YAMAHA Road Star Midnight Silverado (2005-2006) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1999, the Japanese maker released into the cruiser world the XV1600A, a touring machine also known as the Road Star in the American market and Wild Star in the European market. The bike was manufactured from 1999 until 2014, when Yamaha dropped the Road Star from their range.

The bikes manufactured from 1999 to 2003 were powered by a 1,602cc engine, and from 2004, along with the displacement increase from 1,602cc to 1,670cc, the maker also introduced a few design changes, including tubeless tires on aluminum wheels, a skinnier belt drive, and a different color for the engine covers.

The Yamaha Road Star had a slightly larger brother with a sleeker, sportier design and a 1,700cc fuel-injected engine in a lightweight aluminum chassis. The Road Star was unchanged until 2008, when the Japanese maker introduced a new fuel injection system that offered smoother engine response.

In 2005, Yamaha launched the Road Star Midnight Silverado, a touring machine with the blacked-out trim of the Midnight model and touring accessories found on the Silverado model. For power, the touring combo packed the same engine that powered both standard machines, with Road Star standard features.

The 1.670cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine was still fed by a Mikuni carburetor, boasting 75 hp on tap at 4,750 rpm and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) torque with a maximum peak force at 3,500 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission took power from the engine and sent it to the rear wheel through a final belt drive.

The 2005 Yamaha Road Star Midnight Silverado featured a stylish appearance, with its large windscreen, two-piece dual studded seat with a passenger backrest, a blacked-out engine with chromed fins and covers, a dual chromed exhaust system, and color-matched side-mounted panniers that provided the extra storage needed for long journeys.