Project Royal Star
Life With Yamaha's Ultra-Cruiser Part One: Getting Acquainted
Something in human nature seems to require that we make judgments by comparison. It's not enough that a new motorcycle scores a direct hit on our senses. We can't seem to make up our minds until we've seen the superiority of the new machine demonstrated in a face-off against familiar bikes. In 1996 Yamaha set forth on a bold experiment, introducing their all-new Royal Star into the large-displacement cruiser market where retro style and image were perfected and V-twin powerplants rule. Comparison was inevitable.
But from my perspective, you cannot compare multi-cylindered motorcycles like the Royal Star and Honda's Valkyrie to V-twins. They defy comparison. Sure, even we at Motorcycle Online subjected the Royal Star to a shootout with a V-twin in our Road King vs. Royal Star comparo, but the cruiser market has evolved greatly in the past decade or so, and bikes like the 'Star or Valkyrie are fitting into a new niche where V-twins cannot hang - high-performance cruising. These bikes appeal to a different segment of the class.
I'll be chalking up over 10,000 miles in the saddle of Project Royal Star, and by the project's end this bike should be making quite a personal statement.
With that in mind, I felt justified to set out and see first-hand how well Yamaha's Royal Star truly fits within the new mold of comfortable cruisers that can be counted on to respond to occasional bursts of play while, at the same time, keeping me swathed in almost sinful comfort during extended rides. Will it still hold up under daily commuter abuse? And what about that essential element in cruiser ownership - customization? What accessories are available to the Royal Star owner that will allow him to turn his machine into a rolling statement of individuality that is so vital to the Boulevard Set?
Initial Set-Up
I ordered up a bone stock, base model '97 Royal Star from Yamaha's press fleet. As you'll see from future installments, the intention is to tailor this project toward touring. So why not, you might ask, opt for the Tour Classic or Tour Deluxe versions instead? Simple. The base Royal Star comes equipped with a four-into-four exhaust system that has a sound all its own. Both the Tour Classic and Tour Deluxe have a more standard four-into-two system that just doesn't have the aural or visual sex appeal so desirable in a custom cruiser.
And since turnkey touring models of the 'Star retail for a couple grand more than the base model, I can take the savings and outfit our project with just the right accessories, detailing the costs involved along the way so that an owner can make his or her own choice in exactly how much cash they may want to invest in their personal machine.
I immediately requested two touring items that would be absolutely essential: Yamaha's Classic Deluxe saddlebags and Tour Classic adjustable windshield
Since I stretch the inseams at over six feet tall, I opted for the taller screen and also picked up a set of the clear lower wind deflectors (which are adjustable for height and angle too). Mounting was straightforward, and adjusting the windshield to its highest position was as simple as loosening the four clamping bolts and relocating the screen into the provided adjustment notches. The large windscreen and lower deflectors now provide me with ample protection from the elements, and I can still peek over the top of the windshield when required in inclement weather.
Project costs to date:
Suggested retail - 1997 base model Royal Star: ,699Genuine Yamaha Accessories installed -Tour Classic Saddlebags - ribbed: 9.95Saddlebag mounting hardware: 8.95Tour Classic Windshield - tall: 9.95Windshield mounting hardware: .95Lower wind deflectors - clear: .95Deflector mounting hardware: 7.95
More by Tom Fortune, Editor-at-Large
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