It all began in 1999 when the Japanese motorcycle maker released the Yamaha Road Star, a cruiser motorcycle known as the XV1600A and Wild Star in the European market. The bike was built in several versions until 2014 when it was dropped from Yamaha's range.
In addition to the standard motorcycle, Yamaha made available the Silverado version, which featured additional touring accessories, including a mid-sized windscreen, a passenger backrest, and side-mounted saddlebags.
Another version was the Midnight, which packed a blacked-out engine and various components. Also, Yamaha mixed together the Midnight model with the Silverado machine and released the Midnight Silverado, a cruiser motorcycle with blacked-out trim and touring accessories.
Over its production time, the bike featured several modifications, including the 2004 displacement increase and several design changes, such as tubeless tires, aluminum wheels, a slimmer belt drive, and a different color for the engine cases.
Another significant modification was in 2008 when Yamaha introduced a new fuel injection system that provided smoother throttle response, faster acceleration, better fuel consumption, and fewer emissions.
In 2007, Yamaha launched the Road Star machine, packed with a stylish 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin engine fed by a carburetor, delivering 75 hp on tap at 4,750 rpm and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm.
The 2007 Yamaha Road Star was priced at $11,399 as new in 2007 and sold in 2023 with a price ranging between $3,000 to $4,000.