2012 Yamaha XV1700 Road Star Silverado S

Top Specification Model | 11,239 Miles | Fresh Service | Zero Advisory MOT | £7,995

Here we have a truly outstanding example of Yamaha’s big-bore American-market cruiser: a 2012 Yamaha XV1700 Road Star Silverado S, finished in beautiful white and showing just 11,239 miles from new.

This is the model to have — the top specification Silverado S, sitting at the very top of the XV1700 Road Star range. It combines Yamaha’s huge 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin with full touring equipment, factory hard luggage, passenger comfort, extensive chrome detailing and the unmistakable presence of a proper heavyweight cruiser.

This particular bike was purchased from its second owner, has been treated to a fresh oil and filter service, and has a fresh MOT with zero advisories. I have personally ridden the bike for around 15 miles since its arrival, and it rides exactly as it should: smooth, relaxed, confident and full of that deep, lazy V-twin character these Road Stars are known for.

A Brief History of the Yamaha Road Star

The Road Star story began in 1999 with the launch of the Yamaha XV1600 Road Star, known in some markets as the Wild Star. At the time, Yamaha created a serious statement cruiser: a huge 1,600cc air-cooled, pushrod V-twin built around low-down torque, long-distance comfort and classic American styling. It was Yamaha’s flagship big twin and, when launched, was noted for having one of the largest production motorcycle engines of its era.

The XV1600 quickly earned a reputation as one of the most genuine Japanese alternatives to the traditional American cruiser. It had the long wheelbase, floorboards, belt drive, big tank, wide bars and relaxed riding position that cruiser riders wanted, but with Yamaha’s build quality, reliability and engineering refinement.

The XV1700 Road Star followed as the natural successor to the XV1600. Capacity increased to 1,670cc, giving the bike even more of the low-revving, effortless torque that suited its character so well. It retained the traditional pushrod, air-cooled V-twin layout, but with Yamaha’s engineering touches such as four valves per cylinder, hydraulic valve lifters, belt final drive and a smooth five-speed gearbox.

A major improvement came in 2008, when the Road Star moved from carburettor fuelling to electronic fuel injection. This made the later XV1700 models easier to start, smoother in changing conditions and better suited to modern use, while retaining the big mechanical feel and classic cruiser character that made the model so popular.

By 2012, the Road Star had matured into one of Yamaha’s finest big cruisers, and the Silverado S represented the most desirable touring specification.

Why the Silverado S Is the One to Have

The standard Road Star was already a serious cruiser, but the Silverado specification added the essential touring equipment. This included the factory windscreen, touring seat layout, passenger comfort and luggage.

The Silverado S then took things further again. This model came with the more premium factory finish and equipment, including:

Factory OEM windscreen
A proper Yamaha screen designed to take the wind pressure off the rider and make longer journeys far more comfortable.

OEM passenger backrest
A must-have for two-up riding, giving the passenger far better support and confidence.

OEM hard colour-coded panniers
Because this is the S model, the panniers are not soft throw-over style bags. They are the desirable hard, colour-matched factory panniers, locking and shaped beautifully into the rear of the bike.

Extensive chrome package
The S model gained a much richer chrome finish than the regular bike, including the front end treatment, chrome forks, chrome front-end hardware, risers, controls and further brightwork throughout.

Touring rider and passenger seats
A wide, relaxed cruiser saddle with the proper touring position Yamaha intended.

Belt final drive
Clean, smooth and low maintenance, ideal for a relaxed long-distance cruiser.

Big 1,670cc fuel-injected V-twin
A huge air-cooled engine built for torque, not revs. It delivers that lazy, muscular pull that makes these bikes so enjoyable.

This Particular Bike

This 2012 example is a beautiful and highly original-looking Road Star Silverado S finished in white, with the correct factory touring equipment still in place.

It has covered just 11,239 miles from new, which is very low mileage for one of these engines. These big Yamaha V-twins are built for long-distance use, and this one has clearly had a very easy life.

The bike presents in excellent condition throughout. The paintwork has a deep gloss, the chrome still has the right shine, the hard panniers look superb against the white bodywork, and the overall appearance is exactly what you want from a top-spec American cruiser.

The bike has also just received a fresh oil and filter service, and the MOT has been completed with zero advisories, giving the next owner extra confidence.

I have ridden the bike around 15 miles since it arrived, and it performs exactly as it should. It starts cleanly, settles into that unmistakable big V-twin rhythm, pulls strongly and smoothly, changes gear correctly and feels every bit the proper heavyweight cruiser.

Riding Experience

The XV1700 Road Star Silverado S is not trying to be a sports bike. It is built for presence, comfort and effortless torque.

The riding position is natural and relaxed, with wide bars, full footboards and a low seat height. The engine delivers its power in a smooth, lazy wave, making it ideal for cruising, weekend rides, touring and relaxed two-up use. The fuel injection on these later models makes the bike easier to live with than the earlier carburettor-fed versions, while the belt drive keeps maintenance simple.

On the road, it feels planted, substantial and reassuring. The screen takes pressure off the rider, the panniers make it practical, the passenger backrest makes it suitable for two-up use, and the big V-twin gives the bike real character every time you open the throttle.

Key Details

2012 Yamaha XV1700 Road Star Silverado S
Top specification Silverado S model
1,670cc fuel-injected air-cooled V-twin
White finish
Only 11,239 miles from new
Purchased from the second owner
OEM windscreen
OEM passenger backrest
OEM hard colour-coded panniers
Extensive factory chrome package
Chrome forks, front-end trim, risers and controls
Factory passing lamps
Belt final drive
Fresh oil and filter service
MOT with zero advisories
Personally test-ridden for around 15 miles
Rides exactly as it should
Excellent condition throughout

Summary

This is a superb opportunity to own one of Yamaha’s best big cruisers in one of its most desirable specifications.

The XV1700 Road Star Silverado S offers the classic American cruiser look, Yamaha reliability, a huge fuel-injected V-twin, proper touring equipment and genuine road presence. With only 11,239 miles, excellent condition, a fresh service and a zero-advisory MOT, this example is ready to be enjoyed immediately.

A top-spec cruiser, beautifully finished, properly equipped and ready to ride.

Price: £7,995