1988 Yamaha Venture Royale Owners Manual

The 1988 Yamaha Venture Royale is a premium touring motorcycle featuring a 1294cc V4 engine, shaft drive, full fairing with integrated audio system, electronic cruise control, adjustable suspension, comprehensive instrumentation, and extensive touring amenities. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Controls and Instrumentation 4. Specifications 5. Operation and Riding 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Audio System Operation 8. Cruise Control 9. Care & Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1294cc liquid-cooled V4 engine, shaft final drive, full fairing with lowers, integrated audio system with CB radio, electronic cruise control, adjustable air suspension, comprehensive instrumentation.

Feature	Description
Engine	1294cc liquid-cooled 70° V4, DOHC
Transmission	5-speed with overdrive, shaft drive
Suspension	Air-adjustable front and rear
Brakes	Dual disc front, single disc rear
Audio System	AM/FM stereo cassette with CB radio
Cruise Control	Electronic speed maintenance
Fairing	Full coverage with integrated lowers
Seating	Two-up touring seat with passenger backrest
Luggage	Hard saddlebags and trunk
Instruments	Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform pre-ride inspection before operating motorcycle.

Check tire pressure and condition: Front 36 psi, Rear 41 psi (solo riding).
Verify fluid levels: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, final drive oil.
Test lights and signals: Headlight, brake light, turn signals, horn.
Check brake operation: Front and rear brake lever/pedal function.
Inspect chain/shaft drive: Ensure proper tension and lubrication.

WARNING! Failure to perform pre-ride inspection may result in accident or injury. Always wear proper protective gear.

Controls and Instrumentation

Handlebar controls: Left - clutch, turn signals, horn, high/low beam, audio controls. Right - front brake, starter, engine kill switch, cruise control.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, gear position indicator, clock, trip meters, warning lights (oil, neutral, high beam, turn signals).

Audio Controls: AM/FM radio tuning, volume, balance, fader, cassette operation, CB radio channel selection. Cruise Control: SET, RESUME, ACCEL, DECEL buttons. Suspension Adjustment: Air pressure controls for front and rear suspension.

Specifications

Engine: 1294cc liquid-cooled 70° V4, DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 79.5mm x 66mm
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel System: Mikuni BDS34 carburetors
Transmission: 5-speed with overdrive
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension: Air-adjustable telescopic fork front, air-adjustable mono-shock rear
Brakes: Dual 298mm disc front, single 282mm disc rear
Tires: Front 130/90-16, Rear 150/90-15
Fuel Capacity: 6.0 gallons
Weight: 794 lbs (wet)

Operation and Riding

Starting procedure: Turn key ON, ensure kill switch is in RUN position, pull choke (cold engine), pull clutch lever, press starter button.

Warm-up: Allow engine to reach operating temperature before riding.
Shifting: Use clutch for all gear changes; 1st gear down, 5 up.
Braking: Use both front and rear brakes together for maximum stopping power.
Suspension Adjustment: Adjust air pressure based on load and road conditions.
Overdrive: Engage in 5th gear for highway cruising to reduce engine RPM.

Tip: Practice emergency braking and evasive maneuvers in safe, controlled environment.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Service Items
600 miles	Oil change, valve clearance check, carb sync
4,000 miles	Oil change, filter, spark plugs, brake inspection
8,000 miles	Coolant change, final drive oil, air filter
12,000 miles	Brake fluid change, throttle cable adjustment
16,000 miles	Steering head bearing check, wheel bearing service

CAUTION! Always use genuine Yamaha parts and recommended fluids.

Audio System Operation

Integrated AM/FM stereo cassette with CB radio intercom.

Power: Turn audio system ON with volume/power knob.
Radio: Select AM/FM band, use tuning knob for station selection.
Cassette: Insert cassette, press PLAY; FF/REW for fast forward/rewind.
CB Radio: Select channel, adjust squelch for clear reception.
Intercom: Adjust volume for rider-passenger communication.
Balance/Fader: Adjust sound distribution between speakers.

WARNING! Keep audio volume at safe level to maintain awareness of traffic.

Cruise Control

Electronic speed maintenance system for highway riding.

Activation: Reach desired speed (above 30 mph), press SET button.
Adjustment: Use ACCEL to increase speed, DECEL to decrease.
Deactivation: Apply brakes or clutch, or press cruise control OFF.

CAUTION! Cruise control disengages automatically when brakes or clutch are applied. Use only in appropriate road conditions.

Care & Storage

Proper cleaning and storage preserves appearance and function.

Cleaning: Use mild soap and water; avoid high-pressure sprays near seals.
Waxing: Apply motorcycle wax to painted surfaces and chrome.
Storage: Fill fuel tank, add fuel stabilizer, connect battery tender.
Cover: Use breathable motorcycle cover for indoor/outdoor storage.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals; avoid direct sunlight for extended periods.

Warranty Information

12-month limited warranty from date of purchase. Coverage includes defects in materials and workmanship. Normal maintenance items, tires, and batteries excluded. Keep purchase receipt for warranty validation. For warranty claims, contact authorized Yamaha dealer with proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/kill switch	Check battery charge; ensure kill switch in RUN position; verify fuel.
Poor idle/rough running	Carburetion/ignition	Check spark plugs; verify choke operation; inspect air filter.
Electrical issues	Battery/connections	Check battery terminals; inspect fuses; verify ground connections.
Brake problems	Fluid/pads	Check brake fluid level; inspect pad wear; bleed brakes if spongy.
Suspension bottoming	Air pressure	Check and adjust air pressure in front and rear suspension.

Service: Contact authorized Yamaha dealer for professional service.

Parts: Use genuine Yamaha parts for optimal performance and reliability.