My buddy bought a 2006 road star 1700 with 75,000 miles on it.. thought he was crazy. He's got over 165,000 on it now and absolutely runs strong and no issues. Yamaha is bulletproof.
in 2005 I bought a 2000 R* simply because I got a deal on it I could not turn down, and I had a two-year-old Road King that lived in the shop. I thought I would get the bike and ride it when Harley decided to take a visit to the shop. I started riding the Road Star, and kept it for 7 years after I got rid of the Harley. Sold it and haven't owned a bike since, but I am looking for another one by the first of the year. I will get another R*, and at 68 years old it will take me out. 40K, the bike hasn't even got the new off it yet.
I went from sport bikes as my daily ride to my 03 xv1600 being my daily ride. Everything you said about the experience of first riding it is so true. 1) toe shifter and the whole riding experience was so different then a sport bike 2) that cluster being on the tank, still never got used to it after five years, you just learn to not bother with it 3) The windscreen you get used to looking through it 4) the vibration on your legs, is the wind hitting it 5) with the crash bars the bike doesn't lay on its side, it's the bars keeping it up not the pegs. I lay the bike on its side to start an oil change. Where the oil plug is, it's easier to lay the bike over to loosen the bolts.
r1sabotage yup. I’ve definitely considered picking up a road star just from the few times I’ve road this one. Extremely comfortable and I would have the ability to carry my daily stuff without any issues compared to a sport bike.
being much heavier than the vstar, is the roadstar harder to ride? i now ride a magna and im thinking of getting a roadstar. i think the roadstarts are beautiful, but im afraid i might not enjoy it because its heavy
I noticed the weight difference, but it was much more stable and comfortable. The thing I noticed more thougn, was the increase in power. That was until it died. Both Yamahas I had ended up being lemons. When the Road Star died on me I got an 09 Harley Road King. That motorcycle never gave me any problems.
I got 2001 with 4k miles last year $4k out the door. Had it trailered home without hearing it run. When i started it i allmost cried, it sounded like a bucket of bolts in a cement mixer. I said the hell with it bungied on an over night bag and took off on a 1200 mile run one way, by the time i got back it was running smooth. Now 10k miles later i cant help smiling everywhere i ride. Awsome bike. Just had to run the cobwebs out of it.
I bought a 2004 today with 4870 miles on it . Previous owner was an old man who kept it in a garage that was more of a mancave then a garage. It was not cheap but i think the low mileage is worth a dollar or two .
I love the big bore cruisers. I owned a Yamaha XV1100 for a few years and used as my daily commute. I was fortunate most of 200km/day ride was on the open road, dual carriageway so I could appreciate the comfort of the bike. The Yammie was low to the ground with a 5 speed heel/toe shifter and comfortable to ride. A big screen and leg shields kept most of the wind off of me. After 165000 kms I traded for a Kawasaki Voyager 1700 which I again used as my daily commute over the same route. The Kwaka is bigger and heavier but comes with a full fairing which includes a radio and music player connection. It has a wide tall screen and leg shields which can be opened in summer. The 6 speed box again with a heel/toe shifter and cruise control makes it a great bike to ride for a long day. The ABS brakes pull it up well. One thing I would observe about the Yammie was the speedo on the tank means you are constantly looking down at the tank to judge your speed, at least till you get to know your bike. This can be a safety problem and I noticed it was a feature of smaller, learner legal cruisers as well so I reckon it might be a bit of an issue for new riders. The Kwaka is a great bike. If I were to suggest to Kawasaki any improvements I would suggest an electric, speed controlled reverse. This is a 400kg wet bike - in some places including the town where I live you have nose in angle parking. You can roll the bike into park using the camber of the road but is almost impossible for one person to "walk" it out. If you roll tail in you risk a fine although that has never happened to me. The Honda Goldwing has an electric reverse that means you can only go about 5kms/h in reverse but since you would only use it to park that isn't a problem. I suspect it takes away the possibility that the bike will tip over. I ride the cruiser for the "look" and the comfort. I find both of my bikes had/have more than enough power/torque/grunt for my needs. I say to all ride the bike you like because it is the ride that is important not the destination or how quickly you get there. Thanks for posting your video
@@deffwishh absolutely!! That’s basically new!! Mine is at 84 now and runs great!! I’d take it cross county in a heartbeat without a second thought. Check out some of my videos and trips I’ve taken. It’s a great all around bike.
