I'm an old HD, Triumph, Norton, and 40s Indian enthusiast, collector and mechanic and I think the Yamaha Road Star (I've had 2) is the best big cruiser I've owned. It has more torque and power than the "equivalent HDs, it is better engineered, is more reliable and lasts way way longer. It handles better than the big HDs and it's the only bike I've heard that sounds as good as a Harley. AND you can get them used for about a third of what the HDs are asking. Great videos, Shaun, thanks.
Old Japanese metric cruisers are freaking great man. They're just great for getting into the lifestyle because it's cheap. You can get into it cheap and and they're really reliable and they can last a long time and they rip. You know they're actually really f****** good bikes. They're so underrated
Great pick for a test ride. Mine is an "04 that I bought"as new" in 07. Pretty sure I paid less than $8K for it, but it was just the bike. Added the Silverado bags, passenger back rest, and the fairing in successive yeas. I have only replaced the fuel gauge sending unit at about 25,000miles. That's it -aside from rubber, fluids, and a battery or three.... I'm looking at the Venture, as my wife has grown to hate the rear suspension - took three new seats to learn that...but I'm Not looking to trade my R*.... The saddle remains the most comfortable of any bike I have ridden.
I just bought a 2006 Roadstar Silverado. I sold my 2017 Harley Road king with the M8 engine, I have owned over 30 Harleys in my lifetime and have been riding for over 50 years and I have got to say that the Yamaha Roadstar Silverado is a very powerful, nice sounding and probably the best handling bike that I have owned. I also did some research on the Roadstar Silverado, and the Silverado line from Yamaha is Yamahas answer to the Harley CVO. Don't get me wrong, I still love Harleys, but for the money the Yamaha Roadstar Silverado is a third of the price and is at least the equivalent to, or maybe a better bike than a Harley.
@@dougturngren5027 The sound is what really grabbed my attention. Aside from the beautiful, classic look, the sound reeeeally reminds me of that 60s-70s v-twin sound.
@@dougturngren5027 Makes me glad to hear. Of the bikes I've owned so far my Road King was my favorite. I was thinking about going back to one but started looking at Road Stars when they were mentioned to me. You think an 06 with about 30k miles is with about 5500?
@@BloodPlusPwn No that's a little expensive for that bike, I have one in excellent condition, a 2006 with 18k miles, brand new tires, Silverado edition, with the bags, windshield, backrest, luggage rack, Vance and Hines exhaust, new battery, and more for $4200, is what I am going to be asking for the bike
I own a 2005 Roadstar that I bought new. I've never had a better bike. It's absolutely dependable and all i have ever had to do was basic maintenance. Oil changes air filters etc. To buy an a similiar bike today, you would have to pay near 30 thousand.
Yes I have one of those I love that bike very good bike mine has over 70,000 miles still runs as good as the day we bought it sir in fact I love so much that I bought the 1100 dragstar and that one has very low miles just actually got through doing a service on it love that bike very very fast bike especially considering the money
I bought my '04 Roadstar 1700 6 months ago from a public auto auction for $900. I gotta say, it has been super reliable, as it's become my daily. Although, mine has an oil leak coming from one of the oil lines on the right side. It used to leak from two of them. I've replaced all the o-rings twice now and that one leak wont stop but next attempt, I'm gonna silicone RTV the outer flange and see if that works. Also, theres a common small gear oil leak coming from the transfer case output shaft bearing, which I'm not all that concerned about . Anyway, these Roadstars are reliable and pretty fast for cruisers. Mile has hella miles at about 86,000 and to be fair, mine came with negligent maintenance and YMMV.
I had a custom m/c seat shop in WA install a lumbar back rest to my 2005 Roadstar .... if you haven't heard already, a backrest revolutionizes medium to long distance rides, by reducing rider fatigue. Two thumbs up for the backrest add-on. Money well spent.
Just bought a 04 1700 road star. ..full bagger , stereo , apes, shorty pipes, mustang seat, rear back rest...mabey i get front back rest. Only 26k miles for 3500. I looked at a similar equipped Harley like a 2006, and it was more than that. I can live with out the badge.
thats a great bike i got married on a pearl white version of that with the same reckless fairing on it. i wish i never traded it in. best bike ever. I even had the same brake-away cruise control on it. loved that too
I have a 2001 Road Star with a backrest I fking love it ..damn good solid bike nothing cheap on it all solid steel...I like it much better than the heritage softail I had for sure
I'd do the Bat Wing on mine for the stereo. But I sit really low unless there's an adjustable option. Yes mine is Roadstar Midnight 1700cc even with the stock pipes your bike sounds nice!!
