Highway bar recommendation

[DWD6955]

Is there a direct bolt on Highway bar made for 2005 road star silverado xv1700a? Man I’ve searched all over the net and it seems they all differ in the pictures for mounting on the same model bike. Of course none of the sites show you videos for installing. I’m sure it’s not rocket science but bolt on seems to be most practical. Its not important for me to protect the motor but for comfort riding long trips. If protecting the motor is part of the comfort look, I’ll take it. I found extended foot pegs but I’m looking for that added chrome look to make bike appear wider, or bigger. Harley has a huge seat, wide bat wing wind shield and usually the crash bar to appear bigger and give it that big tough look. Lindby makes a foot rest style I like but not sure if they make a direct bolt on fit, without drilling into frame?? I’m open for suggestions and will respond respectfully to all replies. If you have a recommendation and you’ve installed it on your bike would you please share pics? Thanks . I can share my email if you have lots of pics or an install video.

[Mr. Miyagi]

I have the Lindby Lindbar on my Road Star, to install that bar, you have to drill a 3/8" hole in the flat spot at the top of the frame. I am too short to use the footrest feature, I am 5'7" with a 32" inseam. The highway bar is more that just looks and a place to put your highway pegs, I dropped a bike on my leg once and the tank landed on my calf breaking it in three places.

[KFallsRider]

The Yamaha Big Bar is a bolt on

[DWD6955]

Is that 1 1/4” or 1 1/2”? Can you share where you purchased if through a parts service provider? Is there room to add foot pegs? Thanks for the reply

[KFallsRider]

1.25 I got mine on eBay ..I have pegs mounted (pic) I’m long legged also

[DWD6955]

That had to hurt! The Lindby bar is nice but I’m trying to stay away from drilling into frame. If they had a bolt on bar, I would purchase it in a heart beat. I’m 6’2 and 33 inseam with long skinny legs. I get cramped up on long rides without an optional foot rest. If you know what I mean. I appreciate your input though sir and will consider this an option. If you have a pic to share of close up mounting that would be useful but not necessary. Thanks Mr Miyagi.

[roadiemort]

The Yamaha Big Bar is a direct bolt on, had it on both bikes.

[DWD6955]

That’s perfect. Thanks for the pics. Can’t seem to find the bad online. Would you have a link where to purchase?

[DWD6955]

Where did you purchase your bar Rodiemort?

[roadiemort]

First one from Yamaha dealer in 2010 for the 07, second one used off Kijiji here in Canada for the 04.

[DWD6955]

Sound like the yamaha big bar is the way to go. Appreciate the response Rodiemort, KFallsRider and Mr Miyagi!! It’s cheaper too. Hoping I can add foot pegs.

[roadiemort]

Just be aware of the Chinesium knockoffs.

[KFallsRider]

You’ve got plenty of room for pegs..I have a tool bag mounted on the left side and it doesn’t interfere with my peg

[DWD6955]

Having problems finding that product name online. Can you share a link to purchase? I run a search for Yamaha Big Bar and cobra or Lindby comes up.

[KFallsRider]

Big Bar Engine Guard

1999-2010 Yamaha Road Star Big Bar Engine Guard Genuine Yamaha OEM

its the bar on the left bottom thumbnail

https://www.yamahasportsplaza.com/oe...-engine-guards

[DWD6955]

That web site doesn’t give option to purchase and limited information. Shows a 2 part bar but nothing else. Searching is limited as well. I gave it a try, will try searching by part name. Technology? Right?

[KFallsRider]

Try the new link

[DWD6955]

The link works but I don’t have option to buy on line, add to cart or get any product info. Is this a call in purchase web site?

[DWD6955]

Ok, will do. Is this the bar? I think it’s the one Rodiemort posted. Checking out and let me know if it’s a match please.