@@ericg.18 someone wants to trade me for my Mazdaspeed 3. I have 157k miles on but it’s pretty modified and fixed up. Would you say it’s a good trade? What should I inspect on the bike when I go look at it?
@@deffwishh that would be a heck of a trade if it works out!! Ask if the transmission recall has been taken care of and ask if the oil pump gear is stock. The stock ones were weak on the early models. Also don’t be surprised if the speedometer and fuel gauge work intermittently.
Nice video! I am looking to buy one of these to compliment my ZX6R, and your review makes me think that I am making the right choice. Only thing I have to say, while 40,000 miles would be a lot on my zx6r or your R3, people I've talked to say that's nothing for these Road Stars. I've heard that even with just basic maintenance, they're good for well over one hundred thousand miles on the engine before slightly more work is needed. Not speaking from experience, just what some of the forums have said.
I have a 2000’ roadstar midnight star 1600 av has 64 thousand miles. Rode it to Pennsylvania from Louisiana and to San Francisco from Louisiana. You can drive this Yamaha 80mph all day long and wont hurt it. This big is very dependable and I had to change the clutches at 63,000 miles, put in some Barrnet clutches and a Barrnet pressure plate. What a difference. No more slipping clutches on 4th and 5th gear when you open up the engine.
I have a 2006 model Roadliner and when l first rode it after my riding BMW R1150GS I thought the engine was doing anything as it was so quiet, particularly with the counter rotating crankshaft, the vibrations are less than those on the Beemer. I don't particularly enjoy the way it handles and at 345kg it seems a big lug a of a bike (we call it Big Bertha), but certainly has a very no fuss approach from getting you from A to B. I think the best thing about it is the 123 foot/pounds (167nm) of torque as this can propel you instantly and at great speed past long lines of cars and trucks, up hill on the flat...... anywhere. It is a matter of opening the throttle about a quarter and off you go. Mine is the 1854cc or 113ci model so there is plenty of engine there to deliver the goods. Having said all of that, I prefer my BMW as it is more a bike that rides itself when you are feeling lazy (I commute 106km to work and back), but is a very exciting bike on the twisty curves if you in that frame of mind.
I have the same bike as you just got it , it has only 9700 miles. paid 3000.oo ...sat in someones wood shop it just needed a good cleaning and tune up...it rides like a dream ....
The 1700 with Fi really opened up the bike. I just got an 08 1700 with fuel injection. I rode a couple 1600's with carb and a 1700 carb, and my 08 with fuel injection just goes when you twist the throttle lol. No hesitation, no wind up, it's just ON. LOVE IT!
good review,i just purchased an 03 1600 in great shape, for $900 then $900 worth of american elites , and some tlc, its about ready for the road... my first ride was about like yours... so i took it off road here in Fl that got me more stable with it and then after cruising 30 miles i did a few hole shots, and for a big bike, I'm totally happy with 2.89 to 60 and 70-90 is a stable feel, just stay off the front brake in the sand, the hwy bars hold it off the ground nicely, so i quickly found out. great bike so far, only has 41k, a pawnshop find in daytona....halleluYah!
I have 16K of back road riding on my Midnght Star .. Very comfortable .. SInce I am back roading I do go through tires .. This bike can do a lot more sport riding than you would think ..It is a torque king .. Try starting from a light in second ... :)
I just bought a 2002 Road Star and it has about 14,300km. Basically brand new. I only put on it so far 300km and I am impressed. Very comfortable on a highway, lots of power, easy to handle and I get a lot of compliments. Its chromed out and it shines.......
