In 2006, the Japanese maker launched the Yamaha Road Star, the base model for other versions of the Road Star family. The bike debuted in 1999 and continued production until 2014, when it was dropped from Yamaha's range.
The first models of the Road Star family, manufactured from 1999 to 2003, featured a V-twin engine with a 1,602cc displacement. In 2004, the Japanese maker increased the displacement from 1,602cc to 1,670cc and introduced several design changes, such as tubeless tires on aluminum wheels, a slimmer belt drive, and a different color for the engine cases.
Another significant modification was introducing of the fuel injection system in 2008, which improved engine performance, delivering smoother throttle response, faster acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and fewer emissions.
Underneath its classic appearance, the 2006 Yamaha Road Star had a 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin engine fed by a carburetor, delivering an output power of 75 hp with a peak force at 4,750 rpm and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm.
In the suspension department, the bike's handling was controlled by a 43 mm telescopic fork on the front that offered 140 mm wheel travel. On the rear, the bike packed a spring preload-adjustable shock absorber, horizontally mounted for a hard tail look, offering 110 mm wheel travel.
As for the stopping power, the 2006 Yamaha Road Star was fitted with lightweight aluminum wheels, two 298 mm discs on the front with hydraulic calipers, and a 320 mm disc on the rear squeezed by a hydraulic caliper.