Gram wrote:
Just for clarification, I don't think anyone ever said a Road Star was slow. Usually this pops up as a question like "Why can't I beat a *pick a bike*". Folks who bought the R* for its engine size usually struggle when a bike with a smaller displacement motor smokes them somewhere out on the road.

The usual response is that the R* is built for torque and not to race light to light.

But it is fast

BTW... I haven't seen Baron's actually racing. Wouldn't be surprised to see them sponsor someone though. And PR races warriors.

Gram

Yes, it has been said many times here how it is a slow bike. But I believe it is a perception based on other bikes walking away from us. We do not consider different gearing ratios and other variables. But, my experiment was to see if the bike is indeed slow as compared to other bikes in the same class. I think my experiment reveals that it is comparable to the speed of other bikes in it's class, including HD. It is not a racer, it is a cruiser. For a cruiser, it is fast IMO. I did have a problem on the track with hitting my rev limiter in second and third gears, which hurt my time and top speed. I never did get to a point to where I could avoid hitting that limiter on some runs.

Boatmark wrote:
I am more than happy with the power mine develops. If I wanted to go any faster I would have gotten a Hyabusa!

That's what I traded in FOR the Roadstar Trust me, not worth it

Your reaction time has no bearing on your 60' times. Any of the timers don't start until you front tire brakes out of the second pre stage beam. I've had reaction times from .000 up to 1.5 (forgot the delay box was still plugged in )

RH I'm proud of dude wish I had been there to watch ya. Wonder what the old BlackIce could have done. May have too give that a try once I get her back on the road. I know with all the fiberglass on it then should really scoot.

I have a Yamaha 1991 FJ1200. I quit riding it after I bought my Road Star. I rented a Kawasaki 900cc Vulcan to ride on the Tail of the Dragon and got hooked on the Vtwin torque. I wasn't fishing the gear box all of the time trying to keep the engine at or above 3500 rpm. Just roll on the throttle and away we went, sweet. If I wanted insane power I would keep the FJ1200 or bought a VMAX, but the ergonomics are not conducive to long rides. Even if Yamaha bills it as a Sport/Touring bike it is just uncomfortable for the long haul. The windshield is too short and the handle bars are too low. Ears start ringing from the wind noise after about 30 minutes at highway speed. Nice and reliable fast as hell and gets good fuel mileage, but it just does not fit. Like a shoe that is way too tight, it will stretch eventually but you are paying a price every time you wear that shoe.
The one and only complaint I have about my Roadie is the foot boards seem to drag way too often.

Road hang that is great to see what the r* will so stock! Was that the track out by seven points?

Curt wrote:
RH I'm proud of dude wish I had been there to watch ya. Wonder what the old BlackIce could have done. May have too give that a try once I get her back on the road. I know with all the fiberglass on it then should really scoot.

Give me a shout if you decide to go.

Inubus wrote:
Road hang that is great to see what the r* will so stock! Was that the track out by seven points?

No, it is Yello Belly in Grand Prarie. Very old track that has been around forever. It is privately owned now but it is open to the public.

Road_Hawg wrote:
I did have a problem on the track with hitting my rev limiter in second and third gears, which hurt my time and top speed. I never did get to a point to where I could avoid hitting that limiter on some runs.

that's why i have a revcounter mounted between my risers in my line of vision.

helps avoid embarrasing moments

If I wanted to go fast I would have looked at the Hayabusa now that's a fast bike.


I drove my brother in laws Hayabusa a couple weeks ago. Man that thing is bad to the bone. His is just stock. Can't imagine why anyone would want to modify the engine though. My parents live way out in the country (which is where we were at) and have a long straightaway in front of the house.

I am not much for speed, just cruising, but decided I would see how fast I could get it before I would back off. I did finally reach 100. The torque on that bike is unbelievable. Felt like it would kick me off the back if I had not had a tight grip. No way would my roadstar hold up to that bike and definitely wouldn't want to try. Sportbikes are just not my think but very impressive.