Yamaha Venture vs nomad (Ultra nomad)

[blackdogbrian]

Morning folks,

I just wanted to run a question by you - and get your thoughts
Yamaha Venture vs an Ultra nomad (ie fairing and trunk)
http://www.motorsports-network.com/yamaha/99mc/venture2.jpg

Here's the sitch:
Yesterday my father in law told me he's going to be getting rid of his yamaha venture (generation II) and wants to know if I want it.

So what are your pro's vs on this?
Venture has the luggage, trunk fairing, stereo...
but now my nomad has all that too (I've ultra'd it up)

Venture - 4cl engine, longer range, etc.
Nomad - more of a rugged "manly" feel

comments?
(and before someone else says it...... no, I won't get to keep them both......)

[cactusjack]

In my opinion, the Venture is old technology - I think they still come with cassette players. Plus it's not a v-twin. My $.02 worth.

[chucks1911]

Well I have a trunk from a Venture that I'm working on http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Not much help, I know.

[sonny]

I have a friend that owns a Venture, I have riden it a few times to and from the shop for him, 50mi or so each way. for me it is a bit top heavy passing a truck or in high wind on the interstate. And it does not feel like it is built as "solid" if that makes sence. But I think they are both probably pretty dependable bikes if properly cared for. I think it comes down to rider comfort and preference.
Thanks for your time

[Netnorske]

In my opinion, the Venture is old technology - I think they still come with cassette players. Plus it's not a v-twin. My $.02 worth.

This....coming from a guy now riding 1930's airplane technology.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif ::) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif!!

[billmac]

Never ridden a Venture. They have a comfortable looking seat and have always got good comments in test comparisons. I don't see many Ventures on the road. May not be easy to sell when the time comes.

[blackdogbrian]

scott - i'm interested to hear why you figure they are older tech.
(I thought they might be 'newer' then the nomad as it's running with a 4 cyl engine).

Yeah, you are correct, I think they are still pumping them out with cassette stereos - but this one already has the ipod interface so that's not a big concern.

Keep the feedback coming - has anyone here tried them both out?

[cactusjack]

scott - i'm interested to hear why you figure they are older tech.
(I thought they might be 'newer' then the nomad as it's running with a 4 cyl engine).

Yeah, you are correct, I think they are still pumping them out with cassette stereos - but this one already has the ipod interface so that's not a big concern.

Keep the feedback coming - has anyone here tried them both out?

I just meant they haven't evolved much over the years. They aren't fuel injected, that means 4 carbs to synchronize. I checked Star's website and they do still come with a cassette player. That's 1970's technology.

You asked for opinions, and that's what I gave you. I wouldn't buy one, they don't do much for me. I'm a v-twin guy, is probably the biggest reason. If you like the bike - go for it, that's what matters.

[cactusjack]

In my opinion, the Venture is old technology - I think they still come with cassette players. Plus it's not a v-twin. My $.02 worth.

This....coming from a guy now riding 1930's airplane technology.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif ::) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif!!

Okay, smart guy - your name just made my list. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[ponch]

scott - i'm interested to hear why you figure they are older tech.
(I thought they might be 'newer' then the nomad as it's running with a 4 cyl engine).

Yeah, you are correct, I think they are still pumping them out with cassette stereos - but this one already has the ipod interface so that's not a big concern.

Keep the feedback coming - has anyone here tried them both out?

I just meant they haven't evolved much over the years. They aren't fuel injected, that means 4 carbs to synchronize. I checked Star's website and they do still come with a cassette player. That's 1970's technology.

You asked for opinions, and that's what I gave you. I wouldn't buy one, they don't do much for me. I'm a v-twin guy, is probably the biggest reason. If you like the bike - go for it, that's what matters.

The other thing with carbs is cold starting and ethanol. Fuel injection works much better than carbs in the cold and with the increase in ethanol use in gasoline, having carbs is a detriment. They just don't hold up as well, especially if the gasohol sits in the bike for awhile.

[jims]

Morning folks,

I just wanted to run a question by you - and get your thoughts
Yamaha Venture vs an Ultra nomad (ie fairing and trunk)
http://www.motorsports-network.com/yamaha/99mc/venture2.jpg

Here's the sitch:
Yesterday my father in law told me he's going to be getting rid of his yamaha venture (generation II) and wants to know if I want it.

