when enough horsepower is enough horsepower. I can accelerate pretty fast, I can cruise pretty fast, I can get all the performance I need from my 100 horses. 

                    Uh Rob there IS a difference tween need and WANT.  I KNOW I dasn't gotz ta splain dat!  RIDE SAFE.

[Valker]

I would like a really nice new bike, but I look at something like ANYthing being offered now, and I realize that no matter how much fuel my Valkyrie uses, how much regular maintenance is, how much the occasional worn out part costs, my current Valks will never cost me another $25,000. Several manufacturers are approaching the Valk in outright performance, none of my friends' baggers can surpass it for speed. Sixth gear?? I don't care. Could I get another 10 mpg with a good 6th gear, maybe, but see the comment above.

[Beardo]

Looks to me like in many ways it spanks the newer Hondas. Around 18flbs more torque than an F6B. 2 year longer warranty. 6th gear. Electronic cruise control. ABS, traction control, heated seats and grips. 126 flbs of torque. Yes I'd rather have 126 plus HP and a motor based on their V4 but at least they are bumping up the performance envelope a little.

Sad indeed that Honda has sat on it's laurels in engine performance so long that an air cooled V twin bagger can approach it's performance and beat it's warranty. I love my Valk and have waited many years for a new Valk with at least 20% more HP, a 6th gear and equal comfort and good looks. What made our bikes so great 20 years ago was American muscle bike styling and performance in a durable, comfortable "balls to the walls" motorcycle. Doesn't Honda remember that formula?

Honda's present day cruiser engineering seems to be geared towards not offending anyone with real horsepower and performance. And hence, we have entered an age when an air-cooled V twin bagger is nearly the equal of a liquid cooled six-cylinder which ought to be putting out 130 HP but instead is hobbled by the corporate equivalent of a lawn tractor governor. Don't get me wrong, I know the 1800s have a performance boost, but, after 20 years, 300 more cc's and fuel injection they should have a much larger performance boost than they do.

I keep trying to talk myself into buying one of the still new $10,000-$11,000 Valks sitting in dealerships, then selling my current bike to fund trying to make the new one into the bike I'd like, but so far I just can't make myself do it. The FJR's just keep looking better and the 8 valve HDs may even beat Honda performance wise in a year or two. Wake Up Honda!

To say I'm disappointed in today's Honda would be an understatement.

Maybe I'm just getting old. But there comes a time when enough horsepower is enough horsepower. I can accelerate pretty fast, I can cruise pretty fast, I can get all the performance I need from my 100 horses.  

After attempting to keep up with an 1800 GW at IZ...they probably have more than enough power and handling for me too. Just wish they'd offer a stripped down (not covered in plastic and buttons) version with cruise, maybe a basic stereo with Bluetooth and ABS. After seeing what Honda has produced for the last decade though, don't see that happening.

That Yamaha bagger is sharp for sure. Could shave off some of the techno crap and add a top box and comfortable passenger seat for the same price though.

[Alpha Dog]

For those wanting a newer Honda, and rightly so, it is on the way and if they incorporate the patents they have and if supposed insider knowledge is right ( and boy is that a big if ) it promises to be a radical machine and tech wise on par or above the rest.  It may be revealed in Italy this November ( I doubt they sell many Goldwings in Italy ) .  But like a friend that has 28 years dealing with the Japanese in Honda of America Mfg., told me two days ago, if the Japanese did not come up with the idea, then it is no idea.

Well at least they listened once back in the 90s.
Here is hoping they get it right.  I guess it is hard to argue with the most successful Motorcycle company of all time that sells over 10 million units worldwide every year.

[Thespian]

I'll just keep fixing up my 99!

[Hook#3287]

Like my buddy who is losing his hearing said when asked if he thought of getting hearing aids, he looked at his wife, then back at the questioner, and said.

"I'm happy"

That is a beautiful bike, as most new bike are, but for 24k, I'll buy 4 more Valks.

[Westernbiker]

Copy of the F6B

not even close,  one is a 6 cylinder, the other a v-twinky like the rest of them are.

Pretty horrible mpg at 34 or so if true for a 2 cylinder.  Most get 40 mpg on up.

One is a 6 cylinder, the other a v-twinky, REALLY? NO KIDDING? 
I'm talking as far as looks go SHEESH!

I dont think it even looks close to the B. That's like saying Jennifer Aniston looks like Moochelle Obama. 

I ride an F6B, I suppose I should have stated 'In my opinion, it has similar lines as an F6B' Excuse me!
I didn't post looking for an argument. Lets just drop it.

