2005 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe

What do you get, when you cross a Royal Star with a V-Max?

By Sean Alexander, Jun. 16, 2004
 
 
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Before you go off thinking I'm blinded by its goodness, let me add that the Tour Deluxe has three niggling traits, one is easy to fix and two are a bit tougher to rectify.

First, the stock windscreen is great for cold weather and/or rain, but it keeps the air a bit too still and leads to a stuffy cockpit on hot days. This is easily (and handsomely) fixed by buying the short windscreen from the accessory catalog and taking 10 seconds (see video above) to swap it with the full height windscreen. My second complaint is the speedo which is styled like American car dashes from the 60's and 70's with a sweep needle that covers a broad swipe from left to right (see video). It's sort of neat-o, but instead of windscreen for the Tour Deluxe.using an actual needle and stepper motor, Yamaha decided to use a grey LCD display that totally ruins the retro theme and is hard to read in the daytime. This isn't as easy to fix, but isn't really that big of a deal either. Another complaint is the bulbous radiator shrouds that do a great job of shielding your lower legs, but block cooling airflow and look like something my cat just coughed-up.

 Though the Tour Deluxe looks like a cruiser, its original engineering and ergonomics are more in the standard/tourer mold, which means that it has a dynamic advantage from the get go. I suppose comparing the Tour Deluxe's road manners and performance with bikes that place engineering second to looks isn't really fair. However, if Yamaha can make a properly engineered motorcycle look this good, perform this well and fit into so many roles, I say tough ti**y, ain't competition grand! When ridden as a power cruiser or touring cruiser, I think the $13,999 Tour Deluxe only has (had) one potential challenger and that's the recently discontinued Honda Valkyrie. If you're mourning the loss of the Valk, dry your eyes and head over to your Yamaha dealer.

2005 Royal Star Tour Deluxe Specifications
** SPECS PROVIDED BY YAMAHA **

Royal Star Tour Deluxe Features:
  • Quick-detachable windshield and removable backrest let the rider optimize the bike for cross-town cruising cool or cross-country touring comfort quickly without tools.
  • Electronic cruise control, with right handlebar controls for ease of use.
  • 5.3-gallon fuel tank provides outstanding touring range along with classic lines.
  • 67.1-inch wheelbase provides a smooth highway ride and plenty of room for rider and passenger.
  • 4-into-2 exhaust system with changeable muffler tips puts out a throaty exhaust note and creates a long, low profile that's easily customizable.
Engine:
  • Liquid-cooled, 79-cubic-inch V-Four tuned to put out class-leading power-98hp @ 6000 rpm and maximum torque at 89 ft.-lb. @ 4750 rpm -for incomparable cruising performance.
  • Four heated Mikuni 32mm carburetors with TPS deliver seamless throttle response and greater power across the entire rev range in nearly any climate.
  • Compact-design dual intake system enhances performance without sacrificing fuel tank capacity.
  • Large-capacity radiator ensures superior engine cooling for maximum efficiency.
  • Single-axis internal counterbalancer reduces engine vibration for super-smooth running.
  • Wide-ratio 5-speed transmission with 4th and 5th gear overdrive provides plenty of highway passing power as well as low-rpm, fuel-efficient cruising.
  • Low-maintenance hydraulic clutch actuation and strong, low-maintenance shaft drive for touring convenience.
Chassis/Suspension:
  • High-integrity, single-backbone frame with solid engine mounting and 29-degree caster angle delivers responsive steering and excellent handling.
  • Air-adjustable telescopic front fork with 5.5 inches of travel smoothes out the bumps and adapts to varying load capacities.
  • Air-adjustable link-type rear suspension features a vertically mounted single shock with revised damping for classic hardtail look and outstanding long-distance ride quality.
  • Reinforced swingarm for exceptional ride quality and solid road manners.
  • Reinforced swingarm for exceptional ride quality and solid road manners.
  • Large-diameter front and rear disc brakes with sintered pads provide strong, linear stopping power.
  • New rider and passenger seats provide even more room and comfort along with a low seat height-29.1 inches.
  • Full-sized floating-type rider and passenger floorboards reduce vibration and are positioned for optimal long-distance comfort.
  • Easy-to-reach, large-diameter, rubber-mounted handlebars with new bar-end weights for reduced vibration.

Additional Features:
  • Color-matched locking hard-shell sidebags feature handy, one-touch openers and spacious 9.3-gallon storage with interior storage pouch.
  • Cool new retro "dash" combines classic looks with new-age function, including: digital speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel tripmeter, clock, fuel gauge, and indicator lights for cruise control, overdrive, neutral, high beam, turn signals, water temperature, and low oil level.
  • New handlebar with wider control levers offer better feel and look cool to boot.
  • Clear turn signal lenses over amber bulbs are one more small touch that creates a distinctively high quality look.
  • Incomparable fit and finish includes flawless paint with extensive chrome and brushed stainless steel accents as well as deep, valanced steel fenders.
  • Large, powerful 12V 60/55-watt halogen headlight in stylish chrome shell with new custom bezel maximizes nighttime visibility while cutting a stylish profile.
  • Ignition switch, with integrated steering lock, mounted near the front of the fuel tank for extra convenience.
  • 12V 18AH maintenance-free battery for reliable starting even in cold weather.

 

MSRP

$13,999* Available from June 2004 (July for CA)

Engine
Type 1294cc, 79-cubic-inch, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 70° V-4
Bore x Stroke 79 x 66mm
Compression Ratio 10:1
Carburetion (4) 32mm Mikuni Constant-Velocity
Ignition Digital TCI
Transmission Wide-ratio 5-speed w/5th gear overdrive and hydraulic clutch
Final Drive Shaft
Chassis
Suspension/Front Telescopic fork w/air assist; 5.6" travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock, link-type w/air assist; 4.1" travel
Brakes/Front Dual 298mm Discs
Brakes/Rear 320mm Disc
Tires/Front 150/80-16
Tires/Rear 150/90-15
Dimensions
Length 98.6"
Width 39.8"
Height 60.0"
Seat Height 29.1"
Wheelbase 67.5"
Dry Weight 787 Lbs.
Fuel Capacity 5.3 Gallons
Other
Color Raspberry Metallic/Raven; Charcoal Silver/Raven
Warranty 5 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)








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