MikeWa

Well at least Harley moved to fuel injection, updated their electronics several times, went to LED lights, and upgraded their engine more than once, etc. So there was some attempt to keep their motorcycles relevant. During that same time period the modifications to the Venture were nothing short of eye popping. Mike

As I have said elseware. Yamahas lack of color choices, lack of improvements, lack of options, lack of service etc etc. probably played a negative roll in sales numbers. Do I see that changing with the new bike? No. Mike

I am glad your test came up negative. A blood clot is a serious matter. Especially if left untreated. It is not uncommon for those who get one and don't get treatment soon enough to end up pushing daisies. You made the right move going to the ER. Next time go sooner. Mike

What I liked most about the second gen. All the choices in color and options that were available made it so I didn't have to think to hard about which one I wanted. The frequent updating of electronics and fuel systems didn't tax my little brain either. I mean the 1999 model was just as current as the 2013 model. What's not to like about that. Yes I have absolutely no Idea why these things didn't sell like hot cakes. Mike

Sounds like you may have damaged a tire. Mike

If something should happen and you have to pull the trigger Just remember. The police are not there to help you. They are looking to make an arrest. Except to say "I was in fear for my life" do not talk to them. Politely ask for a lawyer. Mike

Thank you Patricia. The VLC seems to be working. Mike

Microsoft has done it again. They updated windows 10 and now many of my DVDs won't play. They say it is to protect copyrights but the ones that won't play are legal DVDs that I have used for years. My computer now says "format not supported". I wish I could just go back to some other program and get rid of windows and windows 10 altogether. Mike

Good one cowpuc. This post is right on. Mike

Congrats to both of you. Enjoy the new scoot. Mike

Just remember with that ankle you can't catch any nurses unless they let ya. Mike

I agree completely. Mike

Puc Makes me wonder how Voyager sales have been going. I have not seen any news of them slam dunking Harley. But perhaps their sales are off the charts and exceeding everything they had hoped for. That would certainly be a good reason to emulate their success. Perhaps Yamaha could steal some Kawasaki sales. Mike

You might want to look into NRA's Carry Guard. You can do some research at NRACarryGuard.com Mike

OK this has been irritating me for some time now. So I pulled the trigger and ordered the SpeedoDRD. Mike

This chat is worthless without pictures. Mike

Nice bike. Enjoy riding it eh. Mike

Nice looking bike Ronnie. Ride safe and enjoy it. Mike

Sorry to hear this Jeff. We wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Mike

Well Puc No doubt what you are saying holds a lot of truth. The touring bike market is shrinking as is the whole of the motorcycle market. So why build a touring bike at all? They must have done enough research to decide there is still money to be made. My point is why chase the part of what is left that you cannot have. Especially when you are throwing out your loyal customer base to chase it. Yamaha has built a pretty nice V-Twin touring bike. But why? In my opinion someone at Yamaha has become so enamored with the success of Harley Davidson he or she talked Yamaha into chasing that segment of the market place. I see almost zero chance of them being successful in that endeavor. Part of what makes Harleys so popular is their huge aftermarket accessory following. They got this by being true to their identity and their model line up. And of course their customer base. Yamaha on the other hand is throwing all that out and starting over. If that sounds like a good plan during tough times than I am wrong. But I still think if Yamaha wants to chase Harley's market place they are going to have to restructure their price point and restructure their infrastructure. I don't think they have the ability to do it. I also think Yamaha would have been better served to listen to the customers they have and built a new Venture that met or exceeded the expectations of past and current Venture riders. Especially those with experience like yours. Mike

I said it before and I will say it again. Fabricating excuses for poor product choices won't cut it. So as I have said on another thread. If Yamaha wants to take customer base from Harley they still have a long ways to go. They need a much larger dealer network. They need to give service priority to transit riders with problems on the road. They need to have parts and service available nation wide and beyond. There are also many intangibles with Harley ownership. It is more than just 'want to be'. So I question the wisdom of throwing away your customer base to chase one you don't have the resources to win. So why not save all that heart ache and build something your current customer base wants and has been looking forward to for years. Mike

If Yamaha wants to take customer base from Harley they still have a long ways to go. They need a much larger dealer network. They need to give service priority to transit riders with problems on the road. They need to have parts and service available nation wide and beyond. There are also many intangibles with Harley ownership. It is more than just 'want to be'. So I question the wisdom of throwing away your customer base to chase one you don't have the resources to win. Mike

If it were mine. I would take the ignition switch out and transport it along with the key to a lock smith. Mike

I have always hated the way motorcycles are dyno tested. The dyno computer converts everything to engine output making all gears look the same. Personally I prefer to see what is hitting the ground which will be very different in each gear. Mike

Sounds like a bunch of BS to me. Of course they wouldn't publish an interview with someone who didn't like the bike. So it makes me wonder if this guy is a dealer employee or something. My feeling is if you have to create excuses for something you did perhaps things needed to be thought out a little better. That's my opinion and I am sticking to it. Mike