Yamaha Star Eluder Project Bike

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger
A bone-stock 2018 Yamaha Star Eluder GT in Raven served as the platform for our customization project. (This photo courtesy Yamaha; other photos by Joe Agustin)

For 2018, Yamaha launched two all-new V-twin touring cruisers built on the same platform–the Star Venture luxury tourer and the Star Eluder bagger. Both have bold, muscular bodywork wrapped around a massive 113-cubic-inch, air-cooled V-twin, and they’re equipped with modern technology such as throttle-by-wire, riding modes, linked ABS brakes and full infotainment systems.

The Venture is designed for two-up touring. With no trunk and fewer bells and whistles, the lighter, less expensive Eluder is for riders who do more solo riding and prefer a leaner, more aggressive look.

Read our 2018 Yamaha Star Eluder first ride review

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2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger
Before the project began, Jeff Palhegyi and Senior Editor Greg Drevenstedt went out on a ride on two stock Yamaha Star Eluders.

We like the Star Eluder’s generous low-end torque, handling and touring amenities. But what’s a bagger without some customization? For years Yamaha’s Star Motorcycles tagline was, “We build it. You make it your own.” So that’s what we did…with some help.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger Jeff Palhegyi Greg Drevenstedt
Designer Jeff Palhegyi (left) and Senior Editor Greg Drevenstedt with a stock 2018 Yamaha Star Eluder, in Palhegyi’s shop in Santee, California.

We teamed up with Jeff Palhegyi, owner of Palhegyi Design, on a Star Eluder project bike. Known for his customized cruisers, vintage race bikes, flat trackers and more, Palhegyi has been involved with Yamaha’s product planning division for nearly three decades. The goal of this project was to enhance the Eluder’s functionality and style in a way that any owner could do in his or her own garage, and Palhegyi helped us make it a reality.

Watch the first video in our three-part series about this project to see what Palhegyi suggested we do to upgrade our Eluder:

Functionality
For this project, we started with a stock Star Eluder in Raven (black) with the GT option package ($1,500), which adds GPS navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio (subscription required), CB radio and a security alarm. During the development of the Venture and Eluder, a full line of accessories was created and developed in tandem with the motorcycles. To add some functionality to our Eluder GT, we first dug into Yamaha’s accessory catalog.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike Jeff Palhegyi
To improve wind protection, Palhegyi installed a taller windshield and side wind deflectors from Yamaha’s accessory catalog.

Our first addition to the project was an Elite 801 Series helmet headset and connection cord to enhance audio quality and enable more functionality than Bluetooth alone. Made by J&M Motorcycle Audio, the headset and cord are available directly from Yamaha. Next we added more wind protection with a taller windshield and adjustable lower fairing wind protectors. We improved nighttime visibility with a set of LED fog lights and enhanced cold-weather comfort with a set of heated grips and heated apparel outlets for the rider and passenger, all of which are easy-to-install, plug-n-play items.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike Jeff Palhegyi
To provide more security for a passenger and luggage capacity, Palhegyi installed Yamaha’s accessory quick-release backrest and luggage rack.

To add more comfort for the passenger, we added a quick-release passenger backrest (for aesthetic reasons we chose the short version), which has durable steel uprights with a black powdercoat finish. Yamaha also makes a matching luggage rack that attaches directly to the backrest, adding extra luggage capacity (the Eluder’s two locking saddlebags and several small fairing pockets hold a total of 72 liters). A perfect fit for the luggage rack is Nelson-Rigg’s 20-liter Day Trip Backrest Bag, and its black UltraMax fabric matches the Raven paint and other black finishes on our Eluder.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike Jeff Palhegyi
Corbin’s Dual Heated Saddle provides rider and passenger heating and it is topped with a distressed-leather Black Bomber Jacket cover with diamond stitching.

One of the Eluder’s key features is its ultra-low seat height of 27.6 inches, and the plush, heated seat has a rear bolster for lumbar support. In the name of both functionality and style, we replaced the stock seat with a Heated Dual Saddle from Corbin, which has a seating area covered with distressed leather in a Black Bomber Jacket finish (which looks dark gray), gray diamond-pattern stitching and matte-black vinyl sides. Whereas the heating for the Eluder’s stock seat is controlled through the infotainment system’s menu, the Corbin seat has an on/off toggle switch on the left side. We also added Corbin’s matching passenger backrest pad to complete the look.

