2004 Yamaha reviews

I have owned the bike for 2mo. now. It has not let me down yet. If I take it easy it gets 40mpg and if I ride it hard it floats around 34mpg. The bike really shines on tight back roads. This may be due to the motocross bar mod, but man will it transition. It is like riding a big dirt bike. You can fling it from side to side like nobody's business, and with a good twist of the wrist the front end lofts effortlessly. It can be very docile, but that's not very fun. It is a great commuter bike that can be ridden all day without fatigue compared to the cruiser I just sold. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great all rounder that likes to carve the corners, take the long way home from work, and/or does not want to own a repli-racer but likes the performance of one. Show less

It's been two years now since I bought my 04 Zuma used from the local Yamaha dealership. The scooter stock is quiet, has enough power for average city driving, handles nicely, and is very fuel efficient. My only trouble with the bike is that I needed it to go a bit faster with better power for some of our city streets that have 45 mph speed limits on them. Instead of trading in what I had, I began reading about engine and exhaust upgrades. Now I have upgraded to a 70cc engine, added a performance exhaust, retuned the transmission and have the power and speed I need to drive anywhere in town. Not to mention how much fun it is to drive. The other benifit is that I have learned a lot about 2 stroke engines incuding rebuilding the top end, cvt transmissions and carburator jetting. Scooting is very much a great hobby and reliable cheap transportation. Show less

This is my first bike, I've always wanted one and I must say, it is awesome. It's very touchy and fast, but as long as I/you take it real slow at first, the bike comes to you. But so far, the bike is perfect. Show less

I'd like to say WOW right off, comming from a KLR650 I was looking for something with more power but it still had to have good MPG and comfort. This bike has tons of standard equipment! Centerstand, back wheel hugger, under tail exhaust, sweet tach and display with a clock and gas gauge, 2 trip meters, comfortable seat, hazzards, fuel injection, light aluminum frame, the breaks are amazing, locking seat with easy storage, great power band, 40 mpg, 5.1 gallon gas tank, 1/4 mile in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 143! I wish this would have been my first bike, it has plenty to offer for new and veteran riders. Get some luggage and hit the road for a trip. I've had all kinds of bikes. This is my 7th. I'm fairly large and I ride it with ease and comfort. In my opinion this bike would be perfect for any rider 5'6 - 6'3. My feet are in the perfect place when shifting. And the insurance is cheap because it's not listed as a sport bike. Buy one, really. Show less

I have had this bike for 3 years. At first I had problems with the start up on cold days. We cleaned the carb up and now it starts great. I have a great time on trails with this bike - it really tears them up. I take this bike to my friends track at their house just to screw around and it performs better than what I would expect for its weight. It really can get some air on the step up and table tops. It has plenty of speed. With a gps hooked up to the handle bars I got 72 miles per hour on road. I really recommend this bike to any body that is looking for a great bike, and wants to ride it hard. Show less

This is NOT a beginner bike. Fortunately, I am NOT a beginner. With 5500Mi on the dial I can tell you this bike is fast, beatuiful, reliable and willing to take any demand you make and ask for more. Carves turns like it is on rails, awesome stock binders, but S/S lines make a HUGE difference. Ohlins full suspension makes it track-worthy and takes the dive out of the front end. Pilot Pros stick to the road much better than the stock Dunlops and will fall into a corner fast and controllably. HyperPro damper adds a new level of front end stability, can't shale it, literally. 520 chain conversion with a -1/+2 will make the bottom end of 1st gear something to respect. Graves exhaust (loud enough to drown out your screaming), PC3 w/ignition module, Velocity stacks will bring RWHP to the 150 range. Cooks the arse a bit on a super hot day, but good leathers negate that issue. Redline will bring your coolant temps down while sitting in slow traffic. This bike deserves to be ridden hard and can out perform even the most advanced riders demands. Respect the power however or it will bite you fast and hard. Front is light over 6500RPM and is bound to be skyward anywhere above 8000RPM, although you will still feel in control when it happens. at 13000RPM it is like the best and scariest nightmare you have ever had... forcing you to dream about doing it again... after you change your shorts. Streetable if you don't mind a pile of tickets even though you are tying hard to obey the laws, born for the track - where is shines the most, and where it belongs. Can't wipe the smile off my face when I put it in the garage. 45mpg when nice to it, 20 when running it like it wants to be ridden. Show less

Have had several bikes, Honda PC, Suzuki GSXR 750, Bandit 1200, and now my FZ1. Rides nice and smooth with plenty of power. For someone wanting a nice ride with sport bike performance this is it. People don't realize how nice the FZ1 is until they ride it. Show less

I just picked up a 2004 Roadstar Silverado with fairly low miles. It's decked out with accessories and rides smooth. It's got aftermarket V&H pipes that really open up that powerful v-twin engine. I've ridden many bikes from Honda's to Harley's, and this bike takes the cake. Show less

Just got the scooter on the road. The winter is almost over and I am very anxious to use the bike as much as possible. As I am the second owner, I took the bike into my basement workshop and with downloaded manual proceed to service and learn as much as possible. I am very impressed with the quality of construction and over all design of the Vino. Also had occasion to call the Yamaha help line and found them to be very helpful. I'm a little 'shakey' in traffic at the moment, as it has been many years since I drove a bike. Last time was in the 60's and now I'm over 60! But what a fun ride...makes me feel like a kid again. So far I am staying on back roads to my daughters house to babysit my grandchildren. I really like this bike and the feeling of freedom that retirement and the scooter bring into my life. I'll service it myself as much as possible, and enjoy taking it apart as much as riding it. Old guys are like that I guess.. Show less

Before Midnight Star, I was a HD buyer. But after I saw this bike, I forgot about HD. The performance, handling, looks, power, sounds and most important thing which is half the price of HD. I'm very pleased with my bike. I have since 2004 and I will keep it forever. So if you're thinking about getting a big bike, then go for Midnight Star. I love it, it's my black baby. It has lots of power and runs very smooth. Show less