2004 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Reviews

I have not any anything "go wrong" with my 1100 since purchasing it last year. It was a gently used adult original owner I bought it from. Mechanically I have just performed basic maintenance like oil changes, service the K&N air filter, new rear discs and new Dunlop 404's.

I was coming off a 1978 Honda Gold Wing that I had had for 12 years and 70K miles. Thought I wanted a sport/tourer, but the ST1300, Concours etc. were not comfortable for me. I test drove several makes/models of cruisers before I selected the 1100.

The bike already had a Jardine Oil Relocation Kit installed. The need to remove the exhaust in the stock configuration for an oil filter change is not a plus.

The stock seat is terrible. I did 500 miles and then ordered the Mustang seat. What an amazing different in comfort! The Mustang took away vibration as well that showed up after 60 mph.

The bike is extremely nimble... low to the ground and fun to drive. I am 5 foot 10 inches and I find the bike very comfortable ergonomically (with the Mustang seat of course). I put on highway bars and pegs to change riding positions. A plus. It feels lighter than the 600 pounds plus that it is.

Bike is torquey and powerful. Easy to drive in town and plenty of power out on the highway. I only ride solo, so not sure how it would be 2 up.

There are lots of used later model 1100's on the used market, and you can find some real low mileage bargains out there.

Overall, I give this bike high marks for a cruiser type bike, considering the price, reliability, aftermarket accessories available etc, assuming one replaces the blankety blank stock seat right away!

I had the rear gear fail on me at 35,000 miles and again at 59,000 miles. I have been told that the gear is the fail safe for the transmission. Don't know if it's true. The starter went out on me once as well.

Great riding bike. The seat has held up well and is very comfortable.

The mechanics are still good, and the per mile cost seems reasonable.

I've had no mechanical problems at all.

Be wary of a potential starter kick-back problem that can be expensive (+$600) for mid-2004 models and earlier. You MUST start as recommended to avoid this. Basically, just continue to hold the starter button on for two full seconds after engine has started.

Could use a 6th gear or a higher ratio 5th for the freeway.

I wanted an air-cooled V-twin cruiser, but didn't want to shell out the bucks for a Harley Heritage. Bought it almost new, and it came with a comfy Mustang seat and a bunch of chrome extras at a great price. After 3 years I still enjoy it, and have had no problems at all.

Solid and proven mechanically and not a big deal to change the oil & filter, maybe an extra 15 min to drop the front exhaust. Did my own valve adjustment too.

Performance wise I think it has the least acceleration per cc of anything on two wheels, but I didn't buy it for speed (I'm older now). Strong brakes with dual disks on the front.

Paint quality is excellent, and the chrome is average.

Nothing has gone wrong yet.

I've heard there could be starter problems, but so far so good.

To change the oil filter you have to remove the front exhaust pipe and loosen the floor board. I bought a oil relocation kit, $$$$$$$.

It rides and handles well.