Yamaha XVZ13CT Royal Star Convertible

One sweet and liesurely ride – When I decided to get back on two wheel I was searching for a very specific motorcycle, and the XVZ1300 CT fit every requirement then some. I wanted a big bore cruiser with shaft drive, and needed lockable storage for all my camera gear. The Royal Star Tour Deluxe was at the right price, and as far as I was concerned was an absolute bargain… Read more

given it was perfect in every way.

A mere 59000km on a 2006 model when I purchased it in late 2018, and I've managed to add another 30000 in the almost three years of ownership.

If you're looking for a 2nd hand cruiser with a practically bulletproof engine (a detuned V-Max mill so it hardly has to do any hard work) and lazy but predictable handling look no further.

This weighty machine out-corners all my mates on HD's every time, albeit scraping the sacrificial steel plates underneath the running boards - which put on quite the show after dark✨ In the wet I occasionally get the rear to drift when taking off at the lights, but the long wheelbase just soaks up the slide and once the rear tyre heats up glides back into line if the power is kept on

Bucket loads of torque from the V4 allows effortless acceleration in practically any gear, but if you really give it some poke then hold on!

It's such an easy ride, that never gives any surprises in corners, even when things get bumpy. It simply floats across any undulating surfaces and stays planted.

If it's sound you're after, the bike I purchased had straight four-into-two pipes which sound suitably angry when under load. I have had comments that it sounds surprisingly like a V8 note

Just Beautiful to Look at and Ride – I have owned many motorbikes, all Japanese and have been riding for 50 years. My biggest rides have been a GL1800 2002 and Yamaha VN1600 2007 and Suzuki VL1500 2000. I was apprehensive about buying the Royal star 1300 but I checked out all the reviews on YouTube and Google. The bike i selected was 2007 and had done 30000 km being sold by a… Read more

policeman from Auckland. When I first saw it it had an amazing colour of deep red but it was well looked after and was immaculate. They are big bikes but whilst sitting on it I realized the weight was down low. These bikes weigh out at similar weights to Goldwing's. They have a big presence on the road but it is very easy to ride. Being carbureted they take a bit of time on choke to warm up but the sound is certainly distinctive to the V4 Yamahas. The finish is a real tribute to Yamaha. It is very top quality in the paint and chrome finish. This bike was to be my last, well we will see. It doesn't have crazy power and is very manageable in that department. You quickly change to top gear or OD but you can accelerate from any speed or drop it down a gear and she will have a lot of power. You need set of Allen key to open the side panels do do your water prechecks. The ample seat is also held on with Allen keys. It is very soft . The dash is very cool with its 60 s design. Fuel economy is average and expected with 4 carbies sucking their ratio. It is relatively heavy and make sure you reverse into the curbs but it isn't overly noticeable and has a very low seat height I'm 5ft 9in and the bike had to allow me flat feeting on both legs for stability at lights and whilst stopped. This always receives great comments when parked must to the disdain of my Harley Davidson mate. It has a very wide from tyre and you know you are riding a bike with presence. Probably the best looking tidiest bike I have owned. I always look forward to riding this bike.