2009 Star V Star 1300 Review

Introduction

2009 Star V Star 1300

No matter model the engine is the same 80-cubic-inch, liquid-cooled, V-twin; SOHC, four valves per cylinder, the biggest ever to be mounted on a V Star model and it shows. This unit is not only impressive looking, but features a fuel injection system which lines it up next to even bigger models. Also thanks to the capable engine, the V Star 1300 meets both the demands of riders who just start out and even of experienced ones who have long quit to go for the biggest and meanest cruiser/tourer out there, but simply for the one that suits them best.

And it’s not just the powerplant. Take weight for example. The base model only weighs 668 lbs while the touring one doesn’t go over 712 lbs. Relying both on the same versatile chassis, what these bikes only require is to be set into motion and they’ll work their magic beautifully. There is a double cradle steel frame on which the engine mounts solidly and, still, the vibrations level is in decent limits. A relaxed cruising feel is enhanced by the 5.3 inches of travel front (telescopic fork) and the 4.3 inches of travel rear (single shock) while braking performance is excellent thanks to a pair of 298 mm discs up front and a single also 298 mm one at the rear.

Star claims their V Star 1300 will go 42 mpg and with a 4.9 gallons tank, this bike really is self-sufficient. Yet, contenders aren’t falling behind and it’s always worth keeping an eye opened for that aspect as well. But why not start with seeing where the V Star comes from?

2009 Star V Star 1300 Tourer

2008 Yamaha V Star History

Competition

2009 Suzuki Boulevard C90

Suzuki’s midsized cruisers are the Boulevard C90 and C90T, both being powered by an 89.2-cubic-inch, air-cooled, OHC, 45-degree V-twin that is as well fuel injected and implicit slightly more powerful than Star’s 80-cubic-inch motor. Still, performances are pretty much in the same interval as the C90 weighs 705 lbs and the C90T weighs 747 lbs. These bikes don’t feature a distinctive belt final drive like the two Stars do, but shaft drive. Yet, the five-speed tranny is there. Although by the way that the two Boulevard models look like it would seem that they deserve a decent place in any motorcycle museum, they are actually built to be ridden so they sell for $11,299 (C90) and $12,299 (C90T).

2009 Honda VTX1300T

The Honda VTX1300R ($9,999) and VTX1300T ($11,299) are significantly cheaper motorcycles of the category and a closer look reveals why. Honda hasn’t yet prepped up a fuel-injection system for the 80.06-cubic-inch, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin; SOHC, three valves per cylinder engine and the models carry on to 2009 being powered by the 38mm constant-velocity carbureted engine. Performance isn’t of crucial importance in this category, but appearance is so the Retro model features deeply valanced fenders, lots of chrome as well as amazing finishing. The same thing applies to the VTX 1300 Tourer only that this model adds a windscreen, leather saddlebags and a backrest as standard equipment.

Exterior

2009 Star V Star 1300

It’s always good to know what you’re working against, but with the 2009 Star V Star 1300 and the Star V Star 1300 Tourer, we could have really skipped that as the bikes are very refined and also inspired by the biggest Star motorcycles, each from the specific category that it belongs too.

The fenders aren’t deeply valanced, but do stand out as being classy while the gas tank and the V-twin motor are positioned low for a good center of gravity. The seat is also only 28.1 inches from the ground and the floorboards positioned way up front for a relaxed cruising position with the handlebars being pulled back.

Unlike other middleweight cruisers which feature a two-into-two exhaust, the largest V Stars only feature a large silencer that is also a Star characteristic, a pretty unique one too. Compact, so well put together, the Star’s 98 inches length is harnessed by the two seven-spoke cast wheels with beefy tires on the cruising-type model and seven-spoke aluminum wheels also with beefy tires on the touring-type motorcycle.

2009 Star V Star 1300 Tourer

The 2009 Star V Star 1300 features two stylish color schemes, Raven and Pearl.

As mentioned in the introduction, the Tourer stands out thanks to the tall windscreen, leather-wrapped, hard sidebags and a passenger backrest. Colors available in this case are Galaxy Blue and Candy Red.

2008 Yamaha V Star Test Ride

Price

Star sells the V Star 1300 for a starting price of $10,290 no matter the color of choice and the 2009 V Star 1300 Tourer for $11, 290 (Candy Red) and $11,490 (Galaxy Blue). These numbers unveil a good price-quality ratio which is also the main factor for which these motorcycles sell easily.

Conclusion

2009 Star V Star 1300

Overall, the two Star motorcycles show no radical changes, but as you can suppose (given the category), they don’t actually need them. Fuel injection makes that engine grunty and very effective while the wisely engineered frame ensures proper handling as well as comfort. Add a smooth overall design and some attractive color schemes while keeping the prices down and you’re in with an unbeatable combination…actually two.

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