Star motorcycles

[ch308]

I have a friend looking at a 2006 Star "Yamaha" silverado 1100. He asked me some questions about the bike and I really don't know much about them. I thought I would see what everyone here thought, or if you have any experience with them.

[Slammers]

Before I got my Lowrider, I had a Yamaha 1100 Virago which is a generation prior to the introduction of the V-Star line.

All in all, it was a great bike. The only ting wrong is it was not a Harley. It was dependable, air-cooled (not water cooled) and shaft-drive. They can be purchased for substantially less than a HD (especially if used). The down side is there are not as many after market parts/accessories available for them compared to HD.

If you want to know more about them there is a good forum on the internet. I've posted the link below.

Slammer

http://forums.delphiforums.com/yamaha1100/start

[ch308]

Thanks slammer. This will be my buddies first bike. He doesn't want to dump a bunch of money on the first one, so he can save up to buy some sort of HD.

[Just_T]

Star is an excelent brand of motorcycle. I think you get the most bang for the buck with a Star. I have a 07 Roadglide I've got a lot of customization into but Harley is exspensive to up keep if you put a lot of miles like I do. Last year I bought a new Star Raider as my commuter bike and I love it! It is air cooled, 113inch v-twin, belt drive, 120/70/21 front tire and 210/40/18 rear tire that I've upgraded to a 240/40/18. Aluminum frame and swing arm that handles twisty roads 100% better than my Road Glide. I wanted a Night Train as a second bike but I got my Raider for $5K less OTD! Don't get me wrong I love my Road Glide and on long trips it fits me perfect for touring and its got a soul  . I have half the miles on the Raider that I've got on the Glide and I am confident it will be dependable and trouble free for 100k+ miles. I've even forund myself putting on a Batwing fairing and speakers for my I-Pod. I do want to add that the dealer service experience has been more pleasant on the Raider than the Glide. I have an "I don't care what you ride as long as you ride" attiude and that's what I found at my local dealer that sells all metric bikes and Victory. I get a little tired of the Harley (only buy Harley, oil, light bulbs and air attiude). I like my Harley dealer but get a little tired of the harley only attiude. I love all bikes street & dirt! Remember this is only my 2 cents and comming from a guy who also wants a Hyabusa, FJR 1300 and Can Am Spyder. You can't go wrong with a Star Motorcycle and Star has cought on and are comming out with much more aftermarket accessories althought I don't think anyone will ever catch up with Harley for after market support. Also Harley has established a great following and the rallies and social aspect is great. I would tell your friend if the price is right "go for it". No need to spend thounds of dollars on a bike if he just rides occasionally. If he gets hooked like I did and developes a true passion for riding then he may want to invest a little more as experience and riding style develope. I have friends that started out with Honda 750 Shadows and moved up to a Harley. I've known people to Buy a Harley trying to be cool, only for it to sit in the garage and be sold at a loss a couple of years later.

Hope this helps  

Best regards,

T.

[ch308]

Just T you are awesome!! I agree 100% Thanks for the info I'll pass it on. I love my RG but I also enjoy many other brands of bikes, 2 and 3 wheels

[MMOCGuy]

When I tore my '78 FX apart to rebuild it, I purchased a V-Star 650 Custom to use on long trips. I took it on two trips - each in excess of 3 week - through the Western states. I rode across Nevada at 85-90 MPH in temps of 100+ degrees. I also rode the back roads up in Wyoming and the Dakotas. The bike performed flawlessly.

The only shortcoming is tha much of the bikes are plastic (Fenders, etc.) so I don't know how long they would hold up. I consider the V-Stars an excellent fist bike for someone. They are very reliable and have plenty of power - especially the bigger ones.

Hope this helps.

NormS.

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[mackdog]

My son has  a scoot like the one you are asking about.  He bought it new and really likes it.  It was affordable as a first bike, actually his second as I gave him an old Gold Wing I was reconditioning to cut his teeth on.  He got the bug bad and traded the GW for the Star. Gets decent mileage and has has enough snoose to suit him.  His big kicker is familiar to most Harley factory offerings.  The stock seat sucks big time.  His OL wants to ride more ...as soon as he gets a new seat.  MD