A small luggage rack can be removed, and in its place a passenger pillion, complete with floorboards and backrest, can be installed in less than fifteen minutes. Steering effort is remarkably light for such a sizable machine. Floorboards will grind against the pavement during more serious cornering, but a lightly modified riding style will lessen contact until corner exit. Straight-line stability was very good, even at high speeds during wind gusts. Performance was very respectable as our Tour Deluxe pulled an indicated 115 miles per hour, and felt comfortable cruising at speeds of up to 80 mph.
Overdrive indicator lights up when in fifth gear.
Of Yamaha's Royal Star trio, the Tour Deluxe version won our vote for most comfortable. A revised solo seat brings riders closer to thick, one inch handlebars and grips. Vibration was practically non-existent throughout the machine, save for a light shaking in the floorboards and saddle. After several hours aboard a Tour Deluxe, we were still fresh and ready for more mileage. A full range of customizing accessories, available at local Yamaha dealers, are now available and have been designed to give Royal Star owners flexibility as well as a chance to personally customize their machines to meet individual tastes.