In 2009, Yamaha released the Road Star, a motorcycle that debuted in 1999 and was essentially the ground zero for two versions derived from it. The motorcycle was manufactured from 1999 to 2014 when the maker dropped the Road Star line from their range.
The Silverado model was the more touring-oriented, while the Midnight was a standard version with blacked-out trim. In addition, the maker released another version, called the Midnight Silverado, which combined the best characteristics of both machines.
The models manufactured between 1999 and 2003 featured a V-twin engine with 1,602cc displacement, while models produced from 2004 packed a more significant 1,670cc displacement. Along with the engine increase, the maker introduced several upgrades, such as tubeless tires, lightweight cast aluminum wheels, a different color for the engine cases, and a slimmer belt drive.
The 2009 Yamaha Road Star had a round headlight with a chromed housing, a chromed front fork, a pulled-back handlebar, a two-piece dual seat, deeply valanced steel fenders, a dual chromed exhaust system, and nine-spoke aluminum wheels.
The Road Star family was powered by the same renowned 1,670cc V-twin air-cooled engine with a fuel injection system, delivering an output power of 75 hp with a peak at 4,750 rpm and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm.
The 2009 Road Star provided a hardtail design with its horizontally-mounted shock absorber on the rear, offering 110 mm wheel travel. The bike packed a 43 mm telescopic fork on the front with 140 mm wheel travel.