Yamaha V Star 1100 Custom?

[Kal-Rajab]

Help.....

I am new to bikes and would like to buy a midsize cruiser to keep for occasional commute and weekend riding. I like the looks of V Star 1100 Custom, but have the following concerns: 1) Yamaha seems to be pushing this bike, as it is the only model with a $1000 cash back incentive. 2) It is air-cooled, which I hear might be a technology on its way out (could this be the reason for the cash back?) 3) It has a few simple design flaws, such as the need for removing the exhaust for chaining the oil filter. Subjective preferences aside, is this the best bike one can get for less than $9000 out of the door?

Thanks.

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by Kal-Rajab

Help.....

I am new to bikes and would like to buy a midsize cruiser to keep for occasional commute and weekend riding. I like the looks of V Star 1100 Custom, but have the following concerns: 1) Yamaha seems to be pushing this bike, as it is the only model with a $1000 cash back incentive. 2) It is air-cooled, which I hear might be a technology on its way out (could this be the reason for the cash back?) 3) It has a few simple design flaws, such as the need for removing the exhaust for chaining the oil filter. Subjective preferences aside, is this the best bike one can get for less than $9000 out of the door?

Thanks.

The V-Star is a decent bike for sure. Yes it isn't has high tech as some bikes , namely the new V-Star 1300 but it costs less than the 1300 as well. You can fit a filter relocation kit to alleviate the filter problem.
I'm not sure of the prices where you are but you might check out the Suzuki 800's M50 or C50, especially as you are only going to ride occasionally.
But really they are all good bikes and air cooling is not going the way of the dodo for a while yet. IMHO

[DrBob]

The V-star 1100 is a good bike, with nice styling, good quality, and good fit & finish. The ride quality is good, and the power is good.

Yamaha has cash back on all their cruisers right now. The rebate on the 1100 is larger, but I'm guessing that is because the 1300 is cutting into its sales- a base 1300 is only $1500 ( a few bucks a month) more than a loaded 1100, so I bet a lot of people go in for the 1100 and come out with the 1300.

As for air cooling, I always get a laugh out of comments that it is somehow 'old' technology. Compared to what, water cooling? Water cooling is hardly 'new' technology. I bet you didn't know that water cooled motorcycles have been on the market for 85 years, since 1922. Manufacturers only use water cooling where they need to, as it adds complexity, moving parts, weight, maintenance, and considerable cost to a motorcycle design. Not to mention the need to design the whole bike around that big ugly radiator. Water cooling is like 175 MPH speed rated tires- you only get them if you need them.

[Rickster]

Sounds like you want to buy new. Have you considered used? Statistics will tell you that new riders will drop, or tip over their motorcycle twice in the first year.

[Kal-Rajab]

I like to buy new, because I am a keeper and frankly cannot stand the thought that a pride possession of mine has been sat on (and dropped) by others. It seems that none of you guys want to give a better than B+ to V Star 1100. I am still hoping that someone would come out and say for that much money here is the best you can buy, objectively.

[Rickster]

I don't think there is a "best you can buy" bike. You need to sit on, and if possible ride, as many different bikes as you can. What fits your likes/wants/needs/desires, is going to completely different for the next guy.

If your asking about how well it's built, well, I think all the manufacturers are about equal in that respect. All of them try to put out the best product they can, for their target market price. Of course, you can get a lemon with any maker.

I've never ridden a 1100 V Star, but folks I've talked to that have then seem to like them. I say, if it fits your needs, and price range, go for it, but you seem to have some concerns, or you wouldn't be asking questions.

You didn't fill out your profile, so I can't see where you are from, but if you are in the U.S.A., there are lots of bikes you can buy for under $9,000 out the door.

By the way, how new to biking are you?

[Kal-Rajab]

I am aware of the fact that best for you might not be best for me – I just want to make sure I would not regret this decision based on gross technical/mechanical deficiencies of a bike. There is air vs. liquid cool, shaft vs. belt, fuel injector vs. others, etc. I live in Maryland, don't have a lot to spend for a toy, would like to ride the bike for my 20 minutes commute when the weather permits, and have fun.

[Dave Nadeau]

I have riden both the C50 and the 1100 Classic. They are both good. The C50, for ME has a bit more room. I am 5'11" with a 32 " inseam. The 1100 seemed more cramped, for me. I bought the C50 with out a test ride and am happy with it. My friends 1100 just has me cramped. Both will haul 2 up for ever at about any sane speed you want. Lets put it this way he can't loose me or me him. Both get about 48-52 MPG depending how hard you are on them and figure about 145-150 per tank before the switch to reserve or the low gas light comes on. Oh and the C50 is a little cheaper.