How is the stock exhaust on this bike? Is it painfully quiet or is it ok. I just bought a 2005 with Monster exhaust and it’s just too loud for my liking. Thanks
@@Earclops I don't know if you have solved your exhaust issue yet, but if not Kuryakin makes a replacement exhaust for the stock exhaust that has a nice low throaty rumble to it, not quiet but not obnoxious. I put it on my 2006 1700 and I love it, it sounds fantastic
Here in the netherlands we dont really have the 1700. So im gonna choose between the roadstar 1600 and midnight star 1300. What would u choose? 1300 is a bit lighter, bit less torque at double the rpm. the 1600 has 130nm at almost 2000 rpm.. but is 30kg heavier.
I have a 2000 model 1600 roadstar, only 2k miles and garage kept. Perfect condition with flat black drag pipes. How much would it be worth? Also no fairing, liquids are good nice paint with only 2 chips I've seen so far, original manual and handbook, replacement light covers for blinkers, and has Metzler tires. I've been hearing 6k and the current msrp is 10.5k for a 2000 model?
I want one of these now. Actually, I want two of them. A full fairing Silverado like the one in this video, and one I'll turn into a bobber - because these bikes (to my surprise) make badass bobbers with nothing but a peanut tank, apes and new fenders.
OK internet, would you chose the Road Star 1700 or Royal Star Tour Deluxe for a do-all bike? Both a daily rider AND road trip bike (solo and two-up)? Oh yeah, and I'm 6'3" and 190lbs. I don't have the budget to buy niche bikes right now. Thanks in advance.
I just traded a 94 honda goldwing Gl1500SE for a 2002 roadstar warrior with only 22.000 miles pink for pink Where can I find a batwing fairing for the roadstar?
65 diesel Those are Yamaha road star numbers for the warrior. The Silverado shares the same engine but the horsepower is 63 and the torque is 99 to 100 depending if it’s carbureted or fuel injected.
@@ronalddauro563 that is the listed hp and torque with a google search for 2007 roadstar midnight Silverado, 2007 midnight warrior listed as 84 hp and 99 torque.
If anything HD copied this engine for the M8. When this came out the HD twin cam was a pretty shitty chain driven engine wit plastic chain tensioners that fail and grenade your motor. These were bigger, gear driven and bomb proof.
beginner rider question: I am about 6'3" and over 300lbs, and I was considering a Honda Shadow 1100.. think that'd be a good budget friendly bike to learn to ride on?
Hey Man, I'm 6'4 335 currently. The issue you will face is that the cruiser foot forward position will force your knees right to the widest part of the tank. Which can be pretty uncomfortable at highway speed. The honda 1100 is a great bike, but I would recommend you sit on some "standard" riding position bikes as well to see ho they fit your body. Typically adventure bikes are the most comfortable bike for big guys.
Can you help me find factory paint for my 2002 king? Smokey Gold Pearl: HAR038 cant find it nowhere counting on your connections. I'm a vet, you do me a favor I will owe you one. Thanks bro.
True story the road status and was the one bike that with a set of cobra pipes ridiculously loud yet A friend has one he has the mileage was 130,000 miles 3 belts for safety and efficiency had the valves reworked recently and it helped a little over all the satisfaction in which I would be happy to give it a shot I’m a sports bow guy though
There's not a Harley-Davidson in production today that don't have Japanese Parts on them so get outta here with that. As a matter of fact the Kansas City Harley plant is going to Taiwan and a lot of the other Harley plants are going overseas as well so if you want to spend 30 grand for a "rice burner Harley" you go right ahead I've been done with Harley-Davidson for quite a while.... Overpriced Kawasaki's that's assembled in the US is all they are.
Thats what happens with age brother. You lose the dexterity to get on the bike from the opposing side of the kickstand. Your back hurting you this morning bro? Or are you a little butt hurt?
I'm glad you don't swear. I like watching bike ride vlogs with the kids and there's too many guys dropping f-bombs for no reason.
I own/ride a 1999 Yamaha Road Star. It has served me well!!!!!