[KFallsRider]

Negative! It must be an OEM Yamaha Star Big Bar
I don’t know..I’m just showing you what the exact bar is..
When I bought mine a few months back..it was the last one..you’ll have to find it

[Brad_G]

DWD6955 you might try searching using this number. STR-5VN31-20-00

That was a number I found in a Star accessory calendar. I have a Cobra bar on mine. Which mounts with a couple clamps on the top and behind the floorboard mounts.

[DWD6955]

Thanks Brad

[KFallsRider]

Thanks Brad..that’ll make it easier..I was digging thru my receipts to find the #

[Brad_G]

DWD6955 Here's an example of the Cobra bar and it's mount. https://www.partsgiant.com/p325284-c...SABEgLj1vD_BwE

[DWD6955]

Do you know if that’s mounted thru the foot rest mount or engine frame mount?

[Brad_G]

DWD6955 the Cobra I have is mounted at the foot rest.

[DWD6955]

Is the bike in the profile picture the cobra bar? I ordered mine, I was hoping to get some pictures of somebodies bike with cobra bar. For unknown reason, I was never able to add parts or purchase on the https://www.yamahasportsplaza.com/ website. It doesn’t give my phone am add cart and purchase option. iPhone 8 plus

[DWD6955]

Thank you all for the responses, I had a few to choose from and picked out one on eBay for 160.00. New! I think if I wanted to spend a couple more hundred dollars I would have picked out the Lindby Linbar only because if has a featured foot rest in the design. Secondly the cobra bar because it’s 1 1/2” rnd and gives that appearance of “big”! But, I’m tight with my hard earned money and chose the best option for the cost and direct bolt with clamps. Thanks again for the responses. My next project is LED lighting and that is going to be an experience. Until then, ending this post, take care and be safe.

changed my mind on the crash bar and went with the cobra bar.

[Brad_G]

There are many options for LEDs and pretty inexpensive IMO. If you have the Yamaha passing lamps keep in mind they're likely 4.7 inches and the common Harley kits you'll see will have 4.5 inch lamps. So you'll either need new cans to mount them in or devise a way to fill the gap and keep them securely mounted.

[DWD6955]

I’m glad you mentioned the 4.7” passing lamp size. I assumed they were standard 4.5”. Have you upgraded your lights? What are your thoughts on conversion led light bulbs? I don’t mind the lenses I have but not sure if there is a conversion bulb for passing lamps??

[DWD6955]

Any thoughts on led conversion kits for my model bike? Plug and play sort of option? Should use less amperage being LED, right

[Brad_G]

Any thoughts on led conversion kits for my model bike? Plug and play sort of option? Should use less amperage being LED, right

I had the low beam go out on me and I bought an H4 LED replacement bulb. It worked well enough to get me back on the road (I don't do any night riding for the most part) but it didn't "project" the light down the road very well. This can be an issue with the stock reflectors and LED bulbs in many applications. I put in a complete replacement LED assembly and it's FAR better than the LED in the stock housing.

For the passing lamps, if you have the type with the single screw that comes up from the bottom to hold the front trim ring on, I believe it will be the 4.7" housing. There were some Yamaha housings (maybe from Royal Star?) that had a band clamp style front ring that I believe is 4.5" from what I've been told.

Since I haven't replaced the cans (or found a way to fill in that .2" gap, I temporarily put in H3 LEDs. I've had a couple different sets and most were dismal at best. I do have some in there that appear to work pretty well with the stock reflectors. But I'm guessing the true LED assemblies would work better though. This is what I have right now I'm happy with.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/383838136509

[DWD6955]

Thanks Brad! I’ll have to research that 4.7” led and you are correct, I have the light trim with the 1 screw from the bottom and 4.5” can. Most likely I’ll have to figure a way to fill in that gap as well.

[roadiemort]

https://www.jrbk.net/4-5-light-buckets-htm/?fbclid=IwAR3ZBtpSAwq9LgaM5B2yEVEK3_83acIp5QrTwLR4_r2qPHk3aZC1LvKqp0U

[DWD6955]

Good article!

[DWD6955]

Finishing touches for now. New cobra highway bar and foot pegs. LED headlamp and passing lights. That was a project!