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Thinking about buying an Eluder GT

990 Views 42 Replies 8 Participants Last post by richard75013, 2 d ago

tpoppa

Discussion Starter · 27 d ago (Edited)

I've ridden for many years and have owned all different types of motorcycles.

I'm going to look at an Eluder GT this week as possible replacement for a Kawasaki Nomad 1700 (for sale, btw).
The Eluder seems to check all the right boxes for what I'm looking for. Is there anything I should know about them first?

Any common failures or weird characteristics?
Any "required" modifications like ECM flashes, exhaust, etc?
Are parts/accessories readily available from Yamaha...heel shifter for example?
Is there any reason it wouldn't go 100k if properly maintained?

Thanks for any insight on the Eluder.

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AlanRides

· #21 · 24 d ago

tpoppa said:
Thanks for the information. I was not able to locate that post about the Eluder failure.
If anyone could post a link that would be appreciated.

I am still planning on looking at an Eluder this weekend, along with 2 other motorcycles.
On paper the Eluder would be my first choice...but the uncertainty around the cam/lifter issue and Yamaha's handling of it is giving me pause. We'll see. Keeping my 2010 Nomad is still an option, too.

Keep in mind the Yamaha factory warranty should still have a little left on it (5 years from original date of purchase and transfers to consequent owners) and, as far as I know, there haven't been any warranty controversy on the cams. Everyone who had issues had them resolved. Some were delayed (pandemic/supply chain?) but no claim rejections. I guess you could also buy a service policy/extended warranty but who wants to spend the extra $$$$.

Good luck and happy shopping. Usually fun but I guess it can also get stressful making the "right" choice.

Reactions: 3

GARider

· #22 · 24 d ago

Also I read that the failures were based on vin so now I am not sure if it is engine number or vin.
Looking at my engine number and vin they don’t match however they are both under 1000….
If you get a warranty or if the work was already done you should be good.
You can ask the dealer if the starter was replace, the right control assembly/break switch replaced, cams or output shaft bearing.
Please note that your first ride will be alittle odd meaning the way they mounted the handle bars on rubber bushings it feels none responsive.
Also taking it off the side stand is very easy and light and you have the tendency to think you need to muscle it upright.
Another thing to mention is when you put the side stand down be sure that you make sure it is down before you lean the bike over, I mentioned this because the side stand has a very thin bar to help grab the side stand with your heel but the thin metal bar got caught in the boot grooves and it follow my boot back as I went to set the bike down and was able to catch it, so be careful with that.
I hope it works out, you get a fantastic deal and all is well with the bike..
Good luck….

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tpoppa

Discussion Starter · #23 · 24 d ago

Thanks for all the insight. Sorry to those that were inconvenienced by breakdowns or being without their new motorcycle. That's a drag.

Reactions: 1

tpoppa

Discussion Starter · #24 · 22 d ago

I went a looked at that Eluder today. Didn't ride it though. I like the seating position and it seems to hide it's weight pretty well when moving off the sidestand.

I suspect that Eluder and Venture VINs are independent of each other, but
The VIN ended in 05XX
The Motor # ended in 19XX
Based on what I've learned here seems to be out of the range of potential cam concerns???

But the bike did have a red flag: The side cover just in front of the saddle bag was off the bike, and the inside of the cover was painted the same color as the bodywork...and the paint on inside was flaking off. Seemed like an attempt to hide damage?? It was at a car dealership and I didn't get all the history. Seemed weird, never known Yamaha to paint the inside of the side covers.

richard75013

· #25 · 22 d ago

2

tpoppa said:
I went a looked at that Eluder today. Didn't ride it though. I like the seating position and it seems to hide it's weight pretty well when moving off the sidestand.

I suspect that Eluder and Venture VINs are independent of each other, but
The VIN ended in 05XX
The Motor # ended in 19XX
Based on what I've learned here seems to be out of the range of potential cam concerns???

But the bike did have a red flag: The side cover just in front of the saddle bag was off the bike, and the inside of the cover was painted the same color as the bodywork...and the paint on inside was flaking off. Seemed like an attempt to hide damage?? It was at a car dealership and I didn't get all the history. Seemed weird, never known Yamaha to paint the inside of the side covers.

Get a late model SVTC That has all the features that the Eluder does not such as heated handgrips windshield moves up and down and much more and then take the top dresser off of it and you’ll have a perfect bike. I just mine off and it looks 10 times better.

Wheel Tire Land vehicle Vehicle Car

Tire Automotive lighting Automotive tire Wheel Vehicle

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Brad_G

· #26 · 21 d ago

richard75013 said:
Get a late model SVTC That has all the features that the Eluder does not such as heated handgrips windshield moves up and down and much more and then take the top dresser off of it and you’ll have a perfect bike. I just mine off and it looks 10 times better.
View attachment 126399
View attachment 126397

What kind of job is it to remove and replace that trunk?

richard75013

· #27 · 21 d ago (Edited)

It takes about two hours probably three because it’ll be your first time it’s kind of a pain in the ass but once you got it figured out it I think it’ll be easy to go back. I’ll put it back when I plan on taking a trip. I m elated I did it bc the bike handles completely different at higher highway speeds and the streets for that matter bc the weight is gone. Much more planted and that thing weighs at least 30lbs if not 40.

