Hi,

I’m new to the forum and I must say that it’s great.

Well the thing is that I had a bad crash on my ’93 xv 1100 with almost 100000km on it and since I’m gonna turn it in to a chopper, I want to get myself a new ride. I’m considering a ’97 road star with many extras and a ’02 xv1600 wild star (1700 road star in the US).
I’m looking for a bike to travel long distances at a speed of around 140 to 150km/h so consumption is a big deal. The other thing is that the second hand ´02 wild star is more than 1000$ more expensive than a ’97 Royal Star.
What are you impressions on both bikes?

Thanks.

I personally have always admired both bikes. I love the "striped down" version of the royal star, not so much the fairing'd model. don't know enough about the royal star to give any technical advice. Love my roadie, though.

I had a 97' Royal Star Tour Deluxe with hardbags and winshield. Xlnt road machine, dependable as it comes. The problem was the lack of power. I had owned 2 84' Ventures, they were more of a sport tourer but the engine had so much power that I thought it was the best of both worlds to put that engine in a big cruiser. I didn't know they had down powered it also. The new ones however have 98 horse power and have a ton of power, but I don't think they are as classy looking as the 97'.
I'd still have it if not for the power issue. The R* is more of a retro feel bike. A bit of vibration, rumble, big V-Twin feel, bit more exhilerating to ride. Royal Stars have NO feel, they are as smooth as Gold Wings. Both are great bikes, just depends on what type of ride you would like.

Welcome Ruff

Glad you're healed up and back on 2 wheels either bike will serve you well. Obviously 2 different styles. For me the Royal isn't a bike I would feel attached to. Dependable and able to do what I asked of it but no real personality. The Roadie on the other hand I am attached to enough to name her. Nuff said If you can ride them both take the one that trips your trigger.

If you like 140-150 Km/H, then the Royal Star is probably for you.
The high revving, short-stroke V-4's have lots of "top end" horsepower, but are a little wimpy on the lower-end torque compared to a Roadie's long-stroke V-Twin. The Royal's V4 is made to scream (why else would it have FOUR carburetors.)
I am thinking that a Roadie would not prefer that high of speed consistently and gas mileage may suffer a bit, as it might be near the top end of it's ideal torque-curve for efficiency. Roadies are "cruisers" in which the engineers would say ideal speed is usually around 90 to 110 Km/H
I would rent a cruiser and touring model for a weekend each and see what suits your fancy.
I am not a speed demon, I LOVE my Roadie for cruising.
But if need be, it'll pass any "cager" on the Road when need it to.
Good luck in your search.

Thanx guys for all the quick feedback!

I must confess that I admire the roadies look. And the engine is what cruisers are all about. However the proven reliability of downgraded Vmax engine and the price make me think a bit. I also like the transmission on both bikes… The cardan shaft on the royal because of reliability and little maintenance. On the other hand the belt driven rear wheel on the roadie looks great!
I’ve been searching for consistent numbers of fuel consumption for each model and it seems that the royal star does little better that 35mpg (6.7 l/100km) at cruising speeds (my trusty old virago did easily 55mpg ). I guess the road star do way better than 33mpg.

Well I guess I’ll try to ride both bikes and look for a good deal…

I forgot to mention this: If you want massive V-Twin torque AND high speed performance, Why not check out the RoadStar Warrior as well?
Not as "Pretty" as the Roadie in my opinion, but more torque than the Royal's V4.
The Warrior's fuel-injection would really perform for good fuel economy at the higher speeds you mentioned you like.
Someday when I can afford to have TWO bikes, I will have my '05 Roadie as well as a new Warrior to play with. Best of both worlds ...is to have BOTH.

(As long as the wife doesn't catch on to me plan!)

The Road* is going to get you 45 mpg+ and I ride between 50 and 80 mph.(considering that it was left stock or close to it). I have a 2004 and love it. Just watch out for the 2003 as they had serious tranny issues. I'm sure one of our guru brothers can elaborate. If your into a harley type bike the road* will not disappoint. Good luck, Vick.

vickk12785 wrote:
Just watch out for the 2003 as they had serious tranny issues.

Is this the recall you are talking about. I know after I read this in a post before I called and my 2003 had the service completed before I got her. I have put about 8000 miles on it and no poblems. If this isn't what you are talking about what other problems are suspect in the 03?

Post edited by: Jreed, at: 2007/02/22 14:46<br><br>Post edited by: DocShadow, at: 2007/02/22 16:19

Jreed wrote:
vickk12785 wrote:
Just watch out for the 2003 as they had serious tranny issues.

Is this the recall you are talking about. I know after I read this in a post before I called and my 2003 had the service completed before I got her. I have put about 8000 miles on it and no poblems. If this isn't what you are talking about what other problems are suspect in the 03?

Post edited by: Jreed, at: 2007/02/22 14:46Post edited by: DocShadow, at: 2007/02/22 16:19
You say your 2003 Roadie already had the recall work completed? If this is the case, you have little to worry about with the tranny. The failures were apparently caused by a snap-ring breaking and thus letting parts get away from where they should be. There should be a &quot;star&quot; above your serial number on the neck of your bike to prove the tranny recall work was in fact completed.