We care about your personal life but we don't, as in, we care if you're fine, but personally wouldn't try to dig into it cause that'd be intrusive, don't be let down. Hope your head is fine even though this video is from 2017. My 2005 Roadstar 1700 just arrived from Canada to the country I live in and I was looking up some videos to hear how mean and aggressive it can sound with straigh pipes and stumbled across your video. Have a great one!
@@ShotswithCola Thank you.. I'm considering doing a vlog next year.. just now beginning to look into the kind of equipment I'm going to need.. thanks for your time my friend.
thomas lauderdale I’m not sure. It will probably vary between shops but usually they have a base rate then charge more if they run into any complications
ut1004bp oh lol yeah. I always cruise around in final drive. I didn’t really want to go to hard on the bike cause it wasn’t mine. Think it is bad for it to ride that way?
@@ShotswithCola I might need to clearify.. You said that was the first bike you ridden without chain (final) drive.. I'm just the opposite, I have bought or even ridden a large street bike with chain drive.. Had enough trouble with bicycles and mini bike's sprocket and chains that I dont need that on a motorcycle!
ut1004bp oh lol 😂 yeah that was way over my head. Yeah I’m not sure what my next bike is going to be to be honest. But I did really enjoy the road star so I might be looking in that direction.
Ppl think my Roadstar 1600 is a hd all the time, bc the sheep are ignorant, they think hd is the only mc producer. My bike's sound trashes any harley I've ever heard.
My buddy bought a 2006 road star 1700 with 75,000 miles on it.. thought he was crazy. He's got over 165,000 on it now and absolutely runs strong and no issues. Yamaha is bulletproof.
These bikes run forever. They're not like Harleys, which need a rebuild every 50k.
in 2005 I bought a 2000 R* simply because I got a deal on it I could not turn down, and I had a two-year-old Road King that lived in the shop. I thought I would get the bike and ride it when Harley decided to take a visit to the shop. I started riding the Road Star, and kept it for 7 years after I got rid of the Harley. Sold it and haven't owned a bike since, but I am looking for another one by the first of the year. I will get another R*, and at 68 years old it will take me out. 40K, the bike hasn't even got the new off it yet.
I went from sport bikes as my daily ride to my 03 xv1600 being my daily ride. Everything you said about the experience of first riding it is so true.
1) toe shifter and the whole riding experience was so different then a sport bike
2) that cluster being on the tank, still never got used to it after five years, you just learn to not bother with it
3) The windscreen you get used to looking through it
4) the vibration on your legs, is the wind hitting it
5) with the crash bars the bike doesn't lay on its side, it's the bars keeping it up not the pegs. I lay the bike on its side to start an oil change. Where the oil plug is, it's easier to lay the bike over to loosen the bolts.
r1sabotage yup. I’ve definitely considered picking up a road star just from the few times I’ve road this one. Extremely comfortable and I would have the ability to carry my daily stuff without any issues compared to a sport bike.
Had a 04 Yamaha V Star and just upgraded to a Road Star. Take it to work alomst everyday and do 300, 400 miles on the weekends. Love it.
being much heavier than the vstar, is the roadstar harder to ride? i now ride a magna and im thinking of getting a roadstar. i think the roadstarts are beautiful, but im afraid i might not enjoy it because its heavy
@@EvendimataE
I noticed the weight difference, but it was much more stable and comfortable. The thing I noticed more thougn, was the increase in power. That was until it died. Both Yamahas I had ended up being lemons. When the Road Star died on me I got an 09 Harley Road King. That motorcycle never gave me any problems.
I got 2001 with 4k miles last year $4k out the door. Had it trailered home without hearing it run. When i started it i allmost cried, it sounded like a bucket of bolts in a cement mixer. I said the hell with it bungied on an over night bag and took off on a 1200 mile run one way, by the time i got back it was running smooth. Now 10k miles later i cant help smiling everywhere i ride. Awsome bike. Just had to run the cobwebs out of it.
