Yamaha V-star 1100 Review

Used Buyer Review

The V-Star 1100 is one of the most bulletproof cruisers you'll find on the used market, and Yamaha really got the basics right here. The air-cooled V-twin pulls smoothly from low revs, the shaft drive means zero chain maintenance headaches, and these things genuinely last well past 50,000 miles when properly serviced. For the money, it's hard to argue with the value proposition. That said, you need to go in with eyes open. The stock suspension is agricultural at best — it'll have you feeling every crack in the pavement, and the rear shock is particularly disappointing. Carburetor models need the usual jetting attention, especially if the previous owner left fuel sitting. Check the carb carefully on anything pre-2009. Also worth noting: the riding position is pure shadow-style cruiser, so if you're tall, you'll be cramped within an hour. Used prices are reasonable because there are loads of them out there. That's actually a good thing — parts are plentiful and any competent indie mechanic knows these bikes. Don't pay over $4,500 for anything under 30k miles.