So what are your pro's vs on this?
Venture has the luggage, trunk fairing, stereo...
but now my nomad has all that too (I've ultra'd it up)

Venture - 4cl engine, longer range, etc.
Nomad - more of a rugged "manly" feel

comments?
(and before someone else says it...... no, I won't get to keep them both......)



um.......did I read that part "..wants to know if I want it" to translate to a 'gifting' type of 'want' it? It makes it a much easier question to answer that way.

[ponch]

Morning folks,

I just wanted to run a question by you - and get your thoughts
Yamaha Venture vs an Ultra nomad (ie fairing and trunk)
http://www.motorsports-network.com/yamaha/99mc/venture2.jpg

Here's the sitch:
Yesterday my father in law told me he's going to be getting rid of his yamaha venture (generation II) and wants to know if I want it.

So what are your pro's vs on this?
Venture has the luggage, trunk fairing, stereo...
but now my nomad has all that too (I've ultra'd it up)

Venture - 4cl engine, longer range, etc.
Nomad - more of a rugged "manly" feel

comments?
(and before someone else says it...... no, I won't get to keep them both......)



um.......did I read that part "..wants to know if I want it" to translate to a 'gifting' type of 'want' it? It makes it a much easier question to answer that way.

If it's a gift, why couldn't he keep both?

[1badbagger]

Ventures are a heavy bike. The motor is similar to the old VMax, too bad they tuned it down so much. You may want to google search the evailant clutch basket whines that occurs. Really common problem with the Yamaha's and reported to be very distracting. I have ridden both, the Nomad is a better bike in the end.

[nomadrider]

I have a neighbor with a Venture and was wondering what that whining noise was when he drove by.

[Loafer]

You are asking about a Yamaha on a Nomad site? I've never ridden one, but I have sat on a few when I got the chance. Didn't like the seat, made me feel stuck in one position. If you haven't taken it out for a ride yet, you should. You are the ultimate decision maker. Personally, that model isn't my cup o' tea. JMO

[curtis71]

Well if its free then yea I would take it,nothing like a spare. Dont matter what you ride as long as you ride

[blackdogbrian]

scott - I wasn't dogging (lol) your comment about 70's tech, I just wanted to know why
(which you did in your second post).
I didn't realize that it was still carbed - and I would be inclined to agree, I prefer fuel injection.
That is one of the main reasons why I moved to the nomad from my shadow - it just never seemed to have the carbs done quite right.

Thanks for the feed back folks.
For some reason I thought I remembered reading on here a post by someone who much prefered the venture - so I thought I would see why.... but so far the mood seems to be towards the nomad.
Yeah, that could be a bit biased, but in the end this is just it, I'm getting feedback on why we all bought what we bought (or in scotts case until he got the real ultra!)

Its not going to be free.... but it would be a good deal I am sure.

of course when the time comes I will try the other bike for a few rides - but something tells me unless I get bored with the nomad between now and then I'll be sticking with the old girl...

Thanks!
Brian

[yoda]

If you asked the same question on the Venture Riders site, you would be reminded of the bulletproof 98 HP engine, the nimble handling, and the all day comfort. I know lots of guys who have them and love them. I also know several folks who wish the torque was more like a Vtwin. You need to rev that 1300, but then it starts to fly! And more than one has made them a bit faster with some internal tweaking. Personally, I like the torque on my Nomad, And it works out well for me, but I looked hard at the Tour Deluxe, which is the same drive train as the Venture.

[ridemslow]

To some Harley owners, them's fighting words. Fact is, it's true. ;) Since the 1930's Hardley has only introduced 6 different engines, and for 10+ years, Hardley was built in Japan. :-[ I've had Harley owners nearly in tears when shown these facts. Go Figure, they're riding "Jap-crap" http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif





In my opinion, the Venture is old technology - I think they still come with cassette players. Plus it's not a v-twin. My $.02 worth.

This....coming from a guy now riding 1930's airplane technology.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif ::) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif!!

[ridemslow]

Uh-oh... Guess I hit that list too.. oops http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif





This....coming from a guy now riding 1930's airplane technology.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif ::) http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif!!

Okay, smart guy - your name just made my list. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[schoeney]

I have a neighbor with a Venture and was wondering what that whining noise was when he drove by.

