Yamaha Road Star 1700
The Yamaha Road Star 1700 has a top speed of 175 km/h, produces 61 hp and weighs 309 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Yamaha Road Star (XV1600/XV1700) was introduced in 1999 as the XV1600A, featuring a massive 1602cc V-twin engine designed to compete directly with Harley-Davidson's cruiser lineup. In 2004, Yamaha bored the engine out to 1670cc (marketed as 1700) and rebranded it the Road Star 1700, continuing production until 2013. It became notable for its large-displacement air-cooled V-twin, pushrod engine design, and extensive customization options including the Silverado and Warrior variants.
61 hp
Power
127 Nm
Torque
309 kg
Weight
175 km/h
Top Speed
7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L) — best estimate based on typical real-world reports
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Rock-Solid Engine Reliability
The 1670cc air-cooled V-twin is known for exceptional longevity, with many owners reporting 100,000+ miles with basic maintenance. It's widely considered one of the most bulletproof cruiser engines ever built.
Watch the Final Drive
The shaft drive system can develop leaks around the rear drive seal, especially on higher-mileage bikes — inspect for oil weeping near the rear wheel before buying. Repairs are manageable but can run $200–$500 if neglected.
Strong Resale Value
Road Stars hold their value notably well compared to other cruisers in their class, thanks to their reputation for durability and a loyal enthusiast community. A well-maintained example typically sells for 70–80% of its original price even after several years.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced 1670cc air-cooled V-twin, carbureted, classic cruiser styling, belt drive, five-speed transmission.
"Honest, torque-heavy cruiser that earns every mile."
That 1670cc V-twin pulls from almost nothing — crack the throttle at 2,500 rpm and the belt drive just hauls you forward with this satisfying mechanical grunt that no rubber-mounted modern twin can fake. Seat height at 700mm means shorter riders plant both feet easily, and the low center of gravity makes that 309kg feel about 40kg lighter once you're rolling. The carburetor needs a proper warm-up on cold mornings and the five-speed gearbox feels vague compared to Japanese standards of the era — first-to-second shifts can be clunky until the oil warms through. But for all-day highway cruising below 130 km/h, this thing is borderline effortless, and the reliability record on these engines is genuinely impressive — I've seen 100,000km Road Stars still on their original internals.
Pros
Cons
Fuel injection added, updated intake and exhaust, minor cosmetic refinements, retained same basic engine architecture.
"Torque monster that rewards patient, deliberate riders."
The fuel injection cleaned up the Gen 1's cold-start grumpiness almost completely — first-kick starts in January are no longer a negotiation. That 145 Nm hits around 2,800 rpm and just bulldozes forward; you're not revving this thing, you're leaning on it like a throttle-operated freight elevator. Handling is predictable but the 318 kg wet weight demands respect at parking-lot speeds — I dropped mine once at a gas station and felt every gram of it. The trade-off is high-speed stability that borders on telepathic, and on a sweeping two-lane highway this bike is genuinely hard to improve on for the money.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A tough, characterful cruiser that rewards patient, attentive buyers enormously."
$4,500-$9,000 usedThe Road Star 1700 is old-school American cruiser done right, but with Japanese reliability underneath all that chrome. That air-cooled V-twin pulls hard from basically nothing — roll the throttle in fifth at 40mph and it just goes. No drama, no hunting, just torque. It's the kind of engine that makes you forget fuel injection exists, and honestly, carbed versions feel more characterful anyway. Buy one with decent service history and you're looking at a bike that'll outlast most of its riders. The frame and drivetrain are genuinely bulletproof if maintained. What kills them is neglect — look for rust in the carb, cracked fuel lines, and seized brake callipers on bikes that sat. Front forks get soft over time, budget for a rebuild. Check the rear shocks too, originals are garbage past 20,000 miles. It's heavy, it's wide, and it doesn't pretend to be anything other than a boulevard cruiser. No ABS, no riding modes, no nonsense. If that appeals to you, brilliant. If you need modern safety tech, look elsewhere.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Road Star 1700 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALCold start ticking or rattling near engine top
Rough idle, hesitation, hard starting when warm
Oil residue or wet stains on fork tubes
Grinding noise or freewheeling when hitting starter
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid cruiser, reliable if maintained consistently
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Road Star 1700
Yamaha Stratoliner 1900
Yamaha Road Star Warrior
Yamaha Roadliner 1900
Suzuki Intruder 1500
Yamaha Road Star 1600
Compare Yamaha Road Star 1700 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Road Star 1700 vs Yamaha Stratoliner 1900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Road Star 1700 vs Yamaha Road Star Warrior
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Road Star 1700 vs Yamaha Roadliner 1900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Road Star 1700 vs Suzuki Intruder 1500
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Road Star 1700 vs Yamaha Road Star 1600
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Road Star 1700? +
Cam chain tensioner wear causing engine noise: Cold start ticking or rattling near engine top (serious) | Carburetor jets clogging from ethanol fuel: Rough idle, hesitation, hard starting when warm (moderate) | Fork seal leaks on high-mileage bikes: Oil residue or wet stains on fork tubes (moderate)
Is the Yamaha Road Star 1700 a good motorcycle? +
A tough, characterful cruiser that rewards patient, attentive buyers enormously. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Relaxed cruiser riders wanting bulletproof American style. Avoid if: You want sporty handling or modern safety tech.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Road Star 1700? +
The Yamaha Road Star 1700 produces 61 hp @ 4,000 rpm, with 127 Nm @ 2,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h.
Is the Yamaha Road Star 1700 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Yamaha Road Star 1700 is a reasonable choice for new riders (61 hp is manageable), weighing 309 kg. Relaxed cruiser riders wanting bulletproof American style
Is the Yamaha Road Star 1700 reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Yamaha Road Star 1700, notably: Cam chain tensioner wear causing engine noise (Cold start ticking or rattling near engine top). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Road Star 1700 good for daily use? +
Relaxed cruiser riders wanting bulletproof American style Fuel: 7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L) — best estimate based on typical real-world reports.
How fast is the Yamaha Road Star 1700? +
The Yamaha Road Star 1700 reaches a top speed of 175 km/h, producing 61 hp at 309 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Road Star 1700? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Road Star 1700, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/road-star-1700/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