Style
Yamaha’s accessory catalog has many bolt-on parts to give the Eluder a custom look. We installed Yamaha’s billet brake pedal and toe shift lever (a billet heel shifter is also available, but we left it off to allow more room on the floorboard). Yamaha also offers a long list of billet covers and add-ons with a black-and-silver contrast-cut finish that are made by Arlen Ness. We installed speaker and instrument bezels, an upper handlebar clamp, muffler tips, a license plate frame and covers for the master cylinders, generator, clutch, cam and pulley.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike Jeff Palhegyi
Yamaha’s accessory catalog has a long list of contrast-cut billet covers made by Arlen Ness, which give the Eluder a custom look.

Finally, we wanted to give the Eluder’s bodywork a custom look, but we wanted to avoid bold, garish paint or graphics. The Raven-colored Eluder and all of the black bolt-on parts are cohesive and understated, best appreciated up close than from a block away. To enhance the dark, low-profile look, Palhegyi suggested a vinyl wrap, which is popular in the automotive industry but hasn’t really caught on yet in the motorcycling world. A full wrap would cover up the glossy Raven paint, and the complex shapes of the Eluder’s bodywork made a full wrap impractical.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
After using tape to create a template, Palhegyi created a computer scan of the template and had BlacArt create the metallic vinyl graphics.

Instead, Palhegyi used painter’s tape to create a template for graphic panels that flow with the lines of the Eluder’s bodywork–on the fairing and front fender, on the tank, on the side panels and on the saddlebags. He scanned the templates and sent them to Cory Bender at BlacArt Creative Group, who converted the templates into vinyl adhesive panels with a dark metallic finish, a silver-and-red double pinstripe border and a few tastefully placed Rider logos. With great care, a soft-plastic spreader (to remove any air bubbles) and a blowtorch (to heat and set the adhesive), the panels were applied to the bike, giving it a one-of-a-kind look.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
Applying the vinyl graphics correctly is a challenge that may be best left to a professional vinyl graphics or automotive wrap installer.

Creating and applying the vinyl graphics was the most time-consuming and difficult part of this project. Palhegyi’s team and BlacArt’s team are professionals, so unless you have experience with the vinyl application process we recommend working with a qualified installation specialist.

Watch the second video to see the installation process for our Star Eluder project bike:

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
The end result of this Star Eluder project is a V-twin bagger that offers more comfort, functionality and style than a stock machine.

That’s A Wrap
With the accessories installed and graphics applied, it was time to take our Eluder GT project bike out for a spin. From Palhegyi’s shop near San Diego, California, we went for a scenic ride on a cold, clear November day. The taller windshield and side deflectors kept the cockpit more calm and quiet, and the heated grips and seat helped keep the cold at bay.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
Out in the sunshine, the Star Eluder’s metallic graphics and contrast-cut billet parts look fantastic. The bike’s overall look is cohesive and subtle, best appreciated up close.

The Comfort Cell foam in the wide, flat Corbin seat is firm at first but breaks in with miles, and we like the distressed look. The flatter pillion seat and quick-release backrest provide a more secure perch for a passenger, and the Nelson-Rigg bag is the perfect place to stash extra gear. Removing the backrest, luggage rack and bag, which takes only a few seconds, transforms the Eluder from a two-up tourer back into a low-profile solo bagger. Out in the sunshine the contrast-cut billet parts and metallic graphics look really sharp, boosting the Eluder’s curb appeal without going too far.

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
Off-the-shelf factory and after-market accessories make a build like this something anyone can do.

Scroll down for more photos and a complete build list with accessories, prices and resources.

Check out the final installment of our video series:

2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
A taller windshield, side deflectors and understated vinyl graphics add to the Star Eluder’s functionality and style.
2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
The billet brake pedal and shift lever (not shown) and Arlen Ness contrast-cut covers give the Eluder a custom look.
2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
Corbin’s Dual Heated Saddle and matching passenger backrest pad improve comfort and give the Eluder a unique look.
2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
Nelson-Rigg’s 20-liter Day Trip Backrest Bag is a perfect fit for Yamaha’s accessory luggage rack.
2018 Yamaha Star Eluder bagger project bike
Removing the quick-release passenger backrest and luggage rack (which come off as a single unit) takes only a few seconds and gives the Star Eluder a low-profile, solo look.

