ChiefGunner

Hey Puc just an FYI: I've had my SVTC to 110mph and she was still ROCK SOLID with plenty to spare!

I just started a new thread with info dealing with SVTC SOFTWARE, BACKUP CAMERA, NAV SYSTEM & INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM.

Hey Folks, Like I said, I've got Yamaha Customer Relations on speed dial and a first name basis! I want to address a couple issues here concerning questions people have had about the 2018 SVTC. First is the SOFTWARE version: I just spoke with them and it was CONFIRMED that the software version you should currently have when taking delivery is VERSION: R12.0.5 They are CURRENTLY working on version .6 BUT it will NOT address the issue with the NAV System being able to only upload 5 way-points. They ARE aware of that issue, but I was told that the fix for that will not be ready before the next software update. BUMMER!! Secondly is the BACKUP CAMERA: I had previously mentioned that the Infotainment System shows a "backup camera" function and I was looking into proper connection. As stated here and thus my question to Yamaha, the manual is not clear as to WHERE the connection is. It would make sense that it would be behind the D/S saddlebag since that is near where the camera would be installed, yet the manual appears to show the connection at the HEAD UNIT located under the gas tank (nothing like making connectivity easy eh?). The manual also DOES NOT specify the type of connector used. When talking to Yamaha about it, they stated "I'm running TWO STEPS AHEAD of their engineers right now. They are in the process of developing their OWN backup camera for the bike at this time and therefore WILL NOT tell me what kind of connector is used for TWO reasons. 1. They want to be able to market their OWN camera. 2. (and this is protectionism) they don't want to tell me what type of connector and then if I hook it up and it gets damaged, I'll blame them saying "they told me what to use". I told him I can pull the tank off myself and find out what it is but that I'd rather know in advance so I have parts on hand WHEN I pull it off. His argument about possible damage is specious at best and actually just a marketing protection move. My tank is being replaced next week from some paint issues I've mentioned in these forums, so I'll just find out myself at that time. On a side note: For those of you who have thousands of your favorite MP3's, you can download them onto a USB (I'm using a 32GB) and plug it into USB1 (rht front best) or USB2 (trunk) and it will play your songs. Here's the info I supplied to Yamaha to correct a "search-ability" issue. You MUST go into the "properties" of EACH SONG and VERIFY you have the information filled in for TITLE, ARTIST, ALBUM & GENRE for it to be searchable. If you don't do this, then it will play the songs in the order you put them on the stick and nothing else. If the info is filled out, you can then play your music SPECIFICALLY by the category filters previously mentioned. I hope this helps those interested. I'll update on the camera issue as more information becomes available. RIDE SAFE & RIDE PROUD MY FRIENDS! 2018 SVTC ROCKS!!

ROFLMBO!! Your KILLING ME!!

At this point there’s no discernible wear.

LOL! Yes this bike is HIGHLY computerized, but I can’t imagine it yelling DANGER WILL ROBINSON! DANGER! ROFLMBO!

Wife & I are planning a week long trip through July 4th week. We’re going out through the Blue Ridge, The Skyway, Cherohala Hwy, Dragons Tail etc... working our way out to Mammoth Caves in Kentucky and then back again. I’ll have plenty of pics and lots to report on twisty handling and of course summer heat. BTW, if you haven’t heard of it, I HIGHLY recommend going to a site motorcycleroads.com ! They can pull up the best bike roads in any area. You can search by state, by region OR you can filter search results based on Rider reviews that are divided into 3 categories rated from 1-5 stars. Categories are: Road Conditions, Scenery, Roadside Amenities. The rider reviews are invaluable and often give heads up on road conditions such as construction or closures when planning a ride.

Just an FYI, like you said there is no oil temp or pressure gauges. There is however an oil pressure sensor built in that will alarm you on the dash with a WRITTEN information warning on your screen if there is an issue.

I thank you for mentioning your age demographics because that IS a factor. No offense intended but the older you are, the more susceptible you are to heat & cold and the less your body is able to regulate on either end of the spectrum. i did mention that I could feel heat in the left side but that it was not intolerable or uncomfortable. Just for the record, I’m 58 but do a LOT of outdoor field work and am accustomed to temperature extremes.

Thanks Joe. It’s just an honest assessment based on 5k miles in various riding temps & situations. I understand different riders may have the same or different comments to add. A “test ride” however IMHO is not sufficient enough to get hard data for an informed opinion. Just simply not enough time and miles to experience the myriad of driving conditions for an assessment.

Hey Guys, I've started a thread in TECH TALK about the heat issues so everyone can chime in on a specific thread regarding it.

