2006 Yamaha V-Star 1100
Summary:
Wish I had bought one sooner, it is a really nice machine
Faults:
No mechanical failures so far. Have owned for one year, purchased used.
It does shimmy more than my Honda did, apparently the difference between a V-4 and a V-2.
It does have a design fault that took some figuring out. When hot, the gas will boil out of the carbs, as they are located between the V pistons. Took some getting used to, and spoke to 3 different mechanics before one finally described the problem immediately. After sitting while hot, you need to roll the accelerator slightly to get some fuel in the carbs, being careful not to flood it out, which I did 3-4 times before getting it right.
General Comments:
I love the shaft drive and acceleration! This bike will really move.
Handling is excellent for a bike this size. I installed footboards on the front, just have to watch cornering, as they will drag in tight turns. It does sit lower than my Honda did, but rides much more like a cruiser, and surprisingly was closer to the handling of my Honda than I imagined it would be.
Very comfortable cruiser, especially for the passenger.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th January, 2011
16th Jun 2013, 21:13
No, I had a Magna 750... V-4 versus a V-2. Honda engine was smoother, bike was a little quicker, but it was a hybrid cruiser, almost more like a racer. Loved it, had it 12 years, was just time for a change. The V-Star is a true cruiser, a good ride on long hauls, and a shaft drive.
27th Oct 2013, 18:06
How did you solve the problem of high idle when hot?
25th Oct 2012, 00:04
What was the Honda you had before the V-Star? I rode a Shadow Spirit 1100 and loved it. How do the two compare?
Thanks.