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Re:Why you choose Road star?
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TOPIC: Re:Why you choose Road star?
#987932
TMK (User)
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
I went from a 1977 FXE to a 1982 Suzuki GS1100E Still have the GS in the garage...who says men can't make a commitment...been through two wives but still have the GS
 
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Last Edit: 2016/09/28 12:23 By DocShadow.
 
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#987933
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
I think the thread started with an excellent question.

Since at least 1969, as a middle-teen, I wanted a Harley... big, V-twin, thumping, torque-monster.

It was also at that time AMF acquired Harley and destroyed the product. I went the Yamaha XS 650 route then, and stayed with those for many years.

When the family came, and the wife asked me not to ride until they'd grown... I got off. When the oldest turned 12, I got another XS 650. The wife was 'ecstatic'. Haha

I had become a devoted Yamaha fan. As long as they were making desirable models, I wanted one. When I learned of the V-Star Customs, 650 and 1100, I wanted to change. I actually went with a van to a Vermont used dealer to buy my next XS, but the ad was a lie, and it was junk. BUT, he had a very nice V-Star 650 Custom in black on the floor, and though it was considerably more money, the wife said Go for it! That was '02?

Sold it in '05 to get an 1100 V-Star Custom in black, out of Manhattan Island in NYC in '05. Loved that one. Learned of the Road Star in '07, and rode one. I was put off at first... no V-Star shook and made noises like that.

Found another for $3,600, the very next week and bought it. It was an '01 in red and black. My best bud found a black Silverado the very next week. We both still have them! Mine's now with '99 red and white tins.

Bottom line: I love the value, the size, the reliability, the ease of repair and maintenance. I love the torque... that low-rpm pull. I love modifying it one bit at a time. These Road Stars are mine! I've personalized them. The wife likes to get on the back and ride with me from time to time.

Darn it, guys... it's a LIFESTYLE! Oh, and I am known for being... uh, frugal, yeh, that's it. I love how that I can have 3 Roadies and plenty of money left over to just keep on playing with them.
 
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Last Edit: 2016/09/28 06:57 By Questcap.
 
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#987946
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
Back in 2001 when I (my future wife) decided it was time to ditch the crotch rocket (6 tickets in 1 summer)and switch to a cruiser I fell in love with a RS Silverado but I was afraid of its size and price. I also wanted something to stand out from the crowd a little. I settled on an 1100 Moto Guzzi. After a few years (and not many miles) on the Guzzi I was in a position to get that RS. Its a great bike, but eventually I and my needs outgrew it as well.
 
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#987951
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
big, inexpensive, cool, easy to modify, rides nice, wife likes it, son wants it, neighbors can't believe the wife made me get it!
 
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#987955
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
I had been riding a worn out v-star 1100 & went to my dealer to buy a new one. He said he wouldn't sell me one until I rode a Roadstar & Stratoliner. The Stratoliner didn't feel right to me but after riding the Roadstar I had no interest in ordering another v-star. On my second Roadstar now and they have both proven to be dependable. Love the big rough, air cooled v-twin.
 
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#987963
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
Very nice stories and some of you got life story on this bike.

Honestly, I was not hot for cruiser bike. Also not liking 2 up. like fast pace mountain ride with 5~10 friends.
We were seeking Sport touring bike such as BMW K, Concours 14, FJR, etc. even considered Vstrom 1000 and Triumph Tiger 800.

I was about pull trigger on Connie, it was sold 2 hours before I called owner.
I found Roadstar, I end up buying it, about few days before. Researched on web and learned some facts.
Real reason to purchase was price. I paid $2200. 2001 RS 30K miles. it shows some ages, but some reason I keep back to the bike while I was browsing.

I am kind of guy like to have less popular bike.

In past, I purchased SuperHawk (VTR1000F) when I was seeking Ducati 900SS. less expensive to maintain and reliable. it was fun bike even many of friend said wanna be RC51. IMO better street bike than RC51.

Have ZRX1200. not popular bike in the US. only 5 speed. looks 80s bike. Able to keep up with newer Supersports on mountain. Although 600 SS can smoke me on straight way. lol.

I have ridden some HD Fat boy, 1200 Sportster, etc. It was long time ago, but I think my RS is nicer.
Really liked Yamaha Royal Star Venture (V4 1300cc) very smooth and nice bike, but wanted air cooled feel on cruiser bike.
I think Roadstar 1600 will fit my style and modify some to fit me better....hope enjoy many years.
 
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Last Edit: 2016/09/28 09:48 By McDoggy.
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#987979
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
my reasons were simple - not necessarily in order:

1) Price
2) Styling
3) Japanese engineering
4) Belt drive
5) Lots of aftermarket
6) Non-conformist
7) Big
8) easy to maintain

Did I mention it was inexpensive? Maybe #1 WAS in order

I have a number of local friends with expensive cruisers - $25K+ with mods etc - and while they're lovely to look at, I suspect I enjoy riding my Roadie as much or even more than they do...

