Road Star: Yamaha's New Old-Tech Cruiser

ROAD STAR: YAMAHA'S NEW OLD-TECH CRUISER

Whoa, what’s all this then!?! Pushrod tubes on a new-for-’99 Yamaha? And nary a radiator in sight?

You got it, bub. Shake hands with the Road Star, 98 cubic inches (1602cc) of aircooled mega-cruiser aimed directly at the hearts of V-Twin fans. The all-new 48-degree motor, looking like a two-cylinder slice taken from an old warbird’s radial engine, is tuned for whacking quantities of torque, a claimed 92 foot-pounds at a barely offidle 2250 rpm. Each 95 x 113mm cylinder is topped by a four-valve head; lubrication is by what Yamaha calls a “semi-dry-sump” oiling system. The engine/gearbox is of unitized construction, though to keep up the old-timey facade, the gearbox is styled to look like a separate component. Final drive is by toothed rubber belt, a first for Yamaha.

Besides the standard version shown here, a Silverado dresser will be available, equipped with leather saddlebags, studded seats and backrest, windshield and

whitewall tires. Both models should be dealerships come December; at press time prices had not been set