The only thing really wrong with Yamaha's V-Star 1100 is its riding position-and that's not the bike's fault. Sitting on your tailbone with your legs and feet stretched out in front of you-with neither able to support any of your weight-is not a recipe for riding comfort regardless of what the cruiser contingent tells you.
Yamaha's-oops, Star Motorcycles'-V-Star 1100 Classic is one of those cruisers that pretty much does everything well, stopping, turning and rumbling down the highway with a level of capability that never seems to intrude on the pure riding experience. Which is exactly what a "mid-sized" (1100 to 1300cc) Japanese cruiser ought to do, the category filled with bikes that bridge the gap between entry-level cruisers and the full-sized V-twin behemoths Japan Inc. is pumping out these days.
Star builds three versions of the 1100: the retro-styled Classic shown here, a more chopped version called the Custom and a more touring-oriented version with bags and windshield called the Silverado. The Classic is, well, classically styled, meaning fat wheels and tires, wide wraparound fenders, staggered dual mufflers, a wide pullback handlebar and more chrome than you can shake a spray can at. And then there's the flame paint job...
Within Yamaha's cruiser line, the 1100 represents life in the middle, the $8999 Classic slotting between the $6200 V-Star 650 and all-new $10,090 V-Star 1300. If the 1100 weren't so balanced and right, especially for more entry-level riders, we might push folks toward the 1300 and its new-generation liquid-cooled engine and swank custom styling, though the extra 75 pounds would be a detriment to newbies.
What makes the 1100 Classic so right is its combination of flexible, easy-to-use power, predictable and stable handling, compliant suspension (not a simple thing when you're dealing with a low seat height and 4 inches of wheel travel), and a relatively high degree of comfort via a plush saddle, well-designed ergonomics (for a cruiser) and a thorough lack of bothersome vibes from the 75-degree V-twin. That engine is especially sweet, providing a decent level of low-end and midrange grunt linked to perfect throttle response from its dual Mikuni carburetors. Cold-morning starts are simple and warm-up is quick, and the engine-based in part on the original '80s Virago 1100-works so well you tend to forget about it and simply stir the positive-shifting five-speed to keep you in the fat part of the rev range.
The Eleven's chassis is every bit as functional as its power source, feeling just a bit smaller and livelier than most of the 1300cc cruisers on the market, a good sitch for beginners. The bike is stable at all speeds, the brakes are excellent in power and feel, and there's especially good feedback during slower going, another boon for novices. The wide bar places your hands and arms in a comfortable position, though the floorboards and heel/toe shifter take some getting used to. At least shift action is positive.
Positive: That's a word that comes up often when we describe this mid-sized V-Star. Its performance makes it a great motorcycle, and its price makes it a great value for under 10 Gs.
Price: $8899
Engine type: a-c 75-degree V-twin
Valve train: SOHC, 4v
Displacement: 1063cc
Transmission: 5-speed
Claimed horsepower: na
Claimed torque: na
Frame: Tubular-steel double cradle
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Single shock with adjustable spring preload
Front brake: Single two-piston caliper, 282mm disc
Front tire: 130/90-16 Dunlop D404F
Rear tire: 170/80-15 Dunlop D404
Seat height: 28.0 in.
Wheelbase: 64.8 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal
Claimed dry weight: 593 lb.
Contact: www.starmotorcycles.com