Was his wife on the back? ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[skeeter]

Tour Deluxe was on my list too when I was still lookin. the day I test rode a used nomad with my wife I walked over and sat on a new Tour Deluxe and she just shook her head and wouldn't even take a seat. The shoe just didn't fit but if yours does, slip it on and run with it. Not having fuel injection and hydraulic lifters never stopped me from riding an old bike but was a point of consideration for purchasing a new one. Have an old Suzuki 850 inline four and did enjoy the smooth response when I had it running. Looking forward to having it road worthy again someday. Sort of a nostalgic thing.

[ringadingh]

I also looked at the Tour Delux when I was shopping around, Ive heard a lot of good things about them just like the Nomads.
Take it for a ride and let that be a deciding factor, if you like the feel better, why not get it.

[trip]

If you can buy it cheap and add to your stable (keep the Nomad), then I'd go for it. If it comes down to the Venture -or- the Nomad.... keep the Nomad.

I have a friend that owns a Venture..... V-4 technology that is carbed. He complains all the time because it doesn't run right.

Just my 2 centavos worth.

[blackdogbrian]

Was his wife on the back? ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif[/quote]

ROFL!!!!!
http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[glwilson]

for 10+ years, Hardley was built in Japan.

I would like to see the "facts" on that statement, if you would provide them. ;)

Oh yeah... by the way... where is Kawasaki from? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[cactusjack]

for 10+ years, Hardley was built in Japan.

I would like to see the "facts" on that statement, if you would provide them. ;)

Oh yeah... by the way... where is Kawasaki from? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

During the depression, they did.

In the mid 1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74 cubic inches (1,210 cc) VL. The Japanese license-holder severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.

[blackdogbrian]

Oh yeah... by the way... where is Kawasaki from? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Oh, well this is going to be awkward.... I thought you knew:

Well..... when a moma motorcycle bike and a dady motorcycle love each other.... one evening over a dinner with a fancy bottle of good synthetic motoroil.....

http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[glwilson]

Oh yeah... by the way... where is Kawasaki from? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Oh, well this is going to be awkward.... I thought you knew:

Well..... when a moma motorcycle bike and a dady motorcycle love each other.... one evening over a dinner with a fancy bottle of good synthetic motoroil.....

http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[glwilson]

I would like to see the "facts" on that statement, if you would provide them. ;)

Oh yeah... by the way... where is Kawasaki from? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

During the depression, they did.

In the mid 1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74 cubic inches (1,210 cc) VL. The Japanese license-holder severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.

I don't believe that is what he meant CJ... however what you said is true; although HD's were still being made here at the time.

The agreement with HD and Mr. Child is considered by most experts to have been the beginning of motorcycle manufacturing in Japan.

There were remnants of the Rikuo still made with the same blueprints for many years after the agreement was cancelled.

[ponch]

I would like to see the "facts" on that statement, if you would provide them. ;)

Oh yeah... by the way... where is Kawasaki from? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

During the depression, they did.

In the mid 1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74 cubic inches (1,210 cc) VL. The Japanese license-holder severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.

True, but they weren't exported here. Any HD sold here was assembled here. Still is, just that they outsource a whole bunch.

[wiz]

The Venture is a very nice bike. It came out in '99 and is pretty much exactly the same now. The Venture I rode at Biketoberfest seemed a bit lacking in grunt but sometimes the demo bikes get a bit ragged out. Very comfy and bullet-proof reliable. If I knew how much time, money and work I was going to end up putting into my Nomad I may have just bought a Venture or a Glide instead - but the Nomad has come along well! :) Now to install that J&M CB....

[snarleybill08]

i have owned both. the venture is in a different class. it is a full blown touring bike. they are tall and top heavy. they have frame flex, and wallow in the curves when pushed hard. they don't have alot of lowend torque so you have to shift alot, and keep the rev's up. they are great on the super slab and very comfortable. the chirp is annoying as hell, but it varies with the bike. mine was loud. they are almost up with the wing on reliability. very good looking bike in my opinion. if i traveled long distances two up, it would be the venture i would want. all around riding and short trips it would be the nomad.

[NyhtRyder]

When I was still shopping in 07, it was between the Venture and the Nomad. What turned me off on the Venture was the fact that in had heated carbs. ::)

I'm glad I decided on the Nomad. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ridemslow]

Thanks for the backup there CJ. Lotsa folks don't believe it. ::)





I would like to see the "facts" on that statement, if you would provide them. ;)

Oh yeah... by the way... where is Kawasaki from? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

During the depression, they did.