I'm an old HD, Triumph, Norton, and 40s Indian enthusiast, collector and mechanic and I think the Yamaha Road Star (I've had 2) is the best big cruiser I've owned. It has more torque and power than the "equivalent HDs, it is better engineered, is more reliable and lasts way way longer. It handles better than the big HDs and it's the only bike I've heard that sounds as good as a Harley. AND you can get them used for about a third of what the HDs are asking. Great videos, Shaun, thanks.
You spelled Sean wrong
@@Grant-Mass I have two brothers named Sean one is spelled in the Gaelic which is the Sean and the other is the North American Spelling of shawn
Old Japanese metric cruisers are freaking great man. They're just great for getting into the lifestyle because it's cheap. You can get into it cheap and and they're really reliable and they can last a long time and they rip. You know they're actually really f****** good bikes. They're so underrated
Shaun ,
You’re absolutely correct brotha ! Yamahas are well built ! They don’t menstruate oil ever !
Ive broken 3 belts in my life. 1 sportster 883, 1 Road Star 1700, 1 V rod muscle. All have been due to increased horsepower and many many miles
You would think Yamaha would have great sound systems for their motorcycles
Just bought mine. 08’ 10k miles for $3,990. Mine is blue. Very comfortable and power to boot.
I have an 09 Road Star with fairing and back rest and I can ride all day long! Love these and the Strato Liners
Where did you find a fairing?
@@nrgmichael3224 Memphis shades
Adding a back rest is a game changer
Great pick for a test ride. Mine is an "04 that I bought"as new" in 07. Pretty sure I paid less than $8K for it, but it was just the bike. Added the Silverado bags, passenger back rest, and the fairing in successive yeas. I have only replaced the fuel gauge sending unit at about 25,000miles. That's it -aside from rubber, fluids, and a battery or three.... I'm looking at the Venture, as my wife has grown to hate the rear suspension - took three new seats to learn that...but I'm Not looking to trade my R*.... The saddle remains the most comfortable of any bike I have ridden.
I just bought a 2006 Roadstar Silverado. I sold my 2017 Harley Road king with the M8 engine, I have owned over 30 Harleys in my lifetime and have been riding for over 50 years and I have got to say that the Yamaha Roadstar Silverado is a very powerful, nice sounding and probably the best handling bike that I have owned. I also did some research on the Roadstar Silverado, and the Silverado line from Yamaha is Yamahas answer to the Harley CVO.
Don't get me wrong, I still love Harleys, but for the money the Yamaha Roadstar Silverado is a third of the price and is at least the equivalent to, or maybe a better bike than a Harley.
Pretty crazy I'm coming across this post. I have a 2020 Low Rider S that I'm really thinking about selling for a 2006 Road Star lol.
@@BloodPlusPwn yeah, I am real happy I got rid of my RK and got the Yamaha Roadstar, great bike, handles great, sounds great and has really good power
@@dougturngren5027 The sound is what really grabbed my attention. Aside from the beautiful, classic look, the sound reeeeally reminds me of that 60s-70s v-twin sound.
@@dougturngren5027 Makes me glad to hear. Of the bikes I've owned so far my Road King was my favorite. I was thinking about going back to one but started looking at Road Stars when they were mentioned to me. You think an 06 with about 30k miles is with about 5500?
@@BloodPlusPwn No that's a little expensive for that bike, I have one in excellent condition, a 2006 with 18k miles, brand new tires, Silverado edition, with the bags, windshield, backrest, luggage rack, Vance and Hines exhaust, new battery, and more for $4200, is what I am going to be asking for the bike
I almost bought one of those when I lived in Vancouver, WA. They have always been such a great looking bike.
I own a 2005 Roadstar that I bought new. I've never had a better bike. It's absolutely dependable and all i have ever had to do was basic maintenance. Oil changes air filters etc. To buy an a similiar bike today, you would have to pay near 30 thousand.
nah...i see em for under 5k around her in LA
I jist got a 03 1600 fully dressed my first bike may be too much bike for a noob but imma grow into it!! Love it
Yes I have one of those I love that bike very good bike mine has over 70,000 miles still runs as good as the day we bought it sir in fact I love so much that I bought the 1100 dragstar and that one has very low miles just actually got through doing a service on it love that bike very very fast bike especially considering the money
I bought my '04 Roadstar 1700 6 months ago from a public auto auction for $900. I gotta say, it has been super reliable, as it's become my daily. Although, mine has an oil leak coming from one of the oil lines on the right side. It used to leak from two of them. I've replaced all the o-rings twice now and that one leak wont stop but next attempt, I'm gonna silicone RTV the outer flange and see if that works. Also, theres a common small gear oil leak coming from the transfer case output shaft bearing, which I'm not all that concerned about .
