Faults:

Amazing machine. Cannot believe how many miles I have put on this bike. Never had any major problems.

The only thing I had to replace was an O-ring around the oil filter, which I picked up at a local part store for a dollar.

This bike sits low, which makes it very comfortable around curves. Wouldn't recommend it for very long rides.

The seat is rock hard. I would definitely recommend this bike to any number of my friends.

Faults:

The starter clutch seems to be and issue for this model. Yamaha makes a revised gear, which you must buy! 480 bucks! Should be a recall item.

General Comments:

Overall, the bike runs and rides great. Very comfortable on long rides.

Fuel economy could be better, 40-45mpg. My H-D always got 52mpg.

The oil filter is a real pain to change. Buy the external kit. More money, but well worth it.

Change the factory seat.

Faults:

Hard starting. Many times the bike was very hard to start.

General Comments:

I fell in love with the looks of this motorcycle, but the the love affair ended quickly. I found that the bike seriously needed a sixth gear, as it proved to be pain full to drive on the highway unless you like a screaming engine that has more than its share of vibration at only 100 Kilometers per hour. It certainly is not a highway cruiser. I constantly found myself lifting my left toe always looking for another top gear and disappointed every time not to find it there.

Also, a weird pain in my back. I am six feet tall and the way the seat is designed gave me a special kind of pain in my lower back after about thirty minutes of riding. I could not imagine taking this bike on a long road trip, although it's a good bike for short trips in and around the city.

I searched on the Internet before I purchased this bike, and the reviews I read at the time were good. Nobody had mentioned at the time these little shortfalls I have pointed out here. I only owned this motorcycle for one summer and I am simply giving you my honest opinion of what I thought of it. I don't miss the V-Star.

Faults:

This bike has never been in for a repair or adjustment, other than the 2000 mile service recommended in the service manual. I've only changed the oil & filters as self-performed maintenance.

General Comments:

Excellent bike for runs up to 400-500 miles. Any longer runs and you'll want a Mustang or Corbin aftermarket seat.

I ride in city, rural, & mountainous terrain, and the bike performs very well in all areas: straights, sweepers, and downright hairy curves.

Acceleration is good, even at highway speeds.

Yes, it keeps up with the Harley's just fine. Just wring out the power and you'll keep accelerating. Since it has a rev limiter, you'll never blow the engine wringing out the last bit of pony-power.

Aftermarket parts a-plenty for this bad boy. You want to customize it? There are a lot of parts available for V-Stars to make them exceptionally unique.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The only thing that I can say negative about the v-star 1100 is that you have to remove the pipes to change the oil filter.