[Bassfisher]

I like the new Yamaha, but for the price I could buy a new GW.  I love my Valk and don't plan to get rid of it anytime soon.   The next thing I plan to do with my bikes is to trade in my GW Trike and get a Slingshot for my better half (health problems prevent her from probably every riding behind me again on two wheels)  But she will be able to get her wind therapy in the Slingshot.  But I will keep my Valk and maybe try get another Valk (guy down the street from me is trying to get me to buy his)   

As for the new Yamaha, according to Rideapart.com,  Yamaha has already introduced the Star Eluder, sorta what Honda did with trimmed down wing.   Same bike, just without all the bells and whistles that the Star Venture has. 

Id love to test ride the Venture to see how it stacks up against a 17 year old (minus all the electronic gadgets, just plan performance.)

[PAVALKER]

I like the new Yamaha, but for the price I could buy a new GW.  I love my Valk and don't plan to get rid of it anytime soon.   The next thing I plan to do with my bikes is to trade in my GW Trike and get a Slingshot for my better half (health problems prevent her from probably every riding behind me again on two wheels)  But she will be able to get her wind therapy in the Slingshot.  But I will keep my Valk and maybe try get another Valk (guy down the street from me is trying to get me to buy his)   

As for the new Yamaha, according to Rideapart.com,  Yamaha has already introduced the Star Eluder, sorta what Honda did with trimmed down wing.   Same bike, just without all the bells and whistles that the Star Venture has. 

Id love to test ride the Venture to see how it stacks up against a 17 year old (minus all the electronic gadgets, just plan performance.)

Oh.... don't do the Slingshot.  What a waste IMO.  Get a small convertible (Miata,  Boxster, etc)...soo much more flexible and better looking than a Slingshot. 

[Alpha Dog]

I like the new Yamaha, but for the price I could buy a new GW.  I love my Valk and don't plan to get rid of it anytime soon.   The next thing I plan to do with my bikes is to trade in my GW Trike and get a Slingshot for my better half (health problems prevent her from probably every riding behind me again on two wheels)  But she will be able to get her wind therapy in the Slingshot.  But I will keep my Valk and maybe try get another Valk (guy down the street from me is trying to get me to buy his)   

As for the new Yamaha, according to Rideapart.com,  Yamaha has already introduced the Star Eluder, sorta what Honda did with trimmed down wing.   Same bike, just without all the bells and whistles that the Star Venture has. 

Id love to test ride the Venture to see how it stacks up against a 17 year old (minus all the electronic gadgets, just plan performance.)

I like the idea of the Slingshot.  Wonder if anyone on here has any experience with one.  I have read some reviews by motorcycle journalist as of late and they say it is a unique ride that is quite fun.  I am in the same dilemma with my wife.  I go out often and get to feeling guilty because she will not ride a on a bike, but did love snowmobiles when we had them and had her own.  Possibly a Can Am Spyder would work, but I know dang well she would drive the heck out of the Slingshot just like she fell in love with my Mustang GT. It would be a way for us to enjoy together.  Anyway good luck on this venture and if it works out let us know what you think.

[Alberta Patriot]

Bagger vs Bagger
I know no committed Harley rider is going to switch and I know most Goldwing and F6B owners will stay with what they like, but from all magazine article commentary, this is a very capable bike for iron butt touring and more important...defies it's size and weight in the twistys.  
The design is another...like it or hate it...styling exercise like the Stratoliner...which BTW is probably one of the most under-rated V-Twin bikes in it's price range. Magazines usually matched it up with Harley 103 models and really should have compared it with the CVO 110 models instead, just from the amount of power it produces. I had a few brief "off the line" matches with CVO 110's and handily beat every one!!
Again...price to performance...the 'Venture Lineup'(both bagger and touring) should be compared with the new 117 Harley CVO models, not the 107's.
When you look at it that way ($42,000 vs $26,000)  it ain't too shabby.
My guess is that, like the Stratoliner, the Venture will be deeply discounted after a couple years because of the polarizing styling...so don't rush out and buy the first model year.

[GiG]

I like the new Yamaha, but for the price I could buy a new GW.  I love my Valk and don't plan to get rid of it anytime soon.   The next thing I plan to do with my bikes is to trade in my GW Trike and get a Slingshot for my better half (health problems prevent her from probably every riding behind me again on two wheels)  But she will be able to get her wind therapy in the Slingshot.  But I will keep my Valk and maybe try get another Valk (guy down the street from me is trying to get me to buy his)   

As for the new Yamaha, according to Rideapart.com,  Yamaha has already introduced the Star Eluder, sorta what Honda did with trimmed down wing.   Same bike, just without all the bells and whistles that the Star Venture has. 

Id love to test ride the Venture to see how it stacks up against a 17 year old (minus all the electronic gadgets, just plan performance.)

