2009 Star Royal Star Tour Deluxe Review

Introduction

2009 Star Royal Star Tour Deluxe S

Star Motorcycles carries on producing Yamaha’s consecrated cruiser lineup as a brand of its own and among their tops is the 2009 Royal Star Tour Deluxe model. This is one of those transformers that can suite a large category of riders on short and long trips and feels like destined for each one in particular. The simple trick behind it is that, although built for the long haul, the windshield and backrest detach easily and without tools for those short incursions down the boulevard.

That 79-cubic-inch, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 70-degree V-four engine, also powering the Royal Star Venture, is versatile and very dependable. Developing 97 hp at 6,000 rpm and 89 ft.-lb. at 4750 rpm, it beats big displacement V-twins so our bike is pretty much in a class of its own. While the Venture transmission features only a 5th gear overdrive, the one of the Deluxe features 4th and 5th gear overdrive for plenty of passing power.

Weighing 844 lbs, the Deluxe is one serious bike, but the chassis is very well put together, managing to mask that pretty well. The frame is a high-integrity, single-backbone unit and the suspensions are air-adjustable (5.5 inches of travel front and 4.1 inches of travel rear).

Star claims a 43 mpg fuel economy and the gas tank hold 5.3 gallons of gas (0.7 gallons less than on the Venture so the lost weight really shows). Most likely the best way to achieve that is by hitting the electronic cruise control button when the retro dash’s needle is around 60 mph.

There is no fancy sound system as that can’t be that easily stripped down the bike when going cruising.

For 2009, Star also offers the slightly more expensive and better looking Royal Star Tour Deluxe S.

2008 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe History

Exterior

2009 Star Royal Star Tour Deluxe S

The key to this model’s success is, obviously, the perfect blending of two different styles, but, at its base, this motorcycle was designed as a cruising one with a very strong touring side. Or was it the other way around? Very possible, but what you see it what you get and we love what we’re seeing.

Featuring smooth flowing lines and deep valanced fenders, it shows how Japanese style as well as fit and finish can almost match the American one in matter of cruisers. There is a locomotive-like headlight as well as a massive front wheel and fork, but what’s best about the imposing front end is the simple, clean design of that detachable windscreen. The gas tank is a little smaller than on the Venture and fits perfectly the design of the Deluxe. So does the spacious seat positioned only 29.1 inches from the ground.

Most people tend to confuse the engine with a V-twin, and that’s part of the bike’s magic. Only the four-into-two exhaust will raise a question mark in a newbie’s head and with good reason. This is exactly the same as on the Venture, despite the overall modified appearance of this motorcycle.

The sidebags do look good, especially because they match the bike’s color, Candy Red for the Royal Star Tour Deluxe and Charcoal Silver/Raven for the Royal Star Tour Deluxe S 2009 model.

2008 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe Test Ride

Price

Although Star likes to pretentiously call one base model and the other “S” model, the bike is basically the same. Yet, color schemes make the difference at pricing as well so the Candy Red one painted comes with an MSRP of $15,190 and the Charcoal Silver/Raven one of $15,690.

Conclusion

With a double character and affordable asking price considering the category of riders to which this bike addresses, the Royal Star Tour Deluxe is more than a cruiser when stripped down and a very potent tourer when fully equipped. As mentioned in the Venture review, I like to thing at these bikes as being the Magnas of Star due to that V-four engine. Who’s with me?

2009 Star Royal Star Tour Deluxe

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