2009 Yamaha V Star 1100 Silverado
User Reviews
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Love this bike!
By (I am an Owner) on Mar 04, 2012This is my first brand new bike, and I love it! I did my homework, and read lots of reviews etc., and settled on the 1100 Silverado, and have been glad I did.
I can second most of what I read.
The pros:
High quality fit and finish
Very smooth running
Silky ... smooth, easy shifting
Great ride comfort
Very stable, forgiving ride
Very good low end torque
Perfect engine size for me
Great weight and balance
I like the shaft drive
Get lots of looks and great comments
The cons:
Keep looking for higher gear at highway speed
(4/5 stars for perf. because of this)
Oil filter location
Numb hands after highway riding (typical of many cruisers)
I started by having the dealer add Yahama Big Bar engine guards, passing light bar and lights, and aftermarket studded rider backrest. Now I've added Kuryakyn ISO grips, throttle boss (love this!), and fringe endcaps, Custom World luggage rack, chrome oil filter relocation kit, Star headlight visors, Star passing light visors, Star turn signal visors. Plan few more chrome additions, including Star rider floorboards, license plate frame, rear light cover, etc.
In short, this bike runs, rides, and looks great! I think Yamaha/Star got it just right with this bike. Even if I get a Harley Road King for long touring, I'll keep this beautiful bike as my cruiser.
I can highly recommend this bike!
Rating breakdown
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Outstanding Value
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 18, 2011I have only owned this bike for two weeks but it's a dream. I have owned 5 bikes in the past, 2 Kawasaki's, 3 Honds's. This bike exceeds all of them in my estimation. Fit and finish are fantastic. Great handling. Super looking.
Rating breakdown
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very reliable nice ride
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 22, 2009i have owned my 2008 vstar 1100 silverado canadian edition for just over a year and have put on 33 thousand kilometers. been across canada and back and many shorter trips. I have never had a problem with this bike it runs perfect smooth good power a fun dependable ride. The engine makes a little ... noise but relax theres nothing wrong just hang on and enjoy lots of miles
Rating breakdown
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Nice Ride
By (I am an Owner) on Aug 13, 2009Added big engine guards and passenger foot pads.
The bike handles fairly well, especially up to 60 MPH or so. Vibration is pronounced at 75 MPH. I can feel it in the grips, as well as footpads.
Fuel mileage could be better. I get 40 MPG - whether riding by myself ... or with a passenger. I have found that ethanol free gasoline produces a few more MPG's. I run regular unleaded and have never tried premium unleaded fuel.
After 100 miles or so, the seat begins to feel hard and somewhat uncomfortable. Passenger pillion is really uncomfortable for long rides, especially if passenger is of any size other than small.
I do like the balance of this cycle, although it does become a little unstable on rough roadways. When crossing over "joints" or cuts in the roadway, the bike handles "squirly" until you are out of the "cut".
With over 7,500 miles in the 2009 model, I have ridden in all kinds of weather, including 110 degree summer heat. So far, no major issues with the bike. However, during periods of extremely hot weather, the cycle is a little hard to start after riding for an hour or so. I have traced this down to a possible vent problem with the fuel tank, but cannot confirm this to be the true cause. I have not experienced any other starting problems, and the bike is not particularly cold natured. As a matter of fact, I seldom have to use the choke when the engine is cold, except in very cold weather.
This bike would be perfect for a single rider...but I plan on looking at something just a bit bigger for my wife and I.
Cost is not excessively high - and is a good value for a solid piece of machinery.
Rating breakdown