This segment was once the home of one of Yamaha’s final two-strokes. Gone is the Venture 600; in its place is the new Venture Lite four-stroke.
The Venture Lite is one of two new 2-Up machines for 2007. The RS Venture returns, but it now comes in a second version, the RS Venture GT. The main difference with the GT is an upgraded suspension.
The Lite takes its styling cues from the new Phazer and the FX chassis, but has increased wind and body protection with an ultra-tall windshield and deflectors at the driver’s knees. Unlike the other 2-Ups, it has a sturdy rear rack. It also uses the Phazer’s quick-release bodywork. It runs a 15- by 144- by 1-inch Camoplast Rip Saw track.
The Lite and standard Venture are positioned as 2-Up touring; the GT is called “luxury touring.” Yamaha anticipates the buyer as a 40- to 50-year-old who averages 1,570 miles annually. It has a premium suspension package and storage in the handlebar pad.
The three 2-Ups all have removable passenger seats, electric start, reverse, digital gauges, mirrors, an accessory outlet and driver/passenger grip warmers. The standard and GT uses the 15- by 144- by 1.25-inch Camoplast Rip Saw track.
Front Suspension: Independent Double Wishbone; Shocks/Travel: GYT-R Aluminum/9 inches; Rear Suspension: Pro Comfort; Shocks/Travel: Aluminum HPG/12.5 inches; Features: This is the premium suspension option. The front shocks are compression- (12 steps) and rebound-adjustable (20 clicks). The rear adjusts between one and two riders with its torsion spring lever. It uses a tri-cam preload adjuster and an adjustable control rod.
Genesis 120:
The Venture/GT uses a compact, torquey three-cylinder four-stroke. The wide torque band allows for easier clutch tuning. The engine is three cylinders, liquid-cooled with peak horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Yamaha estimates 20 mpg.
