1996 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Classic, Touring Bike with BIG D.O.H.C. V-4 power! - With the introduction of its new Royal Star line, Yamaha has thrown its hat into the fray of the "American born" retro-style, heavy-duty thunder-cruiser class, joining the likes of the Honda Ace, Suzuki 1400 Intruder, and redesigned-for-96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. Yamaha claims the Royal Stars long, low and wide styling was conceived and developed by full-sized American riders. With the wheelbase of a stretch limo (66.7 inches) the Royal Star has the extra leg space many taller riders pine for. Style and comfort were the Number One priorities when Yamaha engineers designed the Star. Style is oh-so-important in the ultra-cruiser class - that "American Classic" H-D look that all the manufacturers are trying so desperately to imitate. For good reason too, style sells bikes. The Royal Star has plenty of that "classic" style too. Large floorboards, heel-toe shifter, fat tires, deeply drawn steel fenders, a large plush saddle and oversized fuel tank accentuate the look, while staggered exhaust pipes exude style as well as a deep rumble. Yamaha even added bolt-on finned castings to give that air-cooled look to the water-cooled V-4; in the open cruiser class, you gotta have it. The Tour Classic edition of the Royal Star family adds a slightly different twist by blending both cruising and touring via factory installed upgrade options. These include retro-style saddlebags with a hidden, stiff inner liner that retains their shape when the bags are empty, large touring windshield with lower wind deflectors (which are adjustable for height and angle), custom seat and passenger backrest, chrome plated engine guards, and an enhanced chrome package. Ahh, the chrome -- its triple-plated and its everywhere, including the engine cases, fender tips, handlebar ends, and even the side stand. Gotta have it. With the Royal Star, Yamaha applied a new idea they call their "Elemental Design" concept, "giving each component its individual strength and freedom" according to a factory press release. Yamaha states this concept opens the door for customizing/personalizing -- an important aspect of the cruiser class. Yamaha is ready, with a full catalog of Star Accessories. Yamaha is offering an unprecedented 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with the Royal Star as well. On the road the Star typifies the cruising experience. Its long, low style gives a kicked-back, relaxed and stable feel. The adjustable windscreen is very effective at lower speeds and the roomy, soft ergonomics of the Star make you feel as if youre riding a Lazy Boy recliner down the road. The large 1294cc V-4 engine, straight out of Yamahas Venture touring model, is tuned for boulevard cruising low rpm torque, coupled with the wide-ratio five-speed gearbox it turns a sedate 2500 rpm in t