Yamaha V Star 100 Custom By Scotlas71 on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
My husband was like a child at Christmas when we went shopping for a new car and rode home on our brand new Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom! I knew I should have kept him out of that dealership - they don't even sell cars!
It was really a compromise since we had an old Chevy Blazer that was on deaths door - and still is ironically enough - and we were looking for something that would save us a bundle on gas. Yes, he has a way of making me agree to anything!
The Bike
Besides looking amazing with its chrome twin exhaust and its silver on blue detailing - at no extra charge, this packs a punch and handles great! A little heavy on a slow turn it feels almost weightless when cruising and its slightly low center of gravity allows for easy handling and balance which is nice compared to some of the older models we have owned. The stock model looks great so we didn't see the need to upgrade anything which saved us a lot of money. My only issue was the seat. Comfortable riding solo for shorter journeys, it didn't offer enough cushion for long hauls and after a while, you could feel how far you had ridden. As for riding pilion? Not the most enjoyable on your posterior after a short period of time. In retrospect, a seat upgrade would have been the wise choice. A King-Queen seat perhaps, would make this a smooth, luxurious ride! The "passenger seat" can actually be detached from the bike completely - which truly wouldn't make THAT much of a difference!
A built in tool box is cleverly hidden just below the seat within the "storage compartment and is just large enough to accomodate a few of the bare neccessities.
The tank holds approximately 4.5 gallons of premium unleaded fuel and the mileage is incredible at cruising speed with a full tank - only once have we had to turn on reserve and that extra little 1 and a half gallons got us where we needed to be with plenty to spare!
A mute point was the helmet holder. A little locking device where one is supposed to do the obvious - lock up ones helmet - however it is oddly placed under the rear fender above the wheel and, personally, I think its stupid!
The Nuts and Bolts and Important Stuff!
As affordable as this bike was, the financing was downright ridiculous through HSBC Retail Services! The dealer even advised us that before our 1 year promotional period would expire, we should refinance - no kidding! What started as a $129/month payment promptly soared to over $280/mo with late fees of over $40 plus interest should the payment be so much as one day past due! I strongly suggest purchasing this outright or obtaining a loan from your financial institution. What was an $8000 bike became a $13,500 loan payment!
Large double brake disks on front wheel and single on back make for great stopping power.
Length: 94.6", Seat Height: 27", Weight (with full tank): 616lbs
31-39 mpg with an average range on a full tank of 150 miles (pre-reserve)
Hard suspension and a poor passenger seat are the only real negatives, although the low fender makes it difficult to carry any cargo. If you don't want to use our bungee method, then I would invest in a rack system.
Safe Riding!
In regard to the financing, I was remiss in informing you that, should you be fearful of a $40 late payment fee and decide to call in your payment over the telephone, they are happy (and quiet about telling you) that there is a $15 charge for the privillege of paying your bill on time :-) Oh, and that does NOT mean that it is processed on time. I made a phone payment on the 5th of the month for a payment due on the 11th (knowing that - according to them - it takes about 3 weeks for checks to arrive and get processed!) however, even with a payment made one full week early and over the phone with a debit card (immediate receipt, no?) I was uinformed on the following bill that I had accrued a late payment fee for the telephone transaction as it was not processed until the 11th of the month - which was, in fact, the due date, therefore NOT late! Be WARY! I reported HSBC Retail Services to the BBB and had all fees reversed.
In regard to the financing, I was remiss in informing you that, should you be fearful of a $40 late payment fee and decide to call in your payment over the telephone, they are happy (and quiet about telling you) that there is a $15 charge for the privillege of paying your bill on time :-) Oh, and that does NOT mean that it is processed on time. I made a phone payment on the 5th of the month for a payment due on the 11th (knowing that - according to them - it takes about 3 weeks for checks to arrive and get processed!) however, even with a payment made one full week early and over the phone with a debit card (immediate receipt, no?) I was uinformed on the following bill that I had accrued a late payment fee for the telephone transaction as it was not processed until the 11th of the month - which was, in fact, the due date, therefore NOT late! Be WARY! I reported HSBC Retail Services to the BBB and had all fees reversed.
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About The Author:
Yamaha 2008 V-Star 1100 Custom Purchased at: G-Force Motorsports Price: $7999
looks like very fast n expensive bike. my bro loved to have one.
Very cool bike. great review.
Very good, detailed and informative review. This bike looks 'macho'! Yamaha is a good and reliable brand as well. I think the price is worth it if it does not give you any problem at all. Thanks for sharing.
That thing looks like it can haul!
Awsome bike I thought your review very nice and put together
I love my V Star, but I didn't like the way it stalled in slow speeds. I got a custom clutch lever for it at http://www.clevverlever.com and it's MUCH better now!
Great bike and a great information!