2008 Yamaha XV1700 Road Star Silverado

Fuel-Injected 1,670cc American-Market Cruiser – 13,074 Miles – £7,495

There are few motorcycles that capture the traditional American cruiser look quite as convincingly as the Yamaha XV1700 Road Star Silverado.

Long, low and beautifully proportioned, the Road Star combines the unmistakable character of a huge air-cooled V-twin with the engineering quality, reliability and usability for which Yamaha has always been renowned.

The exceptional example we have available here is a 2008 Yamaha XV1700 Road Star Silverado, finished in a stunning deep metallic blue with elegant silver detailing. It has covered just 13,074 miles, has had only two owners from new and has recently arrived with us as a fresh Florida import.

The motorcycle is in genuinely immaculate condition throughout, with outstanding paintwork, beautifully preserved chrome and alloy, excellent leatherwork and very little evidence of its age.

A Brief History of the Yamaha Road Star

Yamaha introduced the original Road Star at the end of the 1990s as its flagship American-style V-twin cruiser.

The company wanted to create a motorcycle that offered the visual presence, low-speed torque and relaxed character associated with a traditional American big twin, while retaining Yamaha’s reputation for dependable engineering and excellent build quality.

The original Road Star was powered by a 1,600cc V-twin, but Yamaha later increased the engine capacity to an enormous 1,670cc, equivalent to approximately 102 cubic inches. This created the XV1700 generation: a substantial, torque-rich motorcycle designed for effortless cruising rather than high-revving performance.

The engine was purposely built to deliver its power low in the rev range, producing the deep, muscular response that makes a large-capacity cruiser so enjoyable to ride. Power is transmitted through a strong five-speed gearbox and a low-maintenance belt final drive.

The Road Star quickly earned a reputation as one of Yamaha’s finest large cruisers. It offered genuine big-bike character, impressive road presence and long-distance comfort, but with the reassurance of proven Japanese engineering.

A Rare American-Market Yamaha

One of the most appealing aspects of this motorcycle is its rarity in the UK.

Although British riders may be familiar with models such as the Yamaha Wild Star, the later XV1700 Road Star was never officially offered as a regular model through Yamaha’s UK dealer network.

The Road Star was produced primarily for the North American market, where large-capacity cruisers have traditionally enjoyed a much larger following. Genuine examples in the UK are therefore uncommon, particularly in Silverado specification and in condition as exceptional as this.

This motorcycle is a genuine American-market example, freshly imported from Florida and displaying only 13,074 miles.

The Desirable Silverado Model

The Silverado was the factory touring version of the Road Star and came equipped with a collection of desirable Yamaha accessories.

This motorcycle retains its full Silverado specification, including:

• Genuine Yamaha touring windscreen
• Genuine Yamaha leather panniers
• Genuine Yamaha passenger backrest
• Studded rider and passenger seating
• Wide rider floorboards
• Passenger footboards
• Heel-and-toe gear selector
• Full-length twin chrome exhausts
• Additional leather storage pouch behind the passenger backrest

The large windscreen provides useful protection from the wind at motorway speeds, while the wide seating, passenger backrest and generous floorboards make the Silverado particularly well suited to relaxed two-up riding and longer journeys.

The leather panniers provide useful carrying capacity without compromising the motorcycle’s classic styling. Their studded detailing matches the seats and backrest beautifully, giving the entire motorcycle a consistent factory-finished appearance.

Upgraded Electronic Fuel Injection

The 2008 model is particularly desirable because it benefits from Yamaha’s upgraded electronic fuel-injection system, replacing the carburettor fitted to earlier Road Star models.

Electronic fuel injection provides several important advantages:

• Easier starting from hot or cold
• No choke or manual warm-up procedure
• More accurate fuel delivery
• Smoother throttle response
• More consistent low-speed running
• Automatic adjustment for changes in temperature and altitude
• Cleaner and more efficient combustion
• Reduced maintenance compared with carburettors
• No carburettor jets or float bowls to become restricted during storage

This is especially beneficial on a motorcycle that may occasionally be stored over the winter. Carburettors can suffer from stale fuel, blocked jets and sticking float mechanisms, whereas the fuel-injection system is generally much more straightforward and dependable.

The result is a large-capacity V-twin that starts easily, settles into a steady idle and responds smoothly to the throttle.

Huge 1,670cc V-Twin Engine

At the heart of the Road Star is its magnificent 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin engine.

This traditional long-stroke engine was designed to produce substantial torque from very low engine speeds. It does not need to be revved hard to make progress; a gentle twist of the throttle delivers the strong, effortless surge expected from a 102-cubic-inch cruiser.

The five-speed gearbox is well matched to the engine’s relaxed power delivery, while the belt final drive is smooth, quiet and far less demanding to maintain than a conventional chain.

The engine is surrounded by an impressive collection of polished and chromed components. The large chrome air-filter housing, valve covers, engine covers, transmission covers and polished oil lines create an imposing centrepiece and give the motorcycle the premium appearance expected from Yamaha’s flagship cruiser.

Classic Americana Styling

This Road Star looks every inch the traditional American cruiser.

The rich deep metallic-blue paintwork has remarkable depth and is complemented by fine silver pinstriping, chrome Road Star tank emblems and beautifully proportioned front and rear mudguards.

