Yamaha Road Star 1700
Yamaha Road Star 1700
newrides.04
If you’re like most middle-aged motorcyclists, you probably got your start as a kid on a mini-cycle. If so, you’ll undoubtedly remember how each upshift caused the little engine to fall far out of its powerband, then painstakingly chug its way back through the rev range. Torque? Ha!
You might find yourself giggling about the 2004 Yamaha Road Star’s torque output, too, but it will be in a whole ’nother way. In spite of prices remaining at last year’s levels ($10,999 for the Pearl White base model, $11,799 for the Raven-colored Midnight Star shown here), the ’04 XV has been treated to a thorough going-over. Newly enlarged from 1602 to 1670cc through 2mm-larger bores, the big, aircooled, pushrod, 48-degree V-Twin makes so much torque-a locomotive-like 94.7 foot-pounds at the rear wheel, measured on the CW dyno-that you needn’t worry about falling out of
the powerband. Ever again. Hard to believe that an engine whose redline is a lowly 4600 rpm-lower even than a Harley-Davidson Big Twin-is now higher-revving, but that is
indeed the case. Shorter pushrods and intake rockers and a resultant reduced rocker-arm ratio allow an additional 400 rpm over the ’03 edition. Horsepower is up, too, new cam timing and a larger airbox boosting peak output to 62.6 bhp. The gearbox was improved for 2004 as well, now featuring a lower overall ratio and a taller first gear that better meshes with second. Gone is the “clunk” that formerly accompanied each first-to-second shift. There are countless other mechanical changes, too-a longer swingarm, bigger tailpipes, thicker cylinder fins, a
narrower drivebelt, etc.-most of which are easily overlooked. Not to mention a host of cosmetic and comfort-related updates, such as the new ninespoke cast wheels with matching rear belt pulley, cushier seat and vibration-reducing rubber-mounted floorboards and bar-end weights.
But one thing you won’t fail to notice are the new front brakes: Originally sourced from the YZF-R1 sportbike with a subsequent appearance on the Warrior power-cruiser, and now refinished in bare aluminum with chrome caps, the four-piston monoblock calipers provide the most incredible stopping power and feel we’ve experienced on a cruiser. Way better than dragging your feet on that old mini-cycle. -Brian Catterson
