Been riding for 24 years and currently ride a 99 road king but am looking to add a road star. I am not trying to start any type of debate over harley vs raod star. I plan on keeping my road king, and using the road star as my project bike. I have wanted one of these for a while and am finaly in the position were I can get one.
I have been looking at the carb models (99-06 I think)
Been trying to find the answers to a few question:
did they have 1 carb or 2
does 1 fluid lube everything? (engine, trans, primary)
did they have a model with the silver motor but a chrome front end
any difference from 99-03
are the bars 1"
is the power increase from the 1600 to 1700 enough to justify needing the 1700
how does the 1600 compare to the twin cam harley for seat of the pants power feel
how tall of bars can you use with stock cables
are the struts bolt on? (may go with solo seat with the springs)
here is a pic of my last project bike that i just sold. it was a 1995 vulcan 800

can't answer all your questions but here goes

carbed models are 99-07
handlebars are 1"
uses 2 fluids engine and tranny use the oil and the transfer case uses gearlube
1 carb
as far as I know there's no difference between 99-03 (1600)
also dont know if they made a s model from 99-03
the chrome eyebrows are not struts and are removable however you may want to gat a model with a subframe for the rear fender
I think you can go as big as 10 apes without changing cables and brake line
cant say about the difference between 1600-1700 but I ride a 1700 and to me it feels like it out pulls a friend of mines 03 road king (stock but so is mine)

hope this helps have fun they're great bikes

1 carb
1 fliud
base model has silver engine midnight has black
if the 1600 has hc pistons the power is close enough not to spend extra
the 1600 has plenty of low end torq
no real diff bewteen 99-03
my bars are 1 inch

The midnight also has the chrome front end, 1600 runs strong lots of torq!!
JGR

2 fluids like tug said

I've ridden the 1600 and have two 1700's the i700 does out perform the 1600. If you get a 1600 there is a trany recall on the 1600's so you will need to make sure that is done if not then you will need to have it done and it is on Yamaha's dime. That is a good time to do any internal mods as they will only charge you for the parts. You can get the vin# and call a dealer to see if it is done.

Oh..and the Midnight's are faster....

Since we are giving opinions Id say go for a 1700. They do run a little stronger and the early problems were ironed out. As far as seat of the pants compared to a twin cam they are a little stronger but its all low end. The twin cams will turn faster and feel faster because of the sound and vibration. The rev limiter on the Roadstar is much lower than the Harley and coming off a Harley you will definitely notice. I had an 01 Road King prior to and during the time I had the 04 Roadstar 1700 and I can say the Stock Roadstar will best a Stage 1 EFI Road King. I was so acustom to the Rev Limit on the Harleys I was always lookin for more revs from the Roadstar. I ended up buying a pair of Yamaha Stratoliners and couldnt be happier.

From Louisiana

The Road star is stronger in low end than the 88 HD. More tq and you can feel it. The engine and tranny and clutch use the same motor oil. Transfer uses gear oil, only need change Transfer every 15000mi I believe. As far as the seat of pants from 1600 to 1700, the 1700 is a little stronger but that has a lot to do with the front pulley in the 1700. 1700 has 32thooth stock and 1600 has 33 tooth stock. The R* is probably one of the best project bikes you can get your hands on. I have had 2 of them and there are quiet a few items available for them and they are simple easy to work on bikes.

Respects
Mark

wow, thanks for all the replies, and all the good info. I want to try 1 of these bikes so bad I can taste it. We are in the middle of buying a new house so any money transactions have to be held off until after the purchase is finalized, then a week or 2 to get settled in (if I wait) then it's bike shopping time. i have been looking at some online and found a 99 with 20K for $3800 O.B.O., an 01, and a 02 with about 13k each. for $4000 and $4800 obo, and a 1700 model (05 I think) for $5000 from a local guy, don't know the miles though. All 4 three appear to be in good shape. I hope they are still there when the time comes...the neighbor of the guy selling the 1700 told me that the seller told him that last year he road the bike from Ohio to Georgia and that the more he road the bike the worse it ran and that by the time he got to georgia it was running like crap until he parked it for the night and let it cool down..does this ring and bells for anyone?? Georgia must be 10 hrs. from here. surelly if something was wrong it would show up sooner then after a 10 hr. ride, wouldn't you think?? could he be running to rich or lean and cause this to act up after a long ride? i figure whatever it is can't be to major if it runs that long. unless it is running to lean, then I guess it could put a hole in the piston. any thought?
I sat up last night looking at pics of peoples road stars online. when I went to bed at 2a.m. all I could do was think about different ways to customize 1 of these. that went on until after 6a.m when I finally fell asleep. I am pumped and ready to started on a new project.

BTW: I thought the midnights might be faster. that black looks so slick it probably has no wind resistance, but then I saw one that was a silver addition (is that right?) that was so quick just sitting still that it left my computer spinning..guess i'd better ride them both.