In 2008, the Japanese motorcycle maker launched the Yamaha Royal Star Venture, a touring machine that packed the exact visual, technical, and performance specifications as the previous model without any modifications whatsoever.
The bike was a luxury touring motorcycle that debuted in 1999 and continued production until 2013. It was also manufactured in a different form from 1983 until 1993. The second generation model, manufactured in 1999, continued its production until 2013 without any significant changes.
The 2008 motorcycle had standard features, such as a stylish, aerodynamic cowl on the front with a round headlight, a wide, pulled-back handlebar, a comfortable two-piece dual seat, a top case with an integrated pillion backrest and armrests, color-matched side-mounted panniers, and seven-spoke aluminum wheels with fat tires.
All bits and pieces were mounted on a steel frame, like a 43 mm air-assisted telescopic fork with 142 mm of travel on the front and an air-assisted shock absorber with 104 mm of travel on the rear, providing excellent handling capabilities.
In the braking department, the bike's wheels were fitted with two 298 mm discs coupled to four-piston calipers on the front and a 320 mm disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear, providing excellent stopping performance.
The 2008 Yamaha Royal Star Venture's power came from a 1,294cc four-stroke V4 liquid-cooled engine fed by four Mikuni carburetors, boasting 98 hp and 121 Nm (89 lb-ft) torque at 4,750 rpm.