Star remains a strong player on the highways with the Royal Star Venture S model, their ultimate tourer that carries on as a 2010 model year without changes, but which clearly stands out thanks to its consecrated features such as the V-four motor and five-star accommodations. The standard Royal Star Venture is stuck in 2009.

2010 Star Royal Star Venture S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Star Royal Star Venture S
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled 70° V-four; DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
  • Horsepower: 97hp @ 6000 rpm
  • Torque: 89 ft.-lb. @ 4750 rpm
  • Transmission: 5-speed, wide-ratio w/5th-gear overdrive; hydraulic clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


Previously called Yamaha, now Star, the bike is pretty much based on a recipe that proved successful despite the fact that that at a certain time during its evolution, the Royal Star Venture S was basically decimated by a certain Honda touring motorcycle that we all recognize as the leader and top innovator of the class, the Honda Goldwing.

Star spotted the gap between touring motorcycles powered by enormously big V-Twin engines and the six-cylinder Goldwing and offers the V-four-powered Venture S with benefits in between those of a regular touring motorcycle and the ultimate one. It is all about the consecrated 79-cubic-inch, liquid-cooled, 70-degree V-four; DOHC, four valves per cylinder engine which, to be quite honest, we were expecting to get fuel injection this year, but didn’t. Still, fed through four 32mm Mikuni CV carburetors, it develops 97 hp at 6,000 rpm and 89 ft lb of torque at 4,750 rpm. So this is kind of a Honda Magna of tourers and it sounds damn good.

The way that all that power and torque are being transmitted makes it so unique and the wide-ratio, five-speed transmission with 5th-gear brings a major contribution to the riding experience. The shaft is the key to a long and cheap servicing life of the final drive and, of course, the 2010 Royal Star Venture S has it.

Weighing 869 lbs and not being bothered in showing its weight, this Star features highly-resistant frame as well as air-adjustable suspension that would deal with all that mass. Also, the brakes feature hydraulic discs (two 298mm front and a single 320mm rear).

Star gave it that Harley-Davidson-like front end with the big windscreen and all, but there’s plenty much more to it. With comfortable bucket-type rider and passenger seats (this last gets a backrest as well), long rides are the thing to wish for and with a 15-gallon trunk and 9.3-gallons sidebags, there sure is plenty of storage space to exploit. Furthermore, like on any veritable touring motorcycle, cruise control is of the essence so that riders can enjoy the fourspeaker sound system/CB radio/intercom compatible sound system during those long rides, most likely across the States.

 

Yamaha Royal Star Venture History

 

Competition


V-Twin-powered touring motorcycles are plenty and do a very good job in being one better than the other, but neither can match the performance, comfort and luxury of the V-four-powered Royal Star Venture S. Yet, the Honda Goldwing is superior to our Star, but that again is in a class of its own.

Exterior


If there’s something through which the 2010 Star Royal Star Venture S (and all of the previous model years) distinguishes, that’s got to be style. Star went for the bold somehow old-school design and really made this Japanese bike look American. This thing is massive from all angles and yet looks compact and built around the rider’s touring needs in complete comfort.

Up front, that 150mm wide tire wrapped around the 16-inch wheel is supported by the chromed forks of which you’ll be seeing very few due to the presence of the fairing surrounding the large, powerful 12V 60/55-watt remote-adjustable halogen headlight as well as supporting the high mounted windscreen. Behind that sits the vintage-style console and instrument panel.

That fuel tank will eat 6 gallons of gas and underneath it is the beautifully crafted powerplant to which it delivers. Seen from the rear view mirror, this thing is pretty scary as it is not only tall, but very wide also. Yet, the rider seat is positioned only 29.5 inches from the ground and, as supposed, offers sofa-like accommodations.

The rear end looks almost as good as the front with the trunk and sidecases. Underneath those stand the chromed exhaust pipes and in between, that rear tire is also 150mm wide.

Contributing to the amazing fit and finish are not only the deep valanced fenders, but also the flawless paint with extensive chrome and brushed stainless steel accents. Raven is the color for the 2010 model.
 

Yamaha Royal Star Venture Test Ride

 

Price


The MSRP for the 2010 Royal Star Venture S starts at $19,690, but you can always get the standard Royal Star Venture for $18,190 or $18,690 depending on the preferred color scheme. These numbers also position the Stars in between the Goldwing and the rest of the Japanese V-twin offering.

