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Motorcycle User Reviews - 2006 Yamaha Royal Star Venture

Prior to purchasing my 2006 Venture, I owned a 2005 Yamaha VStar Classic, but after four months of riding, I wanted something a tad bigger that I could tour with. My first choice was a Gold Wing, but the price tag knocked me back a bit. I sure didn't want another car payment on my hands. So after checking around, my dealer placed on the showroom floor my RSV, in the Cherry Black color scheme. I think this color is the best Yamaha has ever developed and not sure why they didn't carry it for their 2007 models, but that is another story.

Being only 5'6" with a 30" inseam, I found the bike's height a bit dubious, but a thicker sole boot took care of that and gave me a more firm footing at stops. The weight of the bike -- some 800+ pounds -- lets you know quickly that it is not something you can whip around.

Although very comfortable riding on highways and country roads, its slow speed handling has a lot to be desired. If you are an inexperienced rider, you will find it hard to steer at slow speeds, which adds a bit when two-up or in foul weather. Now if you read any forums, you will soon find most folks love the style and feel of the bike at speed. But the slow speed handling is a bit of a sore spot to most. One highly recommended item is changing the stock tires to a slightly more narrow one for the front end and keeping the same width for the rear. Almost any thread I have read results in deep passion filled dislikes for the stock tires which are Dunlops. I am going to purchase some of the recommended tires and see if there is really a difference in the handling.

Since purchasing the RSV, I have purchased almost every add-on from the Yamaha catalog. You know the maxim: you can never have enough chrome. I have not changed the pipes, I personally like a ride I don't need ear plugs to enjoy. Besides I like hearing the tunes on the radio.

Overall, I enjoy the bike and have received numerous comments on it. If I could ask Yamaha to change something on the bike it would be the height (for us short folks) and improvement in the slow-speed handling. Now according to some, there are aftermarket dog bones (links that mount on the underside of the bike which affect the bike's height) that raise the bike's rear end and greatly improve the handling of the bike. Although that may be a great solution for you tall guys, that won't cut it here. I can't find boots soles that thick! -- Luis

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