...although, that said - I'm starting to get the itch for a purpose-built tourer. 6-12 hour rides on my bike, even with all the mods, are REALLY draining...either going to be a Goldwing or a Victory CCT. I'd like to keep the Roadie too (convert to solo) but it will depend on insurance since I think I would have to cover both bikes.
 
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#987990
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
Previously I had a Vstar 1100, traveled constantly for 5 years until needed more maintenance.
They tried to convince to buy HD, but had already tested the reliability of YAMAHA.
What is required a larger machine, more proficiently on the road.
Wallet pointed to the Road Star.

Additionally I found RSC, I have learned that I have an exceptional machine.
Exceptional members who share information.
Exceptional RSC¡¡¡ (The best forum)

Remember,,,, You CAN do it,,,,
 
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#987992
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
Never thought I'd get a cruiser, since polishing metal while in the Navy was so tiresome. Had/have a '86 Honda VF700 saber that hasn't run since '97 and couldn't find the time/money to repair it. Started looking for a bike again after I purchased my house and didn't like any that I couldn't get both feet on the ground at a stop. Bought a '07 650 Classic just before the 950 was released-knew that that was the bike for me, but still owed too much money on the 650 to trade. Then, a woman ran a redlight in front of me. Braking for all I was worth, I still impacted the rear quarter panel on her car, totaling the bike (insurance co. said that marks from the front fork hitting both sides of the gas tank indicated frame damage). Used the money from the insurance settlement (her insurance claimed that the car was covered , but she wasn't) to get a '09 950T. I had it for years, modding it to where I wanted it, until one fateful trip to Houston w/my buddy on his Harley. We met with my youngest brother and his wife for dinner while down there and he asked me why I 'didn't have a real bike'. Fuel problems while returning to Dallas, and continuing problems with an early Cobra fi2000 further disgruntled me. I had been hanging out at my Yamaha dealership, and they had a new Road Star with duallies on the floor that they kept on urging me to buy. I liked the feel of the bike but didn't like the fact that the left header would have cooked me at a stop. Eventually, they got a '07 R* Silverado on consignment, that I liked. Shortly after I returned from the Houston trip, the owner of the bike on consignment dropped his asking price $1k. I felt the bike wouldn't last long at that price, and traded my 950T for it (it didn't last long in their used bike section-maybe 2 days). 48 days later, I wrecked the bike in a single vehicle crash due to , in my estimation, target fixation, when a van pulled into my lane while I was turning.
Two weeks after the crash and insurance declaration of a total loss, I had a replacement R*- just not a Silverado. It had 6.5k on the odo when I bought it in July of 2013. Now it is over 45k, and I have it almost where I want it. I like working on my motorcycles, and earlier bikes I had owned , where I had to take them in to the dealership because you had to have a selection of 'wafers' to adjust the valves, was just too expensive. I had considered a H-D, but didn't like the attitude of local dealerships-said I'd buy an Indian before I bought a Harley. Sticker shock on the new Indians (one or two iterations of the brand ago) discouraged me from the brand. If Yamaha doesn't come out with a viable replacement for the Road Star when my current bike wears out, I may have to reconsider (if health and finances allow).
 
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#987998
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Re:Why you choose Road star? 1 Year, 5 Months ago  
I have been riding since I was 14, buddies Honda Trail 50cc. I bought my first m/c in 1973 when I got out of the Navy, Honda 750 that had 1600 miles on it. Road the hell out of that bike until I got married in 1975, wife liked the bike but then kids came along so away went the bike!!! In 1979 brother in law was selling, guess what, 1973 Honda 750--King Queen seat, 6 inch over front forks, ape hangers, heavy duty chain and sprocket, loved the bike until I crashed!! Fixed the bike, removed the extended forks and ape hangers, went back to stock. I went to Sturgis for the first time 1990 riding a Yamaha XS1100 shaft drive my brother in law had, he lent it to me because he bought a HD Low Rider Convertible in 1990. I rode the hell out of that XS1100 and while in Sturgis took a test ride on three different HD's. Got back on the shaft drive XS1100 and while cruising down I90 thought gee this thing is smooth. 1997 I bought a used Venture Royale, rode the hell out of that thing, shaft drive, full faring and tunes!! I retired in 2002 and the BOSS said you need to buy a new motorcycle, twisted my arm, so I did. Found a new 2002 Road Star Silverado that the dealer sold me for about two grand less than they were listed for. I had looked at Roadies but had never ridden one, I just liked the looks, engine size, and all the junk that it came with. I rode that thing home, when I picked it up it had .05 miles on it and you guessed it NO GAS!! Stopped at the gas station about 50 yards from the dealer, filled up, and RODE!!! I have now had the bike 14 years, have ridden the hell out of it, and have learned to maintain it thanks to the folks on the forum. BOTTOM LINE---I HAVE TWICE THE BIKE AT HALF THE PRICE OF A HD (HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS) and have only spent $$ on stuff for it rather than $$$ if I owned a Harley. I have not regretted my purchase at any time even when I have had to do minor repairs and things did not go as planned.
 
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