Yamaha RS Venture GT Test Tracks
A cruiser, not a bruiser!
Published: November 1, 2011 I always enjoy cruisers because they are designed to deliver a pleasant, relaxing, low stress ride. Yamaha’s retooled Venture GT is all of that and now packs electric power steering too – EPS to newcomers.
This marvelous system that Yamaha rolled out last season aboard its performance-oriented Apex is now a major component of the popular Venture GT that has been a top choice in the 4-stroke cruiser segment for years.
The bottom line is that the Venture GT will accommodate two folks on its cushy seat and take them over hill and trail with ease and comfort. You can ride all day, let’s say 200+ miles, and hop off at your destination feeling none the worse for wear. The GT has power, easy handling, good ride comfort and a gargantuan windshield that provides the best wind protection of any sled on the trails.
It’s exactly what high-mileage cruisers and family riders want.
Start with the heart of any sled, the engine. Venture GT uses Yamaha’s reliable 1049cc three-cylinder 4-stroke that our independent dyno test puts at 130.5 hp. You don’t need more than that unless you’re racing your 2-up. Really, do you ever race your 2-up? I didn’t think so!
The GT’s 4-stroke is fuel-injected to help both keep it running clean and also to boost fuel economy. In the lighter weight Vector we’ve seen up to 18 mpg with this engine and Yamaha says 20 mpg or so is possible. Obviously if you’re riding with a partner the added weight will reduce your fuel efficiency some. Still, it’s a 4-stroke, so no smoke and no adding oil every other pit stop.
Power from the liquid triple is smooth and instantaneous and throttle response is crisp. Clutching is good so you launch quickly and smoothly. Yamaha attaches the primary clutch directly to the crankshaft, which affords that quick response.
If you’re used to 2-strokes you will still notice some engine braking when you let off the 4-stroke’s throttle, but Yamaha does have an engine braking reduction system on Venture. It takes the edge off engine braking to avoid the sudden slow-ups that you felt on 4-strokes without such a system. Again, you’ll feel the sled slow more quickly than a 2-stroke, but it’s easily controlled. I’ve found the engine braking allows me to use the brake more sparingly.
Underneath, the Venture features Yamaha’s ProComfort CK rear suspension that we’ve liked for some time. It provides a plush ride and features 40mm HPG clicker shocks so you can adjust it easily depending on how many riders are going to be on the sled. A full 144-inch track also adds to the comfort level here and we like the RipSaw track that delivers good traction with 1.25-inch lugs.
This year Yamaha also adjusted the front-end geometry some, altering the ski mounts to help give the Venture better cornering ability. And the GT picks up the Apex-developed ski that provides a more aggressive feel in corners to reduce push in turns. That’s comforting to both driver and passenger. Helping that too are new fade-resistant 40mm HPG aluminum shocks up front.
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Naturally the EPS keeps steering effort low and super easy. You truly can relax on this sled and control it with minimal effort. The steering needs only a light touch so that means you’re upper arms and shoulders will not be taxed or tired after a long day tromping the trails. Older or less muscular riders will appreciate that. Remember too that Yamaha’s power steering is graduated so it provides the most assist at slower speeds and then reduces the assist as you climb to higher trail speeds.
I also noticed that on rough trails the EPS smoothes out the jerk and twitch that you can get in some handlebars. That too helps keep you from tiring as quickly and makes for a more confident, enjoyable ride.
The giant skis also keep the sled afloat if you get into deeper snow off the trails and these don’t dart as much as some. These skis make you feel like you can tackle just about any snow situation, if need be.
Other pluses include new wheels underneath that feature replaceable bearings. This is less costly, an important point for many Yamaha riders who keep their sleds for years. It will help those high-mileage riders keep their sleds running smoothly for many seasons.
We also like the electric start and excellent digital gauges that tell you just about everything, except your IQ. There’s a clock, barometric readings and a sensor that alerts you when it’s time for an oil change. Likewise, as you run low on gas a light will come on and then the gauge will show you how many miles you’ve run since the warning light lit up. Hint, don’t try to go more than 20 miles beyond that. We’re just saying …
For rear seat riders there’s an adjustable backrest. You just press a lever and slide it forward. Heck, even a one-up rider can use it for back support, if so desired. There are heated grips in back too and the grips are height adjustable, in case you have a Yeti or Leprechaun riding with you.
There’s also a mammoth hardtop storage trunk in back, made for carrying all the necessities you need on an adventure ride.
Overall the sled’s riding position is comfortable too, with a soft wide seat and wide running boards. Best of all is that sweet giant windshield because it eliminates wind on the driver. Gee, cutting wind chill on a sled, what a novel idea! I’ve ridden a fair amount of miles on Ventures with my helmet visor up. What a great feeling!
In case you’re riding in record low temperatures though, there is an RCA-style plug by the left hand grip to plug in a heated helmet visor. We prefer not to have the dangling cord, but this is a good option to have on super frigid mornings. There’s also a standard outlet for folks wanting to hook up their GPS system or cell phone.
Venture will keep you happy and comfortable on the trail, from sun up until midnight if you like. And who wouldn’t like that? |
2012 Yamaha RS Venture GT
Engine: 1049cc liquid triple 4-stroke HP: 130.5* Exhaust: 2 valves, rear exhaust Ski Stance: 43 in. Front Susp.: Independent double wishbone, 40mm HPG alum. shocks (8.5 in. travel) Rear Susp.: ProComfort CK 144, 40mm HPG alum. shocks (13.3 in. travel) Track: 15x144x1.25 in. RipSaw Fuel Tank: 9.2 gal.
Rec. Fuel: 87 octane Dry Weight: N.A. Price: $12,699 US / $14,999 CA
PLUSES: Superb engine, light steering, plush ride and superb wind protection and storage.
*AmSnow tested |
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