Good morning fellow adVENTURErers! We got into a discussion last night about heat issues with the 2018 SVTC as well as software version updates for the new SVTC. I thought I'd bring this heat discussion here to bring others experiences into it, particularly from OWNERS who have done more than a "test ride" and have actually racked up some miles on it. I can only post MY experiences with the 2018 SVTC since picking it up Dec 29th, but I've already racked up 5k miles on her and have had riding temps down to 40 in the evening and 81 during the daytime. Here we go! I'll preface to say that my last touring bike was the 91 Venture Royale. We're all familiar with the 1300cc water cooled engine, and that is MY reference point on engine heat based on MY experience and 120k miles put on her (lived in Southern Calif). I was used to the cooling fan kicking on and you could feel the heat oftentimes being blown up through the steering column area and around the rider when sitting in traffic. There are many concerned about air cooled on the SVTC, and given that its an 1854cc behemoth one can expect an increase in heat output. It doesn't matter water cooled or not, there WILL be an increase vs older models. Bigger displacement, more heat., its not rocket science folks. The heat management of the SVTC by virtue of Yamaha's design is very efficient. When riding, the lower vents plus use of the fairing wings does an excellent job of keeping the area comfortable in hot temps. While riding in 81 degree temps lumbering along through twisty's at 30mph, I never had to do more than open the lower vents (located down by your feet). REMEMBER, this baby is a TRUE touring bike meant to gobble up the miles comfortably. Shes not designed to be a "daily commuter" bike riding in traffic every day. That's like using a Lamborghini to commute in. WRONG application! Will she do it? Of course, but its not its natural habitat! I've been stuck in traffic for 1.5-2hrs with stop and go, and by "GO" I mean no faster than 10mph for a 100ft before having to stop again. Outside temps were 78 degrees at the time. I felt heat rising around me just like I did on the old XVZ13, but it was not stifling nor making me wish I could get away from it. The reports of excess heat under the left leg & thigh are IMHE a bit oversensitive. In stagnant air w/ NO BREEZE and no movement the left side was a bit warmer. Your oil tank is located left side of seat and behind the side cover. Ok, that makes sense why i might feel warmer there. I did notice though that slight natural breezes while sitting can change that. Again, NOTHING in my experiences thus far have detracted from the overall riding experience, or made me think I'd made a poor decision or curse Yamaha for being "stupid" for not going water cooled. Like ALL bikes, its all about YOUR personal preference. That's why we're INDIVIDUALS and not clones! THANK GOD! I don't think I could deal with a bunch of others just like me! As an electro-mechanical engineer with my own business, I can say I'm truly impressed by the engineering Yamaha has put into the SVTC. The bike is its OWN unique identity unlike anything else on the market. It turns heads, and every bike meeting and rally I've been to so far, people are clearly impressed. For my part in this, there is NO heat issue which brings regret or makes the riding experience uncomfortable or regretful. Its a HUGE engine! More heat? A bit, and logically expected. An issue? Not in my experiences. A deal breaker? Obviously not for me. A cause for buyers remorse? NOT ON YOUR LIFE! This is THE dream bike for all you tech lovers out there. You have to remember that when people go on a "test ride", 'they have ALL their senses "hyper tuned" to discern ANYTHING out of what THEY perceive as "ordinary" based on THEIR riding experiences. Kinda like people. If you meet someone critically LOOKING to find fault, you will.

Yamaha offers grip heaters for the passenger as well. I'm going to start a new thread under TECH TALK addressing the heat issue so that we can have hopefully other SVTC owners chime in about it.

Valid point Spencer! Will do.

I’m gonna start a new thread where we can isolate just that issue and hear from other SVTC riders as well.

Heres an article that might help! http://ridermagazine.com/2018/04/06/2018-harley-road-glide-ultra-vs-indian-roadmaster-vs-yamaha-star-venture-tc-comparo-review/ In a straight up comparison, the SVTC takes the Gold!

You won’t need heated gloves Joe. I’ve ridden down to 40 degrease so far and had the heater for seat and grips set on 7. They were literally burning my hands through the gloves and I had serious RUMP ROAST cooking as well. The heat function on the SVTC is intense!

Sounds good!

Can someone explain why there are 9 y/o threads still cluttering up things. Should there not be a drop off date where it falls off after a certain time?

First off, if you need to get OUT of trouble you’re gonna need a WINCH! If you want to get INTO trouble then by all means get a WENCH! Your KILLIN me dude! ROFLMBO!

I’d have to go check. I took delivery Dec 29th and by early Jan they already had an update. I updated at the dealership when I went back for my first oil change 8 days after I got it. Just make sure (and they should anyways) that the dealer has updated software BEFORE delivering it to you.

Excuse me! Your numbers are WAY off. I put my SVTC order in July 26th 2017 on Priority Delivery Program. I was the first one in the SouthEast Region to receive my bike and MY serial # is 694! Dont know where you get your numbers but my VIN# can prove that it’s complete hokum!

Very funny Karaboo! It’s to be able to easily see how your rig is towing without turning around. Side views only give you a partial. Also, she’s a BIG girl and backing her ina tight spot can be tense. It’s hard to see her butt and a camera, especially with IR for night takes all the worry out of it with a clear view.

DANG Yooper! I wanna hang with you dude!! What a ride! How Long do you anticipate this taking? Hotels, camping or combination thereof? Do you already have your trailer?

Upper trunk already HAS brake light function. When brakes applied upper and lower lights BOTH come on. If they don’t, you have an issue. The saddlebag lights are what I’m after. They currently function ONLY as running and turn signal. I want them ALSO to work as brake lights so that the whole back end lights up at a stop. I’ve already helped my visibility by adding the led package which ALSO has a brake tie in. No matter what color I’m running, they ALL go red when I hit my brakes! Kinda hard to miss that at night! P.S. From what I can discern in the Manual, the connection for the camera is up near the head unit located under the front portion of the gas tank. This does not make sense to me since the alarm system, keyfob system and other stuff is located behind the D/S saddlebag. WHY would not put the connection there NEAR where the camera would install instead of all the way up forward. Hence my confirmation call to Yamaha. I want to know where and what BEFORE I tear stuff apart so I have proper parts IN HAND FIRST!