Harley Killer, Wannabe, or Neither? Yamaha RoadStar Warrior 1700 Quick Ride!

[@jeffbatchler2899]

I have a 2005 Road Star Midnight Edition 1700 with tons of upgrades, super comfortable and good looking. After 30+ bikes it is one of the best

[@noreastermike1621]

Yes it is. There are plenty of videos of the warrior beating harleys. The vrod out runs the Warrior in the 1/4 then Warrior gets it every where else. Buy a Warrior and ride it like you stole it. I have an 07. It is an animal with no mods. It eats tires and corners quite well. One down fall, the Warrior is only a 5 speed. It runs out gear before power. I have to run sport bike tires because I drift the corners in the canyons on regular cruiser tires. Especially if you gas it in the corner. It will drag peg if you change lanes on the hiway too fast. I also road my Warrior from Chula Vista in San Diego to 29 palms then to San Jose then back to Chula Vista. Long ride. Would do it again minus 29 palms. By the time seat got uncomfortable, it was time to stop for gas. It will run on 87 and gets about 139 miles at light then 20 on light. Will do about 139mph. I put over 70,000+ miles on an 06 and 07 combined in less than 4 years. They are very fun to ride. This bike is a contender.

[@CactusJack252]

NorEasterMike my brother has one and he loves it

[@bcelectricco]

That is very impressive! Stock no mods and hits 139mph?

[@ryanyablonski2144]

I agree that had one for a bit over a month and all the thing wants to do is flick low into corners.. makes the VTX feel like a pig

[@poet99999]

5th gear mod is the way to go for that. im turning about 2500-2600 at 70mph (on the gauge). idk what that nets at top end, i dont spend a lot of time looking at the cluster

[@tylerj3050]

02 rsw with all the bells and whistles. It's a monster through and through. I love this bike, it roars like no other bike with the right exhaust.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

These are cool bikes. They seem reliable. If I felt the need for a cruiser (I don't), it would be on the list along with the V Rod. Yamaha out Harleyed Harley back then. If they hadn't HD would still be making 88 twincams, for like forever.

[@braddishner8597]

Sick looking bike. I found one on marketplace and now I'm here

[@Durpen3443]

Exact same 😂

[@christianduewall9575]

same here 🤣

[@EasyRiderGreg]

Not a Harley killer but it did give Harley some competition. Harley will never be killed off their sales will ebb and flow like the other bikes. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Yamaha and Harley-Davidson will all be around a long time!!

[@SquibAds]

Easy Rider well said

[@GPz84]

This comment didn't age eell...

[@dutchyjhome]

And yet the bike your heart is aching for does exist based upon exactly the same 1700 Cc V-twin: The Yamaha MT-01, you know, the bike you Americans could not have since Yamaha USA decided not to import this bike for you guys... So the MT-01; what kind of bike is that, well At Yamaha in Japan they stripped a 2005 Yamaha R1: all fairings came off and they took out the 4 cylinder R1 engine and they placed a Road Warrior 1700 Cc engine into the R1 Frame....made it all fit very well and so The Yamaha Frankenstein MT-01 was born. Since the bike is based up on a Yamaha R1 Frame with the Yamaha R1 front fork/brakes and the Yamaha R1 rear fork/brakes, this bike rides like a dream, also when the corners are hit, after all this is a Yamaha 1700 Cc V-tiwn R1. So basically the MT-01 (Master of Torque number 1) is no, I repeat, no cruiser, but a naked bike based up on a Naked Yamaha R1 frame/ undercarriage. Go see de video named: This Bike Was NEVER RELEASED In The US | Yamaha MT01 Review

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yo! Thanks for sharing! I need to check this out.

[@Dyrtbag68]

Warriors, come out and play!

[@jhernandez77794]

Very lightweight. Id say this would fall behind the Vrod. 0-60 they are nearly neck and neck. Quarter mile however, the Vrod takes it. Its hard to beat the price and realiabilty of a Yamaha.

