Touring Motorcycles

1996Yamaha XVZ 1300 A Royal Star

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The 1996 Yamaha XVZ 1300 A Royal Star is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking comfort and touring capability on a powerful V4 platform. Known for its smooth 1294cc engine delivering strong low-end torque and relaxed riding position, it excels at long-distance cruising with passenger accommodation. This bike suits experienced riders who value stability and classic cruiser styling over agility.

Capacity: 1294.0 ccm
Engine: V four
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 305.0 kg
Seat height: 710 mm
Power: 74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 4750 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding35%

Daily riding55%

Touring82%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed long-distance highway cruising with a classic V4 rumble rather than sport performance.
Built for: Appeals to riders who value classic American-style cruiser aesthetics, shaft-drive reliability, and a smooth low-revving V4 over outright speed.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight urban nimbleness.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 710mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Yamaha XVZ 1300 A Royal Star, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1294.0 ccm
Power: 74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 4750 RPM
Torque: 112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m)
Engine type: V four
Power/weight ratio: 0.2426 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1695 mm
Seat height: 710 mm
Dry weight: 305.0 kg
Wet weight: 330.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 96 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 320 mm
Front tyre: 150/80-H16
Rear tyre: 150/90-H15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
Capacity	1294.00 ccm (78.96 cubic inches)	1294.00 ccm (78.96 cubic inches)	1294.00 ccm (78.96 cubic inches)	1294.00 ccm (78.96 cubic inches)	1294.00 ccm (78.96 cubic inches)
Dry weight	305.0 kg (672.4 pounds)	305.0 kg (672.4 pounds)	—	305.0 kg (672.4 pounds)	305.0 kg (672.4 pounds)
Seat height	710 mm (28.0 inches)	710 mm (28.0 inches)	710 mm (28.0 inches)	710 mm (28.0 inches)	—
Fuel capacity	—	—	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)	—