[omegajim]

Kal-Rajab

I am aware of the fact that best for you might not be best for me – I just want to make sure I would not regret this decision based on gross technical/mechanical deficiencies of a bike

At the risk of sounding stupid (a regular occurance for yours truly) I need some information.

1) what do you ride regularly now
2) How far is your "occasional commute" and your "weekend trips."
3) What kind of traffic scares the snot out of you (for me that would be Chicago, it's nearby)
4) How much driving do you expect to do with this "1100." Mind you this is a freeway long distance hauler, so 1-2-300 mile jaunts are well within what one could drive on a bike like this (or this size) in a typical weekend.

and at least one answer. With synthetic oil, your bike won't burn oil.

In conclusion, being happy or unhappy is way too subjective for anybody to convince you one way or the other.

[Kal-Rajab]

1) The last and only bike I had was a Yamaha 125 some 20 years ago
2) My work is 10 miles from home, but it is all back roads with little traffic
3) I am not planning to ride my bike where there is heavy traffic
4) The leisure use would be riding to little towns around Maryland

By the way, the other day I read a long thread on why V-Star 1300 should be picked over the 1100 for the following reasons:

a) The price difference is only around $1000
b) VS1300 is liquid-cooled, belt driven, and fuel injected
c) It comes with 3-year extended warranty

But boy, it is a lot of bike for a newbie like me and then some.

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by Kal-Rajab

1) The last and only bike I had was a Yamaha 125 some 20 years ago
2) My work is 10 miles from home, but it is all back roads with little traffic
3) I am not planning to ride my bike where there is heavy traffic
4) The leisure use would be riding to little towns around Maryland

By the way, the other day I read a long thread on why V-Star 1300 should be picked over the 1100 for the following reasons:

a) The price difference is only around $1000
b) VS1300 is liquid-cooled, belt driven, and fuel injected
c) It comes with 3-year extended warranty

But boy, it is a lot of bike for a newbie like me and then some.

That's exactly why we recommend to new riders, that they buy a used bike to ride for the first year, or so.

You can buy a low mileage bike that is a few years old, ride it, till you shake the cob webs out, and resell it, for little, or no loss. It's a win, win.

As an example, right now, I have an 06 Suzuki M50 for sale for $5600. It has only 3000 miles on it, and I have added a quick release windshield, Quick release saddle bags, Vance & Hines "Cruiser" exhaust, quick release drivers back rest, and Kuryakyn mirrors, grips, and floor boards. Next year, if it's not damaged, it will still be worth at least $5000. If you want to see a picture of, go to my profile, it's on top, on the right side.

[omegajim]

For all those reasons above, you make a compelling argument for NOT buying an 1100, at least not for now.

Do your homework, find a smaller bike (max weight 400 lbs at the most) and go from there. There are any number of bikes that are 10 years old in good shape. Being Maryland, there will be quite a few bikes that "got put away and never got around to." Such as the case is here in Wisconsin.

While you are doing your homework (you shouldn't be in a hurry, but sometimes that happens) you will come closer and closer to the bike to get you back into the habit of riding. In the process of doing your homework, you might find say a Yamaha 535 fairly cheap in good condition that runs.

Don't want to admit to the seller you can't drive (or very well)? No problem, ask a friend who knows how to drive to take the bike for a test drive. A veteran rider will know what to expect from any given bike and guesstimate if there are "minor" concerns or the motor is about to blow (like a leaky head gasket, which can be expensive on a bike you just paid $1200 for).

Remember, you will most likely find what you are looking for in the oddest of places. Check the postings at the grocery store, take a different route home each day, take leisurely drives. You want to find someone who doesn't want to put the bike in the paper/internet because they don't want 101 phone calls to get the 1 guy who is going to buy the bike. I have used this method to buy my current ride, an old Yamaha.

Good luck.

[4dtvman]

Originally Posted by omegajim

For all those reasons above, you make a compelling argument for NOT buying an 1100, at least not for now.

Do your homework, find a smaller bike (max weight 400 lbs at the most) and go from there. There are any number of bikes that are 10 years old in good shape. Being Maryland, there will be quite a few bikes that "got put away and never got around to." Such as the case is here in Wisconsin.

While you are doing your homework (you shouldn't be in a hurry, but sometimes that happens) you will come closer and closer to the bike to get you back into the habit of riding. In the process of doing your homework, you might find say a Yamaha 535 fairly cheap in good condition that runs.

