2008Yamaha Royal Star Venture

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The 2008 Yamaha Royal Star Venture is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking comfort and touring capability. Powered by a liquid-cooled 1295cc V4 engine with shaft drive, it excels as a long-distance touring cruiser with substantial carrying capacity. Known for its smooth power delivery and stability, it appeals to experienced riders prioritizing relaxed, feature-rich riding.

Capacity: 1294.7 ccm
Engine: V four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 366.0 kg
Seat height: 749 mm
Power: 90.0 HP (66.2 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Yamaha Royal Star Venture

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Front suspension	Telescopic fork w/air assist	Telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Single shock, link-type w/air assist	Single shock

Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding30%

Daily riding55%

Touring95%

Two-up90%

Track10%

Best for: Built for long-distance highway touring with a passenger and luggage, prioritizing comfort and stability over sportiness.
Built for: A relaxed, cruiser-hearted tourer for riders who value smooth V4 power delivery, shaft-drive reliability, and plush long-haul comfort over aggressive handling.
Not ideal for: Not for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable ride.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 749mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Yamaha Royal Star Venture, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1294.7 ccm
Power: 90.0 HP (66.2 kW)
Engine type: V four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2459 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: hydraulic clutch

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1704 mm
Overall length: 2654 mm
Overall width: 899 mm
Overall height: 1565 mm
Seat height: 749 mm
Dry weight: 366.0 kg
Wet weight: 394.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Single-backbone frame with solid engine mounting
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Single shock
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 104 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.0°
Trail: 140 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 320 mm
Front tyre: 150/80-16
Rear tyre: 150/90-15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2006	2008	2009	2011	2012
Capacity	1294 cc	1295 cc	1295 cc	1295 cc	1295 cc
Dry weight	366 kg	366 kg	366 kg	366 kg	366 kg
Seat height	749 mm	749 mm	749 mm	749 mm	749 mm
Fuel capacity	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L