> Stephen, the new Goldwing looks OK, but I will make the real
> decision when I see one.
This goes back to the "Why doesn't Yamaha spend more time in all
bike segments?" I've talked to every Yamaha rep I can find, asking
them to PLEASE bring back the Venture Royale. I want a new one.
(and now that I have 95,000 miles on mine, NEED one)
There's no way I'll have that Kawasaki Voyager (too small, no
performance, terrible fit/finish). I don't want a BMW. Too
much money, too hard to work on, and it's well, European. (Don't
get me wrong, I love Europe, the people, the culture. I'm just
not personally fond of the styling of controls for the vehicles.
Just a preference thing)
Then there's a Harley Ultra Classic. With respects to my good
friend Mr. Guintoli, not a chance.
Which leaves me only two other choices: The Yamaha "Venture"
(read: Royal Barge with bags), and the Gold Wing.
I want a Yamaha. I like Yamahas. I know how to work on Yamahas.
I can frequently interchange parts between my Yamahas.
But the Royal Star Venture (I still cringe calling that P.O.S.
a "Venture") isn't a good bike. Yes, I've ridden one. My '87
Royale will run circles around it. The controls are counter-
intuitive to say the least, its lack of low speed handling is
scary, I hate kicking the airboxes (!), the floorboards drag,
the luggage is too small, and face it, it's friggin' UGLY.
Not all of us are stuck in the '40s, wanting retro styling.
So please, Please, PLEASE, Yamaha- Bring back the REAL Venture
so I'm not forced to buy a *cough* Gold Wing. And do it soon.
-K
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Sr. Systems Engineer Main: 408-845-5700
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