1985 Yamaha Venture Royale

[Cobia]

Hi,
Does anybody have any opinions about this bike? There's one for sale around here and it looks fairly clean, garage kept.

[mitch]

venture royal

Great Bike , very comfortable for the long haul,good mileage i got around 45mpg,and i didnt baby it , 105 Hp, they have a second gear prob same as the XS so check it out close not as eazy to fix.I am only 5 ft 9 inches and found that it was too tall for me. Its a very heavy bike and quite top heavy dropped mine 3 time and its 800 lbs. Thats why i sold it but i luved the ride and power. It would almost keep up to a good working XS and did not wollow in the curves my wife also luved the comfort , electric cruise was nice as well.
Doug

[Cobia]

That's good information Doug, thanks.

[blue giant]

1986 and newer had the 2nd gear problem fixed before they left the factory!

Cheers,
Paul

[Jerry]

Problem was fixed in mid-'85. If you go to the Venture web site the serial number is listed, I am told, of the "fixed" '85 and later bikes.

The Venture is a nice bike, but top-heavy. It really is best for long-haul cruising or touring. Also, the '86 and newer have a larger engine, 1300 cc vs 1200 cc. Lots of other info on the Owner's site, very similar to the XS11 site:

http://www.venturerider.org/modules/Jig/index.php?

For a good overview, click on the Venture History tab at the top-left part of the screen.