In 2004, Yamaha released into the cruiser world the Road Star Midnight, a blacked-out version of the standard Road Star that came with a blacked-out livery and a black-finished engine with chromed cooling fins.
Also, the 2004 motorcycle received several modifications, including aluminum wheels with tubeless tires, a low-maintenance slimmer belt drive, a different color for the engine cases, and a displacement increase from 1,602cc to 1,670cc.
Due to the horizontally-mounted rear shock absorber, the 2004 Road Star Midnight packed a classic appearance with a hardtail design. It featured a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a two-piece dual seat, steel fenders, and a two-into-two chromed exhaust system.
Also, the big machine was fitted with a pulled-back handlebar, a low seat, and forward-mounted floorboards, offering a laid-back and relaxed riding experience, topped by an excellent performance from the 1,670cc V-twin engine.
Speaking about the engine, the 2004 Yamaha Road Star Midnight packed a 1,670cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin unit renowned for its powerful performance, delivering an output power of 75 hp at 4,750 rpm and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm.
The Road Star family comprised several models with different trims and packages, including the Silverado, Midnight, and Midnight Silverado. The Silverado model was a more touring-oriented version, with touring accessories, such as a mid-sized windscreen, a passenger backrest, and panniers.
The Midnight was a blacked-out version, while the Midnight Silverado mixed the best features from both machines. The 2004 Yamaha Road Star Midnight had an MSRP of $11,899 when it was new, while in 2023 (at the time of writing), it was sold at an average price of $5,500.