Perfectly targeted

With no direct competitors, the Yamaha V-Star 1100 is riding alone in its category. The three models available -- Classic, Custom and Silverado (touring) -- allow the Japanese manufacturer to offer an unparalleled selection in this market segment.

The Yamaha V-Star is still very popular even after 8 years without major changes.

The V-Star is a significantly reworked variant of the old Virago, updated in 1999 in a most subtle yet effective fashion. So effective, in fact, that Yamaha uses the same recipe eight years later. Other than minor equipment changes and new colors added to the portfolio, the 2007 V-Star 1100 is nearly identical to the previous model. The popularity of this bike never ceases to amaze us with each passing year. Despite the fact that it did not receive any major upgrade over the last few years, the V-Star 1100 remains one of the best-selling cruisers in Canada.

Simple yet surprising
The V-Star 1100 is powered by a 1063-cc, 75° V-twin engine with digital TCI ignition. Without being innovative, this engine is good, reliable, simple and very much up to the task. It delivers solid low- and mid-range torque, while its sound, characteristic of a Japanese V-twin engine, enhances the riding fun. The mechanical feeling is minimal, since this big air-cooled mill runs extremely smoothly in normal riding conditions. Also, like most V-twin engines, this one hates higher revs and lets you know by vibrating the handlebars and footrests. The transmission is very easy to manipulate; however, it suffers from a noisy gear set. The V-Star is equipped with a final drive shaft, which is a must for any cruiser bike.

An effective engine.