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I just moved up from a Vstar 650 to the Honda VT1100. Both bikes are shaft driven however, the 650 is much smoother during higher RPM prior to 5th gear. I notice on the 1100 during high throttle, I get a mild rear end vibration. I have heard that this is normal on the VT 1100. Is this true or is it something I need to address? I gave my son the 650 so I still get a chance to ride it. There is a world of difference in acceleration between the two. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Mike

Maybe it is just an idiosynchrosis of the VT1100? I don't have any issues on my VF700C.

Have you checked the drive shaft oil to see if it is filled up and what condition it is in? If you don't know the condition, you may just want to replace it so you know it has been done (Not sure if this is a used bike).

Did you buy the bike new or used? I doubt there is anything to be concerned with. The bikes are just two completely different beasts.

If used, what condition are the tires in? Have you checked the air pressure?

I had a customer come in Saturday with a VT1100 for his 4,000 mile service. He was complaining of a head shake at 50 - 60 mph. I checked the tires, psi, wheel and steering head bearings. Everything okay.
Went for a test ride and only noticed it slightly during decel.
I tried to tell the guy everything is fine and it might just be frame design or the rake/trail, but he did not buy it. He also said the bike has been doing it since it was brand new. Forgot to mention that he's got a huge windshield on it. When I brought this to his attention, he said he took it off and it still had the shake.
He left it over the weekend so we could look at it this week. Sorry, buddy. Hard to fix something that is not broke!

Sabredude, next time you ride, do me a favor and see if you notice anything like this with your bike. Thanks.

Sharpmagna, I bought the bike 3 months ago used. It is a 2003 model that had only 4500 miles. I have put 2700 miles on it in the few months I've owned it. I took it to the dealer and had the 4000 mile service done immediately when I purchased. It rides very smooth unless I give it a real hard throttle. Even then, it's just noticeable not a deterrent from hard acceleration. The rear tire is new; I had it replaced when I bought the bike. The tire was not replaced due to tread ware but because there were a few cracks in the side wall. I spoke to the service tech about the tire and he said the cracks were most likely caused by either Armor All or incorrect tire pressure. If I had to take a guess, I’d assume the latter since the previous owner did all of his riding the first couple of years and stopped riding often.

Corsco, I ride to work everyday (43 miles one way) and have noticed only what I mentioned above. I have a 17 inch Memphis Shades windshield on it also. I love it. I took it off and rode to work one day, what a mistake. I put it back on and it’s been there every since. The bike is still warranted until 09 so I ride the heck out of it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally satisfied with the overall performance and looks of the bike. This is my first larger bore bike so I’m not to sure of what’s what. I cruise from 60-80 with no shake at all. I guess I'll stop ranting on and on, when I get started talking about bikes, it’s hard to stop.
Ride Safe!!!! Mike

I bet it has a junky Dunlop rear tire thats the cause of the vibration, order a Pirelli MT66, get it mounted and balanced and burn that old Dunlop and swear to yourself you will never buy another Dunlop again.

Hey MotoF150, thanks for the tip. This is my first meduim sized bike so I'm learning the ropes. You are right it does have a Dunlap tire. I'm not that familiar with tires so I guess I need to do a bit of research. Thanks guys for all the input.
Ride Safe!! Mike

I just asked my friend who has an 05 shadow spirit 1100, he said he doesn't feel any vibes at high speeds.