Yamaha XV 1700 Road Star Silverado [2004–2015]: A Timeless Cruiser for the Open Road

Introduction

The Yamaha Road Star Silverado isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. From its thunderous 1,670cc V-twin engine to its sprawling, chrome-laden silhouette, this cruiser-turned-touring machine has carved a permanent niche in the hearts of riders who crave raw power paired with laid-back comfort. Produced from 2004 to 2015, the Silverado generation stands as a testament to Yamaha’s ability to blend classic American cruiser aesthetics with Japanese engineering precision. Having spent time in the saddle of this beast, I can confidently say it’s a motorcycle that rewards patience, commands respect, and turns every ride into an event.

Design & Styling: Classic Meets Purposeful

The Road Star Silverado’s design is unapologetically bold. Its 1,689 mm (66.5 in) wheelbase and stretched-out frame give it a commanding presence, while details like valanced fenders, studded leather seats, and a "police-style" windshield (on touring models) add retro flair. Chrome accents dominate—from the exhaust headers to the handlebar clamps—making it clear this bike was built to shine.

The touring-focused Silverado S variants come equipped with color-matched hard saddlebags (35L per side), a passenger backrest, and an adjustable windscreen. Even the base model’s 20-liter fuel tank (17 liters on later FI models) has a sculpted, muscular profile that hides its seams for a clean look. The riding position is pure cruiser: feet-forward floorboards, a 711 mm (28 in) seat height, and wide rubber-mounted handlebars that keep vibrations at bay. It’s a bike that looks as good parked at a diner as it does eating up highway miles.

Engine & Performance: The Heart of a Giant

At the core of the Silverado is its air-cooled, 1,670cc (102 cu-in) V-twin. This isn’t a high-reving sport engine—it’s a torque monster. With a bore and stroke of 97 mm x 113 mm (3.8 in x 4.4 in) and a compression ratio of 8.3:1, it delivers a lazy, rumbling powerband that peaks at 2,500 RPM. Early carbureted models (2004–2007) used a Mikuni 40mm CV carburetor, while later iterations (2008–2015) switched to fuel injection, improving cold starts and altitude adaptability.

Twist the throttle, and the engine responds with a surge of low-end grunt rather than neck-snapping acceleration. The 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the belt final drive is virtually maintenance-free. On the highway, the engine hums at relaxed RPMs, thanks to its overdrive 5th gear. Fuel economy hovers around 6.5 L/100 km (36 MPG), which is respectable for a bike this size.

What’s it like to ride? Imagine a rolling earthquake. The exhaust note is deep and punctuated, and the vibrations—though minimized by rubber mounts—add character without becoming fatiguing. This isn’t a bike for darting through traffic; it’s for savoring long, sweeping roads where its 327 kg (721 lb) heft feels planted and secure.

Ride & Handling: Stability Over Agility

The Silverado’s chassis is built for stability, not flickability. The steel double-cradle frame and 32° rake angle make it steady at highway speeds, though U-turns require careful planning. Suspension is plush but basic: a 43mm telescopic fork up front (140 mm / 5.5 in of travel) and a preload-adjustable rear shock (109 mm / 4.3 in travel). It soaks up bumps adequately, though rough roads can feel jarring when riding solo.

Braking is handled by dual 298mm front discs and a single 320mm rear disc, both with 4-piston calipers. Stopping power is adequate, but the bike’s weight means you’ll need to plan ahead—especially when loaded with gear. The 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 tires provide ample grip, though their bias-ply construction feels dated compared to modern radials.

Comfort & Touring Credentials

Where the Silverado truly shines is in its ability to devour miles. The rider’s seat is wide and supportive, and the passenger gets a generous perch with a backrest on touring trims. The floorboards are positioned to let you stretch out, and the windscreen (on S models) does a decent job deflecting wind.

Storage is a highlight. The hard saddlebags are lockable and spacious enough for weekend trips, and the 18–20L fuel tank ensures 300+ km (186+ mi) between fill-ups. Add Yamaha’s optional trunk, and you’ve got a legit touring machine. That said, the lack of cruise control or heated grips on earlier models feels like a missed opportunity.

Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

In the 2000s big-bore cruiser market, the Silverado faced stiff rivals:

1. Harley-Davidson Road King: The Road King offered superior brand cachet and a smoother Twin Cam 96 engine. However, the Silverado undercut it in price and matched its touring features (hard bags, windscreen).
2. Honda VTX 1800: Honda’s 1,800cc brute had more power and liquid cooling, but its weight (345 kg / 760 lbs) and cramped ergonomics made it less comfortable for long rides.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad: The Nomad matched the Silverado’s touring specs but added fuel injection earlier (2009). Its V-twin felt more refined, though Yamaha’s pushrod engine had a rawer, more authentic cruiser vibe.

The Silverado’s ace card was its value proposition. It delivered 90% of a Harley’s experience at 75% of the cost, with Yamaha’s reputation for reliability as a bonus.

Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Owning a Road Star Silverado is relatively straightforward, but here are key considerations:

• Air Filter: Carbureted models benefit from upgraded high-flow filters (MOTOPARTS.store Part #AIR-1670CV) to optimize airflow.
• Belt Drive: Inspect the belt every 10,000 km (6,200 mi). Replacements are rare but available (MOTOPARTS.store Part #BELT-YAMA-1700).
• Brake Pads: Swap in sintered pads (MOTOPARTS.store Part #PAD-SILVERADO-FR) for improved stopping power.
• Suspension: The rear shock’s preload adjuster can wear over time. A progressive-rate spring kit (MOTOPARTS.store Part #SHOCK-UPG-1700) enhances load capacity.
• Exhaust: Many owners upgrade to aftermarket slip-ons for better sound and weight savings.

Pro Tip: The hydraulic valve lifters eliminate valve adjustments, but regular oil changes (4.1L of 10W-40) are critical. Use a synthetic blend for better heat dissipation.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic

The Yamaha Road Star Silverado isn’t the fastest, lightest, or most technologically advanced cruiser. What it is, though, is honest. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a big, rumbling, mile-eating machine that prioritizes soul over specs. For riders who value presence and simplicity, it remains a compelling choice—a bike that feels just as relevant today as it did in 2004.

Whether you’re customizing it into a boulevard showpiece or loading it up for a cross-country trek, the Silverado rewards those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination. And with a robust aftermarket community (and MOTOPARTS.store’s extensive catalog), keeping this legend on the road is easier than ever.

Thumbnail legend: The Yamaha Road Star Silverado—where old-school charm meets open-road capability.

Specifications sheet