2018 Yamaha Star Eluder Review

So what do you do if you want a Street Glide, without the Harley. Well, your search is over, Yamaha has come up with an answer. They took the Venture and turned it into a Bagger by sending it to Action Hero school, sprinkling in some black accents and Chuck Norris beard hairs, and the result is the 2018 Star Eluder. Prices start at $22,500, which is smack dab in Street Glide territory. Packing 126 pound-feet of torque from the beefy 113 cubic inch, 1854cc V Twin engine giving you traditional v twin grunt and, thanks to a reworked 6 speed transmission, velvety smooth power delivery. While it is certainly low-revving, and is a big boy at 875 lbs, it doesnt feel like a slouch at all. The Eluder is a bruiser, mean and lean, with dashing good looks and an exhaust note to match. With several creature comforts like a 7inch LCD info-tainment center, 19 gallons of storage, and a comfy seat, you'll be tearing down I-95 to Bike Week in style. The Eluder uses a key fob, and turning the bike is a challenge for riders who are new to key fobs, as you can see here.

Motorcycle provided by Honda Yamaha Triumph Kawasaki KTM of Savannah

[ericx]

What a beautiful motorcycle. I’d definitely consider upgrading to this.

[caliive]

ive still never seen one in person, but id LOVE to have one of those Eluders, they look so good imo

[jakeurbano]

I'm pretty sure the blinking light is the seat belt warning light.

[Dannn]

I want this Bike. My Yamaha Warrior is a great city bike, and even short half day trips here and there, but it's a 5 Speed. This bike has everything that a Road Glide has, but for much less money. Stock base Road Glide, with a smaller engine, is more money, and for some reason LESS chrome is MORE MONEY. Want to change something on the HD to make it fit you better? Better shell out a few hundred bucks or more for small things, because if anybody but a HD certified tech touches it, there goes your warranty. I love the Road Glide, it is my dream bike. The idiots at HD are charging WAY too much money, for not nearly enough bike. I love all the HD fanboys out there, acting like spending more = better. My Warrior will walk the walk with any Harley, and it won't leave me stranded or destitute if something breaks.

[samus]

I love the styling of this so much better than the goldwing

[beekaye]

Nice but I think they should add option for a taller windshield and make it electric of course

[douggirton]

Fob light key goes in right pocket or right storage not left side. The antenna is on the right side it's made that way so fob has to be close.

[pflanagan]

As for the heat issue coming from the engine... I rode mine from Texas to Virginia and back. During the trip east, the heat coming off the left side below my left thigh ended up giving me second degree burns through my jeans and required a doctor to treat. Yamaha will not acknowledge there is a heat issue so I am stuck with a $26k bike that I cannot ride in the heat. Please use this as a PSA and warning.

[robertoataro]

Can someone explain to me why this motorcycle listed at $24K back in 2018 and now 2 tears later and all Yamaha dealers still have them in stock and can't get rid of them at $15, 000 ? What is the issue here ? Did Yamaha screw up on the pricing or was this all hype about the new Venture / Eluder models. What was Yamaha thinking when they ended production of the Roadstar/ Roadliner and Stratoliner lineup ?

[lawrenceyoung]

Is it better than the 2018 road king special

[saxarra]

Did Yamaha only make this bike one year?

[pflanagan]

BTW I own an Eluder and that flashing light on the dash was annoying as hell. I even took it to the dealer to ask them what it was and they had to call Yamaha. It does in fact relate to the key fob and its distance from the receiver. I was advised that I needed to keep it in my pockets since the receiver is located underneath the seat.

[MohamedQureshi]

Witch is better gold wing or star venture

[jDot]

Between this or a 2018 gold wing. Any experience with the gold wings ? Any similarities? Just sold my Harley Electraglide . Don’t love how it handles or the vibration

[hulk]

This bike is similar to the Harley Road Glide not Street Glide...

[Teomoful]

Thanks for sharing. What a great machine.

[ronaldroberts]

Great bikes as I have a Raider and there air cooled so in the summer ur legs gonna bake. I'm thinking about getting the eluder too.

[Kwhopperfan]

What was the  temperature outside? How bad was the engine heat in comparison with other big bore v twins? I have yet to ride one.

[huntertodd]

I though it had flaps in the fairing to get cool air to your legs ?

[kwlambright]

The key fob is a little weird at first as I have one on my Harley Electra Glide but you get used to it. I have heard about the heat problems and that scared me away from the transcontinental venture. The one you are riding sure looks nice