2018 Yamaha Star Venture launched in the USA at $24,999

Yamaha has just launched the most advanced touring motorcycle, the 2018 Star Venture. Priced at $24,999 (approximately Rs 16.10 lakh), the 2018 Yamaha Venture Star is the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer's modern response to the traditional offerings from Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. The deliveries of the 2018 Star Venture will begin in the USA in the first week of August.

The 2018 Star Venture gets a 4-valve, twin-spark 1,854cc motor that puts out a healthy 170Nm. The company states that this torque output comes in handy to power the motorcycle when fully loaded. Additionally, the motor features lightweight forged alloy pistons. The oil tank has been integrated into the aluminium subframe in order to reduce the weight of the powertrain. This motor is mated to an all-new 6-speed gearbox that has been specifically designed keeping long-distance touring in consideration. It also offers a strong low-end torque that can make the Star Venture cruise at 120kmph on sixth gear at an engine speed of 2,750rpm.

The engine has been positioned lower on the frame to bring the centre of gravity down, which we believe will also affect the handling in a positive manner. The motor also gets Yamaha's Chip Controlled Throttle, the company's ride-by-wire tech, which offers crisp throttle response, a first-in-class feature. It comes with two drive modes that alter the throttle response. The company also states that a special emphasis was paid to the throttle note of this V-twin motor. To make the motor puts out a distinct exhaust note, Yamaha worked with Yamaha Music. The 2018 Yamaha Star Venture comes with Yamaha Sure-Park System wherein an electric motor provides forward and reverse drive to assist the rider while manoeuvring the motorcycle in the parking lot.

The 2018 Yamaha Star Venture comes equipped with a 7-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system that can be operated through the controls on the handlebar as well as voice assist. The system can connect to Bluetooth telephony, send voice text, and browse through navigation options. In addition, it comes with USB connectivity that doubles up as charging point. The infotainment system is paired with an on-board two-speaker entertainment system. As an optional package, one can opt for dual-zone audio package for the rider and pillion who can listen to individual music from different sources.

The 2018 Yamaha Star Venture is based on a hybrid frame that is a combination of a steel tubular front section with a cast aluminium rear subframe. Yamaha claims that aluminium has been used in the rear to reduce weight and centralise mass, to offer better straight-line stability as well as improved cornering potential. It features a 46mm telescopic front fork with damping and spring rates selector while the rear gets a linkage-type, gas-pressurised shocks with remote preload adjuster. The Star Venture rides on 18-inch 130/70 (front) and 16-inch 200/55 (rear) Bridgestone Exedra G852 tyres.

In terms of styling, the 2018 Yamaha Star Venture does not resemble anything that they have made so far. The tourer seems to draw inspiration from muscle cars as seen with the large front fairing along with the 25-litre petrol tank. The 3.5-inch windshield can be electrically adjusted, according to the rider's convenience. The 2018 Yamaha Star Venture comes with all-LED quad headlights, brake lights and turn indicators. It can carry a total weight of 141 litres across the saddlebags and the upper and lower storage compartments that can be locked with electric locking lids. There is also the optional Transcontinental package that increases the storage capacity.

The 2018 Yamaha Star Venture will compete with the likes of the Harley-Davidson Super Glide, Honda Goldwing and the BMW K 1600 GTL.