The producer of tires for the discontinued American Highway Star bike, a cruiser mannequin produced by Yamaha Motor Company from 1999 to 2010, requires cautious consideration. Whereas Yamaha would not produce tires immediately, the Highway Star initially got here outfitted with particular tire manufacturers and sizes chosen by the producer for optimum efficiency and dealing with. Understanding these authentic tools (OE) specs might be precious when looking for replacements. Nevertheless, a number of respected tire producers supply appropriate choices for the Highway Star, catering to varied driving kinds and preferences.
Selecting acceptable alternative tires for this mannequin is essential for security and efficiency. Tire choice influences dealing with traits, braking distance, and general driving expertise. The proper tire dimension, load ranking, and pace ranking are important for sustaining the meant dynamics of the bike. Moreover, tire expertise has superior because the Highway Star’s manufacturing run, presenting modern choices with improved efficiency traits, resembling enhanced grip, longer lifespan, and higher wet-weather dealing with.
This dialogue will additional discover appropriate tire choices for the American Highway Star, contemplating elements resembling tire building, tread patterns, and compound expertise. It is going to additionally delve into the significance of correct tire upkeep, together with inflation stress and common inspections, to make sure optimum efficiency and longevity. Lastly, assets will likely be supplied for finding and evaluating tire choices accessible from numerous producers.
1. Authentic Gear (OE) Tires
Authentic Gear (OE) tires play an important position in understanding the complexities of tire choice for the Yamaha Highway Star. These are the tires particularly chosen by Yamaha and fitted on the bike on the manufacturing unit. OE tire specs symbolize a steadiness of efficiency, sturdiness, and price concerns deemed optimum by the producer for the meant use of the bike. For the Highway Star, a cruiser mannequin, OE tires possible prioritized consolation, stability, and mileage. Data of the unique tire specs, together with model, mannequin, dimension, load index, and pace ranking, offers an important baseline for choosing acceptable alternative tires.
Whereas Yamaha would not manufacture tires, they collaborate with tire producers to develop and choose OE fitments. For the Highway Star, widespread OE tire suppliers possible included established manufacturers resembling Dunlop, Bridgestone, or Metzeler. Inspecting surviving examples of Highway Stars or consulting interval documentation could reveal the precise OE tires used. Nevertheless, because of the mannequin’s discontinuation, these authentic tires could not be available. This necessitates understanding the OE specs to pick out acceptable replacements that preserve the meant dealing with traits and efficiency of the bike.
Understanding the connection between OE tires and alternative choices is vital for Highway Star homeowners. Whereas replicating the OE tire precisely is likely to be troublesome, deciding on tires with equal or superior specs is paramount. Fashionable tire expertise permits for enhancements in grip, dealing with, and longevity in comparison with older designs. Nevertheless, deviations from the OE specs, particularly in dimension and cargo ranking, can negatively impression the bike’s stability, braking efficiency, and general trip high quality. Due to this fact, cautious consideration of the OE specs, alongside analysis into modern tire choices, ensures a protected and gratifying driving expertise.
2. Yamaha’s Function
Yamaha’s position within the context of “who makes American Highway Star tires” is multifaceted, encompassing design, specification, and preliminary fitment, however not manufacturing. Because the producer of the Highway Star bike, Yamaha engineers decided the suitable tire sizes, load scores, and pace scores mandatory for optimum efficiency and dealing with. This concerned shut collaboration with tire producers to both choose current tire fashions or fee the event of particular tires tailor-made to the Highway Star’s traits. Whereas Yamaha dictated the mandatory tire specs, the precise manufacturing fell to third-party tire firms. This division of labor is normal follow within the bike business; car producers hardly ever produce their very own tires.
This distinction between specification and manufacturing is essential for Highway Star homeowners looking for alternative tires. Whereas Yamaha’s specs present the important parameters for choosing acceptable tires, understanding that numerous producers produce appropriate choices expands the accessible decisions. For instance, whereas a Highway Star might need initially been outfitted with Dunlop tires, appropriate replacements might additionally come from Bridgestone, Michelin, Metzeler, or different respected manufacturers. The bottom line is adherence to Yamaha’s specs concerning dimension, load index, and pace ranking, whatever the producer chosen. This enables for flexibility in deciding on tires primarily based on particular person preferences for efficiency traits, model loyalty, or funds.