In the mid 1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74 cubic inches (1,210 cc) VL. The Japanese license-holder severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.

[glwilson]

Thanks for the backup there CJ. Lotsa folks don't believe it. ::)




During the depression, they did.

In the mid 1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74 cubic inches (1,210 cc) VL. The Japanese license-holder severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.

I wasn't saying that you were lying... it was just that the way you stated the "fact"... it sounded like all HD's were made in Japan for 10-years. They were not. Only HD's made in the story referenced by CJ were made there.

That's all... no big deal. I am not sensitive to the issue myself. I could give a crap where HD's are made. I think Japan can make great products. Maybe they couldn't 30-years ago, but that isn't so these days. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

We cool?

[cactusjack]

Thanks for the backup there CJ. Lotsa folks don't believe it. ::)




During the depression, they did.

In the mid 1930s, Alfred Rich Child opened a production line in Japan with the 74 cubic inches (1,210 cc) VL. The Japanese license-holder severed its business relations with Harley-Davidson in 1936 and continued manufacturing the VL under the Rikuo name.

I had to look it up myself. The bikes built in Japan weren't for the North American market, it was due to some tariff imposed by Great Britain on imports from the USA. So by building bikes in Japan, they were able to sell them in UK countries, such as Australia.

It's no different than Toyota building cars in the USA to beat the import regulations.

[glwilson]

Point exactly CJ... however some would like dwell on it... ;)

Get over it, I say. What isn't made in China, Japan, and etc. Heck, if we didn't import products at the price we do, we couldn't afford anything.

Now that I said that... (just wait for the sh*t-storm to hit now)!

[ridemslow]

Not trying to start a sh1t storm. However....SPLAT YOU"RE IT! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif


Point exactly CJ... however some would like dwell on it... ;)

Get over it, I say. What isn't made in China, Japan, and etc. Heck, if we didn't import products at the price we do, we couldn't afford anything.

Now that I said that... (just wait for the sh*t-storm to hit now)!

[glwilson]

Not trying to start a sh1t storm. However....SPLAT YOU"RE IT! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif


Point exactly CJ... however some would like dwell on it... ;)

Get over it, I say. What isn't made in China, Japan, and etc. Heck, if we didn't import products at the price we do, we couldn't afford anything.

Now that I said that... (just wait for the sh*t-storm to hit now)!

http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ridemslow]

I couldn't resist Greg.

[glwilson]

I couldn't resist Greg.


I could not have either...

Hey... does something smell like sh*t around here???? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ezmoney]

I own both,The Nomad with Fairing and Trunk
around town Nomad
On interstate Venture
Technology Venture has carbs and a cassette player but has a V4, built in stereo, and cruise control
Venture has more room for a passenger in my case it seems like about 3 more inchs
Looks goes to the Nomad
Top end speed and interstate running Venture

I just went on a 2400 mile trip on the Venture, the comfort level for it vs the Nomad was significant. B
But if I was going on a poker run, bar hopping or an afternoon drive It would be the Nomad,, a week trip no question the Venture.

I love both of them for different reasons

[Jared]

I own both,The Nomad with Fairing and Trunk
around town Nomad
On interstate Venture
Technology Venture has carbs and a cassette player but has a V4, built in stereo, and cruise control
Venture has more room for a passenger in my case it seems like about 3 more inchs
Looks goes to the Nomad
Top end speed and interstate running Venture

I just went on a 2400 mile trip on the Venture, the comfort level for it vs the Nomad was significant. B
But if I was going on a poker run, bar hopping or an afternoon drive It would be the Nomad,, a week trip no question the Venture.

I love both of them for different reasons



I'd consider the Nomad a crappy around the down bike. WAY too heavy if that was it's only purpose, imho. I'd consider the Nomad my touring bike, and I'd like to have a VN900 bobber or a Ninja for an around the town bike.

[recumbentbob]

Here is the history and specs of the Yamaha Venture.

http://www.venturerider.org/history.htm

[mansfieldnomad]

there's also the issue of being beholden to a family member. sometimes when family members say they give you something they don't REALLY give it up. you might never be able to sell it without hurting they're feelings or getting they're ok first. jmo