Fanny the Roadstar: The Story of My 2004 Yamaha XV1700 and the Ride for Freedom

Fanny the Roadstar: The Story of My 2004 Yamaha XV1700 and the Ride for Freedom

Everybody has that dream motorcycle, car, board, or adventure - the one they’ve always wanted, the one that sticks in their mind no matter how many others they see. For me, that was the Yamaha Roadstar. Originally, I had my heart set on the 1600cc model, but when I came across this 2004 Yamaha XV1700 Roadstar at a great price, I knew it was the one. What made it even more special? She has a unique history as a motorcycle hearse.

A Motorcycle with a Story: From Hearse to Open Road

Before Fanny became mine, she lived a very different life. Imported from the US, she was used as a motorcycle hearse, carrying riders on their final journey in a hearse sidecar attachment. There’s something poetic about that—this bike has always been about freedom, movement, and marking a moment in time.

That history is why I’ll never completely change her into something unrecognisable. Instead, I’m making subtle modifications to preserve her original aesthetic while improving performance and ride comfort.

Keeping It Classic

The first step in making Fanny mine was stripping away the unnecessary add-ons from her hearse days. Then came the seat modification - I had it slimmed and lowered before getting it recovered by Michaela at LCA Upholstery to maintain the bike’s original lines.

Next, I swapped out the handlebars for slightly higher bars and added bar-end indicators to keep things clean and streamlined.

What’s next on the list?

Rear-end tidy-up to remove unnecessary bulk
Full strip-down and respray in the original black paint
Refresh of worn parts to keep her running strong

Adventure on Two Wheels

Every time I take Fanny out; it’s a memorable ride. I’d love to say my riding style is “sensible,” but the truth is - I don’t hang about. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being on the road.

I have plans to explore some of the iconic UK riding routes and put plenty of miles on this baby.

Part of the Inspiration for Surf City Cycles

Fanny isn’t just a motorcycle—she’s part of the family and the very fabric of Surf City Cycles. She was the final push I needed to launch Surf City Cycles. She embodies everything this brand stands for: freedom, (mis)adventure

Owning and riding a motorcycle with history makes you appreciate every journey a little more. She’s been through a lot, and there’s plenty more road ahead.

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