[@mlucasGrindstone]

Who styled the Vrod??? Porshe

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath]

I have the 08 Midnight Warrior molded, besides the engine and electronics mods, I slammed it front and back. The way the Warrior sounds alone with a wide open vortex race baffle is a fu*king head turner! I would NEVER get rid of this bike because of its performance and sound not to mention its reliable AF!

[@2kanchoo]

I wonder if my raider 1900 would be quicker than that bike or no.. The warrior is 90-100 lbs lighter (650 wet for the warrior). Might be close. I know my raider (intake, exhaust, tune) takes out every harley I've lined up with except for ones with full on stage 4 kits and the vrod. The warrior is a really good looking bike. That's one thing that drew me to the raider. I really like the looks of it for a metric. People that don't know bikes assume its a harley and some that know a bit do too till they get close enough to read the tank. And with quick release windshield, bags and back rests, I can do long trips too. Leaving tomorrow for a 1400 mile 4 day bikecation.

[@bcelectricco]

Is it faster than the new 114ci Harleys?

[@thatitguy1507]

Yup, My J-Slammed vstar was always getting Mistaken for a Softtail; and my friends 1300 does too!

[@CactusJack252]

I believe the warrior is faster due to the lighter weight

[@bcelectricco]

@@CactusJack252 if you guys live in California we got to meet up and set the record straight. 💨💨

[@bcelectricco]

I have a 114 so I'm putting out the challenge to any raiders or warriors. If you live in so cal lets figure this out💨💨

[@sluf1963]

I never owned a Warrior , but I did have a Raider S , out of all my bikes , I have sold , or traded , I miss it the most . My next bike along those lines would be my Screaming Eagle V Rod , both are great machines , ride safe .

[@robertwatson39]

Hey Jon, first off let me say that I own a 2005 RSW. Is it a Harley killer hmm does it really matter, no it only matters to Harley owners. At the time they did give HD a run for its money. These days I’ve taken a few HD scalps but that can be the rider as well as the bike. I still get heaps of compliments followed by “ is it a Harley lol. Anyway thanks Jon from Down Under.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Shout out to down under! Rider can make a big deal for sure.

[@talkingrock7011]

It’s a good bar hopper definitely not a all day ride with out taking breaks

[@jeffmorris739]

I took my Kawasaki Vulcan Classic on the tail of the dragon and Charohala Skyway this past weekend. That bike is not intended for anything other than cruising around and I had real bad brake fade (rear drum brakes) after a short while. Don't get me wrong my bike is well maintained and it did ok but it's just not made for that kind of riding. You need really go brakes to push your bike into corners. Buy what you need to meet your needs on a regular basis. Lesson learned.

[@greglesny2663]

does Vulcan has 21 inch front wheel ?

[@keepittwisted3805]

@@greglesny2663 the custom does... the classic does not

[@isoundss7140]

I owned a 2006 version of this bike. Replaced the drag bars that were on it to mini apes and put a windscreen on it. Rode the hell out of it. Did a bunch of road trips with my girlfriend who was a trooper. It did have a backrest, but the seat was harsh. Anyway, sold it and got a 2018 kawasaki concours 14 so the passenger is more comfortable.

[@chrispewkreme]

I just wish other bikes had the Harley sound. The ONLY reason I want a Harley, is sound. But these other bikes are far superior in almost every other way.

[@one4chuckantel]

Do a Warrior vs Raider video. I love my 102...

[@LemonHolidayProd]

This wasn't exactly competing with the v-rod. Yamaha also had the v-max, which is what Harley was going after with the v-rod (and failing to beat)

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Harley killer? More like Harley competitive option. Ride what you like! 👨‍👩‍👧 ❤

[@coinop12]

Although I have 4 Harleys,,also 1 Honda and 1 Yamaha,,I agree with you,,,,

[@shsjsjsjsjsi6479]

Harleys suck this isn’t 1905

[@handyfix2952]

I would be interested to know how it handles in the curves compared to other cruisers?

