Ordinary Biker Oz: Yamaha Venture

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A Move From Touring Motorcycle to Sports Touring

I purchased a 2010 Yamaha Venture and loved it. I rode it to Des Moines, IO in June and then to Yellowstone in July. Then in August the bike was totaled after when a lady ran a traffic light. Four weeks after my accident the insurance company finally gave me a reasonable settlement offer, but only after I had a couple of dealerships submit values for the Venture.

The Venture is a great bike. I really enjoyed it. The finishing touches and amenities were top notch and the comfort on long rides was awesome. It had plenty of power to carry my son and I along with all our belonging for the Yellowstone trip up the mountain passes in Colorado and Wyoming.

The Venture comes standard with CB, radio, cassette, and 6 disc CD changer. The stereo/CB controls were easy to use and easily reached. I realize the cassette is outdated and the CD changer took up a lot of space. I actually removed the CD changer (anyone need one let me know I will sell it to you at a great price).

Even though I really liked the bike I had been thinking for a couple of years of trying something different, but I was not sure the wife would go for it. During the 4 weeks of being without a bike I had time to research and look at a lot of bikes. I decided on my top choice so it was time for a test ride. Oh boy! The test ride confirmed my choice. The bike is so smooth, powerful and comfortable.

I purchased a 2010 Yamaha FJR 1300!

Waiting to go riding!

he FJR is a sports tourer. At 1298cc & 145 Horsepower! WOW! I had a huge grin after taking the bike out on the road. It is fuel injected, liquid cooled, and crazy fast! I love the easy detachable saddlebags. With just the key I can take the saddlebags off. This will be great when traveling or if I just want to go on a local ride.

I picked it up this past Thursday (Sept. 16). It was pre-owed and had only 757 miles on it. I rode this weekend and put 300+ miles on it. I am still smiling!

The "grin factor" on the FJR is 10 of 10!

I have ordered the truck with backrest, touring windshield, Corbin seat, and a J and M CB system. Now I am trying to find some floorboards for the passenger.

Saddlebags removed

One great feature is the quick detach saddlebags. With the turn of the key the bags can be lifted off and carried in. Make it convenient when traveling or when I want to look more sporty. The instrument panel features a temperature, instant MPG, average MPG, tach, speedo (goes up to 180, but I don't plan to test it), time, two trip odometers, and the regular odometer. The FJR has a 6.6 gallon gas tank - that will be great on long trips. On my most recent 200 miles the MPG average is 44.1 and that was with a few quick accelerations up above the speed limit (just a little :) ). The electronically adjustable windshield is a nice feature allowing me to customize the riding experience.

The ride is completely different, but so far I am loving it. I know that if I would have been on the FJR I would have gotten out of the way of that Tahoe.

I am looking forward to posting a review after I get to the 10,000 mile mark. It sure feels good to be back riding.

Update - Here is the review after 2 years and 34,000 Miles

Ride carefully and prayerfully!

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Yamaha Venture vs. Chevolet Tahoe

In case you have ever wondered, automobiles will win in a collision with a motorcycle. That is probably not a surprise. Also, intersections on the road are the most dangerous places on the road.

On August 17, 2010 I was running an errand from my campus (I am an elementary assistant principal) to the Administration Building. It was just after 2:00 so I decided to go by the local Sonic for a "Happy Hour" Diet Coke. (I worked in Princeton, TX.)

After getting the drink I proceeded to the traffic light. I had to cross over US 380 - a very busy road. Once the light turned green I started through the intersection. To my left I noticed the red SUV (Tahoe) was not going to stop! I looked ahead and rolled on the throttle! I really thought I was going to get out of her way but, I could not.

The Tahoe clipped the back 18-24 inches of my bike and sent the bike on a spin and me flying. The flight was not bad but the landing was rough. No, I was not wearing my helmet - when I go on these quick short errands I normally don't wear my helmet - I will from now on.

I never lost consciousness. I did hit my head and had to be taken to the hospital. I took 15 stitches in the back of the head. When they tried to send me home, about 3 hours after the wreck, I got dressed and then sat down and passed out.

Side of impact. Can not see from hear but tailpipe and fender were messed up.

I ended up staying in the hospital two nights. I had a mild concussion and a lot of soreness. Actually I still have some soreness (15 days later). The stitches were removed on August 27th. My head is still tender and has some healing to do.

Front fairing took a beating.

The bike has officially "totaled". Oh well, I will heal and I now have to go bike shopping. It is a shame since I had the Venture for less than 4 months, but I did put a little over 10,000 miles on it. The 16 day trip through Colorado and Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park and in to Idaho to see Mesa Falls racked up some miles.

Side of impact.

The Venture was a great ride, although a little top heavy for a shorter guy like me. I enjoyed every mile just not the last 20 feet. Everyone be careful and watch for the "cagers," especially at intersections!