I have an '05 1700 Roadie, and Dad has an '02 1600. Since getting mine and having a chance to ride them both I have noticed that mine handles considerably better than his. His doen not seem as eager to lean over in slower, tighter corners. Mine has a nice, neutral feel that allows me to drag the 'boards at will.

Other than the 1600 having spoked wheels (and less displacement obviously) does anyone know of any other changes Yamaha may have made when they introduced the 1700 that would have improved the handling, or does only my Dads 1600 have an issue ? Has anyone else ridden (relativly) stock 1600's and 1700's for comparison ? Dad's bike does have a lot of aftermarket dress-up goodies on it, which also makes me suspect that it may have been "tinkered with".

Thanks,
Rup <br><br>Post edited by: Ruprect, at: 2007/03/21 22:35

Ruprect,
I can't say right off hand what changes were made other than displacement and cast wheels, but you might check out Motorcycle Cruisers website and check their archives for 2004. Thats when the change was made and I remember they did a pretty good write-up on it. Hope this helps.

In The Wind,
Aaron

Hi Again,
Just to make sure I wasn't giving you a bum scoop I checked out Motorcycle Cruiser's site and the article I am referring to is on Page 5 of the Road Test heading. If I knew more about computers I'd be able to post the link right here, but I don't, so I can't. Sorry..... Again, hope this helps.

In The Wind,
Aaron

No difference between the two but ....

Ruprect wrote:
Dad's bike does have a lot of aftermarket dress-up goodies on it, which also makes me suspect that it may have been &quot;tinkered with&quot;.

Tires, and condition of them, air pressure in tires ... would be the major determinant
Aftermarket spring (s) .... but that would not affect the 'leaning over' comment.
Heavier front fork oil ... ditto above.

Just like women .... they're all women but they are all unique.

Doc

I agree with Doc about the tires. I have a 2005 Silverado and thought it was pretty ponderous in its handling until I finally wore out the Bridgestone tires that came on it and switched to Metzlers. Felt like I went to a sport bike with the new tires. Made a tremendous difference.

pday wrote:
I agree with Doc about the tires. I have a 2005 Silverado and thought it was pretty ponderous in its handling until I finally wore out the Bridgestone tires that came on it and switched to Metzlers. Felt like I went to a sport bike with the new tires. Made a tremendous difference.

I can see why they've been nicknamed &quot;Slipstones&quot;, seems about every time I ride I can feel the back slip at least once.

I noticed the same differences between my 1600 and brother in law's 1700. Much more neutral feel in the front of the 1700, so it felt lighter. Can't explain it, but it was there.

The 1700 must be heavier than the 1600. Here is the link talked about earlier..


http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/2004_yamaha_road_star_1700/

Ruprect,

I have been reading the Motorcycle Cruisers test ride article on the '04 Roadstar and the one thing I found that might (from off-road bike experience) make the difference is &quot;Stability remains solid, and the extra quarter-inch of wheelbase created with a longer swingarm, doubtlessly didn't hurt&quot;.

I too am just crazy about the lean and turn of my '07 Roadstar and wondered the same.

John

Thank you Nibs!!!

Aaron