Yamaha Royal Star 1300 Review
"A refined, reliable cruiser that punches well above its used price."
Used Buyer Review
The Royal Star 1300 is Yamaha's answer to the big American cruiser, and honestly, it's a damn good one. The 1294cc V4 pulls smooth and strong from idle, with none of that lumpy single-carb nonsense you get on older Harleys. Shaft drive means zero maintenance headaches, and these engines are genuinely bulletproof if the previous owner wasn't an idiot about oil changes. Budget for new tires regardless — they're always overdue on used examples. The ergonomics suit taller riders well, but shorter folks will struggle with that wide seat and reach. Handling is surprisingly composed for something this heavy — Yamaha's chassis engineering shows. The linked brakes take some adjustment mentally, but they work. Watch for leaking fork seals on high-mileage bikes and check the shaft drive splines if it hasn't been serviced recently. These aren't deal-breakers, just negotiating chips.
Pros
Cons
Short inseam riders or hardcore Harley loyalists
Similar Cruiser Reviews
"The best all-round Softail you can buy used today."
Experienced riders wanting real performance, authentic style $14,000-$19,000
"The best performance Harley ever built, criminally undervalued used."
Shorter riders wanting serious V-twin performance $7,500-$13,000
"Nothing else on the market delivers this kind of muscular, addictive insanity."
Experienced cruiser riders wanting maximum touring drama $14,000-$20,000
"The most effortlessly brutal cruiser money can buy used."
Confident experienced riders wanting ultimate muscle cruiser $14,000-$20,000