Describing the V-Star 1300 as a medium-displacement motorcycle would be a fair assessment. However, it does not tell the whole story about the potential of this bike. Remember that there are more and more 1,800-cc and 2,000-cc machines out there that weigh more than 350 kilos. By comparison, the V-Star 1300 is much more rider-friendly; it's easy to park and it handles like a 800-cc motorcycle in dense city traffic. V-Star 1100 owners who'd like to upgrade will feel right at home; it's so easy to get used to the 1300 that it's almost as if you had been riding it for several weeks.

The V-Star 1300 Tourer fills a void in the Yamaha lineup.

Worthy of praise
The V-Star 1300 Tourer comes as a generously-equipped travel companion. The instrument panel is comprehensive and the controls are exemplary. The seat is pretty wide and thickly padded, providing adequate comfort even on long trips. The well-designed mirrors offer excellent rearward visibility, while the windshield is great for long highway rides. The V-Star 1300 Tourer also gets a pair of leather-covered hard shell saddlebags that feature a stylish, tapered design.

In Yamaha's lineup, the V-Star 1300 bridges the gap between the V-Star 1100 and the larger-displacement Stars. This newcomer raises the torch with style. Simply put, it's a more modern, more comfortable and more powerful V-Star. And thanks to a lower MSRP, the V-Star 1300 will certainly spend little time inside dealer showrooms.


Successful styling
Satisfying engine
Comfortable ride and surprising handling
Belt drive system (final drive)


Gear mechanism
Exaggerated windshield



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Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux