halfwitt Posted October 25, 2007 Share #1 Posted October 25, 2007 Does anyone have any thoughts or insights on Yamahas marketing (Or lack thereof) of the Venture? When my wife and I were looking for a touring bike we looked at Wings, HD's and BMW. I read reviews in various riding magazines. Not a mention of the RSV anywhere. I see ads for the all the other players but zilch on RSV. I do see V Star ads here and there. I have had several people see my 07 RSV and ask me what it was. Experienced riders (though admitedly not the touring type) have seen the Venture on the tank and asked me who makes it. We went into the local dealer of all things two wheeled to buy a set of tires for my Suzi and saw the RSV hiding in the corner of the showroom. We love this ride and wonder why Yamaha doesn't want to tell anyone about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eck Posted October 25, 2007 Share #2 Posted October 25, 2007 Guess they feel they already have enough of us "whineing"........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipstreamer Posted October 25, 2007 Share #3 Posted October 25, 2007 That is the $64K question. It has been discussed here and elsewhere on a number of occasions. Given that they have not updated the RSV with stuff like ABS, FI, MP3/IPOD, heated seats and grips, power adjustable and snap-on windshields, built-in passing lights, optional GPS etc. it kind of makes one wonder if they aren't just planning on phasing it out. Or...............do they have something really big in the works? The suspense is killing me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flb_78 Posted October 25, 2007 Share #4 Posted October 25, 2007 I think the Venture is the kind of bike that you know you want. Advertising it would just be a waste of money and raise the price of the bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRider Posted October 25, 2007 Share #5 Posted October 25, 2007 There must some changes in the offing. The silence is telling. Until this year, you didn't hear anything about the Kawa Concourse, and now every magazine and website is discussing the new Concourse14. Same thing with the Kawa Voyager - although they haven't done anything new for it and it still is getting no notice. Hopefully, with the release of the new VMax motor they will port the engineering over to the Venture and WOW us all in 2010. At least by then, I might be able to afford a new bike. I just hope all my accessories will fit on the new Venture!! RR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomer Posted October 25, 2007 Share #6 Posted October 25, 2007 We're hearing the same thing about the Vmax engine for 2009. This should be a V4, fuel injected 1800. If that does happen, we're betting the Venture will get it too. www.precisionyamaha.com If you're passing through Nashville, stop in and say hello! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEER30 Posted October 25, 2007 Share #7 Posted October 25, 2007 Why give the 1st Gen'rs more to argue about ? They feel bad enough already ! :rotf: BEER30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyHorse Posted October 25, 2007 Share #8 Posted October 25, 2007 Why give the 1st Gen'rs more to argue about ? They feel bad enough already ! :rotf: BEER30 The only New Venture your gonna see is 1800 cc powered Goldwing Competitor like a New Version of the 1st Gen/ FJR sorry folks its not gonna be a 2nd Gen with an 1800 Classic style market is swamped resale prices down to many out there. Mark my words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfwitt Posted October 25, 2007 Author Share #9 Posted October 25, 2007 The only New Venture your gonna see is 1800 cc powered Goldwing Competitor like a New Version of the 1st Gen/ FJR sorry folks its not gonna be a 2nd Gen with an 1800 Classic style market is swamped resale prices down to many out there. Mark my words. Then it will be a 3rd Gen and all of us can band together and poke fun at 3rd Geners! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orrin Posted October 25, 2007 Share #10 Posted October 25, 2007 I hate to put a damper on things, but the Venture is a low volume bike. Yamaha will drop it all together. It is not worth their effort or capital to up date the bike. It is just not profitable to spend money on it. I like the RSTD, Venture series too, but it just won't happen. I would trade up in a heart beat if they did ABS and fuel injection and not even ask how much. Wishful thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snarley Bill Posted October 25, 2007 Share #11 Posted October 25, 2007 The only New Venture your gonna see is 1800 cc powered Goldwing Competitor like a New Version of the 1st Gen/ FJR sorry folks its not gonna be a 2nd Gen with an 1800 Classic style market is swamped resale prices down to many out there. Mark my words. i think you are 100% right on.the v-max will be the test platform for the motor and i would look for a really futuristic look to satify the up coming generations.every one laughs at the new victory, but look for them to set the standard for the future look.times change and so do motorcycles.i think yamaha sells all the existing royal stars they need to. the star line of motorcycles is the best marketing move i have ever seen.they caught everyone else with their pants down.i'm a very conservative person ,but when it comes to technology i'm chompin at the bit for new innovations.i love new stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartley Posted October 25, 2007 Share #12 Posted October 25, 2007 Lack of marketing by Yamaha is why this bike seems to be going nowhere. I buy a lot of bike mags and the last time I saw an RSV ad was in the June 2001 issue of Motorcycle Travel & Adventure. Yamaha is also full of B.S. and I'll tell you why. I am quoting the following excerpt/s directly from the July 2003 issue of Roadbike mag. Ed Burke is the Yamaha man who figures out what motorcyclists want and how Yamaha will fill those wants with product. With Yamaha for 37 years, initially as a dealer, he's currently division manager of R&D. One key product area he's been developing since the mid-'70s is what he calls the "luxo touring segment."......An all new tourer was introduced in 1999, with a concept "to first retain the performance elements of the old Venture and enhance the handling, plus give it a classic look and style, with elements of retro." According to Ed, "the real successful product is one that can stay in the market and get customers interested in the hobby value of the product." The Venture formula is successful, and Ed says, "Yamaha is about tied with BMW in this segment, behind Harley and Honda. As for the future, all signals are for the luxo touring segment to grow." Based on past performance, you can take it to the bank when Ed says, "We'll be there with what touring motorcyclists want." Can you believe that last statement? B.S. or what! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orrin Posted October 25, 2007 Share #13 Posted October 25, 2007 Judge them by their actions. They don't lie. They NOT are spending on marketing, so they are not spending on R&D or up grading the Venture RSTD line. It will be phased out before 2010. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilot Posted October 25, 2007 Share #14 Posted October 25, 2007 The warranty is up on mine, expired this month and now I have a Harley look alike on the left side of my back wheel and tire, oil leak (bad o-ring in the final drive) which I’m going to replace as soon as I get the part see this post http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?p=143363&posted=1#post143363 In a few years I may trade this one in on a new one if Yamaha upgrades the 80’s technology by then, if not I’m going to look at a Wing or Harley Ultra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KitCarson Posted October 25, 2007 Share #15 Posted October 25, 2007 I have read what some of you say about updating the Venture....also about dreams for what it will be in 2009 and 2012. I have been in contact with a district Yamaha Rep......several times dealing with my clutch basket issue. I always try to make hints........or find out things......I honestly think, there are no plans for any great updates. In fact if you think about it , most dealers sell what? Two or Three a year? Not a lot! As far as short term updates.....cost is a factor....these Ventures can be purchased sometimes from 14.600 to 15,300 and up some according to area. An comparable Gold Wing is 26,000 and a lot of the extras you have on the Venture standard..you do not get with the Wing.....but you do get great Brakes........air Bag.....reverse......and a Harley Ultra.....add some more green to the price of the Wing....... . I think Yamaha is just idling along.......with a very good product....at a very good price, with classic styling , and reliability. I think you will see a new Venture in the next few years. It will have all kinds of new stuff........will cost a fortune and look like the Wing.... . This may be okay for the new kids......I like this Venture.......the Classic Styling.........I like the Harleys too.......but I think the EPA will get them........in the next few years........you will see a water cooled Harley Ultra....... But as things progress......styling progresses also...... Changes........Will we like it? Have to wait and see. Kit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freebird Posted October 25, 2007 Share #16 Posted October 25, 2007 I agree with most of what you said but not sure about your prices. I haven't priced a new Wing because I have no interest. You say $26.000 and that the Ultra is more than that. I have priced the Ultra. It comes with everything that the Venture has plus fuel injection, full gauges, and alarm. The price quoted me, out the door, was $23,000.00. That price included a couple of items that I had them include, riders backrest and Kuryakyn highway pegs. ABS is option, $500.00 I think and was not on the particular bike that I was looking at. I'm not saying the the RSV is not a great value, especially in comparison...but the Ultra is nowhere near as high as what you are saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KitCarson Posted October 25, 2007 Share #17 Posted October 25, 2007 I agree with most of what you said but not sure about your prices. I haven't priced a new Wing because I have no interest. You say $26.000 and that the Ultra is more than that. I have priced the Ultra. It comes with everything that the Venture has plus fuel injection, full gauges, and alarm. The price quoted me, out the door, was $23,000.00. That price included a couple of items that I had them include, riders backrest and Kuryakyn highway pegs. ABS is option, $500.00 I think and was not on the particular bike that I was looking at. I'm not saying the the RSV is not a great value, especially in comparison...but the Ultra is nowhere near as high as what you are saying.Sorry going on retail as prices vary a lot even one side of town to the other.....I looked on the honda web site.....the new Wing was 26 or 28..with airbag.....somewhat less without........Retail on Harley was like 30,000, there is one sitting in town at Jacks Custom Cycles with the Abs Brakes......it is $34,000 dollars......sure is. I agree Don.....shopping around you can get some good deals......I was simply looking at the Retail on web sites. Shoot the Venture is listed at 18,000......hope no one gives that.......Kit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freebird Posted October 25, 2007 Share #18 Posted October 25, 2007 That MUST be a screaming eagle. Here are the prices right off the Harley site. MSRP http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifVivid black $20,695 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifColor $21,225 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifTwo-tone $21,655 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifCustom Color $21,855 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifAnodized N/A http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif105th Anniversary Copper Pearl/Vivid Black $23,270 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Wheel Option $450 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Chrome Engine Covers Option N/A http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) Standard http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Security System Option $345 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif California Emissions $200 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Freight $345 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif ABS $795 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Cruise Control Standard http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifhttp://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orrin Posted October 25, 2007 Share #19 Posted October 25, 2007 I work in the car business and we have a rule of thumb. You put your resources where you get the most results. For example, our Honda store is doing huge volume and our Isuzu store is doing practically nothing. We spend our advertising dollars on the Honda store and very very little on the Isuzu store. Our Isuzu people want more ad dollars but those dollars won't produce results because there is little demand for the product. Well, same with Yamaha. The Road Star line is doing great volume and the Royal Star line is slow. The Road Star line will get the resources, it is just good business. UNLESS, Yamaha thinks they want to take on Harley and Honda in the touring cruiser market. Then you might see something. I hope so, but will not expect it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KitCarson Posted October 25, 2007 Share #20 Posted October 25, 2007 It is a screaming eagle......would a Harley Fan like myself want anything else? I also just looked at the Honda Web site......they have changed it....they now under prices say 20000 base price.......so I guess you start adding options...I really have no interest in a Gold Wing.....so did not get my calculator out and add it up........The screaming eagle.....yea.......I love that one!! Still sitting back.....watching, waiting........1st of the year....if the newer machines prove to be reliable.........and with Abs brakes too...I would love to have one. Kit What the Harley shops seem to do is put a few options on the bikes.....might cost them a couple thousand.......more chrome....maybe a fancy seat......a cup holder........