[@Mega4712]

ultimately very few bikes compare to the v rod shame Harley dropped it . Though got to say the yams a nice bike anyway and as you say ride what you like not what someone else tells you you should ride .

[@greglesny2663]

i got one in November in June the rear tire is bold , the neighbors hate the bike im coasting home lol something unique about this one

[@donniehallaman7685]

Sounds like good times to me

[@trevorjameson3213]

Best I can tell from the video, 0-60 was around 5 seconds, factoring in the 10% speedo error that all metric bikes have built in. That's not bad for a big heavy bike, but it's not any better than a regular old Harley Dyna 103ci.

[@miguelsalgado4673]

From what I just seen, 0-60 and going threw all gears to a long time, if that was foreal. My dyna goes to 60 around 2 seconds on second gear at almost full throttle

[@trevorjameson3213]

Down & Dirty , that’s a good point, I didn’t notice how many times he shifted! Even my sportster 1200 will get to 60 in 2nd gear Lol. The title of the video is “Harley’s Nightmare”. Really? Don’t think so. Lol just another metric bike trying to copy Harley.

[@ED-ku4ey]

Lmao yall never had ridden the bike ridden Harley from 1200 to the 103 and 107 nothing can compare to stock power and if you think wrong your just another fanboy and 60 in 2 gear on 1200 please man if your gonna lie atleast make it somewhat believable and for his 0 to 60 he didn't even get on it he started off slow so do an actual 0 to 60

[@kurtmessenger2034]

Just chiming in, my warrior can do 0-60 in roughly 3.5 seconds. Gotta give credit when it’s due, yamaha made a hell of a bike

[@joelyounger]

@@trevorjameson3213 line up with a warrior on your sporty. You won't be happy with the outcome.

[@OzarkHillsRider]

I am on my way to St Louis, in a few hours, to buy one of these..

[@amjrpain919]

Hope you found a good one, and brought it home! I've had my '04 for 3yrs now, and I'm thoroughly comfortable with it.

[@donniehallaman7685]

Update?

[@OzarkHillsRider]

@@donniehallaman7685 Oh, I bought it. And love it. So much power in a cruiser. I've put 1,000 Miles on it already.

[@ChrisBrokamp]

Harley killer? I wouldn't go that far, but when you can buy a nice used one for 40% cheaper than a comparable Harley...yeah.

[@kristopherharrispace3215]

He said it best. For the time yes it was, excluding the vrod but most " harley guys" dont consider a real harley so yea i guess it is a harley killer.

[@donniehallaman7685]

It is deff faster then the comparable Harleys of the same age, the vrod isn't exactly a fair comparison because it's liquid cooled but it is the closest option, the vtx isn't really the same because of the weight and drives shaft.

[@DJustice]

Oh how I would love to own one of these 😍

[@greglesny2663]

3 Stacks will get you one

[@DJustice]

@@greglesny2663 I'd wish, else I'd be riding one by now. They don't come cheap where I live unfortunately.

[@anshumanmohapatra1665]

take the leap of faith.. its more in the head.. has happened to me..i know

[@PefPaf]

Не в первый раз вижу, как говорят, что езда на этом байке приносит только удовольствие... А что ещё нужно? =)

[@ronalddauro563]

I agree .👍🏻

[@williamduckworth305]

What was the engine difference in the,02 warrior and the 04 road star,1700 ?

[@daviddamora232]

I had one and f’in loved it I wish I never sold it

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, yamaha nailed it in terms of performance, comfort, handling and style. Shame they discontinued them.

[@gopi1328]

Hi Jon, thanks for this amazing review. Need your opinion whether to go for a clean 2007 warrior with 67k clocked. Will there be any mechanical issues?

[@jeff210]

Great review Jon

[@normanayles7737]

I sold all my harleys. & boughta 1700. 06. For 700$ i love thisone. I ryde the shit outa this thing. Good byke

[@DesertMoPho]

Sounds so good.

[@eric2776]

Wouldn't the FXDR also be a muscle cruiser?

