You instinctively know a great cruiser when you see one. Retro style is even cooler when it’s combined with Star engineering, including and SOHC air-cooled V-twin and shaft drive. It’s all right here just begging for some choice personalization.
Introduction
The V Star 1100 Classic is one of America’s best cruiser values and a perennial best seller. It features an authentic air-cooled V-twin, shaft drive and styling that sure stays true to the Classic name.
This legendary V-Star 1100 Classic has an unsurpassed reputation for value and reliability thanks to its authentic air-cooled V-twin that pumps up some serious horsepower and performance, while the long and low design provides great looks. Give it a try and I bet you’ll be hooked.
In 1999 Yamaha Motor Corporation began producing the V-Star 1100, or the Dragstar 1100, as it was sold in Europe. It was introduced in two different versions, the XVS1100 and XVS1100A. The first featured a more classic style, while the second became popular by featuring a more modern style and a slightly lower seat height.
But the V Star series didn’t start life with the 1100. The model was a derivation of the 1998 V Star 650. The 1100 used a reworked version of the venerable Virago 75-degree, air-cooled V-twin which had been in use since the early 1980s.
The V Star 1100 soon saw a Star version which exploited better that reliable engine, which means that it offers better torque. The shaft-drive layout from the Virago was also carried over to the V Star 1100, but it relied on a new suspension and frame, discarding the outboard dual shocks and stressed-member engine arrangement of the Virago in favor of a single-shock and twin downtubes. At that time the midsize cruiser bike came equipped with Keihin 37 mm carburetor with throttle-position sensor used to efficiently meter fuel to the 8.3:1, oversquare engine
The V Star gathered a huge following early on, which lead to the addition in 2000 of the Classic model. As opposed to the Custom’s bobbed rear fender, exposed forks, 110 front tire and other custom touches, the Classic had longer, more voluptuous fenders, floorboards, beefy fork covers and a 130 front tire. Later a Silverado model, which included such amenities as a windscreen, sissy bar, soft sidebags and the like, was introduced as an upscale model.
Being bulletproof built and implementing a reliable engine, this bike only needed minor updates in order to keep being successfully sold.
Competition
2008 Honda Sabre
Up against the Yamaha is the Honda Shadow Sabre, an ideal machine always ready to take you in places you’ve only dreamed of cruising. From its 1099cc, 45-degree v-twin pumps serious power and the kind of torque everyone wants in a big cruiser. And when it comes to styling details, with its combination of brilliant chrome and scintillating paint schemes, the Sabre is flat-out stunning and a close competitor of the V Star 1100, either.
Featuring clean lines and an uncluttered look, the Vulcan 900 Classic is ideal for cruising purists. The well balanced mid-size cruiser offers riders the look and feel of the larger V-twins, without the hefty size and price. With styling cues from its biggest sibling, the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic, the 900 Classic is a sure winner in the mid-size category. Entry-level riders and those seeking more nimble than the large-displacement machines will enjoy this stylish mid-size machine.
2008 kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Exterior
2008 V Star 1100 Classic
Almost every cruiser gathered under the Star designation starts with a beautifully designed headlight covered in chrome. The V Star 1100 makes no exception and this unit helps maximize nighttime visibility.
Further improving the look are the pullback handlebars which, as the headlight cover feature chrome all over it. The handlebars go well with the large, 4.5-gallon teardrop fuel tank with class-leading fuel capacity which significantly improves long-distance cruising range. On the fuel tank, an eye catching speedometer is designed with a large face for easy reading of data.
The fenders are steel, not plastic, and no mater the model they are mounted on, combine cool style with rugged durability. The wheels they cover feature cast aluminum rims which also contribute at giving a nice visual aspect.
Star takes special care of their bike’s fit and finish so the V Star features rich, lustrous paint and extensive chrome accents that make all the difference when creating a timeless machine.
Also timeless is the look of that beautiful V-twin which pulls nicely underneath the rider and still manages to catch the eyes of the motorcycling fan on the side of the road. The two-into-two exhaust also sees its way through and creates nice chromed apparel.
Forgot your password?