Due to this fact, Yamaha’s position, whereas central to defining the mandatory tire traits for the Highway Star, doesn’t lengthen to tire manufacturing. Recognizing this distinction empowers Highway Star homeowners to make knowledgeable choices when deciding on alternative tires, opening up a broader vary of choices whereas sustaining the bike’s meant efficiency and security parameters. This understanding additionally underscores the significance of consulting Yamaha’s official documentation or a professional mechanic when selecting alternative tires to make sure compatibility and protect the meant driving expertise.
3. Tire Producers
Understanding the panorama of tire producers is essential to answering the query of who makes appropriate tires for the American Highway Star. Whereas Yamaha specified the mandatory tire dimensions and efficiency traits, numerous tire producers produced and proceed to supply appropriate choices. Exploring the position of those producers offers essential insights for Highway Star homeowners looking for replacements.
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Authentic Gear Suppliers:
Traditionally, firms like Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Metzeler possible equipped authentic tools (OE) tires for the Highway Star. Understanding the OE provider could be a place to begin for locating replacements, although the precise OE tire is likely to be discontinued. Nevertheless, understanding the specs of the OE tire permits for the choice of comparable trendy options.
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Present Market Gamers:
A number of tire producers supply modern tires appropriate with the Highway Star’s specs. These embody established manufacturers like Michelin, Pirelli, Avon, and Continental, alongside specialised bike tire producers. Every producer provides numerous tire fashions with completely different efficiency traits, catering to various driving kinds and preferences.
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Specialty Tire Producers:
Some producers focus particularly on bike tires, typically providing a wider vary of choices tailor-made to particular bike sorts, resembling cruisers, sportbikes, or touring fashions. These specialised producers would possibly present choices optimized for the Highway Star’s weight, dealing with traits, and meant use.
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Tire Know-how and Building:
Tire producers make use of completely different applied sciences and building strategies, influencing tire efficiency, longevity, and price. Elements like radial vs. bias-ply building, tread patterns, and rubber compounds contribute to variations in grip, dealing with, trip consolation, and put on resistance. Understanding these technological variations can information the choice of a tire that most accurately fits particular person driving wants and preferences.
The number of tire producers and their respective product choices presents a broad spectrum of decisions for Highway Star homeowners. By contemplating the unique tools specs alongside the accessible choices from completely different producers, riders can choose tires that greatest meet their efficiency necessities and driving type. Researching particular tire fashions and consulting with skilled mechanics or tire specialists additional refines the choice course of, making certain optimum efficiency, security, and driving enjoyment.
4. Alternative Choices
Exploring alternative choices is inextricably linked to understanding the broader query of appropriate tires for the American Highway Star. Whereas the unique tools (OE) tires present a baseline, the discontinuation of the Highway Star mannequin and the pure put on and tear of tires necessitate contemplating a spread of alternative decisions. This exploration should think about a number of elements, together with tire dimension, load ranking, pace ranking, meant use, and the varied producers producing appropriate choices.
The connection between alternative choices and tire producers lies in the necessity to discover modern tires that adhere to Yamaha’s specs for the Highway Star. Whereas the unique tires might need been produced by a particular producer like Dunlop or Bridgestone, appropriate replacements can come from numerous producers. For instance, a rider would possibly select a Michelin Commander III for its touring capabilities, a Pirelli Evening Dragon for its basic cruiser aesthetic, or a Metzeler ME888 Marathon Extremely for its excessive mileage potential. All these choices, whereas from completely different producers, might doubtlessly match the Highway Star’s specs, providing riders decisions primarily based on their particular person priorities and driving kinds. This highlights the significance of understanding tire specs moderately than fixating solely on the unique producer.
