1986 Yamaha XVZ1300D Venture Royale

Summary:

Great highway vehicle

Faults:

Generally the dashboard display has mind of its own. The fuel level oscillates from max to zero even after the fill up at the gas station. Fuel level warning is constantly on. High beams (blue light) going on and off, regardless of actual light.

General Comments:

Despite the minor electronic glitches, which one has to accept as a sign of age (25 year old vehicle), it is a comfortable and dependable bike. Meant definitely more for highways and long distance rides than congested city streets. Has sufficient power and torque (comes in handy during heavy traffic). During passing of the slower vehicles, it easily and without hesitation goes into speeds that could bring the attention of traffic cops.

It took me some time to get use to a whining noise of the gears.

It would be nice if lights, both High and Low beams were stronger. Brakes are good; anti diving system adds to the comfort. Some plastics were cracked. Somehow I believe that this is not necessarily the age caused brittleness, but rather the sign of some "history(ies)"...

Fuel mileage, the average after 5000 miles, is 36 MPG (6.5 l/100km). After all, it is a full size cruiser, not a moped.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th October, 2012

23rd Oct 2014, 11:50

Plastic: It appears to be an issue with the plastic itself. Most of the plastic is available either salvage or aftermarket EXCEPT the two halves of the main front fairing. You can find the salvage, but the mount locations are almost always cracked. I had to completely rebuild and reinforce all my mounts, and it was quite a bit of work to do it right. I used plastic welder, mesh metal screen, & fiberglass & resin (where there was room). If I ever drop this bike the fairing is toast.

Even with the other plastic pieces, it is important that you do not tighten the screws down. Take down until just touching and use a blue Loctite. The rattling and squeaking can get annoying, so I found some thin sticky back felt like sheeting to place under those areas, though whatever you use cannot be very thick. Also watch the size of washers that go down into the plastic mount holes. These should be very loose fitting on OD (snug OD fits blow out plastic real quick).

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1984 Yamaha XVZ1300D Venture Royale

Summary:

Very powerful touring bike

Faults:

The only defective item on this bike has been 2nd gear.

It has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer tolerate heavy acceleration in second gear, without popping into neutral.

The clutch had to be replaced at about 85,000 Km. At the point before replacement, it would slip slightly under hard acceleration in 4th and 5th gear.

General Comments:

Hands down the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. After a full day's ride, I can get off and feel like I've only been riding for an hour.

Huge amount of power for a bike this size (754 lbs.).

Slow speed handling is second to none for a bike this size, but you better have both feet well planted when it's standing still. Very top heavy. When it's moving, you don't even notice the weight.

The styling is very sleek and unique. I would never have considered this bike before I took one for a test ride. Now I wouldn't ride anything else (and I've ridden a lot of bikes).

Lots of luggage space. Great touring bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2008

1st Jul 2010, 22:51

Looking for timing specs for my 1986 Yamaha Royal Venture?

5th Aug 2012, 13:11

Interesting similarity.

I also upgraded from a Honda CB900C to a 1986 Venture (not Royal, but on the way to becoming close, after original radio is installed, Project #1).

I have similar observation regarding slow speed handling, or exactly "legging" while standing: 2 feet on the ground!

I was also looking for other than a Venture bike until this one came up (reasonable advertised asking price can make wonders).

I'm happy so far.

I'll wait with posting my own comments until more miles are acquired. It is at approx. 800 miles now.

I keep a very detailed log of expenses and fuel mileage (for tax reasons). Will keep you and others posted to know what the potential used vehicle buyers will be facing. Hopefully not much, as this vehicle's reliability is not affected by its age. So what others are saying. We'll see.

27th Aug 2018, 15:56

The second gear issue was a known engineering problem... I think up to mid-year 1985 when Yamaha finally had the feedback to address it. I had an 83 that I replaced with an 89 for this very reason. The problem was a single washer made from too low a grade of metal that second gear would impact into every time you shift. Over time, the washer will get thinner and thinner until there is enough play in the gear alignments that second gear will no longer stay engaged. Happens on every one of these bikes somewhere between 50k and 80k. It's a crying shame really.

1983 Yamaha XVZ1300D Venture Royale

Summary:

The most reliable bike ever!

Faults:

Not much if anything has gone wrong with this motorcycle. The stator went, but was not difficult to replace. The usual things like tires and brakes to be maintained, but engine wise you cannot kill this thing!

General Comments:

This motorcycle was Yamaha's attempt to get in on the touring market going up against rival Honda's Gold Wing. Well Yamaha took the motorcycle market by storm when they built this bike.

Some people claim that the Venture is top heavy. Well that may be so, but I've owned two of these bikes and have not had problems steering or holding it up.

My first Venture was just as good as my second Venture. The first one was lost in a fire, but I immediately knew I wanted another Venture. They are extremely reliable and proven! Anyone wanting a proven and reliable bike need look no further.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2007

30th Apr 2011, 16:02

On a 1983 Yamaha Venture XVZ12, looking for information on the charging system. Where is it located and how do I remove the stator?

On the ignition system, I have fire on two plugs. What could be the cause that there's no fire on the other two?

On the ignition system, does the fire come from the rotor or a distributor, or a stator?

In reply to 30th Apr 2011, 16:02

23rd Sep 2018, 15:33

None of the above. The stator is for charging the battery. The ignition has 4 magnetic pickup coils in the cover with the stator. And yes they are still available. Find the original part # then google it. Other Yamaha models use the same part.