Mr. Max Goes Nostalgic

MR. MAX GOES NOSTALGIC

YAMAHA IS GETTING INTO the nostalgia-cruiser market in a big way for market in a big way for 1996—not with a V-Twin but with a motor lifted from the V-Max/Venture Royale family of V-Fours.

Yamaha officials confirmed the existence of the bike, to be called the Royal Star. It will displace 1300cc and have shaft drive. Unveiling is scheduled for late summer/early fall 1995.

Yamaha gave out no further info, though one spokesman hinted, “It’s unlike anything you've seen from Yamaha.” Rumors point to a styling that is distinctly nostalgic, with the V-Four slotted into a long, low chassis. Other rumors insist that there will be an optional bodywork kit that turns the Royal Star into a 1950s-style tourer, a la the Harley-Davidson Road King. Also expected: A wide range of bolt-on accessories.

It’s no secret that Yamaha has commissioned a series of styling studies on the V-Max, though these are thought to center on accentuating the bike’s muscular, hot-rod image. At this point, it is unclear if a pumped-up V-Max will debut alongside the new cruiser. Yamaha did confirm that the long-running Virago V-Twin cruisers will continue in the lineup for 1996.

One final rumor about the new Royal Star is that its price tag may be high-in the $14,000 range, maybe higher.

“Pricing is important,” said a leading Yamaha dealer contacted by Cycle World. “A certain firm from Milwaukee proved that $15,000 bikes can sell, but will people pay that much for a Japanese cruiser?” It’s a question that may be answered soon.

David Edwards