The sensible significance of understanding alternative choices lies in making certain the continued protected and optimum operation of the American Highway Star. Deciding on tires that deviate considerably from Yamaha’s suggestions might negatively impression dealing with, braking efficiency, and general trip high quality. Furthermore, utilizing tires with incorrect load or pace scores poses security dangers. Due to this fact, cautious analysis and session with respected tire specialists or mechanics are essential for making knowledgeable choices concerning alternative tires. Finally, the selection of alternative tires immediately influences the driving expertise and the longevity of the bike itself.
5. Tire Specs
Tire specs are paramount when figuring out appropriate tires for the American Highway Star, immediately influencing the bike’s dealing with, security, and general efficiency. These specs act as a vital bridge between the bike producer’s necessities and the choices from numerous tire producers. Understanding these parameters empowers homeowners to pick out acceptable replacements whereas sustaining the meant driving traits.
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Dimension:
Tire dimension, denoted by a collection of numbers and letters (e.g., 130/90B16), dictates the tire’s dimensions, together with width, facet ratio, and rim diameter. Yamaha specified explicit sizes for the Highway Star’s entrance and rear tires to make sure correct clearance, dealing with, and speedometer accuracy. Utilizing an incorrect dimension can negatively impression stability, create interference with the bike’s elements, and result in inaccurate pace readings. Due to this fact, adhering to the producer’s specified dimension is important.
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Load Index:
The load index represents the utmost weight a tire can safely assist. That is essential for the Highway Star, as exceeding the desired load index can result in tire failure, particularly below stress or at excessive speeds. The Highway Star’s weight, mixed with potential passenger and cargo masses, necessitates a tire with an acceptable load index to make sure protected operation. Deciding on a tire with the next load index than the unique offers a security margin however would possibly barely alter the trip high quality.
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Velocity Ranking:
The pace ranking signifies the utmost pace a tire can safely maintain for a protracted interval. This ranking, represented by a letter (e.g., H, V, W), corresponds to particular pace limits. Utilizing a tire with a decrease pace ranking than really helpful by Yamaha might result in tire failure at excessive speeds, posing important security dangers. Whereas exceeding the really helpful pace ranking is usually not a problem, it is important to pick out tires that meet or exceed the producer’s minimal pace ranking.
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Building and Compound:
Whereas not explicitly a part of the dimensions, load index, and pace ranking, tire building (radial or bias-ply) and tread compound considerably affect efficiency traits. Completely different compounds supply various ranges of grip, put on resistance, and dealing with traits. Highway Star homeowners can select tires optimized for particular driving kinds or situations, resembling touring, cruising, or moist climate efficiency. Contemplating these elements alongside the core specs permits for a extra knowledgeable tire choice course of.
A complete understanding of tire specs is essential for choosing acceptable replacements for the American Highway Star. These specs, mixed with information of accessible tire producers and their respective choices, empower homeowners to make knowledgeable decisions that protect the bike’s meant efficiency traits and guarantee a protected and gratifying driving expertise. Ignoring these parameters can result in compromised dealing with, decreased security margins, and doubtlessly hazardous driving situations.
6. Efficiency Traits
Efficiency traits of tires immediately affect the driving expertise and security of the American Highway Star, creating an important hyperlink between “who makes American Highway Star tires” and the sensible implications of tire choice. Whereas numerous producers would possibly produce tires that match the Highway Star’s specs, their efficiency traits can differ considerably, impacting dealing with, braking, trip consolation, and longevity. Understanding these traits empowers riders to decide on tires aligned with their driving type and priorities.
A number of elements contribute to a tire’s efficiency traits. Tread sample design influences water dispersal and dry grip. Compound composition impacts traction, put on resistance, and temperature sensitivity. Tire building, whether or not radial or bias-ply, impacts trip consolation, stability, and responsiveness. For instance, a tire with a deep tread sample and a softer compound would possibly excel in moist situations however put on quicker than a more durable compound tire with a shallower tread. Equally, a radial tire typically provides higher high-speed stability and dealing with than a bias-ply tire, however would possibly sacrifice some trip consolation at decrease speeds. Think about a rider prioritizing long-distance touring; they could go for a tire with a more durable compound and a touring-oriented tread sample for elevated mileage and stability. Conversely, a rider centered on spirited canyon carving would possibly prioritize a tire with a softer compound and a extra aggressive tread sample for enhanced grip and responsiveness, accepting doubtlessly decreased tire life.
