We have several on here that have SVTC and we have also had 2 people with output shaft bearing problems, make sure it has all the updates and recalls done and everyone says you will love it.
The engine on there is the same engine as the Stratoliner , which is an amazing engine. Plus you have a 6th gear and reverse. On my Stratoliner with a 5 speed I am only doing 2700 rpm at 80 mph. You will enjoy reliability with the Yamaha, I have been riding and racing Yamahas for 52 years. Only do cruisers now just because I am old , but you will not be sorry, you got a raw deal with Polaris dropping Victory.
Hope this helps a little.

 

Thanks for the information

 

Only the 2018 models have had any bearing issues so far. Same with the cam/lifter failures you may hear/read about. Yamaha has fixed or repaired all the bikes that have had failures, with the exception of one individual who refuses to comply with Yamaha's guidance to ride the bike until it actually has a failure but is making a noise. The larger issue with these bikes is like your Victory, it has been discontinued.

 

As a follow up, my 2020 SVTC developed the drive pulley bearing failure at 38,000 miles, end of June 2025. It has taken 2 and a half months for all the parts to arrive, and now waiting for the dealer to start working on the bike, sometime in October 2025. Fortunately, my warranty is covering, but my warranty does expire this October. I highly recommend an extended warranty for anyone purchasing a used Eluder or Star Venture, I plan to do so.

 

Thanks
Stay safe and ride safe

 

I own the 2018 SVTC and I haven’t heard of any of the issues on the 2020 version as I have.
Their YES warranty is not the best but better than nothing. If you are a gambler than go for it. It does seem like a good bet and choice since it is a 2020.
Goodluck.
Let us know what you decide.

 

Random observations following 4yrs of owner/operator --
My passenger has observed that the heat from the pipe off the rear cylinder is noticible. Would not call it a "complaint" for sure. Wear pants, not shorts, in warm weather for less notice.

I have had to lower the preload -- it feels like Yamaha set the bike up to hold loads of weight more than we put on it, it is a pretty hard bumpy ride is the preload is set "for two people" let's say.

Get the starter replaced, they will do it if you ask, maybe even if you don't, their initial supply of starter motors were somewhat anemic.

Carry an extra battery for the keyless fob, might save a headache. I keep three in the pocket on the left. The lock and the alarm are separate, I have forgot to lock it but remembered to set the alarm, it surprises my passenger when she opens the saddlebag when the alarm is still set.

The glue that holds the sticker on the left side of the tank is pretty strong, and after you peel the sticker off, you may have problems getting all the glue off with normal techniques. I had a pro do it for the cost of a case of Corona. Not the virus.

 

Random observations following 4yrs of owner/operator --
My passenger has observed that the heat from the pipe off the rear cylinder is noticible. Would not call it a "complaint" for sure. Wear pants, not shorts, in warm weather for less notice.

I have had to lower the preload -- it feels like Yamaha set the bike up to hold loads of weight more than we put on it, it is a pretty hard bumpy ride is the preload is set "for two people" let's say.

Get the starter replaced, they will do it if you ask, maybe even if you don't, their initial supply of starter motors were somewhat anemic.

Carry an extra battery for the keyless fob, might save a headache. I keep three in the pocket on the left. The lock and the alarm are separate, I have forgot to lock it but remembered to set the alarm, it surprises my passenger when she opens the saddlebag when the alarm is still set.

The glue that holds the sticker on the left side of the tank is pretty strong, and after you peel the sticker off, you may have problems getting all the glue off with normal techniques. I had a pro do it for the cost of a case of Corona. Not the virus.

 

Thanks for all the information going to test ride with the wife Friday

 

What part of the country are you in?
Keep us informed,we have a good community here

 

What part of the country are you in?
Keep us informed,we have a good community here

 

Southern New Hampshire

 

A lot of members in the North East

 

Don't really have much to add to the conversation, pretty much agree with everyone else's observations, good and bad. I have 43k+ miles on mine, so far no major issues.

Fork seal leak, steering bearing loose (from delivery), oil fill plug broke (Yamaha tech), front brake switch (recall), starter replaced (factory tech bulletin), all fixed under warranty

Gas cap cover got stuck closed while on a cross country trip, finally finagled it open, removed the latch so it wouldn't get stuck again and rode to my destination with painters tape holding the cover closed. Found a shop and they took it all apart, cleaned things up, lubed it lightly and it's been ok since. YES warranty covered.

Same trip, the heel/toe shifter fell apart when I was in Wyoming. All the pieces stayed with the bike and I was able to put it all back together in the parking lot. I think the bolt that holds things together is too short, but I probably should have used more loc-tite. Replaced with longer bolt and extra loc-tite when I got home and no problems since.

Left side saddle bag lid got stuck closed. Shop wound up sawing a hole in the lid, ran around with duct tape over the hole while parts came in. Pieces of the lock got lost during all this so the lid and lock were replaced. Thus I had two keys for a time. Got the old lock from dealer after repairs were completed and figured out how move the old lock assembly to the new lid and now back to one key. Disappointed in my local shop for not being able to figure that one out. Oh well. YES warranty covered.

Dashboard components have never fit correctly (finally gave up and learned to live with it).

I've had to replace a few of the plastic and chromed plastic parts due to road/animal hazards, but those things happen.

I've been running the tires at around 40-41 PSI and getting poor tread life from the OEM Bridgestones. At the last rear tire change I decided to drop the pressure to 38 and it appears tread life is better, won't know for sure for a few thousand more miles. I was changing the rear at 6-7k, front a little better. I'm now running an Avon Chrome on front, far more expensive than the OEM but I believe it is wearing better as well.

I recommend adding the lower wind deflectors to help with engine heat management. They are easy to install if you have basic tools and mechanical skill. Biggest trick is figuring out how to get the plastics off....

I really like riding the beast around, but I mostly just cruise along. I've been to 100 MPH one time and it ran smooth enough I didn't realize how fast I was going until I looked at the digital speedo and said " probably should slow down some". Wife loves the passenger seat/backrest and seat heater. She has used her heater extensively, I think I've had the driver's heat on twice, maybe. I use the heated grips a little more, sure nice to have in case you need it.

I think you'll enjoy the bike and it is an eye-turner. Love that blue.

 

Thanks for the information the lower wind defectors you talked about don’t those come on the bike already or are they aftermarket?

 

The lowers are aftermarket. I don't I see them in the picture you posted, but maybe the angle is wrong. I hope they are still available as some add ons are not.

 

Thank you for that information I needed to add them to my vision for the heat from the engine as well

 

Earlier on this post I stated that only the 2018 models have had the main drive pulley bearing failure. I was wrong as my 2020 SVTC main drive bearing failed this June and the bike is in the shop waiting parts two which do not have a expected ship date yet.

 

Did you get it back? I believe the belt was to tight from the factory.

 

I have not gotten my SVTC back from the shop yet. All the parts are in and they have no plans to work on it till October as they are backed up on jobs. I always ran my belt at 10-12mm so I do not believe a tight belt is the cause of the bearing failures.