After a very long wait, I finally got my first bike and I’m sure I made the right choice in the Yamaha V Star 1100 Silverado. Before buying, I researched online approximately four hours a day for about six weeks. This site and Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine online were very valuable resources. I also picked up a copy of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles which was very helpful too. I learned enough about motorcycles from these resources that some sales people I talked with couldn’t answer some of the more technical questions I had. I found that quite amusing and one dealership lost a sale because of it. In my opinion, sales people should know their product.
My final short list before buying the Yamaha included the Suzuki C50 and the Kawasaki 900 Vulcan. I scratched the Kawasaki due to the lack of after market accessories and articles I read which opined that the Kaw 900 did not unseat the C50 as king of the middle weights. So that left me with a choice between the C50 and the Silverado. I was a little bit concerned that the Yamaha might be too big for a new rider. But, in the end, I knew that if I got the C50 I’d wish that I bought the Yamaha. Also, to me, plastic equals cheap and, in my opinion, a classic cruiser should be made of steel. There is extensive use of plastic on the C50. Also, the fuel injection and liquid cooling of the C50 doesn’t make up for the 9 extra horsepower or the 12 more ft lbs. of torque out of the box that the Yamaha 1063 mill provides. Peak horsepower and torque arrives at lower rpm’s too. 62hp at 5750 rpm’s and 63 ft lbs. of torque at 2500 rpm’s for the Yamaha 1063 Vs 53hp at 6000 rpm’s and 51 ft lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm’s for the Suzuki 805. Further, due to the availability of after market accessories, the potential to soup-up the Yamaha has many possibilities. Because there is no fuel injection, re-jetting the carbs is all that is required Vs purchasing and installing a new computer and then tuning it in on a fuel injected machine. I also like not having to worry about blowing a hose or taking a rock in the radiator since the 1063 is air-cooled. Keep it simple!
Anyway, about the bike. I’m lovin’ it! Any concerns I had about it being too big for a new rider dissipated the first time I rode it. To me, it seems an easier machine to handle than the Honda Rebel I rode in the MSF course. There’s an ample friction zone in the clutch, the tranny shifts very smoothly and the balance is superb. It seems to stand up on it’s own as soon as it gets moving and tight slow speed maneuvers are no problem at all. As for power, it has all I need and is easy to control whether I want to make a nice gentle take off or blast off between stoplights. The triple discs provide plenty of stopping power. The suspension is well sprung. It takes potholes with no bottoming out and also provides great stability on curves and when cornering. Smooth is the word!
Now I know why experienced riders who could handle a bigger machine choose to ride the Yamaha 1100 V Star. It’s a great machine and definitely a keeper!
Upgrades/Accessories: Genuine Star Light Bar and Big Bar Engine Guards
Write your own Review of this Vehicle!
Reviews provided by PowerSports Network
Disclaimer
Reviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.
