Yamaha ROYAL STAR reviews

Traded in a Suzuki 1400 to buy this bike brand new because the Suzuki was to painful on long rides. First impressions it rides like a Cadillac. Rode it for about 5 years and had to stop riding because of financial issues. Never sold it and brought it back to riding condition with new tires and a tune up after 10 years of sitting. Almost 8,000 on the odometer and it still rides like new. I will probably keep it till I can't ride anymore. Show less

What was supposed to be flipped I ended up keeping. I never even recalled seeing one before but it got my attention which isn’t easy after 28 years of riding. I’m also on the younger side too being 36 years old.. bought it from original owner with 8,700 miles with original front tire on it dating 04’..I purchased 4/21.reeking 4 month old stale ethanol gas I rode it 130 miles home..crazy, I think the top off fill helped. did a bunch of cleaning up. 3k miles on it since. Wife and kid love it.(which is why I bought it) I also have the 113 CI Vtwin Raider. The engine that they’re also using on the newer touring eluder. Etc. BUT I found this tour deluxe 1300 to be just perfect balance on power and fuel mileage for traveling despite carburetors.. They seem to perform great as they’re not used to the local gas station and back, these bikes crave long hours or distant miles more than 20.. it took me half a day to realize the tour deluxe didn’t disappoint me on power.. don’t know how it goes if heading up the mountains yet?? My Raider has a crappy mileage in town and a really raw attitude.. they’re both great on highways though. I couldn’t sell either ones for they both meet my needs differently lol. Adjust as to what fits you best and this bike will keep you fresh. Ride safe you all Show less

I own two Yamaha cruisers, a '87 1300 Venture Royale (yes, with an E), which I bought the summer of '19 w/86k on it (all stock) which still runs like a champ..an incredibly smooth riding machine! One negative at least for me is, unlike the passenger who has floorboards, the driver has foot pegs instead, which makes a huge (comfort wise) blood circulation/leg muscle cramping difference, floorboards all around makes more sense on a cruiser. I bought my '07 1300 Midnight Venture late summer of '20 w/17k on it, runs like a beast. There are two negatives so far, one (unlike my '87) no passenger arm rests option, at least not that I can find, which I think is odd since it is a "2 up" cruising bike and the other is the trunk is way to shallow. I prefer full-face helmets but can only fit "half" helmets in it, unlike my '87 which easily fits two full-face helmets. As for riding/handling characteristics of either bike under various weather conditions, I cannot comment, I am a "fair weather rider". All-in-all..so far, both are awesome bikes! Show less

I purchased my '08 in August of 2011 new, it was still in the crate. My local dealer had bought it at auction from a dealer that was going out of business. It is a good deal for me, I saved over $4,000 on the bike. I had never ridden anything this big before, but after 30 minutes in the school parking lot and a afternoon getting the feel of the bike around town, I was amazed how easy this bike was to ride. Mind you my previous bike was a KLR 650, so it's a real difference. I just rode 1,200 miles in three days and love everything about the bike, but the seat. It's too soft. Power, gas mileage, storage, easy learning curve, it's all great. I'm not sure why Yamaha just does not reduce the entire line up to just this one model. It's a great looking bike. It pulls hard in the middle gears. I love the easy to remove wind screen and back rest. With an aftermarket seat, I'll ride her until one of us drops. Show less

The dealership I bought it from in mid-Ohio has a great service department and parts department and, of course, the owner. I couldn't ask for a better ride. I also own a Spyder RT and like the Yamaha better. have a great day. Show less

Having been riding for over 30 years now, I was looking for a bigger bike to take me on the long tour but still small enough to handle around town. The Royal Star Tour Deluxe fills this niche perfectly. With almost 10k miles on the bike now, it just seems to get better and better. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 for performance is because of the Carbs instead of EFI. Still that has not been an issue and hopefully Yamaha will bring the bike back with EFI and could we hope........6 speeds. Show less

I bought the Royal Star used at a Harley Dealer (no kidding) here on Long Island. I traded in a 2005 Suzuki S-83 which was too small for a man my height. The Royal Star is much more comfortable and rides better while not as nimble as the S-83. The Royal Star had 1,370 miles on the odometer when purchased. I have ridden it about 2,100 miles in the year I have owned it. I would recommend the Royal Star to those who want a real tourer. Show less

There is not another full dressed bike that has the comfort of this bike. It comes with every option one could want. It has standard equipment. The only thing missing is EFI. Show less

As an old motocross rider, I had never ridden street bikes much so I really didn't have a frame of reference. I do now. I bought my 2007 RSMV in May and I love everthing about it. With 19K already on, it was well broken in and the power is strong all the way through the band. A six speed would have been nice on long trips, the only reason I didn't give it 5 for performance. My bike looks and feels brand new and for $8K less than new so I am extremely pleased. I think HD's are too expensive for what you get. The only thing my bike doesn't have that HD's do are the HD insignia's and carburation instead of FI. One pet peeve - a cassette player? Come on man! Great Bike! Show less

This has to be one of the smoothest most comfortable riding bikes ever. It is built for the road and boy can it gobble up the highway. The V4 engine is ultra smooth with loads of torque and HP to back it up. It likes to rev and so do I. I can't say enough good things about this bike and I got an awesome deal. Show less