Classic and reliable
Starter motor after 6 years.
Had to replace the battery after 8 years.
The quality is better than anything else I own including a Chevy, a Ford and a Harley (pretty close to my Cessna 177 in reliability). This bike is bulletproof.
Added 429 cams, and a KJS manifold with a single bigger carb.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th December, 2014
It's my baby... took it everywhere, it let me down only once in 9 years... stater..
Stater went at 72 000 KM approx.
Initially had carburation problems because dealer did not adjust properly when DG Hardchrome was added...
I like it. It's my baby. It sounds and looks great with the DG Hardchrome. Best thing I did was to get these exhausts on from day one. She is a spoiled baby... I installed a lot of chrome... Lots to choose from. Looks great great on her...
Good torque at low RPM... sound like a Harley... up to 80Km/h, then it runs a little higher than I would like... This is the reason I changed from the 650 to the 1100... Next bike may be a Harley after all... but I am scared to lose the great feeling my baby gives me right now.
I celebrated its 80 000 Km anniversary last week... with her friend Suzuki 1500 Intruder... She likes to leave the 'bigger' bike behind as she is faster... because she runs higher RPM after 80Km/h, likely... it was fun.. another successful 200km ride after work...
Consumption: Average 5 liters for 100Km.
Con: The valve adjustments schedule required (every 6000K, are you kidding me!) and the oil filter that requires the pipe to be removed... (Are you kidding me take 2!)... would I have known, I would not have bought this Yamaha... but I'm glad I did...
I went to lots of places, remote places... it never let me down.
Next bike: most likely a bigger V engine, 6th speed and fuel injection... But the problem is: I'm still in love with my Black V-Star 1100 Classic.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th July, 2010
MY BRAND NEW V-STAR 2011, CLASSIC 1100.
I rode my friends '08 1100 Custom, and loved it, and this year bought my first Yamaha. Usually I have ridden Honda's in the past, but this bike, with its hard tail looks, is so sexy I couldn't resist. I'm buying it brand new and getting some accessories:
1. Engine guard and highway pegs.
2. Oil filter relocation kit.
3. Yamaha tall windshield.
4. Fender rack.
I bought it on 04/25/12, and they said it would take a week to 10 days. When I get it, I'll going on a trip and I'm headed south. When I get back, I'll update you guys on my trip and how much I love my new ride. God Bless and keep the rubber side down. Special thanks to Greg and Dustin and all the “GUYS” at Riverside Yamaha/Suzuki in St. Albert Alberta.
P.S.
It sounds like she's been good to you. I am so looking forward to putting on the first kilometer mine has ever seen, and then about 10,000 more this year.
I know what you mean, was behind the exhaust the only place they could think to put the oil filter?
I had it for only 2 1/2 months - So far so good!
The only problem so far is the backfiring and popping, and an occasion stall, usually just as I come to a stop upon down shifting.
My 2003 V-Star handles quite well considering the weight and length.
The factory drivers seat is relatively comfortable.
I have absolutely no use for the "heel" shifter, and pretty much ignore it.
Fuel mileage is great at around 53 mpg. Last tank full of gas lasted 254 kl (158 miles) before switching to reserve. Now if I could just get rid of that backfiring, popping and stalling!
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th September, 2008
It seems like it's running too advanced and/or lean if you are getting that extraordinary mileage. The lean explains the post detonation.
Block (plug) the two chrome air injection tubes, it'll run fine.
I had the same problems with popping, stalling, backfiring... switched to regular grade gasoline. Problem solved!
13th Jan 2015, 21:44
Hi would you be able to tell me about your comfort mark of 5? I read a review where there's vibration at HWY speeds and was wondering if you feel the same? mspita1964@yahoo.com