2008 Yamaha Road Star Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 102-cubic-inch (1670cc)
Type: Air-cooled 48-degree V-twin; pushrod OHV, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 97mm x 113mm
Compression Ratio: 8.3:1
Carburetion: Fuel Injection
Ignition: TCI
Transmission: 5-speed, wide-ratio; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive: Belt

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Steel; hidden shock
Suspension/Front: 43mm fork; 5.5-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock; 4.3 in travel
Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Brakes Rear: Hydraulic disc, 320mm
Tires/Front: 130/90-16
Tires/Rear: 150/80-16
Wheels: 9-spoke cast
Length: 98.4 in
Width: 38.6 in
Height: 44.9 in
Seat Height: 27.9 in
Wheelbase: 66.5 in
Ground Clearance: 5.7 in
Dry Weight: 694 lb
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal

Other

Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Color: Galaxy Blue/Sapphire Blue Scallops; Pearl White

Features

Key Features:

 New, electronic fuel injection ensures easy cold starting and flawless fuel delivery at nearly all altitudes and in nearly any conditions.


 102-cubic-inch V-twin-powered beauty, in a long, low, hardtail-look frame with plenty of customization potential built in.


 Modern engineering and materials, including ceramic composite cylinder liners.


 Air cooling, hydraulic valve lifters and belt final drive reduce maintenance requirements to a minimum.

New for 2008:

 Computer-controlled fuel injection monitors multiple engine parameters to calculate perfect mixture under nearly all conditions.

Engine:

 102-cubic-inch (1670cc) air-cooled, pushrod OHV 48-degree V-twin pumps out huge amounts of torque barely off idle for brisk acceleration and fantastic overall cruising performance.


 Hydraulic valve lifters driven by twin camshafts deliver exceptional performance and less maintenance. Ceramic composite cylinder bore plating ensures greater durability and optimal heat dissipation.


 Smooth-shifting five-speed transmission delivers outstanding cruising performance with low rpm at highway speeds.


 Dry sump lubrication system uses a handy spin-on filter and creates lower center of gravity by helping keep overall engine height to a minimum.


 Electric starting system features solenoid-activated auto-decompressor for easy, dependable starting.


 Two-into-two exhaust system features beefy, staggered shotgun dual pipes putting out a soulful V-twin exhaust tune.

2008 Yamaha Road Star Heel/Toe Shifter

Chassis/Suspension:

 Solid-mounted engine housed in specially designed rigid-look, double-cradle frame features a stylish 32-degreee rake.


 Extra-long 66.5-inch wheelbase creates long and low retro profile, added rider comfort and well balanced handling.


 Telescopic 43mm front forks with stainless steel covers and 5.5 inches of wheel travel for great handling and a plush ride.


 16-inch cast wheels shod with tubeless tires for a classis, yet sporty look while providing confidence-inspiring handling and excellent grip.


 Dual 298mm front disc brakes feature four-piston calipers with aluminum pistons and sintered brake pads for strong, linear stopping power, backed up by a 320mm single rear disc.


 Lightweight and high-strength final drive belt provides long life and quiet operation.

Additional Features:

 Industry-leading Star Family fit and finish mean lustrous paint and extensive chrome accents that create a machine as stunning as it is powerful.


 Ultra-thin, tank-mounted speedometer features a stylish design and provides easy reading of odometer, dual tripmeters, clock and fuel gauge as well as low fuel, high beam, turn signal, neutral and engine diagnostic indicator lights.


 LED taillight and clear turn signal lenses with amber bulbs for a custom look, great visibility and reduced current draw.


 Full-size floating-type rider and passenger floorboards are roomy and comfortable.


 A two-piece heel/toe shifter, and braided stainless clutch and throttle cables add even more comfort and style.


 5.3-gallon fuel tank with low-fuel warning light means exceptional cruising range.


 Seat and fork locks both integrated into main ignition switch for extra convenience.


 Handy dual underseat helmet holders.


 Powerful 12V 60/55-watt halogen headlight minimizes nighttime visibility and comes with beautiful chrome finish.


 12V 18-amp-hour maintenance-free battery ensures fuss-free, dependable starting.

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Models Available

Yamaha Road Star

This is the model that I presented to you during this review, and the one which Yamaha started to produce back in 1999, setting the base for the bright future that was to come.

In order to satisfy a bigger segment of the demanding market, Yamaha introduced another Road Star model which became as successful as the first one.

Yamaha Road Star S

2008 Yamaha Road Star S

The same big-bore air-cooled V-twin, now with fuel injection, has what it takes to be the bike you want it to be – radical custom, polished stocker, or the look you know is just right for you.

The Road Star S gets chrome accents to the front end including chrome switch-gear, front brake master cylinder, front fork and levers.

Price

All the extras will reflect on the price also and if you are thinking on buying one, Charcoal Silver w/Flames is the only color scheme available for the MSRP of $12,599. This is another good quality-price balance well worth to be taken in consideration.

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