VStarRider
02-02-2018, 06:06 PM
Local Yamaha dealer finally has a unit on the floor. They called me to let me know, which I appreciate. No test ride; it is 12 degrees here today.
I am 6'1", 230 lbs, 34" inseam, beard, handsome fellow.
First thing I noticed it is big out back. Looks like it is carrying several pieces of luggage. Speaking of luggage, I brought two XL snowmobile helmets in from my car, and both easily fit in the trunk with some room left over.
Next thing I checked is the size of the bags. They open from the top, hinged on the outside. The left side bag is deeper and slightly wider than the right side. I used my HP laptop bag w/shoulder strap as a way to measure volume. It fit into the left bag, but tightly. For comparison, this laptop bag will fit into the Honda's bag about as easily...just have to stuff it into the opening of the clamshell a bit.
A thoughtful feature that Yamaha used was nicely stitched, heavy duty vinyl as a limiter for how far the lid of the bag will open. This not only protects whatever you put in there, but also folds up nicely on its own and does not take up any storage capacity. Both the the trunk and side bag lids use a large push button to operate the latch and close with a nice, quality feel.
Lots of neat little storage cubbies around the fairing...and these spaces were designed with size of modern smartphones in mind.
I sat on the bike and quickly noticed the wide tank, as some have mentioned online. I have fairly long legs, so while I noticed it, that is a fairly neutral seating position for me anyway. However, someone with shorter legs...not sure how that would feel because the rider is forced to sit like that, no choice.
The reason I am even looking at this bike is the leg room. I don't miss much from running V Twin cruisers, but space for my legs and feet is definitely one of them. LOTS of leg room, with boards that offer plenty of choice for foot placement. Other folks online on forums and videos have mentioned the handlebars being very swept back and awkward feeling; I did not notice that. They just seemed like traditional cruiser bars.
This bike is HEAVY to get off the side stand....noticeably more than the F6Bs. Flat-footing is never an issue at my height, so I didn't really pay attention to that. Others say that you sit low; I didn't really notice that, just seems like a typical cruiser.
While I would like more leg and foot room on my Honda, there is plenty of room on the seat and it has good butt and thigh support. The F6B has more seat room than the Venture. The Venture is not as tight as the 01-17 full Wing, but anyone my height has no need to move its adjustable lumbar support forward. Controls fell to hand easily. I like the max height of the adjustable windshield; right about at eye level (I would just get a Madstad anyway). As it is lowered, its track is curved so its actual drop is pretty significant. It is annoying that the switch only lowers it completely or raises it completely. Incremental adjustments need to be done on the touchscreen or with two clicks on the button.
Gauges and infotainment system look top notch.
Mirrors are much larger than typical cruisers, but smaller than our flat-6ers.
There are factory Baker wing-type deflectors which operate easily and look effective. There are vents for legs and feet for increased airflow.
Something I noticed when I put my hands on the grips...Yamaha added soft rubber to cushion one's hands as they rest against the control block on the inside of the grips. Nice touch.
Obviously, I did not ride the bike, but I honestly felt a little intimidated by its heft. Our bikes are heavy, but the weight seems a lot less noticeable, probably due to the big flat motor sitting low in the frame. I know I would feel like the Venture would want to topple over at low speeds, but I am sure it would require getting used to. The F6B is a BIG bike that feels light on its feet, and nimble. In fact, I consider that to be a strong safety feature. The best way to not have an accident is to avoid one.
A MAJOR turnoff...it requires premium fuel.
Tomorrow, I may head out to my local Honda dealer as they just got a new GW on the floor.
I am 6'1", 230 lbs, 34" inseam, beard, handsome fellow.
First thing I noticed it is big out back. Looks like it is carrying several pieces of luggage. Speaking of luggage, I brought two XL snowmobile helmets in from my car, and both easily fit in the trunk with some room left over.
Next thing I checked is the size of the bags. They open from the top, hinged on the outside. The left side bag is deeper and slightly wider than the right side. I used my HP laptop bag w/shoulder strap as a way to measure volume. It fit into the left bag, but tightly. For comparison, this laptop bag will fit into the Honda's bag about as easily...just have to stuff it into the opening of the clamshell a bit.
A thoughtful feature that Yamaha used was nicely stitched, heavy duty vinyl as a limiter for how far the lid of the bag will open. This not only protects whatever you put in there, but also folds up nicely on its own and does not take up any storage capacity. Both the the trunk and side bag lids use a large push button to operate the latch and close with a nice, quality feel.
Lots of neat little storage cubbies around the fairing...and these spaces were designed with size of modern smartphones in mind.
I sat on the bike and quickly noticed the wide tank, as some have mentioned online. I have fairly long legs, so while I noticed it, that is a fairly neutral seating position for me anyway. However, someone with shorter legs...not sure how that would feel because the rider is forced to sit like that, no choice.
The reason I am even looking at this bike is the leg room. I don't miss much from running V Twin cruisers, but space for my legs and feet is definitely one of them. LOTS of leg room, with boards that offer plenty of choice for foot placement. Other folks online on forums and videos have mentioned the handlebars being very swept back and awkward feeling; I did not notice that. They just seemed like traditional cruiser bars.
This bike is HEAVY to get off the side stand....noticeably more than the F6Bs. Flat-footing is never an issue at my height, so I didn't really pay attention to that. Others say that you sit low; I didn't really notice that, just seems like a typical cruiser.
While I would like more leg and foot room on my Honda, there is plenty of room on the seat and it has good butt and thigh support. The F6B has more seat room than the Venture. The Venture is not as tight as the 01-17 full Wing, but anyone my height has no need to move its adjustable lumbar support forward. Controls fell to hand easily. I like the max height of the adjustable windshield; right about at eye level (I would just get a Madstad anyway). As it is lowered, its track is curved so its actual drop is pretty significant. It is annoying that the switch only lowers it completely or raises it completely. Incremental adjustments need to be done on the touchscreen or with two clicks on the button.
Gauges and infotainment system look top notch.
Mirrors are much larger than typical cruisers, but smaller than our flat-6ers.
There are factory Baker wing-type deflectors which operate easily and look effective. There are vents for legs and feet for increased airflow.
Something I noticed when I put my hands on the grips...Yamaha added soft rubber to cushion one's hands as they rest against the control block on the inside of the grips. Nice touch.
Obviously, I did not ride the bike, but I honestly felt a little intimidated by its heft. Our bikes are heavy, but the weight seems a lot less noticeable, probably due to the big flat motor sitting low in the frame. I know I would feel like the Venture would want to topple over at low speeds, but I am sure it would require getting used to. The F6B is a BIG bike that feels light on its feet, and nimble. In fact, I consider that to be a strong safety feature. The best way to not have an accident is to avoid one.
A MAJOR turnoff...it requires premium fuel.
Tomorrow, I may head out to my local Honda dealer as they just got a new GW on the floor.