So far this is the best Jap Cruiser (Yamaha WildStar XV1600)

Member Name: wobblegob

Product:	Yamaha WildStar XV1600
Date:	14/12/00 (3371 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Harley looks for low money.

Disadvantages: High cost of accessories from Yamaha but other dealers are now making their own.

I first saw the Yamaha XV1600 Wildstar at the 1998 International Bike Show at the NEC. I had been looking for a Cruiser bike for a while as I was getting far, far FARRR too fast on my RF900. I didn't want any old cruiser and looked long and hard at the variety of models on show through various manufacturers.

Eventually it came down to the Harley Davidson Fat Boy or the Yamaha. As the Yamaha was about £5000 cheaper with marginally (loads of) better looks. I ran down to my dealer and placed a good old deposit.

The bike arrived 3 months later and I haven't looked back. It's an absolute dream to ride, with the bike getting admiring looks wherever I park. It returns around 55 miles to the gallon which is great for a 1600cc engine. It has a good riding position but I preferred the handlebars to be a little lower and further back towards me. This was just a personal thing as I know many other riders who like theirs just the way they are.

It is very comfortable over long distances but you will have to break in the saddle for about 600 miles. If you are going any sort of long distance you may want to consider the Silverado version which includes saddlebags and a windscreen, otherwise just grit your teeth and hang on for the ride!!

Yippee - up the hills without changing gear from 5th, pull away in 3rd if you like and just open up. There is so much torque it just keeps on going. Max speed is about 110mph to 120mph but there are after market parts to increase the rev range and boost power - just check the web sites.

I have had my rear fender crack which is now a known problem on the first ones. A new design fender has now been produced by Yamaha. There have been some problems with fuel pumps and starter motors,but Yamaha has always replaced these under warranty. I think it's just one of those teething problems that new models get. They should all be ironed out for 2001 - even so it's never ruined my pleasure in r
iding my bike.

Watch out for the paintwork though it does seem to chip off very easily.

In all I love the looks but you can style it even more to your liking as I am doing - just look at various bike shows or check out your local dealer or the net for some deals on great accessories/replacement parts. You may want to replace the exhaust silencers for instance as they are very quiet. No problem as you can buy replacements for about £UK.300 ($US.320)

Go on...take a test ride...cheaper than a Harley with all the looks and better reliability...got myself a new girlfreind with one of these as well (though they aren't on the optional extras list!!!)

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