Total Motorcycle Community Forums

This morning I went to the DMV and took my motorcycle permit test. I passed, only missing one question. I am super excited. I have yet to buy a bike though. So maybe you guys could help me out a bit? I'm pretty much set on the Yamaha V Star Classic 1100. If I can't quite swing that price tag then I will probably settle for the 650. I know people on this forum generally steer newbies away from larger engines, but every time I've been to Abernathy's the salesmen have told me that the V Star 1100 is my bike, and I must say, I agree with them. I have to ask you guys though, are there any mechanical problems I should watch for on the V Star? I'm buying ti brand new, so I don't expect much for a while, but what about in the future? Also, do you really think that the V Star 1100 is worth the $9-10,000 that I'll be spending on it? Keep in mind that thats not just the bike, but insuring it, licensing it, buying a helmet, jacket and such, etc. Any advice on cruiser motorcycles in general would be great also. Thanks everyone!

The V-Star is a nice bike. It also sounds like the sales person is selling you what the kid inside of all of us wants and not doing any service to you.

Most sales people I've dealt with tend to feed the cool factor that the buyer seems to want rather than what best suits the buyers skills, needs and then the wants. Its also not just the engine size, its the weight of the bike at low speeds.

You have not stated if you have any recent experience prior to your permit. So we can only guess its none or very little. That said, riding a motorcycle is dangerous. It's up to you to try to put the odds more in your favor. Over extending way past what you can ride is a major error since you should always keep 10 to 20 percent of your ability available in case of emergency. Being new on any 900 and up cruiser your already over or at 100% of your ability.

I don't say all of this just to "pee" you off but to save your life. A bike selection should not be made based on a fashion statement. Base it on your ability, your fanancials and then the type of bike your prefer.

The big engine warning is mainly with sportbikes. a 600cc sportbike makes WAY more power than a 1,100 cc Vstar. However, with cruisers often the problem is weight.

However, that's way too much to spend on a first bike. Chances are you're going to drop it. Also, who knows, after a few months you may decide that you don't like motorcycles after all. Once you drive a bike from the dealership, the value takes a hefty loss.

I'd consider a used bike and I'd steer clear of the 650 cc Vstar. It's lack of power just isn't that much fun for the cruiser lifestyle.

If you still want to buy new consider the m50/c50 from Suzuki. Nice bikes, fuel injected and almost half the price of the bike you're looking at now.

Thanks for the response. I understand that you're not busting my chops, I was actually kind of hoping that someone would try to steer me away from the 1100, mostly due to financial reasons. I don't have any motorcycle experience. I've ridden a lot of dirtbikes, but I know that they aren't quite the same thing. I understand all of the dangers, and I am planning to enroll in the Learn to Ride program that Abernathys hosts to help counter those dangers. I'm 18 years old, 5'11, and I weigh in at 210lbs. I have a considerable amount of muscle, and I know that I can handle a larger bike around at low speeds. I'm just kind of stuck on, do I want to muscle a heavy bike around? I plan on riding around town a lot, but also 80-100 even 180 mile trips to various places. I also really don't think the salesperson has an ulterior motive, after all, I was set on the 1300 at first and he pretty much forced me away from it.

Muscle has nothing to do with it... well until you mess up and drop it. Even then the right technique can make it easy to lift back up.

It's all about technique. Actually if you CAN muscle around a 1100 cc cruiser then I'll eat my hat.

storysunfolding wrote:Muscle has nothing to do with it... It's all about technique.

+1

If you do buy the 1100 v-star, at least invest in some engine guards or crashbars, it'll help reduce damage from a low speed drop.

Actually, I'm going to have an engine guard installed before I leave the showroom floor.

Ok, so instead of the 1100 V Star, I decided to go with a 900 Vulcan. It just seems like a much better choice, liquid cooled, fuel injection, cheaper... Anybody know of any problems that the 900 Vulcan might pose for me (other than that you think it's too heavy)?

jstark47 wrote:

storysunfolding wrote:Muscle has nothing to do with it... It's all about technique.

+1

If you do buy the 1100 v-star, at least invest in some engine guards or crashbars, it'll help reduce damage from a low speed drop.

Actually if he rides at speed a la fred flintstone his muscle will actually be a big help!

With a heavier bike its not your strength, its your ability to balance that weight. It is not forgiving.