Joe Pasco that’s wild. Glad it ended up working out though. With 4000 miles you have a long way to go before you should need to replace it
Itll probably out last me. Thanks.
I bought a 2004 today with 4870 miles on it . Previous owner was an old man who kept it in a garage that was more of a mancave then a garage. It was not cheap but i think the low mileage is worth a dollar or two .
I love the big bore cruisers. I owned a Yamaha XV1100 for a few years and used as my daily commute. I was fortunate most of 200km/day ride was on the open road, dual carriageway so I could appreciate the comfort of the bike. The Yammie was low to the ground with a 5 speed heel/toe shifter and comfortable to ride. A big screen and leg shields kept most of the wind off of me. After 165000 kms I traded for a Kawasaki Voyager 1700 which I again used as my daily commute over the same route. The Kwaka is bigger and heavier but comes with a full fairing which includes a radio and music player connection. It has a wide tall screen and leg shields which can be opened in summer. The 6 speed box again with a heel/toe shifter and cruise control makes it a great bike to ride for a long day. The ABS brakes pull it up well. One thing I would observe about the Yammie was the speedo on the tank means you are constantly looking down at the tank to judge your speed, at least till you get to know your bike. This can be a safety problem and I noticed it was a feature of smaller, learner legal cruisers as well so I reckon it might be a bit of an issue for new riders. The Kwaka is a great bike. If I were to suggest to Kawasaki any improvements I would suggest an electric, speed controlled reverse. This is a 400kg wet bike - in some places including the town where I live you have nose in angle parking. You can roll the bike into park using the camber of the road but is almost impossible for one person to "walk" it out. If you roll tail in you risk a fine although that has never happened to me. The Honda Goldwing has an electric reverse that means you can only go about 5kms/h in reverse but since you would only use it to park that isn't a problem. I suspect it takes away the possibility that the bike will tip over. I ride the cruiser for the "look" and the comfort. I find both of my bikes had/have more than enough power/torque/grunt for my needs. I say to all ride the bike you like because it is the ride that is important not the destination or how quickly you get there. Thanks for posting your video
Just bought a 01 Roadstar 1600..came from a crotch rocket, long story short, I’m never going back to a sports bike.
Me too!! I grabbed an 05 midnight 1700cc
The midnights are better honestly lol it has more power and looks legit
I love my Road Star!! 83k on mine and still going strong and making videos!! Also mine runs pretty smooth compared to a Road King.
I have a '99 Roadstar with 77k on it. It runs great, zero issues, and its so comfortable!
Would you say a 99 roadstar with 11k is a good bike?
@@deffwishh absolutely!! That’s basically new!! Mine is at 84 now and runs great!! I’d take it cross county in a heartbeat without a second thought. Check out some of my videos and trips I’ve taken. It’s a great all around bike.
@@ericg.18 someone wants to trade me for my Mazdaspeed 3. I have 157k miles on but it’s pretty modified and fixed up. Would you say it’s a good trade? What should I inspect on the bike when I go look at it?
@@deffwishh that would be a heck of a trade if it works out!! Ask if the transmission recall has been taken care of and ask if the oil pump gear is stock. The stock ones were weak on the early models. Also don’t be surprised if the speedometer and fuel gauge work intermittently.
My 2006 Road Star vibrates a lot more than my 2003 did.
I have a Honda VTX 1800 and it’s so comfortable , lots of power, very similar to the Star 1600 in riding experience. Love these motorcycles. God Bless
yeah the vtx 1800is a great bike to bad Honda does,st make it anymore
40,000 miles on one of those is just getting broke in, my buddies road star has 197,000 miles on it and still going strong
Yeah the owner has literally had zero issues with this bike I could see being able to take some miles
Very surprised you don’t have more subs good video just got my road star today but I’m at work so I can’t ride it so I’m stuck watching you ride
I have a 04 1600 and it does NOT vibrate alot. My Harley 1340 Shovelhead vibrated a LOT
Nice video! I am looking to buy one of these to compliment my ZX6R, and your review makes me think that I am making the right choice. Only thing I have to say, while 40,000 miles would be a lot on my zx6r or your R3, people I've talked to say that's nothing for these Road Stars. I've heard that even with just basic maintenance, they're good for well over one hundred thousand miles on the engine before slightly more work is needed. Not speaking from experience, just what some of the forums have said.
