Motorcycle.com

"Handling-wise, both cruisers were somewhat similar."

Both handled adequately under two-up conditions although the V-Star's suspension compressed and it dragged peg a little to frequently while the ACE's power seemed to bog down. Although both front seats looked cozy enough, looks can be deceiving. While neither bike comes with a front seat that threatens to dilute the aftermarket, we preferred the V-Star's seat to the ACE's. The pillion pads, on the other hand, not only looked uncompromising, they were. After about an hour our pillion passenger on the ACE dismounted in pain. The V-Star wasn't as bad, and the passenger lasted for one-and-a-half hours.

The V-Star also had narrower handlebars than the ACE that were better in traffic. The bars on the ACE are too wide and a little unnerving for splitting lanes through congested traffic.

Not only was the V-Star a smoother ride in comparison to the ACE, we received more compliments about the V-Star's styling than than we did with the ACE's. Our V-Star's elegant, gold and silver paint scheme consistently attracted attention, even from more than a few American heavyweight cruiser groupies.

The ACE is not an unattractive bike, it just seems to come across to some, including the MO staff, as a little bland. Then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

In the end we realized that either bike would be a good addition to any livery for those who are looking to upgrade from smaller cruisers. However, with its lighter and more responsive handling, smoother ride, all-around better looks and a $200.00 (USD) less price tag, we have to go with Yamaha's V-Star 1100 over Honda's venerable and serviceable Shadow ACE 1100. After what seems like learning their lessons from their Royal Star experience, Yamaha has gone back to basics and created an excellent package with their V-Star line of light and middleweight cruisers, offering performance, comfort, handling, a very stylish package for an excellent price. Now, if only Yamaha can do something with that headlight.

Although the ACE felt like it had more power, the V-Star actually had approximately 5 more horsepower than the V-Star. The ACE had approximately 45 horsepower, while the V-Star had approximately 50 horses on tap.