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Outstanding Bike

I moved up to a 2006 Yamaha Royal Star Venture Midnight from my 2004 Honda Sabre. I was a little worried about the weight, and balance. I have heard all kinds of stories about how they are top heavy. Personally I find it balances better. When my wife sat on the Venture she is sure the salesman saw h...er face drop. She was not expecting that degree of comfort. The cruise control is very well thought out, with no sudden engagement. We like to tour, and the trunk, and well sealed saddle bags are sturdy, and water tight. Listening to the tunes on the long stretches improve the entire experience.
I have noticed the primary gear whine that people talk about. It is like people that live next to a highway. After a while they don’t hear it. It is not a destructive noise so I let it fad in the background. The bike shifts so smoothly I can understand what the engineers were thinking with the square cut gears. But if you are a person that is going to let the gear noise bother you, it is definitely there.
I have always loved the sound of the big twins, and I was sure I was going to miss that. But the V4 has a deep rumble that grows on you. As for get up and go. Be careful. There is a whole lot of go, just waiting to be released. It might pull the hair off the back of you neck so hang on. You are heading into warp drive.
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Wonderful bike

I have 28k on my bike. It's very dependable for sure. Backed by the 5 year, unlimited mile warrenty. That is what sold me on this bike. Has plenty of power and handles great on the road. The warrenty is what made me look at buying the bike real hard. No one else can match it. Read Full Review