[@trevorjameson3213]

I would think so, plus the 0-60 is a little quicker on the FXDR.

[@sniper-gd3tp]

so does the V in VROD stand for volkswagon then? porsche is part of the volkswagon umbrella

[@jeremyskadsen6395]

I had a choice between the warrior or v rod. I picked the warrior because hands down I liked the looks. The warrior gets off the line faster but very close. after like 40 mph the vrod passes. I'd also say the vrod handles a little better. But man the torque on the warrior throws you back. Anyway, both fun as hell to ride...I just went with the warrior 👍 oh yeah. Can't forget I saved around 4 grand sticker price.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I found the warrior to be a lot more comfortable and handles better than the vrod. Both rad bikes for sure tho.

[@jeremyskadsen6395]

@@JonsMotoGarage I mean I really thought the warrior handled well as well. Another friend had a Honda boulevard and there was no comparison

[@mokito02]

I was looking forward to seeing one of these in your garage. Enjoy all your vids man

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, bro!

[@jeffkeni]

You were hauling @ss on that crappy road. More balls than I got.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

FINALLY A CLUTCH DUMP I CAN AGREE WITH, WE MADE IT!

[@mokito02]

Barnet spring conversion kit

[@ukaszsobota6756]

Can you wheelie those roadstars? I' ve seen alot of stunt riders doing crazy wheelies on preety much stock harleys but never saw any japanese cruiser doing wheelie. Are bikes like this roadstar or kawasaki vulcan even capable for wheelies?

[@nativetrikeboy]

No bike comes close to a Harley . Harley has its own sound and story history behind it this is a pretty nice bike tho very clean looking . Like the Honda shadow those are sharp bikes. Buy Harley is in its own class . Longest oldest American bike.

[@ED-ku4ey]

There an okay company but get real stock these thing will pull away from any Harley under the 107. I mean i like Harleys but after dropping 2 grand into a 103 just to get all the extra power out if it, then took a ride on a 2007 roadstar warrior that was basically stock and i sold the Harley the next day. Harley is well known for knocking down the horsepower and torque just to get people in to have to pay for the upgrade.

[@Paul20661]

Awesome

[@zyncarla]

The vtx 1800f all day

[@danield831]

Jon have you ever thought about going to stunt-man school or becoming one? Judging from many of your videos that I've viewed you certainly seem to have the "right stuff" for that line of work. And BTW please get yourself some new gloves bro!! You look like the Hobo of bikers with those gloves!! LOL

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I'd love to do stunt school but probably won't happen at this point. Lol. Ive since picked up some fresh gloves. 👌

[@bikebilderbear6786]

It might be time for you to start looking for a vintage Dyna 90-00." I love ripping on newer bikes with my classic stage 3. Also for the last couple months I've heard the Frustration and disappointment in your voice about your dyna. And you are absolutely right in previous comments all on the fat bobs or fat boys are made oversize they were made for big Billy Bob's. 300 pounders. Like I have sat on a built up performance bagger I love the look but it's too much bike for me. Look like a teenager thet stolen dad's motorcycle. Get a vintage Dyna like mine and build it up like the low rider S you had and you will love it.

[@its_bigbklyn]

Are you selling this one? I’m interested! How do I contact you?

[@donniehallaman7685]

I got one for sale actually have 2 of them

[@SilentMikePhantom750]

How much?

[@donniehallaman7685]

@@SilentMikePhantom750 I sold it sorry man.

[@melharper7796]

V rod.... is a porsche

[@br777666]

The Warrior was discontinued in 2015.

[@ED-ku4ey]

No it was discontinued in 2009 in the states and 2010 in Canada

[@TheJakobLott]

Between the warrior , vrod, rocket iii which is your favorite?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I've yet to really test out the rocket. Between vrod and warrior, I enjoy the warrior a bit more. But both are super rad bikes.