I set my rear shock to four or five clicks to make it soft, but it was almost too soft with the top dresser on it, felt like it bottomed a time or 2 and now it’s much firmer so Im thinking I can go even softer by a click or 2

Reactions: 1

GreenMtnHunter

· #28 · 18 d ago

richard75013 said:
Get a late model SVTC That has all the features that the Eluder does not such as heated handgrips windshield moves up and down and much more and then take the top dresser off of it and you’ll have a perfect bike. I just mine off and it looks 10 times better.

I desperately want to do that with my SVTC....but my wife is in love with the backrest...especially the heat, which allows her to ride on days she would have passed on, before...

richard75013

· #29 · 18 d ago

The handling is noticeably better, especially at highway speeds. The street speeds as well bc that high center of gravity 30+ lbs is gone

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1stepcloser

· #30 · 4 d ago

I have an Eluder GT; bought it in 2019. I had the brake switch and starter replaced and haven't had any motor issues. I am very happy with the bike and would recommend it. It's very comfortable, plenty powerful and a great looking machine.

GreenMtnHunter

· #31 · 4 d ago

GreenMtnHunter said:
I desperately want to do that with my SVTC....but my wife is in love with the backrest...especially the heat, which allows her to ride on days she would have passed on, before...

After writing this, we had several cold, raining days in VT - so I dug in and did it. I took my time - it was several hours, but I have also kept the backrest, the coms and the antenna. I’m working on covering the bones...but slow maneuvers are noticeably improved; removing almost 50 lbs of “high center of gravity” is awesome.

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richard75013

· #32 · 4 d ago

GreenMtnHunter said:
After writing this, we had several cold, raining days in VT - so I dug in and did it. I took my time - it was several hours, but I have also kept the backrest, the coms and the antenna. I’m working on covering the bones...but slow maneuvers are noticeably improved; removing almost 50 lbs of “high center of gravity” is awesome.

Nice, wait until you get it on the highway at speeds of 80+, it’s much more planted!

Curious, you some how kept the passenger backrest installed? How is that possible?

Reactions: 1

AlanRides

· #33 · 4 d ago

GreenMtnHunter said:
After writing this, we had several cold, raining days in VT - so I dug in and did it. I took my time - it was several hours, but I have also kept the backrest, the coms and the antenna. I’m working on covering the bones...but slow maneuvers are noticeably improved; removing almost 50 lbs of “high center of gravity” is awesome.

Could you post some pictures of that? Sounds pretty cool. My wife, like yours, will not give up her back rest. And I don't blame her.....LOL.

Reactions: 1

richard75013

· #34 · 3 d ago

The handling and stability of the SVTC, more so with the top dresser off is amazing. It’s a damn nice bike. I have 0 regrets of not getting the Road Glide which was my original choice until I discovered and rode the SVTC.

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GreenMtnHunter

· #35 · 3 d ago

richard75013 said:
Nice, wait until you get it on the highway at speeds of 80+, it’s much more planted!

Curious, you some how kept the passenger backrest installed? How is that possible?

I carefully removed the carpet liner in the trunk; then the trim below the backrest and the backrest.; disconnected the 8 wires; fed the ends back through the trunk; removed the antennas; 8 deck screws and four through the front to the frame that supports the backrest, to lift the trunk. With the tail-support rack in place, I attached the antennas through unused holes at the back. The backrest and trim re-attached to the support frame. Tail pack from the luggage rack is covering the lower frame; I’m working on a solution for the backrest support, but have a temporary cover on the backside. I also wrapped the plate that hold the connectors to protect them from the elements - the speakers are still “open". The comm and the usb come from further ahead; no connectors to mess with. I definitely “praise” Yamaha engineers for their complicated and varied connectors, as well as the way the connectors are secured...wowza! That tested my patience.

GreenMtnHunter

· #36 · 3 d ago

GreenMtnHunter said:
I carefully removed the carpet liner in the trunk; then the trim below the backrest and the backrest.; disconnected the 8 wires; fed the ends back through the trunk; removed the antennas; 8 deck screws and four through the front to the frame that supports the backrest, to lift the trunk. With the tail-support rack in place, I attached the antennas through unused holes at the back. The backrest and trim re-attached to the support frame. Tail pack from the luggage rack is covering the lower frame; I’m working on a solution for the backrest support, but have a temporary cover on the backside. I also wrapped the plate that hold the connectors to protect them from the elements - the speakers are still “open". The comm and the usb come from further ahead; no connectors to mess with. I definitely “praise” Yamaha engineers for their complicated and varied connectors, as well as the way the connectors are secured...wowza! That tested my patience.

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GreenMtnHunter

· #37 · 3 d ago

GreenMtnHunter said:
View attachment 126926

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GreenMtnHunter

· #38 · 3 d ago

AlanRides said:
Could you post some pictures of that? Sounds pretty cool. My wife, like yours, will not give up her back rest. And I don't blame her.....LOL.

Description and a couple pics posted.

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GreenMtnHunter

· #39 · 3 d ago

GreenMtnHunter said:
Description and a couple pics posted.

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richard75013

· #40 · 3 d ago

Thanks, I see now, you left the hard mounts for the dresser intact so you could keep the backrest mount, interesting!

As for the antennas, Im going to look at the fiche and see how they mount and likely put in an order for the eluder mounts.

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