Anyway, these Roadstars are reliable and pretty fast for cruisers. Mile has hella miles at about 86,000 and to be fair, mine came with negligent maintenance and YMMV.
How’s it been dailying it so far?
Love my back rest on my Road King.
I sure love the Road Star! Awesome bikes!
I had a custom m/c seat shop in WA install a lumbar back rest to my 2005 Roadstar ....
if you haven't heard already, a backrest revolutionizes medium to long distance rides, by reducing rider fatigue.
Two thumbs up for the backrest add-on. Money well spent.
@@thedude4065 I had a back rest on my Road King Classic. It's a whole new world of riding.
Just pick up a 2002 Roadstar in mint condition one owner, I watched your videos to compare and they are awesome.Great reviews.
The engine goes *potato potato potato potato*
Just bought a 04 1700 road star. ..full bagger , stereo , apes, shorty pipes, mustang seat, rear back rest...mabey i get front back rest. Only 26k miles for 3500. I looked at a similar equipped Harley like a 2006, and it was more than that. I can live with out the badge.
thats a great bike i got married on a pearl white version of that with the same reckless fairing on it. i wish i never traded it in. best bike ever. I even had the same brake-away cruise control on it. loved that too
I have a 2012 ROADstar s that Harley Davidson copied the 4 valves per cylinder from on there Milwaukee 8.
These bikes are extremely nice.
Nice alternative to a vtx 1800.
I have a 2001 Road Star with a backrest I fking love it ..damn good solid bike nothing cheap on it all solid steel...I like it much better than the heritage softail I had for sure
Great bike to own. Very dependable. Classic.
I'd do the Bat Wing on mine for the stereo. But I sit really low unless there's an adjustable option. Yes mine is Roadstar Midnight 1700cc even with the stock pipes your bike sounds nice!!
Mine has 72k and has been phenomenal!
How is the stock exhaust on this bike? Is it painfully quiet or is it ok. I just bought a 2005 with Monster exhaust and it’s just too loud for my liking. Thanks
@@Earclops pretty quiet.
@@ltunedkc Thanks Mike.
@@Earclops I don't know if you have solved your exhaust issue yet, but if not Kuryakin makes a replacement exhaust for the stock exhaust that has a nice low throaty rumble to it, not quiet but not obnoxious. I put it on my 2006 1700 and I love it, it sounds fantastic
@@dougturngren5027 Thanks Doug
How do I find me one what do I do???
I only have left ear audio in my headphones for this test ride video only. Odd.
Here in the netherlands we dont really have the 1700. So im gonna choose between the roadstar 1600 and midnight star 1300.
What would u choose? 1300 is a bit lighter, bit less torque at double the rpm. the 1600 has 130nm at almost 2000 rpm.. but is 30kg heavier.
I have a 2000 model 1600 roadstar, only 2k miles and garage kept. Perfect condition with flat black drag pipes. How much would it be worth? Also no fairing, liquids are good nice paint with only 2 chips I've seen so far, original manual and handbook, replacement light covers for blinkers, and has Metzler tires. I've been hearing 6k and the current msrp is 10.5k for a 2000 model?
I want one of these now. Actually, I want two of them. A full fairing Silverado like the one in this video, and one I'll turn into a bobber - because these bikes (to my surprise) make badass bobbers with nothing but a peanut tank, apes and new fenders.
OK internet, would you chose the Road Star 1700 or Royal Star Tour Deluxe for a do-all bike? Both a daily rider AND road trip bike (solo and two-up)? Oh yeah, and I'm 6'3" and 190lbs. I don't have the budget to buy niche bikes right now. Thanks in advance.
I just traded a 94 honda goldwing Gl1500SE for a 2002 roadstar warrior with only 22.000 miles pink for pink
Where can I find a batwing fairing for the roadstar?
Is this bike a golf bike for a tall guy? 6foot 5 290. Would be my first bike also
my 2004,midnight,silverado,has 205, 000 miles on it ,still factory drive belt.