The matching whitewall tyres transform the appearance of the motorcycle, providing the classic 1950s Americana look that suits the Silverado perfectly. They are fitted to attractive wire-spoked wheels with polished chrome rims, completing the traditional cruiser appearance.

Other styling and equipment highlights visible on the motorcycle include:

• Deep metallic-blue paintwork with silver detailing
• Matching full-length front and rear mudguards
• Chrome wire-spoked wheels
• Whitewall tyres
• Large traditional chrome headlamp
• Chrome front indicator bar
• Twin front brake discs
• Rear disc brake
• Large chrome air-filter housing
• Extensive polished and chromed engine covers
• Full-length stacked chrome exhausts
• Traditional tank-mounted instrument console
• Analogue speedometer with MPH and km/h markings
• Digital odometer and clock
• Analogue fuel gauge
• Chrome mirrors
• Wide handlebars
• Rider and passenger floorboards
• Heel-and-toe gear selector
• Studded leather seating and luggage

The large front mudguard, deeply valanced rear mudguard, teardrop fuel tank and hidden rear suspension create the visual impression of a traditional hardtail custom while retaining the comfort and practicality of a properly suspended touring motorcycle.

Immaculate Florida Condition

The condition of this motorcycle is one of its greatest strengths.

Having spent its life in Florida, it has avoided the road salt, damp winters and general weather exposure that can quickly affect chrome and alloy surfaces on motorcycles used year-round in the UK.

The deep metallic-blue paintwork remains exceptionally glossy, with excellent depth and clarity. The chrome exhausts, engine covers, wheels, headlamp and trim present beautifully, while the alloy engine and transmission cases are remarkably clean.

The leather panniers, rider’s seat, passenger seat and backrest have also been extremely well preserved. The studded detailing remains complete and gives the motorcycle the authentic Silverado appearance that buyers look for.

The close-up photographs demonstrate just how well this motorcycle has survived. Even areas that often reveal a motorcycle’s age—including the engine casings, wheels, lower fork legs, controls, floorboards and exhaust system—remain in excellent condition.

Comfortable and Built for the Open Road

The Road Star Silverado was designed for relaxed, enjoyable cruising.

Its low seat height makes the motorcycle feel manageable when stationary, while the wide handlebars and broad floorboards create a natural, comfortable riding position.

The rider can place both feet forward on the spacious floorboards, while the heel-and-toe gear selector allows gears to be changed without repeatedly lifting the front of the boot.

The large passenger seat, passenger floorboards and substantial backrest make it a comfortable choice for carrying a pillion. The touring windscreen and leather panniers also make it practical for longer rides, weekends away and touring holidays.

Despite its substantial dimensions, the weight is carried low in the chassis, helping the motorcycle feel balanced and stable at lower speeds. Once underway, it provides the reassuring, planted road manners expected from a full-sized cruiser.

Beautifully Original

Another important selling point is the originality of this motorcycle.

Many Road Stars have been heavily altered over the years with aftermarket exhausts, handlebars, seats, lighting and custom bodywork. While modifications can suit individual tastes, finding a clean and largely original Silverado has become increasingly difficult.

This example retains the appearance and equipment that made the model so desirable when new. The genuine windscreen, leather panniers, studded touring seats and passenger backrest all work together to create a beautifully coordinated factory specification.

It has not been stripped down or transformed into someone else’s custom project. It remains an elegant, traditional Yamaha cruiser that can be enjoyed exactly as it is.

Recently Serviced and Prepared

Since arriving with us, the motorcycle has received:

• Fresh engine oil
• New engine oil filter
• Fresh front brake fluid
• Fresh rear brake fluid
• Full inspection and preparation for sale

The motorcycle is ready to ride and enjoy.

With electronic fuel injection, low mileage, two owners from new and the full Silverado touring package, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Yamaha’s most impressive American-market cruisers in outstanding condition.

Motorcycle Details

Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: XV1700 Road Star Silverado
Year: 2008
Engine: 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin
Engine size in cubic inches: Approximately 102ci
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
Transmission: Five-speed
Final drive: Belt
Mileage: 13,074 miles
Owners: Two from new
Colour: Deep metallic blue with silver detailing
Origin: Fresh Florida import
Condition: Immaculate throughout

Key Features

• Rare American-market XV1700 Road Star
• Desirable fuel-injected 2008 model
• Only 13,074 miles
• Two owners from new
• Genuine Silverado touring specification
• OEM Yamaha windscreen
• OEM Yamaha leather panniers
• OEM Yamaha passenger backrest
• Additional rear leather storage pouch
• Studded rider and passenger seating
• Whitewall tyres
• Chrome wire-spoked wheels
• Twin front brake discs
• Rider and passenger floorboards
• Heel-and-toe gear selector
• Full-length twin chrome exhausts
• Belt final drive
• Outstanding paintwork, chrome and alloy
• Fresh engine oil and filter
• Fresh front and rear brake fluid
• Ready to ride

£7,495

This is a superb example of Yamaha’s flagship American-style cruiser: low mileage, beautifully original, exceptionally well preserved and equipped with everything needed for relaxed solo or two-up touring.

The XV1700 Road Star Silverado offers the authentic appearance and character of a traditional American big twin, combined with Yamaha’s legendary engineering and dependability.

Finance options, nationwide delivery and motorcycle part exchange are available.

Viewings are available by appointment through American Cruiser UK.