Don't want to admit to the seller you can't drive (or very well)? No problem, ask a friend who knows how to drive to take the bike for a test drive. A veteran rider will know what to expect from any given bike and guesstimate if there are "minor" concerns or the motor is about to blow (like a leaky head gasket, which can be expensive on a bike you just paid $1200 for).

Remember, you will most likely find what you are looking for in the oddest of places. Check the postings at the grocery store, take a different route home each day, take leisurely drives. You want to find someone who doesn't want to put the bike in the paper/internet because they don't want 101 phone calls to get the 1 guy who is going to buy the bike. I have used this method to buy my current ride, an old Yamaha.

Good luck.

Listen to him the way to go.

After 20 years of not riding I bought 15 year old honda in mint shape from a women for 2200 rode it for 3 months and sold it quick for 2000. So I lost 200 but not bad didn't loose thousands and had a good time with it. Wish I still had to make small trips around town. Big bike are a pain to ride around town.

[omegajim]

Listen to him the way to go.

every dog has his day.

.....btw, the most fun bike for the dollar I've ever owned was a dopey little 1973 Honda CB350. Highway driving was pretty much out of the question, but it was maneuverable and very forgiving because it was light. I say it's dopey, because it had suffered quite a bit of neglect before my ownership. But it still ran great.


knowing how to type helps like all get out for posting, too.

[wildwolf]

Looking for a 1200 HD Sportster? My brother (in Maryland) has a 2003 anniversary edition for sale. He'll give a fair price on it.

Even if you're looking to stay metric, I recommend a used bike. I paid $3300 for mine (1999 Suzuki VS800 Intruder) in April of 2004 and it's still a great bike. Heck, I've even put in about $1700 in 'upgrades' in it to make it 'my' bike.

Now I'm looking to buy the wife one (we bought her a 250 to ride in August or so of 2005).

[omegajim]

What would be a fair to middlin price on that Harley 1200 Sportster?

This bike I would consider to be on the large end for this guy to get back to biking, but then he wouldn't be in a big hurry to buy another one.

[wildwolf]

I've emailed my brother asking what he'll want for it. I think he bough it in 2004 for $7500.

I don't know the naming scheme for which HD it actually is, but:
2003 Harley-Davidson XLC Sportster Custom - $4750 trade in / $7140 retail
2003 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster - $4400 trade in / $6560 retail
(prices taken from kbb.com)
He'll likely split the difference for whichever it actually is, maybe a little more since it's the anniversary model.

Unfortunately, he's on a little field trip for a couple more months (active army), so he may not get to reply for a bit.

If you are really intested, I'll call my sister-in-law tonight (it's her bike...). She's looking to upgrade. He rides a custom built "motley davidson" and I think she's wanting a heritage classic...

[POE-BOY SAMICH]

Originally Posted by Kal-Rajab

By the way, the other day I read a long thread on why V-Star 1300 should be picked over the 1100 for the following reasons:

a) The price difference is only around $1000
b) VS1300 is liquid-cooled, belt driven, and fuel injected
c) It comes with 3-year extended warranty

But boy, it is a lot of bike for a newbie like me and then some.

Item "B" on your list is very subjective.
There are MANY rider who would rather have air-cooled bikes.
Same goes for FI. Lots of riders prefer a carb rather than fuel injection.
Drives are the most subjective of all three items listed.
Belt, Chain, Shaft drives each have their pluses/minuses. Don't just assume bet-drive is more to your liking over chain/shaft without doing a little research and (if possible) some test-driving.
I know you're not knew to riding but I understand bikes have changed quite a bit since you last rode.

Sounds like you're not so sure the 1100 is the bike for you.
Well don't pull the trigger on a purchase until you are sure.
Listen to others who've already posted and maybe get a used (i.e. less expensive) bike until you decide which is the bike you wanna buy for the long haul.

BTW, a friend of mine has an 1100. It's a nice bike and he has had 0 problems with it. Frankly, however, I don't know that any of the big mfr's are putting out bad bikes. You're likely to be happiest in the bike that is most comfortable for your build/body/butt.

Now item "C"...don't sweat that too much. If the warranty is a big deal to you, you can buy an extended warranty on any make/model.

Good luck.

[omegajim]

It's pretty subjective. Yamaha makes a little v-star 650 that doesn't look bad. The bike tips the scale at well over 400 lbs, and a modern 650 should have around 50 + horsepower. More than enough to get you around, and should you ever get bored with it YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER BIKE .

I still like my other post, checking around the grocery store bulletin board. Around here in Wisconsin every grocery store has a bulletin board with stuff for sale. These are people that want to sell stuff but don't want to pay anything to adverstise it. There's a Harley posted for sale right now, and this is in a town of 5k.