Build List: Accessories, Prices and Resources

Genuine Yamaha Accessories (shopyamaha.com) Price
Elite 801 Series Helmet Headset System by J&M Motorcycle Audio $219.99
Elite 801 Series Connection Cord by J&M Motorcycle Audio $89.99
Eluder Custom Windshield – Medium $169.99
Touring Lower Fairing Wind Deflectors $249.99
Touring LED Fog Lights $359.99
Touring Heated Apparel Outlet, Rider $59.99
Touring Heated Apparel Outlet, Passenger $59.99
Eluder Heated Rider Grips $279.99
Quick-Release Passenger Backrest, Uprights, Short $366.99
Quick-Release Passenger Backrest, Docking Kit $133.99
Rear Luggage Rack $163.99
Touring Billet Toe Shift Lever $195.99
Touring Billet Brake Pedal Cover $121.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Speaker Bezels $159.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Instrument Bezels $109.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Master Cylinder Cover Set $149.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Upper Handlebar Clamp $99.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Generator Cover $159.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Clutch Cover $159.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Cam Cover $99.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Pulley Cover $159.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet Muffler Tips $279.99
Arlen Ness Signature Custom Billet License Plate Frame $99.99
Corbin (corbin.com)
Heated Dual Saddle $633.00
Coordinating Sissy Bar Pad $343.00
Nelson-Rigg (nelsonrigg.com)
Day Trip Backrest Bag $99.95
BlacArt Creative Group (info@blacart.com)
Vinyl Graphics (materials) $400.00
Vinyl Graphics (installation) $150.00
TOTAL $5,578.72

 

 

 

 

18 COMMENTS

  1. If this had the letters CVO in the model name it would be $47k and be one of 150. This is one of a kind with better quality. And you won’t pull up next to yourself at a stop light.

    • The Eluder comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity. The J&M corded headset just enhances audio quality and allows a bit more functionality.

    • The Japanese are famous for over engineering a motorcycle and simply forgetting the most ridiculous of items.

      Like the Africa Twin having not having cruise control or a spoked tubeless tire option. Or the NC700X not having an ABS option for a 6 speed manual unless you’re in Canada.

      They always omit those one or two features that would really make the bike shine.

  2. Bike looks great. The price of the stock machine is what? $23k? Plus tax, prep, freight, so out the door $25-26k? Plus your add ons without labor $5.5k. Damn that’s a lot of money! I think I might look for a low mileage Stratoliner deluxe and be $20k richer. I have yet to see an Eluder or Venture on the road.

  3. Nice to see some aftermarket activity on the Eluder. Although I prefer the rally bars/pin strips on the stock liquid sliver version… So it looks like we’ll have to wait till 2020 to see any new Venture/Eluders in the showrooms ?

  4. I probably shouldn’t even think it, much less say it, but… For the price of those upgrades, you could buy a Ninja 400, which would be a whole lot more fun. Use the Eluder for long trips, and the Ninja for short hops, commuting, and the canyons.

    Oh well, to each his own.

    • Yamaha’s Star Venture has a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) fitted as standard equipment, but the lower-spec Star Eluder does not. TPMS is available as an accessory for the Eluder for $199.99 (visit https://www.shopyamaha.com for more info). You’re right–we should have included TPMS on this project bike!

  5. That’s got to be the worst name for a motorcycle ever conceived.

    Like the owner is simply a shifty-eyed thief and occasional drug dealer that spends most of his time “eluding” the cops.

  6. Agreed. Eluder is an awful name and the person who came up with it shouldn’t be in the bike business. It ruins the initial impression of an otherwise fantastic motorcycle. So far the heat issue is nothing compared to a Rocket III. Try riding one of those when it gets over 85 degrees.

    Yamaha has developed a chasis/engine package that can’t be beat but they need to tweak it for newer riders to be successful.

    Recently got a black one and I can’t wipe the smile off my face; something my K1600 hasn’t been able to do. It’s like comparing your favorite dog to a refrigerator. Don’t give up Yamaha, reinvent the thing and it could be around as long as a V-Max or XS 650.

    • Yes, it is nice, it’s just the name, well, eludes me.

      You “elude” police, justice, angry ex-wives and child support payments.

      I think the guy that came up with the name got fired from Harley for suggesting it.

  7. I have a Stratoliner, and was looking forward to this bike. I like the look and options, but that sub 5000k redline is a deal breaker. Hopefully that will be addressed by the aftermarket, but due to slow sales it probably won’t be.

    It’s a shame, because if not for that there would be one in my garage right now.

  8. I own a 2010 Stratoliner Deluxe . I have used it to travel the country and never had a problem. I just bought the 2018 Venture. The power and torque feel right on. Switch to sport mode and the throttle is more responsive for the curves of the East Tennessee Mountains. Overall I have enjoyed my first month riding and look forward to a cross country trip this summer.

  9. I have the Eluder. Got it new in aug. After rebates just over 15k. Love the bike. Tpms would be ideal on this bike as I hate crawling on the ground to just check tire pressure.
    Its HOT… no kidding. Seriously need to wear chaps in the summer to try and combat the heat. On a good note, im in Ohio and there aren’t that many really hot days.
    I need to lower her a bit or shave the seat. Shortness can’t be accommodated by adjusting the suspension unfortunately.
    Overall.. its my long ride touring bike. A bit of a pain for short rides.

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