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Hello all,
I am in the infancy stages of deciding on my first bike. I've narrowed it down to either a Yamaha V-Star 1100 classic, or Honda Sabre 1100. I'm trying to gather as much info. as I can and I figured I would go straight to the source. I really would like to get as much feedback(pro and con) on both bikes as I can. It would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks, Scootini

I would be hard pushed to decide between both of those bikes and I have looked at many bikes and thought WOW, and then rode and changed my mind, but I will not buy a bike until I have ridden the model. It's not just about looks or performance it's about how it makes you feel. Try and get a demo ride from a dealer, find out if any clubs have riders with those models, even a pillion ride will give you a better opinion. Try anything to get a ride, then you will know.

I can't provide too much help (as I haven't ridden on either, and am a newbie), but I will throw in my two cents since I have looked at and sat on both of these bikes a few times.
I, myself, like the styling of the V-Star 1100 Custom more. The weight feels like it's lower to the ground, and you feel more like you're "in" the bike. The Sabre (if it's the same style I sat on a the local dealership) was nice and all, but had a more "chopper" feel than a "cruiser". Felt more like I was sitting "on" it than "in" it.
If you're GOING for the chopper feel, get the Sabre.
If you're wanting the "laid back" cruiser feel, go for the V-Star. Both are beautiful bikes.
The problem with the V-Star 1100 is the oil filter. When you change your oil you have to remove the pipes, I believe, or get a relocator kit. Other than that, I would choose the V-Star as my personal favorite out of your list.
To throw a wrench into the mix, have you checked out the Suzuki S83 (Intruder) or M95 (Marauder)? I, myself, am actually looking at getting the M50 as my first bike. Not too big, but not as small as the 650 V-Star, and a beautiful bike.
Hope my little "newbie knowledge" helped some.

scootini wrote:Hello all,
I am in the infancy stages of deciding on my first bike. I've narrowed it down to either a Yamaha V-Star 1100 classic, or Honda Sabre 1100. I'm trying to gather as much info. as I can and I figured I would go straight to the source. I really would like to get as much feedback(pro and con) on both bikes as I can. It would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks, Scootini

Your first bike should NOT be anything with 1100 ccs, even if it is a cruiser. Do yourself a favor and get something smaller for your first bike.

Have you taken the MSF Basic Riders Course or equivelant? If not, I recommend you sign up and then DO NOT let anyone talk you into something as big as these. You drastically inhibit your learning. Cruisers are HEAVY and the toughest thing to learn on a motorcycle is the slow speed stuff. Having to man-handle 600 pounds around is NO fun and could be dangerous.

The Vstar 650 is smaller, lighter and sharp looking. Bet you can find one used for a song that you can ride the cr@p out of, turn around and sell to another newbie for what you paid next spring. Think about it.

P

I'm with the Lion Lady. That's a lot of bike for a noob. Not saying you'll wreck it or lay it down... I'm saying there's a good chance you'll wreck it or lay it down. I'd pick up a 500-755cc cruiser for at least a season, cut your teeth on that and then sell it for close to what you paid for it if you don't lay it down. I think that's probably the majority opinion you'll find around here, though to be fair there's a few members who will tell you to go ahead and get the big boy. There's no rules of course, I'm just giving you my opinion... your mileage may vary. Whatever you decide, good luck and ride safe. If y ou haven't taken an msf course yet you really are cheating yourself. It's fun and informative. I took it at 20 and again at 39 and really learned a lot both times.

Your first bike should NOT be anything with 1100 ccs, even if it is a cruiser. Do yourself a favor and get something smaller for your first bike.

Have you taken the MSF Basic Riders Course or equivelant? If not, I recommend you sign up and then DO NOT let anyone talk you into something as big as these. You drastically inhibit your learning. Cruisers are HEAVY and the toughest thing to learn on a motorcycle is the slow speed stuff. Having to man-handle 600 pounds around is NO fun and could be dangerous.

The Vstar 650 is smaller, lighter and sharp looking. Bet you can find one used for a song that you can ride the cr@p out of, turn around and sell to another newbie for what you paid next spring. Think about it.

P[/quote]

Note that the V-Star 1100 Classic has a weight of 599lbs; whereas the 650 has a weight of 495lbs.

However, weight is not the only issue to consider. There is of course the way the beast will ride and the increased power.

Having noted these factors; all riders are different. The vast majority are better off starting with something like the 650. However, I had a rather large beast for my first ride and simply treated it with the respect a new rider should -- didn't really push it until my abilities had progressed.

I also agree with everyone here who pushes the MSF course. Everyone should take one -- I did, and it was amazing how the safety maneovers they taught me were second nature at the end of the weekend. I took time away from motorcycling for a couple of years and did the course again just to freshen up. I again came away for the better.

I would agree that the 1100 is too big for your first bike. I would rethink it and look at the 650. It has more than enough power to run away from almost any car and can cruise all day at 75 mph. The 1100 is a heavy bike and will make your learning curve much steeper.

1100 cc bike is too much for the newbie?

Depends on the rider and the riding.

just take it easy.

I bought the vstar - not that bad or big.

just take it easy

You need to respect it for sure, but it ain't gonna take your head off.

Just take it easy.

That said I have yet to drop it or wreck it.

Just take it easy -

remember a 250, a scooter and a bicycle for that matter can get you going fast enough to get you hurt bad.

So - just take it easy. it is a cruiser not a sport bike.

Oh yeh. the Motorcycle book for dummies current edition recommends it as a good first bike.

take it easy ya'll

Doggyboy

Here is something else to think about as well.

I have a 650. I get close to 300 km to a tank of gas.
The 1100 will get about 220km to a tank of gas.

I get close to 54 miles per gallon. The 1100 gets less.

Insurance for an 1100 will cost more than insurance for a 650.

The 650 has lots of acceleration on the highway for when you need to pass or merge. Something to think about.

Hey Everyone!
You guys are great! I really appreciate the tips and opinions(thats what I asked for) You have given me some great points to think about. And yes I have signed up for the saftey course for Sept. All of you will without a doubt be a great source of info. for me in the future!!. Thanks again, SCOOTINI