Where did you get that hp and torque number? Everything I can find is 75 hp and 83 or 85 torque. Love the vids just wondering
65 diesel
Those are Yamaha road star numbers for the warrior. The Silverado shares the same engine but the horsepower is 63 and the torque is 99 to 100 depending if it’s carbureted or fuel injected.
@@ronalddauro563 that is the listed hp and torque with a google search for 2007 roadstar midnight Silverado, 2007 midnight warrior listed as 84 hp and 99 torque.
Anyone know what brand is that driver backrest?
What kind of exhaust is on this one?
Roadhouse Dooleys
do y'all sell any dirtbikes?
If anything HD copied this engine for the M8. When this came out the HD twin cam was a pretty shitty chain driven engine wit plastic chain tensioners that fail and grenade your motor. These were bigger, gear driven and bomb proof.
beginner rider question: I am about 6'3" and over 300lbs, and I was considering a Honda Shadow 1100.. think that'd be a good budget friendly bike to learn to ride on?
Hey Man, I'm 6'4 335 currently. The issue you will face is that the cruiser foot forward position will force your knees right to the widest part of the tank. Which can be pretty uncomfortable at highway speed. The honda 1100 is a great bike, but I would recommend you sit on some "standard" riding position bikes as well to see ho they fit your body. Typically adventure bikes are the most comfortable bike for big guys.
@@bonnevillebagger9147 thanks!
Mdjus16 I’m 6’1 300 plus I ride a Honda shadow vt1100 I hadn’t road a bike for 10yrs so u can’t go wrong with the 1100 to start out on
@@iceman1bentley763 thanks!
Check out homda vtx 1300. I'm 6'4 265 lbs. I fit just fine on it. Check out Suzuki c50 as well. Both you can get cheap
I love my Road Star
Just wanted to know if you ship to Canada... Love the vids and the words of wisdom.. God bless bro
Can you help me find factory paint for my 2002 king? Smokey Gold Pearl: HAR038 cant find it nowhere counting on your connections. I'm a vet, you do me a favor I will owe you one. Thanks bro.
it has your favorite grips
This bike is better than the Road Glide...Well, maybe not the 18 Road Glide... Went to Demo Days... Harley got that bike right...
Nice bike brother greetings from Brazil
Greetings from America! God Bless
The bike is nice. The fairing has to go.
Beautiful motorcycle and have really enjoyed your videos would love to buy a bike from you and bring it back to Ireland where im from :) God bless bro
True story the road status and was the one bike that with a set of cobra pipes ridiculously loud yet A friend has one he has the mileage was 130,000 miles 3 belts for safety and efficiency had the valves reworked recently and it helped a little over all the satisfaction in which I would be happy to give it a shot I’m a sports bow guy though
thats awesome
Bike not bow lol
Man I would love to have another Road Star maybe in the future!
I still have my 2002 Road Star i owned Harleys and the road star blows them away great bike
Guys help me I’m actually not tall 165cm , is it fine for me to buy this big bike
OCD freaking out on the mirror 😂
Great bikes
Nice bike
I bought a road king almost bought a Yamaha stratoliner...
Acts 2:38
FIX YOUR MIC BUD it hurts my head only listening to left
COOL.
I always like your videos, but that yellow sticker on the windshield drove me crazy. Ruined the whole video. Just saying.
Can’t see anything hahaha
first for the second time.
Yamaha produce some beautiful bikes, but this is a joke innit ?
You need to learn how to mount a bike. And that is just another rice burner that is trying to copy harley
Yeah, cuz harley has a forever patent on a v twin. Heywood Jablowme
Surely one of the inspirations for the South Park cartoon
There's not a Harley-Davidson in production today that don't have Japanese Parts on them so get outta here with that. As a matter of fact the Kansas City Harley plant is going to Taiwan and a lot of the other Harley plants are going overseas as well so if you want to spend 30 grand for a "rice burner Harley" you go right ahead I've been done with Harley-Davidson for quite a while.... Overpriced Kawasaki's that's assembled in the US is all they are.
I've had four HDs, no more, tired of paying for an image and not a quality bike. Letting my H.O.G. membership expire in March when it runs out.
Thats what happens with age brother. You lose the dexterity to get on the bike from the opposing side of the kickstand. Your back hurting you this morning bro? Or are you a little butt hurt?