The sensible significance of understanding tire efficiency traits lies in deciding on tires that optimize the Highway Star’s capabilities and match the rider’s meant use. Selecting tires solely primarily based on value or model recognition with out contemplating efficiency traits can result in a suboptimal and even unsafe driving expertise. Due to this fact, researching particular tire fashions, consulting opinions, and looking for skilled recommendation from mechanics or tire specialists are important steps within the tire choice course of. This knowledgeable strategy ensures the chosen tires complement the Highway Star’s traits, enhancing each efficiency and security.
7. Tire Upkeep
Tire upkeep is intrinsically linked to the broader dialogue of appropriate tires for the American Highway Star. Whatever the producer chosen, correct upkeep practices are essential for maximizing tire efficiency, longevity, and, most significantly, rider security. Neglecting tire upkeep can negate the advantages of even the highest-quality tires, doubtlessly resulting in hazardous driving situations and untimely tire failure. Due to this fact, understanding and adhering to really helpful upkeep procedures is as essential as deciding on the appropriate tires within the first place.
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Inflation Strain:
Sustaining right tire stress, as specified by Yamaha, is prime to tire efficiency and security. Underinflation will increase rolling resistance, resulting in decreased gas effectivity and elevated tire put on. Extra critically, underinflation may cause extreme warmth buildup, doubtlessly resulting in tire failure. Overinflation, conversely, reduces the tire’s contact patch with the highway, compromising grip and dealing with. Usually checking tire stress utilizing an correct gauge and adjusting as wanted is important for optimum efficiency and security. This is applicable regardless of the tire producer chosen.
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Tread Depth and Put on Patterns:
Usually inspecting tire tread depth and put on patterns is essential for figuring out potential issues and making certain protected operation. Inadequate tread depth considerably reduces grip, particularly in moist situations, rising the danger of accidents. Uneven put on patterns can point out points with wheel alignment, suspension elements, or tire stress, requiring additional investigation and corrective motion. Monitoring tread put on and changing tires earlier than they attain the minimal protected depth is important for sustaining optimum efficiency and security, whatever the tire’s model or producer.
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Tire Rotation and Balancing:
Common tire rotation and balancing promote even tire put on and contribute to a smoother, extra snug trip. Rotating tires helps distribute put on extra evenly throughout all tires, extending their lifespan. Balancing ensures that the load is distributed evenly across the tire and wheel meeting, minimizing vibrations and lowering stress on suspension elements. Whereas the precise rotation and balancing procedures would possibly fluctuate barely relying on the tire kind and bike mannequin, adhering to an everyday upkeep schedule is essential for maximizing tire life and efficiency.
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Visible Inspections:
Common visible inspections of tires are important for figuring out potential hazards resembling cuts, punctures, embedded objects, or sidewall injury. These points can compromise the tire’s structural integrity and result in sudden failure if left unaddressed. Usually inspecting tires for injury, particularly after driving over particles or encountering tough highway surfaces, can stop doubtlessly harmful conditions. Promptly addressing any recognized points, whether or not by restore or alternative, is essential for sustaining rider security.
Tire upkeep practices, whereas seemingly unbiased of tire choice, are integral to the general efficiency and security of the American Highway Star. Even the highest-quality tires from respected producers will underperform and pose security dangers if uncared for. Due to this fact, a complete understanding of tire upkeep procedures and their diligent utility are important enhances to the cautious choice of alternative tires. By combining knowledgeable tire decisions with constant and thorough upkeep, Highway Star homeowners can guarantee optimum efficiency, longevity, and, most significantly, a protected and gratifying driving expertise.
8. Present Availability
Present availability of tires appropriate for the American Highway Star represents a major consideration stemming from the mannequin’s discontinued standing. Whereas quite a few producers possible produced appropriate tires throughout the Highway Star’s manufacturing run, the present panorama presents a unique state of affairs. The passage of time, mixed with technological developments in tire design and manufacturing, has inevitably led to the discontinuation of sure tire fashions. This necessitates a nuanced understanding of how present availability intersects with the broader query of appropriate tires for this bike.
