easttexasrider

If anyone is interested in a great deal on a BMW touring bike, please see my ad over on the BMW board. http://www.bmwlt.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/1291/cat/14 I hope to be able to buy another bike later this year.

I really need to see this bike before I get my hopes up. I had a 2006 Kawasaki 1600 Nomad and loved it. I'm 6'7" and want a full touring bike. I am not willing to spend $2K+ to upgrade an already expensive GL1800 just so it can fit me, so I have been patiently waiting for either the reurn of the Voyager, or a revamped and modernized Venture (EFI/MPS etc). By the look of the pics of the Voyager, I may be waiting for the 2010 Venture and hoping for the best.

1. By mid-September all remaining 2009 Star Models will be announced. 2. There will be a 2009 model of the Royal Star Venture. 3. There may be significant changes to the 2009 Venture model.

2009 Venture: :thumbdown:I thought for sure we would see EFI and no more cassette!

Look at the front end! I'm betting on a Kawasaki Touring Bike http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/dantama/1b402ffb.jpg http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/dantama/8ec09697.jpg http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/attachments/kawasaki-touring-sport-touring/21036d1215384436-voyager-replacme%20nt-hd-20tour-20prototype.jpg

I just don't see a Harley in the Spy pic. Everything is different - Bags, Fairing....My vote is a new Kawasaki 2000cc Touring Model. Here is the 2009 Ultra: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-Harley-Davidson-Touring-FLHTCUUltraClassicElectraGlidea.jpg

Excuse me if the pic was discussed here before. I hope all is well and you were all safe riding this summer. I want test your knowledge and solve a puzzle for me by being the first member to identify this bike. This picture was posted several months ago on the H-D boards and was supposed to be a spy shot of the 09 electra glide. It looks metric to me and does not look like the final H-D that came out a few weeks ago. I just may not recognize Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha or Kawasaki features on a customer's modified bike, but I can't figure out what bike this is. Does anyone recognize this bike or could it be possibly be a spy shot of the long awaited new Kawasaki touring bike??? NOTES: Trunk looks a little like a Venture. Side bags not so much. The rider foot position on the passenger boards could be for comfort or could indicate bad engine heat like the Victory Vision. I do like the handlebar height and the height of the gauges at the top of the fairing. I don't see rear speakers however. http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/attachments/kawasaki-touring-sport-touring/21036d1215384436-voyager-replacment-hd-20tour-20prototype.jpg

I just called Yamaha USA headquarters in California and, after about 10 minutes of maneuvering, I was able to have a nice conversation with a lady with Star Motorcycle development. I told her I own a 2005 BMW K1200LT and enjoy the ride, but I'm interested in purchasing a new long distance touring bike soon with better dealer support, lower maintenance costs and ease, and more available accessories. I told her I was very interested in the 2009 Star Venture models and she said there would be a public introduction of all 2009 Star models in mid-September of this year. I clarified by saying I am hoping if I wait to make a decision, the 2009 Venture could have refinements like EFI and upgraded electronics and entertainment. She did not say anything for a moment and then responded that all the "changes to the Venture model" would be announced in mid-September. She said she knows if I delay purchasing a new bike for a while, "I will be very pleased with a new 2009 Venture." She was very friendly but became somewhat cautious at the end of our call and took my name and number before we concluded our conversation. I didn't pressure her for any more information. So based on this conversation, I could conclude three things: 1. By mid-September all remaining 2009 Star Models will be announced. 2. There will be a 2009 model of the Royal Star Venture. 3. There may be significant changes to the 2009 Venture model. For what it's worth......