2004 Yamaha Royal Star Midnight Venture Cruiser reviews

At just over two years old and 33K miles I give Yamaha two thumbs up. Only in the shop for a honking rear shock, replacing worn tires and recently having the carbs fattened up and sync'd, it has never let me down. The seat has been upgraded to a Diamond seat and my second set of slip ons which are now Baron Nasty Boys with cut off baffles. Lots of accessories for your pleasure too. Metzler tires out perform the stock Bridgstone and make handling much easier as others have mentioned turning difficulties during slow maneuvers. I use Amsoil with 12 to 14K intervals, something I'm sure HD would cringe on. Show less

I have been riding for 24 years, and this bike is by far the most comfortable that I have been able to ride. It was a little hard to get used to the weight at first, however, after a few long road trips, it has become a part of my body. The only problem I have is with the clutch noise. Since it has a heavy duty clutch, it makes a whirring sound at lower RPMs. Once you have achieved light speed (Cruising speed) you no longer have the problem. Rider comfort is also exceptional (So I am told by several different people). I, unlike a lot of other people, like the subdued noise ratio of the pipes. Often you will see others upgrade this area to provide a throatier sound, however, then you give up listening to the great sound system unless you have a headset, then you give up you ability to be in tune with your environment and open yourself to risks on the road. Point is, rides great, performs great, feels great, and the price is right. Show less

After a hiatus of twenty plus years, I attended the 2003 Motorcycle Rally in Galveston, TX. What an experience, it was then I realized just what I was missing. Two weeks later I was bike shopping. Not really knowing exactly what I wanted I made the search even more interesting. To make a long story short, someone told me to check out the Yamaha, the minute I saw it I knew that I had a decision to make, Ultra Classic or Midnight Venture. Having read everything I possibly could and test drive both, the decision came down to warranty, price, and of course looks. The choice was easy, there is not $5500 dollars difference between the two bikes, Yamaha's 5 year unlimited mile warranty is clearly superior to Harleys' and the lines are just as nice as Harley or better. Only having the bike for 7 months and 1600 miles reliability should be 5 star and it is, the only thing I have done is check oil and tire pressure. As far as performance, all the bikes of same I have ridden with cannot touch my Venture. Due to the weight slow turns can take some getting used too, but once you know your bike no problem. Other than an occasional deceleration back fire I have had no performance problems. I would rate the performance at 4.8 stars. Comfort is a 5 star. The seat and feel of the bike is unsurpassed. Everyone who has driven the bike has totally been impressed. Vibration and noise is virtually non- existent, and the sound system is impressive. You have to drive it to believe it. The quality of construction was a pleasant surprise. The chrome has no pits or discoloration, and above all no signs of rust and I live on an Island where the salt water plays havoc on chrome. However, I have been disappointed with the latches on the saddlebags they have been difficult to open and somewhat cumbersome. They have ordered new latches and if that does not work they will get new bags. Quality is a 4.5. Overall I have been very pleased with my choice and would by another. I have ordered new exhaust for a more throaty sound. Show less