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

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.

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?

2006 Yamaha V-Star 1100

Summary:

Nice machine, but the jury is still out as to whether I would buy another Yamaha

Faults:

Starter went out at 12000 miles. Very expensive to replace, so watch out.

General Comments:

My first bike, so not much to compare it with. I like the ride and handling.

Have not found it to be free of problems, however. Now have an oil leak which I have yet to be looked at. Just had the 12000 mile maintenance, so it's a bit disappointing that something has gone wrong so soon.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2010

2006 Yamaha V-Star 1100

Summary:

Excellent affordable recreational vehicle

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Factory seat not so comfortable after about an hour's time.

Changing the oil filter requires the removal of the pipes, and makes for a lengthy process best performed when the bike is cold.

Great acceleration from 0 to 60.

Shifts extremely smoothly.

The 65 cubic inch motor moves me and my passenger with little effort at highway speeds, and gets excellent mileage.

This bike is extremely easy for even the novice like myself to adapt to, and pretty much drives itself at all speeds. Maintenance costs have been very minimal; this bike does not "shake itself apart". Adding the saddlebags and sissybar to it was relatively simple, and with the addition of a Cobra seat pack, this minimal maintenance well rounded bike keeps up on the highway quite nicely. This bike is the "Goldwing" of the "fatboy lookalikes", and I expect to have this bike for many years to come.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2010

2006 Yamaha V-Star 1100

Summary:

Excellent

General Comments:

There is not much I don't like about this bike. I had 15 years of sport bikes, so this is my first cruiser.

One thing mentioned in some of the other comments. The oil filter and the oil sight glass.

I found a website where a guy was selling a custom made bracket with a plastic mirror attached. It uses one the the floorboard bolts on the left side. It allows you to sit on the bike and stand it upright. You then look between the bike and the floorboard and check the oil.

I also installed a oil filter relocator kit. It runs two braided lines to the front of the bike with a spin on filter. Increases oil capacity and cooling. You can change oil in 15 minutes.

Other than these two issues, I have really enjoyed this bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2009