2020 Yamaha Star Venture

When Yamaha’s big tourer made its debut in 2018, the marquee item on the all-new, freshly designed Star Venture was the air-cooled V-twin engine, a change from the V-4 arrangement of previous models. But that massive 113ci (1,854cc) mill is designed specifically for long-distance touring and the counterbalanced engine is rubber-mounted in an entirely new chassis, while modern electronics get packed into every nook and cranny of this dresser. All the cushy touring amenities are back as well, like cruise control, traction control, linked ABS, Sure-Park parking assist, infotainment, ride modes, an adjustable backrest, and more.

In his First Ride Review of the Venture (with his wife aboard), Joe Gustafson remarked, “The new motor has torque everywhere, stump-pulling, smooth-as-silk torquey goodness. Even two-up and fully laden, the most the bike required was two downshifts on the steepest of inclines.” Hardcore tourers and happy couples alike will be drawn to this luxury tourer for all those reasons, and those folks will be comparing it to competitors like the Honda Gold Wing Tour, BMW’s K 1600 Grand America, and perhaps the more retrofied Indian Roadmaster.

There are exactly zero changes for 2020, including the price. Impact Blue joins Granite Gray as a new color option, however. The Transcontinental Option Package upgrade adds supplemental LED fog lamps, additional storage for the passenger, and an alarmed security system.