I like the idea of the Slingshot.  Wonder if anyone on here has any experience with one.  I have read some reviews by motorcycle journalist as of late and they say it is a unique ride that is quite fun. 

Rode a Slingshot last Saturday. I like it, it's fun. Big Hair Chick loves it, says she wants one.
Steph G #5 has hers at most events and will certainly tell you how great her Polaris is.
 

[Alpha Dog]

Bagger vs Bagger
I know no committed Harley rider is going to switch and I know most Goldwing and F6B owners will stay with what they like, but from all magazine article commentary, this is a very capable bike for iron butt touring and more important...defies it's size and weight in the twistys.  
The design is another...like it or hate it...styling exercise like the Stratoliner...which BTW is probably one of the most under-rated V-Twin bikes in it's price range. Magazines usually matched it up with Harley 103 models and really should have compared it with the CVO 110 models instead, just from the amount of power it produces. I had a few brief "off the line" matches with CVO 110's and handily beat every one!!
Again...price to performance...the 'Venture Lineup'(both bagger and touring) should be compared with the new 117 Harley CVO models, not the 107's.
When you look at it that way ($42,000 vs $26,000)  it ain't too shabby.
My guess is that, like the Stratoliner, the Venture will be deeply discounted after a couple years because of the polarizing styling...so don't rush out and buy the first model year.

I was seriously looking at gentle used Stratoliners back in early summer, but the good ones were a few hours away.   Then a killer deal on a showroom new, gently used with stage 1 upgrade 2014 Victory Cross Country came up just 15  minutes away, and I jumped on it and could not be happier as Gig can attest to.  I read the same of the Stratoliners and your experience confirms my reading.

I also agree about the pricing of the Eluder and Venture lines, and when compared to the CVO 117 ( or even the basic 107 ) and also the 111 Thunderstroke Chieftain and Roadmaster line ( which are higher priced ), if one likes the looks and Yamaha being at the top in reliability, they are a deal.  I agree about waiting 2 years for the discounts because this is what happens to Japanese metrics in this country.

[Rams]

Copy of the F6B

Very similar styling.   To each their own.............

[Mr Whiskey]

I'd rather have .... a motor based on their V4...

Ditto

[Mr Whiskey]

Oh.... don't do the Slingshot.  What a waste IMO.  Get a small convertible (Miata,  Boxster, etc)...soo much more flexible and better looking than a Slingshot.

I don't know.....
Been watchin' 'em carve up The Dragon for awhile now, not much that can hang with 'em in the twisties. You gotta spend some $$ on suspension even with a WRX to get it to corner as good

[Jess Tolbirt]

I would like a really nice new bike, but I look at something like ANYthing being offered now, and I realize that no matter how much fuel my Valkyrie uses, how much regular maintenance is, how much the occasional worn out part costs, my current Valks will never cost me another $25,000. Several manufacturers are approaching the Valk in outright performance, none of my friends' baggers can surpass it for speed. Sixth gear?? I don't care. Could I get another 10 mpg with a good 6th gear, maybe, but see the comment above.

just asking now, ok? does any of your friends have the new 107? i would be curious to know if it could hang with a valk...

[JimmyG]

Wife has the slingshot that Gig is speaking of. she loves it. It draws a crowd everywhere we go. Performance is pretty wild. Like Whiskey said, not much can hang with it in the twisties.  It performs well, gets good mileage, runs like a scalded greyhound, turns on a dime and all around brings Steph a lot of fun.  Never seen a Miata or corvette bring it like the slingshot does. JMO

[The emperor has no clothes]

Wife has the slingshot that Gig is speaking of. she loves it. It draws a crowd everywhere we go. Performance is pretty wild. Like Whiskey said, not much can hang with it in the twisties.  It performs well, gets good mileage, runs like a scalded greyhound, turns on a dime and all around brings Steph a lot of fun.  Never seen a Miata or corvette bring it like the slingshot does. JMO

My question is, is she really wife #5 ? 

[LTD]

Like it got a feeling its probably an awesome ride

[Kidd]

Does this mean you'd never own a Dodge Ram ?

Don't believe I want a bike with "impact" anywhere in it's name/color!

[cookiedough]

I cannot speak for performance of the slingshot since am sure is plenty fast enough and corners great.

The thing that got me when I sat in it is besides getting in and out,  was too skinny for my big butt felt like in a go-kart way too small width wise.  Seems you have to be under 200lbs. to be somewhat comfy in the firm/hard seats.  clutch was very close as well to the brake if wearing heavy duty boots will be an issue just felt cramped in it much like when I was considering buying a polaris razor and ended up buying a can am 2-up ATV, much comfier and roomy, more open space.

that is the big drawback I have right now on buying a used goldwing - too cramped sitting upright with too much tupperware crowding me.