(who wants a cup holder on a bike?) oh they go to spoked wheels........more money.....time you get it out the door it is uuuupppppppp there. Still I like them......always have.......but got the Venture because I want to be able to ride all the time.... I just asked myself a question.....will I stick with Yamaha or go back to Harley........I have a long history with both.........The yamaha is reliable, the harley is more balanced......and great style.........appeals to all us baby boomers.......the pipes go boom!! No if Yamaha does not update their product and or come out with a new great machine......and Harley continues to improve......with better brakes....and reliability, I will go back to them. I may be a minority....but I really do not care what something I like to do costs......free time is precious....so I think in the next couple years competition is going to be quite interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orrin Posted October 25, 2007 Share #21 Posted October 25, 2007 Kit, I agree with you on this. Yamaha must continue to improve these rides or they will get left behind. You don't even have to change them much cosmetically, just keep improving the features and technology. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartley Posted October 26, 2007 Share #22 Posted October 26, 2007 For me, the most frustrating thing about this whole situation with Yamaha and the RSV is the fact that I truly love this bike, as I'm sure most of us do. I don't want Yamaha to phase it out. It fits, it's comfortable, lots of options come standard, excellent motor, and gorgeous looks. It's also mechanic-friendly for us do it yourselfers. Try tearing a Goldwing or Beamer apart. All Yamaha has to do is upgrade some of the components. The design is already there. Besides the new Victory tourer, Triumph has come out with a new Rocket III tourer. They had to start from square one and design a completely new frame. Victory and Triumph see the value in the touring segment. Why not Yamaha since they already have an excellent platform to work with. The way I see it, with a few changes, the RSV is the only bike which could take on the Harley Ultra. Every few years I get the itch for a change of bikes. The '08 Ultra comes to mind, but I honestly feel like I'd be taking a step backwards. (had one before) Maybe I'll just take my accessories off and pick up an '08 RSV. I really like the new colors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailor Posted October 26, 2007 Share #23 Posted October 26, 2007 The V max is also a low volume bike but the publicity is worth keeping it going and developing it. When the new one comes out look for a lot of attention ( free) from magazines. It would not take much to adapt the engine to the Venture....they did it once before. If they do then they will be returning to what made the 1st gen so great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockdoc Posted October 26, 2007 Share #24 Posted October 26, 2007 I'm new to this board but what I'm reading is that everyone here loves their bike. If you still can get enjoyment from riding a 1st gen or 2nd gen who gives a damn about what the future has in store. Lets face it, whatever is your choice - even a new bike will be a compromise and there will be parts of it you don't like or want changed. I have a modded Suzuki m109r v twin that will rip up the tarmac but it will never take me and my missus down the road in comfort. Enjoy what you have now and stop worring about what might be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KitCarson Posted October 26, 2007 Share #25 Posted October 26, 2007 That MUST be a screaming eagle. Here are the prices right off the Harley site. MSRP http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifVivid black $20,695 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifColor $21,225 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifTwo-tone $21,655 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifCustom Color $21,855 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifAnodized N/A http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif105th Anniversary Copper Pearl/Vivid Black $23,270 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Wheel Option $450 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Chrome Engine Covers Option N/A http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) Standard http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Security System Option $345 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif California Emissions $200 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Freight $345 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif ABS $795 http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2008/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gif Cruise Control Standard http://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifhttp://www.harley-davidson.com/images/no_akamai/spacer.gifHi Don: You are right, I am wrong as usual, my buddy Cayce who works at a Harley shop......says you can get a base Electraglide for about $24,000.00. They have them sitting on the floor for like 26,000, for bargaining room....still that is above suggested factory retail...and they are popular.....so do not think they will come off of the price much. These things are really High.........popular...... Now having said that......I do like my Venture.......it is a different machine....smoother....more power if used in the right rpm range.....instant response......and when you get right down to it........to pay an extra 10,000 dollars or so.......hey there really is not all that much difference. So I think mine is a keeper!! Hey how did I get lured into all this anyway? I am no R and D spy....I just like bikes....all kinds of them. Kit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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