YAMAHA Road Star S (2008-2009) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2008, the Japanese manufacturer launched the Yamaha Road Star S, a cruising machine with a new fuel injection system that provided excellent throttle response, smoother acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and fewer emissions.

The bike offered old school appearance with classic-looking features topped by modern technology and many shiny chromed accents. It was part of the Road Star family that debuted in 1999 and dropped from Yamaha's range in 2014.

In the appearance department, the machine featured a large-round headlight with a chromed housing, turn signals with clear lenses, valanced steel fenders, a stylish teardrop-style fuel tank with an integrated instrument panel, and a two-piece dual seat.

The ride was handled by nine-spoke lightweight aluminum wheels with a 43 mm telescopic fork on the front that offered 140 mm wheel travel and a spring preload-adjustable horizontally-mounted shock absorber with 110 mm wheel travel, creating a hard-tail design.

Also, the wheels were fitted with four-piston calipers and two 298 mm discs on the front for optimum stopping power, while the rear wheel had a 320 mm disc squeezed by a four-piston caliper, offering excellent braking performance.

As for the power figures, the 2008 Yamaha Road Star S took its muscles from a 1,670cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 75 hp at 4,750 and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm.

In 2008, when it was released, the 2008 Yamaha Road Star S was sold as a new machine for $14,099. In 2023 (at the time of writing), the bike was for sale at an average retail price of $4,575.