[@TheJakobLott]

Jon's Moto Garage thanks. Picking up a warrior tomorrow!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

@@TheJakobLott nice! Have fun on it! 🤙🏍

[@TheJakobLott]

Jon's Moto Garage absolutely!

[@jimimcintosh7796]

The vrod might be faster but you can't stop or flick it in corners like a warrior. I've owned multiple Harleys, I'm picking up my second warrior today. This one I'm picking up is a built sled. I'm interested in what gains it has with the pipes, power commander and other performance mods. I canyon carve with my stock warrior and I'm faster and more nimble than the pack that consists of various bikes

[@christophersegundo9200]

Anyone know where to get a new seat?

[@akaredcrossbow]

Harley is hurting themselves Indian is following in HD’s footsteps with prices. Price drops will work or HD and Indian will be dropped soon. Imo HD motorcycles will go away first then Indian will raise prices astronomically because then they will be able to and they will go.

[@rodrigogarcia663]

Claro que esa moto es mejor que una harley

[@chrislsarac]

track day for orange challengers only? lol

[@hexhead5732]

Nice bike sound really good have you try to do a donut on it looks heavy

[@lifeatthezoo2820]

Combines the worst of everythig?? I think you meant it combines the best of everything.

[@russcoaus2043]

Hi bro nice stuff🔥👍

[@sniper-gd3tp]

yes this is a harley killer. harley is a harley killer if you ask me

[@rugershooter5268]

We need a definition, what is a Harley killer? How bout "I'd rather have this than my Harley" I have 19 C90 and 19 M90, M is fast but not as fast as M109 but I'd rather have the 90 because it's better suited for my area I'm already looking at trading it for 1200Iron which I already know is not as fast as the M90(not even close) but I'd rather have the Sportster The C90T is the one for wife on back......and if it came down to 19 C90T or 07 Wide Glide, I'd dump the C90 put a better passenger seat and bags on the WG A Warrior that is no longer made or supported by Yamaha vs any Harley...........Harley So the question is........are you going to dump your Dyna and keep the Warrior?

[@iamelectrictn3147]

Most folks that ride Harley dont know a god bike from a bad. They only ride the name they think is "cool". Harley makes good shit but they aren't the king in many arenas. They have rode the 45 degree single pin to death. The facts are most of their bikes are noise and not performance.

[@vstar7196]

Harley Davidson is a crap bike. They don’t threaten or scare anyone.

[@sniper-gd3tp]

harley davidson is comitting suicide trying to beat these motorcycles

[@kierenmoore3236]

Would you trade this for an equally tidy VTX1800F ... ?

[@dfhowes]

I have both. The VTX is more comfortable but the Warrior handles much better in the curves. I've been drag racing the Warrior for 5 years now - I've only raced the VTX twice. The VTX runs close to my Warrior in time for the quarter, more horse power and torque but more weight, too. If I had to give one of them up, I'd keep the Warrior. Just my personal preference.

[@salvatruchorider503]

😆 😆

[@SammCarney]

i have to say this is the worst bike ive owned. Horrible engineering. Been nothing but issues. Even basic maintenance is a bitch. Id recommend you buy a stryker or raider. The Warrior is horrible. Its a huge headache

[@nycrider1548]

vrod is faster

[@davidboyd5677]

It's still not a harley

[@joelyounger]

Thankfully

[@Weout77]

Plastic bikes. No threat at all.

[@nativetrikeboy]

V rod wasn’t even a Harley it was stupid

[@ED-ku4ey]

Things got power it was just ahead if its time

[@jrice07]

I dont see it. The 1600 was a pooch and the 1700 is just as bad. Plenty of torque but by no means a hot rod. Stock Harleys are crap just like most stock bikes, plus the Warrior is as ugly as the VRod which eats it in the quarter mile. Just buy a Raider 1900 or buy a Harley someone put some love into.

[@mamajhons4817]

its just looks ugly compared to a Harley

[@ryanyablonski2144]

It doesn't compare to a 2020 Harley styling but looks a lot better than the plain jane Harleys did back in the 2000s when it was made