V-Star length of life? I just did a compression check on my '04, 1100 and it's right up to new engine specs = 142 ft. lbs. on both cylinders. I use AmsOil, change every 5K. This engine has 43K on it now and will easily last over 100K.
Have to replace fuel pump. First repair since new.
Desert Dave.
I don't see a posting for '01 V Stars, so I'll just do it here.
I got my '01 classic at about 54k miles and I LOVE IT!
The good: Great retro-styled looks, low comfortable seat, wide floorboards, cushy ride.
The bad: ridiculous oil filter location, had to replace the starter clutch drive at 57k miles... OUCH... ($750 in parts alone) The carb intake boots are deteriorating. High revs at cruising speed... Needs to have overdrive.
For the mileage this bike has, and considering it was stored outdoors most of its life and ridden daily mostly in Austin city traffic, she's doing pretty good.
Overall, a great bike. However, if you're in the market for a V Star and the starter drive hasn't been replaced, it will. I learned this 1500 miles after I got it.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR STARTER HAPPY:
Don't rev the throttle at start up, and keep starter engaged 2 full seconds after it fires. The TPS changes the ignition advance curve and causes starter clutch damage due to kickback. Air leaks in the intake have also been reported to be a cause of this problem.
Be safe and keep the shiny side up.
Steve-o.
I own a 2004 V-star Custom with 27,000 miles on it. Overall, it's a great bike. The negative point is that it has a vibration problem. When I rev the engine over 4000 rpm.. I feel the vibration's in the handle, seat et pegs. Dealer checked everything and can't find nothing..
The bike didn't have this vibration problem before..
Has anyone experienced this problem?
Yves.
Montréal, Canada.
I have a 2000 V-star 1100 and absolutely love it! I've had many of the problems described above. The most nerve racking was the popping when decelerating. But now I have a problem with the clutch slipping. I seen advertisements for a harder spring disk. Has anyone else had this issue??? It has a little over 50,000 miles on it, but I'm not too hard on takeoffs, and have never tore the clutch out of any vehicle I've owned. Just curious if this is a problem, or if it's just time to replace it?
To anyone looking for reviews, if something happened to this bike, yes I'd have to buy another V-Star!!!
Antman
Atlanta, GA.
I have a 2004 V Star Classic and love it. I ride it everyday until the wind chill gets below 28...
The bike has ticked ever since I owned it, and the valves have been adjusted several times, I hear it more with a wind shield, but it never lets me down, always cranks, runs smooth.
Love my Jardine pipes and K&N air filter (Got them at CruiserCustomizing), the boys at CC will take care of you...
I have replaced tires and oil, but I think some people tinker with their bikes too much, just get on it and ride the mess out of it, and it will be fine. Believe me, I ride mine constantly and hate to get off.
Quit freaking out about a little sound here or a little vibration there, cause it's a motorcycle not a Lexus, so don't expect a Lexus, just expect a great bike like a V Star and enjoy the ride on 2 wheels.
Jake USAF.
Antman, Lol..
How did you solved the vibration's problem on your bike?
Sorry, can't help you with the clutch.. I haven't experienced this problem..
Yves.
Montréal, Canada.
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