Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Impressions of the '06 Road Star Silverado
Thinking of upgrading to a newer, bigger cruiser style motorcycle? If you have been riding for a while you probably understand the urge to upgrade from your present motorcycle to something newer or bigger or with more power. Seems to happen a lot with a number of riders I have met over the past couple years, including a few that own multiple motorcycles of varying styles and sizes.
The Yamaha Road Star Silverado is a large cruiser with a 1670 cc engine and a longer wheelbase and is heavier than the V-Star 1100 I had previously. It weighs about 730 lbs. and that was a major concern when I bought it, but so far the weight has been a benefit not a burden. On the highway or freeway the extra weight and bigger engine make it easy to get up into the 70+ mph range and hardly notice it. I find that even in top 5th gear, if I need to move out in a hurry there is plenty on tap to get me moving faster. The wind buffeting around the windshield is a real factor at higher speeds and I wish there was some way to block it, especially noticeable over 70 mph. The engine definitely has a higher level of vibration and throb than the 1100 did, which takes some getting used to, but so far has not been really uncomfortable.
Handling on mountain roads based on my trips to Oak Glen, Mt. Wilson and the Barstow trip all were very well managed due to the weight and handling of this Road Star. I thought the 1100 was as good as I needed, but this 2006 Road Star has been very easy to maneuver through the twisting roads so far. Have been using counter-steering much more than I ever did on the 1100 and it is partly due to how responsive the front end is to small moves that indicate how sensitive the steering is.
Remember, this size motorcycle is not for a beginner rider. The weight, and power can become a real problem if you don't know how to handle yourself on two wheels especially in low speed parking lot type situations. Not that I'm an expert, but I have been in a couple situations that reminded me of my earlier days of motorcycling when I did not have the experience I now do. Without the last couple years experience, I would be seriously concerned about riding this large a machine.
Ride Safe and keep on riding! Ride it like you still owe money on it! ¶ 9:02 PM
The Yamaha Road Star Silverado is a large cruiser with a 1670 cc engine and a longer wheelbase and is heavier than the V-Star 1100 I had previously. It weighs about 730 lbs. and that was a major concern when I bought it, but so far the weight has been a benefit not a burden. On the highway or freeway the extra weight and bigger engine make it easy to get up into the 70+ mph range and hardly notice it. I find that even in top 5th gear, if I need to move out in a hurry there is plenty on tap to get me moving faster. The wind buffeting around the windshield is a real factor at higher speeds and I wish there was some way to block it, especially noticeable over 70 mph. The engine definitely has a higher level of vibration and throb than the 1100 did, which takes some getting used to, but so far has not been really uncomfortable.
Handling on mountain roads based on my trips to Oak Glen, Mt. Wilson and the Barstow trip all were very well managed due to the weight and handling of this Road Star. I thought the 1100 was as good as I needed, but this 2006 Road Star has been very easy to maneuver through the twisting roads so far. Have been using counter-steering much more than I ever did on the 1100 and it is partly due to how responsive the front end is to small moves that indicate how sensitive the steering is.
Remember, this size motorcycle is not for a beginner rider. The weight, and power can become a real problem if you don't know how to handle yourself on two wheels especially in low speed parking lot type situations. Not that I'm an expert, but I have been in a couple situations that reminded me of my earlier days of motorcycling when I did not have the experience I now do. Without the last couple years experience, I would be seriously concerned about riding this large a machine.
Ride Safe and keep on riding! Ride it like you still owe money on it! ¶ 9:02 PM