My 2004 Silverado has 64K, had to change the stock stator, but the bike is solid!
I have a 2000’ roadstar midnight star 1600 av has 64 thousand miles. Rode it to Pennsylvania from Louisiana and to San Francisco from Louisiana. You can drive this Yamaha 80mph all day long and wont hurt it. This big is very dependable and I had to change the clutches at 63,000 miles, put in some Barrnet clutches and a Barrnet pressure plate. What a difference. No more slipping clutches on 4th and 5th gear when you open up the engine.
Hi.did you get the recall done for the transmission.?
i love my road star i ride it wherever i can even grocery shop with her rides. nice!!!
I have a 2006 model Roadliner and when l first rode it after my riding BMW R1150GS I thought the engine was doing anything as it was so quiet, particularly with the counter rotating crankshaft, the vibrations are less than those on the Beemer. I don't particularly enjoy the way it handles and at 345kg it seems a big lug a of a bike (we call it Big Bertha), but certainly has a very no fuss approach from getting you from A to B. I think the best thing about it is the 123 foot/pounds (167nm) of torque as this can propel you instantly and at great speed past long lines of cars and trucks, up hill on the flat...... anywhere. It is a matter of opening the throttle about a quarter and off you go. Mine is the 1854cc or 113ci model so there is plenty of engine there to deliver the goods.
Having said all of that, I prefer my BMW as it is more a bike that rides itself when you are feeling lazy (I commute 106km to work and back), but is a very exciting bike on the twisty curves if you in that frame of mind.
I have a 99 Silverado with 23,000 miles. It's a big and comfortable bike. My pipes are a little to load but I like it.
I have the same bike as you just got it ,
it has only 9700 miles. paid 3000.oo ...sat in someones wood shop
it just needed a good cleaning and tune up...it rides like a dream ....
I have one 1600 not very powerful but deff comfortable...and it's a big girl love it
The 1700 with Fi really opened up the bike. I just got an 08 1700 with fuel injection. I rode a couple 1600's with carb and a 1700 carb, and my 08 with fuel injection just goes when you twist the throttle lol. No hesitation, no wind up, it's just ON. LOVE IT!
good review,i just purchased an 03 1600 in great shape, for $900 then $900 worth of american elites , and some tlc, its about ready for the road... my first ride was about like yours... so i took it off road here in Fl that got me more stable with it and then after cruising 30 miles i did a few hole shots, and for a big bike, I'm totally happy with 2.89 to 60 and 70-90 is a stable feel, just stay off the front brake in the sand, the hwy bars hold it off the ground nicely, so i quickly found out. great bike so far, only has 41k, a pawnshop find in daytona....halleluYah!
I would've married my Road Star if it was socially acceptable. Best bike I ever owned.
I have 16K of back road riding on my Midnght Star .. Very comfortable .. SInce I am back roading I do go through tires .. This bike can do a lot more sport riding than you would think ..It is a torque king .. Try starting from a light in second ... :)
I just bought a 2002 Road Star and it has about 14,300km. Basically brand new. I only put on it so far 300km and I am impressed. Very comfortable on a highway, lots of power, easy to handle and I get a lot of compliments. Its chromed out and it shines.......
These can go over 200,000 that bikes still young
If you ride a "sport bike" or crotch rocket you have to grow into this type..Designed for longer distances etc....Keyword: COMFORT!
It definitely was comfortable. I could see these being way more useful for commuting to work
Have a 06 Roadstar 1700cc>>>>>This is a cruiser NOT a race bike! For long trips you cant beat it!
