OK fellow Star Riders. What's your opinion on the future of the Original Star?
What do you think of the current bike?
What have you read or heard about the Royal Star's future?
Where did you read it or hear it?
What would you like to see if Yamaha keeps the Royal Star? B What would you change?
What would you keep the same?
Talk to me.
Terry A. Malpass - ISRA#231

I have not seen any new Royal Stars in the local dealership in Gadsden, Alabama or in a dealership I visited in Birmingham, Alabama. I did see the V-Stars, Roadies, and Ventures at both places. The only place I have actually read about the possible discontinuation of the Royal Star has been in this forum. I am not sure exactly what it means if they stop production on the Royal Star, as far as being an owner of one. Does it mean that we will own a collector's item with a bullet proof engine that will run 200,000 miles plus between rebuilds. I believe that with my limited experience with the Royal Star, the only stock item I would change would be fifth gear. I really do not understand why fifth gear is so tall.
"Ed" - Easyrider

The next Royal Star should be a stripped model of the Venture. That would be a minor mod but would up the ante in power - for the stock RS anyway. Thing Goldwing morphing into Valkyrie. Add a gallon in the tank department (that is, carry over the Venture tank). EFI might be nice as well, although the existing carburetion seems just fine to me under all conditions. Open up the intake and exhausts as much as the law allows - probably not much, I'm afraid. Other than that, I wouldn't change a single thing, not even 5th gear. I often find myself putt-putting as slow at 50 M.P.H. in 5th. Just have to remember not to accelerate (or try to)!
Ken/OC

As a Big Impressive Cruiser, the only thing that comes close are the Roadie & the Valkyrie, but the water-cooled V-4 is a great engine (better than the other 2 IMHO) with a longer history than both of the others and a bulletproof reputation. As for the discontinuance of the Royal it is anecdotal at best in forums and magazines that relate to Cruisers. My biggest concern is that with the V-4 models selling slowly and the Roadie such a hit, they will give up trying to challenge H-D with a top of the line cruiser (Read EXPENSIVE). They should preserve the look, which I believe they hit right on the head, tighten up the frame and add HP. It gives them a bike that isn't for everyone that people dream of moving up to. I only have 18000 miles on my 97 RSTC but it continues to satisfy and I've ridden more miles since I got it than in the 5 years before. I do know that the Royals on the road will live a LONG time.
TedB - ISRA#1344

Hi Terry .I just read in Moto-mag that's a French magazine here in Quebec, Canada that the Royal Star is discontinued. They say they have discontinued it because of slow sales. It seemed like a great motorcycle.
Gerry #153 Crimson Classic

Hmmm, good questions. Personally, I don't really care that much what they do with the original RS, since I don't plan on buying another one. Dealers have told me that they still don't sell all that well, so it probably isn't going to survive the long haul. I plan to keep mine for a long time, however; at least another 5 to 7 years, perhaps longer with a motor rebuild. I estimate mine will pass 100k miles by the expiration of the warranty. I love it dearly and will not part with it without good cause. If they keep it, I think they should try to get the V-Max back into the motor. It's fine the way it is, IMO, but in terms of sales they will probably attract a lot of buyers with a 120-hp motor that can rev to 9k or so. Fuel injection maybe. Improve the instrumentation to include coolant temp, charging, and a CLOCK fer cryin' out loud. Also a temp gauge that gives a readout of street level temps for us cold weather guys, and a seven-year warranty.
Pat - 97 RSTD - 97 CBRXX

Just back from the Toronto Ontario Canada Superbike Show and the only Royal Star I saw was a custom. I can't recall seeing one at the Yamaha display. I think it's a great bike and I would consider it down the road. It is still too pricey here in Canada. Checked Yamaha Canada 2000 Catalog only the venture is in it.
Dave (Winrider) - ISRA # 80

Ok from me, since I really want to eventually buy a Royal Star, put the counter balance shaft back in the motor. Do like Harley does, offer the bike with either Fuel Injection or Carb. Redesign the transmission ratio's to make them all usable. On one of the models, stick in the V-Max motor, with an obviously modified intake system. Oh yeah, one more thing, talk to Baron about what he thinks. ;) Other than that, it's perfect ;)
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

Ok a couple more. Air shock on the back, progressive springs front and back stock (don't understand why these aren't standard on all bikes) better brakes. Ok on style, since it's the flagship of the fleet, chromed front forks. I'm sure I'll think up more :)
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

Updated Royal Star:
- Venture frame & suspension
- Fuel Injection
Styling is perfect, just drop the price a little.
Big mistake to discontinue. Orphaning of customers and bikes is one of the big arguments H-D lovers make against the Japanese brands. This would echo for a long time and many will never invest in an expensive Japanese motorcycle again. Including me, and I love my RSTD.
RobS,NJ #360