The discontinuation of the Highway Star itself impacts tire availability. Producers typically cut back or stop manufacturing of particular tire sizes and fashions as demand diminishes following a mannequin’s discontinuation. This could result in conditions the place the unique tools (OE) tires are not available, requiring homeowners to hunt various choices. Moreover, developments in tire expertise imply that even when OE tires had been nonetheless accessible, modern choices would possibly supply superior efficiency traits, resembling improved grip, dealing with, and longevity. For instance, a contemporary radial tire designed for cruisers would possibly outperform the bias-ply tires generally discovered on older bikes just like the Highway Star.
The sensible significance of understanding present availability rests within the capability to make knowledgeable choices concerning alternative tires. Merely looking for the unique tire specs may not yield available choices. As a substitute, Highway Star homeowners should leverage assets resembling on-line tire retailers, specialised bike tire outlets, and boards devoted to the Highway Star neighborhood to establish at the moment accessible tires that meet the mandatory specs. This requires a level of flexibility in contemplating completely different producers and doubtlessly exploring barely completely different tire fashions that also adhere to Yamaha’s suggestions for dimension, load ranking, and pace ranking. Finally, navigating the present availability panorama requires analysis, adaptability, and a willingness to discover numerous choices to make sure the continued protected and optimum operation of the American Highway Star.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning tires appropriate for the Yamaha American Highway Star bike. Because of the mannequin’s discontinuation, navigating the tire alternative course of requires cautious consideration of assorted elements, together with accessible choices, specs, and upkeep practices. The next questions and solutions goal to offer readability and steerage for Highway Star homeowners.
Query 1: Are the unique tires fitted on the American Highway Star nonetheless accessible?
The unique tools (OE) tires fitted on the American Highway Star are possible discontinued because of the mannequin’s age and the pure evolution of tire expertise. Whereas some older inventory would possibly exist, discovering these tires new is unbelievable. Nevertheless, numerous producers supply modern tires appropriate with the Highway Star’s specs.
Query 2: Does Yamaha manufacture tires for the Highway Star?
Yamaha, like most bike producers, doesn’t produce tires immediately. They specify the mandatory tire dimensions and efficiency traits, however third-party tire producers produce the precise tires. A number of producers supply appropriate choices for the Highway Star, permitting for decisions primarily based on particular person preferences and driving kinds.
Query 3: What ought to one think about when selecting alternative tires?
Deciding on alternative tires requires cautious consideration of a number of elements, together with dimension, load index, pace ranking, and efficiency traits. Adhering to Yamaha’s specified dimension is essential for sustaining correct dealing with and speedometer accuracy. Load index and pace ranking should meet or exceed the bike’s necessities for protected operation. Efficiency traits, resembling tread sample and compound composition, ought to align with particular person driving kinds and preferences.
Query 4: How does tire upkeep impression efficiency and security?
Correct tire upkeep is important for maximizing tire efficiency, longevity, and rider security. Sustaining right tire stress, often inspecting tread depth and put on patterns, and performing routine tire rotation and balancing are essential practices. Neglecting tire upkeep can result in decreased efficiency, untimely tire failure, and doubtlessly hazardous driving situations.
Query 5: The place can one discover appropriate alternative tires for the Highway Star?
Appropriate alternative tires might be discovered by numerous channels, together with on-line tire retailers, specialised bike tire outlets, and native bike dealerships. Consulting on-line boards devoted to the Highway Star neighborhood can even present precious insights and proposals from skilled homeowners.
Query 6: What are the potential penalties of utilizing incorrect tires?
Utilizing tires that don’t adhere to Yamaha’s specs can negatively impression dealing with, braking efficiency, trip consolation, and general security. Incorrect tire dimension can result in clearance points, speedometer inaccuracies, and instability. Inadequate load index or pace ranking can lead to tire failure below stress or at excessive speeds, posing important security dangers.
