2018 YAMAHA STAR ELUDER
FULL TEST
P78
Harley-Davidson owns the
bagger market across the globe
and it's up to the rest to get a
slice of that lucrative pie. Indian
is right in the mix with a bunch of
models from the Chieftain lineup
and the Springfield Dark Horse,
as is Honda with the F6B and
lately BMW with the K 1600 B.
Now it's Yamaha that has de-
Raspberry Red and Granite Gray
colors, replaced instead with a
stubby unadjustable screen and
Impact Blue, Liquid Silver and
Raven (black) color schemes.
The Eluder is not so much the
in-your-face puncher something
like the Indian Dark Horse is, but
has less intimidating demeanor
and stance. It's a big guy without
being a bully.
One part of the Eluder that
takes some time to get used to
is the infotainment system. It's
absolutely rammed with features,
and I'll admit in my short time
with the machine I didn't come
close to getting a full handle on
what it could really do. Accessed
through a massive, class-leading
The three musketeers: The Eluder looks great in any
color, but our pick has to be the luminous Impact
Blue (center).
buted its all new Star Eluder and
Star Eluder GT (which gives you
GPS navigation, SiriusXM satellite
radio, a CB radio and a security
alarm), based off the Star Venture
they quietly launched in 2017 un-
der their Transcontinental Touring
segment.
The Eluder takes the base
package of the Venture and
strips back the body as well as
removing some creature com-
forts like the passenger backrest
(now available as an accessory)
and dumbing down the sound
system, but everything else is
identical in terms of engine and
chassis componentry. You get
the same 1854cc (113 c.i) beast
of a motor that pumps out its
max torque of 126 lb-ft at 2500
rpm, and the same gearbox,
chassis, suspension and tires,
but you're getting a whole lot
more attitude for the money.
Gone are the massive front
screen, rear trunk and elegant
