truth they've always played second fiddle
to Harley-Davidson—even if Yamaha's
bikes were mechanically and dynamically
better.
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
getting a whole lot more attitude for the
money.
Gone are the massive front screen, rear
trunk and elegant 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
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
debuted its all new Star Eluder and Star
Eluder GT (which gives you GPS naviga-
tion, SiriusXM satellite radio, a CB radio
and a security alarm), based off the Star
Venture they quietly launched in 2017
under 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
The three musketeers: The Eluder looks great in any color,
but our pick has to be the luminous Impact Blue (center).
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