Deciding on and sustaining acceptable tires for the American Highway Star requires a complete understanding of specs, accessible choices, and greatest practices. Prioritizing these elements ensures optimum efficiency, extends tire lifespan, and, most significantly, promotes rider security.
The next part will delve deeper into particular tire suggestions and supply additional steerage on choosing the right tires for numerous driving kinds and preferences.
Optimizing Tire Choice and Upkeep for the American Highway Star
This part provides sensible steerage for choosing and sustaining acceptable tires for the Yamaha American Highway Star. Given the mannequin’s discontinuation, cautious consideration of accessible choices, adherence to specs, and diligent upkeep practices are essential for making certain optimum efficiency, longevity, and rider security.
Tip 1: Seek the advice of Yamaha’s Official Documentation: Start by consulting the official proprietor’s guide or Yamaha’s web site for the really helpful tire specs for the precise American Highway Star mannequin 12 months. This offers the foundational parameters for choosing acceptable alternative tires.
Tip 2: Prioritize Right Sizing: Adhering to Yamaha’s specified tire dimension is paramount. Deviations can negatively impression dealing with, speedometer accuracy, and create clearance points with bike elements. Verify compatibility with the meant rim dimension.
Tip 3: By no means Compromise on Load Index and Velocity Ranking: Deciding on tires with a load index and pace ranking that meet or exceed the producer’s suggestions is non-negotiable. These scores make sure the tires can safely assist the bike’s weight and function at meant speeds, stopping potential tire failure.
Tip 4: Align Tire Efficiency Traits with Driving Model: Think about particular person driving habits and preferences when deciding on tires. Cruisers, touring riders, and people looking for spirited efficiency will profit from completely different tire traits, together with tread sample and compound composition.
Tip 5: Analysis and Evaluate Obtainable Choices: Discover numerous tire producers and fashions that meet the Highway Star’s specs. On-line tire retailers, specialised bike outlets, and Highway Star boards supply precious assets for evaluating choices and studying opinions.
Tip 6: Search Professional Recommendation: Consulting with skilled bike mechanics or tire specialists can present personalised suggestions primarily based on particular person wants and driving kinds. Their experience can information the choice course of and guarantee optimum tire decisions.
Tip 7: Keep Constant Tire Strain: Usually test and modify tire stress to Yamaha’s really helpful ranges. Correct inflation is essential for optimum efficiency, gas effectivity, and stopping untimely tire put on or failure.
Tip 8: Examine Tires Usually: Usually examine tires for tread depth, put on patterns, and any indicators of injury, resembling cuts, punctures, or embedded objects. Addressing these points promptly ensures protected operation and prevents potential hazards.
Adhering to those pointers contributes considerably to the general efficiency, security, and longevity of the American Highway Star. Knowledgeable tire choice and diligent upkeep practices guarantee an gratifying and safe driving expertise.
The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and offers remaining suggestions for navigating the tire alternative course of for the Yamaha American Highway Star.
Conclusion
Figuring out appropriate tires for the discontinued Yamaha American Highway Star requires a multifaceted strategy. Whereas Yamaha doesn’t manufacture tires immediately, their specs dictate the mandatory parameters for replacements. Understanding these specs, together with dimension, load index, and pace ranking, is paramount for sustaining the bike’s meant efficiency and security traits. The discontinuation of the Highway Star and developments in tire expertise necessitate exploring modern choices from numerous producers. These choices, whereas doubtlessly completely different from the unique tools tires, can supply improved efficiency and longevity if chosen rigorously. Researching accessible choices, contemplating particular person driving kinds, and consulting with skilled mechanics or tire specialists are important steps within the choice course of.
The long-term viability of the American Highway Star will depend on knowledgeable decisions concerning tire choice and diligent upkeep practices. Usually inspecting tires for put on, sustaining correct inflation stress, and addressing any injury promptly are essential for making certain protected and optimum operation. By prioritizing these elements, Highway Star homeowners can proceed to benefit from the driving expertise this basic cruiser provides whereas preserving its efficiency and security for years to come back. The knowledgeable choice and meticulous upkeep of tires symbolize not only a mechanical necessity, however a dedication to preserving the legacy of the American Highway Star.
