15th Jun 2010, 11:21

05 V-star Silverado 1100. I get bad vibration at high RPM's. It does not matter what gear or speed. If I pull the clutch at 80, it rides smooth as silk. I balanced the carbs, but I am at a total loss on this one. Does anyone have a clue as to what it could be? My only thought is motor or carbs. The bike has 38k on it.

24th Jun 2010, 21:14

I've had my 2004 V Star Vlassic 1100 since Oct. of 2003. Bought it new. I have about 42,000 + miles on it now, Max Air kit solved the 6 gear problem, Vance and Hines slip on fixed the sound, changing the oil is not bad now (used to it).

Love the bike, good highway and city cruiser. I had to replace the battery at about 30,000 miles.

At 39,000 miles two small gears in my rear end broke (good thing it wasn't the big gear), I was told those two gears are the weakest link.

A friend fixed it for me and it's as good as new. Has anyway else heard of this happening?

26th Jun 2010, 06:08

09 V-Star 1100 Classic, only 2500km, but having the same oil problem as Brian. Was OK until its first service. Mechanic replaced oil with Motul 5100 synthetic, now when I get up to cruising speed (usually a few km into the ride), the oil light comes on, and goes off when I drop down a couple of gears. I can then go back to cruising without any further issue. Vibration at 110km is not too bad.

Ian.

8th Jul 2010, 19:11

I just purchased an 05 V Star 1100 Classic with 9000 miles on it. I've put 100 miles on it, and noticed something leaking down the right side below the air cleaner. It's not a lot, but definitely something leaking. I wiped it clean and went for a little ride, and had some drips again?

Also noticed a tick in the engine. Checked the oil and it is fine. Window is full when the bike is level. Any ideas?

2nd Aug 2010, 19:56

I have a 2004 V Star 1100. I really love the bike, but have a problem with it killing the battery (three of them). It charges most of the time, but on three occasions it has quit charging. When I put the meter on it, it reads as it should. I have had two different shops put it on the machine, reads perfect. I would like to know if anyone has had a problem like this? This is the only problem I have had; I want to fix it.

Bill.

13th Aug 2010, 21:52

I have 2001 1100 classic. Bought it 5 years ago with 900 miles on it, 13,500 now. No problems. I would ride ANYWHERE on it.

Vibration is more noticeable with speed, so I had Aligator Bob install a Pro Pad, will test on long ride this weekend. I was actually considering a used Goldwing, but decided to keep the ole' girl and just trick her out a little, a little bling bling. The other ole' girl gave me permission. LOL.

I am considering a jet kit; anyone with advice?

Bill in Illinois.

20th Aug 2010, 11:50

I have an "03 V-star 1100 Custom. I found that the ticking came up within the first 1,500 miles. After adjusting the valve backlash, it was fine.

The dripping from the air filter is oil that is spat out when you rev. during deceleration.

I also had a problem with some shaking right before I needed to replace the front tire.

7th Sep 2010, 06:48

I have a 2004 model with all the Silverado goodies. All I can say is what a great bike. I ride in all weathers and all year round, so don't worry about purchasing this bike.

10th Sep 2010, 11:17

2002 V-star custom, just getting around to changing tires, only ride 2000 miles a year. Cobra pipes, Barons big air kit and jet kit.

Only problem I've had was a diaphragm spring in the front carb. broke, thought I blew it up. Rough idle when it sits for long periods. Run a couple tanks of fresh fuel and carb. cleaner through it and good as new. Put a Corbin dual touring saddle on it, and can now ride all day. Love the backrest.

11th Sep 2010, 20:38

I purchased a used 2008 1100 two years ago with 500 miles, now with 10000 miles only did three services, tires and windshield, highway pegs and saddle bags. This is my first bike and I love it. People keep talking about Harley's and they are good bikes (I guess), but I can't see what more pleasure I can get out of a bike. I love it!!

JP

Birmingham, Al.

20th Sep 2010, 22:25

Had my V-Star 950 for just over a year.

Ride it to work every day, it's done about 12,000 miles including lots of longish runs with my wife and camping gear.

Bought the Mustang seat, a good luggage rack, some decent footboards for the passenger, a tach (the speedo is almost useless at night, even if I could see it, it's about 10mph fast).

New rear tire at about 7500 miles, due front and rear next, change oil regularly.

Criticisms: the speedo, the silly oil light which has a mind of its own, but I am very happy otherwise, it goes like a dream.

Comment: Could do with twin discs when fully loaded.

Geoff.

24th Oct 2010, 23:13

I have been riding for 2 years now. I have a 2005 1100 V Star. I bought the bike with 2300 miles on it, and it now has over 7000 on it with no problems.

Being a new rider, I was concerned of having a bike be too big. I was considering a smaller V Star. Trust me, it is better to grow into one instead of growing out of one.

I have read many issues with vibrations, oil changes, etc. Yes, my bike does have a vibration around 70-75, which I seldom drive that fast anyway. Usually around 60-65, I just don't get in a hurry when I'm on the bike.

I had an oil filter relocate kit put on the bike, new hard khrome pipes, K&N air filter, crash bars, driving lights, Mustang seat (a must on this bike).

I get 45 miles to the gallon with a passenger, and around 50 by myself on the highway at these speeds.

I am looking at possibly moving up to a 1300 or 1700 in a couple of years. No fault of this bike though, it's been a great bike, and with all the upgrades I have done to it, I am gonna enjoy it for a couple more years. The only reason I am planning on moving up is now I have more experience and confidence, and ride with people who have bigger bikes.

The only complaint I have on the bike is that I am always looking for 6th gear, as it does seem to rev high, but what can you expect from an 1100cc? It is gonna rev high. There are times I could have used a little more power with a passenger to get around a semi-truck, trucks pulling boats, RVs etc.., just plan before you act. Give yourself time to do so safely. I has plenty of power to go down the highway, but again I never get in a hurry. If I needed to be somewhere fast, I would have taken a plane.

This bike does great in town and on the highway. If you are a new rider, or considering a 2005 1100 V Star, I would recommend it very highly. My wife and I get out every chance we get. Just get out and enjoy the ride.