Almost each time I face a cruising machine, the parking lot seems to be the biggest worry. But this is not the case with this Star because although its manufacturer made it large and solid, a single leg push is needed to demonstrate how keeping the center of gravity low influences this task in a positive way. Also, the low center of gravity results into an easy to maneuver cruiser, especially in the parking lot.
While maneuvering it slowly, you will notice a healthy and deep exhaust note, which is due to a large-diameter muffler outlet. The clutch is very easy to operate and it eases the task when it comes to quick engages and disengages but what I don’t like is how the already wide-turning radius is decreased when your knees are trapped against the fuel tank and handlebars. This would be the disadvantage in parking lot utilizing.
Riding around town is an absolute joy as the 1300cc engine is very responsive to throttle inputs and the transmission is smooth, resulting in slick shifting in collaboration to the clutch. Fuel injection proves efficient and very adequate for the liquid-cooled V-twin but what I most appreciate is the counterbalancer’s effect of reducing vibrations close to zero. I had also ridden the V Star outside town where the engine proved to pull strongly in the mid-range and maintaining that rhythm until the top-end. In this excellent rush I didn’t detect any bothering vibrations so Star knows how to keep it comfy and enjoyable.
The engine is ideal for long-distance cruising but it is also able to provide strong power for passing over even in fifth gear. This is what makes it so great: the fact that it has sufficient low-end pull for cruising down the boulevard and more than enough high-end grunt out on the freeway.
On twisty roads, it becomes the ideal machine as it corners easily and crisply responses to steering input. This is partly due to the suspensions which can be comfy when needed and very reassuring in other conditions. Personally, I felt comfortably accommodated and no bump managed to disturb the feel of freedom that I experienced while riding this mechanical horse. The advantage was that the ride never felt soft and bumps are easily absorbed.
Leaning over is very permissive and that is due to good ground clearance. The floorboards can’t be touched with ease and this makes it quite a ride.
I wouldn’t say that the brakes are the best equipment found on this 2008 V Star 1300 but they get the job done properly and seem to work efficient in emergency situations. I would expected a more powerful braking feel but as long as the job gets done, why bother?
This cruiser offers excellent overall riding feel and it is an easy to use piece of machinery both in and out of town with the best of comfort and a friendly character. It is an excellent choice and it properly feels the gap between the Road Star and its little brother the V Star 1100.
Price
The 2008 model year is offered together with three color options which can influence the already advantageous price tag. Raven and Liquid Silver will require $10,090 while the Candy Red/Black Cherry deeps deeper in your pocket and extracts $200 more. Either way this is a true quality product based on Star engineering and it is worth every penny.
Conclusion
I enjoyed presenting you this relatively new expression of concentrated Star Power – with V-twin torque to burn – wrapped in an excellent chassis, and finished off with a little neo-streamlined style and plenty of Star quality engineering.
What I most appreciate now that I have to draw the line, is the 80-cubic-inch liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-twin producing broad, meaty power. That is mostly due to a computer-controlled twin-barrel fuel injection which practically brings all the fun involved.
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