Star Royal Star Tour Deluxe
Just as we remembered it
In our standard American rush of attraction towards that which is improved, new, bigger or blingy-er, it's easy to forget existing products that will do exactly the same job, and sometimes better. That's the case with the Star Royal Star Tour Deluxe (previously reviewed Aug. '05 and Feb. '08). Its 1294cc engine is the smallest of these hard baggers by 248cc, but the V-4's extra two cylinders and higher redline compensate for some of that difference. It's also smoother-revving than the other engines, and the five-speed transmission is slick with a short throw at the lever-not the typical long-throw "clank!" of most V-twins. And it's a good thing the engine is as small as it is, because that carbureted mill sucks down the go-juice like there's no tomorrow and will have you fumbling for the petcock before you know it.
The Star's suspension shines at absorbing all bumps and holes and is most comparable to the Vision's suspension here. However, that barn-door-sized windscreen will get the bike wobbling at high speed, as well as in sweepers, if one adds some steering input. With its soft but comfortable seat and removable windscreen lowers, it's a nice bike to run through a few tanks of fuel, but you'll be squirming around if you ride farther than that. On warm days those lowers will have your feet set to "toast." The triple-disc brakes do an average job of slowing things down, about comparable with the Kawasaki, but the 855-pound Tour Deluxe will get to zero mph quicker than the heavier Triumph or Victory.
Speaking of that big windscreen, it has a quick-release mounting system, as does the backrest, to convert the Star from a tourer to a more boulevard-oriented ride. If you're under six feet, you'll find the Tour Deluxe's screen too tall for you. On the other hand you'll like the saddlebags-no matter what height you are. While not the largest units of the five choices here, they hold quite a bit. They can also be latched closed without having to lock them, making for some convenience on a short trip. The only fly in the paint is that the latches are somewhat intrusive, reducing the maximum width of items that will fit inside the bags.
The styling is what I'd call "classic cruiser": lots of chrome, a low, wide saddle and big, swoopy fenders. The overall effect is quite nice, and the parts are well integrated into the whole bike, unlike, say, the pie-pan air-cleaner covers on the Nomad. Though viewing the Tour Deluxe from the side doesn't reveal the V-4 architecture, the shroud on the front emphasizes that the Royal Star is liquid-cooled. The riding position is upright and relaxed and will work for riders of all heights. Unfortunately the floorboards are not adjustable, and they're on the low side to give the rider more legroom. The result is that the floorboards will contact the asphalt at shallower lean angles than any of our other participants.
I'm not a big fan of the LCD bar-graph speedometer (like a digital version of the analog ones in a '60s sedan), and you have to remove your left hand from the bars to toggle through the display. On the plus side, the low-fuel count-up feature lets you increase your stress level as the miles remaining to empty decrease while you search for a gas station. One significant feature on this Star is a standard electronic cruise control. The Grand Chalupa and I both feel that any motorcycle labeled a "touring bike" should come with cruise control.
So is it a star, royal, and deluxe? It definitely belongs in this group, and I certainly wouldn't rank it as my last choice. Other than the mileage issue, which really only comes into play crossing the vast western states, anything else is easily fixable, namely the too-tall windscreen and too-soft seat and suspension. Considering that the Tour Deluxe is the next to least expensive makes it all the more worth your serious consideration. Then add in the standard, five-year transferrable Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Roadside Assistance Membership, and you'll give the Star a third and fourth look before deciding on the right bike for you. -Evan Kay