2008Yamaha Road Star

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The 2008 Yamaha Road Star is a cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling combined with modern reliability. Its 1671cc air-cooled V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for highway cruising, while the comfortable seating and smooth power delivery make it best suited for long-distance touring and everyday commuting on open roads.

Capacity: 1671.6 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 314.8 kg
Seat height: 709 mm
Power: 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2008 Yamaha Road Star

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Fuel capacity	20.10 litres (5.31 US gallons)	17.80 litres (4.70 US gallons)
Front suspension	43mm Telescopic fork	43mm fork
Rear suspension	Single shock, link-type	Single shock

Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up55%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and highway stretches rather than performance riding, with its big-bore V-twin delivering strong low-end torque over outright speed.
Built for: A classic American-style cruiser character defined by a torquey air-cooled V-twin, laid-back ergonomics, and belt-drive smoothness.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight, flickable handling.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 709mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Yamaha Road Star, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1671.6 ccm
Power: 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2732 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 97.0 x 113.0 mm
Compression: 8.3:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multiplate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1689 mm
Overall length: 2499 mm
Overall width: 980 mm
Overall height: 1140 mm
Seat height: 709 mm
Dry weight: 314.8 kg
Wet weight: 337.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.80 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel. Hidden shock
Front suspension: 43mm fork
Rear suspension: Single shock
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 109 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 102 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 320 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Galaxy Blue/Sapphire Blue Scallops, Pearl White

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2006	2008	2009	2011	2012
Capacity	1670 cc	1672 cc	1672 cc	1672 cc	1672 cc
Dry weight	308 kg	315 kg	315 kg	315 kg	315 kg
Seat height	709 mm	709 mm	709 mm	709 mm	709 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	17.8 L	17.9 L	17.9 L	17.9 L