I love my VTX 1800. Very similar to the R* 1600
Enjoyed the ride. Thanks for sharing.🙂
With regards to the headache?? Water up if its a consistent problem and omega 3s I have a 1700cc Roadstar 05. Just recently crossed over from my GSXR.
These BIKES have Great History They are a RIDERS HIGHWAY BIKE....
We care about your personal life but we don't, as in, we care if you're fine, but personally wouldn't try to dig into it cause that'd be intrusive, don't be let down. Hope your head is fine even though this video is from 2017. My 2005 Roadstar 1700 just arrived from Canada to the country I live in and I was looking up some videos to hear how mean and aggressive it can sound with straigh pipes and stumbled across your video. Have a great one!
I have a roadie 2000 model 112,500 mile ridden. Very good bike, no problems!
Hi Elias .did you get the bike recall for transmission?
@@wesdrift Yes, everything is fine!
I have an 02 1600.Best bike I've ever hard. Love it.
Start going 85 - 90 and see how quick you get pulled over, lol. I got a Victory and I have to say that 1600 sounds sweet.
thanks for posting,
it caught alot of us roadstar owners attention..
I know i made a good choice
Do you have a drive belt for a Yamaha Roadstar 1700cc?
I’m looking to getting my first bike should I get one of these ?
40,000 miles? It's barely broken in!
Even with a half shell you look down was thinking of moving mine
Try riding the R3 a thousand miles say for your iron butt patch, If you make it that far on all three you will need to have your behind hospitalized
I freaking love my heel shifter. I kick that damn thing like a race horse! Nice bike brother, I have an 06'
If you don't mind me asking brother what do you use to record these videos as far as camera and microphone goes. Great video
Sony x3000 I think is what it was called and just a cheap amazon plug in microphone
@@ShotswithCola
Thank you.. I'm considering doing a vlog next year.. just now beginning to look into the kind of equipment I'm going to need.. thanks for your time my friend.
Хорошо.
Once you have your corners and parking down packed your good. Bike is super tourky in all its gears ⚙️
Would this make a good first bike?
how much should a Yahama dealer charge you for a valve adjustment.
thomas lauderdale I’m not sure. It will probably vary between shops but usually they have a base rate then charge more if they run into any complications
my buddy bud buds mates buddys other buddys buddy has one.
Shifter...clicker...whatever? Wow...
Good god man, get off the chain..lol..no, just kidding, to each there own
ut1004bp what you mean off the chain?
@@ShotswithCola Chain final drive
ut1004bp oh lol yeah. I always cruise around in final drive. I didn’t really want to go to hard on the bike cause it wasn’t mine. Think it is bad for it to ride that way?
@@ShotswithCola I might need to clearify.. You said that was the first bike you ridden without chain (final) drive.. I'm just the opposite, I have bought or even ridden a large street bike with chain drive.. Had enough trouble with bicycles and mini bike's sprocket and chains that I dont need that on a motorcycle!
ut1004bp oh lol 😂 yeah that was way over my head. Yeah I’m not sure what my next bike is going to be to be honest. But I did really enjoy the road star so I might be looking in that direction.
A tach on a cruiser is blasphemy.
Nobody thinks it's a Harley, I had the exact bike, ten years trouble free, move to the dark side ,Road King
Ppl think my Roadstar 1600 is a hd all the time, bc the sheep are ignorant, they think hd is the only mc producer. My bike's sound trashes any harley I've ever heard.
Lol I just bought an 01 road star with shortshot pipes, ape hangers and white wall tires and a lot of people think it's a Harley.
People mistaken my 01 road star for a Harley. Vance & Hines 2-1 pipes bobber style. I get it mistaken everytime.
The only people who mistake a yammy for a Harley are people who don't know anything about motorcycles ... Like ur mom
Don't get me wrong , my road star had stage one with pipes that could make ur ears bleed , but not the same Harley sound .
😂 40,000 miles! Seen it's days???? Just getting started man...that motor will last a lonnnng time