Looking good has nothing to do what kind of clothes you wear when you're riding a cruiser bike. All the attention is paid to the machine, lest you forget. So much so that picking the right one to own is about as difficult a task as any hardcore biker will have.

Fortunately, Yamaha->ke301 wants to make that choice easier with the Road Star S->ke1809, a full-fledged cruiser bike that provides a complete check-list of stunning good looks, superior handling, and most of all, uncompromising power.

Talking about power, the Road Star S is a true heavyweight in every sense of the word, boasting of a 1,670cc air-cooled 48° V-twin engine that has an overflowing number of horses and muscle on tap. It's also easy on the eyes courtesy of all the classic chrome hardware and details, making for a bike that looks as good as it's steely and imposing profile suggests.

Nobody said that cruisers come in simple packages; the Yamaha Road Star S is proof of that.

Find out more about the Yamaha Road Star S after the jump. } }

2011 Yamaha Road Star S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Yamaha Road Star S
  • Engine/Motor: air-cooled 48° V-twin engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

The 2011 Road Star S is one of the most customized air-cooled V-twins in the business... and with good reason, too. It simply looks good, due mostly to the classic appeal of that hardtail-looking steel frame and all the classic looking hardware that goes with it. The 2011 Yamaha Road Star S gets chrome accents to the front end including the switchgear, front brake master cylinder, front fork, and levers. The bike also has a new three-dimensional, fuel tank-mounted Road Star logo, seat, and steering locks that have been integrated into the main ignition switch, as well as handy and dual under seat helmet holders, a powerful, 12V 60/55-watt, halogen headlight that maximizes nighttime visibility, and a low-maintenance, sealed battery that ensures fuss-free, dependable starting.

There's also an ultra-thin, tank-mounted speedometer that 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. An LED taillight and clear turn signal lenses with amber bulbs also creates a custom look, providing great visibility and reducing current draw.

Performance

The Yamaha Road Star S is powered by a 1,670cc, air-cooled, long-stroke, OHV, 8-valve, 48° V-twin powerplant that produces low-rpm torque for unparalleled acceleration and cruising performance. The four valves per cylinder provides optimum breathing efficiency while the accompanying two spark plugs per cylinder ensures complete combustion for maximum power output for a bike of its stature. The Road Star S' powertrain also has hydraulic valve lifters driven by twin crankcase-mounted camshafts, capable of delivering spectacular performance figures while also reducing the bike's maintenance needs. There's also a traditional pushrod valve actuation that keeps overall engine height down for a lower center of gravity while large-diameter, forged pistons offer great durability and lighter weight. Likewise, ceramic composite-plated cylinders provide across the board heat dissipation, weight savings, reduced friction, and increased cylinder service life.

Chassis and Suspension

The Yamaha Road Star S was built with a long wheel base - 66.3" - creating a long and low retro profile that provides more than just rider comfort, but also a solid and stable handling base. The bike also has a specially designed gusset-less, double-cradle frame that serves as the overall chassis of the machine while the spacious ergonomics provide ample legroom, maximizing rider comfort. As for the bike's suspension, Yamaha put in 43mm front forks with large-diameter covers and 5.5" of wheel travel while a spring preload-adjustable, single-shock rear link suspension lowers the bike's center of gravity, resulting in a machine that offers top-quality handling. Dual 298mm disc brakes on the front come with one-piece, four-piston calipers with chrome "buttons" accenting the outer piston covers while a 320mm rear disc brake with its own four-piston caliper provides excellent stopping power and feel.

Pricing

Did we hear you say you were interested in the Road Star S? Well, if you are, then you need to know that it's going to cost $13,390 to bring one back to your home.

Specifications

Model

XV17ASAB

Engine Type

102-cubic-inch (1670cc) air-cooled 48°

V-twin; pushrod OHV, 4 valves/cylinder

Bore x Stroke

97.0 x 113.0mm

Compression Ratio

8.3:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel injection

Ignition

TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission

5-speed, wide-ratio;

multiplate wet clutch

Final Drive

Belt

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

Brake/Rear

Hydraulic disc, 320mm

Tire/Front

130/90-16

Tire/Rear

150/80-16

Wheels

9-spoke cast

L x W x H

98.4 x 38.6 x 44.9 in

Seat Height

27.9 in

Ground Clearance

5.7 in

Wheelbase

66.5 in

Fuel Capacity

4.8 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

36 mpg

Wet Weight

743 lb

Color

Raven


Quote

Motorcycle ---- "Gleaming chrome, a retro seat and lots of torquey muscle may have you itching to ride. Swing a leg over, turn on the huge fuel injected V-twin engine, after which get ready for any nice long ride"