Conclusion


With the 2010 Royal Star Venture S, Star Motorcycles show how a specific model can start interest not only by featuring a host of radical upgrades, but simply by offering a special something and changing the color scheme while retaining the bulletproof motor and the unbeatable chassis.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Type: 79-cubic-inch (1294cc) liquid-cooled 70° V-four; DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 79mm x 66mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery: (4) 32mm Mikuni CV
Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission: 5-speed, wide-ratio w/5th-gear overdrive; hydraulic clutch
Final Drive: Shaft

Chassis and Dimensions


Suspension/Front: Telescopic fork; air-assist, 5.5-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock; air-assist, 4.1-in travel
Brakes/Front: Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Brakes/Rear: Hydraulic disc, 320mm
Tires/Front: 150/80-16
Tires/Rear: 150/90-15
Wheels: 7-spoke cast
Length: 104.5 in
Width: 35.4 in
Height: 61.6 in
Seat Height: 29.5 in
Wheelbase: 67.1 in
Fuel Capacity: 6.0 gal
Fuel Economy: 42 mpg
Wet Weight: 869 lb

Other


Warranty: 5 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

Features & Benefits


Key Features:

  • This fully loaded luxury touring machine comes with everything serious riders need, including a fourspeaker sound system/CB radio/intercom compatible sound system and a powerful and smooth V-four engine.

  • Engine:

  • 79 cubic-inch liquid-cooled, V-four tuned to put out class-leading power — 97hp @ 6000 rpm and maximum torque at 89 ft.-lb. @ 4750 rpm — for incomparable touring performance.
  • Four heated 32mm Mikuni carburetors with TPS deliver seamless throttle response and greater power across the entire rev range.
  • Compact design, dual-intake system enhances performance without sacrificing fuel tank capacity.
  • Large-capacity radiator ensures superior engine cooling for maximum efficiency.
  • Single-axis internal counterbalancer reduces engine vibration.
  • Wide-ratio, five-speed transmission with 5th-gear overdrive geared for both highway passing power and lower-rev cruising speeds.
  • Low-maintenance hydralic clutch actuation and strong, low-maintenance shaft drive for touring convenience.
  • Smooth, low-maintenance shaft drive.
  • Four-into-two exhaust system puts out a throaty exhaust note and creates a long, low profile that’s easily customizable.

  • Chassis/Suspension:

  • High-integrity, single-backbone frame with solid engine mounting and 29-degree caster angle delivers quick, responsive steering and excellent handling.
  • Class-leading long wheelbase (67.1-inches) provides exceptional roomy ergonomics for great rider control and comfort.
  • Air-adjustable telescopic front fork designed with 29-degree caster angle and 5.5 inches of travel smoothes out the bumps and adjusts for varying load capacities.
  • Air-adjustable link-type rear suspension features a vertically mounted single shock with 4.1 inches of travel for outstanding long-distance ride quality.
  • Large-diameter front and rear disc brakes with sintered pads provide strong, linear stopping power.
  • Wide, fork-mounted fairing, windshield, wind deflectors and frame-mounted lower cowlings offer outstanding weather protection.
  • Full-sized floating-type rider and passenger floorboards reduce vibration and are positioned for optimal long-distance comfort.

  • Additional Features:

  • Incomparable fit and finish includes flawless paint with extensive chrome and brushed stainless steel accents as well as deep, valanced steel fenders.
  • 6-gallon fuel tank with low-fuel warning light ensures outstanding long-distance touring range.
  • Large, powerful 12V 60/55-watt remote-adjustable halogen headlight maximizes nighttime visibility and cuts a stylish profile.
  • Cigarette type DC accessory connector in fairing plus 2-pin DC accessory connector under the seat.
  • Ignition switch with integrated steering lock mounted to front of fuel tank for extra convenience.
  • Vintage-style console and instrument panel features: digital speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel tripmeter, clock, fuel gauge, cruise control, TPS self-diagnosis, speed sensor, and neutral, high beam, turn signals and low oil-level indicator lights.
  • Electronic cruise control switch located on right handlebar controls for ease of use.
  • Handlebar-mounted 40-channel CB radio with dual antenna for CB and AM/FM radio.
  • Single-point audio control system for AM/FM radio, cassette, CD changer and intercom is MP3-compatible and headset-ready.
  • Four-speaker (14 watts per channel) system with automatic, speed-regulated volume control to help hear over wind noise.
  • Two-way rider/passenger intercom system.
  • Huge, 15-gallon rear trunk with easy, one-touch opener can hold two full-faced helmets and includes a lined interior storage pouch.
  • Color-matched hard-shell saddlebags each feature handy, one-touch openers and spacious 9.3-gallon storage with interior pouch.
  • 12V 18AH maintenance-free battery ensures easy, reliable starting.